Lidocaine-Induced Cell Growth of Human Gingival Fibroblasts. Role of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase and PKC Activities

Background: Evidences have shown that local anaesthetics are clinically useful compounds that exert a pharmacological effect by blocking nerve impulse propagation and also it is able to provoke proliferation and cell growth. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the proliferation and cell growth capacity of lidocaine on human gingival fibroblast cells and the different signal pathways involved in its effect. Method: For this purpose in vitro cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were assayed and the effects of lidocaine on proliferation and cell DNA synthesis, Na+-K+-ATPase and PKC activities and K+ efflux were also evaluated. Results: Lidocaine stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner proliferation and cell growth of human gingival cells and the mechanism involve an increment in Na+-K+-ATPase and PKC activities, which led to an increase in K+ release. All of these effects were blocked by tetrodotoxin, ouabain and calphostin C. In addition, PMA (activator of PKC) increased per se the DNA synthesis of human gingival fibroblast cells. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that lidocaine increase human gingival fibroblasts DNA synthesis and proliferation through an activation of PKC pathway accompanied by the stimulation of Na+-K+-ATPase activity with an increase in K+ efflux. These results contribute to showing another action of lidocaine different to its general use as a drug that relieves odontologic pain or acts as an anti-arrithmogenic agent.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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。

miR-let-7d-HMGA2通路调控缺氧诱导的类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维样细胞增殖

目的 研究缺氧在类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)滑膜成纤维样细胞(fibroblast-like synoviocytes,FLS)增殖中的作用及机制。方法 采用HE染色法检测RA和对照骨关节炎(osteoarthritis,OA)滑膜组织FLS增生情况。分离原代RA-FLS并采用流式细胞术鉴定;将RA-FLS置于常氧(21%O_(2))或缺氧环境(3%O_(2))中培养,CCK-8法检测细胞增殖水平的变化,RT-PCR检测miR-let-7d表达的变化。通过类似物或抑制物改变miR-let-7d的表达,观察其对RA-FLS增殖、凋亡的影响;探究miR-let-7d靶基因在缺氧诱导的RA-FLS增殖中的作用。结果 FLS在RA滑膜中增生明显,在缺氧环境下RA-FLS增殖加快,miR-let-7d表达水平降低;过表达miR-let-7d抑制RA-FLS增殖,但对细胞凋亡水平无明显影响;进一步的研究证实miR-let-7d靶基因HMGA2参与缺氧诱导的RA-FLS增殖。结论 miR-let-7d-HMGA2通路调控缺氧诱导的RA-FLS增殖。

不同来源成纤维细胞对角质形成细胞再上皮化影响

目的比较人牙龈及皮肤来源成纤维细胞条件培养基对永生化角质形成细胞再上皮化作用的差异,分析成纤维细胞促进再上皮化作用的关键因子,探究牙龈来源成纤维细胞在创伤修复中的可能应用。方法分别制备人牙龈成纤维细胞(hGFs)和人真皮成纤维细胞(hDFs)条件培养基(CM),添加到人永生化角质形成细胞(Human keratinocyte cells,HaCaT)中,采用CCK-8、EdU染色检测HaCaT细胞增殖能力;细胞划痕实验、Transwell细胞迁移实验检测细胞迁移能力;通过ABplex多因子检测及酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)对hGFs、hDFs分泌的多种与创伤修复相关的生长因子、细胞因子和趋化因子进行定量分析。结果CCK-8、EdU染色、细胞划痕实验、Transwell细胞迁移实验结果表明:2种条件培养基均能显著提高HaCaT细胞的增殖及迁移能力(P<0.05),hGFs-CM对HaCaT细胞增殖和迁移能力的促进作用显著强于hDFs-CM(P<0.01);hGFs和hDFs分泌的因子有较大的差异,其中hGFs分泌的生长因子如肝细胞生长因子(HGF)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)明显多于hDFs。结论人牙龈来源成纤维细胞较人皮肤来源成纤维细胞的条件培养基对角质形成细胞的增殖和迁移能力的有更强的促进作用,可能与其旁分泌产生的因子不同有关。

干扰hsa_circ_0013958/miR-637对人瘢痕疙瘩成纤维细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响

目的:探讨环状RNA(circularRNA,circRNA)hsa_circ_0013958对人瘢痕疙瘩成纤维细胞(Humankeloid fibroblast,HKF)增殖、迁移、侵袭的影响及分子机制。方法:将人瘢痕疙瘩成纤维细胞分为si-NC组、si-hsa_circ_0013958组、miR-NC组、miR-637组、si-hsa_circ_0013958+anti-miR-NC组和si-hsa_circ_0013958+anti-miR-637组。实时荧光定量PCR(Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,RT-qPCR)试剂盒检测hsa_circ_0013958、miR-637表达;四甲基偶氮唑盐(Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium,MTT)比色法检测细胞存活率;平板克隆实验检测细胞集落形成数;Transwell检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力;双荧光素酶报告实验检测hsa_circ_0013958和miR-637的靶向关系。结果:瘢痕疙瘩组织中hsa_circ_0013958表达水平较正常皮肤组织升高,miR-637表达水平降低(P<0.05)。干扰hsa_circ_0013958表达或过表达miR-637后,HKF细胞存活率、集落形成数以及迁移、侵袭细胞数均降低(P<0.05)。hsa_circ_0013958和miR-637有靶向调控关系;抑制miR-637表达逆转了干扰hsa_circ_0013958对HKF增殖、迁移侵袭的影响。结论:干扰hsa_circ_0013958通过调控miR-637抑制人瘢痕疙瘩成纤维细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭。

甲状旁腺全切+自体移植术对肾性继发性甲状旁腺功能亢进患者骨密度的影响

目的观察甲状旁腺全切+自体移植术(total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation,tPTx+AT)对继发性甲状旁腺功能亢进(secondary hyperparathyroidism,SHPT)患者骨密度(bone mineral density,BMD)及血清可溶性Klotho(soluble Klotho,sKlotho)蛋白的影响。方法选取自2019年6月至2022年5月于安徽医科大学第二附属医院行tPTx+AT患者86例,收集患者术前人口学特征,术前及术后第5天、术后1个月、术后3个月、术后6个月、术后12个月及术后24个月的血清校正钙、磷、全段甲状旁腺激素(intact parathyroid hormone,iPTH)、碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)、成纤维细胞生长因子23(fibroblast growth factor 23,FGF23)及sKlotho蛋白,双能X线吸收法测量术前及术后(3个月、6个月、12个月及24个月)腰椎L1-L4骨密度。观察tPTx+AT术前及术后FGF23、sKlotho蛋白及骨密度的变化。结果86例患者均手术成功,术后临床症状如骨痛、皮肤瘙痒等明显改善;术后血钙、磷、iPTH、ALP及FGF23较术前均明显下降。血sKlotho在术后第5天时较术前显著下降,术后1个月时sKlotho水平较术前升高约24.5%,此后sKlotho趋于稳定。术后腰椎L1-L4骨密度增加,至术后12个月最高。进一步分析显示,透析龄、SHPT持续时间、ALP、iPTH及FGF23与术前腰椎L1-L4 Z值呈负相关,sKlotho与术前腰椎L1-L4 Z值呈正相关。结论tPTx+AT可显著改善SHPT患者临床症状,调节钙磷代谢平衡,增加sKlotho、降低FGF23水平,是提高骨密度的有效治疗手段。