BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been applied to treat degenerative articular diseases,and stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.However,the regulatory effects of SD...BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been applied to treat degenerative articular diseases,and stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.However,the regulatory effects of SDF-1αon cartilage differentiation remain largely unknown.Identifying the specific regulatory effects of SDF-1αon MSCs will provide a useful target for the treatment of degenerative articular diseases.AIM To explore the role and mechanism of SDF-1αin cartilage differentiation of MSCs and primary chondrocytes.METHODS The expression level of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)in MSCs was assessed by immunofluorescence.MSCs treated with SDF-1αwere stained for alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and with Alcian blue to observe differentiation.Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9,aggrecan,collagen II,runt-related transcription factor 2,collagen X,and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)13 in untreated MSCs,of aggrecan,collagen II,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated primary chondrocytes,of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)p-GSK3βandβ-catenin expression in SDF-1α-treated MSCs,and of aggrecan,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated MSCs in the presence or absence of ICG-001(SDF-1αinhibitor).RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed CXCR4 expression in the membranes of MSCs.ALP stain was intensified in MSCs treated with SDF-1αfor 14 d.The SDF-1αtreatment promoted expression of collagen X and MMP13 during cartilage differentiation,whereas it had no effect on the expression of collagen II or aggrecan nor on the formation of cartilage matrix in MSCs.Further,those SDF-1α-mediated effects on MSCs were validated in primary chondrocytes.SDF-1αpromoted the expression of p-GSK3βandβ-catenin in MSCs.And,finally,inhibition of this pathway by ICG-001(5μmol/L)neutralized the SDF-1α-mediated up-regulation of collagen X and MMP13 expression in MSCs.CONCLUSION SDF-1αmay promote hypertrophic cartilage differentiation in MSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.These findings provide further evidence for the use of MSCs and SDF-1αin the treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.展开更多
Background：Bisdemethoxycurcumin （BDMC） is an active component of curcumin and a chemotherapeutic agent,which has been suggested to inhibit tumor growth,invasion and metastasis in multiple cancers.But its contributi...Background：Bisdemethoxycurcumin （BDMC） is an active component of curcumin and a chemotherapeutic agent,which has been suggested to inhibit tumor growth,invasion and metastasis in multiple cancers.But its contribution and mechanism of action in invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） are not very clear.Therefore,we tried to study the effects of BDMC on regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT）,which is closely linked to tumor cell invasion and metastasis.Methods：In this study,we first induced transforming growth factor-βl （TGF-β1） mediated EMT in highly metastatic lung cancer 95D cells.Thereafter,we studied the effects of BDMC on invasion and migration of 95D cells.In addition,EMT markers expressions were also analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence assays.The contribution of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 （WIF-1） in regulating BDMC effects on TGF-β1 induced EMT were further analyzed by its overexpression and small interfering RNA knockdown studies.Results：It was observed that BDMC inhibited the TGF-β1 induced EMT in 95D cells.Furthermore,it also inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway by upregulating WIF-1 protein expression.In addition,WIF-1 manipulation studies further revealed that WIF-1 is a central molecule mediating BDMC response towards TGF-β1 induced EMT by regulating cell invasion and migration.Conclusions：Our study concluded that BDMC effects on TGF-β1 induced EMT in NSCLC are mediated through WIF-1 and elucidated a novel mechanism of EMT regulation by BDMC.展开更多
BACKGROUND The expression of macrophage inhibitory factor-1(MIC-1) is increased in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. However, whether MIC-1 gene polymorphism is correlated with r...BACKGROUND The expression of macrophage inhibitory factor-1(MIC-1) is increased in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. However, whether MIC-1 gene polymorphism is correlated with relevant diseases is not yet reported.AIM To explore the correlation between gene polymorphism in MIC-1 exon region and chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection.METHODS This case-control study enrolled 178 patients with chronic hepatitis C(CHC) in the case group, and 82 healthy subjects from the same region who had passed the screening examination comprised the control group. The genotypes of rs1059369 and rs1059519 loci in the MIC-1 gene exon were detected by DNA sequencing. Also, the MIC-1 level, liver function metrics, liver fibrosis metrics, and HCV RNA load were determined. Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences and correlations between the two groups with respect to these parameters. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relevant factors of CHC.RESULTS The plasma MIC-1 level in the CHC group was higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05), and it was significantly positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), type III procollagen N-terminal peptide(known as PIIINP), type IV collagen, and HCV RNA(P < 0.05), whereas negatively correlated with total protein and albumin(P < 0.05). The genotype and allele frequency distribution at the rs1059519 locus differed between the two groups(P < 0.05). The allele frequency maintained significant difference after Bonferroni correction(Pc < 0.05). Logistic multiple regression showed that AST, PIIINP, MIC-1, and genotype GG at the rs1059519 locus were independent relevant factors of CHC(P < 0.05). Linkage disequilibrium(LD) was found between rs1059369 and rs1059519 loci, and significant difference was detected in the distribution of haplotype A-C between the CHC and control groups(P < 0.05). Meanwhile, we found the MIC-1 level trend to increase among rs1059519 genotypes(P = 0.006) and the level of MIC-1 in GG genotype to be significantly higher than CC genotype(P = 0.009, after Bonferroni correction).CONCLUSION Plasma MIC-1 level was increased in CHC patients and correlated with liver cell damage, liver fibrosis metrics, and viral load. The polymorphism at the MIC-1 gene rs1059519 locus was correlated with HCV infection, and associated with the plasma MIC-1 level. G allele and GG genotype may be an important susceptible factor for CHC.展开更多
The present study investigated the influence of anti-estrogen treatment （fulvestrant） on pituitary adenoma cell line GH3 biological activity, the estrogen receptor a pathway, the WnT pathway, and mechanisms of decre...The present study investigated the influence of anti-estrogen treatment （fulvestrant） on pituitary adenoma cell line GH3 biological activity, the estrogen receptor a pathway, the WnT pathway, and mechanisms of decreased Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression in GH3 cells. Results showed that fulvestrant suppressed GH3 cell proliferation and reduced hormone secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Estrogen receptor a and Wnt4 expression decreased, but Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression increased in a dose-dependent manner following fulvestrant treatment, and β-catenin expression remained unchanged. Inhibitors of DNA methylation and histone modification upregulated Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression. Results suggested that fulvestrant suppressed biological activity of GH3 cells via the estrogen receptor a and Wnt pathways. These results suggested that decreased Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression in GH3 cells played a role in epigenetic mechanisms. Anti-estrogen therapies could provide novel treatments for growth hormone adenomas.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor （MMIF）, hypoxia-inducible factor- 1 α（HIF- 1α ）and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the serum and e...The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor （MMIF）, hypoxia-inducible factor- 1 α（HIF- 1α ）and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the serum and endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis （EM） and the clinical significance. Eighty EM patients [American Reproductive Association stage Ⅰ （n=20）, stage Ⅱ （n=22）, stage Ⅲ （n=21） and stage Ⅳ （n=17）] were enrolled and divided into mild （10- 14 points, n=28）, moderate （16-24 points, n=27） and severe （26-30 points, n=25） dysmenorrhea groups. The control group included 40 healthy women of childbearing age who underwent routine healthcare examinations in the enrolment period. The expression of MMIF, HIF- 1α and VEGF in the serum and endometrial tissues was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity of serum MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF when separately used as single indexes or jointly used as one index were examined as well. The results showed that serum concentrations of MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF were significantly higher in EM patients than in controls （P〈0.05）. The expression of all three proteins in both serum and endometrial tissues increased significantly with the R-AFS stage （P〈0.05） and with dysmenorrheal severity （P〈0.05）. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection of serum MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF levels were significantly higher than those of single index detection （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, the expression of MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF in the serum and endometrial tissues may be used to assess the stage of EM and the severity of dysmenorrhea. Combined evaluation of MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF significantly improves the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the feasibility of detecting aberrantly hypermethylated Wnt-antagonist gene promoters(SFRP2 and WIF-1)in fecal DNA as non-invasive biomarkers for early colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:The methylation...AIM:To investigate the feasibility of detecting aberrantly hypermethylated Wnt-antagonist gene promoters(SFRP2 and WIF-1)in fecal DNA as non-invasive biomarkers for early colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:The methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to blindly analyze the methylation status of SFRP2 and WIF-1 gene promoters in fecal samples from 48 subjects with CRC,35 with adenomas,32 with hyperplastic polyps and 30 endoscopically normal subjects.Additionally,we comparedthe diagnostic efficiency of measuring the hypermethylated SFRP2 and WIF-1 genes in the feces to the fecal occult blood test(FOBT)for the early detection of CRC.RESULTS:Hypermethylated SFRP2 was detected in the feces of 56.3%(27/48)of CRC cases,51.4%(18/35)of adenoma cases and 12.5%(4/32)of patients with hyperplastic polyps.The hypermethylation of WIF-1was detected in 60.4%(29/48),45.7%(16/35)and18.7%(6/32)of fecal samples from CRC,adenoma and hyperplastic polyp patients,respectively.At least one hypermethylated gene was detected in 81.3%(39/48)of CRC and 65.7%(23/35)of adenoma samples.In contrast,only a hypermethylated WIF-1 gene was detected in one case of normal fecal samples.Moreover,no significant associations were observed between SFPR2 and WIF-1 hypermethylation and clinicopathological features.Additionally,81.8%of CRC cases diagnosed as Dukes A stage or advanced adenomas had at least one hypermethylated gene detected,while the detection rate with the FOBT was only 31.8%(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Hypermethylated SFRP2 and WIF-1genes in fecal DNA are novel and promising molecular biomarkers that have great diagnostic potential for early CRC.展开更多
基金Supported by Henan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China,No.212300410242Youth Project Jointly Constructed by Henan Provincial Health Commission and the Ministry,No.SBGJ202103008Henan Young and Middle-aged Health Science and Technology Innovation Excellent Youth Talent Training Project of China,No.YXKC2021047.
文摘BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)have been applied to treat degenerative articular diseases,and stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.However,the regulatory effects of SDF-1αon cartilage differentiation remain largely unknown.Identifying the specific regulatory effects of SDF-1αon MSCs will provide a useful target for the treatment of degenerative articular diseases.AIM To explore the role and mechanism of SDF-1αin cartilage differentiation of MSCs and primary chondrocytes.METHODS The expression level of C-X-C chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)in MSCs was assessed by immunofluorescence.MSCs treated with SDF-1αwere stained for alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and with Alcian blue to observe differentiation.Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression of SRY-box transcription factor 9,aggrecan,collagen II,runt-related transcription factor 2,collagen X,and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)13 in untreated MSCs,of aggrecan,collagen II,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated primary chondrocytes,of glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)p-GSK3βandβ-catenin expression in SDF-1α-treated MSCs,and of aggrecan,collagen X,and MMP13 in SDF-1α-treated MSCs in the presence or absence of ICG-001(SDF-1αinhibitor).RESULTS Immunofluorescence showed CXCR4 expression in the membranes of MSCs.ALP stain was intensified in MSCs treated with SDF-1αfor 14 d.The SDF-1αtreatment promoted expression of collagen X and MMP13 during cartilage differentiation,whereas it had no effect on the expression of collagen II or aggrecan nor on the formation of cartilage matrix in MSCs.Further,those SDF-1α-mediated effects on MSCs were validated in primary chondrocytes.SDF-1αpromoted the expression of p-GSK3βandβ-catenin in MSCs.And,finally,inhibition of this pathway by ICG-001(5μmol/L)neutralized the SDF-1α-mediated up-regulation of collagen X and MMP13 expression in MSCs.CONCLUSION SDF-1αmay promote hypertrophic cartilage differentiation in MSCs by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.These findings provide further evidence for the use of MSCs and SDF-1αin the treatment of cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.
文摘Background：Bisdemethoxycurcumin （BDMC） is an active component of curcumin and a chemotherapeutic agent,which has been suggested to inhibit tumor growth,invasion and metastasis in multiple cancers.But its contribution and mechanism of action in invasion and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） are not very clear.Therefore,we tried to study the effects of BDMC on regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT）,which is closely linked to tumor cell invasion and metastasis.Methods：In this study,we first induced transforming growth factor-βl （TGF-β1） mediated EMT in highly metastatic lung cancer 95D cells.Thereafter,we studied the effects of BDMC on invasion and migration of 95D cells.In addition,EMT markers expressions were also analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence assays.The contribution of Wnt inhibitory factor-1 （WIF-1） in regulating BDMC effects on TGF-β1 induced EMT were further analyzed by its overexpression and small interfering RNA knockdown studies.Results：It was observed that BDMC inhibited the TGF-β1 induced EMT in 95D cells.Furthermore,it also inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway by upregulating WIF-1 protein expression.In addition,WIF-1 manipulation studies further revealed that WIF-1 is a central molecule mediating BDMC response towards TGF-β1 induced EMT by regulating cell invasion and migration.Conclusions：Our study concluded that BDMC effects on TGF-β1 induced EMT in NSCLC are mediated through WIF-1 and elucidated a novel mechanism of EMT regulation by BDMC.
基金Supported by the Medical and Health Research Science and Technology Plan Project of Zhejiang Province,No. 2016KYB191。
文摘BACKGROUND The expression of macrophage inhibitory factor-1(MIC-1) is increased in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. However, whether MIC-1 gene polymorphism is correlated with relevant diseases is not yet reported.AIM To explore the correlation between gene polymorphism in MIC-1 exon region and chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection.METHODS This case-control study enrolled 178 patients with chronic hepatitis C(CHC) in the case group, and 82 healthy subjects from the same region who had passed the screening examination comprised the control group. The genotypes of rs1059369 and rs1059519 loci in the MIC-1 gene exon were detected by DNA sequencing. Also, the MIC-1 level, liver function metrics, liver fibrosis metrics, and HCV RNA load were determined. Univariate analysis was used to compare the differences and correlations between the two groups with respect to these parameters. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relevant factors of CHC.RESULTS The plasma MIC-1 level in the CHC group was higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05), and it was significantly positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), type III procollagen N-terminal peptide(known as PIIINP), type IV collagen, and HCV RNA(P < 0.05), whereas negatively correlated with total protein and albumin(P < 0.05). The genotype and allele frequency distribution at the rs1059519 locus differed between the two groups(P < 0.05). The allele frequency maintained significant difference after Bonferroni correction(Pc < 0.05). Logistic multiple regression showed that AST, PIIINP, MIC-1, and genotype GG at the rs1059519 locus were independent relevant factors of CHC(P < 0.05). Linkage disequilibrium(LD) was found between rs1059369 and rs1059519 loci, and significant difference was detected in the distribution of haplotype A-C between the CHC and control groups(P < 0.05). Meanwhile, we found the MIC-1 level trend to increase among rs1059519 genotypes(P = 0.006) and the level of MIC-1 in GG genotype to be significantly higher than CC genotype(P = 0.009, after Bonferroni correction).CONCLUSION Plasma MIC-1 level was increased in CHC patients and correlated with liver cell damage, liver fibrosis metrics, and viral load. The polymorphism at the MIC-1 gene rs1059519 locus was correlated with HCV infection, and associated with the plasma MIC-1 level. G allele and GG genotype may be an important susceptible factor for CHC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81072075
文摘The present study investigated the influence of anti-estrogen treatment （fulvestrant） on pituitary adenoma cell line GH3 biological activity, the estrogen receptor a pathway, the WnT pathway, and mechanisms of decreased Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression in GH3 cells. Results showed that fulvestrant suppressed GH3 cell proliferation and reduced hormone secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Estrogen receptor a and Wnt4 expression decreased, but Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression increased in a dose-dependent manner following fulvestrant treatment, and β-catenin expression remained unchanged. Inhibitors of DNA methylation and histone modification upregulated Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression. Results suggested that fulvestrant suppressed biological activity of GH3 cells via the estrogen receptor a and Wnt pathways. These results suggested that decreased Wnt inhibitory factor-1 expression in GH3 cells played a role in epigenetic mechanisms. Anti-estrogen therapies could provide novel treatments for growth hormone adenomas.
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor （MMIF）, hypoxia-inducible factor- 1 α（HIF- 1α ）and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the serum and endometrial tissues of patients with endometriosis （EM） and the clinical significance. Eighty EM patients [American Reproductive Association stage Ⅰ （n=20）, stage Ⅱ （n=22）, stage Ⅲ （n=21） and stage Ⅳ （n=17）] were enrolled and divided into mild （10- 14 points, n=28）, moderate （16-24 points, n=27） and severe （26-30 points, n=25） dysmenorrhea groups. The control group included 40 healthy women of childbearing age who underwent routine healthcare examinations in the enrolment period. The expression of MMIF, HIF- 1α and VEGF in the serum and endometrial tissues was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity of serum MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF when separately used as single indexes or jointly used as one index were examined as well. The results showed that serum concentrations of MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF were significantly higher in EM patients than in controls （P〈0.05）. The expression of all three proteins in both serum and endometrial tissues increased significantly with the R-AFS stage （P〈0.05） and with dysmenorrheal severity （P〈0.05）. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection of serum MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF levels were significantly higher than those of single index detection （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, the expression of MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF in the serum and endometrial tissues may be used to assess the stage of EM and the severity of dysmenorrhea. Combined evaluation of MMIF, HIF-1α, and VEGF significantly improves the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81101868The Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China,No.2011CDB505
文摘AIM:To investigate the feasibility of detecting aberrantly hypermethylated Wnt-antagonist gene promoters(SFRP2 and WIF-1)in fecal DNA as non-invasive biomarkers for early colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS:The methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay was performed to blindly analyze the methylation status of SFRP2 and WIF-1 gene promoters in fecal samples from 48 subjects with CRC,35 with adenomas,32 with hyperplastic polyps and 30 endoscopically normal subjects.Additionally,we comparedthe diagnostic efficiency of measuring the hypermethylated SFRP2 and WIF-1 genes in the feces to the fecal occult blood test(FOBT)for the early detection of CRC.RESULTS:Hypermethylated SFRP2 was detected in the feces of 56.3%(27/48)of CRC cases,51.4%(18/35)of adenoma cases and 12.5%(4/32)of patients with hyperplastic polyps.The hypermethylation of WIF-1was detected in 60.4%(29/48),45.7%(16/35)and18.7%(6/32)of fecal samples from CRC,adenoma and hyperplastic polyp patients,respectively.At least one hypermethylated gene was detected in 81.3%(39/48)of CRC and 65.7%(23/35)of adenoma samples.In contrast,only a hypermethylated WIF-1 gene was detected in one case of normal fecal samples.Moreover,no significant associations were observed between SFPR2 and WIF-1 hypermethylation and clinicopathological features.Additionally,81.8%of CRC cases diagnosed as Dukes A stage or advanced adenomas had at least one hypermethylated gene detected,while the detection rate with the FOBT was only 31.8%(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Hypermethylated SFRP2 and WIF-1genes in fecal DNA are novel and promising molecular biomarkers that have great diagnostic potential for early CRC.
