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.     

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。     

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。     

sTβRⅡ拮抗新生大鼠心肌成纤维细胞内TGF-β1诱导的Smad信号和肌成纤维细胞分化

目的研究可溶性转化生长因子-β1Ⅱ型受体(sTβRⅡ)对新生大鼠心肌成纤维细胞内TGF-β1诱导的Smad信号和肌成纤维细胞分化的抑制效应。方法培养新生大鼠的心肌成纤维细胞,随机分为4组:PBS对照组、TGF-β1(5ng/ml)组、sTβRⅡ(50ng/ml)组和TGF-β1+sTβRⅡ组。30min、1h和2h后,免疫细胞化学染色检测P-Smad2和Smad3的表达;24h后,免疫细胞化学染色检测α-SMA的表达。结果与PBS对照组相比,TGF-β1组P-Smad2、Smad3(核阳性率)和α-SMA的表达显著性升高(P0.05);与TGF-β1组相比,TGF-β1+sTβRⅡ组P-Smad2、Smad3(核阳性率)和α-SMA的表达明显降低(P0.05)。结论sTβRⅡ可拮抗新生大鼠心肌成纤维细胞内TGF-β1诱导的Smad2/Smad3蛋白的磷酸化与核转位,阻断Smad信号转导通路,抑制肌成纤维细胞分化。     

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.     

Inhibition of hepatic stellate cells by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in hepatic fibrosis

Background/Aims

Therapies involving bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have considerable potential in the management of hepatic disease. BM-MSCs have been investigated in regenerative medicine due to their ability to secrete various growth factors and cytokines that regress hepatic fibrosis and enhance hepatocyte functionality. The aim of this study was to determine the antifibrosis effect of BM-MSCs on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the mechanism underlying how BM-MSCs modulate the function of activated HSCs.

Methods

We used HSCs in both direct and indirect co-culture systems with BM-MSCs to evaluate the antifibrosis effect of BM-MSCs. The cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by a direct co-culture system of activated HSCs with BM-MSCs. The activations of both HSCs alone and HSCs with BM-MSCs in the direct co-culture system were observed by immunocytochemistry for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The levels of growth factors and cytokines were evaluated by an indirect co-culture system of activated HSCs with BM-MSCs.

Results

The BM-MSCs in the direct co-culture system significantly decreased the production of α-SMA and the viability of activated HSCs, whereas they induced the apoptosis of activated HSCs. The BM-MSCs in the indirect co-culture system decreased the production of transforming growth factor-β1 and interleukin (IL)-6, whereas they increased the production of hepatocyte growth factor and IL-10. These results confirmed that the juxtacrine and paracrine effects of BM-MSCs can inhibit the proliferative, fibrogenic function of activated HSCs and have the potential to reverse the fibrotic process by inhibiting the production of α-SMA and inducing the apoptosis of HSCs.

Conclusions

These results have demonstrated that BM-MSCs may exert an antifibrosis effect by modulating the function of activated HSCs.     

1,25（OH）2D3对甲状旁腺素诱导的肾小管上皮细胞转分化和TGF-β1的表达的影响

目的:探讨1,25(OH)2D3对甲状旁腺素(PTH)诱导的肾小管上皮细胞转分化和转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)表达的影响。方法:人肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2细胞)培养在含50 mL/L FCS的DMEM/F12培养液中。对照组:加入等体积含50 mL/L FCS的DMEM/F12培养液;PTH刺激组:加入终浓度为10-10 mol/L PTH的含50 mL/L FCS的DMEM/F12培养液;PTH+1,25(OH)2D3干预组:加入10-10 mol/L PTH,同时加入不同浓度(10-10、10-9、10-8、10-7 mol/L)的1,25(OH)2D3。刺激HK-2细胞48 h。半定量RT-PCR法检测细胞中α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)和TGF-β1的基因表达;Western blot法检测细胞中α-SMA和TGF-β1的蛋白表达;免疫细胞化学法检测细胞中α-SMA的表达;ELISA法检测细胞培养上清液中TGF-β1的含量。结果:半定量RT-PCR结果显示,对照组HK-2细胞中几乎无α-SMA的mRNA表达,仅有少量的TGF-β1 mRNA表达;PTH刺激组α-SMA和TGF-β1mRNA表达量与对照组比较明显增加;PTH+1,25(OH)2D3干预组表达量比PTH刺激组显著降低,且随着1,25(OH)2D3浓度的升高呈一定的剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。Western blot结果显示,对照组HK-2细胞中无α-SMA的蛋白表达,仅有少量的TGF-β1蛋白表达;10-10 mol/L的PTH能够明显诱导HK-2细胞中α-SMA的蛋白表达,增加TGF-β1的蛋白表达量;PTH+1,25(OH)2D3干预组,α-SMA和TGF-β1的蛋白表达量比PTH刺激组显著降低(P<0.05)。免疫细胞化学法结果显示,对照组几乎无α-SMA阳性表达的细胞,PTH刺激组可见大量细胞α-SMA表达阳性;PTH+1,25(OH)2D3干预组α-SMA表达阳性的细胞数明显低于PTH刺激组(P<0.05)。ELISA结果显示,对照组细胞上清液中可检测到少量的TGF-β1,PTH刺激组含量显著升高,PTH+1,25(OH)2D3干预组与PTH刺激组比较含量明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:1,25(OH)2D3能够部分拮抗PTH诱导的HK-2细胞转分化和TGF-β1的表达。     

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。     

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.     

Regulation of SIRT1-TLR2/TLR4 pathway in cell communication from macrophages to hepatic stellate cells contribute to alleviates hepatic fibrosis by Luteoloside

Regulating macrophage-hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) crosstalk through SIRT1-TLR2/TLR4 has contributed to the essence of new pharmacologic strategies to improve hepatic fibrosis. We investigated how Luteoloside (LUT), one of the flavonoid monomers isolated from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., modulates macrophage-HSCs crosstalk during hepatic fibrosis. HSC-T6 or rat peritoneal macrophages were activated by TGF-β or LPS/ATP, and then treated with LUT or Sirtinol (SIRT1 inhibitor) for 6 h. Further, HSCs were cultured with the conditioned medium from the LPS/ATP activated peritoneal macrophages. In HSC-T6 or peritoneal macrophages, LUT could decrease the expressions of α-SMA, Collagen-I, the ratio of TIMP-1/MMP-13. LUT also significantly increased the expressions of SIRT1 and ERRα. And LUT significantly suppressed the releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and regulated signaling TLR2/TLR4-MyD88 activation. The expressions of TLR2, TLR4, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, α-SMA were increased and the expression of ERRα was decreased by Sirtinol, indicated that LUT might mediate SIRT1 to regulate TLR4 expression and further alleviate inflammation and fibrosis. LUT could regulate SIRT1-mediated TLR4 and ECM in HSCs was reduced, when HSCs were cultured with conditioned medium. Hence, LUT could decrease the expressions of fibrosis markers, reduce the releases of inflammatory cytokines in activated HSCs or macrophages. In conclusion, LUT might be a promising candidate that regulating SIRT1-TLR2/TLR4 signaling in macrophages interacting with HSCs during 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。     

Smad2/3信号蛋白在大鼠梗阻性肾病肾组织中的表达

目的:探讨Smad2/3信号蛋白在大鼠梗阻性肾病模型肾组织中的表达及可能作用。 方法:采用单侧输尿管结扎（UUO）模型，分别于造模后1、3、7、14、21和28 d取肾组织，用免疫组化法检测TGFβ₁、磷酸化Smad2/3和α-SMA在梗阻肾肾组织中的表达；用原位杂交方法检测梗阻肾组织TGFβ₁ mRNA的表达。结果:正常大鼠肾组织具有基础的TGFβ₁(4.32%±1.72%)和磷酸化Smad2/3［(19.31±5.37）个/mm2］的表达，α-SMA只表达于血管平滑肌，肾小管-间质无表达。UUO术后1 d，TGFβ1的表达无明显增加(5.15%±2.08% vs对照组，P>0.05)，第3 d明显增加(13.55%±6.33% vs 对照组，P<0.01)，第7 d达高峰(26.78%±8.77% vs 对照组，P<0.01)，此后表达减少；磷酸化Smad2/3的表达在UUO术后3 d明显增加［(67.95±13.87）个/mm2 vs 对照组，P<0.01］，并持续增加到第7 d［（150.61±27.34）个/mm² vs 对照组，P<0.01］，此后表达减少；而UUO术后3 d肾组织α-SMA表达亦明显升高（5.58％±1.23％ vs 对照组，P<0.01），7 d达到高峰（13.43％±3.32％ vs 对照组，P<0.01），14 d表达开始下调；UUO术后肾间质细胞外基质的沉积随着疾病的进展而进行性增加，第28 d达到最高峰。梗阻肾肾组织中TGFβ₁、磷酸化Smad2/3以及α-SMA的表达时相一致并呈明显正相关（r₁=0.932, P<0.01；r₂=0.946, P<0.01），并与肾间质区域细胞外基质的积聚密切相关。 结论:磷酸化Smad2/3信号蛋白在大鼠梗阻性肾病肾组织中的表达明显增高，可能在肾间质纤维化的过程中起重要作用。     

Prolonged survival effects induced by immature dendritic cells and regulatory T cells in a rat liver transplantation model

BackgroundDendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T (Treg) cells are crucial for inducing immune tolerance. However, the suppressive function of infused Treg cells and immature DCs (imDCs) following solid organ transplantation remains unclear.MethodsImDCs derived from DA-donor rats and Treg cells isolated from spleens of Lewis rats were prepared. A heterotopic liver transplantation model was established to examine the immune tolerance effects of infusion of Treg-imDCs, imDCs and Treg cells individually. Th1/Th2 cytokines and TRAL were detected by ELISA. The overall rejection grade was assessed and the rejection activity index (RAI) was calculated. TUNEL-positive lymphocytes were detected in the portal area in liver sections.ResultsThe infusion of Treg-imDCs was more effective than imDCs or Treg cells individually. Moreover, the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β1 was significantly up-regulated, and IL-12 expression was significantly down-regulated, especially in the Treg-imDCs group. The percentage of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly higher in the Treg cells and imDCs groups. The RAI values in Treg-imDCs group on days 3 and 7 were lower than control, imDCs and Treg cells groups individually (p < 0.05). Both TBIL and ALT levels in the Treg-imDCs and imDCs groups were significantly lower than those of the control and Treg cells groups, and serum TRAL levels increased significantly 10 days after transplantation in the imDC and Treg-imDC groups compared with the control and Treg cells groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionThese data demonstrated that infusion of Treg cells and/or imDCs induces alloantigen tolerance and prolongs liver allograft survival. The infusion of Treg-imDCs was more effective than imDCs or Treg cells individually. ImDCs synergize with Treg cells in inducing and maintaining the feedback loop between imDCs and Treg cells in vivo.     

丹参素干预对肺纤维化大鼠TGF-β1/Smads信号通路的影响

 目的： 探讨丹参素对博莱霉素所致大鼠肺纤维化的防治作用及其可能机制。方法： SD大鼠经气管内滴注博莱霉素诱导肺间质纤维化,随后分别腹腔内注射丹参素15 mg·kg-1·d-1(DA组)、地塞米松1 mg·kg-1·d-1(DXM组)和生理盐水2 mL·d-1 (BLM组)进行干预,正常对照组(NC组)气管内滴注和腹腔内注射均用生理盐水。于造模后第28天处死所有大鼠,通过苏木精-伊红(HE)染色和Masson染色来评价治疗效果;免疫组化技术检测肺组织α-平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SMA)表达;实时荧光定量PCR测定转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）、Smad3及Smad7 mRNA的表达。结果： DA组与BLM组相比,肺泡炎症及肺纤维化程度均明显减轻,肺组织α-SMA表达明显减少,肺组织TGF-β1和Smad3 mRNA表达明显减少,Smad7 mRNA明显增多。结论： 丹参素早期应用可减轻博来霉素诱导的大鼠肺纤维化,可能通过抑制TGF-β1、Smad3 mRNA和促进Smad7 mRNA的表达而实现。     

Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated immature dendritic cells induce regulatory T cell-based immunosuppressive effect

Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) are increasingly viewed as mediators of T-cell tolerance. We investigated factors enabling induction of regulatory T (Treg) cells through syngeneic imDC/mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) co-cultures in vitro and immunosuppressive effects of MSC-mediated imDCs (MSCs were excluded after 72 h co-culture) in vivo. In these experiments, we found that Foxp3(+) Treg cell population remarkably increased after the T cell priming phase when splenocytes were co-cultured with both imDCs and MSCs, presumably inducing na?ve T cells into Treg cells by MSCs and imDCs. In parallel, TGF-β secretion was markedly induced from the imDC+MSC+splenocyte culture supernatant to a significant level at 72-h co-culture, compared to the MSC or imDC+splenocyte co-culture. Based on these results, using a murine melanoma tumor model, we confirmed that the subcutaneous injection of B16 cells induced a perfect tumor incidence in allogeneic recipients when MSC-mediated DCs were coinjected. Consequently, these results suggested that immune tolerance with MSC-mediated DCs leads to immunosuppression induced by at least Foxp3-specific Treg cells. This tool may be useful in clinical trials due to the yet unknown side effects of stem cell therapy.     

Fascin, a novel marker of human hepatic stellate cells, may regulate their proliferation, migration, and collagen gene expression through the FAK-PI3K-Akt pathway

Fascin is a component of actin bundles and may regulate various cellular events. The expression and function of fascin in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has remained largely uncharacterized. Fascin expression in human liver tissue was studied using immunohistochemistry. To identify cells expressing fascin, double immunofluorescent staining with vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), or fibulin-2 was performed and analyzed with confocal microscopy. In culture experiments, fascin expression and the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt in LX-2 cells, a cell line of human HSCs, were investigated using western blot. Specific siRNAs were used to reduce the expression of fascin in LX-2 cells. Proliferation and migration were assayed with a CyQuant assay kit and a Matrigel-coated culture insert system, respectively. Levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and collagen mRNAs were examined using quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of fascin along sinusoids and overlapping with vimentin and α-SMA in both non-fibrotic and fibrotic liver tissue, but it was almost absent in periportal myofibroblastic cells and did not colocalize with fibulin-2, a marker of portal myofibroblasts. In addition, fascin immunoreactivity was almost undetectable in septa of fibrotic human liver tissue. The expression of fascin in LX-2 cells was confirmed using western blot. Two different specific siRNAs against fascin significantly reduced the number of viable LX-2 cells to 65% compared with control cultures and downregulated the mRNAs levels of types I and III collagen and MMP-2 to 62%, 65%, and 70% of control levels, respectively. This condition also reduced the migration activity of LX-2 cells to 46% of control cells and the phosphorylation level of both FAK and Akt. Fascin may be an excellent novel marker of human HSCs that distinguishes HSCs from periportal myofibroblasts. Fascin may regulate functions of human HSCs through the FAK-phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt pathway.     

TET3 mediates the activation of human hepatic stellate cells via modulating the expression of long non-coding RNA HIF1A-AS1

Activated Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a critical role in liver fibrosis and a lot of efforts have been made to dissect the underlying mechanism involved in activation of HSCs. However, the underlying mechanism remains douteux up to now. In the present study, we found that TET3, one member of ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein family, reduced significantly in HSCs LX-2 activated by TGF-β1. To study the function of TET3 in activation of HSCs, knockdown was performed by RNA interference. Results showed that cell proliferation rise significantly and cell apoptosis reduce obviously after knockdown of TET3. Meanwhile, IHC showed that the expression of α-SMA rise significantly compared to control. These results indicated that TET3 is closely associated with the activation of HSCs. Further studies found that long non-coding RNA HIF1A-AS1 was reduced significantly in LX-2 cell after treatment with siRNA for TET3. The result hinted that TET3 activate HSCs through modulating the expression of HIF1A-AS1. To confirm this hypothesis, RNA interference was performed to silence the HIF1A-AS1. Results showed that HIF1A-AS1 silencing lead to enhancing in cell proliferation and declining apoptosis. Taken together, TET3 can mediate the activation of HSCs via modulating the expression of the long non-coding RNA HIF1A-AS1.     

Enhancing the apoptotic effect of IL-24/mda-7 on the human hepatic stellate cell through RGD peptide modification

Induction of apoptosis or quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) can be an attractive molecular strategy due to the importance of activation of HSCs during hepatic fibrogenesis. Interleukin-24/melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (IL-24/mda-7) is a cytokine that has attracted a great deal of attention in the tumor killing as well as pathophysiology of the diseases. In this study, the Pro-apoptotic and senescence inductive properties of IL-24/mda-7 were assessed in human-derived HSCs. Three plasmids expressing natural mda-7, peptide modified version, mda-7-RGD genes beside a recombinant IL-24 protein, were added or transfected into activated LX-2 cells. Cell viability and the amount of apoptosis were analyzed using MTT and Annexin V staining method, respectively. Hence, the expression levels of apoptotic genes and PPARγ in different groups were also compared by real-time PCR analysis. Furthermore, the senescence effect of IL-24/mda-7 by a β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) senescence assay, was evaluated. The viability assessment showed that pmda-7-RGD had the most significant growth inhibitory effect when compared to the control group, pcDNA3.1 (P = 0.0002). The apoptosis analysis also revealed a significant impact of different mda-7 forms in apoptosis induction. The measuring of cell senescence also indicated that IL-24/mda-7 in plasmid and protein forms exhibited a senescence inductive activity as determined by an increase in PPARγ gene expression and beta-galctosidase activity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that both endogenous and soluble forms of IL-24/mda-7 induced apoptosis and senescence in activated LX-2 cells and more importantly, fusion of RGD peptide to this cytokine enhanced these activities. So, RGD-modified IL-24/mda-7 could be a suitable candidate for further molecular therapy of fibrosis.     

肝卵圆细胞对肝纤维化大鼠肝组织TGF-β/Smad信号通路的影响

目的:探讨肝卵圆细胞(HOCs)对肝纤维化(HF)大鼠肝组织TGF-β/Smad信号通路蛋白表达的影响。方法:采用CCl4和复方因素制备HF大鼠模型,取模型组大鼠分离纯化HOCs,从门静脉植入HF大鼠肝组织内,连续观察30d,同时以五灵胶囊为阳性对照。在植入后8d、15d、23d、30d各组大鼠尾静脉采血,酶法测定血清天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT),实验结束取肝组织Masson染色观察肝组织形态学变化,Western blotting检测肝组织Ⅰ型胶原(Col-Ⅰ)、丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶(ERK)、磷酸化丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶(p-ERK)、转化生长因子β受体Ⅰ(TβRI)、转化生长因子β受体Ⅱ(TβRⅡ)、果蝇MAD类似基因2/3(Smad2/3)、果蝇MAD类似基因7(Smad7)蛋白的表达。结果:HOCs植入组与五灵胶囊组在植入后15d、23d、30dAST、ALT水平显著降低;肝组织胶原纤维增生程度明显减轻;肝组织表达ERK、p-ERK、TβRI、TβRⅡ蛋白作用显著降低,表达Smad7的作用显著增加。结论:植入HOCs可阻止大鼠HF的进展,其作用机制可能与其抑制肝组织内TGF-β/Smad信号通路p-ERK、TβRⅠ、TβRⅡ蛋白的表达有关。