The Combined Effect of Lumenato and Ceramide in the Protection of Collagen Damage Induced by Neutrophils in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Introduction: Collagen is the primary structural protein fibroblasts produce in the skin’s extracellular matrix. Infiltration of neutrophils into the epidermis and dermis by exposure to UV causes collagen damage and contributes to photoaging. Methods: To study the combined effect of Lumenato and ceramide in preventing collagen-1 damage induced by phagocytes, we used co-cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts (fibroblasts) and activated human neutrophils. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of the combination of Lumenato and ceramide on fibroblast collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils. Results: Lumenato (in the range of 6.5 - 208 μg/ml) or ceramide (in the range of 0.1 - 50 μM) inhibited the production of superoxides and MPO by TNFα-stimulated neutrophils, as well as the production of NO by LPS-stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of Lumenato and ceramide, in low concentrations, caused synergistic prevention of fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by TNFα-activated neutrophils, detected by fluorescence immunostaining and WB analysis. MPO activity in the supernatants of the co-cultures was also synergistically inhibited. Adding Lumenato or ceramide singly or in combinations in these low concentrations to the fibroblast cultures did not affect the expression of collagen-1. The combinations of Lumenato or ceramide in these concentrations also caused a synergistic inhibition of NO production by activated macrophages. Conclusions: The results suggest that combining low concentrations of Lumenato and ceramide results in synergistic protection against fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils, thus indicating their possible potential for enhanced skin health.

Lysine demethylase 5B transcriptionally regulates TREM1 in human cardiac fibroblasts

Background:A differential gene,triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM1),was identified in blood sequencing datasets from myocardial infarction patients and healthy controls.Myocardialfibrosis following myocardial infarction significantly contributes to cardiac dysfunction.Objectives:This study aimed to unveil the intrinsic regulatory mechanism of TREM1 in myocardialfibrosis.Methods:Mimicking pathology by angiotensin II(Ang II)treatment of human cardiacfibroblasts(HCFs),the impacts of TREM1 knockdown on its proliferation,migration,and secretion of the pro-fibrotic matrix were identified.Using the Human Transcription Factor Database(HumanTFDB)website,lysine-specific demethylase 5B(KDM5B)was found to bind to the TREM1 promoter,which was further validated through luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP).By promoting KDM5B overexpression,its effect on the regulation of TREM1 was examined.Results:TREM1 knockdown suppressed the proliferation,migration,and secretion of the pro-fibrotic matrix in HCFs upon Ang II treatment.KDM5B bound to the TREM1 promoter and upregulated its transcriptional expression.Furthermore,KDM5B overexpression reversed the regulation of the above cellular phenotypes by TREM1 knockdown.Conclusion:This study sheds light on the positive regulation of TREM1 by KDM5B,demonstrating their role in promoting myocardialfibrosis.Thisfinding provides a theoretical foundation for understanding disease pathology and potentially advancing the development of new targeted therapies.

Resveratrol inhibits pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis by depleting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer,a formidable gastrointestinal neoplasm,is characterized by its insidious onset,rapid progression,and resistance to treatment,which often lead to a grim prognosis.While the complex pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer is well recognized,recent attention has focused on the oncogenic roles of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts.However,their precise role in pancreatic cancer remains unknown.Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol known for its multifaceted biological actions,including antioxidative and neuroprotective properties,as well as its potential to inhibit tumor proliferation and migration.Our current investigation builds on prior research and reveals the remarkable ability of resveratrol to inhibit pancreatic cancer proliferation and metastasis.AIM To explore the potential of resveratrol in inhibiting pancreatic cancer by targeting senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts.METHODS Immunofluorescence staining of pancreatic cancer tissues revealed prominent coexpression ofα-SMA and p16.HP-1 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry.Cells were treated with the senescence-inducing factors known as 3CKs.Long-term growth assays confirmed that 3CKs significantly decreased the CAF growth rate.Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression levels of p16 and p21.Immunofluorescence was performed to assess LaminB1 expression.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the levels of several senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors,including IL-4,IL-6,IL-8,IL-13,MMP-2,MMP-9,CXCL1,and CXCL12.A scratch assay was used to assess the migratory capacity of the cells,whereas Transwell assays were used to evaluate their invasive potential.RESULTS Specifically,we identified the presence of senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts within pancreatic cancer tissues,linking their abundance to cancer progression.Intriguingly,Resveratrol effectively eradicated these fibroblasts and hindered their senescence,which consequently impeded pancreatic cancer progression.CONCLUSION This groundbreaking discovery reinforces Resveratrol's stature as a potential antitumor agent and positions senescent tumor-associated fibroblasts as pivotal contenders in future therapeutic strategies against pancreatic cancer.

CRABP2 regulates infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune response in melanoma

Finding biomarkers for immunotherapy is an urgent issue in cancer treatment.Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2(CRABP2)is a controversial factor in the occurrence and development of human tumors.However,there is limited research on the relationship between CRABP2 and immunotherapy response.This study found that negative correlations of CRABP2 and immune checkpoint markers(PD-1,PD-L1,and CTLA-4)were observed in breast invasive carcinoma(BRCA),skin cutaneous melanoma(SKCM),stomach adenocarcinoma(STAD)and testicular germ cell tumors(TGCT).In particular,in SKCM patients who were treated with PD-1 inhibitors,high levels of CRABP2 predicted poor prognosis.Additionally,CRABP2 expression was elevated in cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)at the single-cell level.The expression of CRABP2 was positively correlated with markers of CAFs,such as MFAP5,PDPN,ITGA11,PDGFRα/βand THY1 in SKCM.To validate the tumor-promoting effect of CRABP2 in vivo,SKCM xenograft mice models with CRABP2 overexpression have been constructed.These models showed an increase in tumor weight and volume.Enrichment analysis indicated that CRABP2 may be involved in immunerelated pathways of SKCM,such as extracellular matrix(ECM)receptor interaction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).The study suggests that CRABP2 may regulate immunotherapy in SKCM patients by influencing infiltration of CAFs.In conclusion,this study provides new insights into the role of CRABP2 in immunotherapy response.The findings suggest that CRABP2 may be a promising biomarker for PD-1 inhibitors in SKCM patients.Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to explore the clinical implications of CRABP2 in immunotherapy.

Effects of Serum Concentration, Synchronization Time and Confluence on the Cell-Cycle Synchronization Efficiency of Goat Fibroblasts

This study aims to evaluate the effect of serum concentration, synchronization time, and confluence degree on the synchronisation efficiency of goat fibroblast cycle. The results indicated that there was no difference in the percentage of nucleated fibroblasts in the G0/G1 stage between serum concentrations of 0.3% and 0.4% (83.89% and 82.69%, respectively, P > 0.05) as well as between serum concentrations of 0.2% and 0.5% (76.95% and 75.46%, respectively, P > 0.05). The percentage of nucleated fibroblasts in the G0/G1 stage was highest at the concentration of 0.3% and lowest in the control group (83.89% vs. 62.67%, P 0.05). The beneficial effect of high confluence was confirmed by the large percentage of nucleated fibroblasts at the G0/G1 stage. The 60% confluency was significantly lower than the 80% and 100% confluency (73.44%, 86.63%, and 87.17%, respectively, P < 0.05). The results indicate that the goat fibroblast cycle synchronization is the most effective at the serum concentration of 0.3%, 72 hours of synchronization and 100% confluency.

Impact of STAT-signaling pathway on cancer-associated fibroblasts in colorectal cancer and its role in immunosuppression

Colorectal cancer(CRC)remains one of the most commonly diagnosed and deadliest types of cancer worldwide.CRC displays a desmoplastic reaction(DR)that has been inversely associated with poor prognosis;less DR is associated with a better prognosis.This reaction generates excessive connective tissue,in which cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)are critical cells that form a part of the tumor microenvironment.CAFs are directly involved in tumorigenesis through different mechanisms.However,their role in immunosuppression in CRC is not well understood,and the precise role of signal transducers and activators of transcription(STATs)in mediating CAF activity in CRC remains unclear.Among the myriad chemical and biological factors that affect CAFs,different cytokines mediate their function by activating STAT signaling pathways.Thus,the harmful effects of CAFs in favoring tumor growth and invasion may be modulated using STAT inhibitors.Here,we analyze the impact of different STATs on CAF activity and their immunoregulatory role.

Exosomes from umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells promote the collagen production of fibroblasts from pelvic organ prolapse

BACKGROUND Pelvic organ prolapse(POP)involves pelvic organ herniation into the vagina due to pelvic floor tissue laxity,and vaginal structure is an essential factor.In POP,the vaginal walls exhibit abnormal collagen distribution and decreased fibroblast levels and functions.The intricate etiology of POP and the prohibition of trans-vaginal meshes in pelvic reconstruction surgery present challenges in targeted therapy development.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells(hucMSCs)present limitations,but their exosomes(hucMSC-Exo)are promising therapeutic tools for promoting fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling.suppressed inflammation in POP group fibroblasts,stimulated primary fibroblast growth,and elevated collagen I(Col1)production in vitro.High-throughput RNA-seq of fibroblasts treated with hucMSC-Exo and miRNA sequencing of hucMSC-Exo revealed that abundant exosomal miRNAs downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 11(MMP11)expression.CONCLUSION HucMSC-Exo normalized the growth and function of primary fibroblasts from patients with POP by promoting cell growth and Col1 expression in vitro.Abundant miRNAs in hucMSC-Exo targeted and downregulated MMP11 expression.HucMSC-Exo-based therapy may be ideal for safely and effectively treating POP.

Carbon Fiber Breakage Mechanism in Aluminum(Al)/Carbon Fibers(CFs) Composite Sheet during Accumulative Roll Bonding(ARB) Process

We put forward a method of fabricating Aluminum(Al)/carbon fibers(CFs) composite sheets by the accumulative roll bonding(ARB) method. The finished Al/CFs composite sheet has CFs and pure Al sheets as sandwich and surface layers. After cross-section observation of the Al/CFs composite sheet, we found that the CFs discretely distributed within the sandwich layer. Besides, the tensile test showed that the contribution of the sandwich CFs layer to tensile strength was less than 11% compared with annealed pure Al sheet. With ex-situ observation of the CFs breakage evolution with-16%,-32%, and-45% rolling reduction during the ARB process, the plastic instability of the Al layer was found to bring shear damages to the CFs. At last, the bridging strengthening mechanism introduced by CFs was sacrificed. We provide new insight into and instruction on Al/CFs composite sheet preparation method and processing parameters.

GA-CFS结合案例推理的轴承故障诊断

针对轴承故障诊断中知识难以获取的问题,提出了一种GA-CFS(Genetic Algorithm and Correlation-Based Feature Selection,GA-CFS)结合案例推理的轴承故障诊断方法。利用案例推理技术(Case-Based Reasoning,CBR)建立轴承故障案例库进行故障诊断。又针对案例推理技术中案例检索时遇到的属性冗余问题,以及难以人工确定关键属性及其权重的问题,采取GA-CFS方法对属性集合进行筛选,初步确定特征子集,再根据遗传算法确定各个子集中的特征的权重,最后根据特征子集及其权重选取符合要求的最佳特征子集,再用该特征子集构建轴承故障案例库,并通过实验验证了该方法的可行性。

基于非分裂CFS-PML边界条件的频散介质GPR时域有限元模拟

通过数值模拟研究探地雷达(GPR)高频电磁波在频散介质中的传播规律,对提高实测资料的解释精度具有重要意义.复频移完全匹配层边界条件(CFS-PML)以其优越的吸收特性被广泛用于一阶电磁波动方程的GPR时域有限差分数值模拟中,其实现过程大都涉及电磁场的卷积计算,辅助变量较多,降低计算效率.为此,本文从复拉伸坐标系下的Debye频散介质电磁波动方程出发,通过合理构造辅助微分方程,推导了二阶Debye频散介质电磁波动方程的非分裂CFS-PML边界条件实现公式,避免了电磁波场的分裂和卷积计算.在此基础上,利用Galerkin法和Newmark-β差分法推导了基于非分裂CFS-PML边界条件的GPR有限元方程及其时域差分离散格式.两个GPR模型的模拟结果表明:本文提出的基于辅助微分方程的非分裂CFS-PML边界条件实现方法可有效地吸收大角度入射的低频虚假反射波,提高模拟精度;相比于非频散介质,高频电磁波在频散介质中传播衰减更强、子波持续时间增大、分辨率和传播速度降低、直达波和反射波的主频更小,分析结果有助于提高实测GPR资料的解译精度.

基于RKADE-SS-FDTD方法的无条件稳定高阶CFS-PML算法

为了提升完全匹配层(PML)算法的吸收效果,提出了一种用于截断非磁化等离子体的高阶复频率偏移PML(HO-CFS-PML)算法。该算法将龙格-库塔辅助微分方程(RKADE)算法和分裂步时域有限差分(SS-FDTD)算法相结合,来对非磁化等离子体进行仿真。在计算域边界处,引入了由辅助微分方程(ADE)算法实现的HO-CFS-PML用于截断开放区域中的等离子体,并通过一个数值算例进行模拟。结果表明:所提出的HO-RKADE-SS-CFS-PML算法在柯朗-弗里德里希斯-列维(CFL)数(CFLN)为8时,相比于传统CFS-PML算法,时间减少率可以达到79.2%,证明了该算法能够有效地消除柯朗-弗里德里希斯-列维(CFL)稳定性条件的约束,大大节省了计算时间;此外,HO-RKADE-SS-CFS-PML算法的最大相对反射误差可以达到-115 dB,明显小于其他算法的相对反射误差,并且随着CFLN的增大,该算法不会像RKADE-ADI-CFS-PML算法那样产生明显的误差增大现象,证明本文算法在大时间步长下拥有比其他算法更好的吸收电磁波的能力。

Calcitriol Suppressed Isoproterenol-induced Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblasts via Integrinβ3/FAK/Akt Pathway

Objective Cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition are important features of cardiac fibrosis.Various studies have indicated that vitamin D displays an anti-fibrotic property in chronic heart diseases.This study explored the role of vitamin D in the growth of CFs via an integrin signaling pathway.Methods MTT and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assays were performed to determine cell viability.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and integrin signaling pathway.The fibronectin was observed by ELISA.Immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the expression of integrinβ3.Results The PCNA expression in the CFs was enhanced after isoproterenol(ISO)stimulation accompanied by an elevated expression of integrin beta-3(β3).The blockade of the integrinβ3 with a specific integrinβ3 antibody reduced the PCNA expression induced by the ISO.Decreasing the integrinβ3 by siRNA reduced the ISO-triggered phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Both the FAK inhibitor and Akt inhibitor suppressed the PCNA expression induced by the ISO in the CFs.Calcitriol(CAL),an active form of vitamin D,attenuated the ISO-induced CFs proliferation by downregulating the integrinβ3 expression,and phosphorylation of FAK and Akt.Moreover,CAL reduced the increased levels of fibronectin and hydroxyproline in the CFs culture medium triggered by the ISO.The administration of calcitriol decreased the integrinβ3 expression in the ISO-induced myocardial injury model.Conclusion These findings revealed a novel role for CAL in suppressing the CFs growth by the downregulation of the integrinβ3/FAK/Akt pathway.

CFS预处理对不同秸秆原料酶解和理化结构的影响

高铁酸钾复合液(CFS)是制备高铁酸钾的剩余滤液,其含有大量碱(OH^(-))和氧化剂(ClO^(-)和Fe^(6+)),具有破坏木质纤维素顽固结构、提升酶解效率的潜力。为实现秸秆的资源化利用与高铁酸钾制备废液的再利用,以山西储量丰富的玉米秸秆(CS)、高粱秸秆(SS)和谷子秸秆(MS)为原料,采用CFS进行预处理,对比3种秸秆的酶解糖化率,分析秸秆的理化结构变化。结果表明,CFS预处理中碱和氧化剂共同参与了3种秸秆的降解,促进了酶解糖化率;在最佳预处理时间24 h下,CS、SS和MS的还原糖产量分别较对照提高252.77%、236.39%、216.66%,其中CS的酶解效率最高;组分分析表明,CFS处理能有效去除3种秸秆中木质素成分,增加纤维素相对含量,进而有利于纤维素酶的可及性;结构分析显示,CFS处理后,3种秸秆的理化结构发生了不同程度变化,粗糙度增加,官能团发生断裂,纤维结晶度升高,热稳定性变差。在3种秸秆中,CS结构变化最明显,更有利于被生物转化。综上,CFS预处理可改变作物秸秆的理化结构,破坏其致密结构,促进后续酶解效率,是一种理想的预处理技术。

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.

In vitro antioxidant and wound healing activity of Sargassum polycystum hydroethanolic extract in fibroblasts and keratinocytes

Objective:To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and wound healing properties of the hydroethanolic extract of Sargassum polycystum,and elucidate the mechanism of its wound healing activity.Methods:Human dermal fibroblast and HaCaT cells were used to evaluate the proliferation by sulforhodamine B and dsDNA assay after treatment with Sargassum polycystum extracts.Scratch wound healing and phalloidin-rhodamine staining were employed to observe migratory activity and filopodia formation,respectively.Western blot and real-time RT-PCR assays were performed to determine the protein and gene expressions related to wound healing activities.Results:The phytochemical analysis found a higher level of flavonoid than phenolic compound in Sargassum polycystum extracts.In human dermal fibroblast cells,Sargassum polycystum extracts at 50 and 100μg/mL significantly increased fibroblast proliferation and the gene expressions of hyaluronic acid synthase 1(HAS1),HAS2,HAS3,collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain(COL1A1),collagen type 3 alpha 1 chain(COL3A1),and elastin.The phosphorylation of Akt,ERK1/2,and p38 MAPK was also significantly upregulated after treatment with Sargassum polycystum extracts.Additionally,50 and 100μg/mL of the extracts prominently enhanced the proliferation,migration,and filopodia formation of HaCaT cells,as well as the protein levels of pFAK/FAK,pSrc/Src,pAkt/Akt,pERK1/2/ERK1/2,Rac1 and Cdc42.Conclusions:Sargassum polycystum extracts show promising wound healing activities in human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Effects of areca nut consumption on cell differentiation of osteoblasts, myoblasts, and fibroblasts

Areca nut is used worldwide as a hallucinogenic addicting drug along the tropical belt.Arecoline,a toxic compound,is the most important alkaloid in areca nuts.The adverse effects of oral uptake and chewing of areca nut are well known.For example,the possibility of cancer caused by chewing areca nuts is widely discussed.Chewing areca nut has other adverse effects on other organs,including abnormal cell differentiation,oral cancer,and several other diseases.The use of areca nut is also associated with low birthweight.Skeletal musculature is the largest organ in the body and is attached to the bones.During embryo development,the differentiation of bone and muscle cells is critical.In this article,we reviewed the effects of areca nut and arecoline on embryonic cell differentiation,particularly osteoblasts,myoblasts,and fibroblasts.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNAs target PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to promote the activation of fibroblasts

BACKGROUND Fibroblast plays a major role in tendon-bone healing.Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)can activate fibroblasts and promote tendon-bone healing via the contained microRNAs(miRNAs).However,the underlying mechanism is not comprehensively understood.Herein,this study aimed to identify overlapped BMSC-derived exosomal miRNAs in three GSE datasets,and to verify their effects as well as mechanisms on fibroblasts.AIM To identify overlapped BMSC-derived exosomal miRNAs in three GSE datasets and verify their effects as well as mechanisms on fibroblasts.METHODS BMSC-derived exosomal miRNAs data(GSE71241,GSE153752,and GSE85341)were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.The candidate miRNAs were obtained by the intersection of three data sets.TargetScan was used to predict potential target genes for the candidate miRNAs.Functional and pathway analyses were conducted using the Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)databases,respectively,by processing data with the Metascape.Highly interconnected genes in the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network were analyzed using Cytoscape software.Bromodeoxyuridine,wound healing assay,collagen contraction assay and the expression of COL I andα-smooth muscle actin positive were applied to investigate the cell proliferation,migration and collagen synthesis.Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was applied to determine the cell fibroblastic,tenogenic,and chondrogenic potential.RESULTS Bioinformatics analyses found two BMSC-derived exosomal miRNAs,has-miR-144-3p and hasmiR-23b-3p,were overlapped in three GSE datasets.PPI network analysis and functional enrichment analyses in the GO and KEGG databases indicated that both miRNAs regulated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN).In vitro experiments confirmed that miR-144-3p and miR-23b-3p stimulated proliferation,migration and collagen synthesis of NIH3T3 fibroblasts.Interfering with PTEN affected the phosphorylation of Akt and thus activated fibroblasts.Inhibition of PTEN also promoted the fibroblastic,tenogenic,and chondrogenic potential of NIH3T3 fibroblasts.CONCLUSION BMSC-derived exosomes promote fibroblast activation possibly through the PTEN and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways,which may serve as potential targets to further promote tendon-bone healing.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts of colorectal cancer: Translationalprospects in liquid biopsy and targeted therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern. Accumulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs) in CRC is associated with poor prognosis and disease recurrence. CAFs are the main cellular component ofthe tumor microenvironment. CAF-tumor cell interplay, which is facilitated by various secretomes, drives colorectalcarcinogenesis. The complexity of CAF populations contributes to the heterogeneity of CRC and influences patientsurvival and treatment response. Due to their significant roles in colorectal carcinogenesis, different clinicalapplications utilizing or targeting CAFs have been suggested. Circulating CAFs (cCAFs) which can be detected inblood samples, have been proposed to help in determining patient prognosis and enables the detection of cancerthrough liquid biopsy. Liquid biopsy is gaining traction as it is non-invasive, allows frequent and easy sampling, andshows concordance to tissue biopsy analysis. In addition, CAF-targeted therapy is currently being studied extensivelyto be used as one of the treatment avenues for CRC. Various mechanisms of CAF-targeted therapy have beenreported, including blocking the signaling pathways involving CAFs and cancer cells, thus abolishing the CAF-tumorcell crosstalk and subsequently hindering tumorigenesis. These translational applications of cCAFs and utilization ofCAFs as key targets for CRC therapy, although still in the early phases of development, will potentially improve CRCpatient management in the future.

METTL14 upregulates m6A modification of pri‑miR‑141 inhibiting ZEB1 to promote proliferation and inflammation of lung fibroblasts

Objective: To explore whether METTL14 is involved in regulating the fibroblast proliferation and inflammatory cytokine secretion by regulating the m6A modification of pri‑miR‑141. Methods: MRC‑5 cells were transfected via METTL14 overexpression lentivirus to increase METTL14 expression. Levels of METTL14 and ZEB1 were measured by qPCR and western blot. The effect of METTL14 on MRC‑5 proliferation and apoptosis was determined by CCK‑8 and flow cytometry, respectively. The ELISA kits of IL‑2, IL6 and TNF‑α were used to detect the effect of METTL14 on MRC‑5 inflammatory secretion. m6A modification site on pri‑miR‑141 was detected by meRIP. The binding site between pri‑miR‑141 and METTL14 was determined by RIP. Results: We successfully upregulated METTL14 expression in MRC‑5 cells. Elevated METTL14 promoted MRC‑5 cell proliferation, suppressed its apoptosis and promoted inflammatory factors secretion in MRC‑5 cells. pri‑miR‑141 had m6A modification sites. pri‑miR‑141 can directly bind to METTL14. METTL14 upregulation increased miR‑141 while suppressed ZEB1 expression. Conclusion: METTL14 can promote the expression of miR‑141 by increasing the m6A modification site of pri‑miR‑141, and inhibit ZEB1, thereby promoting the proliferation of fibroblasts and the secretion of inflammatory factors.

盐酸青藤碱诱导黏连性膝关节强直家兔成纤维细胞凋亡的机制研究

目的观察盐酸青藤碱对膝关节黏连强直的家兔成纤维细胞增殖和相关基因表达的影响,并进一步尝试探讨其对抗膝关节黏连强直的作用机制。方法以体外培养法培养成纤维细胞,并设对照组、盐酸青藤碱低中高浓度实验组。CCK-8法检测成纤维细胞增殖的情况;实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real-time quantitative PCR,RT-qPCR)法检测经过盐酸青藤碱处理后,成纤维细胞相关基因mRNA表达的改变,用ELISA法检测药物的作用对血清中炎症因子等水平的影响,蛋白质印迹法(Western blot)检测相关蛋白质的表达。结果盐酸青藤碱能降低成纤维细胞存活率,且随浓度升高存活率逐渐降低。盐酸青藤碱中各个组的效果均十分明显(P<0.05)。在相关基因的mRNA表达层面,与对照组比较,盐酸青藤碱各组炎症因子均显著下调(P<0.05),凋亡蛋白的表达量显著上升、Bcl-2的mRNA表达量下降(P<0.05),而PI3K/mTOR/AKT3信号通路分子的mRNA表达量均下降(P<0.05)。在蛋白质表达层面,与对照组相比较,中、高剂量盐酸青藤碱组血清中炎症因子IL-6、IL-8、IL-1β、TGF-β的水平均明显下调(P<0.05),凋亡蛋白cleaved-PARP、cleaved caspase-3/7及Bax的表达量均上调,并且与给药剂量成正相关,而抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2、PI3K/AKT3/mTOR信号通路的表达量则与给药剂量成负相关。盐酸青藤碱对家兔膝关节成纤维细胞的存活表现为显著的抑制作用,作用机制或与下调炎症因子IL-6、IL-8、IL-1β的表达,并促进凋亡蛋白cleaved-PARP、cleaved caspase-3/7及Bax的表达,抑制Bcl-2的表达,抑制其下游PI3K/AKT3/mTOR信号通路的基因表达有关。结论盐酸青藤碱可抑制黏连性膝关节强直家兔膝关节成纤维细胞的炎症反应和加速成纤维细胞的凋亡,或可通过该机制为改善和治疗黏连性膝关节强直提供新的方法。