Phenotypic and genetic parameter estimation of juvenile growth and bottom color traits in half-smooth tongue sole,Cynoglossus semilaevis

Half-smooth tongue sole（Cynoglossus semilaevis） is a commercially important fish species. There were no reports about accurate genetic parameters of growth traits in C. semilaevis, despite efforts aimed at the culture of this species. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to estimate the parameters for the early growth traits（total length, body depth and body weight） of C. semilaevis based on the data obtained from 80 families. The trait of fish with pure white bottom or not（named as the trait of bottom color） was also analyzed. All the heritabilities estimated for the traits were medium, which varied from 0.210 to 0.362. Genetic correlations among growth traits were highly positive, varying from 0.913 to 0.959, indicating that selection of one of the three traits would result in correlated increase in the others. Also, genetic correlations between bottom color and growth traits were positive and varying from 0.241 to 0.353, suggesting that selection for the bottom color can be utilized to enhance the selection of growth traits. In addition, fish from the top performing 16 full-sib families were selected as broodstock, based on the above analysis and the comparison of family breeding value. This research provides an important basic material to implement selective breeding in C. semilaevis.

Construction of human eukaryotic expression plasmid vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and its expression in transfected vascular smooth muscles

BACKGROUND: The highly specific vascular endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF) induces the growth of vascular en-dothelial cell. This study was to construct the eukaryoticexpression plasmid of vascular endothelial growth factorl65(VEGF165) and observe its expression in vascular smoothmuscles (VSMCs).METHODS: The primers were designed and synthesizedaccording to the gene sequences of human VEGF165. TheVEGF165 gene was obtained from umbilic artery tissue bythe method of RT-PCR, then it was cloned to eukaryoticexpression plasmid pBudCE4.1 by recombination strategy.The eukaryotic expression plasmid named pBudCE4.1/VEGF165 was identified by restriction enzyme digestion,and was sequenced. The pBudCE4.1/VEGF165 was trans-fected into VSMCs by using lipofection. The VEGF165 ex-pression of mRNA and protein was detected by RT-PCRand Western blot respectively.RESULTS: VEGF165 was shown about 576bp by RT-PCR.Sequencing revealed the amplified VEGF165 gene was iden-tical with that in the GeneBank. Restrictive enzyme (HindBam HI) digestion analysis showed that recombinantexpression plasmid pBudCE4. l/tVEGF165 had been con-structed successfully. The expression of VEGF165 at mRNAand protein levels in the transformed VSMCs had beendemonstrated by RT-PCR and Western blot.CONCLUSIONS: The recombinant eukaryotic expressionplasmid pBudCE4.1/VEGF165 has been successfully con-structed and expressed in transformed VSMCs. The presentstudy has laid a foundation for VEGF165 gene therapy ofvascular stenosis in the transplant organ.

Transforming growth factor-β and smooth muscle differentiation

Transforming growth factor(TGF)-β family members are multifunctional cytokines regulating diverse cel- lular functions such as growth,adhesion,migration, apoptosis,and differentiation.TGF-βs elicit their effects via specific typeⅠand typeⅡserine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular Smad transcription factors. Knockout mouse models for the different components of the TGF-β signaling pathway have revealed their critical roles in smooth muscle cell(SMC)differentia- tion.Genetic studies in humans have linked mutations in these signaling components to specific cardiovascular disorders such as aorta aneurysm and congenital heart diseases due to SMC defects.In this review,the current understanding of TGF-β function in SMC differentiation is highlighted,and the role of TGF-βsignaling in SMC- related diseases is discussed.

Partial Purification of Smooth Muscle Cell Derived Growth Factor

The serum free medium conditioned by cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells was partially purified using ultrafiltration and heparin affinity chromatography. Incorporation of [￣3H]-thymidine (￣3H-TdR) into cell DNA was used to measure the mitogenic activity of the fractions from chromatography for NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. The molecular weight and the iso-electric point of these fractions were determined by NaDodSO_4-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)and iso-electric focusing, respectively. The results showed that the protein eluted in 1.0-1. 6 mol/L NaCl from the heparin-Sepharose was mitogenic for 3T3 cells,and this protein had a molecular weight of 22. 8-26. 7 ku and an iso-electric point of about 4. 6. The fact that the above-mentioned biochemical properties differed from that of PDGF, IGF and FGF suggests that this mitogenic protein may be a separate growth factor.

Different distributions of interstitial cells of Cajal and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive cells in colonic smooth muscle cell/interstitial cell of Cajal/plateletderived growth factor receptor-α positive cell syncytium in mice

AIM To investigate the distribution and function of interstitialcells of Cajal(ICCs) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive(PDGFRα+) cells in the proximal and distal colon.METHODS The comparison of colonic transit in the proximal and distal ends was performed by colonic migrating motor complexes(CMMCs). The tension of the colonic smooth muscle was examined by smooth muscle spontaneous contractile experiments with both ends of the smooth muscle strip tied with a silk thread. Intracellular recordings were used to assess electrical field stimulation(EFS)-induced inhibitory junction potentials(IJP) on the colonic smooth muscle. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of ICCs and PDGFRα in the colonic smooth muscle.RESULTS Treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride(L-NAME) significantly increased the CMMC frequency and spontaneous contractions, especially in the proximal colon, while treatment with MRS2500 increased only distal CMMC activity and smooth muscle contractions. Both CMMCs and spontaneous contractions were markedly inhibited by NPPB, especially in the proximal colon. Accordingly, CyPPA sharply inhibited the distal contraction of both CMMCs and spontaneous contractions. Additionally, the amplitude of stimulationinduced nitric oxide(NO)/ICC-dependent slow IJPs(sIJPs) by intracellular recordings from the smooth muscles in the proximal colon was larger than that in the distal colon, while the amplitude of electric field stimulationinduced purinergic/PDGFRα-dependent fast IJPs(fIJPs) in the distal colon was larger than that in the proximal colon. Consistently, protein expression levels of c-Kit and anoctamin-1(ANO1) in the proximal colon were much higher, while protein expression levels of PDGFRα and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel 3(SK3) in the distal colon were much higher.CONCLUSION The ICCs are mainly distributed in the proximal colon and there are more PDGFRα+ cells are in the distal colon, which generates a pressure gradient between the two ends of the colon to propel the feces to the anus.

Effect of Nuclear Factor-kappa B on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA Expression of Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypoxia

In order to investigate the effect of nuclear factor kappa B (NF κB) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression of human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) in hypoxia, the cultured HPASMCs in vitro were stimulated with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), an inhibitor of NF κB. The NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression was detected by immunocytochemical technique. The IκBα protein expression was measured by Western blot. RT PCR was used to detect the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs. The results showed that no significant change was observed in the NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression of cultured HPASMCs during 6 h-24 h in normoxia, but the levels of NF κB p65 nuclei positive expression of cultured HPASMCs were significantly increased in hypoxia groups as compared with those in all normoxia groups ( P <0.05). The IκBα protein expression of cultured HPASMCs showed no significant change during 6 h-24 h in normoxia, but significantly decreased in hypoxia as comapred with that in normoxia groups ( P <0.05). PDTC (1 to 100 μmol/L) could inhibit the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs in a concentration dependent manner in hypoxia. In conclusion, NF κB can be partly translocation activated from cytoplasm into nuclei in the cultured HPASMCs under hypoxia. The inhibition of NF κB activation can decrease the VEGF mRNA expression. It is suggested that the activation of NF κB is involved in the VEGF mRNA expression of HPASMCs under hypoxia.

A GROWTH INHIBITOR SECRETED FROM CULTURED RABBIT SMOOTHMUSCLE CELLS IS DISTINCT FROM TGF-

Objective To ascertain whether the growth inhibitor in conditioned medium from cultured rabbit arterial cells is dlstinct rrom TGF-β. Methods Rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells were grown from explained segments or the aorta. Conditioned medium from cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells and anti-TGF-β were employed in this study. Smooth muscle cell proliferation was measured by XTT detection(Boehringer Mannheim). Results Acidified conditioned medium from smooth muscle cells had significantly stronger effects or growth inhibition than controls,and anti-TGF-β did not affect the growth inhibitory effect of conditioned medium from cuitured rabbit arterial smooth muscle cells. Conclusion The growth innhibiting substance in conditioned medium from cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells is distinct from

Up and Down Expression of Androgen Receptor, Estrogen Receptor beta and Platelet Derived Growth Factor beta by Testosterone in Aortic Vascular Smooth Muscle Tissues

Objectives To investigate the effects of testosterone enanthate (TE) on serum lip- ids and lipoproteins metabolism and the expression of androgen receptor (AR) , estrogen receptor beta ( ER - β) and platelet derived growth factor beta ( PDGFR - β) in aortic vascular smooth muscle tissues (VSMTs). Methods Forty aged male rats were ran- domly divided into 4 groups, group A (placebo group) , group B (2. 5 mg/kg intramuscular injection of TE once a week ) , group C (5.0 mg/kg intramuscular injection of TE once a week ) , group D ( 10. 0 mg/kg intramus- cular injection of TE once a week). All animals were fed freely during 16 - week treatment periods. The ex- pression of AR ,ER - βand PDGFR - β were studied by Western bolt. Results Average serum LDL - C was lower in group D than that in group A ( p < 0. 01 ). Compared with the other groups, average serum TC was also lower in group D (p <0. 05). AR expression in aortic vascular smooth muscle tissues could be regulated by TE: 99.50 ±21.74, 125.38 ±28.68 and 101.98 ± 15.42 for TE concentrations at 2.5 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg, respectively , the expression of ER - β could be regulated by TE: 92. 34 ± 18. 68, 47. 72 ± 18.12, 82.13 ±23.50, and the expression of PDGFR - β could be regulated as well by TE: 219.70 ±45. 59, 50.16 ±9. 72, 125.36 ±15. 74(Data for AR ,ER-β and PDGFR - β protein band intensity were expressed with x ± s, with control group taken as 100 ).Conclusions This study indicates that androgens have significant effects on serum lipids and lipoprotein metabolism. Testosterone enanthate at 5. 0 mg/kg can stimulate the expression of AR, but inhibite the expres- sion of PDGFR. Testosterone enanthate at the concen- trations of 5. 0 mg/kg and 10. 0 mg/kg can inhibite the expression of ER - β.

人尿源性干细胞的分离培养及诱导分化为平滑肌细胞

背景:传统尿路修复重建手段受限于供体短缺、并发症多以及生理功能恢复不理想等问题,组织工程策略为此领域提供了新方向。鉴于尿路主要由肌性组织构成,其中关键在于发掘适合的种子细胞并高效诱导分化为平滑肌细胞,但关于不同平滑肌细胞诱导方案效能的对比研究仍较为匮乏。目的:旨在分离、培养及鉴定人尿源性干细胞,并比较两种不同成平滑肌诱导方案的效果。方法:采用多次离心法从11份健康成人志愿者尿液中分离提取尿源性干细胞,使用流式细胞仪进行表面标志物的鉴定,通过成骨、成脂诱导分化来验证尿源性干细胞的多向分化潜能。尿源性干细胞分别在含转化生长因子β1以及转化生长因子β1联合血小板衍生生长因子的成平滑肌细胞诱导分化培养基中诱导分化14 d,采用免疫荧光染色和Western blot检测平滑肌特异性蛋白(α-SMA、SM22)的表达差异。结果与结论:①成功从8份健康人尿液中分离出尿源性干细胞,细胞呈“米粒”样,具有很好的分裂增殖能力;②尿源性干细胞高表达间充质干细胞表面标志物CD73、CD90和CD44,极低表达造血干细胞表面标志物CD34和CD45,不表达CD19、CD105和HLA-DR;③经成骨和成脂诱导分化后,可见明显的钙结节和脂滴形成,茜素红染色和油红O染色结果呈阳性;④成平滑肌诱导培养14 d,免疫荧光染色显示转化生长因子β1/血小板衍生生长因子组尿源性干细胞成平滑肌诱导分化率显著高于转化生长因子β1组(P<0.005);⑤成平滑肌诱导培养14 d,Western blot检测显示转化生长因子β1/血小板衍生生长因子组α-SMA和SM22蛋白表达量显著高于转化生长因子β1组(P<0.005)。结果表明:尿源性干细胞可以通过多次离心法无创分离获取;相较于单纯转化生长因子β1,转化生长因子β1/血小板衍生生长因子联合应用能显著提高尿源性干细胞诱导分化为平滑肌细胞的效率。

基于FP-Growth算法和GRNN的电力知识文本挖掘

为了提高电力知识文本挖掘的性能,采用FP-Growth算法对影响电力需求的强关联因素进行挖掘,运用广义回归神经网络(General Regression Neural Network,GRNN)算法实现电力需求预测。首先,对待挖掘的电力文本进行指标提取并编码,生成电力文本初始FP-Tree;接着采用FP-Growth算法遍历所有FP-Tree,生成频繁集,过滤掉小于最小支持度的项,留下频数较高的频繁项;然后根据更新后的FP-Tree统计关联项,选择与总用电量增长率关联强的变量生成训练样本;最后采用GRNN算法对电力需求文本进行训练,输入电力需求预测样本,设置平滑因子,通过模式层的输出和加权求和来获得电力需求预测结果。实验结果证明,通过合理设置最小支持度和GRNN的平滑因子,能够获得较好的电力文本挖掘性能,与常用挖掘算法相比,所提算法能够获得更高的电力需求预测准确率。

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 induces activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro

AIM:To investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP-7) in the activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro.METHODS:Rat HSC-T6 cells were cultured in separate dishes and treated with various concentration of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1,IGFBP-7 or antiIGFBP-7 antibody for 24 h.The supernatant or a cytoplasm suspension was obtained from cultured HSC,followed by transfer of cells to form cell-coated dishes.Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting were used to analyze the expression of IGFBP-7 induced by TGF-β1 and the level of fibronectin,collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA).The pro-apoptotic effect of antiIGFBP-7 antibody was determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS:Immunocytochemistry and Western blotting revealed that the expression of IGFBP-7 in TGF-β1 treated HSC was significantly up-regulated compared to that in the control group.In addition,fibronectin,collagen and α-SMA also showed enhanced expression in accordance with the transdifferentiation process in a dose-dependent manner to some extent.Moreover,flow cytometry suggested that anti-IGFBP-7 antibody induced apoptosis of activated HSC,which is responsible for the development of liver fibrosis,and may represent a novel pathway and target for therapeutic intervention.CONCLUSION:IGFBP-7 showed increased expression in activated HSC and played an important role in the activation and transdifferentiation process of HSC.AntiIGFBP-7 antibody may ameliorate liver fibrogenesis.

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

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

Effect of endogenous insulin-like growth factor and stem cell factor on diabetic colonic dysmotility

AIM: To investigate whether the reduction of stem cell factor (SCF) is mediated by decreased endogenous insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 in diabetic rat colon smooth muscle. METHODS: Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group and streptozotocin-induced diabetic group. After 8 wk of streptozotocin administration, colonic motility function and contractility of circular muscle strips were measured. The expression of endogenous IGF-1 and SCF was tested in colonic tissues. Colonic smooth muscle cells were cultured from normal adult rats. IGF-1 siRNA transfection was used to investigate whether SCF expression was affected by endogenous IGF-1 expression in smooth muscle cells, and IGF-1 induced SCF expression effects were studied. The effect of high glucose on the expression of endogenous IGF-1 and SCF was also investigated. RESULTS: Diabetic rats showed prolonged colonic transit time (252 ± 16 min vs 168 ± 9 min, P < 0.01) and weakness of circular muscle contraction (0.81 ± 0.09 g vs 2.48 ± 0.23 g, P < 0.01) compared with the control group. Endogenous IGF-1 and SCF protein expression was significantly reduced in the diabetic colonic muscle tissues. IGF-1 and SCF mRNA expression also showed a paralleled reduction in diabetic rats. In the IGF-1 siRNA transfected smooth muscle cells, SCF mRNA and protein expression was significantly decreased. IGF-1 could induce SCF expression in a concentration and time-dependent manner, mainly through the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signal pathway. High glucose inhibited endogenous IGF-1 and SCF expression and the addition of IGF-1 to the medium reversed the SCF expression. CONCLUSION: Myopathy may resolve in colonic motility dysfunction in diabetic rats. Deficiency of endogenous IGF-1 in colonic smooth muscle cells leads to reduction of SCF expression.

Effect of NF-κB p65 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2

AIM：To study the inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B p65（NF-κB p65）antisense oligodeoxynucleotide（ASODN）on transdifferentiation of normal human lens epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-β2（TGF-β2）.·M ETHODS：NF-κBp65ASODNand NF-κBp65missense oligodeoxynucleotide（MSODN）were designed and synthesized.Human lens epithelial cell line（HLE B-3）cells were prepared for study and divided into 7 groups.Control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured in dulbecco’s modified eagle medium（DMEM）.T1,T2,and T3 group were HLE B-3 cells cultured in DMEM with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 6h,12h,24h respectively.A＋T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 ASODN for 24h.M＋T group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after transfected by NF-κB p65 MSODN for 24h.The negative control group was HLE B-3 cells cultured with 10 ng/m L TGF-β2 for 24h after cultured with transfer agent（Hi Per Fect）for 24h.Cell morphology was observed at different time points using an inverted microscope.The expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA was detected with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR）,and the expression ofα-smooth muscle actin（α-SMA）protein was assayed with ELISA.·RESULTS：With the TGF-β2 stimulation prolongation,the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA and a-SMA protein increased in T1,T2,T3 groups compared with the control group,and the difference was statistically significant（〈0.05）.NF-κB p65 ASODN lowered the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.NF-κB p65 MSODN and Hi Per Fect did not lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2.The difference between control group and A＋T group was not statistically significant（〉0.05）,but the difference among A＋T group and other groups was statistically significant（〈0.05）.·CONCLUSION：NF-κB p65 ASODN could lower the expression of NF-κB p65 m RNA andα-SMA protein induced by TGF-β2,and antagonized TGF-β2-induced transdifferentiation of HLE B-3.NF-κB p65ASODN could be used as a new biological therapeutic target of posterior capsular opacification.

CXCL5通过诱导血管钙化参与颈动脉斑块的形成

背景:CXC基序趋化因子5(CXC-motif chemokine 5,CXCL5)为上皮细胞衍生的中性粒细胞激活肽,研究发现其可能参与动脉病变。然而,CXCL5在血管钙化中的作用未见报道。目的:探讨CXCL5在颈动脉粥样硬化的血管钙化中的作用。方法:①细胞实验:将小鼠血管平滑肌细胞分成以下各组:成骨培养基组,Vector组(空白质粒转染到细胞中),CXCL5组(CXCL5质粒转染到细胞中),si-NC组(CXCL5阴性对照siRNA转染到细胞中),si-CXCL5组(CXCL5 siRNA转染到细胞中),Vector+LY2157299组和CXCL5+LY2157299组(细胞转染24 h后,将转化生长因子β受体1激酶抑制剂LY2157299加入细胞中)。进行茜素红染色、碱性磷酸酶染色和钙含量测定以评估血管平滑肌细胞成骨分化水平。②动物实验:48只ApoE-/-小鼠随机分成4组:Con+si-NC组、Con+si-CXCL5组、CAS+si-NC组和CAS+si-CXCL5组,前2组不造模,尾静脉注射si-NC或si-CXCL5慢病毒;后2组制备颈动脉粥样硬化模型,尾静脉注射si-NC或si-CXCL5慢病毒。采用Von Kossa染色和免疫组织化学染色评估小鼠颈动脉血管钙化以及CXCL5、转化生长因子β受体1表达情况。结果与结论:①CXCL5组细胞Runt相关转录因子2蛋白水平上调、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白水平下调,si-CXCL5组中的发现与其相反;CXCL5过表达上调了转化生长因子β受体1水平,而CXCL5敲低抑制了转化生长因子β受体1水平。②与Vector组相比,CXCL5组细胞茜素红染色的强度、碱性磷酸酶活性和钙含量显著增加(P<0.05);与si-NC组相比,si-CXCL5组上述2项指标显著降低(P<0.05);当用LY2157299抑制转化生长因子β受体1表达时,CXCL5对平滑肌细胞的成骨转化作用减弱。③与Con+si-NC组相比,CAS+si-NC组大鼠颈动脉中CXCL5蛋白表达和血管钙化面积显著增加(P<0.05);与CAS+si-NC组相比,CAS+si-CXCL5组颈动脉中上述2项指标显著降低(P<0.05)。④与Con+si-NC组相比,CAS+si-NC组大鼠颈动脉中Runt相关转录因子2蛋白表达显著增加(P<0.05)和α-平滑肌肌动蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.05);与CAS+si-NC组相比,CAS+si-CXCL5组颈动脉中上述2项指标呈相反变化(P<0.05)。⑤结果说明,CXCL5通过激活转化生长因子β受体1通路诱导血管平滑肌细胞成骨样转化,抑制CXCL5表达对于改善颈动脉粥样硬化小鼠颈动脉血管钙化是有效的。

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses transforming growth factor-beta signaling by interacting with the transforming growth factor-beta typeⅡreceptor

AIM: To investigate the(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) binding to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) type Ⅱ receptor(TGFRⅡ).METHODS: The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) was used as a marker for fibrotic change inhuman lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells. The α-SMA expression level was determined by western blotting and immunohistological analysis. We examined whether the anti-fibrotic effects of EGCG on MRC-5 cells was dependent on antioxidant mechanism by using edaravone and N-acetylcysteine(NAC). The suppression effects of EGCG on Smad2/3 activation were studied by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The binding of EGCG to recombinant TGFRⅡ protein was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and affinity chromatography.RESULTS: When MRC-5 cells were treated with TGF-β, EGCG decreased the expression of α-SMA in a dose dependent manner, whereas catechin did not influence the α-SMA expression in the cells. Except for EGCG, antioxidant compounds(e.g., edaravone and NAC) had no effects on the TGF-β-induced α-SMA expression. Nuclear localization of phosphorylated Smad2/3 was observed after TGF-β treatment; however, EGCG treatment attenuated the nuclear transportation of Smad2/3 in the presence or absence of TGF-β. After a TGFRⅡ expression vector was introduced into COS-7 cells, cell lysates were untreated or treated with EGCG or catechin. The immunoprecipitation experiments using the lysates showed that EGCG dose-dependently bound to TGFRⅡ and that catechin did not at all. Affinity chromatography study indicated that EGCG would bind to TGFRⅡ.CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that EGCG interacts with TGFRⅡ and inhibits the expression of α-SMA via the TGF-β-Smad2/3 pathway in human lung fibroblast MRC-5 cells.

Basic fibroblast growth factor gene transfection in repair of internal carotid artery aneurysm wall

Surgery or interventional therapy has some risks in the treatment of cerebral aneurysm. We established an internal carotid artery aneurysm model by dripping elastase in the crotch of the right internal and external carotid arteries of New Zealand rabbits. Following model induction, lentivirus carrying basic fibroblast growth factor was injected through the ear vein. We found that the longer the action time of the lentivirus, the smaller the aneurysm volume. Moreover, platelet-derived growth factor expression in the aneurysm increased, but smooth muscle 22 alpha and hypertension-related gene 1 mRNA expression decreased. At 1,2, 3, and 4 weeks following model establishment, following 1 week of injection of lentivirus carrying basic fibroblast growth factor, the later the intervention time, the more severe the blood vessel damage, and the bigger the aneurysm volume, the lower the smooth muscle 22 aJpha and hypertension-related gene ~ mRNA expression. Simultaneously, platelet-derived growth factor expression decreased. These data suggest that recombinant lentivirus carrying basic fibroblast growth factor can repair damaged cells in the aneurysmal wall and inhibit aneurysm dynamic growth, and that the effect is dependent on therapeutic duration.

Expression of transcription factors Slug in the lens epithelial cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by connective tissue growth factor

AIMTo investigate the expression of transcription factors Slug in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF).METHODSHLECs were treated with CTGF of different concentrations (20, 50 and 100 ng/mL) or without CTGF (control) for 24h. The morphological changes of HLECs were analysed by microscopy. The expression and cellular localization of Slug was evaluated by immumo-fluorescence. Expressions of Slug, E-cadherin and alpha smooth muscle actin (&#x003b1;-SMA) were further determined by Western blot analysis.RESULTSHLECs showed spidle fibrolasts-like characteristics and loosely connected each other after CTGF treatment. The immuno-fluorescence staining indicated that Slug was localized in the nuclei and its expression was induced by CTGF. The relative expressions of Slug protein were 1.64&#x000b1;0.11, 1.96 &#x000b1;0.03, 3.12 &#x000b1;0.10, and 4.08&#x000b1;0.14, respectively, in response to control group and treatment with CTGF of 20, 50 and 100 ng/mL (F=443.86, P&#x0003c;0.01). The increased Slug protein levels were correlated well with up-expression of &#x003b1;-SMA (0.78&#x000b1;0.05, 0.85&#x000b1;0.06, 2.17&#x000b1;0.15, 2.86&#x000b1;0.10; F=449.85, P&#x0003c;0.01) and down-expression of E-cadherin (2.50&#x000b1;0.11, 1.79&#x000b1;0.26, 1.05&#x000b1;0.14, 0.63&#x000b1;0.08; F=101.55, P&#x0003c;0.01).CONCLUSIONTranscription factor Slug may be involved in EMT of HLECs induced by CTGF in vitro.

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

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

脱氢卡维丁对CCl_(4)诱导的肝纤维化大鼠的改善作用

目的探讨脱氢卡维丁对四氯化碳(carbon tetrachloride,CCl_(4))诱导的肝纤维化大鼠的改善作用及可能机制。方法将SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、水飞蓟宾组(30 mg/kg)、脱氢卡维丁组(50 mg/kg),每组6只。除正常组外,其他各组采用30%CCl_(4)橄榄油溶液(1 mL/kg)腹腔注射复制肝纤维化模型,每周2次,连续14周。各给药组于造模第13、14周每天按设定剂量灌胃相应药物进行干预。正常组与模型组大鼠灌胃等体积的生理盐水。末次给药12 h后,测定各组大鼠肝脾指数;采用HE染色与Masson染色观察肝组织病理学变化,比色法检测大鼠血清丙氨酸转氨酶(alanine aminotransferase,ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(aspartate aminotransferase,AST)、丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)的含量;采用ELISA检测血清透明质酸(hyaluronic acid,HA)、层黏连蛋白(laminin,LN)、Ⅲ型前胶原蛋白(typeⅢprocollagen,PCⅢ)及Ⅳ型胶原蛋白(collagenⅣ,ColⅣ)的表达水平;Western blot法检测肝组织转化生长因子-β1(transforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-smooth muscle actin,α-SMA)、E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、N-钙黏蛋白(N-cadherin)的表达情况。结果与正常组相比,模型组大鼠肝脾指数显著增加(P<0.001),肝组织纤维化进展明显,胶原容积分数明显增加(P<0.001),血清中ALT、AST、MDA、LN、HA、PCⅢ和ColⅣ水平显著升高(P<0.001),SOD明显下降(P<0.001);肝组织TGF-β1、α-SMA及N-cadherin蛋白表达水平明显上升(P<0.001),E-cadherin蛋白表达明显下降(P<0.001)。与模型组比较,脱氢卡维丁组大鼠肝脾指数明显降低(P<0.001),肝组织病理学损伤和纤维增生有效改善,胶原容积分数明显下降(P<0.001),血清ALT、AST、MDA含量显著降低(P<0.001),血清SOD的表达水平明显升高(P<0.001),LN、HA、PCⅢ、ColⅣ的表达明显下调(P<0.05,P<0.001),肝组织TGF-β1、α-SMA和N-cadherin蛋白表达显著下降(P<0.001),而E-cadherin蛋白表达明显升高(P<0.001)。结论脱氢卡维丁对肝纤维化大鼠具有良好的改善作用,其机制可能与调节氧化应激反应、下调N-cadherin、α-SMA、TGF-β1蛋白表达及上调E-cadherin蛋白表达有关。