The involvement of p38 MAPK in transforming growth factor β1-induced apoptosis in murine hepatocytes

We reported in this manuscript that TGF-beta1 induces apoptosis in AML12 murine hepatocytes, which is associated with the activation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway. SB202190, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, strongly inhibited the TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis and PAI-1 promoter activity. Treatment of cells with TGF-beta1 activates p38. Furthermore, over-expression of dominant negative mutant p38 also reduced the TGF-beta1-induced apoptosis. The data indicate that the activation of p38 is involved in TGF-beta1-mediated gene expression and apoptosis.

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.

Feedback regulation between phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1 and transforming growth factor β1 and prognostic value in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1(PREX1)was reported to be overexpressed in some cancers and involved in cancer development,but its expression and significance in gastric cancer remain unclear.AIM To evaluate the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer and its significance in the development of gastric cancer,especially to evaluate the potential mechanism of PREX1 in gastric cancer.METHODS Bioinformatic analysis was performed in order to examine the expression of PREX1 in gastric cancer.The relationship between the survival rate of gastric cancer patients and PREX1 expression was assessed by Kaplan Meier portal.The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the correlation between PREX1 and transforming growth factor(TGF)β1 pathway-related mediators were evaluated by cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics.Western blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay were used to test the role of TGFβ1 on the expression of PREX1.Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter system was used to evaluate the effect of PREX1 on the activation of TGFβ1 pathway.Wound healing and Transwell assay were used to assess the effect of PREX1 on the metastasis activity of gastric cancer cells.RESULTS PREX1 was overexpressed in the gastric tumors,and the expression levels were positively associated with the development of gastric cancer.Also,the high expression of PREX1 revealed poor prognosis,especially for those advanced and specific intestinal gastric cancer patients.PREX1 was closely involved in the positive regulation of cell adhesion and positively correlated with TGFβ1-related mediators.Furthermore,TGFβ1 could induce the expression of PREX1 at both the protein and mRNA level.Also,PREX1 could activate the TGFβ1 pathway.The induced PREX1 could increase the migration and invasion activity of gastric cancer cells.CONCLUSION PREX1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer,and the high level of PREX1 predicts poor prognosis.PREX1 is closely associated with TGFβsignaling and promotes the metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

TGF-β1/SMAD SIGNALING PATHWAY MEDIATES p53-DEPENDENT APOPTOSIS IN HEPATOMA CELL LINES

Objective To determine whether transforming growth factor betal (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway mediates p53-dependent apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines.Methods Three human hepatic carcinoma cell lines, HepG2, Huh-7, and Hep3B, were used in this study.TGF-β1-induced apoptosis in hepatic carcinoma cell lines was analyzed using TUNEL assay.For identifying the mechanism of apoptosis induced by TGF-β1, cell lines were transfected with a TGF-β1-inducible luciferase reportor plasmid containing Smad4 binding elements.After transfection, cells were treated with TGF-β1, then assayed for luciferase activity.Results The apoptosis rate of HepG2 cell lines (48.51%± 8.21%) was significantly higher than control ( 12.72%±2.18%, P<0.05).But TGF-β1 was not able to induce apoptosis of Huh-7 and Hep3B cell lines.The relative luciferase activity of TGF-β1-treated HepG2 cell lines (4.38) was significantly higher than control (1.00, P< 0.05).But the relative luciferase activity of TGF-β1-treated Huh-7 and Hep3B cell lines less increased compared with control.Conclusions HepG2 cells seem to be highly susceptible to TGF-β1-induced apoptosis compared with Hep3B and Huh-7 cell lines.Smad4 is a central mediator of TGF-β1 signaling transdution pathway.TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway might mediate p53-dependent apoptosis in hepatoma cell lines.

TGF-β1 signal pathway in the regulation of inflammation in patients with atrial fibrillation

Objective:To observe the expression changes of inflammatory markers TGF-β1,Smad3 and IL-6 in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF),and to explore the significance of TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the structural remodeling of AF.Methods:The expression of TGF-β1,Smad3 and IL-6 in 50 cases with AF and 30 normal cases were detected by RT-PCR and ELISA.Results:The TGF-β1,Smad3 and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression levels in patients with AF were significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),but there was no significantly different between the paroxysmal AF group and the persistent AF group(P>0.05).The TGF-β1mRNA expression in the≥50 years subgroup was significantly higher than that in the<50years subgroups,and it was higher in the NYHAⅢsubgroup than in theⅠ/Ⅱgrade subgroup.It was also higher in the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)<50%subgroup than in LVEF≥50%group,and it was significantly higher in the AF time≥36 months subgroup than that in<36months subgroup(P<0.05).The Smad3 and IL-6 expressions in the in the LVEF<50%subgroup were both high that than that in LVEF≥50%group,and higher in the AF time≥36 months subgroup than that in<36 months subgroup(P<0.05).There were a positive correlation between TGF-β1,Smad3 and IL-6(r=0.687,r=0.547).There were also a positive correlation between Smad3 and IL-6 mRNA(r=0.823).Conclusions:AF is associated with inflammation,and the inflammation is also involved in the fibrillation and sustain of AF.The TGF-β1 signal pathway may be involved in the process of atrial structural remodeling in patients with AF,and iss related with the occurrence and maintenance of AF.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1 knockdown attenuates hepatic ?brosis via the regulation of MMPs/TIMPs in mice

Background: Previous research suggested that insulin-like growth factor binding protein related protein 1(IGFBPrP1), as a novel mediator, contributes to hepatic fibrogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinases(MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases(TIMP) play an essential role in hepatic fibrogenesis by regulating homeostasis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix(ECM). However, the interaction between IGFBPrP1 and MMP/TIMP is not clear. The present study was to knockdown IGFBPrP1 to investigate the correlation between IGFBPrP1 and MMP/TIMP in hepatic fibrosis. Methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by thioacetamide(TAA) in mice. Knockdown of IGFBPrP1 expression by ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction-mediated CMB-shRNA-IGFBPrP1 delivery, or inhibition of the Hedgehog(Hh) pathway by cyclopamine treatment, was performed in TAA-induced liver fibrosis mice. Hepatic fibrosis was determined by hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining. Hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, α-smooth muscle actin( α-SMA), transforming growth factor β 1(TGF β1), collagen I, MMPs/TIMPs, Sonic Hedgehog(Shh), and glioblastoma family transcription factors(Gli1) were investigated by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting analysis. Results: We found that hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, TGF β1, α-SMA, and collagen I were increased longitudinally in mice with TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis, concomitant with MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 imbalance and Hh pathway activation. Knockdown of IGFBPrP1 expression, or inhibition of the Hh pathway, reduced the hepatic expression of IGFBPrP1, TGF β1, α-SMA, and collagen I and re-established MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 balance. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IGFBPrP1 knockdown attenuates liver fibrosis by re-establishing MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP9/TIMP1 balance, concomitant with the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation, down-regulation of TGF β1 expression, and degradation of the ECM. Furthermore, the Hh pathway mediates IGFBPrP1 knockdown-induced attenuation of hepatic fibrosis through the regulation of MMPs/TIMPs balance.

褐藻聚合酚下调TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号通路抑制大肠癌细胞增殖与侵袭

目的探讨褐藻聚合酚(PFFE-A)对大肠癌细胞增殖与侵袭的影响,以及其对转化生长因子β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))及母体抗生物皮肤生长因子同源物2/3(Smad2/3)通路的调控作用。方法细胞分组:依次以50、100、150μmol·L-1的小、中、大剂量的PFFE-A干预细胞,另设立正常对照组细胞。5-乙炔基-2'脱氧尿苷(EdU)染色检测细胞的增殖;Transwell小室检测细胞的侵袭能力;异种种植结肠癌裸鼠模型检测细胞的体内生长与转移能力;实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(RT-qPCR)检测细胞中上皮间质转化(EMT)相关基因的表达;Western blotting检测细胞中TGF-β_(1)、p-Smad2/3的表达水平。结果与正常对照组比较,PFFE-A小、中、大剂量组细胞的增殖率、侵袭细胞数、肿瘤瘤体质量、病灶转移比例、神经型钙黏附蛋白(N-cadherin)的mRNA的表达、TGF-β_(1)和p-Smad2/3的表达明显下降(P<0.05),E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)的mRNA的表达明显升高(P<0.05),具有明显的剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。结论PFFE-A能抑制肿瘤细胞的EMT过程,抑制大肠癌细胞HT29的体外增殖与侵袭能力,下调其体内生长与转移的能力,这可能是通过下调TGF-β_(1)/Smads信号实现的。

基于Traf6/TAK1通路探讨维生素D对甲状腺功能减退肾损伤幼鼠肾小管上皮细胞间充质转化的影响

目的探讨维生素D(VD)对甲状腺功能减退(HT)肾损伤幼鼠肾小管上皮细胞间充质转化(EMT)的影响,以及其对肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(Traf6)/转化生长因子-β活化激酶1(TAK1)通路的调控机制。方法通过丙基硫尿嘧啶(PTU)灌胃构建幼鼠HT模型,以过表达TAK1(pc DNA3.1-TAK1)作功能挽救实验;50只SPF级雄性SD大鼠分为正常组、HT组、VD低剂量(HT+VD-L)组、VD高剂量(HT+VD-H)组、HT+VD-H+pc DNA3.1-TAK1(HT+VD-H+pc)组,每组10只。全自动生化仪检测各组大鼠血清血肌酐(Scr)和血尿素氮(BUN)的含量;脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的缺口末端标记法试剂盒(TUNEL)检测肾组织中的细胞凋亡;免疫组化检测肾组织中转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和上皮钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)的表达;Western blot法检测肾组织中B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、Traf6、TAK1和磷酸化TAK1(p-TAK1)的表达。结果VD能明显降低HT幼鼠血清中Scr和BUN的含量,下调肾组织中的细胞凋亡率,降低肾组织中TGF-β1和α-SMA的表达,上调E-cadherin的表达;抑制肾组织中Traf6、p-TAK1和Bax的表达,升高肾组织中Bcl-2的表达,差异均具有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论维生素D能抑制HT幼鼠肾小管上皮细胞的EMT,降低肾组织中的细胞凋亡率,减轻肾组织的病理损伤,改善其肾功能,这与抑制Traf6/TAK1信号的激活有关。

THE ROLE OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE GROWTH FACTOR, TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR Β1 AND SMAD SIGNALING PATHWAY IN CORNEA WOUND HEALING

The cornea is a highly specialized and unique organ in the human body. Its main function is to project light from the external environment onto the retina, and it has a specific transparency to perform its function properly. The transparency and integrity of the cornea is of vital importance. The corneal wound, especially laceration deep to Bowman＇s membrane and stroma, which will inevitably cause scar formation, may cause the degeneration or even loss of sight.

Huangqi decoction(黄芪汤) attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis via transforming growth factor-β1/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in 5/6 nephrectomy mice

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Huangqi decoction( 黄芪汤) on renal interstitial fibrosis and its association with the transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway. METHODS: 120 C57/BL mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, Enalapril(20 mg/kg) group, 5/6 nephrectomy model group, and 5/6 nephrectomy model plus Huangqicoction(0.12, 0.36 and 1.08 g/kg respectively) groups. Detecting 24hours urinary protein, blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen content changes. Periodic Acid-Schiff stain(PAS) and Masson’s trichrome staining was used to observe the renal tissue pathological changes. Protein expression of TGF-β1, Phosphorylated P38 mitogen activated protein kinases(P-P38), Phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase(P-JNK), Phosphorylated extracellular regulated proteinhnase(PERK), Fibroblast-specific protein-1(FSP-1), Alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), Type Ⅲ collagen(Collagen Ⅲ), Connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),Bcl-2 Assaciated X protein(Bax) and B cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2) were measured with western blot and immunohistochemical. RESULTS: Both Huangqi decoction and Enalapril improved the kidney function, 24 h urinary protein and the fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy mice, Huangqi decoction downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, FSP-1, α-SMA, Collagen Ⅲ and CTGF in a dose-dependent manner, and it has a significant difference(P < 0.01) compared with model group.Huangqi decoction downregulated the expressions of P-P38, P-JNK, P-ERK and Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner, while upregulated the expression of Bax. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of Huangqi decoction for renal interstitial fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomized mice via the inhibition of EpithelialMesenchymal Transitions and downregulating the TGF-β1/MAPK signaling pathway.

胰岛素样生长因子1对人RPE细胞分泌TGF-β2、MMP-2的影响及机制研究

目的研究胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)对人视网膜色素上皮细胞(ARPE-19)表达转化生长因子β2(TGF-β2)、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)的影响,并探索其作用机制。方法ARPE-19细胞分别按不同浓度IGF-1和不同浓度LY294002培养6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h,采用CCK-8法检测细胞活力,确定IGF-1、LY294002的最佳作用浓度与时间。细胞划痕法检测细胞迁移活性。ELISA法检测细胞培养上清液中TGF-β2浓度。将ARPE-19细胞分为对照组、IGF-1组(80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1)、IGF-1+LY294002组(80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1+30 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002)、LY294002组(30 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002),使用无血清DMEM/F12培养基培养,对照组不做任何处理,分别采用RT-PCR、Western blot检测细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)的mRNA和蛋白表达量。结果与0μg·L^(-1) IGF-1比较,80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1的细胞活力24 h变化显著(P<0.05),故确定其为IGF-1最佳作用浓度和时间。与0 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002比较,24 h的30 mmol·L^(-1) LY294002接近半数抑制浓度,故确定其为LY294002最佳作用时间和浓度。细胞划痕法检测结果显示,0μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、40μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组细胞迁移率整体比较及两两比较差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。ELISA检测结果显示,0μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、40μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组、80μg·L^(-1) IGF-1组细胞上清液中TGF-β2浓度整体比较及两两比较差异均有统计学意义(均为P<0.05)。RT-PCR、Western blot检测结果显示,IGF-1、LY294002培养24 h,与对照组比较,IGF-1组细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、PI3K、AKT的mRNA与蛋白表达水平均升高,而LY294002组细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、PI3K、AKT的mRNA与蛋白表达水平均下降(均为P<0.05);与IGF-1组比较,IGF-1+LY294002组细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2、PI3K、AKT的mRNA与蛋白表达水平均下降(均为P<0.05)。结论IGF-1能促进ARPE-19细胞增殖、迁移;IGF-1可能通过PI3K/AKT信号通路上调ARPE-19细胞中TGF-β2、MMP-2的表达,参与近视的发生与发展。

Estrogen up-regulates MMP2/9 expression in endometrial epithelial cell via VEGF-ERK1/2 pathway

Objective:To study the effect of estrogen on anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding(ADUB).Methods:Primary endometrial epithelial cells of Hainan Lizu female was cultured and hydrolylic activity of gelalinase was determined by gelatin zymography analysis.Cellular mRNA and protein synthesis was blocked respectively to determine whether the increased expression of MMP-2/9 was induced by estrogen.The expression of VEGF was blocked by siRNA.After treatment with various factors.MMP-9,VEGF,total Erk and phosphorylated Erk expression in primary uterine epithelial cells was detected by Western blotting analysis.Cell MMP-2/9mRNA levels was measured by real-time RT-PCR.Results:The activity and expression of MMP2/9 was inereased in the endometrium of patients with ADUB.Estrogen could up-regulate the expression of VEGF and activate Erk 1/2-Elk1 signal path.After interference by siRNA,ERK1/2 pathway was blocked in cells,and the expression of MMP-2/9 was down-regulated.ERK1/2 specific blocker U0126 blocked ERK phosphorylation,and it could down-regulate the expression of MMP-2/9.Conclusions:The results showed that the estrogen can increase the expression of VEGF,and thus activate ERK1/2 pathway to induce MMP-2/9 expression.

肝癌组织中GPSM2、TGF-β1蛋白表达水平及临床意义

目的 探讨肝癌组织G蛋白信号调节蛋白(GPSM)2、转化生长因子1(TGF-β1)蛋白表达与临床病理参数及预后的关系。方法 选取原发性肝癌患者80例,取手术切除的肝癌组织和癌旁正常组织。采用免疫组织化学染色法检测GPSM2、TGF-β1在癌组织和癌旁正常组织中的表达差异,分析癌组织中GPSM2、TGF-β1表达水平与临床病理参数及预后的关系。结果 肝癌组织中GPSM2、TGF-β1高表达率分别为71.25%、82.50%,高于癌旁正常组织的18.75%、13.75%(P<0.05)。GPSM2在分化程度低的肝癌组织中高表达率较高(P<0.05),TGF-β1在分化程度低、有血管转移的肝癌组织中高表达率较高(P<0.05)。生存曲线显示,GPSM2、TGF-β1低表达患者的累积生存率(77.27%、85.71%)高于高表达患者(47.37%、48.48%),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 GPSM2、TGF-β1在肝癌组织中高表达率较高,其表达水平与分化程度密切相关,GPSM2、TGF-β1高表达患者预后较差。

Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC823 by modulation of transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BGC823 cell induced by transforming growth factor-β,(TGF-β,) and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:EMT model of BGC823 was stimulated by TGF-β1.Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum and LY-364947 were used as intervention.The proliferation and adhesion of BGC823 were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis.The invasion and migration were detected by Transwell.The level of matrix metalloproteins was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expressions of related proteins and mRNA of EMT marker and TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Compared with the TGF-β1 group,Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could inhibit the ability of proliferation,heterogeneous adhesion,invasion,and migration.It also promotes apoptosis and homotypic adhesion in BGC823,with a dose-dependent manner.Meanwhile,Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum could regulate the expression of related proteins and mRNA of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway,and inhibit the expressions of EMT transcription factors and EMT markers.CONCLUSION:Wulong Xiaozheng Wan medicated serum inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition by down-regulated the expression of TβRI and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Mechanism of ELL-associated factor 2 and vasohibin 1 regulating invasion,migration,and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND As a novel endogenous anti-angiogenic molecule, vasohibin 1(VASH1) is not only expressed in tumor stroma, but also in tumor tissue. Moreover, studies have shown that VASH1 may be a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer(CRC). Knockdown of VASH1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/Smad3 pathway activity and type Ⅰ/Ⅲ collagen production. Our previous findings suggest that ELL-associated factor 2(EAF2) may play a tumor suppressor and protective role in the development and progression of CRC by regulating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/TGF-β1 signaling pathway. However, the functional role and mechanism of VASH1-mediated TGF-β1 related pathway in CRC has not been elucidated.AIM To investigate the expression of VASH1 in CRC and its correlation with the expression of EAF2. Furthermore, we studied the functional role and mechanism of VASH1 involved in the regulation and protection of EAF2 in CRC cells in vitro.METHODS We collected colorectal adenocarcinoma and corresponding adjacent tissues to investigate the clinical expression of EAF2 protein and VASH1 protein in patients with advanced CRC. Following, we investigated the effect and mechanism of EAF2 and VASH1 on the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells in vitro using plasmid transfection.RESULTS Our findings indicated that EAF2 was down-regulated and VASH1 was upregulated in advanced CRC tissue compared to normal colorectal tissue. KaplanMeier survival analysis showed that the higher EAF2 Level group and the lower VASH1 Level group had a higher survival rate. Overexpression of EAF2 might inhibit the activity of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway by up-regulating the expression of VASH1, and then weaken the invasion, migration and angiogenesis of CRC cells.CONCLUSION This study suggests that EAF2 and VASH1 may serve as new diagnostic and prognostic markers for CRC, and provide a clinical basis for exploring new biomarkers for CRC. This study complements the mechanism of EAF2 in CRC cells, enriches the role and mechanism of CRC cellderived VASH1, and provides a new possible subtype of CRC as a therapeutic target of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway.

中晚期食管癌患者放疗前血清TGF-β1、TSP1、SCCA水平与放疗效果的相关性研究

目的 分析中晚期食管癌患者放疗前血清转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、血小板反应蛋白1(TSP1)、鳞状细胞癌抗原(SCCA)水平与放疗效果的相关性,以利于临床治疗方案的制订、防止延误治疗。方法 回顾分析2019年6月至2023年6月收治的109例中晚期食管癌放疗患者的临床资料,根据放疗效果分为无效组21例和有效组88例。比较2组患者临床资料,应用二元Logistic回归模型分析中晚期食管癌患者放疗效果的影响因素,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析放疗前TGF-β1、TSP1、SCCA对中晚期食管癌患者放疗效果的预测价值。结果 无效组临床分期Ⅳ期、放疗剂量≤60 Gy的患者比例高于有效组(P<0.05)。2组放疗后血清TGF-β1、SCCA水平均较放疗前降低,TSP1水平均较放疗前升高(P<0.05);有效组放疗前后血清TGF-β1、SCCA水平均低于无效组,TSP1水平均高于无效组(P<0.05,P<0.01)。二元Logistic回归分析显示:临床分期及放疗前血清TGF-β1、TSP1、SCCA水平均为中晚期食管癌患者放疗效果的危险因素(P<0.01)。ROC曲线分析显示,放疗前血清TGF-β1、TSP1、SCCA水平及三者联合预测中晚期食管癌患者放疗效果的预测价值均较好。随访12个月,有效组生存率为89.77%(79/88)高于无效组的66.67%(14/21),差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。结论 中晚期食管癌患者放疗效果与临床分期及放疗前血清TGF-β1、TSP1、SCCA水平存在密切联系,临床可通过检测放疗前血清TGF-β1、TSP1、SCCA水平预测中晚期食管癌患者放疗效果,有助于指导临床治疗方案的制订,从而防止延误治疗,提高患者生存率。

TGF-β_(1)信号通路和巨噬细胞极化在肾纤维化中的调控机制及其相互作用关系

肾纤维化是慢性肾脏病进程中,肾组织受感染、创伤和血液循环障碍等因素刺激,炎症细胞浸润肾组织,导致细胞外基质积聚及正常肾组织被纤维组织代替,最终发展至终末期肾病。该过程涉及复杂的发病机制,其中转化生长因子-β_(1)信号通路和巨噬细胞极化与肾纤维化关系密切。本文结合最新研究成果综述转化生长因子-β_(1)信号通路和巨噬细胞极化间相互关系及其在肾纤维化发病机制中的研究进展。

丹曲林对心房颤动大鼠心肌纤维化及TGF-β_(1)/Smad2信号通路的影响

目的:探讨丹曲林对心房颤动大鼠心肌纤维化及转化生长因子-β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))/Smad2信号通路的影响。方法:72只SD大鼠采用随机数字表法分为空白对照组、模型组、丹曲林低剂量组、丹曲林高剂量组、阳性对照组、丹曲林高剂量+SRI-011381(TGF-β激动剂)组,每组12只。丹曲林低剂量组、丹曲林高剂量组大鼠分别腹腔注射5、10 mg/kg丹曲林;阳性对照组大鼠灌胃20 mg/kg维拉帕米;丹曲林高剂量+SRI-011381组大鼠腹腔注射10 mg/kg丹曲林和30 mg/kg SRI-011381;空白对照组、模型组大鼠腹腔注射等体积生理盐水,每日1次,持续4周。4周后,除空白对照组外,其余各组大鼠均按1 mL/kg尾静脉注射乙酰胆碱-氯化钙混合液(乙酰胆碱66μg/mL+氯化钙10 mg/mL)构建心房颤动模型,空白对照组大鼠尾静脉注射等体积生理盐水,每日1次,持续1周,1周后采集心电图数据并记录心房颤动诱发时间;彩色多普勒超声仪检测左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室缩短分数(LVFS)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)的变化;苏木精-伊红(HE)染色检测大鼠心肌组织病理损伤;Masson染色检测大鼠心肌纤维化;免疫组化法检测心肌组织中Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(COL-Ⅰ)、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白(COL-Ⅲ)表达;酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)法检测心肌组织中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)水平;蛋白质免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测TGF-β_(1)、p-Smad2、α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)蛋白表达。结果:与空白对照组比较,模型组大鼠心律不齐,心肌组织病理损伤及纤维化严重,LVEDD、LVESD、COL-Ⅰ、COL-Ⅲ阳性表达及IL-1β、TNF-α水平以及TGF-β_(1)、p-Smad2、α-SMA蛋白表达升高,LVFS、LVEF降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,丹曲林低剂量组、丹曲林高剂量组、阳性对照组对应指标变化趋势与上述相反,且丹曲林浓度越高,对应的变化趋势越明显(P<0.05);SRI-011381减弱了高剂量丹曲林对心房颤动大鼠心肌纤维化及炎症反应的抑制作用。结论:丹曲林可能通过抑制TGF-β_(1)/Smad2信号通路减轻心房颤动大鼠心肌纤维化及炎症反应。

槟榔碱对口腔黏膜下纤维化NF-κB、TGF-β_(1)信号通路的影响研究

目的探讨槟榔碱对口腔黏膜下纤维化(OSF)核因子-κB(NF-κB)、转化生长因子-β_(1)(TGF-β_(1))信号通路的影响。方法选取10份上颚正常口腔黏膜样本,随机分为观察组和对照组,各5份。均经细胞培养后,观察组第6代口腔黏膜成纤维细胞(OMFb)内加入40μg/ml浓度的槟榔碱溶液,对照组加入含10%胎牛血清的DMEM培养液。比较两组样本中NF-κB、TGF-β_(1)mRNA表达、蛋白含量及12、24、48 h后细胞增殖情况。结果观察组样本NF-κB、TGF-β_(1)mRNA表达分别为(2.04±0.31)、(1.54±0.22),显著高于对照组的(1.47±0.23)、(1.17±0.18),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组样本NF-κB、TGF-β_(1)蛋白含量分别为(123.56±3.56)、(90.14±4.15)kDa,均显著高于对照组的(77.45±2.14)、(54.11±2.18)kDa,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组样本24、48 h后细胞增殖数量分别为(320.82±48.59)×10^(9)、(380.45±37.85)×10^(9),显著低于对照组的(600.76±45.37)×10^(9)、(1200.98±100.95)×10^(9),差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论高浓度槟榔碱可能通过上调NF-κB及TGF-β_(1)通路促进口腔黏膜下纤维性变,对后续的临床研究具有重要意义。

Moxibustion enables protective effects on rheumatoid arthritis-induced myocardial injury via transforming growth factor beta1 signaling and metabolic reprogramming

OBJECTIVE:To examine the effects of moxibustion on myocardial injury and myocardial metabolomics in rats with rheumatoid arthritis(RA)based on the transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1)/Smads signaling pathway.METHODS:One hundred rats were treated with saline[normal control(NC)group]or complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA)by right plantar injection for the RA model group,and the latter were randomly divided into 4 groups.Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets(雷公藤多苷片,TPT)have anti-inflammatory and are widely used in the clinical treatment of RA,therefore serving as a positive control group.Three days post injection rats were given TPT tablet(TPT group),acupuncture therapy(APT group),and moxibustion treatment(MOX group)for 15 consecutive days,while NC group and model group were equally grasped and fixed and received normal saline.Rat joint swelling scores and arthritis index(AI)were evaluated in each group before the CFA challenge,therapy and after receiving therapy.Myocardial ultrastructure was observed by electron microscope.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect cardiac troponin I(cTnI)levels in rat myocardial tissue.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-βsignaling molecules including TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad3,Smad4,and Smad7.Myocardial metabolomics was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer.RESULTS:Compared with model group,RA model rats receiving TPT,acupuncture,or moxibustion therapy all showed reduced joint swelling scores and AI(all P<0.01)and improved myocardial damage,whereas rats treated with moxibustion were found to be more marked.Consistently,the expressions of cTnI,TGF-β1,Smad2,Smad3,and Smad4 were found to be elevated in model rat group in contrast to NC rats and were significantly downregulated in TPT,APT and MOX group when compared with model group,while the levels of Smad7 showed the opposite result(all P<0.01).Moreover,the dissection of metabolomics suggested a novel metabolite biomarker panel including D-Xylulose 5-phosphate,dihydroxyacetone phosphate,arachidonic acid,etc was defined and implicated in amino acid,glucose,and fatty acid metabolic processes as revealed by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis.CONCLUSION:Moxibustion prevents RA-induced inflammatory response and offers potent therapeutic effects on myocardial dysfunctions.The protective effects might be associated with its role in TGF-β1 inactivation and metabolic reprogramming.