再生障碍性贫血患者骨髓间充质干细胞转化生长因子β1及Smad3表达下调的发病学意义

 目的 研究骨髓间充质干细胞（MSC）中转化生长因子 β1（TGF-β1）与 Smad3 的表达下调与再生障碍性贫血（再障）发生的可能关系。 方法 取 20 例重型再障患者骨髓 MSC，分离制备出 Flk1+CD34–MSC 后进行以下试验：①体外定向诱导 MSC向脂肪细胞分化，倒置显微镜观察成脂分化情况，油红 O染色法鉴定脂肪细胞，用实时荧光定量 PCR 检测分化过程中脂蛋白酯酶（LPL）基因的表达；②用蛋白质印迹法检测MSC 中 TGF-β1 及 Smad3 的表达，用 ELISA 检测 MSC分泌 TGF-β1 的能力；③观察不同剂量（0、5、10、15、20 ng/ml）TGF-β1 对再障患者骨髓 MSC 成脂分化和增殖的影响。以 7 名健康成人的骨髓 MSC 相应检测为对照。 结果 再障患者骨髓 MSC 经 4 d 培养后即分化为脂肪细胞，而健康成人骨髓 MSC 中仅见少量细胞出现脂肪滴。再障患者 MSC 培养 4 和 8 d 时 LPL 基因表达水平分别为 0.091 ± 0.028、0.142 ± 0.033，均高于健康成人骨髓 MSC（分别为 0.021 ± 0.011 及 0.049 ± 0.010，均 P < 0.01）；而 TGF-β1 及 Smad3 表达水平明显低于健康成人骨髓 MSC，TGF-β1 分泌水平（3.4 μg/L ± 0.9 μg/L）也明显低于健康成人骨髓 MSC（11.6 μg/L ± 1.2 μg/L，P < 0.01）。在向脂肪细胞分化过程中，仅加入 5 ng/ml 的 TGF-β1 即可明显抑制再障患者骨髓 MSC 向脂肪细胞定向诱导分化，同时促进其增殖。 结论 再障患者骨髓 MSC 中 TGF-β1 及 Smad3 表达水平的显著下调可能参与了再障的部分发病环节。     

丹酚酸B对活化的系膜细胞TGF-β_1受体和Smad2表达的影响

目的:通过观察丹酚酸B对活化的系膜细胞转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)受体和Sma与Mad的同源基因2(Smad2)分子表达的影响,探讨丹酚酸B拮抗系膜细胞活化及肾纤维化的机制。方法:分离纯化大鼠肾小球系膜细胞,TGF-β1刺激建立系膜细胞活化模型并检测Smad2、Smad7信号分子表达。丹酚酸B(剂量分别为10-6mol/L、10-5mol/L)进行干预,免疫荧光及蛋白印记法观察对α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)的影响,蛋白免疫印迹法检测系膜细胞TGF-β1两型受体(TβRⅠ、TβRⅡ)和Smad2信号分子表达的变化。结果:5μg/L TGF-β1刺激系膜细胞24h可成功制备系膜细胞活化模型,在系膜细胞活化早期即可见Smad2分子的显著磷酸化;10-6mol/L、10-5mol/L丹酚酸B均可明显抑制其活化标志蛋白α-SMA的表达;丹酚酸B干预可致系膜细胞TGF-β1两型受体表达减少,Smad2的磷酸化状态被抑制。结论:丹酚酸B可通过抑制大鼠肾小球系膜细胞TβRⅠ、TβRⅡ表达和信号分子Smad2的磷酸化而拮抗其活化,这可能是丹酚酸B抗肾纤维化的细胞学机制之一。     

IgA肾病患者血清IgA1对人肾小球系膜细胞转化生长因子β1/Smads信号通路的影响

目的 研究IgA肾病(IgAN)患者血清IgA1对人肾小球系膜细胞(HMC)转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、磷酸化Smad3(p-Smad3)和纤连蛋白(FN)的刺激作用,探讨IgA1对TGF-β1/Smads信号通路的影响.方法 体外培养HMC,分5组.即健康对照组、健康人IgA1(NIgA1)刺激组、健康人聚合IgA1(aNIgA1)刺激组、IgAN患者IgA1(PIgA1)刺激组和IgAN患者聚合IgA1(aPIgA1)刺激组.RT-PCR检测各组细胞TGF-β1、p-Smad3和FNmRNA的表达.Western免疫印迹检测HMC p-Smad3蛋白水平.ELISA检测HMC培养上清液中TGF-β1、FN蛋白水平.结果 PIgA1和aPIgA1能显著上调TGF-β1,P-Smad3、FN mRNA和蛋白的表达(P<0.05).aPIgA1上调三者mRNA表达的能力分别为PIgA1的1.5倍、1.3倍和1.5倍(均P<0.05).aPIgA1上调TGF-β1和p-Smad3蛋白表达的能力分别为PIgA1的2.1倍和1.6倍(均P<0.01).在aPIgA1刺激不同时间,TGF-β1和p-Smad3 mRNA表达于12 h达高峰(0.866±0.055和0.891±0.251),于24h回到基线水平.FNmRNA表达于24 h达高峰(0.968±0.031).TGF-β1和p-Smad3蛋白表达逐渐升高,TGF-β1于12 h达高峰[(246.960±1.270)ng/L],p-Smad3于6 h达高峰(0.490±0.046)后开始下降.FN蛋白表达逐渐升高,24 h达高峰[(1.804±0.038)mg/L](均P<0.01).结论 PIgA1和aPIgA1能显著上调HMC TGF-β1、p-smad3、和FNmRNA表达和蛋白水平.且aPIgA1的作用强于PIgA1,提示IgAN患者血清的IgA1,主要是aIgA1可通过TGF-β1/Smads信号通路在IgAN进展中起作用.     

ALK-5 mediates endogenous and TGF-beta1-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor in embryonic lung

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) has been implicated as a major negative regulator of lung branching morphogenesis. Since connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a downstream mediator of TGF-beta1 effects on mesenchymal cells, we hypothesized that TGF-beta1 induces CTGF expression in mouse embryonic lung explants and that CTGF mediates TGF-beta1 inhibition of branching morphogenesis. We show that addition of TGF-beta1 to the serum-free medium of embryonic day (E)12.5 lung explant cultures inhibited branching morphogenesis and induced CTGF mRNA expression in time- and dose-dependent manners. In contrast to basal endogenous CTGF protein, which was exclusively localized in the distal airway epithelium, TGF-beta1-induced CTGF protein was localized in both the epithelium and the mesenchyme. Addition of exogenous CTGF to culture medium directly inhibited branching morphogenesis. To identify the signal transduction pathway through which TGF-beta1 induces CTGF, we used SB431542, a specific inhibitor for TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI)/ALK-5 to block TGF-beta1-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Consequently, SB431542 stimulated normal branching morphogenesis and blocked TGF-beta1 inhibition of branching. Furthermore, SB-431542 blocked both endogenous and TGF-beta1-induced expression of CTGF mRNA and protein. These results demonstrate for the first time that TGF-beta1 induces CTGF expression in mouse embryonic lung explants, that CTGF inhibits branching morphogenesis, and that both endogenous and TGF-beta1-induced CTGF expression are mediated by the TbetaRI/ALK-5-dependent Smad2 signaling pathway.     

上调表达Smad7显著抑制TGF-β介导的大鼠腹膜间皮细胞Smad2的表达

目的： 探讨外源性转入并上调表达抑制性信号蛋白Smad7对TGF-β₁作用下大鼠腹膜间皮细胞Smad2表达的影响。 方法： 通过脂质体介导的方法，将表达Smad7的重组质粒（PCDNA3-Smad7）转染培养的大鼠腹膜间皮细胞，分别培养于不同浓度TGF-β₁培养液(0、1.25、2.5和10 μg/L)，用RT-PCR及Western blotting的方法检测不同时间（0、5、15、30、60和120 min）Smad2、Smad7表达的水平。 结果： 正常间皮细胞Smad2 mRNA和蛋白在TGF-β₁刺激后5 min开始表达，呈时间依赖性，在30 min达到高峰，而后逐渐减弱；Smad7 mRNA和蛋白也在TGF-β₁刺激后5 min可见表达，但此后逐渐减弱，30 min达到最低，60 min又开始逐渐增强。Smad2 和Smad7 mRNA和蛋白，随TGF-β₁浓度的增高而表达增强。转染后大鼠腹膜间皮细胞可见Smad7 mRNA和蛋白表达显著上调，并可持续高表达。转染后的腹膜间皮细胞在TGF-β₁刺激下，Smad2 mRNA及蛋白的表达均低下，刺激0、5、15、30、60 和120 min后Smad2 mRNA表达分别低33%、56%、67%、71%、63%和57%（P<0.05）。Smad2蛋白表达分别低78%、89%、89%、88%和76%（P<0.05）。 结论： 上调表达抑制性信号蛋白Smad7可显著抑制腹膜间皮细胞中受体调控信号蛋白Smad2的表达和活性，提示Smad7可能对TGF-β₁起反向调控作用。     

抗IGFBPrP1抗体对小鼠肝纤维化的预防作用及其机制的研究

目的: 明确抗胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白相关蛋白1(IGFBPrP1)抗体能否预防硫代乙酰胺(TAA)诱导的小鼠肝纤维化的形成,同时探讨其机制。方法: 将24只雄性C57BL/6野生型小鼠随机分为正常对照组、TAA 4周组和TAA+抗IGFBPrP1抗体4周组,每组8只,观察肝组织形态学改变,免疫组织化学染色和Western blotting检测肝组织中α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁)、Smad3、磷酸化Smad2/3(p-Smad2/3)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)、Ⅰ、Ⅲ型胶原(collagen Ⅰ、Ⅲ)及IGFBPrP1的表达。结果: TAA 4周组肝损伤严重,α-SMA、TGF-β₁、Smad3、p-Smad2/3、FN、collagen Ⅰ、Ⅲ及IGFBPrP1的表达明显高于正常对照组(P＜0.01),TAA+抗IGFBPrP1抗体4周组肝损伤减轻,上述各指标表达均低于TAA 4周组(P＜0.01)。IGFBPrP1与TGF-β₁、Smad3、p-Smad2/3 、FN及collagen Ⅰ的表达呈正相关(P＜0.01)。结论: 抗IGFBPrP1抗体可预防TAA诱导的小鼠肝纤维化的形成,其机制为抑制肝星状细胞的活化和减少细胞核内p-Smad2/3的表达、抑制TGF-β₁/Smad3信号通路,进而导致细胞外基质在肝组织中沉积减少。     

雷奈酸锶通过TGF-β1/Smad通路促进骨髓间充质干细胞向成骨细胞分化

 [摘 要] 目的:研究转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）/Smad通路在雷奈酸锶（strontium ranelate,Sr）促进大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞（BMSCs）向成骨细胞分化中的作用。方法: 在大鼠BMSCs向成骨细胞的诱导分化过程中,用Sr处理细胞,用Western blotting法检测磷酸化Smad2（phosphorylated Smad2,p-Smad2）和Runx2的表达。用TGF-β1特异性阻断剂SB431542或Smad2小干扰RNA（Smad2-siRNA）预处理BMSCs后加入Sr,再观察p-Smad2和Runx2表达的改变。应用试剂盒检测碱性磷酸酶（alkaline phosphatase,ALP）活性及钙结节水平。结果: 在大鼠BMSCs向成骨细胞的诱导分化过程中,Sr可增加p-Smad2和Runx2的表达,Sr 浓度为1 mmol/L、作用1 h时,p-Smad2表达最多;Sr 浓度为1 mmol/L、作用5 d时,Runx2表达最多;用SB431542或Smad2-siRNA预处理BMSCs后再加入Sr,不仅可以抑制p-Smad2和Runx2的表达,且ALP活性与钙结节数量也受到明显的抑制。结论: Sr可通过TGF-β1/Smad通路促进大鼠BMSCs向成骨细胞分化。     

抗纤灵方对单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠TGF-β1-Smad通路的影响

目的： 研究中药复方抗纤灵对单侧输尿管梗阻（UUO）所致肾纤维化大鼠TGF-β₁-Smad通路的影响，借以初步探讨其发挥疗效的作用机制。方法: 雄性SD大鼠18只随机分为3组，假手术组、模型组、中药治疗组。用单侧输尿管结扎术建立大鼠肾纤维化模型，抗纤灵治疗两周后检测梗阻肾羟脯氨酸含量；HE染色和电镜观察肾组织病变；采用RT-PCR检测肾组织TGF-β₁ mRNA水平；蛋白免疫印迹法检测肾组织转化生长因子I型受体（TβRI）、转化生长因子II型受体（TβRII）、Smad2蛋白表达及磷酸化变化。结果: 与假手术组比较，模型组大鼠梗阻肾羟脯氨酸含量明显增多；病理观察可见肾小球毛细血管基底膜明显增厚，间质成纤维细胞和胶原沉积明显增多；肾组织TGF-β₁ mRNA及TβRI、TβRII蛋白表达显著增多，Smad2蛋白磷酸化及总蛋白表达水平均显著增多。与模型组比较，中药干预组大鼠梗阻肾羟脯氨酸含量明显减少；肾小球和肾小管基底膜仅见轻度增厚，间质成纤维细胞和胶原沉积较模型组减轻；肾组织TβRI、TβRII蛋白表达明显下调，Smad2蛋白磷酸化及总蛋白表达水平均明显下调。结论: 抗纤灵可抑制单侧输尿管梗阻大鼠TGF-β₁-Smad通路，抑制梗阻肾TβRI、TβRII、Smad2蛋白表达及Smad2蛋白磷酸化，从而改善梗阻性大鼠的肾间质纤维化，减少纤维化肾脏中胶原蛋白含量。     

环状RNA-42398通过调控TGF-β1/Smads信号通路抑制肝星状细胞活化

目的:探讨小鼠环状RNA-42398(mmucirc42398)对肝星状细胞活化的影响及机制是否与调节TGF-β1/Smads信号通路有关。方法:小鼠肝星状细胞株JS1,分成正常对照组、空载体阴性对照组(vector组)和mmucirc42398过表达组(mmucirc42398组),体外构建mmucirc42398过表达载体,通过脂质体瞬时转染法转入JS1细胞,48 h后RT-qPCR检测mmucirc42398的表达变化,PCR产物经一代测序验证其环化位点,Western blot检测α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、I型胶原(Col I)、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、Smad2、Smad3、p-Smad2和p-Smad3蛋白表达。结果:与vector组相比,mmucirc42398组的mmucirc42398表达增加(P<0.01),PCR产物测序验证了其环化位点,提示mmucirc42398过表达质粒成功转入JS1细胞并高效表达;在JS1细胞中过表达mmucirc42398后,α-SMA和Col I蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.01),TGF-β1、Smad2和Smad3蛋白表达无显著变化(P>0.05),但p-Smad2和p-Smad3蛋白水平显著降低(P<0.01)。结论:mmucirc42398能抑制肝星状细胞的活化,其机制与调控TGF-β1/smads信号通路有关。     

TGF-β1/Smads和ERK表达异常在高盐饮食诱导的大鼠血管重构中的作用

目的: 研究转化生长因子β₁(TGF-β₁)/Smads和细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)表达在高盐饮食诱导的大鼠血管重构中的作用及替米沙坦的干预效应。方法: 雄性 Wistar大鼠随机分为正常盐对照组(C组),8%高盐模型组和8%高盐+替米沙坦干预组(T组),每2周测量尾动脉压1次,根据尾动脉压又将8%高盐模型组分为模型高血压组(MH组)和模型正常血压组(MN组),喂养共24周。HE染色和Masson染色观察主动脉和肠系膜动脉重构。通过 real-time PCR测定主动脉中膜TGF-β₁、Smad2和Smad3和Smad7 mRNA表达,同时免疫组化法检测主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、TGF-β₁、磷酸化Smad2/3(p-Smad2/3)、磷酸化ERK1/2(p-ERK1/2)及Smad7的蛋白表达和分布。结果: 与C组相比,MH组大鼠血压升高(P<0.05), MH组和MN组主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜胶原容积分数(CVF)和中膜厚度(MT)显著增加(P<0.01),主动脉TGF-β₁、Smad2 和Smad7 mRNA表达增高(P<0.05),主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜PCNA、TGF-β₁、p-Smad2/3和p-ERK1/2蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05),Smad7表达明显降低(P<0.05);经替米沙坦干预后,主动脉和肠系膜动脉中膜CVF和MT减小(P<0.01),PCNA、TGF-β₁、p-Smad2/3和p-ERK1/2表达减少(P<0.05),Smad7 表达上升(P<0.05)。结论: TGF-β₁/Smads 和ERK表达异常共同参与高盐饮食致主动脉和肠系膜动脉重构的机制;替米沙坦抗动脉重构的作用可能部分是通过阻断血管紧张素Ⅱ1型(AT₁)受体影响TGF-β₁ /Smads 和ERK表达实现的。     

Increased Tbx1 expression may play a role via TGFβ-Smad2/3 signaling pathway in acute kidney injury induced by gentamicin

T-box 1 (Tbx1) gene is closely involved in embryonic kidney development. To explore the role of Tbx1 in acute kidney injury (AKI) and the underlying mechanism, we detected the expression of Tbx1 and components of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways including TGF-β, phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) and phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 (p-Smad1/5/8) in kidney tissues derived from a rat model for AKI induced by gentamicin (GM). Apoptosis of renal cells was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL), along with the expression of two essential genes involved in apoptosis, caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Correlation between Tbx1 expression and the number of TUNEL-positive cells was analyzed by a Spearman test. Expression of TGF-β, p-Smad2/3 and p-Smad1/5/8 in Tbx1-knockdown NRK cells was also analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. Markedly increased Tbx1 expression was found in the injured kidney tissues, which has activated the TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathway whilst suppressed Smad1/5/8 expression. Conversely, decreased TGF-β and p-Smad2/3 levels, and elevated p-Smad1/5/8 levels were detected in Tbx1-knockdown NRK cells. More apoptotic cells were detected in the injured kidneys, which has well correlated with the expression of Tbx1. Expression of caspase-3 was markedly increased, while Bcl-2 was decreased in the injured kidney tissues. Above findings suggested that activation of Tbx1 is involved in AKI through the TGFβ-Smad2/3 pathway. Tbx1 expression may therefore serve as a marker for AKI, and Tbx1-blocking therapies may provide an option for treating GM-induced nephropathy.     

The use of low molecular weight heparin-pluronic nanogels to impede liver fibrosis by inhibition the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Low molecular weight heparin (LH) has been reported to have anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer effects. To enhance the efficacy and minimize adverse effects of LH, a low molecular weight heparin-pluronic nanogel (LHP) was synthesized by conjugating carboxylated pluronic F127 to LH. The LHP reduced anti-coagulant activity by about 33% of the innate activity. Liver fibrosis was induced by the injection of 1% dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats, and LH or LHP (1000 IU/kg body weight) was treated once daily for 4 weeks. LHP administration prevented DMN-mediated liver weight loss and decreased the values of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. LHP markedly reduced the fibrotic area compared to LH. Also, LHP potently inhibited mRNA or protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 compared to LH, in DMN-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, LHP decreased the expression of transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)), p-Smad 2, and p-Smad 3, which are all important molecules of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The results support an LHP shows anti-fibrotic effect in the liver via inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad pathway as well as by the elimination of the extracellular matrix.     

Leptin antagonist ameliorates chronic colitis in IL-10 mice

Background

Although the etiology of two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are unknown and evidence suggests that chronic intestinal inflammation is caused by an excessive immune response to mucosal antigens. Previous studies support the role for TGF-β1 through 3 in the initiation and maintenance of tolerance via the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to control intestinal inflammation. Leptin, a satiety hormone produced primarily by adipose tissue, has been shown to increase during colitis progression and is believed to contribute to disease genesis and/or progression.

Aim

We investigated the ability of a pegylated leptin antagonist (PG-MLA) to ameliorate the development of chronic experimental colitis.

Results

Compared to vehicle control animals, PG-MLA treatment of mice resulted in an (1) attenuated clinical score; (2) reversed colitis-associated pathogenesis including a decrease in body weight; (3) reduced systemic and mucosal inflammatory cytokine expression; (4) increased insulin levels and (5) enhanced systemic and mucosal Tregs and CD39⁺ Tregs in mice with chronic colitis. The percentage of systemic and mucosal TGF-β1, -β2 and -β3 expressing CD4⁺ T cells were augmented after PG-MLA treatment. The activation of STAT1 and STAT3 and the expression of Smad7 were also reduced after PG-MLA treatment in the colitic mice. These findings clearly suggest that PG-MLA treatment reduces intestinal Smad7 expression, restores TGF-β1-3 signaling and reduces STAT1/STAT3 activation that may increase the number of Tregs to ameliorate chronic colitis.

Conclusion

This study clearly links inflammation with the metabolic hormone leptin suggesting that nutritional status influences immune tolerance through the induction of functional Tregs. Inhibiting leptin activity through PG-MLA might provide a new and novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of IBD.     

Oxymatrine attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via the inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Oxymatrine (OM) is an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens Ait. with a variety of pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of OM on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and to further explore the underlying mechanisms. C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to five groups: the saline sham group; the BLM group, in which mice were endotracheally instilled with BLM (3.0?mg/kg); and the BLM plus OM groups, in which OM was given to mice daily (10, 20 or 40?mg/kg) one day after BLM instillation for 21?days. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected at 15 and 22?days post BLM administration, respectively. Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for histological evaluation. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) in mouse BALF were measured, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in lung homogenates. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the lung tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Moreover, the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 were also detected. We found that OM improved BLM-induced lung pathological changes, inhibited MPO activity and reduced MDA levels in a dose-dependent manner. OM also dose-dependently inhibited the release of TNF-α and IL-6, and decreased the expression of iNOS in lung tissues and thus prevented NO release in response to BLM challenge. In addition, OM decreased the expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, which are all important members of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Our study provides evidence that OM significantly ameliorated BLM-induced PF in mice via the inhibition of iNOS expression and the TGF-β/Smad pathway.     

糖尿病大鼠肾组织中miR-21和SnoN表达的变化

目的探讨糖尿病(DM)大鼠肾组织中微小核糖核酸-21(miR-21)和核转录共抑制因子(SnoN)在肾纤维化过程中的表达变化及其可能机制。方法用链脲佐菌素复制DM大鼠模型,并设对照组(NC),每组n=8。10周后处死大鼠,观察肾组织形态变化;免疫组织化学染色、Western blot及RT-q PCR检测miR-21、SnoN、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、Smad3、p-Smad3(Ser423/425)、E钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)、胶原蛋白Ⅰ(collagenⅠ)和胶原蛋白Ⅲ(collagenⅢ)的表达。结果与对照组相比,DM组肾组织p-Smad3(Ser423/425)、TGF-β1和α-SMA蛋白表达增加(P0.05),SnoN、E-cadherin蛋白表达减少(P0.05),但SnoN mRNA和miR-21表达明显上调(P0.05),并伴有collagenⅠ、collagenⅢ和FN在间质沉积增多。结论 TGF-β1可能上调miR-21表达,抑制SnoN翻译水平的表达,促进DN的纤维化病变。     

Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced signalling by transforming growth factor-β in human mononuclear phagocytes

Tuberculosis (TB) is associated with excessive production and bioactivation of transforming growth factor bets (TGF-β) in situ. Here, modification of expression of components of plasminogen/plasmin pathway in human monocytes (MN) by inhibitors of TGF-β signalling was examined. Smad3 siRNA effectively inhibited TGF-β-induced urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Agents known to interfere with TGF-β signalling, including the Smad inhibitors SIS3 and erythromycin derivatives, and ALK5 receptor inhibitor (SB 431542) in inhibition of uPAR expression in response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) were examined. Inhibition by SIS3 only inhibited uPAR mRNA significantly. SIS3 may prove to be an effective adjunct to TB therapy.     

普罗布考通过TGF-β1/Smad 2/3通路减轻大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤

目的:探讨普罗布考对大鼠脑缺血再灌注(I/R)的影响及其可能机制。方法:线栓法建立大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞(MCAO)模型,用1.5、3 mg/kg普罗布考进行干预,将200只大鼠分为假手术组、I/R组、溶剂组、小剂量组(1.5 mg/kg)及大剂量组(3mg/kg)。术后15 min腹腔注射药物,于1、3、5 d和7 d取材。观察普罗布考对脑缺血再灌注炎性损伤急性期及恢复早期神经功能评分、梗死灶体积、脑组织水含量的影响,并用ELISA检测脑组织匀浆环氧酶(COX-2)和5脂氧酶(5-LOX)活性变化,免疫印迹检测各组TGF-β1和p-Smad2/3蛋白表达量的变化。结果:与假手术组比较,MCAO术后小鼠出现严重的神经功能障碍、脑水肿和脑梗死,COX-2和5-LOX蛋白表达显著升高,而TGF-β1和p-Smad2/3蛋白表达明显降低;与手术组比较,经普罗布考干预后,小鼠神经功能评分、脑水肿和脑梗死情况明显改善,COX-2和5-LOX蛋白表达明显降低,而TGF-β1和p-Smad2/3蛋白表达明显升高,且大剂量组优于小剂量组。结论:普罗布考能缓解大鼠脑缺血再灌注炎性损伤,其机制可能与激活TGF-β1/Smad2/3信号通路,抑制脑内COX-2与5-LOX的活性有关。     

高糖培养人肾小球系膜细胞对TGF-β1、FN、Smad7表达的影响

目的:通过观察高糖对人肾小球系膜细胞(HMCs)转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)、Smad7表达的影响,探讨糖尿病肾病(DN)的发病机制。方法:将HMCs于高糖(30mmol/L)环境培养不同时间后,采用RT-PCR方法检测TGF-β1、FN、Smad7 mRNA表达,Western blotting检测Smad7蛋白的表达,采用ELISA检测TGF-β1、FN蛋白水平,同时以低糖培养作为对照组。结果:高糖培养24h、48h、72h后,TGF-β1 mRNA及蛋白的表达均较低糖培养对照组增加,在48h时达到高峰;FN mRNA及蛋白的表达亦较对照组增加,且呈时间依赖性;而Smad7 mRNA及蛋白表达下降。结论:TGF-β1/Smad信号转导途径负反馈调节Smad7蛋白的表达减少,可能是DN发病过程中的重要环节之一。     

The crosstalk between transforming growth factor-β1 and delta like-1 mediates early chondrogenesis during embryonic endochondral ossification

Delta like-1 (Dlk1)/preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1)/fetal antigen-1 (FA1) is a novel surface marker for embryonic chondroprogenitor cells undergoing lineage progression from proliferation to prehypertrophic stages. However, mechanisms mediating control of its expression during chondrogenesis are not known. Thus, we examined the effect of a number of signaling molecules and their inhibitors on Dlk1 expression during in vitro chondrogenic differentiation in mouse embryonic limb bud mesenchymal micromass cultures and mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) pellet cultures. Dlk1/Pref-1 was initially expressed during mesenchymal condensation and chondrocyte proliferation, in parallel with expression of Sox9 and Col2a1, and was downregulated upon the expression of Col10a1 by hypertrophic chondrocytes. Among a number of molecules that affected chondrogenesis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced proliferation of chondroprogenitors was associated with decreased Dlk1 expression. This effect was abolished by TGF-β signaling inhibitor SB431542, suggesting regulation of Dlk1/FA1 by TGF-β1 signaling in chondrogenesis. TGF-β1-induced Smad phosphorylation and chondrogenesis were significantly increased in Dlk1(-/-) MEF, while they were blocked in Dlk1 overexpressing MEF, in comparison with wild-type MEF. Furthermore, overexpression of Dlk1 or addition of its secreted form FA1 dramatically inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad reporter activity. In conclusion, our data identified Dlk1/FA1 as a downstream target of TGF-β1 signaling molecule that mediates its function in embryonic chondrogenesis. The crosstalk between TGF-β1 and Dlk1/FA1 was shown to promote early chondrogenesis during the embryonic endochondral ossification process.