Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-<i>β</i>(TGF-<i>β</i>) in Cancer and Non-Neoplastic Diseases

Transforming growth factor-β?(TGF-β) superfamily is a key player in the regulation of a wide variety of physiological processes from development to pathogenesis. Since the discovery of the prototypic member, TGF-β, almost three decades ago, there have been tremendous advances in our understanding of its complex biology. TGF-β?misregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancer with a direct role in facilitating metastasis, fibrosis and inflammation. Consequently, TGF-β?is currently explored as a prognostic candidate biomarker of tumor invasiveness and metastasis;and it offers an attractive target for cancer therapy. Several anti-TGF-β?approaches, such as TGF-β?antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides and small molecules inhibitors of TGF-β?type 1 receptor kinase, have shown great promise in the preclinical studies. Here, we consider why the TGF-βsignaling pathway is a drug target, the potential clinical applications of TGF-β?inhibition, the issues arising with anti-TGF-β?therapy and how these might be adopted using personalized approaches with a special care for patient selection and timing of therapy so that we may bring forward all the potentials of targeting this pathway for therapeutic uses in both cancer, preferentially in combination therapy, and non-neoplastic diseases.

Vascular endothelial growth factor A, secreted in response to transforming growth factor-β1 under hypoxic conditions, induces autocrine effects on migration of prostate cancer cells

Hypoxia and transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） increase vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） expression in a number of malignancies. This effect of hypoxia and TGF-β1 might be responsible for tumor progression and metastasis of advanced prostate cancer. In the present study, TGF-β1 was shown to induce VEGFA165 secretion from both normal cell lines （HPV7 and RWPE1） and prostate cancer cell lines （DU 145 and PC3）. Conversely, hypoxia-stimulated VEGFA165 secretion was observed only in prostate cancer cell lines. Hypoxia induced TGF-β1 expression in PC3 prostate cancer cells, and the TGF-β1 type I receptor （ALK5） kinase inhibitor partially blocked hypoxia-mediated VEGFA16s secretion. This effect of hypoxia provides a novel mechanism to increase VEGFA expression in prostate cancer cells. Although autocrine signaling of VEGFA has been implicated in prostate cancer progression and metastasis, the associated mechanism is poorly characterized. VEGFA activity is mediated via VEGF receptor （VEGFR） 1 （Fit-l） and 2 （FIk-I/KDR）. Whereas VEGFR-1 mRNA was detected in normal prostate epithelial cells, VEGFR-2 mRNA and VEGFR protein were expressed only in PC3 cells. VEGFA165 treatment induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERKI/2） in PC3 cells but not in HPV7 cells, suggesting that the autocrine function of VEGFA may be uniquely associated with prostate cancer. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGFA165 was shown to enhance migration of PC3 cells. A similar effect was also observed with endogenous VEGFA induced by TGF-β1 and hypoxia. These findings illustrate that an autocrine loop of VEGFA via VEGFR-2 is critical for the tumorigenic effects of TGF-β1 and hypoxia on metastatic prostate cancers.

The Effect of Simvastatin on mRNA Expression of Transforming Growth Factor-β1,Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Tooth Extraction Socket

Aim To determine the effect of local simvastatin application on the mRNA expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in the tooth sockets of rat. Methodology Forty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups （n=24）. Polylactic acid/polyglycolic acid copolymer carriers, with or without simvastatin, were implanted into extraction sockets of right mandibular incisors. The expression of TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization in the tooth extraction socket at five days, one week, two weeks and four weeks after implantation. Results The fusiform stroma cells in the tooth extraction socket began to express TGF-β1, BMP-2 and VEGF mRNA in both experimental and control groups from one week after tooth extraction until the end of experiment. The expression of TGF-131 and BMP-2 mRNA in the experimental group was significantly up-regulated after one, two and four weeks, and expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly increased after one and two weeks compared with that in the control group. Conclusion The findings indicate that local administration of simvastatin can influence alveolar bone remodeling by regulating the expression of a school of growth factors which are crucial to osteogenesis in the tooth extraction socket.

Mechanistic basis and clinical relevance of the role of transforming growth factor-β in cancer

Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) is a key factor in cancer development and progression. TGF-β can suppress tumorigenesis by inhibiting cell cycle progression and stimulating apoptosis in early stages of cancer progression. However, TGF-β can modulate cancer-related processes, such as cell invasion, distant metastasis, and microenvironment modification that may be used by cancer cells to their advantage in late stages. Corresponding mechanisms include angiogenesis promotion, anti-tumor immunity suppression, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) induction. The correlation between TGF-β expression and cancer prognosis has also been extensively investigated. Results suggest that TGF-β pathway can be targeted to treat cancer; as such, the feasibility of this treatment is investigated in clinical trials.

Spatial signalling mediated by the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway during tooth formation

Tooth development relies on sequential and reciprocal interactions between the epithelial and mesenchymal tissues, and it is continuously regulated by a variety of conserved and specific temporal-spatial signalling pathways. It is well known that suspensions of tooth germ cells can form tooth-like structures after losing the positional information provided by the epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. However, the particular stage in which the tooth germ cells start to form tooth-like structures after losing their positional information remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the reassociation of tooth germ cells suspension from different morphological stages during tooth development and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 in this process. Four tooth morphological stages were designed in this study. The results showed that tooth germ cells formed odontogenic tissue at embryonic day （E） 14.5, which is referred to as the cap stage, and they formed tooth-like structures at E16.5, which is referred to as the early bell stage, and E18.5, which is referred to as the late bell stage. Moreover, the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway might play a role in this process.

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

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

Unveiling the therapeutic potential:KBU2046 halts triple-negative breast cancer cell migration by constricting TGF-β1 activation in vitro

Background:Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)is a heterogeneous,recurring cancer characterized by a high rate of metastasis,poor prognosis,and lack of efficient therapies.KBU2046,a small molecule inhibitor,can inhibit cell motility in malignant tumors,including breast cancer.However,the specific targets and the corresponding mechanism of its function remain unclear.Methods:In this study,we employed(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H tetrazolium)(MTS)assay and transwell assay to investigate the impact of KBU2046 on the proliferation and migration of TNBC cells in vitro.RNA-Seq was used to explore the targets of KBU2046 that inhibit the motility of TNBC.Finally,confirmed the predicted important signaling pathways through RT-qPCR and western blotting.Results:In this study,we found that KBU2046 functioned as a novel transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β1)inhibitor,effectively suppressing tumor cell motility in vitro.Mechanistically,it directly down-regulated leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 family,member E(LRRC8E),latent TGFβ-binding protein 3(LTBP3),dynein light chain 1(DNAL1),and MAF family of bZIP transcription factors(MAFF)genes,along with reduced protein expression of the integrin family.Additionally,KBU2046 decreased phosphorylation levels of Raf and ERK.This deactivation of the ERK signaling pathway impeded cancer invasion and metastasis.Conclusions:In summary,these findings advocate for the utilization of TGF-β1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and as a therapeutic target in TNBC.Furthermore,our data underscore the potential of KBU2046 as a novel therapeutic strategy for combating cancer metastasis.

Termination of TGF-β Superfamily Signaling Through SMAD Dephosphorylation——A Functional Genomic View

The transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） and related growth factors activate a broad range of cellular responses in metazoan organisms via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine modes. They play key roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases especially cancer, fibrotic diseases, autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular diseases. TGF-β receptor-mediated phosphorylation of R-SMADs represents the most critical step in the TGF-β signaling pathways that triggers a cascade of intracellular events from SMAD complex assembly in the cytoplasm to transcriptional control in the nucleus. Conversely, dephosphorylafion of R-SMADs is a key mechanism for terminating TGF-β signaling. Our labs have recently taken an integrated approach combining functional genomics, biochemistry and development biology to describe the isolation and functional characterization of protein phosphatase PPM1A in controlling TGF-β signaling. This article briefly reviews how dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of SMADs control or fine-tune the signaling strength and duration and ultimately the physiological consequences in TGF-β signaling.

新疆汉族、维吾尔族原发性高血压患者血管损害与血清中TGF-β1水平相关性研究

目的研究新疆汉族、维吾尔族原发性高血压患者血管损害与血清转化生长因子(TGF-β1)水平的关系。方法选取2014年6月-2016年3月新疆医科大学第一附属医院高血压科住院的原发性高血压患者152例,其中汉族80例,维吾尔族72例;采用酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)检测患者血清中TGF-β1水平,应用四肢多普勒超声测定脉搏波传导速度(PWV)、踝臂指数(ABI),分析不同民族患者血清中颈动脉内膜中膜厚度(IMT)与各指标之间的相关性。结果维吾尔族患者IMT较汉族患者明显增厚,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);维吾尔族患者血清中TGF-β1水平明显高于汉族患者,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);相关性分析显示两民族总体IMT与年龄呈正相关(r=0.39 P=0.00),ABI独立于高血压为IMT增厚的独立危险因素(P=0.02);汉族患者IMT与年龄呈正相关(r=0.41 P=0.00),ABI独立于高血压为IMT增厚的独立危险因素(P=0.02);维吾尔族患者与各观察指标无明显相关性,IMT与血清中TGF-β1水平无明显相关性。结论维吾尔族人群中高血压所致的血管损害重于汉族人群,但与血清中TGF-β1水平无明显相关性。

TGF-β1 alters microRNA profile in human gastric cancer cells

Objective： MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are important regulators that play a key role in tumorigenesis and rumor progression. Transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） is involved in invasion and metastasis in many tumors. In this study, we investigated the microRNAs （miRNA） profiles altered by TGF-β1 in gastric cancer （GC） cells. Methods： We detected the expression profiles of miRNA by miRNA microarray and quantitative real- time polymerase chain reaction. Migration and invasion, wound-healing assay, prediction of miRNA targets, Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis were carried out to determine the role of one selected miRNA, namely miR-193b, in affecting the biological behaviors of GC BGC823 cells. Results： Among 847 human miRNAs in the microarray, three miRNAs （miR-27a, miR-29b-1 and miR-194） were up-regulated and three （miR-574-3p, miR-193b and miR-130b） were down-regulated in BGC823 cells treated with TGF-β1 compared with control, miR-193b suppressed the invasion and metastasis of GC cells in vivo and in vitro, and down-regulated urokinase-type plasminogen activator （uPA） protein in GC cells. Conclusions： TGF-β1 altered miRNA expression profile in BGC823 cells. Among the altered miRNAs, TGF-β1 induced the down-regulation of miR-193b, which inhibited cell invasion and metastasis in vivo and in vitro, and down-regulated uPA protein in GC cells.

Regulation Mechanism of TFP on TGF-β1/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Immune-mediated Liver Injury in Mice

[Objectives]To study the effect of total flavonoids extracted from Polygonum perfoliatum L.(TFP)on immune-mediated liver injury induced by bacillus Calmette-Guerin plus lipopolysaccharide(BCG+LPS)in mice,and to explore its action mechanism.[Methods]60 Kunming mice were divided into normal group,model group,control group(bifendate)and TFP low,medium and high dose groups according to random number table method,with 10 mice in each group.On the first day of modeling,mice were injected with 0.2 mL of BCG solution(12.5 mg/mL)through the tail vein,and on the eleventh day,0.2 mL of LPS(37.5μg/mL)were injected into the tail vein to prepare a mouse model of immune-mediated liver injury;from the first day of modeling,the normal group and the model group were administered intragastrically with the corresponding volume of distilled water,and the bifendate group and the TFP high,medium,and low dose groups were administered intragastrically with the corresponding doses once a day for 11 d.After the last time administration,fasting but giving water for 16 h,took blood from eyes,then collected the liver tissue.The levels of alanine transaminase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)in serum were detected by biochemical method;transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)expression levels in liver tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA);phosphorylated protein tyrosine kinase JAK-2(p-JAK2),phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3)protein expression levels were detected by Western Blot method;the degree of liver tissue lesions was detected by HE staining.[Results]Compared with the model group,the levels of ALT and AST in the serum of mice in each dose group of TFP(high dose 600 mg/kg,medium dose 400 mg/kg,and low dose 200 mg/kg)were reduced,and the activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px were increased;the content or expression ofβ1,ICAM-1,IL-6,IL-1βdecreased,and the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein decreased;pathological sections showed that the degree of inflammatory necrosis and the degree of lesions in the liver tissues of each dose group of TFP were reduced by varying degrees.[Conclusions]TFP has a protective effect on BCG+LPS-induced immune-mediated liver injury in mice.The mechanism may be related to regulating the phosphorylation level of JAK2 and inhibiting the inflammatory reaction,thereby regulating the TGF-β1/STAT3 signaling pathway and improving the immune-mediated liver injury.

Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction(小柴胡汤)Prevents the Progression of Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats Possibly by Inhibiting Transforming Growth Factor-β 1/Sma-and Mad-Related Proteins Signaling Pathway

Objective： To investigate the effect of modified Xiaochaihu Decoction （小柴胡汤, MXD） on transforming growth factor- [3 1/Sma- and Mad-related proteins （TGF- 13 1/Smads） signaling pathway in rats with chronic pancreatitis （CP） induced by dibutyltin dichloride. Methods： Thirty healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal control group, CP group and CP＋MXD-treated group. CP was induced by injection of dibutyltin dichloride （DBTC, 7 mg/kg of body weight） into the right caudal vein, and the control rats were treated with vehicle. MXD was given daily by gavage at a dose of 10 g/kg of body weight, starting from the day after CP induction. After 28-day treatment, the n-benzoyl-tyrosyl para-aminobenzoic acid （NBT-PABA） test was carried out to evaluate exocrine pancreatic function. Then, rats were sacrificed, and pancreatic tissues were harvested for histological evaluation. In addition, the mRNA expression of TGF- β 1, TGF- β 1 type Ⅱ receptor （TGF β R 11 ）, Smad3 and Smad7 was determined in pancreatic tissues by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results： Treatment of CP with MXD improved the PABA recovery, decreased the histological lesion, and reduced the mRNA expression of TGF- β 1, TGF β R 11 and Smad3 （P〈0.05）. However, MXD had no effect on Smad7 mRNA level. Conclusions： MXD could protect the pancreas against chronic injury and improve pancreatic exocrine function in DBTC induced rat CP model. Its mechanism may involve inhibition of the TGF-β 1/Smads signaling pathway.

骨桥蛋白在急性肺损伤后肺纤维化大鼠肺组织中的表达及作用

目的：观察骨桥蛋白（ OPN）在脂多糖（ LPS）诱导的急性肺损伤（ ALI）后肺纤维化大鼠肺组织中的表达及作用。方法120只SD大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、干预组，每组40只。对照组第0、1、2天腹腔注射生理盐水，模型组和干预组注入等量LPS，5 min后干预组再注入抗OPN抗体，而模型组和对照组用生理盐水代替，于24 h、7 d、14 d、28 d处死3组大鼠各10只。行HE及Masson染色观察肺泡炎及肺纤维化改变；免疫组化测定肺组织转化生长因子－β1（ TGF－β1）的表达；检测肺组织匀浆中OPN蛋白水平、羟脯氨酸含量及Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA的表达。结果模型组第24 h首先出现肺纤维化改变，第28天最明显；同一时间点，模型组肺纤维化评分、TGF－β1的表达、OPN水平、羟脯氨酸含量及Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达均显著高于对照组，而干预组上述指标较模型组均显著降低。结论 OPN在LPS诱导的ALI后肺纤维化大鼠肺组织中高表达，能加重LPS诱导的ALI后肺纤维化，机制可能与OPN促进TGF－β1及Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原的表达有关。

沙棘总黄酮干预兔耳增生性瘢痕组织块的消退

背景:沙棘总黄酮可抑制肾脏、肝脏、心肌纤维化,但其对增生性瘢痕纤维化的相关疗效鲜有报道。目的:对兔耳增生性瘢痕组织块局部注射中草药沙棘总黄酮,观察其对增生性瘢痕组织块消退的影响并探讨其作用机制。方法:选择8只新西兰大白兔,每只耳沿腹侧中线两侧各建立3个直径8 mm圆形创面,共96个创面。21 d创面上皮化后,随机分为5组:0.5,1.0,2.0 g/L沙棘总黄酮组,2只/组;二甲基亚砜组(药物溶剂对照)和空白对照组,1只/组。于组织块基底部注射相应药物,每间隔3 d注射1次,连续干预4周。通过苏木精-伊红染色和Masson染色对比各组增生性瘢痕组织块病理组织变化;实时荧光定量PCR检测各组组织块中Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原的mRNA表达;Western blot检测各组兔耳瘢痕组织块Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原、转化生长因子β1、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白、血管内皮生长因子的蛋白表达。结果与结论:①大体观察:不同质量浓度的沙棘总黄酮局部注射后瘢痕组织块明显软化、变平;②空白对照组大量炎性细胞浸润、血管生成、胶原纤维不规则排列;与空白对照组相比,各沙棘总黄酮组可见整齐的束状胶原纤维分布,新生血管较少,特别是2 g/L沙棘总黄酮组改善较为明显;不同质量浓度沙棘总黄酮组间瘢痕增生指数和胶原密度均低于空白对照组和二甲基亚砜组(P<0.05);③各沙棘总黄酮组和二甲基亚砜组瘢痕组织块的Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原mRNA表达水平均显著低于空白对照组,其中2 g/L沙棘总黄酮组的抑制作用最明显(P<0.05);④与空白对照组相比,二甲基亚砜一定程度上可以降低组织块中Ⅲ型胶原、转化生长因子β1、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白、血管内皮生长因子蛋白表达水平;但不同质量浓度沙棘总黄酮组均可明显抑制兔耳增生性瘢痕组织块Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原、转化生长因子β1、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白、血管内皮生长因子蛋白的表达水平,且呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05);⑤提示沙棘总黄酮可抑制瘢痕增生,使瘢痕组织块软化、变平,颜色变淡,降低兔耳增生性瘢痕组织块转化生长因子β1、Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原纤维的表达,抑制成纤维细胞向肌成纤维细胞转化,减少瘢痕组织内血管生成,从而达到治疗增生性瘢痕的作用。

Influence of ginsenoside Rg1, a panaxatriol saponin from Panax notoginseng, on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Total saponins of Panax notoginseng （PNS） have been shown to ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg 1, a panaxatriol saponin, is one of the major active molecules from PNS. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rgl on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： sham-operation （n=15）, UUO （n=15） and UUO with ginsenoside Rgl treatment （n=15, 50 mg per kg body weight, intraperitoneally （i.p.） injected）. The rats were sacrificed on Days 7 and 14 after the surgery. Histological examination demonstrated that ginsenoside Rgl significantly inhibited interstitial fibrosis including tubular injury as well as collagen deposition, u-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and E-cadherin are two markers of tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transition （TEMT）. Interestingly, ginsenoside Rgl notably decreased α-SMA expression and simultaneously enhanced E-cadherin expression. The messenger RNA （mRNA） of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, a key mediator to regulate TEMT, in the obstructed kidney increased dramatically, but was found to decrease significantly after administration of ginsenoside Rg 1. Further study showed that ginsenoside Rgl considerably decreased the levels of both active TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 （pSmad2）. Moreover, ginsenoside Rgl substantially suppressed the expression of thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1）, a cytokine which can promote the transcription of TGF-β1 mRNA and the activation of latent TGF-β1. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rgl inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO. The mechanism might be partly related to the blocking of TEMT via suppressing the expression of TSP-1.

Edaravone inhibits apoptosis caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury in a porcine hepatectomy model

AIM： TO investigate the effect of E3-methyl-l-phe- nyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one （Edr） on hepatic ischemia-reper- fusion （I/R） injury and liver regeneration in a porcine hepatectomy model. METHODS： One hour ischemia was induced by occlud- ing the vessels and the bile duct of the right and median lobes. A 40% left hepatectomy was performed after re- perfusion. Six animals received Edr （3 mg/kg per hour） intravenously and six control animals received saline just before reperfusion. Remnant liver volume, hemody- namics, aspartate aminotransferase （AST）, alanine ami- notransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and lactic acid, were compared between the groups. The expression of transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β1） and toll-like receptor （TRL） mRNA in hepatic tissues was examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Apoptosis was demonstrated by terminal deoxynucleo- tidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） stain- ing, respectively. RESULTS： Serum AS-I- （P = 0.029）, and toll like recep- tor 4 level （P = 0.043） were significantly lower after 3 hin animals receiving Edr. In addition, TUNEL staining in Edr-treated pigs showed significantly fewer hepatocytes undergoing apoptosis compared with control pigs. After 1 mo, all factors were non-significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION： Edr is considered to reduce hepatic injury in the early stage of I/R injury in a porcine model.

转化生长因子β在骨缺损修复过程中对骨痂内ALP和钙的影响

目的:观察转化生长因子β与兔骨松质的复合材料对兔颅骨缺损的修复过程中骨痂内ALP、钙的影响。方法:取12只日本大耳白兔在颅顶双侧制成2个直径15mm的全层圆形骨缺损,作为颅骨大面积缺损的动物模型;将转化生长因子β与经化学处理过的兔骨松质结合,制成复合材料,分别植入骨缺损中。于术后2,4,8,12周进行生物化学检测。结果:不同时相实验组与对照组相比,在ALP含量、钙离子测定值这两个水平上差异均具有统计学意义。结论:转化生长因子与兔骨松质复合材料成骨能力强于对照组,可以作为颅骨缺损修复材料的一种选择。

Targeting key signalling pathways in oesophageal adenocarcinoma:A reality for personalised medicine?

Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a result of tumor recurrence.We have reviewed the key signalling pathways associated with oesophageal adenocarcinomas and discussed the recent trials of novel agents that attempt to target these pathways.There are many trials underway with the aim of improving survival in oesophageal cancer.Currently,phase 2 and 3 trials are focused on MAP kinase inhibition,either through inhibition of growth factor receptors or signal transducer proteins.In order to avoid tumor resistance,it appears to be clear that targeted therapy will be needed to combat the multiple signalling pathways that are in operation in oesophageal adenocarcinomas.This may be achievable in the future with the advent of gene signatures and a combinatorial approach.

Heme oxygenase-1 overexpression increases liver injury after bile duct ligation in rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） against oxidant-induced injury caused by bile duct ligation （BDL）.METHODS： Either cobalt protoporphyrin （CoPP）, a HO-1 inducer, or saline were injected intraperitoneally in male SD-rats. Three days later, BDL or sham-operations were performed. Rats were sacrificed 3 wk after BDL and livers were harvested for histology. Fibrosis was evaluated by sirius red staining and image analysis. Alpha-smooth muscular actin, which indicates activation of stellate cells, was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and q/tokine and collagen- Iα （Col- I α） mRNA expression was detected using RNase protection assays.RESULTS： Serum alanine transaminase increased 8-fold above normal levels one day after BDL. Surprisingly, enzyme release was not reduced in rats receiving CoPP. Liver fibrosis was evaluated 3 wk after BDL and the sirius red-positive area was found to be increased to about 7.8%. However, in CoPP pretreated rats sirius redpositive areas were increased to about 11.7% after BDL. Collagen-1 α and TGF-β mRNA increased significantly by BDL. Again, this effect was increased by HO-1 overexpression.CONCLUSION： Hepatic fibrosis due to BDL is not reduced by the HO-1 inducer CoPP. In contrast, HO-1 overexpression increases liver injury in rats under conditions of experimental chronic cholestasis.

Smad3 knock-out mice as a useful model to study intestinal fibrogenesis

AIM： To evaluate the possible differences in morphology and immunohistochemical expression of CD3, transforming growth factor 131（TGF-131）, Smad7, α-smooth muscle actin （α-Sma）, and collagen types Ⅰ-Ⅶ of small and large intestine in Smad3 null and wild-type mice. METHODS： Ten null and ten wild-type adult mice were sacrificed at 4 mo of age and the organs （esophagus, small and large bowel, ureters） were collected for histology（hematoxylin and eosin, Masson thrichrome, silver staining）, morphometry and immunohistochemistry analysis. TGF-β1 levels of intestinal tissue homogenates were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS： No macroscopic intestinal lesions were detected both in null and wild-type mice. Histological and morphometric evaluation revealed a significant reduction in muscle layer thickness of small and large intestine in null mice as compared to wild-type mice. Immunohistochemistry evaluation showed a significant increase of CD3＋T cell, TGF-β1 and Smad7 staining in the small and large intestine mucosa of Smad3 null mice as compared to wild-type mice. α-Sma and collagen Ⅰ-Ⅶ staining of small and large intestine did not differ between the two groups of mice. TGF-β1 levels of colonic tissue homogenates were significantly higher in null mice than in wildtype mice. In preliminary experiments a significant reduction of TNBS-induced intestinal fibrosis was observed in null mice as compared to wild-type mice.