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 gast...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.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of tongue coating fluid protein in regulation of congestive heart failure(CHF) in Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.METHODS: We studied patients with CHF(3 patients with Qi-deficie...OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of tongue coating fluid protein in regulation of congestive heart failure(CHF) in Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.METHODS: We studied patients with CHF(3 patients with Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome and 3 without Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome) to investigate differentially expressed proteins. We also included a control group. A biotin label-based antibody array was used for testing tongue coating fluid samples from patients. Net-work analysis of these differentially expressed proteins was conducted using the STRING database,which can predict the relations between differentially expressed proteins and CHF with Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.RESULTS: A total of seven differentially expressed proteins were identified, and among these, transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) gets a particular attention for us has drawn specific attention.Network analysis showed a homologous relationship of TGF-β1 with bone morphogenetic protein15, which is associated with myocardial fibrosis.CONCLUSION: Occurrence and development of CHF may result from certain DE-proteins and associated signaling pathways. TGF-β1 protein may be a candidate marker for assessing the risk of CHF in Qideficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.展开更多
This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of valproic acid(VPA)on the neurosphere formation in rat embryonic cortical cells.We used free-floating neurosphere formation as a model system to evaluate the ...This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of valproic acid(VPA)on the neurosphere formation in rat embryonic cortical cells.We used free-floating neurosphere formation as a model system to evaluate the VPA on the proliferation of neural stem cells(NSCs).We found a time-and dose-dependent increase in neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation after VPA treatment.Further RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that the upregulated TGFβ1 signaling might attribute to the effect of VPA on the neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation.Consistently,the neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation were blocked by the treatment with SB431542,an inhibitor of TGFβ1 receptor.Moreover,in a coculture system,NSCs treated with VPA significantly reduced the oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis.Taken together,our results showed that VPA could enhance neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation by activating TGFβ1,which might be a novel therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.展开更多
Liver fibrosis is the deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM)in the liver caused by persistent chronic injury,which can lead to more serious diseases such as cirrhosis or cancer.Blocking the effect of transforming gro...Liver fibrosis is the deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM)in the liver caused by persistent chronic injury,which can lead to more serious diseases such as cirrhosis or cancer.Blocking the effect of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1),one of the most important cytokines in liver fibrosis,may be one of the effective ways to inhibit liver fibrosis.As a kind of natural nano-scale vesicles,small extracellular vesicles(sEvs)have displayed excellent delivery vehicle properties.Herein,we prepared hepatic stellate cell(HSC)-derived sEvs loading left-right determination factor 1(lefty1)mRNA(sEvLs)and we wanted to verify whether they can inhibit fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.The results showed that sEvLs had effective cell uptake and reduced activation of HSCs.Rats that were injected with CCl 4 by intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks exhibited obvious symptoms of liver fibrosis and were treated with systemically administered sEvLs and free sEvs for 4 weeks.Rats injected with olive oil alone served as sham controls.Administration of sEvLs significantly reduced the area of fibrosis compared with free sEvs.We demonstrated that sEvLs inhibited HSCs activation and ECM production,and promote ECM degradation by downregulatingα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-1 and upregulating matrix metalloprotease(MMP)-1.In summary,as an endogenous delivery vehicle,sEvs could deliver mRNA to attenuate hepatic fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.展开更多
In the central nervous system, the formation of fibrotic scar after injury inhibits axon regeneration and promotes repair. However, the mechanism underlying fibrotic scar formation and regulation remains poorly unders...In the central nervous system, the formation of fibrotic scar after injury inhibits axon regeneration and promotes repair. However, the mechanism underlying fibrotic scar formation and regulation remains poorly understood. M2 macrophages regulate fibrotic scar formation after injury to the heart, lung, kidney, and central nervous system. However, it remains to be clarified whether and how M2 macrophages regulate fibrotic scar formation after cerebral ischemia injury. In this study, we found that, in a rat model of cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion, fibrosis and macrophage infiltration were apparent in the ischemic core in the early stage of injury(within 14 days of injury). The number of infiltrated macrophages was positively correlated with fibronectin expression. Depletion of circulating monocyte-derived macrophages attenuated fibrotic scar formation. Interleukin 4(IL4) expression was strongly enhanced in the ischemic cerebral tissues, and IL4-induced M2 macrophage polarization promoted fibrotic scar formation in the ischemic core. In addition, macrophage-conditioned medium directly promoted fibroblast proliferation and the production of extracellular matrix proteins in vitro. Further pharmacological and genetic analyses showed that sonic hedgehog secreted by M2 macrophages promoted fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and that this process was mediated by secretion of the key fibrosis-associated regulatory proteins transforming growth factor beta 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Furthermore, IL4-afforded functional restoration on angiogenesis, cell apoptosis, and infarct volume in the ischemic core of cerebral ischemia rats were markedly impaired by treatment with an sonic hedgehog signaling inhibitor, paralleling the extent of fibrosis. Taken together, our findings show that IL4/sonic hedgehog/transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling targeting macrophages regulates the formation of fibrotic scar and is a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common digestive system cancers with high mortality rates worldwide.The main ingredients in Mu Ji Fang Granules(MJF)are alkaloids,flavonoids,and polysaccharid...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common digestive system cancers with high mortality rates worldwide.The main ingredients in Mu Ji Fang Granules(MJF)are alkaloids,flavonoids,and polysaccharides.MJF has been used in the clinical treatment of hepatitis,cirrhosis and HCC for more than 30 years.Few previous studies have focused on the mechanism of MJF on tumor immunology in the treatment of HCC.AIM To explore the mechanism of action of MJF on tumor immunology in the treatment of HCC.METHODS The absorbable ingredients of MJF were identified using Molecule Network related to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electron Spray Ionization-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry,and hub potential anti-HCC targets were screened using network pharmacology and pathway enrichment analysis.Forty male mice were randomly divided into the Blank,Model,and MJF groups(1.8,5.4,and 10.8 g/kg/d)following 7 d of oral administration.Average body weight gain,spleen and thymus indices were calculated,tumor tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin,and Interferon gamma(IFN-γ),Tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),Interleukin-2,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),Fas,and FasL were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay.Relevant mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl2 was evaluated by Real Time Quantitative PCR(RTqPCR)and protein expression of Transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)and Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog(SMAD)4 was assessed by Western blotting.The HepG2 cell line was treated with 10 mg/mL,20 mg/mL,30 mg/mL,40 mg/mL of MJF,and another 3 groups were treated with TGF-β1 inhibitor(LY364947)and different doses of MJF.Relevant mRNA expression of TNF-α,IFN-γ,Bax and Bcl2 was evaluated by RT-qPCR and protein expression of TGF-β1,SMAD2,p-SMAD2,SMAD4,and SMAD7 was assessed by Western blotting.RESULTS It was shown that MJF improved body weight gain and tumor inhibition rate in H22 tumorbearing mice,protected immune organs and liver function,reduced the HCC indicator AFP,affected immunity and apoptosis,and up-regulated the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway,by increasing the relative expression of TGF-β1,SMAD2,p-SMAD2 and SMAD4 and decreasing SMAD7,reducing immune factors TNF-αand IFN-γ,decreasing apoptosis cytokines Fas,FasL and Bcl2/Bax,and inhibiting the effect of LY364947 in HepG2 cells.CONCLUSION MJF inhibits HCC by activating the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway,and affecting immune and apoptotic cytokines,which may be due to MJF adjusting immune escape and apoptosis.展开更多
Paconiflorin(Pae)is a monoterpenoid glycoside compound and has many biological activitics,such as immunosuppression,anti-inflammation and anti-cell proliferation.However,the effects and mechanisms of Pae on chronic he...Paconiflorin(Pae)is a monoterpenoid glycoside compound and has many biological activitics,such as immunosuppression,anti-inflammation and anti-cell proliferation.However,the effects and mechanisms of Pae on chronic heart failure(CHF)remain unclear.This study was conducted to assess the effects and mechanisms of Pae on myocardial fibrosis in isoprenaline(Iso)-induced CHF rats.Pae(20 mgkg)was intragastrically administrated to CHF rats for 6 weeks.Cardiac structure and function were assessed.The protein and mRNA levels of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)and p38 were detected.C ompared to Iso group,Pae could alleviate myocardial fbrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats.The levels of collagen volume fraction(13.75%+3.77%vs.30.97%+4.22%,P<0.001)and perivascular collagen volume area(14.32%+2.50%v8.28.31%+3.16%,P<0.001)were significantly reduced in Pae group as compared with those in Iso group.The expression of TGF-BI protein(0.30+0.07 vs.0.66+0.07,P<0.05)and mRNA(3.51+0.44 vs.7.58+0.58,P<0.05)decreased significantly in Pac group as compared with that in Iso group.The expression of p38 protein(0.36+0.12 vs.0.81+0.38,P<0.05)and mRNA(3.84+0.05 vs.4.40+0.17,P<0.05)also decreased markedly in Pae group as compared with that in Iso group.Pae could attenuate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats by down-regulating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.展开更多
Objective: To study effects of Shenmai Injection on hypertensive heart failure and its mechanism for inhibiting myocardial fibrosis. Methods: Salt-sensitive(Dahl/SS) rats were fed with normal diet(0.3% Na Cl) and the ...Objective: To study effects of Shenmai Injection on hypertensive heart failure and its mechanism for inhibiting myocardial fibrosis. Methods: Salt-sensitive(Dahl/SS) rats were fed with normal diet(0.3% Na Cl) and the high-salt diet(8% Na Cl) to observe the changes in blood pressure and heart function, as the control group and the model group. Salt-insensitive rats(SS-13BN) were fed with the high-salt diet(8% Na Cl) as the negative control group. After modeling, the model rats were randomly divided into heart failure(HF) group, Shenmai Injection(SMI) group and pirfenidone(PFD) group by a random number table, with 6 rats in each group. They were given sterilized water, SMI and pirfenidone, respectively. Blood pressure, cardiac function, fibrosis and related molecular expression were detected by sphygmomanometer, echocardiogram, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, immunofluorescence and qPCR analysis. Results: After high-salt feeding, compared with the control and negative control group, in the model group the blood pressure increased significantly, the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening(LVFS) were significantly reduced, and the serum NT-pro BNP concentration increased significantly(all P<0.05);furthermore,the arrangement of myocardial cells was disordered, the edema was severe, and the degree of myocardial fibrosis was also significantly increased(P<0.05);the protein and m RNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ) were up-regulated(P<0.05), and the mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), Smad2 and Smad3 were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05). Compared with HF group, after intervention of Shenmai Injection, LVEF and LVFS increased, myocardial morphology was improved, collagen volume fraction decreased significantly(P<0.05), and the mRNA expressions of Col Ⅰ, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3, as well as Col Ⅰprotein expression, were all significantly down-regulated(all P<0.05). Conclusion: Myocardial fibrosis is the main pathological manifestation of hypertensive heart failure, and Shenmai Injection could inhibit myocardial fibrosis and effectively improve heart failure by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.展开更多
BACKGROUND Collagen is one of the most commonly used natural biomaterials for tendon tissue engineering.One of the possible practical ways to further enhance tendon repair is to combine a porous collagen sponge scaffo...BACKGROUND Collagen is one of the most commonly used natural biomaterials for tendon tissue engineering.One of the possible practical ways to further enhance tendon repair is to combine a porous collagen sponge scaffold with a suitable growth factor or cytokine that has an inherent ability to promote the recruitment,proliferation,and tenogenic differentiation of cells.However,there is an incomplete understanding of which growth factors are sufficient and optimal for the tenogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)in a collagen sponge-based 3D culture system.AIM To identify one or more ideal growth factors that benefit the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs in a porous collagen sponge scaffold.METHODS We constructed a 3D culture system based on a type I collagen sponge scaffold.The surface topography of the collagen sponge scaffold was observed by scanning electron microscopy.Primary BMSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats.Cell survival on the surfaces of the scaffolds with different growth factors was assessed by live/dead assay and CCK-8 assay.The mRNA and protein expression levels were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot,respectively.The deposited collagen was assessed by Sirius Red staining.RESULTS Transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)showed great promise in the tenogenic differentiation of BMSCs compared to growth differentiation factor 7(GDF-7)and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)in both the 2D and 3D cultures,and the 3D culture enhanced the differentiation of BMSCs into tenocytes well beyond the level of induction in the 2D culture after TGF-β1 treatment.In the 2D culture,the proliferation of the BMSCs showed no significant changes compared to the control group after TGF-β1,IGF-1,or GDF-7 treatment.However,TGF-β1 and GDF-7 could increase the cell proliferation in the 3D culture.Strangely,we also found more dead cells in the BMSC-collagen sponge constructs that were treated with TGF-β1.Moreover,TGF-β1 promoted more collagen deposition in both the 2D and 3D cultures.CONCLUSION Collagen sponge-based 3D culture with TGF-β1 enhances the responsiveness of the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs.展开更多
Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are critical for immune regulation.Although several microRNAs(miRNAs)have been shown to participate in autoimmune pathogenesis by affecting lymphocyte development and function,the roles of ...Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are critical for immune regulation.Although several microRNAs(miRNAs)have been shown to participate in autoimmune pathogenesis by affecting lymphocyte development and function,the roles of miRNAs in MSC dysfunction in autoimmune diseases remain unclear.Here,we show that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)display a unique miRNA signature in bone marrow-derived MSCs(BMSCs)compared with normal controls,among which miR-663 is closely associated with SLE disease activity.MiR-663 inhibits the proliferation and migration of BMSCs and impairs BMSC-mediated downregulation of follicular T helper(Tfh)cells and upregulation of regulatory T(Treg)cells by targeting transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1).MiR-663 overexpression weakens the therapeutic effect of BMSCs,while miR-663 inhibition improves the remission of lupus disease in MRL/lpr mice.Thus,miR-663 is a key mediator of SLE BMSC regulation and may serve as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of lupus.展开更多
Objective:To explore whether acupuncture combined with moxibustion could inhibit epithelialmesenchymal transition in Crohn’s disease by affecting the transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)/Smad3/Snail pathway.Methods...Objective:To explore whether acupuncture combined with moxibustion could inhibit epithelialmesenchymal transition in Crohn’s disease by affecting the transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)/Smad3/Snail pathway.Methods:Sixty-three patients with Crohn’s disease were randomly divided into an observation group(31 cases)receiving moxibustion at 43℃ combined with acupuncture,and a control group(32 cases)receiving moxibustion at 37℃combined with sham acupuncture using a random number table.Patients were treated for12 weeks.Crohn’s Disease Activity Index(CDAI)was used to evaluate disease activity.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphological and ultrastructural changes.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1),TβR1,TβR2,Smad3,Snail,E-cadherin and fibronectin in intestinal mucosal tissues.Results:The decrease of the CDAI score,morphological and ultrastructural changes were more significant in observation group.The expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,Smad3,and Snail in the observation group were significantly lower than those before the treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After treatment,the expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,and Snail in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05);compared with the control group,the expression of fibronectin in the observation group was significantly decreased,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased(all P<0.05).Conclusions:Moxibustion at 43℃combined with acupuncture may suppress TGF-β1/Smad3/Snail pathway-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of intestinal epithelial cells in Crohn’s disease patients by inhibiting the expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,Smad3,and Snail.(Registration No.ChiCTR-IIR-16007751).展开更多
In order to investigate the effect of paeoniflorin(PAE)on hepatic fibrosis of mice with Schistosomiasis japonica in vivo and in vitro,a model of hepatic fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis was established in mice infec...In order to investigate the effect of paeoniflorin(PAE)on hepatic fibrosis of mice with Schistosomiasis japonica in vivo and in vitro,a model of hepatic fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis was established in mice infected with cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum.Then,PAE was orally administered before and after praziquantel treat-ment and both therapeutics were given simultaneously at different time points after the infection.The concentra-tion of serum hyaluronic acid(HA)was determined by radioimmunoassay(RIA).Hepatic granuloma and fib-rosis were evaluated via HE and Masson staining.The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transform-ing growth factor β1(TGF-β1)and collagen I(Col I)protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.The effect of soluble egg antigen(SEA)and PAE on the pro-duction of TGF-β1 from mouse peritoneal macrophages(PMQs)was investigated by RT-PCR,Western blotting and ELISA.The effect of TGF-β1 in optimum macro-phage-conditioned medium(OPMCM)on the prolifera-tion of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and collagen secretion from HSCs with anti-TGF-β1 antibody was explored by MTT assay and ELISA.The results show that PAE could significantly reduce the concentration of serum HA,the size of egg granuloma,the severity of hepatic fibrosis and the expression of a-SMA,TGF-β1 and Col I protein in the pre-treatment group.However,in sim-or post-treatment group,PAE did not have any significant therapeutic effect.TGF-β1 could be secreted from PMQs stimulated by SEA.Meanwhile,the production of TGF-β1 from PMQs could be depressed significantly by PAE in a con-centration-dependent manner.TGF-β1 could promote the proliferation of HSCs and the secretion of collagens.In a word,PAE can prevent hepatic granuloma and fib-rosis caused by schistosomiasis japonica through the inhibition of the secretion of TGF-β1 from PMQs,the proliferation and activation of HSCs and the secretion of collagens from HSCs.展开更多
Background:Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) is believed to be the critical process in malignant tumor invasion and metastases,and has a great influence on improving the survival rate in non-small-cell lung cance...Background:Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) is believed to be the critical process in malignant tumor invasion and metastases,and has a great influence on improving the survival rate in non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients.Recent studies suggested that eukaryotic initiation factor 5A-2(eIF5A-2) might serve as an adverse prognostic marker of survival.We detected eIF5A-2 in NSCLC A549 cells,and found that the invasive capability correlates with the eIF5A-2 expression.Methods:Transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 cells.Western blotting,immunofluorescence,wound healing assay,and transwell-matrigel invasion chambers were used to identify phenotype changes.Western blotting was also used to observe changes of the expression of eIF5A-2.We down-regulated the eIF5A-2 expression using an eIF5A-2 siRNA and identified the phenotype changes by western blotting and immunofluorescence.We tested the change of migration and invasion capabilities of A549 cells by the wound healing assay and transwell-matrigel invasion chambers.Results:After stimulating with TGF-β1,almost all A549 cells changed to the mesenchymal phenotype and acquired more migration and invasion capabilities.These cells also had higher eIF5A-2 protein expression.Down-regulation of eIF5A-2 expression with eIF5A-2 siRNA transfection could change the cells from mesenchymal to epithelial phenotype and decrease tumor cell migration and invasive capabilities significantly.Conclusions:The expression of eIF5A-2 was up-regulated following EMT phenotype changes in A549 cells,which correlated with enhanced tumor invasion and metastatic capabilities.Furthermore,in the A549 cell line,the process of EMT phenotype change could be reversed by eIF5A-2 siRNA,with a consequent weakening of both invasive and metastatic capabilities.展开更多
文摘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.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81803996)the Major Clinical Research Project of the Army(No.2006021003)+1 种基金the Training Plan on Excellent Academic Leader of Shanghai Health System(No.XBR2011070)Construction of Clinical Basic Discipline of TCM(No.A1-Z183020110)。
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of tongue coating fluid protein in regulation of congestive heart failure(CHF) in Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.METHODS: We studied patients with CHF(3 patients with Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome and 3 without Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome) to investigate differentially expressed proteins. We also included a control group. A biotin label-based antibody array was used for testing tongue coating fluid samples from patients. Net-work analysis of these differentially expressed proteins was conducted using the STRING database,which can predict the relations between differentially expressed proteins and CHF with Qi-deficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.RESULTS: A total of seven differentially expressed proteins were identified, and among these, transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) gets a particular attention for us has drawn specific attention.Network analysis showed a homologous relationship of TGF-β1 with bone morphogenetic protein15, which is associated with myocardial fibrosis.CONCLUSION: Occurrence and development of CHF may result from certain DE-proteins and associated signaling pathways. TGF-β1 protein may be a candidate marker for assessing the risk of CHF in Qideficiency-blood-stasis syndrome.
基金This work was supported by grants from the Key R&D Program of Jiangsu Province(Grant No.2017CX010)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.81973308)to J.G.the Nanjing Science and Technology Development Program(Grant No.201402021)to H.L.
文摘This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of valproic acid(VPA)on the neurosphere formation in rat embryonic cortical cells.We used free-floating neurosphere formation as a model system to evaluate the VPA on the proliferation of neural stem cells(NSCs).We found a time-and dose-dependent increase in neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation after VPA treatment.Further RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that the upregulated TGFβ1 signaling might attribute to the effect of VPA on the neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation.Consistently,the neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation were blocked by the treatment with SB431542,an inhibitor of TGFβ1 receptor.Moreover,in a coculture system,NSCs treated with VPA significantly reduced the oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal apoptosis.Taken together,our results showed that VPA could enhance neurosphere formation and NSC proliferation by activating TGFβ1,which might be a novel therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders.
基金received from National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82073784)Jilin Province Science and Technology Development Program(No.20200801012GH)Industrial Technology Research and Development Projects from the Development and Reform Commission of Jilin Province(2019C050-4).
文摘Liver fibrosis is the deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM)in the liver caused by persistent chronic injury,which can lead to more serious diseases such as cirrhosis or cancer.Blocking the effect of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1),one of the most important cytokines in liver fibrosis,may be one of the effective ways to inhibit liver fibrosis.As a kind of natural nano-scale vesicles,small extracellular vesicles(sEvs)have displayed excellent delivery vehicle properties.Herein,we prepared hepatic stellate cell(HSC)-derived sEvs loading left-right determination factor 1(lefty1)mRNA(sEvLs)and we wanted to verify whether they can inhibit fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.The results showed that sEvLs had effective cell uptake and reduced activation of HSCs.Rats that were injected with CCl 4 by intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks exhibited obvious symptoms of liver fibrosis and were treated with systemically administered sEvLs and free sEvs for 4 weeks.Rats injected with olive oil alone served as sham controls.Administration of sEvLs significantly reduced the area of fibrosis compared with free sEvs.We demonstrated that sEvLs inhibited HSCs activation and ECM production,and promote ECM degradation by downregulatingα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-1 and upregulating matrix metalloprotease(MMP)-1.In summary,as an endogenous delivery vehicle,sEvs could deliver mRNA to attenuate hepatic fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82171456 (to QY),81971229 (to QY)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,No.cstc2021jcyj-msxmX0263 (to QY)the Postgraduate Research and Innovation Project of Chongqing,Nos.CYB20151 (to QY),CYS19182 (to YC)。
文摘In the central nervous system, the formation of fibrotic scar after injury inhibits axon regeneration and promotes repair. However, the mechanism underlying fibrotic scar formation and regulation remains poorly understood. M2 macrophages regulate fibrotic scar formation after injury to the heart, lung, kidney, and central nervous system. However, it remains to be clarified whether and how M2 macrophages regulate fibrotic scar formation after cerebral ischemia injury. In this study, we found that, in a rat model of cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion, fibrosis and macrophage infiltration were apparent in the ischemic core in the early stage of injury(within 14 days of injury). The number of infiltrated macrophages was positively correlated with fibronectin expression. Depletion of circulating monocyte-derived macrophages attenuated fibrotic scar formation. Interleukin 4(IL4) expression was strongly enhanced in the ischemic cerebral tissues, and IL4-induced M2 macrophage polarization promoted fibrotic scar formation in the ischemic core. In addition, macrophage-conditioned medium directly promoted fibroblast proliferation and the production of extracellular matrix proteins in vitro. Further pharmacological and genetic analyses showed that sonic hedgehog secreted by M2 macrophages promoted fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and that this process was mediated by secretion of the key fibrosis-associated regulatory proteins transforming growth factor beta 1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Furthermore, IL4-afforded functional restoration on angiogenesis, cell apoptosis, and infarct volume in the ischemic core of cerebral ischemia rats were markedly impaired by treatment with an sonic hedgehog signaling inhibitor, paralleling the extent of fibrosis. Taken together, our findings show that IL4/sonic hedgehog/transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling targeting macrophages regulates the formation of fibrotic scar and is a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81874342Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province,No.2020-MZLH-35.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common digestive system cancers with high mortality rates worldwide.The main ingredients in Mu Ji Fang Granules(MJF)are alkaloids,flavonoids,and polysaccharides.MJF has been used in the clinical treatment of hepatitis,cirrhosis and HCC for more than 30 years.Few previous studies have focused on the mechanism of MJF on tumor immunology in the treatment of HCC.AIM To explore the mechanism of action of MJF on tumor immunology in the treatment of HCC.METHODS The absorbable ingredients of MJF were identified using Molecule Network related to High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Electron Spray Ionization-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry,and hub potential anti-HCC targets were screened using network pharmacology and pathway enrichment analysis.Forty male mice were randomly divided into the Blank,Model,and MJF groups(1.8,5.4,and 10.8 g/kg/d)following 7 d of oral administration.Average body weight gain,spleen and thymus indices were calculated,tumor tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin,and Interferon gamma(IFN-γ),Tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),Interleukin-2,aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),Fas,and FasL were measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay.Relevant mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl2 was evaluated by Real Time Quantitative PCR(RTqPCR)and protein expression of Transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)and Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog(SMAD)4 was assessed by Western blotting.The HepG2 cell line was treated with 10 mg/mL,20 mg/mL,30 mg/mL,40 mg/mL of MJF,and another 3 groups were treated with TGF-β1 inhibitor(LY364947)and different doses of MJF.Relevant mRNA expression of TNF-α,IFN-γ,Bax and Bcl2 was evaluated by RT-qPCR and protein expression of TGF-β1,SMAD2,p-SMAD2,SMAD4,and SMAD7 was assessed by Western blotting.RESULTS It was shown that MJF improved body weight gain and tumor inhibition rate in H22 tumorbearing mice,protected immune organs and liver function,reduced the HCC indicator AFP,affected immunity and apoptosis,and up-regulated the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway,by increasing the relative expression of TGF-β1,SMAD2,p-SMAD2 and SMAD4 and decreasing SMAD7,reducing immune factors TNF-αand IFN-γ,decreasing apoptosis cytokines Fas,FasL and Bcl2/Bax,and inhibiting the effect of LY364947 in HepG2 cells.CONCLUSION MJF inhibits HCC by activating the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway,and affecting immune and apoptotic cytokines,which may be due to MJF adjusting immune escape and apoptosis.
基金This study was supported by grants from Scientific Research Development Program of North Sichuan Medical College(No.CBY16-A-ZD10)Nanchong Government-University Strategic Cooperation Project in Science and Technology(No.18SXHZ0505).
文摘Paconiflorin(Pae)is a monoterpenoid glycoside compound and has many biological activitics,such as immunosuppression,anti-inflammation and anti-cell proliferation.However,the effects and mechanisms of Pae on chronic heart failure(CHF)remain unclear.This study was conducted to assess the effects and mechanisms of Pae on myocardial fibrosis in isoprenaline(Iso)-induced CHF rats.Pae(20 mgkg)was intragastrically administrated to CHF rats for 6 weeks.Cardiac structure and function were assessed.The protein and mRNA levels of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)and p38 were detected.C ompared to Iso group,Pae could alleviate myocardial fbrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats.The levels of collagen volume fraction(13.75%+3.77%vs.30.97%+4.22%,P<0.001)and perivascular collagen volume area(14.32%+2.50%v8.28.31%+3.16%,P<0.001)were significantly reduced in Pae group as compared with those in Iso group.The expression of TGF-BI protein(0.30+0.07 vs.0.66+0.07,P<0.05)and mRNA(3.51+0.44 vs.7.58+0.58,P<0.05)decreased significantly in Pac group as compared with that in Iso group.The expression of p38 protein(0.36+0.12 vs.0.81+0.38,P<0.05)and mRNA(3.84+0.05 vs.4.40+0.17,P<0.05)also decreased markedly in Pae group as compared with that in Iso group.Pae could attenuate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in CHF rats by down-regulating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
基金Supported by Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.2020JJ5408)Scientific Research Fund of Hunan Provincial Education Department(No.21B0361)+1 种基金Research Fund of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine(No.2019XJJJ012)Zhuzhou Second Batch of Science and Technology Guidance Projects(No.2017-17)。
文摘Objective: To study effects of Shenmai Injection on hypertensive heart failure and its mechanism for inhibiting myocardial fibrosis. Methods: Salt-sensitive(Dahl/SS) rats were fed with normal diet(0.3% Na Cl) and the high-salt diet(8% Na Cl) to observe the changes in blood pressure and heart function, as the control group and the model group. Salt-insensitive rats(SS-13BN) were fed with the high-salt diet(8% Na Cl) as the negative control group. After modeling, the model rats were randomly divided into heart failure(HF) group, Shenmai Injection(SMI) group and pirfenidone(PFD) group by a random number table, with 6 rats in each group. They were given sterilized water, SMI and pirfenidone, respectively. Blood pressure, cardiac function, fibrosis and related molecular expression were detected by sphygmomanometer, echocardiogram, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, immunofluorescence and qPCR analysis. Results: After high-salt feeding, compared with the control and negative control group, in the model group the blood pressure increased significantly, the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening(LVFS) were significantly reduced, and the serum NT-pro BNP concentration increased significantly(all P<0.05);furthermore,the arrangement of myocardial cells was disordered, the edema was severe, and the degree of myocardial fibrosis was also significantly increased(P<0.05);the protein and m RNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ) were up-regulated(P<0.05), and the mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1), Smad2 and Smad3 were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05). Compared with HF group, after intervention of Shenmai Injection, LVEF and LVFS increased, myocardial morphology was improved, collagen volume fraction decreased significantly(P<0.05), and the mRNA expressions of Col Ⅰ, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3, as well as Col Ⅰprotein expression, were all significantly down-regulated(all P<0.05). Conclusion: Myocardial fibrosis is the main pathological manifestation of hypertensive heart failure, and Shenmai Injection could inhibit myocardial fibrosis and effectively improve heart failure by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
基金Supported by Natural National Science Foundation of China,No.31700810 and No.11772073Science and Technology Research Program of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission,No.KJQN201800601+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China,No.cstc2020jcyj-msxmX0760Visiting Scholar Foundation of Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology(Chongqing University),Ministry of Education,No.CQKLBST-2018-007.
文摘BACKGROUND Collagen is one of the most commonly used natural biomaterials for tendon tissue engineering.One of the possible practical ways to further enhance tendon repair is to combine a porous collagen sponge scaffold with a suitable growth factor or cytokine that has an inherent ability to promote the recruitment,proliferation,and tenogenic differentiation of cells.However,there is an incomplete understanding of which growth factors are sufficient and optimal for the tenogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)in a collagen sponge-based 3D culture system.AIM To identify one or more ideal growth factors that benefit the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs in a porous collagen sponge scaffold.METHODS We constructed a 3D culture system based on a type I collagen sponge scaffold.The surface topography of the collagen sponge scaffold was observed by scanning electron microscopy.Primary BMSCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats.Cell survival on the surfaces of the scaffolds with different growth factors was assessed by live/dead assay and CCK-8 assay.The mRNA and protein expression levels were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot,respectively.The deposited collagen was assessed by Sirius Red staining.RESULTS Transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)showed great promise in the tenogenic differentiation of BMSCs compared to growth differentiation factor 7(GDF-7)and insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)in both the 2D and 3D cultures,and the 3D culture enhanced the differentiation of BMSCs into tenocytes well beyond the level of induction in the 2D culture after TGF-β1 treatment.In the 2D culture,the proliferation of the BMSCs showed no significant changes compared to the control group after TGF-β1,IGF-1,or GDF-7 treatment.However,TGF-β1 and GDF-7 could increase the cell proliferation in the 3D culture.Strangely,we also found more dead cells in the BMSC-collagen sponge constructs that were treated with TGF-β1.Moreover,TGF-β1 promoted more collagen deposition in both the 2D and 3D cultures.CONCLUSION Collagen sponge-based 3D culture with TGF-β1 enhances the responsiveness of the proliferation and tenogenic differentiation of rat BMSCs.
基金by the Major International(Regional)Joint Research Project(No.81720108020)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81373199,81501347 and 81370730,81273304)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu(BK20150098)Jiangsu Province Major Research and Development Program(BE2015602)Jiangsu Province 333 Talant Grant(BRA2016001).
文摘Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are critical for immune regulation.Although several microRNAs(miRNAs)have been shown to participate in autoimmune pathogenesis by affecting lymphocyte development and function,the roles of miRNAs in MSC dysfunction in autoimmune diseases remain unclear.Here,we show that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)display a unique miRNA signature in bone marrow-derived MSCs(BMSCs)compared with normal controls,among which miR-663 is closely associated with SLE disease activity.MiR-663 inhibits the proliferation and migration of BMSCs and impairs BMSC-mediated downregulation of follicular T helper(Tfh)cells and upregulation of regulatory T(Treg)cells by targeting transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1).MiR-663 overexpression weakens the therapeutic effect of BMSCs,while miR-663 inhibition improves the remission of lupus disease in MRL/lpr mice.Thus,miR-663 is a key mediator of SLE BMSC regulation and may serve as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of lupus.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81674069 and 81473757)。
文摘Objective:To explore whether acupuncture combined with moxibustion could inhibit epithelialmesenchymal transition in Crohn’s disease by affecting the transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)/Smad3/Snail pathway.Methods:Sixty-three patients with Crohn’s disease were randomly divided into an observation group(31 cases)receiving moxibustion at 43℃ combined with acupuncture,and a control group(32 cases)receiving moxibustion at 37℃combined with sham acupuncture using a random number table.Patients were treated for12 weeks.Crohn’s Disease Activity Index(CDAI)was used to evaluate disease activity.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphological and ultrastructural changes.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1),TβR1,TβR2,Smad3,Snail,E-cadherin and fibronectin in intestinal mucosal tissues.Results:The decrease of the CDAI score,morphological and ultrastructural changes were more significant in observation group.The expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,Smad3,and Snail in the observation group were significantly lower than those before the treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After treatment,the expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,and Snail in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05);compared with the control group,the expression of fibronectin in the observation group was significantly decreased,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased(all P<0.05).Conclusions:Moxibustion at 43℃combined with acupuncture may suppress TGF-β1/Smad3/Snail pathway-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of intestinal epithelial cells in Crohn’s disease patients by inhibiting the expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,Smad3,and Snail.(Registration No.ChiCTR-IIR-16007751).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30571631).
文摘In order to investigate the effect of paeoniflorin(PAE)on hepatic fibrosis of mice with Schistosomiasis japonica in vivo and in vitro,a model of hepatic fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis was established in mice infected with cercariae of Schistosoma japonicum.Then,PAE was orally administered before and after praziquantel treat-ment and both therapeutics were given simultaneously at different time points after the infection.The concentra-tion of serum hyaluronic acid(HA)was determined by radioimmunoassay(RIA).Hepatic granuloma and fib-rosis were evaluated via HE and Masson staining.The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transform-ing growth factor β1(TGF-β1)and collagen I(Col I)protein was detected by immunohistochemistry.The effect of soluble egg antigen(SEA)and PAE on the pro-duction of TGF-β1 from mouse peritoneal macrophages(PMQs)was investigated by RT-PCR,Western blotting and ELISA.The effect of TGF-β1 in optimum macro-phage-conditioned medium(OPMCM)on the prolifera-tion of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and collagen secretion from HSCs with anti-TGF-β1 antibody was explored by MTT assay and ELISA.The results show that PAE could significantly reduce the concentration of serum HA,the size of egg granuloma,the severity of hepatic fibrosis and the expression of a-SMA,TGF-β1 and Col I protein in the pre-treatment group.However,in sim-or post-treatment group,PAE did not have any significant therapeutic effect.TGF-β1 could be secreted from PMQs stimulated by SEA.Meanwhile,the production of TGF-β1 from PMQs could be depressed significantly by PAE in a con-centration-dependent manner.TGF-β1 could promote the proliferation of HSCs and the secretion of collagens.In a word,PAE can prevent hepatic granuloma and fib-rosis caused by schistosomiasis japonica through the inhibition of the secretion of TGF-β1 from PMQs,the proliferation and activation of HSCs and the secretion of collagens from HSCs.
基金Project supported by the Natural Science Fundation of Ningbo (No. 2011A610052)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Fundation (No. LY12H16002) of China
文摘Background:Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) is believed to be the critical process in malignant tumor invasion and metastases,and has a great influence on improving the survival rate in non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients.Recent studies suggested that eukaryotic initiation factor 5A-2(eIF5A-2) might serve as an adverse prognostic marker of survival.We detected eIF5A-2 in NSCLC A549 cells,and found that the invasive capability correlates with the eIF5A-2 expression.Methods:Transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 cells.Western blotting,immunofluorescence,wound healing assay,and transwell-matrigel invasion chambers were used to identify phenotype changes.Western blotting was also used to observe changes of the expression of eIF5A-2.We down-regulated the eIF5A-2 expression using an eIF5A-2 siRNA and identified the phenotype changes by western blotting and immunofluorescence.We tested the change of migration and invasion capabilities of A549 cells by the wound healing assay and transwell-matrigel invasion chambers.Results:After stimulating with TGF-β1,almost all A549 cells changed to the mesenchymal phenotype and acquired more migration and invasion capabilities.These cells also had higher eIF5A-2 protein expression.Down-regulation of eIF5A-2 expression with eIF5A-2 siRNA transfection could change the cells from mesenchymal to epithelial phenotype and decrease tumor cell migration and invasive capabilities significantly.Conclusions:The expression of eIF5A-2 was up-regulated following EMT phenotype changes in A549 cells,which correlated with enhanced tumor invasion and metastatic capabilities.Furthermore,in the A549 cell line,the process of EMT phenotype change could be reversed by eIF5A-2 siRNA,with a consequent weakening of both invasive and metastatic capabilities.
