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。     

IGFBPrP1与硫代乙酰胺对小鼠肝组织的影响及其机制

目的:通过对胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白相关蛋白1(IGFBPrP1)与硫代乙酰胺(TAA)对小鼠肝组织影响的研究,明确IGFBPrP1在肝纤维化中的作用及其机制。方法:清洁级C57BL/6野生型小鼠32只,随机分为4组:正常对照组、重组小鼠IGFBPrP1(rmIGFBPrP1)4周组、TAA2周组及TAA4周组,每组8只。取肝组织行HE、苦味酸-天狼星红及免疫组织化学染色和Westernblotting检测。结果:rmIGFBPrP14周组肝细胞广泛脂肪变性,TAA2周组出现纤维组织增生,TAA4周组病理改变较TAA2周组严重。与正常对照组相比,rmIGFBPrP14周组、TAA2周组和TAA4周组IGFBPrP1、转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)、Smad3、p-Smad2/3、Ⅲ型胶原(ColⅢ)、I型胶原(ColⅠ)、纤维连接蛋白(FN)的表达增高(P0.05)。rmIGFBPrP14周组IGFBPrP1、ColⅠ和FN的表达与TAA2周组无显著差异。结论:IGFBPrP1在TAA诱导的肝纤维化形成过程中发挥重要作用,并可作为独立致病因子引起小鼠肝组织中细胞外基质生成增多,且该作用是通过TGF-β1/Smad3信号通路来实现的。     

Monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells negatively regulate hepatic stellate cells in vitro by secreting IL-10

The development of liver fibrosis is associated with inflammatory responses resulting from chronic liver disease. Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) play an important role in modulating the inflammatory environment of the liver. This study investigated the effects of imDCs on the regulation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrosis. We isolated and induced imDCs from monocytes of healthy volunteers, activated LX-2 cells with TGF-β to establish in vivo liver fibrosis HSCs model, and then set up a cell co-culture system with transwell membranes. imDC surface markers and apoptosis rates of LX-2 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The concentration of IL-10 secreted by imDC was measured through ELISA. The expression of α-SMA in LX-2 after co-culture was examined by qRT?PCR. Proliferation of LX-2 cells were detected by CCK-8. The western blot was used to illustrate the LX-2 activation-related proteins such as Smad3/7 and TGF-β1. The imDCs co-culture group and the interleukin-10 (IL-10) treatment group had similar results, as they were both able to increase apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, downregulate α-SMA mRNA, and reduce TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein expression in LX-2 cells. Additionally, the Smad7 protein level was increased after treatment with imDC and IL-10. However, the results in the IL-10 antagonist group showed the opposite trend to that of imDCs and IL-10 groups. Thus, these results suggest that imDC secretion of IL-10 negatively regulates activated LX-2 cells, probably via inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and increased expression of Smad7 protein. This may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.     

Increased immunoreactivities against endothelin-converting enzyme-1 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in hepatic stellate cells of rat fibrous liver induced by thioacetamide

The progression of rat liver fibrosis induced by intraperitoneal administration of thioacetamide (TAA) was evaluated by immunocytochemistry using anti-α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), antiendothelin-converting enzyme (ECE)-1, and anti-monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 antibodies. The fibrous septal spaces gradually increased after administration of TAA, and pseudolobules were established in the 7-week TAA-treated groups. Immunoreactivities against α-SMA were not detected in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of the control group without TAA treatment, although they were observed in the HSCs around the fibrous septal spaces in all TAA-treated groups, indicating that activation of HSCs occurs during the establishment of pseudolobules. Immunoreactivities against ECE-1 and MCP-1 were seen in such HSCs of the TAA-treated groups, but few or no immunoreactivities were detected in the HSCs of the control group. The most significant increase in the ECE-1 immunoreactivities was detected in the 1-week TAA-treated group, whereas that in MCP-1 was observed in the 7-week TAA-treated group. The present immunocytochemistry indicated a difference in the accelerated expression period between immunoreactivities against ECE-1 and MCP-1 in the HSCs during the progression of TAA-induced liver fibrosis, suggesting that ECE-1 is involved in the early phase of liver fibrosis and that MCP-1 plays a role during the later phase.     

肝纤维化大鼠转化生长因子β1/Smad蛋白的动态表达及意义

目的 探讨转化生长因子TGF-β1/Smad信号通路在实验性肝纤维化发生中的作用.方法 50只健康雄性SD大鼠分为2组:正常组和模型组,模型组大鼠利用40％ CCl4油剂诱导形成肝纤维化模型,于6周及9周观测肝标本的病理,免疫组化法检测肝组织TGF-β1/Smad蛋白表达.结果 ①肝组织病理:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠肝组织都有不同程度的炎症和纤维化产生.模型组纤维化程度较正常对照组明显,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);②TGF-β1/Smad基因蛋白:免疫组织化学检测显示,与正常对照组相比,模型组大鼠肝脏中TGF-β1、转化生长因子βⅠ型受体(TβR-Ⅰ)、Smad2/3、Smad7蛋白表达均显著增强(P＜0.01),模型组大鼠肝脏TGF-β1、TβR-Ⅰ、Smad2/3和Smad7之间存在正相关关系(P ＜0.05或0.01);模型组大鼠肝脏纤维化分级与TGF-β1、TβR-Ⅰ、Smad2/3和Smad7之间存在正相关关系(P＜0.05或0.01).结论 肝组织TGF-β1/Smad蛋白表达水平与肝纤维化程度相关,TGF-β1/Smad信号的增强可能促进了肝纤维化的进展.     

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor suppresses experimental liver fibrosis in mice

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a cytoprotective agent in several organ systems but its roles in liver fibrosis are unclear. We studied the roles of HB-EGF in experimental liver fibrosis in mice and during hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Thioacetamide (TAA; 100 mg/kg) was administered by intraperitoneal injection three times a week for 4 weeks to wild-type HB-EGF(+/+) or HB-EGF-null (HB-EGF(-/-)) male mice. Livers were examined for histology and expression of key fibrotic markers. Primary cultured HSCs isolated from untreated HB-EGF(+/+) or HB-EGF(-/-) mice were examined for fibrotic markers and/or cell migration either during culture-induced activation or after exogenous HB-EGF (100 ng/ml) treatment. TAA induced liver fibrosis in both HB-EGF(+/+) and HB-EGF(-/-) mice. Hepatic HB-EGF expression was decreased in TAA-treated HB-EGF(+/+) mice by 37.6% (P<0.05) as compared with animals receiving saline alone. HB-EGF(-/-) mice treated with TAA showed increased hepatic α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells and collagen deposition, and, as compared with HB-EGF(+/+) mice, TAA-stimulated hepatic mRNA levels in HB-EGF(-/-) mice were, respectively, 2.1-, 1.7-, 1.8-, 2.2-, 1.2- or 3.3-fold greater for α-smooth muscle actin, α1 chain of collagen I or III (COL1A1 or COL3A1), transforming growth factor-β1, connective tissue growth factor or tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (P<0.05). HB-EGF expression was detectable in primary cultured HSCs from HB-EGF(+/+) mice. Both endogenous and exogenous HB-EGF inhibited HSC activation in primary culture, and HB-EGF enhanced HSC migration. These findings suggest that HB-EGF gene knockout in mice increases susceptibility to chronic TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis and that HB-EGF expression or action is associated with suppression of fibrogenic pathways in HSCs.     

Regulation of Nur77-TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway is required for Ginsenoside Rc ameliorates hepatic fibrosis regression by deactivating hepatic stellate cells

HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) contribute to the excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition plays a key role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The present study focused on the hepatoprotective effect of Ginsenoside Rc (Rc), one of the protopanaxadiol type ginsenoside, which has contributed to reverse activated HSCs to improve hepatic fibrosis via regulating Nur77-TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. We established the hepatic fibrosis model by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). And HSCs were stimulated with TGF-β, followed by silencing of Nur77, and then incubated in Rc. Rc significantly alleviated histopathological changes, reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Rc could upregulate the Nur77 and downregulate fibrosis markers in the liver of mice, including decreasing the expressions of α-SMA, Collagen-I, the ratio of TIMP-1/MMP-13. Rc significantly increased the expression of Nur77 and suppressed the production of ECM in HSCs. Rc inhibited TLR4 signaling pathway, consequently reversing the inflammatory response, including the production of MyD88, IRAK1, IRAK4 and IL-23. When Nur77 was knocked in TGF-β-stimulated HSCs, TLR4 and α-SMA production were increased. Rc suppressed these activatory effects in Nur77 knockdown HSCs. Rc reduced inflammatory reaction by regulating the Nur77-TLR4 signaling pathway while suppressing the fibrogenesis suggesting, underscoring a promising approach of Rc for the treatment in hepatic fibrosis. Targeting Nur77-TLR4 signaling in HSCs would be the potential strategy for Rc against hepatic fibrosis.     

肝纤维化大鼠转化生长因子β1／Smad蛋白的动态表达及意义

目的探讨转化生长因子TGF—β1／Smad信号通路在实验性肝纤维化发生中的作用。方法50只健康雄性SD大鼠分为2组：正常组和模型组,模型组大鼠利用40％CCl4油剂诱导形成肝纤维化模型,于6周及9周观测肝标本的病理,免疫组化法检测肝组织TGF—β1／Smad蛋白表达。结果①肝组织病理：与正常组比较,模型组大鼠肝组织都有不同程度的炎症和纤维化产生。模型组纤维化程度较正常对照组明显,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;②TGF—β1／Smad基因蛋白：免疫组织化学检测显示,与正常对照组相比,模型组大鼠肝脏中TGF—β1、转化生长因子βI型受体（TβR—I）、Smad2、3、Smad,蛋白表达均显著增强（P〈0．01）,模型组大鼠肝脏TGF—β1、TβR-I、Smad。和Smad,之间存在正相关关系（P〈0．05或0．01）;模型组大鼠肝脏纤维化分级与TGF—β1、TβR—I、Smad2/3和Smad,之间存在正相关关系（P〈0．05或0．01）。结论肝组织TGF—β1／Smad蛋白表达水平与肝纤维化程度相关,TGF-β1／Smad信号的增强可能促进了肝纤维化的进展。     

血清和肝组织TGF-β1与慢性乙型肝炎肝纤维化的关系

目的 探讨血清和肝组织TGF-β1水平与慢性乙肝肝纤维化程度的关系,为肝纤维化诊断提供依据.方法 以肝活检病理诊断区分131例慢性HBV感染者纤维化程度(S0～S4),用ELISA法检测血清TGF-β1水平,免疫组化法检测肝组织TGF-β1表达并半定量.分析血清TGF-β1和肝组织TGF-β1表达与肝纤维化程度的关系.结果 血清和肝组织TGF-β1均与肝纤维化程度具有非常显著性正相关(r分别是0.74和0.89,P＜0.01).血清TGF-β1各组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).组问分割比较,S0和S1分别与S4比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.005);各组与S0组比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.005);S1组和S3组之间比较有统计学意义(P＜0.005).肝组织TGF-β1表达在S3和S4组之间比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),其余组间比较差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).血清TGF-β1和肝组织TGF-β1表达具有非常显著性意义相关(r=0.61,P＜0.01).结论 血清TGF-β1和肝组织TGF-β1水平与慢乙肝肝纤维化程度相关,血清TGF-β1有希望成为临床判断轻度或重度肝纤维化的无创伤性诊断指标.     

Comparative Study for Preventive Effects of Intra-Abdominal Adhesion Using Cyclo-Oxygenase-2 Enzyme (COX-2) Inhibitor,Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH), and Synthetic Barrier

Purpose

Postoperative adhesion is the most frequent complication of abdominal surgery. Therefore, we investigated the individual effects of synthetic barrier [hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC)] and pharmacologic agents [low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor (COX-2 inhibitor)] using animal model of intra-abdominal adhesion.

Materials and Methods

The cecum was rubbed with sterile alcohol wet gauze until subserosal haemorrhage and punctate bleeding developed under the general anesthesia. Five animal groups were prepared using the film HA/CMC, gel HA/CMC, LMWH and COX-2 inhibitor.

Results

The grade of adhesion by modified Leach method for group I (control), II (film type HA/CMC), III (gel type HA/CMC), IV (LMWH) and V (COX-2 inhibitor) were 5.35±1.8, 6.15±1.3, 4.23±2.6, 5.05±0.7 and 5.50±0.9, respectively. Group III showed the least grade of adhesion and it is statistically significant in adhesion formation (p=0.028). The numbers of lymphocytes were significantly low in group III and group V compared to the control group (lymphocyte: p=0.004). The mast cell counts were generally low except for the control group (I: 1.05, II: 0.35, III: 0.38, IV: 0.20, V: 0.37), however, it was not statistically significant (p=0.066).

Conclusion

The gel barriers were shown to be partly efficient in inhibiting the formation of postoperative adhesions and might provide an option for abdominal surgery to reduce postoperative adhesions. The LMWH and COX-2 inhibitor had been known for their inhibitor effect of fibrin formation and anti-angiogenic/anti-fibroblastic activity, respectively. However, their preventive effects of adhesion and fibrosis were found to be obscure.     

大鼠心肌细胞结缔组织生长因子的诱导表达及RNA干扰研究

目的： 探讨心肌细胞对结缔组织生长因子（CTGF）的基础表达及转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）对其分泌的诱导作用,并进一步研究以RNA干扰(RNAi)技术靶向抑制CTGF对下游纤维化因子的影响。方法: 实验分为以下5组： 组Ⅰ：单纯心肌细胞组;组Ⅱ：TGF-β1诱导组;组Ⅲ：阴性质粒组;组Ⅳ：RNAi组;组Ⅴ：脂质体组。分离培养Sprague Dawley（SD）大鼠乳鼠心肌细胞,以5 μg/L终浓度的TGF-β1对培养的心肌细胞进行诱导,再通过脂质体法将靶向大鼠CTGF的短发夹RNA(shRNA)干扰质粒转染入心肌细胞,流式细胞技术分选出成功转染的细胞。通过反转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)和免疫印迹（Western blotting）技术进一步研究各实验组心肌细胞CTGF、纤维连接蛋白（FN）mRNA及蛋白的表达水平。结果: 单纯心肌细胞组对CTGF、FN均有低水平的基础分泌,在予以TGF-β1诱导后表达水平显著升高（P＜0.01）;而在靶向特异性RNAi后,上述因子的表达均被显著抑制（P＜0.01）;并且纤维化因子FN的表达水平与促纤维化因子CTGF的表达显著相关。结论: 心肌细胞可自主低水平分泌或诱导后高表达CTGF及下游纤维化因子FN,提示心肌细胞主动参与了心肌纤维化及心脏重塑过程;而通过RNAi靶向抑制CTGF后可阻抑心肌细胞分泌下游纤维化因子,进一步提示CTGF是促心肌纤维化的关键性细胞因子,而RNAi是一种特异高效的很有前途的干预手段。     

丹参素对肝星状细胞TGF-β信号转导的影响

目的： 观察丹参素对转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）诱导活化的大鼠肝星状细胞(HSCs)Smad信号转导通路的影响。方法：体外分离、培养大鼠肝HSCs,用不同浓度丹参素作用于HSCs,检测丹参素对HSCs增殖和TGF-β1刺激后HSCs增殖的影响;观察丹参素对TGF-β1刺激HSCs表达α-SMA的影响;观察HSCs转化生长因子受体(TβRⅠ、Ⅱ)的表达;观察丹参素和TGF-β1作用HSCs后,其Smad2、Smad3、Smad7 mRNA表达的变化。结果：(1)丹参素在0.0625 mmol/L-1 mmol/L时,对HSCs的生长增殖具有抑制作用 (P<0.05);丹参素对TGF-β1诱导的HSCs增殖也具有明显的抑制作用 (P<0.05)。(2)丹参素0.25 mmol/ L作用HSCs能下调α-SMA的表达(P<0.05),也能下调TGF-β1诱导的HSCs的α-SMA表达(P<0.05)。（3）HSCs中TβRⅠ、Ⅱ的表达定位于细胞膜上,丹参素能下调活化HSCs中TβRⅠ、Ⅱ的表达（P<0.05或P<0.01）。 (4) TGF-β1促进HSCs中Smad2、Smad3、Smad7 mRNA的表达（P<0.01）;丹参素能下调TGF-β1诱导的HSCs内Smad2、Smad3 mRNA的表达(P<0.05),并能上调Smad7 mRNA表达(P<0.05)。 结论：体外细胞实验表明,丹参素能通过下调活化HSCs细胞膜上TβRⅠ、Ⅱ蛋白的表达来抑制HSCs的活化增殖。丹参素能上调HSCs内Smad7 mRNA表达,并下调Smad2、Smad3 mRNA表达,抑制HSCs活化,并抑制TGF-β1诱导的HSCs活化。     

Complement 5a stimulates hepatic stellate cells in vitro,and is increased in the plasma of patients with chronic hepatitis B

Complement 5a (C5a) is a critical modulator of liver immunity. In this study, we investigated the role of C5a and its receptor in liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B virus infection. We found that plasma C5a concentration was significantly increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B, particularly in those patients with higher grade and stage scores. Further analysis indicated that the increased C5a concentration was positively correlated with clinical parameters reflecting liver fibrosis severity, including type IV collagen and procollagen type III N‐terminal peptide. Our in vitro data indicated that the C5a receptor is highly expressed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Addition of C5a significantly activated HSCs and up‐regulated α‐smooth muscle actin, hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen expression. Also, addition of C5a could inhibit the spontaneous and soluble tumour necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand‐induced apoptosis of HSCs. These findings highlight the potential role of C5a in the regulation of liver fibrosis.     

利用CRISPR/Cas-9技术抑制热休克蛋白Gp96的表达对小鼠酒精性肝纤维化的影响

目的 探讨热休克蛋白Gp96对小鼠酒精性肝纤维化的影响。 方法 健康雄性C57BL/6 J小鼠220只,随机分为4组：正常对照组(n=10),生理盐水+酒精诱导纤维化组(n=70)。尾静脉注射CRISPR表达质粒Gp96-sgRNA3+酒精诱导肝纤维化组（n=70）,腹腔注射核因子κB（NF-κB）抑制剂PDTC+酒精诱导肝纤维化组（n=70）。于酒精诱导第8周眼球取血后处死各组小鼠,测定各组小鼠血清谷草转氨酶（AST）活性,HE染色检测各组小鼠肝脏病理变化,天狼猩红染色检测各组小鼠肝纤维化情况,过碘酸-雪夫(PAS)染色检测各组小鼠肝糖原变化情况;免疫印迹法检测小鼠肝脏Gp96和转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)的表达变化。 结果 与正常对照组相比,其余3组AST酶活性显著上升,肝纤维化加重,糖原显著减少（P<0.01）;与生理盐水+酒精组相比,注射质粒Gp96-sgRNA3+酒精组和注射NF-κB抑制剂+酒精组AST上升更为明显,肝纤维化更严重,糖原减少更多,Gp96表达显著下降,TGF-β1表达显著增加（P<0.01或 P<0.05）。 结论 尾静脉注射CRISPR表达质粒Gp96-sgRNA3显著抑制了小鼠肝脏Gp96的表达,促进了小鼠酒精性肝纤维化程度,NF-κB信号通路对Gp96的表达起到一定的调控作用。     

A20 Attenuates Liver Fibrosis in NAFLD and Inhibits Inflammation Responses

We previously reported A20 was able to inhibit lipid accumulation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We want to investigate whether A20 influences liver fibrosis in this study. Liver tissues from patients with hepatic fibrosis (n?=?9) and healthy individuals (n?=?7) were studied for A20 protein level by immunohistochemistry. A20 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein level were also analyzed in two murine hepatic fibrosis models: methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet and extrahepatic bile duct ligation (BDL) operation by real-time PCR and western blot. In vitro, the LX-2 human hepatic stellate cell line was treated by LPS at 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μg/mL for 6 h or at the concentration of 0.1 μg/mL for 0, 6, 12, and 24 h, then A20 expression levels were detected by western blot and PCR. The mRNA level of α-SMA, collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β, IL-6, MCP-1, and TLR4 was also examined by PCR. We then overexpressed A20 in LX-2 cells using adenovirus technique. Levels of α-SMA, collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β, IL-6, MCP-1, and TLR4 were examined in A20-overexpression LX-2 cells. Patients with hepatic fibrosis showed significantly higher A20 protein level compared with healthy controls. A20 mRNA and protein levels were also increased in livers from MCD feeding or BDL operation mice in comparison to normal controls. In LX-2 cells, LPS induced A20 protein in a concentration-dependent manner. The mRNA levels of α-SMA, collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β, IL-6, MCP-1, and TLR4 were increased after LPS treatment. Overexpression of A20 in LX-2 cells inhibited α-SMA deposition and collagen I, collagen III secretion. TGF-β, IL-6, MCP-1, and TLR4 mRNA levels were also reduced in A20-overexpression LX-2 cells in response to LPS stimulation. A20 overexpression inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation, which could be the mechanism for high A20 expression protected livers from fibrosis. Enhancement of A20 expression seems to be rational therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis.     

Protective Effect of Infliximab,a Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alfa Inhibitor,on Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Rats

We aimed to investigate the preventive effect of Infliximab (IFX), a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor, on bleomycin (BLC)-induced lung fibrosis in rats. Rats were assigned into four groups as follows: I—BLC group, a single intra-tracheal BLC (2.5 mg/kg) was installed; II—control group, a single intra-tracheal saline was installed; III—IFX?+?BLC group, a single-dose IFX (7 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), 72 h before the intra-tracheal BLC installation; IV—IFX group, IFX (7 mg/kg) was administered alone i.p. on the same day with IFX?+?BLC group. All animals were sacrificed on the 14th day of BLC installation. Levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interleukin (IL)-6, periostin, YKL-40, nitric oxide (NO) in rat serum were measured, as well as, myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH), hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde (MDA) content in lung homogenates. Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) for quantitative histological evaluation. The inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and cell apoptosis in the lung tissues were determined quantitatively by immunohistochemical staining (INOS) and by TUNNEL staining, respectively. BLC installation worsened antioxidant status (such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, MPO), while it increased the serum TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, periostin, YKL-40, and lipid peroxidation, and collagen deposition, measured by MDA and hydroxyproline, respectively. IFX pretreatment improved antioxidant status as well as BLC-induced lung pathological changes, while it decreased the TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, periostin, YKL-40, lipid peroxidation and collagen deposition. Finally, histological, immunohistochemical, and TUNNEL evidence also supported the ability of IFX to prevent BLC-induced lung fibrosis. The results of the present study indicate that IFX pretreatment can attenuate BLC-induced pulmonary fibrosis.     

Opposing roles of TGF-β in prostaglandin production by human follicular dendritic cell-like cells

Prostaglandins (PGs) are recognized as important immune regulators. Using human follicular dendritic cell (FDC)-like HK cells, we have investigated the immunoregulatory role of PGs and their production mechanisms. The present study was aimed at determining the role of TGF-β in IL-1β-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by immunoblotting. COX-2 is the key enzyme responsible for PG production in HK cells. TGF-β, when added simultaneously with IL-1β, gave rise to an additive effect on COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner. However, TGF-β inhibited IL-1β-stimulated COX-2 expression when it was added at least 12 h before IL-1β addition. The inhibitory effect of TGF-β was specific to IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in HK cells. The stimulating and inhibitory effects of TGF-β were reproduced in IL-1β-stimulated PG production. Based on our previous results of the essential requirement of ERK and p38 MAPKs in TGF-β-induced COX-2 expression, we examined whether the differential activation of these MAPKs would underlie the opposing activities of TGF-β. The phosphorylation of ERK and p38 MAPKs was indeed enhanced or suppressed by the simultaneous treatment or pre-treatment, respectively. These results suggest that TGF-β exerts opposing effects on IL-1β-induced COX-2 expression in HK cells by differentially regulating activation of ERK and p38 MAPKs.     

Therapeutic value of small molecule inhibitor to plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 for lung fibrosis

Fibrosis is a final stage of many lung diseases, with no effective treatment. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), a primary inhibitor of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (tPA and uPA, respectively), plays a critical role in the development of fibrosis. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of an orally effective small molecule PAI-1 inhibitor, TM5275, in a model of lung fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), the most potent and ubiquitous profibrogenic cytokine, and in human lung fibroblasts (CCL-210 cells). The results show that an intranasal instillation of AdTGF-β1(223/225), an adenovirus expressing constitutively active TGF-β1, increased the expression of PAI-1 and induced fibrosis in murine lung tissue. On the other hand, treating mice with 40 mg/kg of TM5275 for 10 days, starting 4 days after the instillation of AdTGF-β1(223/225), restored the activities of uPA and tPA and almost completely blocked TGF-β1-induced lung fibrosis, as shown by collagen staining, Western blotting, and the measurement of hydroxyproline. No loss of body weight was evident under these treatment conditions with TM5275. Furthermore, we show that TM5275 induced apoptosis in both myofibroblasts (TGF-β1-treated) and naive (TGF-β1-untreated) human lung fibroblasts, and this apoptosis was associated with the activation of caspase-3/7, the induction of p53, and the inhibition of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and PAI-1 expression. Such an inhibition of fibrotic responses by TM5275 occurred even in cells pretreated with TGF-β1 for 6 hours. Together, the results suggest that TM5275 is a relatively safe and potent antifibrotic agent, with therapeutic potential in fibrotic lung disease.     

莪术醇通过上调miR-214抑制TGF-β诱导的RL-95细胞生长及纤维化相关蛋白表达

目的:探讨莪术醇对转化生长因子β(TGF-β)诱导的子宫内膜癌RL-95细胞生长及纤维化相关蛋白表达的影响,并探讨其机制是否与调控微小RNA-214(miR-214)表达有关.方法:以TGF-β诱导RL-95细胞纤维化作为子宫内膜异位症细胞模型.设置对照(control)组、TGF-β组、TGF-β+低剂量莪术醇组、T...