Impact of PCI-neo-HGF on the expression of TGF-β1 and proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells in rats

肾小球系膜细胞(GMC)的过度增生是导致肾小球硬化及肾间质纤维化的重要机制之一[1].肝细胞生长因子(HGF)是一种多效性的细胞因子,其可通过加速细胞外基质降解,阻断小管上皮细胞转分化等实现对肾脏的保护[2-4].目前HGF对正常及增生的GMC是否有抑制作用尚不明确.本研究采用可在体内持续平稳表达的PCI-neo-HGF质粒进行研究[5],主要探讨HGF是否能抑制正常及脂多糖(LPS)刺激后的大鼠GMC的增生,以及这种作用是否与抑制转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)的表达相关.     

Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on the expression of Sp1 and c-met in glomerular mesangial cells induced by TGF-β

肝细胞生长因子(HGF)是一种多效性的细胞因子,c-met是HGF现已知的唯一的受体,HGF与c-met结合后,发挥相应的生物学效应[1].Sp1蛋白是众多基因的基本转录因子,能与c-met基因启动子区域的多重GC盒结合,是调节肾脏细胞表达c-met的重要转录因子[2].全反式维甲酸(ATRA)能抑制肾脏纤维化,保护肾功能.本研究探讨ATRA对肾小球系膜细胞Sp1、c-met表达的影响,以进一步了解ATRA对肾脏的保护机制.     

Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on the expression of Sp1 and c-met in glomerular mesangial cells induced by TGF-β

肝细胞生长因子(HGF)是一种多效性的细胞因子,c-met是HGF现已知的唯一的受体,HGF与c-met结合后,发挥相应的生物学效应[1].Sp1蛋白是众多基因的基本转录因子,能与c-met基因启动子区域的多重GC盒结合,是调节肾脏细胞表达c-met的重要转录因子[2].全反式维甲酸(ATRA)能抑制肾脏纤维化,保护肾功能.本研究探讨ATRA对肾小球系膜细胞Sp1、c-met表达的影响,以进一步了解ATRA对肾脏的保护机制.     

Impact of all-trans retinoic acid on COX-2 expression and Smad pathway in rat glomerular mesangial cells induced by TGF-β1

转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)可能是致组织纤维化的核心因子,其经典信号通路为Smad通路.环氧化酶2(COX-2)是一种膜结合蛋白,在炎性反应中起重要作用.局部浸润的炎性细胞、肾小球的巨噬细胞、系膜细胞都是COX-2的来源[1].维甲酸能抑制肾脏纤维化,保护肾功能[2],其主要包括全反式维甲酸(atRA),92顺式维甲酸和132顺式维甲酸.本研究探讨atRA对肾小球系膜细胞TGF-β-Smad信号通路中COX-2表达的影响.     

Impact of all-trans retinoic acid on COX-2 expression and Smad pathway in rat glomerular mesangial cells induced by TGF-β1

转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)可能是致组织纤维化的核心因子,其经典信号通路为Smad通路.环氧化酶2(COX-2)是一种膜结合蛋白,在炎性反应中起重要作用.局部浸润的炎性细胞、肾小球的巨噬细胞、系膜细胞都是COX-2的来源[1].维甲酸能抑制肾脏纤维化,保护肾功能[2],其主要包括全反式维甲酸(atRA),92顺式维甲酸和132顺式维甲酸.本研究探讨atRA对肾小球系膜细胞TGF-β-Smad信号通路中COX-2表达的影响.     

Type VIII collagen modulates TGF-β1-induced proliferation of mesangial cells

Mesangial cells in diabetic mice and human kidneys with diabetic nephropathy exhibit increased type VIII collagen, a nonfibrillar protein that exists as a heterodimer composed of α1(VIII) and α2(VIII), encoded by Col8a1 and Col8a2, respectively. Because TGF-β1 promotes the development of diabetic glomerulosclerosis, we studied whether type VIII collagen modulates the effects of TGF-β1 in mesangial cells. We obtained primary cultures of mesangial cells from wild-type, doubly heterozygous (Col8a1(+/-)/Col8a2(+/-)), and double-knockout (Col8a1(-/-)/Col8a2(-/-)) mice. TGF-β1 bound normally to double-knockout mesangial cells. In wild-type mesangial cells, TGF-β1 inhibited proliferation, but in double-knockout cells, it stimulated proliferation, promoted cell cycle progression, and reduced apoptosis; we could reverse this effect by reconstituting α1(VIII). Furthermore, in wild-type cells, TGF-β1 mainly stimulated the Smad pathways, whereas in double-knockout cells, it activated the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways and induced expression of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). Inhibiting FGF21 expression by either interfering with activation of the MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways or by FGF21 siRNA attenuated the TGF-β1-induced proliferation of double-knockout mesangial cells. In vivo, diabetic double-knockout mice had significantly higher expression of renal FGF21 mRNA and protein compared with diabetic wild-type mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong expression of FGF21 in both glomerular (mesangial) and tubular cells of diabetic mice. Taken together, these data suggest that type VIII collagen significantly modulates the effect of TGF-β1 on mesangial cells and may therefore play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.     

AngiotensinⅡ promotes the expression of glomerular IQGAP1 and apoptosis of glomerular cells

Objective To evaluate the effects of AngⅡ on the expression of IQ domain GTPase-activating protein1 (IQGAP1) and apoptosis of glomerular cells, and to explore the role of IQGAP1 in AngⅡ-induced apoptosis of glomerular cells. Methods Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to receive either saline or AngⅡ by osmotic mini-pump, or be used as normal control. The systolic blood pressure and proteinuria were measured at day 7, 14, 21, 28. After the animals were sacrificed at day 14, 28 respectively, the kidneys were collected. Renal pathological change, glomerular cell apoptosis were observed. The expression of glomerular IQGAP1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The activation of caspase-3 and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) were determined by Western blotting. Results AngⅡ-infused rats developed significant hypertension and marked proteinuria. Mild glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial matrix increase were also observed in AngⅡ-infused rats. The number of apoptotic glomerular cells in AngⅡ-infused rats was significantly more than that in normal control (P＜0.05). The expression of IQGAP1 in glomeruli distributed linearly along the capillary loops. AngⅡ infusion up-regulated the expression of glomerular IQGAP1, which had an significantly positive correlation with activation of caspase-3(r＝0.689, P＜0.05) and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (r＝0.658, P＜0.05). Conclusion The enhanced expression of IQGAP1 may be involved in AngⅡ-induced glomerular cells apoptosis via activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway.     

How do mesangial and endothelial cells form the glomerular tuft?

The glomerular capillary tuft is a highly intricate and specialized microvascular bed that filters plasma water and solute to form urine. The mature glomerulus contains four cell types: Parietal epithelial cells that form Bowman's capsule, podocytes that cover the outermost layer of the glomerular filtration barrier, glycocalyx-coated fenestrated endothelial cells that are in direct contact with blood, and mesangial cells that sit between the capillary loops. Filtration begins only after the influx and organization of endothelial and mesangial cells in the developing glomerulus. Tightly coordinated movement and cross-talk between these cell types is required for the formation of a functional glomerular filtration barrier, and disruption of these processes has devastating consequences for early life. Current concepts of the role of mesangial and endothelial cells in formation of the capillary tuft are reviewed here.     

A microRNA circuit mediates transforming growth factor-β1 autoregulation in renal glomerular mesangial cells

Enhanced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression in renal cells promotes fibrosis and hypertrophy during the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The TGF-β1 promoter is positively controlled by the E-box regulators, upstream stimulatory factors (USFs), in response to diabetic (high glucose) conditions; however, it is not clear whether TGF-β1 is autoregulated by itself. As changes in microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in kidney disease, we tested their involvement in this process. TGF-β1 levels were found to be upregulated by microRNA-192 (miR-192) or miR-200b/c in mouse mesangial cells. Amounts of miR-200b/c were increased in glomeruli from type 1 (streptozotocin) and type 2 (db/db) diabetic mice, and in mouse mesangial cells treated with TGF-β1 in vitro. Levels of miR-200b/c were also upregulated by miR-192 in the mesangial cells, suggesting that miR-200b/c are downstream of miR-192. Activity of the TGF-β1 promoter was upregulated by TGF-β1 or miR-192, demonstrating that the miR-192-miR-200 cascade induces TGF-β1 expression. TGF-β1 increased the occupancy of activators USF1 and Tfe3, and decreased that of the repressor Zeb1 on the TGF-β1 promoter E-box binding sites. Inhibitors of miR-192 decreased the expression of miR-200b/c, Col1a2, Col4a1, and TGF-β1 in mouse mesangial cells, and in mouse kidney cortex. Thus, miRNA-regulated circuits may amplify TGF-β1 signaling, accelerating chronic fibrotic diseases such as diabetic nephropathy.     

Effect of tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 on the regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 expression in mesangial cells induced by high glucose

Objective To investigate the role of tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) in the regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression in human glomerular mesangial cells induced by high glucose. Methods Cultured human glomerular mesangial cells were divided into normal control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose) and high glucose group (30.0 mmol/L glucose) which was cultured for 12 h to 72 h. The gene expression of TET2 in mesangial cells were inhibited by small molecule chemical called SC1, and which were divided into high glucose group (30.0 mmol/L glucose+DMEM), DMSO group (30.0 mmol/L glucose+0.1%DMSO) and SC1 group (30.0 mmol/L glucose+3 μmol/L SC1). The mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1, TET1 to 3 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Methylation of CpG islands in the regulation region of TGF-β1 was detected by bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). The activity of mesangial cell proliferation was assessed by colorimetry of thiazolyl blue (MTT). Results Compared with normal control group, the mRNA and protein expression of TET2 in mesangial cells induced by high glucose was increased significantly in a time-dependent manner (all P＜0.05), but the expression of TET1 and TET3 was not affected. Meanwhile methylation rate of 4 CG sites from 24 h to 72 h were decreased in the first exon of TGF-β1 (P＜0.01), but not in the promoter. Compared with high glucose group, when the expression of TET2 was inhibited by SC1, the methylation rate of TGF-β1 was recovered evidently (P＜0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA was suppressed, and the proliferation of mesangial cells was decreased (all P＜0.05). Conclusions Demethylation of the CpG island mediated by TET2 may play an important role in the expression of TGF-β1 and mesangial cell phenotype transformation induced by high glucose.     

FK506 inhibits the mice glomerular mesangial cells proliferation by affecting the transforming growth factor-β and Smads signal pathways

TGF-β1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic renal diseases. Although the specific mechanism is unknown, a major factor is the potent fibrogenic activity of TGF-β1 in the chronic progression of renal diseases. TGF-β1 closely correlates with renal fibrosis in cooperation with several fibrosis-promoting molecules. Recently it has been studied that, Smad proteins as intracellular mediators of TGF-β signaling pathways provide important insights into the mechanisms determining the specificity of TGF-β action in various renal cells. Some studies have proved that immunosuppressants can affect TGF-β expression, but the mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of FK506 on mesangial cells via TGF-β and Smads signal pathways. Our results shows that FK506 effectively blocked the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway by downregulation of TGF-β receptor, and played an important role in TGF-β1-induced Smad2 expression in mice mesangial cells. FK506 can inhibit the TGF-β1-stimulated cell proliferation via Smad-related pathways. And reduced the Smad2 protein and mRNA expression. Altogether, this study provided a theoretical proof for the protective and treating effect of FK506 on kidneys.     

Effect of β radiation on TGF-β1 and bFGF expression in hyperplastic prostatic tissues

AIM: To investigate the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expressions in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the effect of beta-radiation. METHODS: TGF-beta1 and bFGF expression was studied by means of an immunohistochemical method in nine normal prostatic (NP) tissues, 15 hyperplastic prostatic tissues and 35 hyperplastic prostatic tissues treated with 90Sr/90Y. RESULTS: The TGF-beta1 expression in the epithelium and stroma of normal prostatic tissues was 68.2 % +/- 10.5 % and 29.7 % +/- 4.6 %, respectively, while it was 64.8 % +/- 9.3 % and 28.6 % +/- 4.1 %, respectively, in hyperplastic prostatic tissues. Compared with the controls, TGF-beta1 expression in the epithelia and stroma of BPH treated with 90Sr/90Y increased significantly (P <0.01). The bFGF expression in epithelia and stroma of normal prostatic tissues was 17.4 % +/- 3.7 % and 42.5 % +/- 6.8 %, respectively, and was 46.3 % +/- 8.2 % and 73.2 % +/- 12.1 %, respectively, in hyperplastic prostatic tissues. Compared with the controls, expressions of bFGF in the epithelia and stroma of BPH treated with a 90Sr/90Y prostatic hyperplasia applicator decreased significantly (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Exposure of beta-rays had noticeable effects on BPH tissues, enhancing TGF-beta1 expression and inhibiting bFGF expression.     

Effect of triptolide on expression of thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor-β1 in renal tubular cells

Abstract

The objective of our study is to investigate the effect of triptolide on expression of thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor β1 in renal tubular cells. Human renal tubular epithelial cells were stimulated by different concentrations of triptolide (0.1, 1, and 10?μg/L) in the presence of angiotensin-II (10^?7?mol/L). Real Time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor β1. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression. ELISA was used to detect the level of total and active transforming growth factor β1. The mRNA expression of thrombospondin-1 (3.66?±?0.48 vs. 1.33?±?0.26, p?<?0.05) and transforming growth factor β1 (3.58?±?0.59 vs. 1.26?±?0.28, p?<?0.05) were up-regulated obviously when stimulated by angiotensin-II. And the protein expression of thrombospondin-1 (0.5126?±?0.0936 vs. 0.1025?±?0.0761, p?<?0.01) and transforming growth factor β1 (0.5948?±?0.0736 vs. 0.1318?±?0.0614, p?<?0.01) were also up-regulated simultaneously when stimulated by angiotensin-II. The expression of thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor β1 induced by angiotensin-II were down-regulated markedly with 1?μg/L and 10?μg/L of triptolide in mRNA and protein levels (p?<?0.05, p?< 0.01). And triptolide (1 and 10?μg/L) could reduce the expression of total and active transforming growth factor β1 (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). In conclusion, triptolide can inhibit the expression of thrombospondin-1 and transforming growth factor β1 in mRNA and protein levels and down-regulate the levels of total and active transforming growth factor β1.     

Pathological changes,TGF-β1 expression,and the effects of hepatocyte growth factor in 5/6 nephrectomized rats

Several studies have shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) ameliorates chronic renal failure, but its mechanism of action is unclear. This study was designed to test the delivery of HGF in the PCI-neo vector, using the 5/6 nephrectomized rat as a model for chronic renal failure, and to confirm that this protective function is associated with decreased protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1). Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Control (untreated), PCI-neo (vector control), 5/6 nephrectomy, and PCI-neo-HGF. Rats were sacrificed at both the fifth and ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy. Kidney specimens were used for pathological examination (hematoxylin–eosin staining), and detection of TGF-β1 protein (Western blot and immunohistochemistry) expression. Blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and 24-h urinary protein excretion (UPE) were increased, renal interstitium was seriously injured, and TGF-β1 protein expression was elevated in 5/6 nephrectomized rats compared to control rats at either time point. Red blood cell and hemoglobin levels decreased in the ninth week after 5/6 nephrectomy. PCI-neo-HGF expression ameliorated the aforementioned changes and decreased TGF-β1 expression, not only in the fifth week, but also in the ninth week after surgery. The process of renal injury in the 5/6 nephrectomized rat was consistent with that of chronic renal failure. The increase in TGF-β1 expression was maintained after 5/6 nephrectomy. HGF relieved chronic renal failure, this protection was associated with down-regulation of TGF-β1 protein expression, and the protective effects were long-term and stable after 5/6 nephrectomy.     

Effects of low-level laser therapy on ROS homeostasis and expression of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 in skeletal muscle during the repair process

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of IGF-1 and TGF-β1 in the gastrocnemius muscles of rats following contusion. Muscle regeneration involves cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and is regulated by growth factors. A growing body of evidence suggests that LLLT promotes skeletal muscle regeneration and accelerates tissue repair. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n?=?96) were randomly divided into three groups: control group (no lesion, untreated, n?=?6), contusion group (n?=?48), and contusion-plus-LLLT group (n?=?42). Gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) laser irradiation (635 nm; beam spot, 0.4 cm²; output power, 7 mW; power density, 17.5 mW/cm²; 20 min) was administered to the gastrocnemius contusion for 20 min daily for 10 days. Muscle remodeling was evaluated at 0 h and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury. Hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson staining were used to evaluate regeneration and fibrosis; muscle superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected via biochemical methods; expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were investigated via immunohistochemistry. The results showed that LLLT markedly promoted the regeneration of muscle and reduced scar formation. LLLT also significantly enhanced muscle SOD activity and significantly decreased muscle MDA levels 1, 2, and 3 days after injury. LLLT increased the expression of IGF-1 2, 3, and 7 days after injury and decreased the expression of IGF-1 21 and 28 days after injury. LLLT decreased the expression of TGF-β1 3 and 28 days after injury but increased expression at 7 and 14 days after injury. Our study showed that LLLT could modulate the homeostasis of ROS and of the growth factors IGF-1 and TGF-β1, which are known to play important roles in the repair process. This may constitute a new preventive approach to muscular fibrosis.     

Expression of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 and its significance in early stage of obstructive jaundice in rats

Objective To investigate the expression of MCP-1 and TGF-β1 in early stage of ob-structive jaundice and explore its relation to liver correlated injury indexes in rats. Methods Fifty male Wistar rats were randomized into the control group, sham-operated group and biliary obstruction group. On day 10, serum ALT and BIL-T levels were determined in inferior caval blood and hepatic MDA was estimated in liver homogenates. Meanwhile, serum TGF-β1 level was measured by ELISA and the MCP-1 infiltration determined with immunohistochemistry. Results Serum ALT and BIL-T values were elevated. Meanwhile, the liver MDA content was increased. The positive expression of MCP-1 was augmented and serum TGF-β1 was over-expressed in the early stage after obstructive jaun-dice in rats. The hepatic MCP-1 expression had a positive correlation with the elevated ALT, BIL-T and MDA levels. However, the serum TGF-β1 content only had a positive correlation with ALT and BIL-T. Conclution Hepatic MCP-1 and serum TGF-β1 expression in the early stage after biliary tract obstruction is related to liver injury and extrahepatic cholestasis. Meanwhile, the hepatic MCP-1 ex-pression is correlated with hepatic oxidation stress. They have an important significance in liver injury in rats during the early period of obstructive jaundice.     

Effect of decoy-oligodeoxynucleotides on expression of inflammation mediators in pMΦ cells from rats

Objective: To study the effect of decoyoligodeoxynucleotides (decoy-ODNs) in dumbbell shape with the oligodeoxynucleotide sequence similar to nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) cis-elements on expression of inflammation mediators in pMcP cells from rats. Methods： With carriers of cationic liposomes, decoy-ODNs were transfected into pMΦ cells of rats. Then the inhibiting effects of the decoy-ODNs on tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 were analyzed. Results. Decoy-ODNs could decrease the expression of TNFα and IL-6 in dose-dependent fashion but had weaker inhibiting effect on IL-10. Conclusions: Decoy-ODNs targeting NF-κB can decrease the expression of inflammatory mediators in pMΦ cells from rats.     

Effects of α1-adrenergic receptor on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cells

Objective To investigate the correlation between α1-adrenergic receptor and the pathological behavior of cholangiocarcinoma, and the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939. Methods Thirty-six samples of cholangiocarcinoma were resected in Southwest Hospital from August 2002 to March 2008. The expression of α1-adrenergic receptor in the 36 samples of cholangiocarcinoma tissue and 4 samples of normal bile duct tissue were detected by SABC technique. The proliferation of cholangio-carcinoma cell line QBC939 was detected after processing the cells with NE, phentolamine and prazosin. All the data were analyzed by chi-square test. Results The high positive expression rate of α1-adrenergic receptor was 68% (17/25) in patients with lymph node metastasis, which was significantly higher than 9% (1/11) in patients without lymph node metastasis (χ2=10.604, P<0.05). The high positive expression rate of α1-adrenergic receptor was 85% (11/13) in patients with middle and low positioned cholangiocarcinoma, which was significantly higher than 30% (7/23) in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (χ2=9.753, P<0.05). NE promoted the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939 by stimulating the expression of α1-adrenergic receptor, and in a concentration-dependent manner. The proliferative effect was weakened as time passed by, and it was eliminated by phentolamine and prazosin. Conclusions The expression of α1-adrenergic receptor is diverse due to lymph node metastasis and the location of the tumor, α1-adrenergic receptor with high expression may play an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma.     

Effects of α1-adrenergic receptor on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cells

Objective To investigate the correlation between α1-adrenergic receptor and the pathological behavior of cholangiocarcinoma, and the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939. Methods Thirty-six samples of cholangiocarcinoma were resected in Southwest Hospital from August 2002 to March 2008. The expression of α1-adrenergic receptor in the 36 samples of cholangiocarcinoma tissue and 4 samples of normal bile duct tissue were detected by SABC technique. The proliferation of cholangio-carcinoma cell line QBC939 was detected after processing the cells with NE, phentolamine and prazosin. All the data were analyzed by chi-square test. Results The high positive expression rate of α1-adrenergic receptor was 68% (17/25) in patients with lymph node metastasis, which was significantly higher than 9% (1/11) in patients without lymph node metastasis (χ2=10.604, P<0.05). The high positive expression rate of α1-adrenergic receptor was 85% (11/13) in patients with middle and low positioned cholangiocarcinoma, which was significantly higher than 30% (7/23) in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (χ2=9.753, P<0.05). NE promoted the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939 by stimulating the expression of α1-adrenergic receptor, and in a concentration-dependent manner. The proliferative effect was weakened as time passed by, and it was eliminated by phentolamine and prazosin. Conclusions The expression of α1-adrenergic receptor is diverse due to lymph node metastasis and the location of the tumor, α1-adrenergic receptor with high expression may play an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma.     

Effects of α1-adrenergic receptor on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cells

Objective To investigate the correlation between α1-adrenergic receptor and the pathological behavior of cholangiocarcinoma, and the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939. Methods Thirty-six samples of cholangiocarcinoma were resected in Southwest Hospital from August 2002 to March 2008. The expression of α1-adrenergic receptor in the 36 samples of cholangiocarcinoma tissue and 4 samples of normal bile duct tissue were detected by SABC technique. The proliferation of cholangio-carcinoma cell line QBC939 was detected after processing the cells with NE, phentolamine and prazosin. All the data were analyzed by chi-square test. Results The high positive expression rate of α1-adrenergic receptor was 68% (17/25) in patients with lymph node metastasis, which was significantly higher than 9% (1/11) in patients without lymph node metastasis (χ2=10.604, P<0.05). The high positive expression rate of α1-adrenergic receptor was 85% (11/13) in patients with middle and low positioned cholangiocarcinoma, which was significantly higher than 30% (7/23) in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (χ2=9.753, P<0.05). NE promoted the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cell line QBC939 by stimulating the expression of α1-adrenergic receptor, and in a concentration-dependent manner. The proliferative effect was weakened as time passed by, and it was eliminated by phentolamine and prazosin. Conclusions The expression of α1-adrenergic receptor is diverse due to lymph node metastasis and the location of the tumor, α1-adrenergic receptor with high expression may play an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma.