Total saponins of Panax notoginseng （PNS） have been shown to ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg 1, a panaxatriol saponin, is one of the major active molecules from PNS. The present study was unde...Total saponins of Panax notoginseng （PNS） have been shown to ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg 1, a panaxatriol saponin, is one of the major active molecules from PNS. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rgl on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： sham-operation （n=15）, UUO （n=15） and UUO with ginsenoside Rgl treatment （n=15, 50 mg per kg body weight, intraperitoneally （i.p.） injected）. The rats were sacrificed on Days 7 and 14 after the surgery. Histological examination demonstrated that ginsenoside Rgl significantly inhibited interstitial fibrosis including tubular injury as well as collagen deposition, u-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and E-cadherin are two markers of tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transition （TEMT）. Interestingly, ginsenoside Rgl notably decreased α-SMA expression and simultaneously enhanced E-cadherin expression. The messenger RNA （mRNA） of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, a key mediator to regulate TEMT, in the obstructed kidney increased dramatically, but was found to decrease significantly after administration of ginsenoside Rg 1. Further study showed that ginsenoside Rgl considerably decreased the levels of both active TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 （pSmad2）. Moreover, ginsenoside Rgl substantially suppressed the expression of thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1）, a cytokine which can promote the transcription of TGF-β1 mRNA and the activation of latent TGF-β1. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rgl inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO. The mechanism might be partly related to the blocking of TEMT via suppressing the expression of TSP-1.展开更多
Objective To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-131 （TGF-β1）/Smad4 pathway in development of renal fibrosis in streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and explore its possibl...Objective To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-131 （TGF-β1）/Smad4 pathway in development of renal fibrosis in streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and explore its possible mechanism. Methods Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were divided into 5 groups： group A （ normal control）, group B [ diabetes mellitus （DM） 2 weeks ], group C （ DM 4 weeks）, group D （ DM 8 weeks）, and group E （ DM 16 weeks）. Except for the normal control group, other groups were induced DM by single injection of STZ （55 mg/kg） respectively. Blood glucose level, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein were examined. Expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney were detected using immunohistochemical technique, Western blot, and real-time PCR. mRNA expressions of stromelysin-1 （ MMP-3 ）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （ TIMP-1 ）, and collagen Ⅲ in kidney were also detected by real-time PCR. Results The levels of blood glucose, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein in rats of group B, C, D, and E were higher than those of the control group. With the progression of renal fibrosis, the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney of diabetic rats elevated. In addition, the renal MMP-3 mRNA expression diminished in diabetic rats, while TIMP-1 and collagen Ⅲ mRNA increased. Conclusions In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the TGF-β1/Smad4 appears to play an important role in renal fibrosis of DN. The increased expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 might result in the transcriptional regulation of downstream target genes of TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway, which contributes to the progression of renal fibrosis in diabetic rats.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the role of emodin in protecting the liver against fibrogenesis caused by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in rats and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS： Rat models of experimenta...AIM： To investigate the role of emodin in protecting the liver against fibrogenesis caused by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in rats and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS： Rat models of experimental hepatic fibrosis were established by injection with CCh; the treated rats received emodin via oral administration at a dosage of 20 mg/kg twice a week at the same time. Rats injected with olive oil served as a normal group. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） in serum and hepatic hydroxyproline content were assayed by biochemical analyses. The mRNA and protein relevant to hepatic stellate cell （HSC） activation in the liver were assessed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, immunohistochernistry, western blotting and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS： The degree of hepatic fibrosis increased markedly in the CCh group compared to the normal group （P 〈 0.01）, and decreased markedly in the emodin group compared to the CCI4 group according to METAVIR scale （P 〈 0.01） compared with those in the normal control group （51.02 ± 10.64 IU/L and 132.28 ± 18.14 IU/L）. The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in rats injected with CCh （289.25 ± 68.84 IU/L and 423.89 ± 35.67 IU/L, both P 〈 0.05）. The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly reduced by administration of emodin （176.34 ± 47.29 IU/L and 226.1 ± 44.52 IU/L, both P 〈 0.05）. Compared with the normal controls （54.53 ± 13.46 mg/g）, hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in rats injected with CCI4 （120.27 ± 28.47 mg/g, P 〈 0.05）. Hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced in the rats treated with emodin at 20 mg/kg （71.25 ± 17.02 mg/g, P 〈 0.05）. Emodin significantly protected the liver from injury by reducing serum AST and ALT activities and reducing hepa展开更多
AIM： To study the effect of interleukin-10 （IL-10） on the expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） in hepatic fibrosis rats and the anti-fibrotic role of exogenous IL-10. METHODS： Hepatic fibrosis ...AIM： To study the effect of interleukin-10 （IL-10） on the expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） in hepatic fibrosis rats and the anti-fibrotic role of exogenous IL-10. METHODS： Hepatic fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride administered （CCh） intraperitoneally. The experiment was performed in two stages. In the first stage, 60 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group I（GNI, n = 8）, hepatic fibrosis group（GC, n = 28）and IL-10 intervened group（GI, n = 24）. At the beginning of the 7^th and 11^th wk, hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） were isolated, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reation （RT-PCR） and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1 in HSCs. Histological examination was used to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. In the second stage, 47 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group 2 （GN2, n = 6）and CCh group（GZ, n = 41）. At the end of the 9th week, rats in GZ group were allocated randomly into model group（GM, n = 9）, IL-10 treatment group（GT, n = 9） and recovered group （GR, n = 9）. At the end of the 12^th week, all rats were sacrificed. RT-PCR and immuno- histochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1 in liver tissue. ELISA was used to assay serum TGF-β1 levels. RESULTS： Hepatic fibrosis developed in rats with the increase of the injection frequency of CCI4. In the first stage, hepatic fibrosis developed and HSCs were isolated successfully. At the 7^th and 11^th week, TGF-β1 mRNA in GC group increased significantly compared with that in GN1（P = 0.001/0.042） and GI groups（P = 0.001/0.007）, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups. The levels of TGF-β1 at the beginning of the 7^th wk was higher than that of the 11^th wk （P = 0.049）.Immunocytochemistry results of TGF-β1 were consistent with the above findings. In the second stage, TGF-β1 increased significantly in GM group compared to GN2. Alter treatment wi展开更多
Astragalus mongholicus （AM） derived from the dry root ofAstragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongolicus （Bge.） Hsiao is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigated the potential role of...Astragalus mongholicus （AM） derived from the dry root ofAstragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongolicus （Bge.） Hsiao is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigated the potential role of AM on renal fibrosis on a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. We divided 48 Sprague-Dawley rats randomly into 4 groups： sham-operated group （Sham）, untreated UUO group, AM-treated （10 g/（kg.d）） UUO group, and losartan-treated （20 mg/（kg.d）） UUO group as positive control. Haematoxylin ＆ eosin （HE） and Masson staining were used to study the dynamic histological changes of the kidneys 7 and 14 d after operation. The expressions of fibronectin （FN）, type I collagen （coil）, hepatocyte growth factor （HGF）, transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, and eL-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）, immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blot. Results show that, similar to losartan, AM alleviated the renal damage and decreased the deposition of FN and coil from UUO by reducing the expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA （P〈0.05）, whereas HGF increased greatly with AM treatment （P〈0.05）. Our findings reveal that AM could retard the progression of renal fibrosis. The renoprotective effect of AM might be related to inhibition ofmyofibroblast activation, inducing of HGF and reducing of TGF-β1 expression.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the association between endogenous gene expression and growth regulation including proliferation and apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor-pi (TGF-βl) in human gastric cancer (GC) cells....AIM: To investigate the association between endogenous gene expression and growth regulation including proliferation and apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor-pi (TGF-βl) in human gastric cancer (GC) cells. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the main components of the TGF-β1/Smads signal pathway in human poorly differentiated GC cell line BGC-823. Localization of Smad proteins was also determined using immunofluorescence. Then, the BGC-823 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) for 24 and 48 h, and the effects of TGF-β1 on proliferation and apoptosis were measured by cell growth curve and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. The ultrastructural features of BGC-823 cells with or without TGF-β1 treatment were observed under transmission electron microscope. The apoptotic cells were visualized by means of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dTUP in situ nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. Meanwhile, the expression levels of endogenous p15, p21 and Smad7 mRNA and the corresponding proteins in the cells were detected at 1, 2 and 3 h after culture in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: The TGF-β1/Smad signaling was found to be intact and functional in BGC-823 cells. The growth curve revealed the most evident inhibition of cell proliferation by TGF-β1 at 48 h, and FCM assay showed G1 arrest accompanied with apoptosis induced by TGF-β1. The typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed in cells exposed to TGF-β1. The apoptosis index (AI) in TGF-β1-treated cells was significantly higher than that in the untreated controls (10.7±1.3% vs 0.32±0.06%, P＜0.01). The levels of p15, p21 and Smad7mRNA and corresponding proteins in cells were significantly up-regulated at 1 h, but gradually returned to basal levels at 3 h following TGF-βl (10 ng/mL) treatment. CONCLUSION: TGF-β1 affects both proliferation and apoptosis of 展开更多
AIM: To elucidate the molecular and cellular features responsible for the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The frequencies of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs and the level of transforming growth ...AIM: To elucidate the molecular and cellular features responsible for the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The frequencies of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs and the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were analyzed from 56 patients with gastric cancer byflow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Foxp3 gene expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The gastric cancer microenvironment was modeled by establishing the coculture of gastric cancer cell line, MGC-803, with sorting CD4 + T cells. The normal gastric mucosa cell line, GES-1, was used as the control. The production of TGF-β1 was detected in supernatant of MGC and GES-1. The carboxyfluorescein diacetatesuccinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation characteristics of induced Tregs. Neutralizing anti-TGF-β1 antibody was added to the co-culture system for neutralization experiments. RESULTS: The level of serum TGF-β1 in gastric cancer patients (15.1 ± 5.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the genderand age-matched healthy controls (10.3 ± 3.4 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the higher TGF-β1 level correlated with the increased population of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs in advanced gastric cancer (r = 0.576, P < 0.05). A significant higher frequency of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs was observed in PBMCs cultured with the supernatant of MGC than GES-1 (10.6% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05). Moreover, using the purified CD4 + CD25 T cells, we confirmed that the increased Tregs were mainly induced from the conversation of CD4 + CD25 naive T cells, and induced Tregs were functional and able to suppress the proliferation of effector T cells. Finally, we demonstrated that gastric cancer cells induced the increased CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs via producing TGF-β1. Gastric cancer cells upregulated the production of TGF-β1 and blockade of TGF-β1 partly abrogated Tregs phenotype. CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer cell can induce Tregs development via producing TG展开更多
目的研究肝纤维化大鼠在去除诱导因素后肝脏的病理学改变,以及转化生长因子(TGF)-β1表达的动态变化及组织分布。方法30只雄性SD大鼠随机均分为5组,1组作为正常对照组(N组),另4组建立大鼠四氯化碳(CCl4)肝纤维化模型后随机处死6只大鼠,...目的研究肝纤维化大鼠在去除诱导因素后肝脏的病理学改变,以及转化生长因子(TGF)-β1表达的动态变化及组织分布。方法30只雄性SD大鼠随机均分为5组,1组作为正常对照组(N组),另4组建立大鼠四氯化碳(CCl4)肝纤维化模型后随机处死6只大鼠,定为肝纤维化组(F组),以后分别于停止注射后第7、20、30天各随机处死6只大鼠,分别定为肝纤维化自发逆转组(T1、T2、T3组),观察肝纤维化分级,应用免疫组织化学及逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测TGF-β1。结果停止注射CCl4后30 d肝纤维化分级明显下降,停止注射CCl4后7 d TGF-β1表达水平已有下降。结论去除致病因子后纤维化肝脏发生自发逆转过程,TGF-β1水平的下降早于病理组织学改变,与肝纤维化自发逆转过程密切相关。展开更多
AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving se...AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving sequences were inserted into pTriEx2 to produce pTriCCN2-Rz. Each vector was individually transfected into cultured LX-2 human HSCs, which were then stimulated by addition of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 to the culture medium. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA levels for CCN2 or collagen I, while protein levels of each molecule in cell /ysates and conditioned medium were measured by ELISA. Cell-cycle progression of the transfected cells was assessed by flow cytometry.RESULTS： In pTriEx2-transfected LX-2 cells, TGF-β1 treatment caused an increase in the mRNA level for CCN2 or collagen I, and an increase in produced and secreted CCN2 or extracellular collagen I protein levels, pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells showed decreased basal CCN2 or collagen mRNA levels, as well as produced and secreted CCN2 or collagen I protein. Furthermore, the TGF-β1-induced increase in mRNA or protein for CCN2 or collagen I was inhibited partially in pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells. Inhibition of CCN2 using hammerhead ribozyme cDNA resulted in fewer of the cells transitioning into S phase.CONCLUSION： Endogenous CCN2 is a mediator of basal or TGF-β1-induced collagen I production in human HSCs and regulates entry of the cells into S phase.展开更多
After spinal cord injury(SCI),astrocytes gradually migrate to and surround the lesion,depositing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix and forming astrocytic scar,which limits the spread of inflam...After spinal cord injury(SCI),astrocytes gradually migrate to and surround the lesion,depositing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix and forming astrocytic scar,which limits the spread of inflammation but hinders axon regeneration.Meanwhile,microglia gradually accumulate at the lesion border to form microglial scar and can polarize to generate a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.However,the effect of microglia polarization on astrocytes is unclear.Here,we found that both microglia(CX3 CR1^(+))and astrocytes(GFAP^(+))gathered at the lesion border at 14 days post-injury(dpi).The microglia accumulated along the inner border of and in direct contact with the astrocytes.M1-type microglia(i NOS^(+)CX3 CR1^(+))were primarily observed at 3 and 7 dpi,while M2-type microglia(Arg1^(+)CX3 CR1^(+))were present at larger numbers at 7 and 14 dpi.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1)was highly expressed in M1 microglia in vitro,consistent with strong expression of TGFβ1 by microglia in vivo at 3 and 7 dpi,when they primarily exhibited an M1 phenotype.Furthermore,conditioned media from M1-type microglia induced astrocytes to secrete chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in vitro.This effect was eliminated by knocking down sex-determining region Y-box 9(SOX9)in astrocytes and could not be reversed by treatment with TGFβ1.Taken together,our results suggest that microglia undergo M1 polarization and express high levels of TGFβ1 at 3 and 7 dpi,and that M1-type microglia induce astrocytes to deposit chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan via the TGFβ1/SOX9 pathway.The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Anhui Medical University,China(approval No.LLSC20160052)on March 1,2016.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are the key effector cells mediating the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis,while aerobic glycolysis is an important metabolic characteristic of HSC activation.Transfor...BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are the key effector cells mediating the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis,while aerobic glycolysis is an important metabolic characteristic of HSC activation.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)induces aerobic glycolysis and is a driving factor for metabolic reprogramming.The occurrence of glycolysis depends on a high glucose uptake level.Glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)is the most widely distributed glucose transporter in the body and mainly participates in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism,thus affecting cell proliferation and growth.However,little is known about the relationship between TGF-β1 and GLUT1 in the process of liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism underlying the promotion of aerobic glycolysis in HSCs.AIM To investigate the mechanisms of action of GLUT1,TGF-β1 and aerobic glycolysis in the process of HSC activation during liver fibrosis.METHODS Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assays were used to examine GLUT1 expression in fibrotic liver tissue.A Seahorse extracellular flux(XF)analyzer was used to examine changes in aerobic glycolytic flux,lactate production levels and glucose consumption levels in HSCs upon TGF-β1 stimulation.The mechanism by which TGF-β1 induces GLUT1 protein expression in HSCs was further explored by inhibiting/promoting the TGF-β1/mothersagainst-decapentaplegic-homolog 2/3(Smad2/3)signaling pathway and inhibiting the p38 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways.In addition,GLUT1 expression was silenced to observe changes in the growth and proliferation of HSCs.Finally,a GLUT1 inhibitor was used to verify the in vivo effects of GLUT1 on a mouse model of liver fibrosis.RESULTS GLUT1 protein expression was increased in both mouse and human fibrotic liver tissues.In addition,immunofluorescence staining revealed colocalization of GLUT1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin proteins,indicating that GLUT1 expression was related to the development of liver fibrosis.TGF-β1 caused an increas展开更多
Background and aims： Ingestion of paraquat （PQ）, a widely used herbicide, can cause severe toxicity in humans, leading to a poor survival rate and prognosis. One of the main causes of death by PQ is PQ-induced pul-...Background and aims： Ingestion of paraquat （PQ）, a widely used herbicide, can cause severe toxicity in humans, leading to a poor survival rate and prognosis. One of the main causes of death by PQ is PQ-induced pul- monary fibrosis, for which there are no effective therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ra- pamycin （PAPA） on inhibiting PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and to explore its possible mechanisms. Methods： Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either saline （control group） or PQ （10 mg/kg body weight, intraper- itoneally; test group）. The test group was divided into four subgroups： a PQ group （PQ-exposed, non-treated）, a PQ＋RAPA group （PQ-exposed, treated with RAPA at I mg/kg intragastrically）, a PQ＋MP group （PQ-exposed, treated with methylprednisolone （MP） at 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally）, and a PQ＋MP＋RAPA group （PQ-exposed, treated with MP at 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally and with PAPA at 1 mg/kg intragastrically）. The survival rate and body weight of all the mice were recorded every day. Three mice in each group were sacrificed at 14 d and the rest at 28 d after intox- ication. Lung tissues were excised and stained with hematoxylin-eosin （H＆E） and Masson＇s trichrome stain for his- topathological analysis. The hydroxyproline （HYP） content in lung tissues was detected using an enzyme-linked im- munosorbent assay （ELISA） kit. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） in lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Results： A mice model of PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis was established. Histological examination of lung tissues showed that PAPA treatment moderated the pathological changes of pulmonary fibrosis, including alveolar collapse and interstitial collagen depo- sition. HYP content in lung tissues increased soon after PQ intoxication but had decreased significantly by the 28th day after PAPA treatment. Immunohistoche展开更多
The effects of AAV-TGF beta_1 and AAV-TGF beta_3 on promoting synthesis ofglycosaminoglycan and collagen type II of dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were studiedin this work.The rabbit lumbar disc NP cells...The effects of AAV-TGF beta_1 and AAV-TGF beta_3 on promoting synthesis ofglycosaminoglycan and collagen type II of dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were studiedin this work.The rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were isolated and cultured.The earlier and laterdedifferentiated NP cells were established by subculture.The AAV transfection efficiency todedifferentiated NP cells was analyzed with AAV-EGFP in vitro.After dedifferentiated NP cells weretransfected by AAV-TGFp,or AAV-TGF beta_3,their biological effects on promoting synthesis ofglycosaminoglycan or collagen type II were detected and compared by the methods of 35S incorporationor immunoblotting.The experimental results showed that AAV could transfect efficiently the earlierdedifferentiated NP cells,but its transfection rate was shown to be at a low level to the laterdedifferentiated NP cells.Both AAV-TGF beta_1,and AAV-TGF beta_3 could promote the earlierdedifferentiated NP cells to synthesize glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II,and the effect ofAAV-TGFp,was better than that of AAV-TGF beta_3.For the later dedifferentiated NP cells,the AAV-TGFbeta_3 could promote their synthesis,but AAV-TGFp,could slightly inhibit theirsynthesis.Therefore,AAV-TGFp,and AAV-TGF beta_3 could be used for the earlier dedifferentiated NPcells,and the TGF beta_3 could be used as the objective gene for the later dedifferentiated NPcells.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene ma...BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II 展开更多
Salvia miltiorrhiza （Sm） is a traditional herbal medicine with multiple effects on various diseases. Its water-soluble parts have been used to produce injectional powder. In this study, liver fibrosis rats were indu...Salvia miltiorrhiza （Sm） is a traditional herbal medicine with multiple effects on various diseases. Its water-soluble parts have been used to produce injectional powder. In this study, liver fibrosis rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosarnine for 3 consecutive days per week for 4 weeks. After 2 weeks, rats in the positive drug group were subcutaneously injected with 8×10^5 IU/kg IFNα2b, while the Sm treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg solution of Sm injectional powder, respectively, for 6 days per week for 4 weeks. The results showed that either IFNα2b or the Sm injectional powder significantly increased the body weight and liver to spleen ratio, and three doses of the powder brought down the spleen index. Serum analysis showed that both IFNα2b and the Sm powder reduced levels of alanine transaminase and total bilirubin, while only 100 and 200 mg/kg of the Sm powder ameliorated aspartate transaminase and albumin levels. In the collagen examination, reduced hyaluronic acid and procollagen type III levels, less fibrous hyperplasia and collagen deposits, and improved hepatocyte states were clearly observed in rats treated with either IFNα2b or Sm injectional powder. In addition, the mechanism of action of the Sm powder was also studied. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IFNα2b and Sm injectional powder significantly down-regulated the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and platelet derived growth factor （PDGF）. In conclusion, Sm injectional powder has protective effects on dimethylnitrosamine-initiated liver fibrosis in rats, and the mechanism may include the down-regulation of TGF-β1 and PDGF.展开更多
基金Project (No. 30170437) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Total saponins of Panax notoginseng （PNS） have been shown to ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis. Ginsenoside Rg 1, a panaxatriol saponin, is one of the major active molecules from PNS. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rgl on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups： sham-operation （n=15）, UUO （n=15） and UUO with ginsenoside Rgl treatment （n=15, 50 mg per kg body weight, intraperitoneally （i.p.） injected）. The rats were sacrificed on Days 7 and 14 after the surgery. Histological examination demonstrated that ginsenoside Rgl significantly inhibited interstitial fibrosis including tubular injury as well as collagen deposition, u-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） and E-cadherin are two markers of tubular epithelial-myofibroblast transition （TEMT）. Interestingly, ginsenoside Rgl notably decreased α-SMA expression and simultaneously enhanced E-cadherin expression. The messenger RNA （mRNA） of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, a key mediator to regulate TEMT, in the obstructed kidney increased dramatically, but was found to decrease significantly after administration of ginsenoside Rg 1. Further study showed that ginsenoside Rgl considerably decreased the levels of both active TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 （pSmad2）. Moreover, ginsenoside Rgl substantially suppressed the expression of thrombospondin-1 （TSP-1）, a cytokine which can promote the transcription of TGF-β1 mRNA and the activation of latent TGF-β1. These results suggest that ginsenoside Rgl inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO. The mechanism might be partly related to the blocking of TEMT via suppressing the expression of TSP-1.
文摘Objective To investigate the role of transforming growth factor-131 （TGF-β1）/Smad4 pathway in development of renal fibrosis in streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic nephropathy （DN） rats and explore its possible mechanism. Methods Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were divided into 5 groups： group A （ normal control）, group B [ diabetes mellitus （DM） 2 weeks ], group C （ DM 4 weeks）, group D （ DM 8 weeks）, and group E （ DM 16 weeks）. Except for the normal control group, other groups were induced DM by single injection of STZ （55 mg/kg） respectively. Blood glucose level, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein were examined. Expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney were detected using immunohistochemical technique, Western blot, and real-time PCR. mRNA expressions of stromelysin-1 （ MMP-3 ）, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （ TIMP-1 ）, and collagen Ⅲ in kidney were also detected by real-time PCR. Results The levels of blood glucose, serum creatinine, and 24-hour urine protein in rats of group B, C, D, and E were higher than those of the control group. With the progression of renal fibrosis, the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein and mRNA in kidney of diabetic rats elevated. In addition, the renal MMP-3 mRNA expression diminished in diabetic rats, while TIMP-1 and collagen Ⅲ mRNA increased. Conclusions In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the TGF-β1/Smad4 appears to play an important role in renal fibrosis of DN. The increased expression of TGF-β1 and Smad4 might result in the transcriptional regulation of downstream target genes of TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway, which contributes to the progression of renal fibrosis in diabetic rats.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30873396National Science Foundation for Post-doctoral Scientists of China,No.20080430140Qiqihar Foundation for Development of Science and Technology,China,No.05090
文摘AIM： To investigate the role of emodin in protecting the liver against fibrogenesis caused by carbon tetrachloride （CCh） in rats and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS： Rat models of experimental hepatic fibrosis were established by injection with CCh; the treated rats received emodin via oral administration at a dosage of 20 mg/kg twice a week at the same time. Rats injected with olive oil served as a normal group. Histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The activities of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） in serum and hepatic hydroxyproline content were assayed by biochemical analyses. The mRNA and protein relevant to hepatic stellate cell （HSC） activation in the liver were assessed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）, immunohistochernistry, western blotting and enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS： The degree of hepatic fibrosis increased markedly in the CCh group compared to the normal group （P 〈 0.01）, and decreased markedly in the emodin group compared to the CCI4 group according to METAVIR scale （P 〈 0.01） compared with those in the normal control group （51.02 ± 10.64 IU/L and 132.28 ± 18.14 IU/L）. The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly higher in rats injected with CCh （289.25 ± 68.84 IU/L and 423.89 ± 35.67 IU/L, both P 〈 0.05）. The activities of serum ALT and AST were significantly reduced by administration of emodin （176.34 ± 47.29 IU/L and 226.1 ± 44.52 IU/L, both P 〈 0.05）. Compared with the normal controls （54.53 ± 13.46 mg/g）, hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly higher in rats injected with CCI4 （120.27 ± 28.47 mg/g, P 〈 0.05）. Hepatic hydroxyproline content was significantly reduced in the rats treated with emodin at 20 mg/kg （71.25 ± 17.02 mg/g, P 〈 0.05）. Emodin significantly protected the liver from injury by reducing serum AST and ALT activities and reducing hepa
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, No. 2005D094 and No. C0410025
文摘AIM： To study the effect of interleukin-10 （IL-10） on the expression of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） in hepatic fibrosis rats and the anti-fibrotic role of exogenous IL-10. METHODS： Hepatic fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride administered （CCh） intraperitoneally. The experiment was performed in two stages. In the first stage, 60 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group I（GNI, n = 8）, hepatic fibrosis group（GC, n = 28）and IL-10 intervened group（GI, n = 24）. At the beginning of the 7^th and 11^th wk, hepatic stellate cells （HSCs） were isolated, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reation （RT-PCR） and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1 in HSCs. Histological examination was used to determine the degree of hepatic fibrosis. In the second stage, 47 SD rats were divided randomly into normal control group 2 （GN2, n = 6）and CCh group（GZ, n = 41）. At the end of the 9th week, rats in GZ group were allocated randomly into model group（GM, n = 9）, IL-10 treatment group（GT, n = 9） and recovered group （GR, n = 9）. At the end of the 12^th week, all rats were sacrificed. RT-PCR and immuno- histochemistry were performed to detect the expression of TGF-β1 in liver tissue. ELISA was used to assay serum TGF-β1 levels. RESULTS： Hepatic fibrosis developed in rats with the increase of the injection frequency of CCI4. In the first stage, hepatic fibrosis developed and HSCs were isolated successfully. At the 7^th and 11^th week, TGF-β1 mRNA in GC group increased significantly compared with that in GN1（P = 0.001/0.042） and GI groups（P = 0.001/0.007）, whereas there was no significant difference between the two groups. The levels of TGF-β1 at the beginning of the 7^th wk was higher than that of the 11^th wk （P = 0.049）.Immunocytochemistry results of TGF-β1 were consistent with the above findings. In the second stage, TGF-β1 increased significantly in GM group compared to GN2. Alter treatment wi
基金(No.30170437) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Astragalus mongholicus （AM） derived from the dry root ofAstragalus membranaceus Bge. var. mongolicus （Bge.） Hsiao is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. The present study investigated the potential role of AM on renal fibrosis on a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction （UUO）. We divided 48 Sprague-Dawley rats randomly into 4 groups： sham-operated group （Sham）, untreated UUO group, AM-treated （10 g/（kg.d）） UUO group, and losartan-treated （20 mg/（kg.d）） UUO group as positive control. Haematoxylin ＆ eosin （HE） and Masson staining were used to study the dynamic histological changes of the kidneys 7 and 14 d after operation. The expressions of fibronectin （FN）, type I collagen （coil）, hepatocyte growth factor （HGF）, transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1）, and eL-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）, immunohistochemistry staining, and Western blot. Results show that, similar to losartan, AM alleviated the renal damage and decreased the deposition of FN and coil from UUO by reducing the expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA （P〈0.05）, whereas HGF increased greatly with AM treatment （P〈0.05）. Our findings reveal that AM could retard the progression of renal fibrosis. The renoprotective effect of AM might be related to inhibition ofmyofibroblast activation, inducing of HGF and reducing of TGF-β1 expression.
基金Supported by the Teaching and Research Award Program for Outstanding Young Teachers in Higher Education Institutions by Ministry of Education and the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30370783and the Key Project ofScience and Technology from Heilongjiang Province,No.GB03C601-1
文摘AIM: To investigate the association between endogenous gene expression and growth regulation including proliferation and apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor-pi (TGF-βl) in human gastric cancer (GC) cells. METHODS: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the main components of the TGF-β1/Smads signal pathway in human poorly differentiated GC cell line BGC-823. Localization of Smad proteins was also determined using immunofluorescence. Then, the BGC-823 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) for 24 and 48 h, and the effects of TGF-β1 on proliferation and apoptosis were measured by cell growth curve and flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. The ultrastructural features of BGC-823 cells with or without TGF-β1 treatment were observed under transmission electron microscope. The apoptotic cells were visualized by means of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dTUP in situ nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. Meanwhile, the expression levels of endogenous p15, p21 and Smad7 mRNA and the corresponding proteins in the cells were detected at 1, 2 and 3 h after culture in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: The TGF-β1/Smad signaling was found to be intact and functional in BGC-823 cells. The growth curve revealed the most evident inhibition of cell proliferation by TGF-β1 at 48 h, and FCM assay showed G1 arrest accompanied with apoptosis induced by TGF-β1. The typical morphological changes of apoptosis were observed in cells exposed to TGF-β1. The apoptosis index (AI) in TGF-β1-treated cells was significantly higher than that in the untreated controls (10.7±1.3% vs 0.32±0.06%, P＜0.01). The levels of p15, p21 and Smad7mRNA and corresponding proteins in cells were significantly up-regulated at 1 h, but gradually returned to basal levels at 3 h following TGF-βl (10 ng/mL) treatment. CONCLUSION: TGF-β1 affects both proliferation and apoptosis of
基金Supported by Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation, No. 10ZR1420000National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81072009
文摘AIM: To elucidate the molecular and cellular features responsible for the increase of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in gastric cancer. METHODS: The frequencies of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs and the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were analyzed from 56 patients with gastric cancer byflow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Foxp3 gene expression was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The gastric cancer microenvironment was modeled by establishing the coculture of gastric cancer cell line, MGC-803, with sorting CD4 + T cells. The normal gastric mucosa cell line, GES-1, was used as the control. The production of TGF-β1 was detected in supernatant of MGC and GES-1. The carboxyfluorescein diacetatesuccinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution assay was performed to evaluate the proliferation characteristics of induced Tregs. Neutralizing anti-TGF-β1 antibody was added to the co-culture system for neutralization experiments. RESULTS: The level of serum TGF-β1 in gastric cancer patients (15.1 ± 5.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that of the genderand age-matched healthy controls (10.3 ± 3.4 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the higher TGF-β1 level correlated with the increased population of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs in advanced gastric cancer (r = 0.576, P < 0.05). A significant higher frequency of CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs was observed in PBMCs cultured with the supernatant of MGC than GES-1 (10.6% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.7%, P < 0.05). Moreover, using the purified CD4 + CD25 T cells, we confirmed that the increased Tregs were mainly induced from the conversation of CD4 + CD25 naive T cells, and induced Tregs were functional and able to suppress the proliferation of effector T cells. Finally, we demonstrated that gastric cancer cells induced the increased CD4 + Foxp3 + Tregs via producing TGF-β1. Gastric cancer cells upregulated the production of TGF-β1 and blockade of TGF-β1 partly abrogated Tregs phenotype. CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer cell can induce Tregs development via producing TG
文摘目的研究肝纤维化大鼠在去除诱导因素后肝脏的病理学改变,以及转化生长因子(TGF)-β1表达的动态变化及组织分布。方法30只雄性SD大鼠随机均分为5组,1组作为正常对照组(N组),另4组建立大鼠四氯化碳(CCl4)肝纤维化模型后随机处死6只大鼠,定为肝纤维化组(F组),以后分别于停止注射后第7、20、30天各随机处死6只大鼠,分别定为肝纤维化自发逆转组(T1、T2、T3组),观察肝纤维化分级,应用免疫组织化学及逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测TGF-β1。结果停止注射CCl4后30 d肝纤维化分级明显下降,停止注射CCl4后7 d TGF-β1表达水平已有下降。结论去除致病因子后纤维化肝脏发生自发逆转过程,TGF-β1水平的下降早于病理组织学改变,与肝纤维化自发逆转过程密切相关。
基金Supported by National Natural Scientific Foundation No.30872236 to Run-Ping Gao and NIH 5R01AA016003 to David R Brigstock
文摘AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving sequences were inserted into pTriEx2 to produce pTriCCN2-Rz. Each vector was individually transfected into cultured LX-2 human HSCs, which were then stimulated by addition of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 to the culture medium. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA levels for CCN2 or collagen I, while protein levels of each molecule in cell /ysates and conditioned medium were measured by ELISA. Cell-cycle progression of the transfected cells was assessed by flow cytometry.RESULTS： In pTriEx2-transfected LX-2 cells, TGF-β1 treatment caused an increase in the mRNA level for CCN2 or collagen I, and an increase in produced and secreted CCN2 or extracellular collagen I protein levels, pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells showed decreased basal CCN2 or collagen mRNA levels, as well as produced and secreted CCN2 or collagen I protein. Furthermore, the TGF-β1-induced increase in mRNA or protein for CCN2 or collagen I was inhibited partially in pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells. Inhibition of CCN2 using hammerhead ribozyme cDNA resulted in fewer of the cells transitioning into S phase.CONCLUSION： Endogenous CCN2 is a mediator of basal or TGF-β1-induced collagen I production in human HSCs and regulates entry of the cells into S phase.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81801220(to MGZ),81671204(to JHJ)Key Research and Development Projects of Anhui Province of China,No.202004j07020042(to JHJ)。
文摘After spinal cord injury(SCI),astrocytes gradually migrate to and surround the lesion,depositing chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-rich extracellular matrix and forming astrocytic scar,which limits the spread of inflammation but hinders axon regeneration.Meanwhile,microglia gradually accumulate at the lesion border to form microglial scar and can polarize to generate a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype.However,the effect of microglia polarization on astrocytes is unclear.Here,we found that both microglia(CX3 CR1^(+))and astrocytes(GFAP^(+))gathered at the lesion border at 14 days post-injury(dpi).The microglia accumulated along the inner border of and in direct contact with the astrocytes.M1-type microglia(i NOS^(+)CX3 CR1^(+))were primarily observed at 3 and 7 dpi,while M2-type microglia(Arg1^(+)CX3 CR1^(+))were present at larger numbers at 7 and 14 dpi.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1)was highly expressed in M1 microglia in vitro,consistent with strong expression of TGFβ1 by microglia in vivo at 3 and 7 dpi,when they primarily exhibited an M1 phenotype.Furthermore,conditioned media from M1-type microglia induced astrocytes to secrete chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in vitro.This effect was eliminated by knocking down sex-determining region Y-box 9(SOX9)in astrocytes and could not be reversed by treatment with TGFβ1.Taken together,our results suggest that microglia undergo M1 polarization and express high levels of TGFβ1 at 3 and 7 dpi,and that M1-type microglia induce astrocytes to deposit chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan via the TGFβ1/SOX9 pathway.The study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Anhui Medical University,China(approval No.LLSC20160052)on March 1,2016.
基金by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82060116,No.81860115 and No.81960118Guizhou Science and Technology Support Project Fund,No.[2021]058.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)are the key effector cells mediating the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis,while aerobic glycolysis is an important metabolic characteristic of HSC activation.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)induces aerobic glycolysis and is a driving factor for metabolic reprogramming.The occurrence of glycolysis depends on a high glucose uptake level.Glucose transporter 1(GLUT1)is the most widely distributed glucose transporter in the body and mainly participates in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism,thus affecting cell proliferation and growth.However,little is known about the relationship between TGF-β1 and GLUT1 in the process of liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism underlying the promotion of aerobic glycolysis in HSCs.AIM To investigate the mechanisms of action of GLUT1,TGF-β1 and aerobic glycolysis in the process of HSC activation during liver fibrosis.METHODS Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence assays were used to examine GLUT1 expression in fibrotic liver tissue.A Seahorse extracellular flux(XF)analyzer was used to examine changes in aerobic glycolytic flux,lactate production levels and glucose consumption levels in HSCs upon TGF-β1 stimulation.The mechanism by which TGF-β1 induces GLUT1 protein expression in HSCs was further explored by inhibiting/promoting the TGF-β1/mothersagainst-decapentaplegic-homolog 2/3(Smad2/3)signaling pathway and inhibiting the p38 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways.In addition,GLUT1 expression was silenced to observe changes in the growth and proliferation of HSCs.Finally,a GLUT1 inhibitor was used to verify the in vivo effects of GLUT1 on a mouse model of liver fibrosis.RESULTS GLUT1 protein expression was increased in both mouse and human fibrotic liver tissues.In addition,immunofluorescence staining revealed colocalization of GLUT1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin proteins,indicating that GLUT1 expression was related to the development of liver fibrosis.TGF-β1 caused an increas
基金supported by the National Key Technology R&D Program of China(No.2011BAI10B07)the National Basic Research Program(973)of China(No.2012CB517603)the National High-Tech R&D Program(863)of China(No.2012AA02A512)
文摘Background and aims： Ingestion of paraquat （PQ）, a widely used herbicide, can cause severe toxicity in humans, leading to a poor survival rate and prognosis. One of the main causes of death by PQ is PQ-induced pul- monary fibrosis, for which there are no effective therapies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ra- pamycin （PAPA） on inhibiting PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and to explore its possible mechanisms. Methods： Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to either saline （control group） or PQ （10 mg/kg body weight, intraper- itoneally; test group）. The test group was divided into four subgroups： a PQ group （PQ-exposed, non-treated）, a PQ＋RAPA group （PQ-exposed, treated with RAPA at I mg/kg intragastrically）, a PQ＋MP group （PQ-exposed, treated with methylprednisolone （MP） at 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally）, and a PQ＋MP＋RAPA group （PQ-exposed, treated with MP at 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally and with PAPA at 1 mg/kg intragastrically）. The survival rate and body weight of all the mice were recorded every day. Three mice in each group were sacrificed at 14 d and the rest at 28 d after intox- ication. Lung tissues were excised and stained with hematoxylin-eosin （H＆E） and Masson＇s trichrome stain for his- topathological analysis. The hydroxyproline （HYP） content in lung tissues was detected using an enzyme-linked im- munosorbent assay （ELISA） kit. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） in lung tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting. Results： A mice model of PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis was established. Histological examination of lung tissues showed that PAPA treatment moderated the pathological changes of pulmonary fibrosis, including alveolar collapse and interstitial collagen depo- sition. HYP content in lung tissues increased soon after PQ intoxication but had decreased significantly by the 28th day after PAPA treatment. Immunohistoche
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 30271318)
文摘The effects of AAV-TGF beta_1 and AAV-TGF beta_3 on promoting synthesis ofglycosaminoglycan and collagen type II of dedifferentiated rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were studiedin this work.The rabbit lumbar disc NP cells were isolated and cultured.The earlier and laterdedifferentiated NP cells were established by subculture.The AAV transfection efficiency todedifferentiated NP cells was analyzed with AAV-EGFP in vitro.After dedifferentiated NP cells weretransfected by AAV-TGFp,or AAV-TGF beta_3,their biological effects on promoting synthesis ofglycosaminoglycan or collagen type II were detected and compared by the methods of 35S incorporationor immunoblotting.The experimental results showed that AAV could transfect efficiently the earlierdedifferentiated NP cells,but its transfection rate was shown to be at a low level to the laterdedifferentiated NP cells.Both AAV-TGF beta_1,and AAV-TGF beta_3 could promote the earlierdedifferentiated NP cells to synthesize glycosaminoglycan and collagen type II,and the effect ofAAV-TGFp,was better than that of AAV-TGF beta_3.For the later dedifferentiated NP cells,the AAV-TGFbeta_3 could promote their synthesis,but AAV-TGFp,could slightly inhibit theirsynthesis.Therefore,AAV-TGFp,and AAV-TGF beta_3 could be used for the earlier dedifferentiated NPcells,and the TGF beta_3 could be used as the objective gene for the later dedifferentiated NPcells.
文摘BACKGROUND:Adeno-associated virus(AAV)gene therapy has been proven to be reliable and safe for the treatment of osteoarthritis in recent years.However,given the complexity of osteoarthritis pathogenesis,single gene manipulation for the treatment of osteoarthritis may not produce satisfactory results.Previous studies have shown that nuclear factorκB could promote the inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritic chondrocytes,and bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP4)could promote cartilage regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To test whether combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 will yield the synergistic effect on chondrocytes regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.METHODS:Viral particles containing AAV-p65-shRNA and AAV-BMP4 were prepared.Their efficacy in inhibiting inflammation in chondrocytes and promoting chondrogenesis was assessed in vitro and in vivo by transfecting AAV-p65-shRNA or AAV-BMP4 into cells.The experiments were divided into five groups:PBS group;osteoarthritis group;AAV-BMP4 group;AAV-p65shRNA group;and BMP4-p65shRNA 1:1 group.Samples were collected at 4,12,and 24 weeks postoperatively.Tissue staining,including safranin O and Alcian blue,was applied after collecting articular tissue.Then,the optimal ratio between the two types of transfected viral particles was further investigated to improve the chondrogenic potential of mixed cells in vivo.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The combined application of AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 together showed a synergistic effect on cartilage regeneration and osteoarthritis treatment.Mixed cells transfected with AAV-p65shRNA and AAV-BMP4 at a 1:1 ratio produced the most extracellular matrix synthesis(P<0.05).In vivo results also revealed that the combination of the two viruses had the highest regenerative potential for osteoarthritic cartilage(P<0.05).In the present study,we also discovered that the combined therapy had the maximum effect when the two viruses were administered in equal proportions.Decreasing either p65shRNA or BMP4 transfected cells resulted in less collagen II
文摘Salvia miltiorrhiza （Sm） is a traditional herbal medicine with multiple effects on various diseases. Its water-soluble parts have been used to produce injectional powder. In this study, liver fibrosis rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosarnine for 3 consecutive days per week for 4 weeks. After 2 weeks, rats in the positive drug group were subcutaneously injected with 8×10^5 IU/kg IFNα2b, while the Sm treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg solution of Sm injectional powder, respectively, for 6 days per week for 4 weeks. The results showed that either IFNα2b or the Sm injectional powder significantly increased the body weight and liver to spleen ratio, and three doses of the powder brought down the spleen index. Serum analysis showed that both IFNα2b and the Sm powder reduced levels of alanine transaminase and total bilirubin, while only 100 and 200 mg/kg of the Sm powder ameliorated aspartate transaminase and albumin levels. In the collagen examination, reduced hyaluronic acid and procollagen type III levels, less fibrous hyperplasia and collagen deposits, and improved hepatocyte states were clearly observed in rats treated with either IFNα2b or Sm injectional powder. In addition, the mechanism of action of the Sm powder was also studied. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IFNα2b and Sm injectional powder significantly down-regulated the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） and platelet derived growth factor （PDGF）. In conclusion, Sm injectional powder has protective effects on dimethylnitrosamine-initiated liver fibrosis in rats, and the mechanism may include the down-regulation of TGF-β1 and PDGF.
