Roles of Smad3 and Smad7 in rat pancreatic stellate cells activated by transforming growth factor-beta 1

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) play a major role in promoting pancreatic fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a critical mediator of this process. This study aimed to determine the expression of the Smad3 and Smad7 genes in the process of PSC activation, and explore the mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: The expressions of Smad3 and Smad7 in PSCs before and after TGF-beta 1 treatment were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis. Smad3 expression was detected in PSCs after treatment with 5 ng/ml of TGF-beta 1 for 24 hours. RESULTS: Smad7 expression was decreased in TGF-beta 1 -activated PSCs (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. When TGF-beta 1 concentration reached 10 ng/ml, the expression of p-Smad3, Smad3, and Smad7 was inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 promotes the expression of Smad3 and inhibits the expression of Smad7 during the activation of PSCs. In contrast, high-dose TGF-beta 1 downregulates the expression of Smad3 in completely activated PSCs.

入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平与CHB肝纤维化严重程度的相关性及对疾病预后的预测价值

目的探讨入院时血清转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、Smad同源蛋白2(Smad2)、Smad同源蛋白3(Smad3)及透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PCⅢ)、层黏连蛋白(LN)、Ⅳ型胶原(CⅣ)水平与慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)肝纤维化严重程度的相关性及联合检测对疾病预后的预测价值。方法选取河南省中医院2021年3月至2022年3月收治的78例CHB肝纤维化患者作为研究组,选择同期78名健康体检者作为对照组。比较研究组和对照组及不同肝纤维化分期、不同炎症活动分级CHB肝纤维化患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平;分析入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平与肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级的相关性。CHB肝纤维化患者治疗3个月后,根据患者预后分为预后良好和预后不良亚组,比较预后良好和预后不良患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平;分析入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平联合检测对CHB肝纤维化患者预后不良的预测价值。结果研究组入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ高于对照组(P<0.05);不同肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级CHB肝纤维化患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ比较:S1<S2<S3<S4、G1<G2<G3<G4,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平与肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级均呈正相关(P<0.05)。预后良好患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平均低于预后不良患者(P<0.05);入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、LN、PCⅢ、CⅣ水平联合预测肝纤维化患者预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)优于各指标单一检测(P<0.05)。结论CHB肝纤维化患者入院时血清TGF-β1、Smad2、Smad3、HA、PCⅢ、LN、CⅣ水平均呈现高表达,且与肝纤维化分期、炎症活动分级密切相关,其联合检测对CHB肝纤维化患者预后有较高的预测价值,可用于评估CHB肝纤维化患者病情严重程度和预后,为制定针对性治疗措施提供参考。

Dab2 attenuates brain injury in APP/PS1 mice via targeting transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD signaling

Transforming growth factor-beta （TGF-β） type II receptor （TβRⅡ） levels are extremely low in the brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer＇s disease. This receptor inhibits TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and thereby aggravates amyolid-beta deposition and neuronal injury. Dab2, a specific adapter protein, protects T RII from degradation and ensures the effective conduction of TGF-β 1/SMAD signaling. In this study, we used an adenoviral vector to overexpress the Dab2 gene in the mouse hippocampus and investigated the regulatory effect of Dab2 protein on TGF-β1/SMAD signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease, and the potential neuroprotective effect. The results showed that the TβRⅡ level was lower.in APP/PS1 mouse hippocampus than in normal mouse hippocampus. After Dab2 expression, hippocampal TβRⅡ and p-SMAD2/3 levels were signifi- cantly increased, while amyloid-beta deposition, microglia activation, tumor necrosis factor- and interleulin-6 levels and neuronal loss were significantly attenuated in APP/PS1 mouse brain tissue. These results suggest that Dab2 can exhibit neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer＇s disease by regulating TGF-β1/SMAD signaling.

Chondrogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells by transforming growth factor-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in a normal healthy impacted third molar

The periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cell is regarded as a source of adult stem cells due to its multipotency.However, the proof of chondrogenic potential of the cells is scarce.Therefore,we investigated the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by transforming growth factor(TGF)-p3 and bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)-6.After isolation of periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSCs) from human periodontal ligament,the cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium(DMEM) with 20%fetal bovine serum(FBS).A mechanical force initiated chondrogenic differentiation of the cells.For chondrogenic differentiation,10μg·LTGF-β3 or 100μg·LBMP-6 and the combination treating group for synergistic effect of the growth factors.We analyzed the PDLSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and chondrogenesis were evaluated by glycosaminoglycans assay,histology,immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis.PDLSCs showed mesenchymal stem cell properties proved by FACS analysis.Glycosaminoglycans contents were increased 217%by TGF-β3 and 220%by BMP-6. The synergetic effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 were shown up to 281%compared to control.The combination treatment increased Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II expression compared with not only controls,but also TGF-P3 or BMP-6 single treatment dramatically.The histological analysis also indicated the chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in our conditions.The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of the dental stem cell as a valuable cell source for chondrogenesis,which may be applicable for regeneration of cartilage and bone fracture in the field of cell therapy.

Hsa_circRNA_102610 upregulation in Crohn’s disease promotes transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition via sponging of hsa-miR-130a-3p

BACKGROUND The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease,a chronic intestinal inflammatory disorder that includes Crohn’s disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis,is rising.Circular RNAs are considered valuable diagnostic biomarkers for CD.Current evidence supports the views that epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)plays an important role in CD pathogenesis,and that hsa-miR-130a-3p can inhibit transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced EMT.Our previous study revealed that hsa_circRNA_102610 was upregulated in CD patients.Moreover,we predicted an interaction between hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p.Thus,we hypothesized that hsa_circRNA_102610 may play roles in the proliferation and EMT of intestinal epithelial cells by sponging hsa-miR-130a-3p to participate in the pathogenesis of CD.AIM To explore the mechanism of hsa_circRNA_102610 in the pathogenesis of CD.METHODS The relative expression levels of hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p in patients were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.The proliferation of human intestinal epithelial cells(HIECs)and normal-derived colon mucosa cell line 460(NCM460)cells was detected by cell counting kit-8,5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine staining and cell cycle assays following overexpression or downregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610.Cell proliferation assays were performed as described above in a rescue experiment with hsa-miR-130a-3p mimics.The interaction of hsa_circRNA_102610 and hsa-miR-130a-3p was verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter assays.The relative expression levels of CyclinD1,mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4(SMAD4),E-cadherin,N-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by western blotting following hsa_circRNA_102610 overexpression,TGF-β1-induced EMT or hsa-miR-130a-3p mimic transfection(in rescue experiments).RESULTS Upregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610 was determined to be positively correlated with elevated fecal calprotectin levels in CD(r=0.359,P=0.007)by Pearson correlation analysis.Hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted the proliferation of HIECs and NCM460 cells,while hsa-miR-130a-3p reversed the cell proliferationpromoting effects of hsa_circRNA_102610.Fluorescence in situ hybridization and dual luciferase reporter assays showed that hsa_circRNA_102610 directly bound hsa-miR-130a-3p in NCM460 and 293T cells.An inverse correlation between downregulation of hsa-miR-130a-3p and upregulation of hsa_circRNA_102610 in CD patients was observed(r=-0.290,P=0.024)by Pearson correlation analysis.Moreover,overexpression of hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted SMAD4 and CyclinD1 protein expression validated by western-blotting.Furthermore,overexpression of hsa_circRNA_102610 promoted TGF-β1 induced EMT in HIECs and NCM460 cells via targeting of hsa-miR-130a-3p,with increased expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin and decreased expression of E-cadherin.CONCLUSION Hsa_circRNA_102610 upregulation in CD patients could promote the proliferation and EMT of intestinal epithelial cells via sponging of hsa-miR-130a-3p.

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.

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.

降气化痰推拿法对慢性哮喘幼鼠气道重塑及TGF-β1、Smad3表达的影响

目的探讨降气化痰推拿法对慢性哮喘幼鼠气道重塑的治疗作用及潜在机制。方法将50只SPF级雌性BALB/c小鼠随机分为对照组(A组)、模型组(B组)、推拿组(C组)、地塞米松组(D组)、推拿+地塞米松组(E组),每组10只。其中除A组外,其余小鼠均制备哮喘模型。第16天开始,C、D、E组进行相应推拿、地塞米松、推拿+地塞米松治疗,B组注射等量生理盐水;第22天开始,各组连续激发7 d。比较各组的肺功能、血清白介素4(interleukin 4,IL-4)水平、肺组织病理改变以及肺组织转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、Smad3 mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果肺能功方面,与A组相比,各组给药后的气道狭窄指数明显升高、肺顺应性下降,且C、D、E组的气道狭窄指数低于B组,肺顺应性高于B组。在高浓度乙酰胆碱(6.250 g·L^(-1),12.500 g·L^(-1),25.000 g·L^(-1))给药时,E组的气道狭窄指数明显低于C、D组,且C组低于D组,C组肺顺应性低于D组(P<0.05);炎性水平方面,与A组相比,各组IL-4水平、炎症细胞浸润程度均升高,且C、D、E组均低于B组,E组低于C、D组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);HE染色结果显示,A组肺组织无明显炎性改变,B组炎性细胞浸润严重,C组、D组、E组轻微炎症浸润,且E组浸润程度低于C、D组;与A组相比,各组气道壁厚度和气道平滑肌厚度升高,且、D、E组均低于B组,E组低于C、D组;与A组相比,各组TGF-1β、Smad3 mRNA和蛋白水平均升高,且C、D、E组均低于B组,E组低于C、D组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论降气化痰推拿法能够有效改善慢性哮喘幼鼠的气道重塑,降低炎性反应水平,减轻炎性浸润,其机制可能与下调TGF-β1/Smad3通路表达相关。

Prognostic significance and relationship of SMAD3 phosphoisoforms and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer:A clinicopathological study

BACKGROUND The TGF-β/SMAD3 and VEGFR-1 signaling pathways play important roles in gastric cancer metastasis.SMAD3 phosphorylation is a crucial prognostic marker in gastric cancer.AIM To determine the prognostic value and relationship of SMAD3 phospho-isoforms and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer.METHODS This was a single-center observational study which enrolled 98 gastric cancer patients and 82 adjacent normal gastric tissues from patients aged 32-84 years(median age 65)between July 2006 and April 2007.Patients were followed up until death or the study ended(median follow-up duration of 28.5 mo).The samples were used to generate tissue microarrays(TMAs)for immunohistochemical(IHC)staining.The expressions of TGF-β1,pSMAD3C(S423/425),pSMAD3L(S204),and VEGFR-1 in gastric cancer(GC)tumor tissue and normal tissue were measured by IHC staining using TMAs obtained from 98 GC patients.Prognosis and survival information of the patients was recorded by Outdo Biotech from May 2007 to July 2015.The relationship between TGF-β1,pSMAD3C(S423/425),pSMAD3L(S204),and VEGFR-1 protein expression levels was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.The relationship between protein expression levels and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the Chi-squared test.A survival curve was generated using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.RESULTS TGFβ-1 and VEGFR-1 expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissue compared to adjacent noncancerous tissue.The positive expression of phosphorylated isoforms of Smad3 varied depending on the phosphorylation site[pSMAD3C(S423/425):51.0%and pSMAD3L(S204):31.6%].High expression of pSMAD-3L(S204)was significantly correlated with larger tumors(P=0.038)and later N stages(P=0.035).Additionally,high expression of VEGFR-1 was closely correlated with tumor size(P=0.015)and pathological grading(P=0.013).High expression of both pSMAD3L(S204)and VEGFR-1 was associated with unfavorable outcomes in terms of overall survival(OS).Multivariate analysis indicated that high expression of pSMAD3L(S204)and VEGFR-1 were independent risk factors for prognosis in GC patients.VEGFR-1 protein expression was correlated with TGF-β1(r=0.220,P=0.029),pSMAD3C(S423/425)(r=0.302,P=0.002),and pSMAD3L(S204)(r=0.201,P=0.047),respectively.Simultaneous overexpression of pSMAD3L(S204)and VEGFR-1 was associated with poor OS in gastric cancer patients.CONCLUSION Co-upregulation of pSMAD3L(S204)and VEGFR-1 can serve as a predictive marker for poor gastric cancer prognosis,and pSMAD3L(204)may be involved in enhanced gastric cancer metastasis in a VEGFR-1-dependent manner.

参附汤联合茯苓四逆汤治疗心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者的疗效及对其转化生长因子β1、Smad同源物3表达的影响

目的探讨参附汤联合茯苓四逆汤治疗心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者的疗效及对其转化生长因子β1(transforming growth factor-β,TGF-β1)、Smad同源物3(Smad homolog 3,Smad3)表达的影响。方法选取2020年1月—2023年1月期间北京市怀柔区中医医院收治的90例心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和研究组,每组各45例。对照组予常规西医治疗,研究组在对照组的基础上加用参附汤合茯苓四逆汤治疗。4周为1个疗程,两组患者均治疗4个疗程。观察比较两组患者治疗前后心功能[左室舒张末期内径(Left ventricular end diastolic diameter,LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(Left ventricular end systolic diameter,LVESD)、左室射血分数(Left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEEF)、每搏输血量(Blood transfusion volume per stroke,SV)]、心衰因子[心型脂肪酸结合蛋白(Heart-type Fatty Acid Binding Protein,H-FABP)、脑钠肽(Natriuretic peptide,BNP)]、心肌纤维化指标[Ⅰ型前胶原氨基端前肽(Type I procollagen amino terminal peptide,PICP)、Ⅲ型前胶原氨基端末肽(TypeⅢprocollagen amino terminal peptide,PⅢNP)、心肌肌钙蛋白I(cardiac troponin IcTnI)]、TGF-β1、Smad3表达量变化,评价活动耐力、心衰评分、明尼苏达评分、中医证候积分,并统计临床疗效及主要心血管不良事件(MACE)发生情况。结果治疗后两组患者心功能LVEDD、LVESD指标均较治疗前降低,LVEF、SV指标较治疗前升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组心功能LVEDD、LVESD指标明显低于对照组,LVEF、SV指标明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者心衰因子H-FABP、cTnI、BNP水平均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组心衰因子H-FABP、cTnI、BNP水平均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者心肌纤维化PICP、PⅢNP水平均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组心肌纤维化PICP、PⅢNP水平明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者TGF-β1、Smad3表达量均较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组TGF-β1、Smad3表达量均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者活动耐力较治疗前升高,心衰、明尼苏达评分较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组活动耐力评分明显高于对照组,心衰、明尼苏达评分均明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者中医证候积分较治疗前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);且研究组中医证候积分明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后研究组临床总有效率95.56%(43/45)明显高于对照组80.00%(36/45),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗期间,研究组MACE发生率4.44%(2/45)明显低于对照组17.78%(8/45),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论参附汤合茯苓四逆汤可显著改善心阳亏虚型慢性心力衰竭患者临床症状及体征,降低TGF-β1、Smad3表达,抑制心肌纤维化,促进心脏功能恢复,效果理想。

Total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition via interfering transforming growth factor-β1 signaling in Crohn's disease intestinal fibrosis

AIM To explore the role and mechanism of total flavone of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) progress of Crohn's disease(CD) intestinal fibrosis.METHODS First,CCK-8 assay was performed to assess TFA on the viability of intestinal epithelial(IEC-6) cells and select the optimal concentrations of TFA for our further studies.Then cell morphology,wound healing and transwell assays were performed to examine the effect of TFA on morphology,migration and invasion of IEC-6 cells treated with TGF-β1.In addition,immunofluorescence,real-time PCR analysis(q RT-PCR) and western blotting assays were carried out to detect the impact of TFA on EMT progress.Moreover,western blotting assay was performed to evaluate the function of TFA on the Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Further,the role of co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors has been examined by q RTPCR,western blotting,morphology,wound healing andtranswell assays.RESULTS In this study,TFA promoted transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced(IEC-6) morphological change,migration and invasion,and increased the expression of epithelial markers and reduced the levels of mesenchymal markers,along with the inactivation of Smad and MAPK signaling pathways.Moreover,we revealed that si-Smad and MAPK inhibitors effectively attenuated TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells.Importantly,co-treatment of TFA and si-Smad or MAPK inhibitors had better inhibitory effects on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells than either one of them.CONCLUSION These findings could provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of TFA on TGF-β1-induced EMT in IEC-6 cells and TFA is expected to advance as a new therapy to treat CD intestinal fibrosis.

Cross-talk between microRNA-let7c and transforming growth factor-β2 during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To explore the roles of microRNA-let7 c(miR-let7 c) and transforming growth factor-β2(TGF-β2) and cellular signaling during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: Retinal pigment epithelial(ARPE-19) cells were cultured with no serum for 12 h, and then with recombinant human TGF-β2 for different lengths of time. ARPE-19 cells were transfected with 1×106 TU/mL miR-let7 c mimcs(miR-let7 cM), miR-let7 c mimcs negative control(miR-let7cMNC) and miR-let7 c inhibitor(miR-let7 cI) using the transfection reagent. The expression of keratin-18, vimentin, N-cadherin, IKB alpha, p65 were detected by Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The expression of miR-let7c was dramatically reduced and the nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated after induction by TGF-β2(P<0.05). In turn, overexpressed miR-let7 c significantly inhibited TGF-β2-induced EMT(P<0.05). However, miR-let7 c was unable to inhibit TGF-β2-induced EMT when the NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited by BAY11-7082(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The miR-let7 c regulates TGF-β2-induced EMT through the NF-κB signaling pathway in ARPE-19 cells.

Glycine Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis in Myocardial Infarction in Rats Partly through Modulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3/Nuclear Factor-κB/Transforming Growth Factor-β axis

Objective: Inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with each other. Glycine is present in various traditional Chinese medicines and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of glycine on myocardial fibrosis(MF) in rats with myocardial infarction(MI) have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of glycine therapy on MF and comprehend its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Left anterior descending artery ligation-induced MI in Sprague Dawley rats was leveraged to assess the therapeutic effects of Glycine. Rats received either normal saline or glycine(0.5 mg/g bodyweight) for 7 days. Results: Glycine upregulated cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening to improve cardiac function, as evaluated by echocardiography. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that glycine could decrease inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviate collagen deposition. Western blotting revealed that nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling was also downregulated by glycine treatment. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) was decreased significantly in the glycine-treated group compared to the model group. Thus, glycine plays a protective role against myocardial ischemia and subsequent MF. Conclusion: The protective effects of glycine were achieved partly through STAT3/NF-κB/TGF-β signaling pathway.

慢性乙型肝炎患者血清TGF-β1和SMAD3水平及其对肝纤维化的诊断价值分析

目的检测慢性乙型肝炎患者血清转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)和Smad同源物3(SMAD3)的水平,探讨二者对肝纤维化的诊断价值。方法选取2020年10月至2022年10月于该院就诊的慢性乙型肝炎患者100例作为研究组,另选择同期于该院进行体检的体检健康者92例作为对照组。研究组根据肝纤维化程度分为S0期(28例)、S1~S2期(52例)、S3~S4期(20例)。Pearson相关性分析血清TGF-β1、SMAD3水平与肝纤维化指标的相关性;采用受试者工作特征曲线分析血清TGF-β1、SMAD3水平对肝纤维化的诊断价值。多因素Logistic回归分析影响患者肝纤维化的危险因素。结果研究组血清TGF-β1、SMAD3、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、总胆红素(TBIL)水平显著高于对照组,清蛋白(ALB)水平显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);S0、S1~S2、S3~S4期患者血清层黏连蛋白(LN)、Ⅳ型胶原(Ⅳ-C)、透明质酸(HA)、Ⅲ型前胶原(PC-Ⅲ)、TGF-β1、SMAD3、AST、ALT、TBIL水平依次升高,ALB水平依次降低(P<0.05);血清TGF-β1、SMAD3分别与LN、Ⅳ-C、HA、PC-Ⅲ呈正相关(r=0.358、0.524、0.341、0.442,均P<0.05)、(r=0.657、0.427、0.475、0.335,均P<0.05);血清TGF-β1、SMAD3联合诊断乙型肝炎患者肝纤维化的曲线下面积为0.868,优于二者单独诊断;TGF-β1、SMAD3、LN、Ⅳ-C、HA及PC-Ⅲ是影响乙型肝炎患者肝纤维化的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论TGF-β1、SMAD3在慢性乙型肝炎患者血清中呈高表达,且二者对于肝纤维化具有良好的诊断价值,是影响肝纤维化的危险因素。

Interplay between micro RNA-17-5p, insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ through binding protein-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM: To investigate the effect of microR NA on insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) and hence on insulin-like growth factor-Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ) bioavailability in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: Bioinformatic analysis was performed using microrna.org, DIANA lab and Segal lab softwares. Total RNA was extracted from 23 HCC and 10 healthy liver tissues using mir Vana mi RNA Isolation Kit. microR NA-17-5p(miR-17-5p) expression was mimicked and antagonized in Hu H-7 cell lines using Hi Per Fect Transfection Reagent, then total RNA was extracted using Biozol reagent then reverse transcribed into cD NA followed by quantification of mi R-17-5p and IGFBP-3 expression using Taq Man real-time quantitative PCR. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to validate the binding of miR-17-5p to the 3'UTR of IGFBP-3. Free IGF-Ⅱ protein was measured in transfected Hu H-7 cells using IGF-Ⅱ ELISA kit. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis revealed IGFBP-3 as a potential target for miR-17-5p. Screening of miR-17-5p and IGFBP-3 revealed a moderate negative correlation in HCC patients, where mi R-17-5p was extensively underexpressed in HCC tissues(P = 0.0012), while IGFBP-3 showed significant upregulation in the same set of patients(P = 0.0041) compared to healthy donors. Forcing mi R-17-5p expression in Hu H-7 cell lines showed a significant downregulation of IGFBP-3 mR NA expression(P = 0.0267) and a significant increase in free IGF-Ⅱ protein(P = 0.0339) compared to mock untransfected cells using unpaired t-test. Luciferase assay validated IGFBP-3 as a direct target of mi R-17-5p; luciferase activity was inhibited by 27.5% in cells co-transfected with miR-17-5p mimics and the construct harboring the wild-type binding region 2 of IGFBP-3 compared to cells transfected with this construct alone(P = 0.0474).CONCLUSION: These data suggest that regulating IGF-Ⅱ bioavailability and hence HCC progression can be achieved through targeting IGFBP-3 via manipulating the expression of miR NAs.

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.

Activation of Uterine Smad3 Pathway Is Crucial for Embryo Implantation

Embryo implantation is a complicated physiological process tightly regulated by multiple biological molecules including growth factors.Transforming growth factor-betas(TGF-βs)and their most specific signal transduction factors,Smads,are expressed in the endometrium during the window of implantation.Recent researches indicated that Smad dependent TGF-β signaling may play an important role in the process of embryo implantation.In this study,we measured the expression of TGF-β1,TGF-β receptor type I(TpRI),Smad3 and p-Smad3 in the endometrium of mice and observed their elevation on day 4,5 and 6 of pseudopregnancy.Then we administrated a specific Smad3 inhibitor(Sis3)into the uterine cavity of mice on day 3 of pregnancy.The results showed a reduction in insulin-like growth factor-1(IGFBP-1)expression and the decreased number of implanted embryo after the administration.In addition,Sis3 was found to reduce the IGFBP-1 secretion in decidualized endometrial stromal cells.Taken all together,our findings demonstrated that TGF-β/Smad3 signaling is involved in the process of embryo implantation.

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.

微RNA-196a-1-3p靶向Ras响应元件结合蛋白调控胆管癌细胞增殖的机制研究

目的探讨转化生长因子β(TGF-β)调控人胆管癌细胞系RBE细胞增殖的关键微RNA(miRNA)及其潜在的机制。方法该研究起止时间为2020年1月至2022年1月。磷酸盐缓冲液(PBS)处理为对照组,TGF-β处理为TGF-β组,TGF-β抗体处理为抗体组。检测三组RBE细胞的增殖水平。miRNA高通量测序检测三组RBE细胞的miRNA调控变化,并进行miRNA模拟物过表达筛选鉴定受TGF-β调控的影响RBE细胞增殖水平的关键miRNA。miRNA数据库(miRDB)在线分析miRNA的潜在底物,并通过小干扰RNA(siRNA)敲低筛选鉴定影响RBE细胞增殖水平的关键底物。结果相比于对照组,TGF-β组RBE细胞的增殖水平上升(1.62±0.07比2.35±0.09,P<0.05),抗体组RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(1.62±0.07比1.11±0.08,P<0.05)。过表达微RNA-196a-1-3p(miR-196a-1-3p)时,RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(P<0.05)。敲低Ras响应元件结合蛋白(RREB1)时,RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(P<0.05)。过表达miR-196a-1-3p后,RBE细胞中RREB1的信使RNA(mRNA)和蛋白水平下降(P<0.05)。敲低miR-196a-1-3p后,RBE细胞中RREB1与SMAD家族蛋白3(SMAD3)的相互作用增加。敲低SMAD3后,RBE细胞的增殖水平下降(P<0.05)。与仅敲低SMAD3相比,敲低SMAD3的同时过表达RREB1的RBE细胞的增殖水平无显著变化,并且同时敲低SMAD3和miR-196a-1-3p的RBE细胞的增殖水平无显著变化。结论TGF-β能够通过miR-196a-1-3p/RREB1/SMAD3轴促进RBE细胞增殖;miR-196a-1-3p和RREB1可作为潜在的治疗胆管癌的靶标,为针对该靶标的新药研发奠定了基础。

Danggui Buxue Tang ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats through inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3/plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Danggui Buxue Tang(DBT), a decoction from Traditional Chinese Medicine, on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and to propose the possible underlying mechanism.METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group,prednisone group and DBT group. Pulmonary fibrosis rat model was established by intratracheal injection with bleomycin. Body weight and lung index were monitored. Histopathologic examination and collagen deposition were determined using Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) and Masson's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry staining was applied to observe the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). m RNA expression of α-SMA,collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were measured by realtime fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-q PCR). Inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) and IL-1β in serum were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Alkali hydrolysis method was conducted to investigate the content of hydroxyproline(HYP). Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1),Smad3 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) protein level were examined by Western blot assay.RESULTS: DBT significantly reduced the severity of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation as indicated by minimizing the lost of weight, and by lowering the levels of lung index, inflammation score, Ashcroft score, collagen volume fraction(%), HYP, α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ,TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TGF-β1, Smad3 and PAI-1, consistent with the effect of prednisone.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that DBT is able to ameliorate the pulmonary fibrosis, the possible mechanism may involve inhibition of pulmonary inflammation and collagen deposition, possibly via suppressing TGF-β1/Smad3/PAI-1 signaling pathway.