Pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs) were identified in the early 1980 s, but received much attention after 1998 when the methods to isolate and culture them from murine and human sources were developed. PSCs contribute to...Pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs) were identified in the early 1980 s, but received much attention after 1998 when the methods to isolate and culture them from murine and human sources were developed. PSCs contribute to a small proportion of all pancreatic cells under physiological condition, but are essential for maintaining the normal pancreatic architecture. Quiescent PSCs are characterized by the presence of vitamin A laden lipid droplets. Upon PSC activation, these perinuclear lipid droplets disappear from the cytosol, attain a myofibroblast like phenotype and expresses the activation marker, alpha smooth muscle actin. PSCs maintain their activated phenotype via an autocrine loop involving different cytokines and contribute to progressive fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis(CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC). Several pathways(e.g., JAK-STAT, Smad, Wnt signaling, Hedgehog etc.), transcription factors and mi RNAs have been implicated in the inflammatory and profibrogenic function of PSCs. The role of PSCs goes much beyond fibrosis/desmoplasia in PDAC. It is now shown that PSCs are involved in significant crosstalk between the pancreatic cancer cells and the cancer stroma. These interactions result in tumour progression, metastasis, tumour hypoxia, immune evasion and drug resistance. This is the rationale for therapeutic preclinical and clinical trials that have targeted PSCs and the cancer stroma.展开更多
Activated pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs)have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis,which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis(CP)and its formidable associated disease,pancr...Activated pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs)have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis,which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis(CP)and its formidable associated disease,pancreatic cancer(PC).Hence,anti-fibrotic therapy has been identified as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CP and PC by targeting PSCs.Most of the anti-fibrotic agents have been limited to phaseⅠ/Ⅱclinical trials involving vitamin analogs,which are abundant in medicinal plants and have proved to be promising for clinical application.The use of phytomedicines,as new anti-fibrotic agents,has been applied to a variety of complementary and alternative approaches.The aim of this review was to present a focused update on the selective new potential anti-fibrotic agents,including curcumin,resveratrol,rhein,emodin,green tea catechin derivatives,metformin,eruberin A,and ellagic acid,in combating PSC in CP and PC models.It aimed to describe the mechanism(s)of the phytochemicals used,either alone or in combination,and the associated molecular targets.Most of them were tested in PC models with similar mechanism of actions,and curcumin was tested intensively.Future research may explore the issues of bioavailability,drug design,and nano-formulation,in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes with promising activity and tolerability.展开更多
Objective This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer and its role in tumor progression. Data sources Relevant articles published in English were identified by searc...Objective This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer and its role in tumor progression. Data sources Relevant articles published in English were identified by searching in Pubmed from 1997 to 2013, with keywords "CXCL12", "CXCR4" and "pancreatic cancer". Important references from selected articles were also retrieved. Study selection Articles about CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer and relevant mechanisms were selected. Results Pancreatic cancer has been one of the most lethal human malignancies, with median survival less than one year and overall 5-year survival only 6%. Tumor cells from pancreatic cancer express high level of CXCR4. CXCL12, the ligand for CXCR4, is extensively secreted by neighboring stromal cells and other distant organs. CXCL12 primarily binds to CXCR4, induces intracellular signaling through several divergent pathways, which are involved in progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Conclusions CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis may play an important role in the communication between pancreatic cancer cells and their microenvironment, which may have effect on tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis may serves as a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.展开更多
Studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species(ROS) are closely related to inflammatory disorders. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase(NOX), originally found in phagocytes, is the main source o...Studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species(ROS) are closely related to inflammatory disorders. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase(NOX), originally found in phagocytes, is the main source of ROS in nonphagocytic cells. Besides directly producing the detrimental highly reactive ROS to act on biomolecules(lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), NOX can also activate multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by producing ROS. Recently, research on pancreatic NOX is no longer limited to inflammatory cells, but extends to the aspect of pancreatic acinar cells and pancreatic stellate cells, which are considered to be potentially associated with pancreatitis. In this review, we summarize the literature on NOX protein structure, activation, function and its role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.展开更多
AIM To study the molecular effects of three different D-vitamins, vitamin D2, vitamin D3 and calcipotriol, in pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs).METHODS Quiescent PSCs were isolated from mouse pancreas and activated in v...AIM To study the molecular effects of three different D-vitamins, vitamin D2, vitamin D3 and calcipotriol, in pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs).METHODS Quiescent PSCs were isolated from mouse pancreas and activated in vitro by seeding on plastic surfaces. The cells were exposed to D-vitamins as primary cultures(early-activated PSCs) and upon re-culturing(fullyactivated cells). Exhibition of vitamin A-containing lipid droplets was visualized by oil-red staining. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), a marker of PSC activation, was monitored by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis. The rate of DNA synthesis was quantified by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(Brd U) incorporation assays. Real-time PCR was employed to monitor gene expression, and protein levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Uptake of proline was determined using 18 F-proline.RESULTS Sustained culture of originally quiescent PSCs inducedcell proliferation, loss of lipid droplets and exhibition of stress fibers, indicating cell activation. When added to PSCs in primary culture, all three D-vitamins diminished expression of α-SMA(to 32%-39% of the level of control cells; P < 0.05) and increased the storage of lipids(scores from 1.97-2.15 on a scale from 0-3; controls: 1.49; P < 0.05). No such effects were observed when D-vitamins were added to fully-activated cells, while incorporation of Brd U remained unaffected under both experimental conditions. Treatment of re-cultured PSCs with D-vitamins was associated with lower expression of IL-6(-42% to-49%; P < 0.05; also confirmed at the protein level) and increased expression of the vitamin D receptor gene(209%-321% vs controls; P < 0.05). There was no effect of D-vitamins on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen type 1(chain α1). The lowest uptake of proline, a main component of collagen, was observed in calcipotriol-treated PSCs.CONCLUSION The three D-vitamins inhibit, with similar efficiencies, activation of PSCs in vitro, but cannot reverse the phenotype once展开更多
文摘Pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs) were identified in the early 1980 s, but received much attention after 1998 when the methods to isolate and culture them from murine and human sources were developed. PSCs contribute to a small proportion of all pancreatic cells under physiological condition, but are essential for maintaining the normal pancreatic architecture. Quiescent PSCs are characterized by the presence of vitamin A laden lipid droplets. Upon PSC activation, these perinuclear lipid droplets disappear from the cytosol, attain a myofibroblast like phenotype and expresses the activation marker, alpha smooth muscle actin. PSCs maintain their activated phenotype via an autocrine loop involving different cytokines and contribute to progressive fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis(CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC). Several pathways(e.g., JAK-STAT, Smad, Wnt signaling, Hedgehog etc.), transcription factors and mi RNAs have been implicated in the inflammatory and profibrogenic function of PSCs. The role of PSCs goes much beyond fibrosis/desmoplasia in PDAC. It is now shown that PSCs are involved in significant crosstalk between the pancreatic cancer cells and the cancer stroma. These interactions result in tumour progression, metastasis, tumour hypoxia, immune evasion and drug resistance. This is the rationale for therapeutic preclinical and clinical trials that have targeted PSCs and the cancer stroma.
基金supported by two research university grants,from University of Malaya(grant No.GPF002C-2018,Malaysia)MAHSA University(grant No.RP165-05/19,Malaysia).
文摘Activated pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs)have been widely accepted as a key precursor of excessive pancreatic fibrosis,which is a crucial hallmark of chronic pancreatitis(CP)and its formidable associated disease,pancreatic cancer(PC).Hence,anti-fibrotic therapy has been identified as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CP and PC by targeting PSCs.Most of the anti-fibrotic agents have been limited to phaseⅠ/Ⅱclinical trials involving vitamin analogs,which are abundant in medicinal plants and have proved to be promising for clinical application.The use of phytomedicines,as new anti-fibrotic agents,has been applied to a variety of complementary and alternative approaches.The aim of this review was to present a focused update on the selective new potential anti-fibrotic agents,including curcumin,resveratrol,rhein,emodin,green tea catechin derivatives,metformin,eruberin A,and ellagic acid,in combating PSC in CP and PC models.It aimed to describe the mechanism(s)of the phytochemicals used,either alone or in combination,and the associated molecular targets.Most of them were tested in PC models with similar mechanism of actions,and curcumin was tested intensively.Future research may explore the issues of bioavailability,drug design,and nano-formulation,in order to achieve successful clinical outcomes with promising activity and tolerability.
基金This study was supported by grants from Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu province (BK201288), the Key Projects of the Jiangsu Provincial Health Department (H201115) and Qing Lan Project of Jiangsu province (JX2161015019).
文摘Objective This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer and its role in tumor progression. Data sources Relevant articles published in English were identified by searching in Pubmed from 1997 to 2013, with keywords "CXCL12", "CXCR4" and "pancreatic cancer". Important references from selected articles were also retrieved. Study selection Articles about CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis in pancreatic cancer and relevant mechanisms were selected. Results Pancreatic cancer has been one of the most lethal human malignancies, with median survival less than one year and overall 5-year survival only 6%. Tumor cells from pancreatic cancer express high level of CXCR4. CXCL12, the ligand for CXCR4, is extensively secreted by neighboring stromal cells and other distant organs. CXCL12 primarily binds to CXCR4, induces intracellular signaling through several divergent pathways, which are involved in progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Conclusions CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis may play an important role in the communication between pancreatic cancer cells and their microenvironment, which may have effect on tumor proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance. CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis may serves as a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81173393the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin City,No.12YFJZJC00800+1 种基金the Scientific Research Foundation(No.WHM201222,FYM201114)the Innovation Team Program(No.WHTD201310)from Logistics University of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces
文摘Studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species(ROS) are closely related to inflammatory disorders. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase(NOX), originally found in phagocytes, is the main source of ROS in nonphagocytic cells. Besides directly producing the detrimental highly reactive ROS to act on biomolecules(lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), NOX can also activate multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis by producing ROS. Recently, research on pancreatic NOX is no longer limited to inflammatory cells, but extends to the aspect of pancreatic acinar cells and pancreatic stellate cells, which are considered to be potentially associated with pancreatitis. In this review, we summarize the literature on NOX protein structure, activation, function and its role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.
基金Supported by FORUN program of the Rostock University Medical Center
文摘AIM To study the molecular effects of three different D-vitamins, vitamin D2, vitamin D3 and calcipotriol, in pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs).METHODS Quiescent PSCs were isolated from mouse pancreas and activated in vitro by seeding on plastic surfaces. The cells were exposed to D-vitamins as primary cultures(early-activated PSCs) and upon re-culturing(fullyactivated cells). Exhibition of vitamin A-containing lipid droplets was visualized by oil-red staining. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), a marker of PSC activation, was monitored by immunofluorescence and immunoblot analysis. The rate of DNA synthesis was quantified by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(Brd U) incorporation assays. Real-time PCR was employed to monitor gene expression, and protein levels of interleukin-6(IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Uptake of proline was determined using 18 F-proline.RESULTS Sustained culture of originally quiescent PSCs inducedcell proliferation, loss of lipid droplets and exhibition of stress fibers, indicating cell activation. When added to PSCs in primary culture, all three D-vitamins diminished expression of α-SMA(to 32%-39% of the level of control cells; P < 0.05) and increased the storage of lipids(scores from 1.97-2.15 on a scale from 0-3; controls: 1.49; P < 0.05). No such effects were observed when D-vitamins were added to fully-activated cells, while incorporation of Brd U remained unaffected under both experimental conditions. Treatment of re-cultured PSCs with D-vitamins was associated with lower expression of IL-6(-42% to-49%; P < 0.05; also confirmed at the protein level) and increased expression of the vitamin D receptor gene(209%-321% vs controls; P < 0.05). There was no effect of D-vitamins on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen type 1(chain α1). The lowest uptake of proline, a main component of collagen, was observed in calcipotriol-treated PSCs.CONCLUSION The three D-vitamins inhibit, with similar efficiencies, activation of PSCs in vitro, but cannot reverse the phenotype once