The effects of (±)-Praeruptorin A on airway inflammation,remodeling and transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling pathway in a murine model of allergic asthma

(±)-Praeruptorin A (PA) is a pair of coumarin enantiomers isolated from the root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD), a common Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of asthma. Considering its anti-inflammatory, anti-contractile and anti-hyperplasia activities, the effects of PA on airway inflammation and airway remodeling were investigated using a murine model of chronic asthma. Ovalbumin-sensitized BALB/c mice were challenged with ovalbumin to induce asthma every other day on eight successive weeks. PA was administered intragastrically before every ovalbumin challenge. Airway responsiveness was evaluated by a lung function analysis system 48 h after the last ovalbumin challenge. The total and differential leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted using a hemocytometer and Diff-Quick-stained smears. Lung tissue samples were used for hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Masson's trichrome and α-SMA immunohistochemistry staining. Levels of cytokines in BALF, immunoglobulin (Ig) E in serum as well as expression of TGF-β1 and Smad proteins in lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry or western blot analysis. Compared with the model group, PA suppressed airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsive and remodeling, reduced levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in BALF, and IgE in serum, inhibited expression of TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3, up-regulated the expression of Smad7 in lung tissue, and also increased the levels of INF-γ in BALF. These results suggested that PA significantly suppressed airway inflammation and airway remodeling induced by ovalbumin challenge, and is a potential candidate for the treatment of asthma.     

Protocatechuic acid inhibits TGF-β1-induced proliferation and migration of human airway smooth muscle cells

Protocatechuic acid (3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, PCA) is a major metabolite of anthocyanins and was reported to possess anti-allergic response. However, the effects of PCA on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) proliferation and migration remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of PCA on proliferation and migration of ASMCs. ASMCs were pre-incubated with various concentrations of PCA for 30 min before stimulation with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for different times. Cell proliferation was determined using the colony formation assay. Cell migration was detected using the Transwell chamber assay. The levels of type I collagen, fibronectin, phosphorylated Smad2, Smad2, phosphorylated Smad3 and Smad3 were detected by western blot analysis. Our results demonstrated that PCA inhibited the proliferation and migration of ASMCs, as well as suppressed the expression levels of type I collagen and fibronectin in ASMCs induced by TGF-β1. Furthermore, PCA obviously down-regulated the phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 in ASMCs exposed to TGF-β1. Taken together, the present results have revealed that PCA inhibits asthma airway remodeling by suppressing proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition in TGF-β1-mediated ASMCs via the inactivation of Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Therefore, PCA may be useful for the prevention or treatment of asthma airway remodeling.     

特异性免疫治疗对哮喘大鼠转化生长因子-β1／Smad信号通路的影响

目的：探讨特异性免疫治疗（specificimmunotherapy,SIT）对哮喘大鼠转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）及信号转导分子Smads表达的影响。方法：40只健康雄性清洁级Wistar大鼠随机均分成正常对照组、哮喘组、SIT对照组和SIT治疗组等4组,每小组10只。通过卵蛋白（OVA）雾化吸入的方法对致敏大鼠进行SIT,用双抗体夹心ELISA法测定血清和BALF中TGF—目浓度,免疫组化方法检测肺组织TGF-β1以及磷酸化Smad2／3（P—Smad2／3）、Smad7蛋白表达水平。结果：哮喘组和SIT治疗组的血清、BALF中TGF-β1．浓度均分别高于正常对照组,但SIT治疗组与哮喘组相比,两者的TGF-β1浓度则均有所下降;哮喘组肺组织TGF-β1和P—Smad2／3蛋白表达较正常对照组和SIT治疗组增高,而Smad7蛋白表达下降。结论：SIT通过抑制哮喘大鼠体内TGF-β1和P-Smad2／3的过度表达及上调Smad7,从而阻断TGF-β1的胞内信号转导,可在一定程度上减轻哮喘大鼠气道炎症和抑制气道重塑的发生发展。     

糖皮质激素调控哮喘大鼠气道重塑中TGF-β_1/Smad信号通路的研究

目的观察糖皮质激素对哮喘大鼠气道重塑中转换生长因子β1(TGF-β1)/Smad信号通路的作用。方法以卵清白蛋白(OVA)致敏与激发建立哮喘大鼠气道重塑模型。SPF级♂SD大鼠40只分为对照组(A组)、哮喘组(B组)、布地奈德组(C组)和地塞米松干预组(D组),每组10只。应用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)法测定血清和支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中TGF-β1的浓度,免疫组化法检测肺组织TGF-β1、P-Smad2、P-Smad3、Smad6和Smad7蛋白的表达。结果与A组比较,B组支气管壁厚度(Wat)、平滑肌厚度(Wam)、血清、BAFL中TGF-β1的浓度、P-Smad2和P-Smad3的蛋白表达均增高,Smad6、Smad7的蛋白表达低于A组,经布地奈德组和地塞米松干预后,Wat、Wam、血清、BAFL中TGF-β1的浓度、TGF-β1、P-Smad2和P-Smad3的蛋白表达均下降,Smad6、Smad7的蛋白表达增强。C组和D组Wat、Wam、血清、BAFL中TGF-β1的浓度、TGF-β1P-Smad2、P-Smad3、Smad6和Smad7的蛋白表达比较无明显差异。免疫组化显示TGF-β1和Smad6蛋白表达于胞质,Smad7、P-Smad3和P-Smad2蛋白表达于胞质和胞核,主要表达于支气管上皮细胞、平滑肌细胞、成纤维细胞及散在的炎性细胞。大鼠肺组织中Smad6蛋白和Smad7蛋白表达呈正相关,P-Smad2蛋白和P-Smad3蛋白表达呈正相关。结论糖皮质激素可通过调控TGF-β1/Smad信号通路而拮抗哮喘气道重塑。     

特异性免疫治疗对哮喘大鼠转化生长因子-β1／Smad信号通路的影响

目的：探讨特异性免疫治疗（specific immunotherapy,SIT）对哮喘大鼠转化生长因子-β1（TGF—β1）及信号转导分子Smads表达的影响。方法：40只健康雄性清洁级Wistar大鼠随机均分成正常对照组、哮喘组、SIT对照组和SIT治疗组等4组,每小组10只。通过卵蛋白（OVA）雾化吸入的方法对致敏大鼠进行SIT,用双抗体夹心ELISA法测定血清和BALF中TGF-β1浓度,免疫组化方法检测肺组织TGF-β1以及磷酸化Smad2／3（P—Smad2／3）、Smad7蛋白表达水平。结果：哮喘组和SIT治疗组的血清、BALF中TGF—β1浓度均分别高于正常对照组,但SIT治疗组与哮喘组相比,两者的TGF-β1浓度则均有所下降;哮喘组肺组织TGF-β1和P-Smad2／3蛋白表达较正常对照组和SIT治疗组增高,而Smad7蛋白表达下降。结论：SIT通过抑制哮喘大鼠体内TGF—β1和P—Smad2／3的过度表达及上调Smad7,从而阻断TGF-β1的胞内信号转导,可在一定程度上减轻哮喘大鼠气道炎症和抑制气道重塑的发生发展。     

1,25-二羟维生素D3通过TGF-β1（/ Smad2/3）影响的ROS调节气道重塑 #br#

目的 探讨 1，25-二羟维生素 D3［1，25-（OH）2D3］通过转化生长因子-β1（TGF-β1）（/ Smad2/3）对活性氧 （ROS）的影响及调节气道重塑的分子机制。方法 选取健康雌性 Balb/c小鼠 24只，随机分为正常组（A组）、哮喘组 （B组）、1，25-（OH）2D3+哮喘组（C组）。B组和 C组于第 0、7、14天腹腔注射 0.5 mL致敏液（10 µg卵清蛋白与 2 mg铝制剂），之后用卵清蛋白雾化吸入，于第 21~27天每天雾化 1次，第 28~77天隔天雾化 1次制备小鼠支气管哮喘气道重 塑模型。C组在每次雾化激发前 30 min予以腹腔注射 100 ng 1，25-（OH）2D3，实验过程持续至少 77 d。收集小鼠肺组 织分别用于 HE染色、AB-PAS染色、Masson染色分析小鼠气道病理形态改变、气道黏液高分泌及气道重塑，运用计算 机图像分析系统评价各组气道重塑情况。用免疫荧光检测气道 ROS的表达，Western blot检测 TGF-β1、Smad2/3的表 达水平。结果 B组较 A组气道受损明显，可见大量炎性细胞浸润，黏液分泌增加，上皮下胶原沉积明显增多，与 B 组相比，C组病理形态损伤表现明显缓解，但仍较 A组加重；B组较 A组 ROS，TGF-β1、Smad2/3蛋白的表达水平明显 升高。与 B组相比，C组 ROS，TGF-β1、Smad2/3蛋白的表达降低，但仍较 A组升高（P＜0.01）。结论 1，25-（OH）2D3 可能通过抑制 TGF-β1（/ Smad2/3）的表达从而减少 ROS水平，达到调节小鼠气道重塑的作用。     

Propolis inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in human alveolar epithelial cells via PPARγ activation

Emerging evidence suggests that the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) may contribute to airway remodeling in severe asthma and fibrotic lung diseases. Studies have shown that extracts from propolis protect chemical-induced cardiac and liver fibrosis in animals. This study assesses the inhibitory effect of propolis on TGF-β1-induced EMT in serum-deprived A549 cells (human AECs). Experimental results show progressive cell morphological changes, decreased E-cadherin, increased N-cadherin production, intracellular F-actin rearrangement, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increased cell motility with increasing TGF-β1 concentration. A549 cells pretreated with propolis and then treated with TGF-β1 for 24 h regained epithelial cell morphology, decreased the production of N-cadherin and ROS, and had reduced motility. Propolis prevents the effects of TGF-β1-induced Smad2 and AKT activation pathways and Snail expression. Moreover, propolis pretreatment may prevent the TGF-β1-induced down-regulation of nuclear hormone receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) protein in A549 cells, whose effect was blocked by adding PPARγ antagonist, GW9662. Two active components of propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and pinocembrin (PIN), only had partial effects on TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 cells. The results of this study suggest that natural propolis extracts may prevent TGF-β1-induced EMT in immortalized type II AECs via multiple inhibitory pathways, which may be clinically applied in the prevention and/or treatment of EMT-related fibrotic diseases as well as airway remodeling in chronic asthma.     

Retinoic acid remodels extracellular matrix (ECM) of cultured human fetal palate mesenchymal cells (hFPMCs) through down-regulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling

The regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) by retinoic acid (RA) is interesting in light of the fact that the ECM plays an essential role in morphogenesis and palatal shelf elevation. In the current study, we explored the effect of RA overexposure on ECM and the probable mechanisms in cultured human fetal palate mesenchymal cells (hFPMCs). RA dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and mRNA and protein levels of ECM components fibronectin, tenascin C and fibrillin-2. Zymography revealed that MMP-2 activity was suppressed by RA. Further analysis revealed that mRNA levels of MMP2 and TIMP2 were decreased, while the MMP2/TIMP2 mRNA ratio was increased, which might facilitate the ECM degradation. Because of the pivotal role of TGF-β/Smad pathway in palatogenesis we therefore checked the effect of RA on TGF-β/Smad signaling. The results indicated RA treatment increased Smad7 expression and decreased the levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, TGF-β type II receptor (TβRII) and phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3. Activation of the Smad pathways by either exogenous TGF-β3 or recombinant adenoviruses for Smad3 attenuated RA-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and ECM components and rescued the RA-altered MMP2/TIMP2 mRNA ratio. In conclusion, these findings suggested that RA overexposure inhibited cell proliferation and disrupted the ECM network through down-regulation of TGF-β/Smad pathway.     

TGF-β1-Samd3信号转导在星形胶质细胞增殖中的作用

目的探讨TGF-β1对体外培养的星形胶质细胞增殖的影响及其Smad3信号转导机制。方法体外培养的原代星形胶质细胞,传代接种后采用SiRNA基因沉默技术,干扰Smad3基因的表达,RT-PCR验证沉默效果,应用免疫荧光技术观察干扰TGF-β1-Smad3通路后对星形胶质细胞增殖的影响。结果 TGF-β1对星形胶质细胞增殖有明显促进作用,并呈现一定的剂量依赖性;成功沉默Smad3基因后,星形胶质细胞的增殖率明显减低;成功沉默Smad3基因能干扰TGF-β1对星形胶质细胞增殖的促进作用。结论 TGF-β1-Smad3信号转导通路对星形胶质细胞增殖起调节作用。     

Parthenolide,an NF-κB inhibitor,alleviates peritoneal fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad pathway

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signalling plays a central role in the pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis related to peritoneal dialysis (PD). Parthenolide (PTL), a naturally occurring phytochemical, is isolated from the shoots of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) and displays analgesia, anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. In this study, we examined the therapeutic potential of PTL on PD-related peritoneal fibrosis induced by daily intraperitoneal injection of 4.25% dextrose-containing PD fluid (PDF) in vivo and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. PTL was administered daily before PDF injection or after 14 days of PDF injection. Both PTL treatments showed a protective effect on peritoneal fibrosis and prevented peritoneal dysfunction. Similarly, PTL suppressed the expression of fibrotic markers (fibronectin and collagen I) and restored the expression of the epithelial marker (E-cadherin) in TGF-β1-treated HMrSV5 cells. Furthermore, PTL inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation but did not influence Smad1/5/9 phosphorylation or activate other downstream signalling pathways of TGF-β1, including AKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or p38. In conclusion, PTL treatment may represent an effective and novel therapy for PD-associated peritoneal fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad pathway.     

Inhibition of arsenic-induced rat liver injury by grape seed exact through suppression of NADPH oxidase and TGF-β/Smad activation

Chronic arsenic exposure induces oxidative damage to liver leading to liver fibrosis. We aimed to define the effect of grape seed extract (GSE), an antioxidant dietary supplement, on arsenic-induced liver injury. First, Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a low level of arsenic in drinking water (30 ppm) with or without GSE (100 mg/kg, every other day by oral gavage) for 12 months and the effect of GSE on arsenic-induced hepatotoxicity was examined. The results from this study revealed that GSE co-treatment significantly attenuated arsenic-induced low antioxidant defense, oxidative damage, proinflammatory cytokines and fibrogenic genes. Moreover, GSE reduced arsenic-stimulated Smad2/3 phosphorylation and protein levels of NADPH oxidase subunits (Nox2, Nox4 and p47phox). Next, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying GSE inhibition of arsenic toxicity using cultured rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). From the in vitro study, we found that GSE dose-dependently reduced arsenic-stimulated ROS production and NADPH oxidase activities. Both NADPH oxidases flavoprotein inhibitor DPI and Nox4 siRNA blocked arsenic-induced ROS production, whereas Nox4 overexpression suppressed the inhibitory effects of GSE on arsenic-induced ROS production and NADPH oxidase activities, as well as expression of TGF-β1, type I procollagen (Coll-I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA. We also observed that GSE dose-dependently inhibited TGF-β1-induced transactivation of the TGF-β-induced smad response element p3TP-Lux, and that forced expression of Smad3 attenuated the inhibitory effects of GSE on TGF-β1-induced mRNA expression of Coll-I and α-SMA. Collectively, GSE could be a potential dietary therapeutic agent for arsenic-induced liver injury through suppression of NADPH oxidase and TGF-β/Smad activation.     

Skullcapflavone II attenuates ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis through the blocking of Th2 cytokine production and mast cell histamine release

Allergic rhinitis is a common heterogeneous chronic upper airway disorder and is an IgE-mediated inflammation characterized by one or more nasal symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal discharge, rhinorrhea, post nasal drainage and nasal blockage. In the present study, the effects of skullcapflavone II (SCFII) on upper airway inflammation, Th2 cytokines, and NF-κB signaling in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) murine model in vivo were investigated. OVA-induced AR mice increased nasal symptoms, eosinophils and mast cells infiltration into nasal cavity, OVA-specific IgE/IgG1 and histamine in serum, Th2 cytokines including IL-13 and GATA3, and NF-κB signaling in NALF and lung homogenate. Interestingly, treatment of SCFII reduced the levels of OVA-specific IgE/IgG1 and histamine in serum, of Th2 cytokines and of NF-κB signaling in the NALF and the lung homogenate, and histopathological changes in the nasal tissue and the lung. Also, dexamethasone suppressed such increases. The results of this study suggested that SCFII may ameliorate allergic inflammation of upper airway in AR mice model by blocking the Th2 cytokine production, the NF-κB signal pathway and the mast cell histamine release. Taken together, we suggest that SCFII may be used as a therapeutic agent for patients with Th2-mediated or mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.     

Berberine-loaded engineered nanoparticles attenuate TGF-β-induced remodelling in human bronchial epithelial cells

Airway remodelling occurs in chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is characterized by aberrant activation of epithelial reparation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and airway obstruction. The master regulator is Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), which activates tissue repair, release of growth factors, EMT, increased cell proliferation, and reduced nitric oxide (NO) secretion. Due to its fundamental role in remodelling, TGF-β is an emerging target in the treatment of CRDs. Berberine is a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities whose clinical application is hampered by poor permeability. To overcome these limitations, in this study, berberine was encapsulated in monoolein-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles (BM-LCNs). The potential of BM-LCNs in inhibiting TGF-β-induced remodelling features in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) was tested. BM-LCNs significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced migration, reducing the levels of proteins upregulated by TGF-β including endoglin, thrombospondin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular-endothelial growth factor, and myeloperoxidase, and increasing the levels of cystatin C, a protein whose expression was downregulated by TGF-β. Furthermore, BM-LCNs restored baseline NO levels downregulated by TGF-β. The results prove the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of BM-LCNs in counteracting TGF-β-induced remodelling features. This study supports the suitability of berberine-loaded drug delivery systems to counteract airway remodelling, with potential application as a treatment strategy against CRDs.     

豹皮樟总黄酮调控瘦素、TGF-β1对肝纤维化大鼠的预防作用研究

目的研究豹皮樟总黄酮(TFLC)调控瘦素(leptin)和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)对肝纤维化大鼠的预防作用。方法采用CCl4诱导大鼠肝纤维化模型,TFLC灌胃给药第12周末,检测ALT、AST及HA、LN、PⅢNP、CⅣ含量;检测Ⅰ型胶原(CollagenⅠ)、瘦素、TGF-β1的含量;检测Hyp及组织病理变化;检测瘦素受体(OB-Rb)、TGFβ1Ⅰ型受体(TGFβR1)、Smad3 mRNA及蛋白表达。结果 TFLC(200、400 g.L-1)能明显降低肝纤维化大鼠肝纤维化指标及血清Ⅰ型胶原、瘦素、TGF-β1水平;降低Ob-Rb、TGFβR1、Smad3的mRNA及蛋白表达。结论 TFLC能有效预防CCl4诱导的大鼠肝纤维化,可能与下调肝内瘦素及其受体,抑制TGF-β1/Smad通路有关。     

Limonene inhalation reduces allergic airway inflammation in Dermatophagoides farinae-treated mice

Limonene is one of the main flavonoids which is reported to inhibit the inflammatory response by suppressing the production of reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether limonene can inhibit Dermatophagoides farinae-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophilic infiltration and other histological changes in the lung, T helper (Th) 2 cytokine production and airway remodeling in a mice model of asthma. Treatment with limonene significantly reduced the levels of IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin, MCP-1, and TGF-β₁ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The goblet cell metaplasia, thickness of airway smooth muscle, and airway fibrosis were markedly decreased in limonene-treated mice. Furthermore, AHR to acetylcholine was significantly abrogated in limonene-treated mice. These results indicate that limonene has a potential to reduce airway remodeling and AHR in asthma model.     

糖肾方抑制TGF-β1/Smad3通路促进小鼠肾小管上皮细胞胆固醇流出

目的:利用高糖诱导的小鼠肾小管上皮细胞(mouse tubular epithelial cells,mTECs)观察中药糖肾方颗粒及Smad3抑制剂SIS3对于TGF-β1/Smad3通路及细胞胆固醇流出通路的影响。方法:25 mmol/L高糖诱导mTECs细胞后,分别给予糖肾方及Smad3抑制剂SIS3干预,利用ELISA试剂盒检测细胞中脂质含量,利用Western blot和Real-time PCR检测细胞中TGF-β1/Smad3通路及过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ共激活因子1α(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1α,PGC-1α)、肝脏X受体(liver X receptor,LXR)、ATP-结合盒转运蛋白A1(ABCA1)、ATP-结合盒转运蛋白G1(ABCG1)的表达。结果:糖肾方可以降低高糖诱导mTECs细胞中总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、甘油三酸酯(triglyceride,TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)含量,上调高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)含量(P<0.05);糖肾方及Smad3抑制剂SIS3可下调高糖诱导mTECs细胞中TGF-β1、Smad3、CollagenⅠ和Fibronectin的表达,上调PGC-1α、LXR、ABCA1、ABCG1的表达(P<0.05)。结论:糖肾方可通过抑制TGF-β1/Smad3信号通路促进细胞胆固醇流出,减轻肾损害。     

黄芪总黄酮对高血压大鼠肾脏TGF-β1/Smad信号通路的影响

目的：研究黄芪总黄酮对自发性高血压大鼠肾脏的影响以及其可能的机制。方法：原发性高血压大鼠20只,随机均分为模型组和黄芪总黄酮治疗组,10只正常SD大鼠为正常对照组。取正常大鼠、原发性高血压大鼠及黄芪总黄酮治疗后的原发性高血压大鼠的肾脏,进行免疫组织化学染色和蛋白印迹实验,观察黄芪总黄酮对高血压大鼠TGF-β1、Smad2/3、Smad7的影响。结果：模型组与正常组比较,大鼠肾脏免疫组织化学染色及蛋白印迹显示TGF-β1、Smad2/3的表达显著升高（P<0.01）,Smad7的表达显著降低（P<0.01）;黄芪总黄酮治疗组与模型组比较, TGF-β1、Smad2/3的表达显著降低（P<0.01）,Smad7的表达显著升高（P<0.01）。结论：黄芪总黄酮对高血压大鼠肾脏TGF-β1/Smad信号通路有显著影响,黄芪总黄酮可能通过调节TGF-β1/Smad信号通路产生了对高血压大鼠肾脏的保护作用。     

5-氟尿嘧啶激活 TGF-β1／Smad 通路治疗结肠癌的机制研究

目的：探讨5-氟尿嘧啶（5-Fu）通过激活转化生长因子β1／Smad（TGF -β1／Smad）通路治疗结肠癌的机制。方法将24只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组,氧化偶氮甲烷处理组（ AOM组）和AOM及5-Fu处理组（ AOM＋5-Fu组）,每组8只。通过实时定量PCR、免疫印迹及免疫组织化学方法观测5-Fu处理后结肠癌组织中TGF-β1及其Ⅱ型受体（ TGF-βRⅡ）和下游Smad基因家族成员Smad4表达的变化。结果与对照组大鼠相比,AOM组大鼠TGF-β1 mRNA、TGF-βRⅡmRNA和Smad4 mRNA的表达显著降低（ P ＜0．01）;与AOM组大鼠相比,AOM＋5-Fu组TGF-β1 mRNA、TGF-βRII mRNA和Smad4 mRNA的表达显著增加（ P ＜0．01）,但没有恢复到对照组水平。与对照组大鼠相比,AOM组大鼠TGF-β1、TGF-βRⅡ和Smad4与β-actin的比值显著降低（ P ＜0．01）;与AOM组大鼠相比, AOM＋5-Fu组处理后TGF-β1、TGF-βRⅡ和Smad4与β-actin的比值显著增加（ P ＜0．01）,但没有恢复到对照组水平。与对照组大鼠相比,AOM组大鼠TGF-β1、TGF-βRⅡ和Smad4的AOD值显著降低（ P ＜0．01）;与AOM组大鼠相比,AOM＋5-Fu组处理后TGF-β1、TGF-βRⅡ和Smad4的AOD值显著增加（ P ＜0．01）,但没有恢复到对照组水平。结论5-Fu能够提高结肠癌组织中TGF-β1,TGF-βRⅡ和Smad4的表达,激活了TGF-β1／Smad通路。     

活性维生素D_3对单侧输尿管结扎大鼠肾间质转化生长因子-β/Smads信号轴核酸表达的影响

目的研究幼年大鼠单侧输尿管结扎(UUO)模型中,转化生长因子(TGF)-β/Smads信号通路中TGF-β1、Smad3、Smad7mRNA表达趋势及相关性,探讨活性维生素D3对肾脏保护作用的可能机制。方法 3～4周龄幼年SD雄性大鼠54只,随机均分为3组,假手术组、UUO模型组、UUO模型干预组,模型组和干预组行左侧输尿管结扎术,干预组给予0.1μg·kg-1·d-1活性维生素D3灌胃,灌胃满3、7、14d后杀鼠取左肾,采用实时荧光定量-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法检测各组TGF-β1、Smad3、Smad7mRNA表达水平。结果模型组TGF-β1、Smad3的mRNA表达均明显高于假手术组(P<0.01),Smad7的表达低于假手术组(P<0.01);活性维生素D3干预组TGF-β1、Smad3的mRNA表达明显低于模型组(P<0.01),但仍强于假手术组(P<0.01);Smad7的表达则明显强于模型组(P<0.01),低于假手术组(P<0.01);TGF-β1、Smad3mRNA的表达水平与Smad7mRNA的表达呈负相关。结论在幼鼠肾小管间质损伤过程中,TGF-β/Smads信号通路参与了其发生发展,其中TGF-β1、Smad3起促进作用,Smad7起抑制作用。活性维生素D3可能通过下调Smad3的表达,上调Smad7的表达,减少TGF-β1的产生而起保护作用。