Distribution and localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 in rat brain and nerve cells during neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation

The present study explored the distribution and localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 and its potential receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-3, in adult rat brain in vivo and in nerve cells during differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-8 in adult rat brain in vivo. Localization of fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in cells during neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation in vitro was detected by immunofluorescence. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the effect of an anti-fibroblast growth factor-8 antibody on neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and expansion in vitro. Results from this study confirmed that fibroblast growth factor-8 was mainly distributed in adult midbrain, namely the substantia nigra, compact part, dorsal tier, substantia nigra and reticular part, but was not detected in the forebrain comprising the caudate putamen and striatum. Unusual results were obtained in retrosplenial locations of adult rat brain. We found that fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 were distributed on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of nerve cells using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. We considered that the distribution of fibroblast growth factor-8 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 in neural cells corresponded to the characteristics of fibroblast growth factor-8, a secretory factor. Addition of an anti-fibroblast growth factor-8 antibody to cultures significantly affected the rate of expansion and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells. In contrast, addition of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-8 to differentiation medium promoted neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation and increased the final yields of dopaminergic neurons and total neurons. Our study may help delineate the important roles of fibroblast growth factor-8 in brain activities and neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation.

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1α activates ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in tumor-induced osteomalacia

Tumor-induced osteomalacia （TIO） is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in which ectopic production of fibroblast growth factor 23 （FGF23） by non-malignant mesenchymal tumors causes phosphate wasting and bone fractures. Recent studies have implicated the hypoxia-inducible factor-la （HIF-la） in other phosphate wasting disorders caused by elevated FGF23, including X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and autosomal dominant hypophosphatemia. Here we provide evidence that HIF-la mediates aberrant FGF23 in TIO by transcriptionally activating its promoter. Immunohistochemical studies in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors resected from patients with documented TIO showed that HIF-la and FGF23 were co-localized in spindle- shaped cells adjacent to blood vessels. Cultured tumor tissue produced high levels of intact FGF23 and demonstrated increased expression of HIF-la protein. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 and Saos-2 cells with a HIF-la expression construct induced the activity of a FGF23 reporter construct. Prior treatment of tumor organ cultures with HIF-la inhibitors decreased HIF-la and FGF23 protein accumulation and inhibited HIF-la-induced luciferase reporter activity in transfected cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed binding to a HIF-la consensus sequence within the proximal FGF23 promoter, which was eliminated by treatment with a HIF-la inhibitor. These results show for the first time that HIF-la is a direct transcriptional activator of FGF23 and suggest that upregulation of HIF-la activity in TIO contributes to the aberrant FGF23 production in these patients.

载FGF10的多孔明胶微球对脊髓损伤大鼠的神经修复作用机制研究

目的探讨载成纤维生长因子10(FGF10)的多孔明胶微球(GMSs)对脊髓损伤大鼠神经保护作用的机制。方法20只健康雄性SD大鼠(220~250g)随机分为假手术组、脊髓损伤组、FGF10组、FGF10-GMSs组,每组各5只。假手术组只咬除T_(9)~T_(10)棘突及椎板等骨性组织,不造成脊髓损伤。其余3组造成脊髓损伤后,用Hamilton微量注射器向FGF10组大鼠的损伤注入20μL FGF10,向FGF10-GMSs组大鼠的损伤处注射20μL FGF10负载的多孔明胶微球,脊髓损伤组和假手术组的大鼠注射等量的生理盐水。收集大鼠胸椎(T_(9)~T_(10))脊髓组织,分别采用离体释放试验评估FGF10-GMSs的持续释放。使用大鼠脊髓损伤评分(BBB评分)和斜坡测试评估FGF10-GMSs对SCI大鼠的运动功能改善效果。使用HE、Nissl染色、TUNEL试验及Western blot评估FGF10-GMSs的治疗效果。结果离体释放实验结果显示,普通明胶微球会在短时间内迅速释放FGF10,多孔明胶微球持续而缓慢地释放FGF10,未在初始48 h内观察到显著的爆发释放模式。BBB评分结果显示,与脊髓损伤组(5分)相比,第21天FGF10-GMSs组(12分)和FGF10组(9分)的大鼠均表现出良好的运动功能恢复(P<0.05),斜坡测试结果与BBB评分结果一致,FGF10组和FGF10-GMSs组均获得了明显的行为改变。HE、Nissl染色结果显示FGF10-GMSs组内的坏死、核崩解和浸润性多核白细胞数量较少,在脊髓腔内坏死组织的比例显著降低。Western blot测定结果显示FGF10-GMSs组中的细胞凋亡抑制程度比FGF10组中更加明显。TUNEL试验也产生类似的结果,相比FGF10组和脊髓损伤组,FGF10-GMSs组具有更加明显的抑制细胞凋亡的作用。结论FGF10-GMSs通过抑制神经细胞的凋亡,从而达到保护脊髓损伤大鼠神经细胞的作用,为脊髓损伤的治疗提供新的思路,对提高脊髓损伤的预后具有十分重要的意义。

Local inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases reduced M2 macrophage activity and impeded recovery in spinal cord transected rats after treatment with fibroblast growth factor-1 and nerve grafts

Alternatively activated macrophages （M2 macrophages） promote central nervous system regeneration. Our previous study demonstrated that treatment with peripheral nerve grafts and fibroblast growth factor-1 recruited more M2 macrophages and improved partial functional recovery in spinal cord transected rats. The migration of macrophages is matrix metalloproteinase （MMP） dependent. We used a general inhibitor of MMPs to influence macrophage migration, and we examined the migration of macrophage populations and changes in spinal function. Rat spinal cords were completely transected at Ts, and 5 mm of spinal cord was removed （group T）. In group R, spinal cord-transected rats received treatment with fibroblast grow th factor- 1 and peripheral nerve grafts. In group RG, rats received the same treatment as group R with the addition of 200 μM GM6001 （an MMP inhibitor） to the fibrin mix. We found that MMP-9, but not MMP- 2, was upregulated in the graft area of rats in group R. Local application of the MMP inhibitor resulted in a reduction in the ratio of arginase-1 （M2 macrophage subset）/inducible nitric oxide synthase-postive cells. When the MMP inhibitor was applied at 8 weeks postoperation, the partial functional recovery observed in group R was lost. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the nerve graft. These results suggested that the arginase-1 positive population in spinal cord transected rats is a migratory cell population rather than the phenotypic conversion of early iNOS^＋ cells and that the migration of the arginase-1^＋ population could be regulated locally. Simultaneous application of MMP in- hibitors or promotion of MMP activity for spinal cord injury needs to be considered if the coadministered treatment involves M2 recruitment.

Significance of serum fibroblast growth factor-23 and miR-208b in pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation and their relationship with prognosis

BACKGROUND The incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation are increasing each year,and this condition is one of the most common clinical arrhythmias.AIM To investigate the levels and significance of serum fibroblast growth factor 23(FGF-23)and miR-208 b in patients with atrial fibrillation and their relationship with prognosis.METHODS From May 2018 to October 2019,240 patients with atrial fibrillation were selected as an observation group,including 134 with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 106 with persistent atrial fibrillation;150 patients with healthy sinus rhythm were selected as a control group.The serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in the two groups were measured.In the observation group,cardiac parameters were determined by echocardiography.RESULTS The serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in the observation group were 210.20±89.60 ng/mL and 5.30±1.22 ng/mL,which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in the control group(P<0.05).In the observation group,the serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were 234.22±70.05 ng/mL and 5.83±1.00 ng/mL,which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(P<0.05).The left atrial dimension(LAD)of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation was 38.81±5.11 mm,which was significantly higher than that of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(P>0.05).The serum levels of FGF-23and miR-208 b were positively correlated with the LAD(r=0.411 and 0.382,P<0.05).In the observation group,the serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b in patients with a major cardiovascular event(MACE)were 243.30±72.29 ng/mL and 6.12±1.12 ng/mL,which were significantly higher than the corresponding values in patients without a MACE(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The serum levels of FGF-23 and miR-208 b are increased in patients with atrial fibrillation and are related to the type of disease,cardiac parameters,and prognosis.

Expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 protein in the hippocampus in rats exhibiting chronic stress-induced depression

There is evidence that the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor （FGF） protein family is altered in post-mortem brains of humans suffering from major depressive disorder. The present study examined whether the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF2） and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 （FGFR1） protein is altered following chronic stress in an animal model. Rats were exposed to 35 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress, and then tested using open-field and sucrose consumption tests. Compared with the control group, rats in the chronic stress group exhibited obvious depressive-like behaviors, including anhedonia, anxiety and decreased mobility. The results of western blot analysis and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a downregulation of the expression of FGF2 and FGFR1 in the hippocampus of rats, particularly in the CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus. This decreased expression is in accord with the results of post-mortem studies in humans with major depressive disorder. These findings suggest that FGF2 and FGFR1 proteins participate in the pathophysiology of depressive-like behavior, and may play an important role in the mechanism of chronic stress-induced depression.

TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-β AND FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR INDUCE LENS EPITHELIAL EXPLANT METAPLASIA:IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF SUBCAPSULAR OPACIFICATION

Objective. This study was to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor-β(TGFβ) and fi- broblast growth factor (FGF) in the subcapsular opacification formation of the lens. Methods. Lens epithelial explants from 10-day-old rats were cultured with TGFβ1 or TGFβ2 in the presence of FGF for 5 days, then were examined by light and electron microscopy, and by immunolocal- ization of smooth muscle(α-sm) actin and type I collagen. Results. In TGFβ/FGF-treated explants,extensive proliferation occured, with formation of spindle and star-shaped cells. These cells showed ultrastructure and biochemical features of fibroblast or myofibroblast. Prominent Golgi apparatus and rough endoplaic reticulum were observed in some cells. Intracellular micro- filaments with cytoplasmic dense babies and membrane associated dense bodies, features of smooth muscle cells, were also observed. Some cells showed reactivity to -sin actin antibody. TGFβ/FGF-treated ex- plants were strongly stained with type I collagen antibody. Condusion. In the presence of FGF, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 induced lens epithelial cell (LEC ) proliferation and transformation into fibroblast or myofibroblast-like cells, with producing of abundant collagen matrix in the explants. The changes are similar to the metaplasia that occurrs in subcapsular opacification of the lens. The findings suggest that TGFβ and FGF plays a role in the pathogenesis of subcapsular opacification of the lens.

RNA interference affects tumorigenicity and expression of insulin-like growth factor-1,insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor,and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 in rat C6 glioma cells

BACKGROUND： Human gliomas are more likely to express basic fibroblast growth factor-2 （FGF-2） insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）, and IGF-1 receptor （IGF-1R） than normal brain tissue. These factors activate signal transduction systems of Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akl, which promote glioma growth. OBJECTIVE： To utilize RNA interference （RNAi） technique to down-regulate FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R gene expression, and to investigate the effects of these genes on rat C6 glioma cells, as well as the feasibility of RNAi for treating glioma. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： This neurooncological, randomized, controlled, in vivo and in vitro experiment, which used RNAi methodology, was performed at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences between August 2005 and February 2008. MATERIALS： Rat C6 cell lines were purchased from Shanghai Institute of Cellular Biology Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences. Small interfering RNA （siRNA） was synthesized by Shanghai GenePharma. Anti-IGF-1, anti-IGF-1R, anti-FGF-2, anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG G1-HRP antibodies were provided by Santa Cruz Biotechnology, USA. Four to six week-old BALB/c nude mice were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. METHODS： C6 glioma cells were transfected with siRNA, which was chemically synthesized in vitro to correspond to endogenous FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R genes. The inhibition ratio of targeting mRNA expression was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. C6 glioma cell proliferation was observed using a growth curve C6 glioma cell apoptosis rate and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. C6 glioma cell growth regression was observed by transwell migration assay. In addition, nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models were used in this study. For studying the anti-tumor effects of IGF-1 and IGF-1R siRNA, two blank control groups, with six mice each, were set up： A （2.5 μg siRNA was injected one week after C6 cells were inoculated, Le., when tumor volume reached 8 mm × 8 mm） and B （siRNA was injected at the same time with C6 cells were inoculated. To study the effects of FGF-2 siRNA, the groups consisted of a blank control group, negative control group, 2.6 μg siRNA group, 4 μg siRNA group, and 5.3 μg siRNA group, with six mice each. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： mRNA and protein inhibition ratio of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1 R; C6 glioma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle growth arrest; C6 glioma cell growth regression and subcutaneous tumorigenicity rates. RESULTS： All siRNA constructs proved to be effective. After 48 hours, transfection of 200 nmol/L siRNA resulted in a FGF-2 or IGF-1R gene inhibition ratio 〉 80% and an IGF-1 gene inhibition ratio of approximately 70%. Protein expression levels for FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R decreased in a dose-dependent manner following siRNA transfection, with an inhibition rate 〉 85%, 60%, and 50%, respectively. C6 glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis rates increased in proportion to siRNA. The apoptosis rate of C6 glioma cells induced by FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R siRNA was 39.96%, 15.07% and 22.47%, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. Transfection of 200 nmol/L IGF or IGF-1R siRNA for 48 hours suppressed C6 glioma cell migration. At 30 days after intratumoral injection of 2.6, 4, and 5.3 tJg FGF-2 siRNA, tumor growth regression rate of FGF-2 siRNA was 56%, 67%, and 86%, respectively. The tumor growth regression rate was 71.88% and 45.71%, respectively, when IGF-1 or IGF-1R siRNA was intratumorally injected 1 week after C6 glioma cell transplantation. When IGF-1 or IGF-1 R siRNA was intratumorally injected during C6 glioma cell transplantation, the tumor growth regression rate was 78.13% and 74.29%, respectively. CONCLUSION： siRNA transfection downregulated gene expression of FGF-2, IGF-1, and IGF-1R In addition, siRNA treatment markedly suppressed glioma cell proliferation, growth, and migration, and concomitantly reduced subcutaneous tumorigenicity.

Phosphatase and tensin homology deleted in chromosome 10,hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha gene expression in colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma and their relation to vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression

To examine phosphatase and tensin homology deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN),hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) gene expressions and their relation to vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) protein expression in the patients with human colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas.Methods The expression of PTEN,HIF-1 alpha gene was detected by using in situ hybridization,and the VEGF expression levels by immunohistochemistry in colorectal adenomas and primary colorectal adenocarcinoma.Results Strong expression of HIF-1 alpha was detectable in the majority of colorectal dadenocarcinoma,particularly surrounding areas of necrosis in adenocarcinoma.PTEN,HIF-1 alpha mRNA and VEGF protein were positive in 51.6%,67.7% and 59.7% respectively in 62 cases of adenocarcinomas,and 77.8%,44.4% and 33.3% respectively in 18 cases of adenomas.The positive rate of VEGF was higher in the patients with colorectal adenocarcinomas than that in those with adenomas,whereas that of PTEN mRNA was contrary.HIF-1 mRNA expression was correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis,liver metastasis,Duke’s stage and recurrence.During colorectal tumor progression,the expression of HIF-1 alpha mRNA was positively correlated with the VEGF protein expression (χ2= 4.751 ,P<0.05),but negatively with the PTEN mRNA expression(χ2=21.84,P<0.01).Conclusion The absence or low expression of PTEN and the increased levels of HIF-1α and VEGF may paly an important role in carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal carcinoma.These results suggest that VEGF upregulated by HIF-1 alpha gene may be involved in angiogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.4 refs,1 tab.

前列腺增生术后尿路感染患者FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB变化及其临床意义

【目的】探讨前列腺增生(BPH)术后尿路感染患者成纤维细胞生长因子10(FGF10)、中性粒细胞/淋巴细胞比值(NLR)、C反应蛋白(CRP)/白蛋白(ALB)变化情况。【方法】选取2018年1月至2021年3月本院收治的164例BPH患者,均行经尿道前列腺等离子双极电切术,根据术后是否发生尿路感染将其分为感染组(n=33)和未感染组(n=131)。比较两组基线资料、手术前后FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB,分析BPH术后发生尿路感染的影响因素,评估FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB对BPH术后发生尿路感染的诊断价值。【结果】两组患者年龄、手术时间、术前预防性使用抗生素比例、术前因尿潴留行导尿术比例比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组术后1 d、3 d、5 d的FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB呈先升高后降低趋势,且均在术后3 d达到最高峰(P<0.05);感染组术后1 d、3 d、5 d的FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB高于未感染组(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、手术时间、术前预防性使用抗生素、术前因尿潴留行导尿术及术后3 d的FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB是BPH术后发生尿路感染的重要影响因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,术后3 d的FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB联合诊断BPH术后尿路感染的曲线下面积为0.913,显著优于单一指标(P<0.05)。致病菌为革兰氏阴性菌患者的FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB显著高于革兰氏阳性菌(P<0.05)。【结论】BPH术后发生尿路感染的患者FGF10、NLR、CRP/ALB增高,动态联合监测三者可为临床诊治、致病菌类型区分提供参考。

Effect of IL-10 on the expression of HSC growth factors in hepatic fibrosis rat

AIM： To study the effect of IL-10 on the expression of growth factors - transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, epidermal growth factor （EGF）, hepatocyte growth factor （HGF）and platelet-derived growth factor （PDGF） of hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） of hepatic fibrosis rat and the anti-fibrogenic role of exogenous IL-10. METHODS： Hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCI4 administration intra-peritoneally. Sixty clean male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into three groups： normal control group （GN, 8 rats）, hepatic fibrosis model group （GC, 28 rats） and IL-10 treated group （GI, 24 rats）. At the beginning of the 7^th and 11^th wk, rats in each group were routinely perfused with pronase E and type IV collagenase through a portal vein catheter and the suspension obtained from the liver was spun by centrifugation with 11% Nycodenz density gradient to isolate HSCs. Histological examination was used to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. RT-PCR was employed to analyze mRNA expression from freshly isolated cells. Immunocytochemistry was performed to detect protein expression in primary cultured HSCs. RESULTS： Rat hepatic fibrosis was developed with the increase of injection frequency of CCl4, and HSCs were successfully isolated. At the 7^th and 11^th wk, TGF-β1, EGF, and HGF mRNA in GC increased obviously compared with GN （P = 0.001/0.042, 0.001/0.001, 0.001/0.001） and GI （P= 0.001/0.007, 0.002/0.001, 0.001/0.001）. For TGF-β1, no difference was observed between GI and GN. For EGF, mRNA level in GI increased compared with GN during the 7^th wk （P= 0.005） and 11^th wk （P= 0.049）. For HGF, mRNA level in GI decreased compared with GN at the 7^th wk （P = 0.001） and 11^th wk （P= 0.021）. Between these two time points, TGF-β1 expression at the 7^th wk was higher than that of the 11^th wk （P = 0.049）, but for EGF, the former was lower than the latter （P = 0.022）. As for PDGF mRNA, there was no significant difference between thesegroups, but difference seemed to exist in protein levels. Results by immunocytochemistry of TGF-β1 and EGF were paralleled with the above findings. CONCLUSION： The expression of TGF-β1, EGF and HGF increased in HSC of hepatic fibrosis rat and decreased after treatment with IL-10. IL-10 plays an anti-fibrogenic role by suppressing growth factors expression.

Growth factor-and cytokine-driven pathways governing liver stemness and differentiation

Liver is unique in its capacity to regenerate in response to injury or tissue loss. Hepatocytes and other liver cells are able to proliferate and repopulate the liver. However, when this response is impaired, the contribution of hepatic progenitors becomes very relevant. Here, we present an update of recent studies on growth factors and cytokine-driven intracellular pathways that govern liver stem/pro-genitor cell expansion and differentiation, and the rel-evance of these signals in liver development, regeneration and carcinogenesis. Tyrosine kinase receptor signaling, in particular, c-Met, epidermal growth factor receptors or fibroblast growth factor receptors, contribute to prolifera-tion, survival and differentiation of liver stem/progenitor cells. Different evidence suggests a dual role for the trans-forming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway in liver stemness and differentiation. On the one hand, TGF-βmediates progression of differentiation from a progenitor stage, but on the other hand, it contributes to the expan-sion of liver stem cells. Hedgehog family ligands are nec-essary to promote hepatoblast proliferation but need to be shut off to permit subsequent hepatoblast differentiation. In the same line, the Wnt family and β-catenin/T-cell fac-tor pathway is clearly involved in the maintenance of liver stemness phenotype, and its repression is necessary for liver differentiation during development. Collectively, data indicate that liver stem/progenitor cells follow their own rules and regulations. The same signals that are essential for their activation, expansion and differentiation are good candidates to contribute, under adequate conditions, to the paradigm of transformation from a pro-regenerative to a pro-tumorigenic role. From a clinical perspective, this is a fundamental issue for liver stem/progenitor cell-based therapies.

Relationship between transforming growth factorβ1 and antifibrotic effect of interleukin-10

AIM： To study the effect of interleukin-10 （IL-10） on the expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） in hepatic fibrosis rats and the anti-fibrotic role of exogenous IL-10. METHODS： Hepatic fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride administered （CCh） intraperitoneally. The experiment was performed in two stages. In the first stage, 60 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group I（GNI, n = 8）, hepatic fibrosis group（GC, n = 28）and IL-10 intervened group（GI, n = 24）. At the beginning of the 7^th and 11^th wk, hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） were isolated, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reation （RT-PCR） and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1 in HSCs. Histological examination was used to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. In the second stage, 47 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group 2 （GN2, n = 6）and CCh group（GZ, n = 41）. At the end of the 9th week, rats in GZ group were allocated randomly into model group（GM, n = 9）, IL-10 treatment group（GT, n = 9） and recovered group （GR, n = 9）. At the end of the 12^th week, all rats were sacrificed. RT-PCR and immuno- histochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1 in liver tissue. ELISA was used to assay serum TGF-β1 levels. RESULTS： Hepatic fibrosis developed in rats with the increase of the injection frequency of CCI4. In the first stage, hepatic fibrosis developed and HSCs were isolated successfully. At the 7^th and 11^th week, TGF-β1 mRNA in GC group increased significantly compared with that in GN1（P = 0.001/0.042） and GI groups（P = 0.001/0.007）, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups. The levels of TGF-β1 at the beginning of the 7^th wk was higher than that of the 11^th wk （P = 0.049）.Immunocytochemistry results of TGF-β1 were consistent with the above findings. In the second stage, TGF-β1 increased significantly in GM group compared to GN2. Alter treatment with IL-10, TGF-β1 declined obviously. The expression of TGF-β1 decreased in GR group but was still higher than that in GT group. CONCLUSION： The levels of TGF-β1 are increased in hepatic fibrosis rats and decreased alter treatment with exogenous IL-10. IL-10 may play an anti-fibrotic role by suppressing TGF-β1 expression.

Genetic expression of Col-2A and Col-10A as a function of administration of IGF-1 &TGF-<i>β</i>with and without anterior mandibular repositioning appliance on the growth of mandibular condylar cartilage in young rabbit

New Zealand (NZ) young rabbits with the administration of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) with and without mandibular anterior repositioning appliances are explored for the growth of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC). 32 growing NZ and rabbits were divided into 4 groups: the group with saline injection in TMJ, the group which received growth factor injection in TMJ, the group which received anterior positioning appliance and the group which received growth factors injection as well as mandibular repositioning appliance. Gene expression was studied by real-time RT-PCR and cartilage growth by histomorphometry. Administration of growth factors along with mandibular repositioning appliances has induced 1) 1.70-fold expression of Col-2Agene (p value < 0.0005) and 2) 1.47-fold expression of Col-10Agene (p value < 0.0005). In contrast, administration of only mandibular repositioning appliances induced 1) 1.28-fold expression of Col-2Agene (p value < 0.0005) and 2) merely 0.62-fold expression of Col-10Agene (p value < 0.0005), while administration of growth factors only induced 1) mere 0.56-fold expression of Col-2Agene (p value 10A gene (p value growth factors along with mandibular repositioning appliances causes an increase in genetic expressions which have been corroborated by histomorphometry and validated by statistical analysis, during an accelerated growth of mandibular condylar cartilage. Administration of growth factors in the TMJ could provide a synergistic role along with mandibular repositioning appliances for treatment of mandibular retrognathism as well as disorders on the MCC.

17β-estradiol inhibits TGF-β-induced collagen gel contraction mediated by human Tenon fibroblasts via Smads and MAPK signaling pathways

AIM:To investigate the impact of 17β-estradiol on the collagen gels contraction(CGC)and inflammation induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-βin human Tenon fibroblasts(HTFs).METHODS:HTFs were three-dimensionally cultivated in type I collagen-generated gels with or without TGF-β(5 ng/mL),17β-estradiol(12.5 to 100μmol/L),or progesterone(12.5 to 100μmol/L).Then,the collagen gel diameter was determined to assess the contraction,and the development of stress fibers was analyzed using immunofluorescence staining.Immunoblot and gelatin zymography assays were used to analyze matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMPs)being released into culture supernatants.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to detect interleukin(IL)-6,monocyte chemoattractant proteins(MCP)-1,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in HTFs at the translational and transcriptional levels.The phosphorylation levels of Sma-and Mad-related proteins(Smads),mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs),and protein kinase B(AKT)were measured by immunoblotting.Statistical analysis was performed using either the Tukey-Kramer test or Student’s unpaired t-test to compare the various treatments.RESULTS:The CGC caused by TGF-βin HTFs was significantly inhibited by 17β-estradiol(25 to 100μmol/L),and a statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the normal control group with 17β-estradiol concentrations exceeding 25μmol/L(P<0.05).The suppressive impact of 17β-estradiol became evident 24h after administration and peaked at 72h(P<0.05),whereas progesterone had no impact.Moreover,17β-estradiol attenuated the formation of stress fibers,and the production of MMP-3 and MMP-1 in HTFs stimulated by TGF-β.The expression of MCP-1,IL-6,and VEGF mRNA and protein in HTFs were suppressed by 100μmol/L 17β-estradiol(P<0.01).Additionally,the phosphorylation of Smad2 Smad3,p38,and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)were downregulated(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:17β-estradiol significantly inhibits the CGC and inflammation caused by TGF-βin HTFs.This inhibition is likely related to the suppression of stress fibers,inhibition of MMPs,and attenuation of Smads and MAPK(ERK and p38)signaling.17β-estradiol may have potential clinical benefits in preventing scar development and inflammation in the conjunctiva.

An in vivo Study of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Activation and Proliferation of Retinal Progenitor Cells in RCS Rat

Purpose: To investigate the effect of intravitreal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) on activation and proliferation of endogenous retinal progenitor cells in the Royal College of Surgeons(RCS) rat. Methods: Twenty-four rats were studied after the 30th postnatal day(≥30). Eighteen RCS-p+/LAV rats were divided into 3 groups: bFGF-treated, vehicle-treated and untreated groups randomly, and 6 RCS-ray+p+/Lav respectively rats were used as normal controls. 6 μl of bFGF (5 μg/10 μl) or vehicle was injected into the vitreous on day 31, 33 and 35 after birth (P31, P33, P35) in the bFGF group and vehicle group respectively, and no injections were administered in the untreated and control groups. All the rats were euthanized, and their eyes were enucleated, hemisected and fixed at 50 d ays after birth for immunohistochemistry and measurement of outer nuclear layer thickness. Results:Nestin and Chx10 were positive in all retinal layers, intravitreal injection of bFGF in retina-dystrophic RCS(RCS-p+/Lav) rats induced intense labeling for the retinal progenitor cell markers Chx10 and Nestin, which were highly colocalized. Fluorescence intensity for both labels was somewhat less in the control rats, and much less in the vehicle-injected rats as well as in the untreated RCS rats. The outer nuclear layer(ONL) was significantly thicker in bFGF group than that in vehicle-treated or untreated group(P<0.01), but thinner than that of the control group(P<0.01). No significant difference was observed in the ONL thickness between the vehicle group and untreated group(P>0.05). Conclusion:bFGF may contribute to the activation of retinal progenitor cells in RCS rats,thus counteract degeneration by promoting the proliferation of the progenitor cells.

心房颤动患者血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21检测对左心房血栓形成的预测价值

目的观察心房颤动患者血清白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、可溶性白细胞分化抗原14(sCD14)、成纤维细胞生长因子-21(FGF-21)水平,并探究其对左心房血栓形成的预测价值。方法选取2020年8月至2021年8月上海市浦东新区人民医院收治的86例心房颤动患者作为观察组,另选取60例健康体检者作为对照组。比较两组受检者的血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21水平,以及观察组中发生与未发生左心房血栓患者的临床资料、超声心动图指标和血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21水平,采用Logistic回归分析心房颤动患者左心房血栓形成影响因素,采用Pearson相关系数模型分析血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21水平与超声心动图指标的相关性,采用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)评价血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21水平对心房颤动患者左心房血栓形成的预测价值。结果观察组患者的血清IL-10水平为(18.74±5.32)pg/mL,明显低于对照组的(25.87±7.49)pg/mL,sCD14、FGF-21水平分别为(12.58±4.17)mg/L、(224.15±28.76)pg/mL,明显高于对照组的(4.82±1.23)mg/L、(145.16±13.94)pg/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);发生左心房血栓患者的左心房内径(LAD)、sCD14、FGF-21水平分别为(44.56±6.13)mm、(16.94±4.06)mg/L、(250.87±32.77)pg/mL,明显高于未发生患者的(39.12±4.98)mm、(11.66±2.98)mg/L、(218.50±25.69)pg/mL,IL-10水平为(15.26±4.12)pg/mL,明显低于未发生患者的(19.48±5.94)pg/mL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);经Logistic回归分析结果显示,LAD及血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21均为心房颤动患者左心房血栓形成的影响因素(P<0.05);经Pearson相关系数模型分析结果显示,心房颤动患者血清IL-10与超声心动图指标LAD呈负相关(r=-0.809,P<0.05),sCD14、FGF-21水平与超声心动图指标LAD呈正相关(r=0.772、0.832,P<0.05);血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21联合预测心房颤动患者左心房血栓形成的曲线下面积(AUC)值大于单独指标(P<0.05)。结论心房颤动患者血清IL-10、sCD14、FGF-21水平异常,联合检测其水平可预测患者左心房血栓形成,为临床工作提供参考依据。

成纤维细胞生长因子10在寻常型银屑病皮损中的检测

目的检测成纤维细胞生长因子10(FGF10)在寻常型银屑病皮损中的水平,探讨其与银屑病发病的关系。方法应用免疫组化法检测了FGF10在22例寻常型银屑病皮损、非皮损中的分布。以20例正常皮肤为正常对照。结果寻常型银屑病皮损、非皮损中FGF10的阳性检测结果均明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论银屑病皮损中FGF10阳性的检测结果可能与银屑病的发病有关。

成纤维细胞生长因子10mRNA在寻常型银屑病皮损中的表达

目的:研究成纤维细胞生长因子10mRNA在寻常型银屑病皮损中的表达,探讨其在银屑病发病中的作用机制.方法:应用原位杂交法检测FGF10mRNA在22例正常皮肤组织、银屑病皮损和未受累皮肤中的表达和分布.结果:原位杂交法检测发现,在22例正常皮肤组织、银屑病皮损和未受累皮肤表皮的全层或表皮中下层可见FGF10mRNA表达(95%);在正常皮肤表皮的基底层或少量细胞内可见FGF10mRNA的表达(5%);在寻常型银屑病非皮损表皮的中下层或个别细胞内可见FGF10mRNA的表达(82%).寻常型银屑病皮损表皮中FGF10mRNA的表达明显高于正常对照组(P<0.05).结论:FGF10mRNA在银屑病发病早期阶段的表达增高可能与银屑病的早期发病有关.

小鼠发育期卵巢成纤维细胞生长因子10的表达

目的研究小鼠卵巢发育期成纤维细胞生长因子10(FGF10)的表达。方法分离孕E14.5、E16.5、E18.5、生后第1天和3周龄小鼠卵巢,每组实验动物6只,应用免疫组织化学技术研究FGF10蛋白在卵巢中的表达;3周龄小鼠腹腔注射孕马血清促性腺激素(PMSG)48h后,再注射人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG),hCG注射后3h提取总mRNA,应用RT-PCR技术研究卵巢中FGF10、黄体生成素受体(LHR)、成纤维细胞生长因子7(FGF7)和成纤维细胞生长因子受体2Ⅲb(FGFR2Ⅲb)基因的表达变化。结果 FGF10蛋白表达于卵母细胞,并且FGF10在生后第1天小鼠的卵母细胞上表达最强;两种促性腺激素处理后,FGF10 mRNA与对照组相比表达下降,LHR mRNA表达升高,FGF7和FGFR2Ⅲb mRNA表达不变。结论 FGF10蛋白特异表达于小鼠卵母细胞膜,促性腺激素影响卵巢FGF10 mRNA的表达,推测FGF10可能参与调控小鼠卵母细胞的生长和卵泡发育。