Plasma Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Objective: In women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) has been shown in POP tissues. However, no studies have evaluated plasma TGF-β1 levels in patients with POP, so it is unknown whether they are also changed or not. Therefore, we compared plasma TGF-β1 levels in women with and without POP. Methods: Participants were 49 women with POP and 23 healthy control women. All participants were postmenopausal. We measured plasma TGF-β1 and compared data between patients with POP and controls, and between patients with uterine prolapse (UP, n = 19) and those with a cystocele (CC, n = 30). In addition, in patients, we assessed the POP quantification system (POP-Q) stage. Results: Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. POP-Q stage was not significantly different between the UP and CC subgroups, but POP-Q stage IV was diagnosed in 63% of patients with UP and 7% of those with CC. Plasma TGF-β1 levels were significantly lower in the CC subgroup than in the UP subgroup. Conclusion: Plasma TGF-β1 is decreased in POP. It remains unclear whether the lower levels indicate a reduction in systemic TGF-β1 activity, but they can be assumed to reflect reduced TGF-β1 expression in POP tissues.

Expression of Transforming Growth Factor β_1 in Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Potential Utility in Molecular Tissue Engineering for Osteochondral Repair

Summary: The feasibility of using gene therapy to treat full-thickness articular cartilage defects was investigated with respect to the transfection and expression of exogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-β 1 genes in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vitro. The full-length rat TGF-β 1 cDNA was transfected to MSCs mediated by lipofectamine and then selected with G418, a synthetic neomycin analog. The transient and stable expression of TGF-β 1 by MSCs was detected by using immunohistochemical staining. The lipofectamine-mediated gene therapy efficiently transfected MSCs in vitro with the TGF-β 1 gene causing a marked up-regulation in TGF-β 1 expression as compared with the vector-transfected control groups, and the increased expression persisted for at least 4 weeks after selected with G418. It was suggested that bone marrow-derived MSCs were susceptible to in vitro lipofectamine mediated TGF-β 1 gene transfer and that transgene expression persisted for at least 4 weeks. Having successfully combined the existing techniques of tissue engineering with the novel possibilities offered by modern gene transfer technology, an innovative concept, i.e. molecular tissue engineering, are put forward for the first time. As a new branch of tissue engineering, it represents both a new area and an important trend in research. Using this technique, we have a new powerful tool with which: (1) to modify the functional biology of articular tissue repair along defined pathways of growth and differentiation and (2) to affect a better repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects that occur as a result of injury and osteoarthritis.

Molecular Tissue Engineering: Applications for Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferation by Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene Transfer

The effect of transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF β 1 ) gene transfection on the proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC S ) and the mechanism was investigated to provide basis for accelerating articular cartilage repairing using molecular tissue engineering technology. TGF β 1 gene at different doses was transduced into the rat bone marrow derived MSCs to examine the effects of TGF β 1 gene transfection on MSCs DNA synthesis, cell cycle kinetics and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The results showed that 3 μl lipofectamine mediated 1 μg TGF β 1 gene transfection could effectively promote the proliferation of MSCs best; Under this condition (DNA/Lipofectamine=1μg/3μl), flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analyses revealed a significant increase in the 3 H incorporation, DNA content in S phase and the expression of PCNA. Transfection of gene encoding TGF β 1 could induce the cells at G0/G1 phase to S1 phase, modulate the replication of DNA through the enhancement of the PCNA expression, increase the content of DNA at S1 phase and promote the proliferation of MSCs. This new molecular tissue engineering approach could be of potential benefit to enhance the repair of damaged articular cartilage, especially those caused by degenerative joint diseases.

Osteogenic Potential of Cultured Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Transfected with Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene in vitro

To study the osteogenic potential of cultured bone marrow stromal cells transfected with transforming growth factor β 1 gene in vitro , cultured BMSCs were transfected with the complexes of pcDNA 3 TGF β 1 and Lipofectamine Reagent in vitro . The cell proliferation was detected by MTT method and the morphological features of transfected BMSCs was observed. ALP stains and PNP method were used to measure ALP activity. In addition, the collagen type Ⅰ propeptides and mineralized matrixes were examined by immunohistochemical staining and tetracycline fluorescence labeling respectively. The morphological and biological characters of the transfected BMSCs were similar to those of osteoblasts and the cell proliferation was promoted. The cell layer displayed strong positive reaction for ALP stains and immunohistochemical staining. ALP activity and collagen type Ⅰ expression increased remarkably after transfection. Mineralized matrixes formed earlier and more in transfected BMSCs as compared with control group. It is concluded that transfecting with TGF β 1 gene could promote the osteogenic potential of cultured BMSCs.

Study of Rat Osteoblasts Transfected by Transforming Growth Factor β_1 Gene

Summary: In order to investigate the effect of TGFβ 1 gene transfer on the biological characteristics, the effects of gene transfer and supernatant of transfected osteoblasts on the proliferation and ALP activity of osteoblasts were detected by 3H-TdR and MTT. Our results showed that TGFβ 1 gene transfer had no effect on the biological characteristics and the activated supernatant of transfected osteoblasts stimulated proliferation and inhibited ALP activity of osteoblasts. TGFβ 1 gene transfer could promote the expression of TGFβ 1 and the biological characteristics of transfected osteoblasts were stable, which might be helpful for gene therapy of bone defects in vivo.

Effects of Lingguizhugan Decoction on α-SMA and collagen synthesis in rat myocardial fibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor-β_(1)

Objective:To explore the protective effect of Linggui Zhugan Decoction(LGZGD)medicated serum on myocardial fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1).Methods:Using enzyme digestion method,combined with differential adherence to isolate and culture Sprague-Dawley(SD)suckling mouse Cardiac fibroblasys(CFB)in vitro.Divided into:blank group,blank rat serum group,model group,and LGZGD medicated serum group(5%、10%、20%).Except for blank group and blank rat serum group,they were stimulated with 5 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 12 hours,and then then intervene with LGZGD medicated serum(5%、10%、20%)and continue to culture for 24 hours.Use immunofluorescence and Western blot(WB)to detect the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and WB to detect type Ⅰ collagen(Collagen Ⅰ),type Ⅰ collagen(Collagen Ⅲ)and fibronectin(FN)expression.Results:Compared with the blank group,the expressions of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,α-SMA and FN in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01);Compared with the model group,the expressions of Collagen Ⅰ and Collagen Ⅲ in each concentration group of the experiment were significantly reduced(P<0.01);the expression ofα-SMA and FN were significantly reduced(P<0.01).Conclusions:LGZGD has an inhibitory effect on collagen synthesis and the expression ofα-SMA and FN,indicating that the anti-fibrosis effect of LGZGD is related to it.

Effects of Heparin on Transforming Growth Factor-β_1 and Extracellular Matrix Components in the Glomeruli of Diabetic Rats

The effects of heparin on the expression of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1) and two extracellular matrix components laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN) in diabetic rat glomeruli were investigated. Twenty-six rats were randomly divided into control group (C, n=8), diabetic group (D, n=9), and diabetes+heparin group (DH, n=9). After 8-week therapy of heparin (200 U once daily by abdominal injection), TGF-β 1, LN and FN expression in glomeruli was detected by immunohistochemical method. The results showed that the expression levels of TGF-β 1, LN and FN were higher in group D than in group C. It was found that heparin could reduce 24-h urinary albumin excretion and inhibit overexpression of TGF-β 1, LN and FN in glomeruli of diabetic rats. It suggested that the inhibitory effect of heparin on diabetic glomerular sclerosis was at least partly related with the inhibition of TGF-β 1 expression.

褐藻聚合酚下调TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号通路抑制大肠癌细胞增殖与侵袭

目的探讨褐藻聚合酚(PFFE-A)对大肠癌细胞增殖与侵袭的影响,以及其对转化生长因子β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))及母体抗生物皮肤生长因子同源物2/3(Smad2/3)通路的调控作用。方法细胞分组:依次以50、100、150μmol·L-1的小、中、大剂量的PFFE-A干预细胞,另设立正常对照组细胞。5-乙炔基-2'脱氧尿苷(EdU)染色检测细胞的增殖;Transwell小室检测细胞的侵袭能力;异种种植结肠癌裸鼠模型检测细胞的体内生长与转移能力;实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)检测细胞中上皮间质转化(EMT)相关基因的表达;Western blotting检测细胞中TGF-β_(1)、p-Smad2/3的表达水平。结果与正常对照组比较,PFFE-A小、中、大剂量组细胞的增殖率、侵袭细胞数、肿瘤瘤体质量、病灶转移比例、神经型钙黏附蛋白(N-cadherin)的mRNA的表达、TGF-β_(1)和p-Smad2/3的表达明显下降(P<0.05),E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)的mRNA的表达明显升高(P<0.05),具有明显的剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。结论PFFE-A能抑制肿瘤细胞的EMT过程,抑制大肠癌细胞HT29的体外增殖与侵袭能力,下调其体内生长与转移的能力,这可能是通过下调TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号实现的。

Roles of Smad3 and Smad7 in rat pancreatic stellate cells activated by transforming growth factor-beta 1

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in promoting pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a critical mediator of this process. This study aimed to determine the expression of the Smad3 and Smad7 genes in the process of PSC activation, and explore the mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: The expressions of Smad3 and Smad7 in PSCs before and after TGF-beta 1 treatment were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Smad3 expression was detected in PSCs after treatment with 5 ng/ml of TGF-beta 1 for 24 hours. RESULTS: Smad7 expression was decreased in TGF-beta 1 -activated PSCs (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. When TGF-beta 1 concentration reached 10 ng/ml, the expression of p-Smad3, Smad3, and Smad7 was inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 promotes the expression of Smad3 and inhibits the expression of Smad7 during the activation of PSCs. In contrast, high-dose TGF-beta 1 downregulates the expression of Smad3 in completely activated PSCs.

Effect of matrine on transforming growth factor β1 and hepatocyte growth factor in rat liver fibrosis model

Objective:To observe the preventive and control effect of matrine on transforming growth factor(TCF- β1) and hepatocyte.growth factor(HCF) of liver fibrosis tissue in rals.Methods:A total of48 SD rats were randomly divided into A,B,C,D groups with 12 in each,group A as the normal control group and groups B.C,D as liver fibrosis models using composite modulus method with carbon tetrachloride(CCL_4).Group B was the model group,group C adopted γ— interferon lavage therapy in the second day of modeling,and group D adopted matrine lavage treatment,at 4 and8 weeks after treatment.Six rats were executed for detection of TGF- β1 and HGF,liver tissue histology and comparison fibrosis degree changes of rat liver tissue between groups.Results:Croups B,C,D showed a more significantly increased TCF- β1 at each time point compared with group A(P<0.05);Group B showed a more significantly increased TGF- β1 than groups C and D at weeks 4 and 8(P<0.05);group D showed a lowest level of TGF-β1,followed by groups C and B.HGF of group B decreased more significantly than A group at weeks 4 and 8(P<0.05);HGF of groups C and D was significantly elevated at 4 and 8 weeks than groups A and B(P<0.05),in which the group D showed the highest level of HGF.According to tissue histologic observation,rat liver tissue structure of group A was clear and normal,tissue structure of group B was destroyed with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia and fatty change of hepatic cells;groups C and D showed a slighter liver tissue damage,cell necrosis and connective tissue hyperplasia in collect abbacy than group B with a trend of obvious improvement.Conclusions:Matrine can reduce TGF- β1expression and enhance the activity of HGF,so as to realize the inhibition effect on liver fibrosis in rats.

Vascular endothelial growth factor A, secreted in response to transforming growth factor-β1 under hypoxic conditions, induces autocrine effects on migration of prostate cancer cells

Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor progression and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, TGF-β1 was shown to induce VEGFA165 secretion from both normal cell lines （HPV7 and RWPE1） and prostate cancer cell lines （DU 145 and PC3）. Conversely, hypoxia-stimulated VEGFA165 secretion was observed only in prostate cancer cell lines. Hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression in PC3 prostate cancer cells, and the TGF-β1 type I receptor （ALK5） kinase inhibitor partially blocked hypoxia-mediated VEGFA16s secretion. This effect of hypoxia provides a novel mechanism to increase VEGFA expression in prostate cancer cells. Although autocrine signaling of VEGFA has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the associated mechanism is poorly characterized. VEGFA activity is mediated via VEGF receptor （VEGFR） 1 （Fit-l） and 2 （FIk-I/KDR）. Whereas VEGFR-1 mRNA was detected in normal prostate epithelial cells, VEGFR-2 mRNA and VEGFR protein were expressed only in PC3 cells. VEGFA165 treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERKI/2） in PC3 cells but not in HPV7 cells, suggesting that the autocrine function of VEGFA may be uniquely associated with prostate cancer. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGFA165 was shown to enhance migration of PC3 cells. A similar effect was also observed with endogenous VEGFA induced by TGF-β1 and hypoxia. These findings illustrate that an autocrine loop of VEGFA via VEGFR-2 is critical for the tumorigenic effects of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on metastatic prostate cancers.

Interference of Y-27632 on the signal transduction of transforming growth factor beta type 1 in ocular Tenon capsule fibroblasts

AIM: To investigate the interfering effect of Y-27632, a ROCK-I selective inhibitor, on the signal transduction pathway of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in ocular Tenon capsule fibroblasts (OTFS) in vitro. METHODS: After OTFS from passages 4 to 6 47 vitro were induced by TGF-beta 1 and then treated by Y-27632, the changes of the OTFS cell cycles were analyzed via flow cytometry, and the proteins expression of the alpha -smooth muscular actin (alpha -SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I were calculated by Western blot. After OTFS treated by the different concentrations of Y-27632, the expression levels of the alpha -SMA, CTGF and collagen I mRNA were assayed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Y-27632 had no markedly effect on the OTFS cell cycles. After treated by TGF-beta 1, OTFS in G1 period significantly increased. The cell cycles distribution by both TGF-beta 1 and Y-27632 had no remarkable difference from that in control group. Y-27632 significantly inhibited the proteins expressions of both alpha -SMA and CTGF, while to some extent inhibited that of collagen I. TGF-beta 1 significantly promoted the proteins expressions of alpha -SMA, CTGF and collagen I. After OTFS treated by both TGF-beta 1 and Y-27632, of alpha -SMA, the protein expression was similar with that in control group (P=0.066>0.05), but the protein expression of CTGF or collagen I, respectively, was significantly different from that in control group (P=0.000<0.01). The differences of expressions of the alpha -SMA, CTGF and collagen I mRNA in 30, 150, 750 mu mol/L Y-27632 group were statistically significant, compared with those in control group, respectively (alpha -SMA, P=0.002, 0.000, 0.000; CTGF, P=0.014, 0.002, 0.001; collagen I,P=0.003, 0.002, 0.000). CONCLUSION: Blocking the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway by using of Y-27632 could inhibit the cellular proliferation and the expression of both CTGF and alpha -SMA whatever OTFS induced by TGF-beta 1 or not. Y-27632 suppressed the expression of collagen I mRNA without induction.

The Effect of Simvastatin on mRNA Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1,Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tooth Extraction Socket

Aim To determine the effect of local simvastatin application on the mRNA expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the tooth sockets of rat. Methodology Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups （n=24）. Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer carriers, with or without simvastatin, were implanted into extraction sockets of right mandibular incisors. The expression of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization in the tooth extraction socket at five days, one week, two weeks and four weeks after implantation. Results The fusiform stroma cells in the tooth extraction socket began to express TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA in both experimental and control groups from one week after tooth extraction until the end of experiment. The expression of TGF-131 and BMP-2 mRNA in the experimental group was significantly up-regulated after one, two and four weeks, and expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly increased after one and two weeks compared with that in the control group. Conclusion The findings indicate that local administration of simvastatin can influence alveolar bone remodeling by regulating the expression of a school of growth factors which are crucial to osteogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.

Interaction between insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND: We previously showed that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBPrP1) is a novel mediator in liver fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) is known as the strongest effector of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the detailed interaction between IGFBPrP1 and TGF beta 1 in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: We overexpressed TGF beta 1 or IGFBPrP1 and inhibited TGF beta 1 expression in primary HSCs for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to investigate their interaction and observe the accompanying expressions of a-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, and phosphorylated-mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 (p-Smad2/3). RESULTS: We found that the adenovirus vector encoding the TGF beta 1 gene (AdTGF beta 1) induced IGFBPrP1 expression while that of alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and TGF beta 1 increased gradually. Concomitantly, AdIGFBPrP1 upregulated TGF beta 1, alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3 in a time-dependent manner while IGFBPrP1 expression was decreased at 96 hours. Inhibition of TGF beta 1 expression reduced the IGFBPrP1-stimulated expression of alpha-SMA, collagen I, fibronectin, and p-Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS: These findings for the first time suggest the existence of a possible mutually regulation between IGFBPrP1 and TGF beta 1, which likely accelerates liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, IGFBPrP1 likely participates in liver fibrosis in a TGF beta 1-depedent manner, and may act as an upstream regulatory factor of TGF beta 1 in the Smad pathway.

Feedback regulation between phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1 and transforming growth factor β1 and prognostic value in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1(PREX1)was reported to be overexpressed in some cancers and involved in cancer development,but its expression and significance in gastric cancer remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer and its significance in the development of gastric cancer,especially to evaluate the potential mechanism of PREX1 in gastric cancer.METHODS Bioinformatic analysis was performed in order to examine the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer.The relationship between the survival rate of gastric cancer patients and PREX1 expression was assessed by Kaplan Meier portal.The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the correlation between PREX1 and transforming growth factor(TGF)β1 pathway-related mediators were evaluated by cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics.Western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay were used to test the role of TGFβ1 on the expression of PREX1.Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter system was used to evaluate the effect of PREX1 on the activation of TGFβ1 pathway.Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to assess the effect of PREX1 on the metastasis activity of gastric cancer cells.RESULTS PREX1 was overexpressed in the gastric tumors,and the expression levels were positively associated with the development of gastric cancer.Also,the high expression of PREX1 revealed poor prognosis,especially for those advanced and specific intestinal gastric cancer patients.PREX1 was closely involved in the positive regulation of cell adhesion and positively correlated with TGFβ1-related mediators.Furthermore,TGFβ1 could induce the expression of PREX1 at both the protein and mRNA level.Also,PREX1 could activate the TGFβ1 pathway.The induced PREX1 could increase the migration and invasion activity of gastric cancer cells.CONCLUSION PREX1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer,and the high level of PREX1 predicts poor prognosis.PREX1 is closely associated with TGFβsignaling and promotes the metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Cloning and Expression of Rat Transforming Growth Factor β1 cDNA in Osteoblasts

Summary: Rat transforming growth factor β1 (rTGFβ1) cDNA from rat lymphocytes was cloned by RT-PCR and inserted into pcDNA3 to construct an eukaryotic expression vector, which was named pcDNA3-TGFβ1. The cloned gene was confirmed to code rat TGFβ1 by restriction enzyme analysis. pcDNA3-TGFβ1 plasmid was transfected into rat osteoblasts by using liposome-mediated gene transfer technique and the expression of TGFβ1 was detected by using irnmunohistochemical staining assay. It was found that the rat TGFβ1 expression product was obviously detectable in the transfected osteoblasts in 48 h. High expression of TGFβ1 was obtained in the rat osteoblasts in which the constructed TGFβ1 expression vector was transfected.

Transactivation of the TIEG1 confers growth inhibition of transforming growth factor-β-susceptible hepatocellular carcinoma cells

AIM:To investigate the role of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β-inducible early gene 1(TIEG1) in TGF-β-induced growth inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.METHODS:Human hepatocyte and HCC cell lines with varied susceptibilities to TGF-β1 were tested by methylthiazoletetrazolium(MTT) assay.The expression changes of Smad2,Smad3,Smad4,Smad7,TIEG1 and TIEG2 gene following treatment with TGF-β1 in a TGF-β-sensitive hepatocyte cell line(MIHA),a TGF-β-sensitive hepatoma cell line(Hep3B) and two TGF-β-insensitive hepatoma cell lines(HepG2 and Bel7404) were examined.SiRNA targeting TIEG1 was transfected into Hep3B cells and the sensitivity of cells to TGF-β1 was examined.Overexpression of TIEG1 was induced by lentiviral-mediated transduction in TGF-β1-resistant hepatoma cell lines(Bel7404 and HepG2).MTT assay and 4',6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole staining were used to identify cell viability and apoptosis,respectively.The expression level of stathmin was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western-blotting analysis,and stathmin promoter activity by TIEG1 was monitored by a luciferase reporter gene system.RESULTS:TIEG1 was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in the TGF-β1-sensitive HCC cell line,Hep3B,but not in the resistant cell lines.The suppression of TIEG1 by siRNAs decreased the sensitivity of Hep3B cells to TGF-β1,whereas the overexpression of TIEG1 mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis in TGF-β1-resistant HCC cell lines,which resembled those of TGF-β1-sensitive HCC cells treated with TGF-β1.Our data further suggested that stathmin was a direct target of TIEG1,as stathmin was signif icantly downregulated by TIEG1 overexpression,and stathmin promoter activity was inhibited by TIEG1 in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that transactivation of TIEG1 conferred growth inhibition of TGF-β-susceptible human HCC cells.

Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 in the Process of Fibrosis of Denervated Skeletal Muscle

In order to investigate the biological function of transforming growth factor-β1（TGF-β1） during fibrosis in denervated skeletal muscle,we recruited sciatic nerve injury model of SD rats in which denervated gastrocnemius was isolated for analysis.At different time points after operation,denervated muscle was examined by several methods.Masson trichrome staining showed morphological changes of denervated skeletal muscle.Quantitative RT-PCR detected the rapid increase of TGF-β1 expression at mRNA level after nerve injury.It was found that a peak of TGF-β1 mRNA expression appeared one week post-operation.The expression of collagen Ⅰ（COL Ⅰ） mRNA was up-regulated in the nerve injury model as well,and reached highest level two weeks post-injury.Immunoblot revealed similar expression pattern of TGF-β1 and COL Ⅰ in denervated muscles at protein level.In addition,we found that the area of the gastrocnemius muscle fiber was decreased gradually along with increased interstitital fibrosis.Interestingly,this pathological change could be prevented,at least partly,by local injection of TGF-β1 antibodies,which could be contributed to the reduced production of COL Ⅰ by inhibiting function of TGF-β1.Taken together,in this study,we demonstrated that the expression of TGF-β1 was increased significantly in denervated skeletal muscle,which might play a crucial role during muscle fibrosis after nerve transection.

Effects of 530 nm monochromatic light on basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in Müller cells

AIMTo expose rat retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells to 530 nm monochromatic light and investigate the influence of varying light illumination times on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor-&#x003b2;1 (TGF-&#x003b2;1) expression.METHODSThree groups of rat retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells cultured in vitro under a 530 nm monochromatic light were divided into 6, 12 and 24h experimental groups, while cells incubated under dark conditions served as the control group. The bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 mRNA expression, protein levels and fluorescence intensity of the M&#x000fc;ller cells were analyzed.RESULTSThe bFGF mRNA expression and protein levels were significantly upregulated in M&#x000fc;ller cells in all three experimental groups compared with the control group (P&#x0003c;0.05), while that of TGF-&#x003b2;1 was downregulated (P&#x0003c;0.05). Also, bFGF expression was positively correlated, but TGF-&#x003b2;1 expression was negatively correlated with illumination time. The largest changes for both cytokines were seen in the 24h group. The changes in bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 fluorescence intensity were highest in the 24h group, and significant differences were observed among the experimental groups (P&#x0003c;0.05).CONCLUSIONThe expressions of bFGF and TGF-&#x003b2;1 changed in a time-dependent manner in M&#x000fc;ller cells exposed to 530 nm monochromatic light with 250 lx illumination intensity. M&#x000fc;ller cells might play a role in the development of myopia by increasing bFGF expression or decreasing TGF-&#x003b2;1 expression. Changes in cytokine expression in retinal M&#x000fc;ller cells may affect monochromatic light-induced myopia.

LOW DOSE PIRFENIDONE SUPPRESSES TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA-1 AND TISSUE INHIBITOR OF METALLOPROTEINASE-1, AND PROTECTS RATS FROM LUNG FIBROSIS INDUCED BY BLEOMYCIN

Objective To investigate the optimal dosage of pirfenidone for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in Wistar rats, and the alteration of expressions of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β_ 1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) in lung tissue. Methods Male Wistar rats were endotracheally instilled with bleomycin or normal saline. Pirfenidone (25-[KG*8]800 mg·kg -1·d -1), dexamethasone (3 mg/kg), or 1% carboxymethylcellulose sodium were given daily by feed 2 days before instillation of bleomycin. Groups T7 and T14 were fed pirfenidone 50 mg·kg -1·d -1 at 7 days or 14 days after bleomycin instillation. Lungs were harvested at 28 days after bleomycin instillation. Patholological changes in lung tissues were evaluated with HE staining. Lung collagen was stained by sirius red and measured by content of hydroxyproline. Expression of proteins of TGF-β_ 1, TIMP-1, and MMP-13 were detected by Western blotting. Results At doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg·kg -1·d -1, pirfenidone had significant anti-fibrotic effects for bleomycin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis, and these effects were most significantly attenuated at the dosage of 50 mg·kg -1·d -1 (HE: P<0.01, P<0.01, and P=0.064; sirius red: P<0.05, P<0.01, and P<0.05; hydroxyproline: P=0.595, P<0.01, and P=0.976). Pirfenidone at a dosage of[KG*3]50 mg·kg -1·d -1 inhibited protein expression of TGF-β_ 1 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue in the early phase (0.79 and 0.75 times of control group), but had no effect on expression of MMP-13. Conclusion Low dose pirfenidone, especially at dosage of 50 mg·kg -1·d -1, has significant anti-fibrotic effects on bleomycin-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis. Pirfenidone partially inhibits the enhancement of the expression of TGF-β_ 1 and TIMP-1 in lung tissue.