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Objective:To evaluate the effect of Activin-A on spinal inflammatory response in rats with incisional pain and the relationship with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.Methods:Forty-eight SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 1 month, weighing 100-150 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), incisional pain group (I group), sham operation + antagonist group (SA group) and incisional pain + antagonist group (IA group). The rat model of incisional pain was prepared in group I and group IA.At the first 30 min of model preparation, the antagonist follicle statin 5 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in SA and IA groups, and the normal saline 5 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in S and I groups.At 24 h before model preparation (T 0) and 2, 6 and 24 h after model preparation (T 1-3), 3 rats in each group were randomly selected to measure the thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL). Then 3 rats in each group were randomly sacrificed, and the spinal cord L 4-6 segments were taken for determination of the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with group S, the TWL was significantly shortened, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased, and the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA was up-regulated at T 1-3 in I and IA groups ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in each parameter in group SA ( P>0.05). Compared with group SA, the TWL was significantly shortened, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased, and the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA was up-regulated at T 1-3 in I and IA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group I, the TWL was significantly prolonged, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased, and the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA was down-regulated at T 1-3 in group IA ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Activin-A is involved in spinal inflammatory response through activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in rats with incisional pain.
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Objective:To explore the value of serum activin A (ACT-A) level in early identification of moderate and severe acute pancreatitis (AP).Methods:A prospective case control study was conducted. A total of 120 patients with AP admitted to department of hepatobiliary surgery of Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of Hengyang Medical College of University of South China between October 2020 and April 2022 were recruited. According to the revised Atlanta classification, all patients were classified into mild AP group and moderate-to-severe AP group. The blood samples within 24 hours of onset were drawn, and the serum ACT-A and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The Ranson score and the modified CT severity index (MCTSI) were performed. Pearson correlation method was used to analyze the correlation of various parameters. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was plotted to analyze the predictive value of ACT-A and CRP for moderate-to-severe AP.Results:A total of 120 patients with AP were enrolled, including 83 patients with mild AP and 37 patients with moderate-to-severe AP. Serum ACT-A and CRP levels within 24 hours of onset in the moderate-to-severe AP group were significantly higher than those in the mild AP group [ACT-A (ng/L): 140.4±37.7 vs. 53.9±30.5, lg CRP: 1.42±0.91 vs. 0.77±0.70, both P < 0.01], and the Ranson score and MCTSI score were also significantly higher than those in the mild AP group (Ranson score: 5.3±1.3 vs. 1.8±1.6, MCTSI score: 5.5±1.0 vs. 2.7±1.2, both P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that the serum ACT-A level was positively correlated with serum CRP level, Ranson score and MCTSI score ( R2 value was 0.272, 0.841, 0.616, respectively, all P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the serum ACT-A, CRP and Ranson score had predictive value for moderate-to-severe AP. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.948 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.909-0.986], 0.711 (95% CI was 0.606-0.815), 0.946 (95% CI was 0.910-0.982), respectively. When serum ACT-A > 112.6 ng/L, the sensitivity and specificity of predicting moderate-to-severe AP were 78.38% and 96.39%, respectively, which was better than serum CRP with sensitivity and specificity of 72.92% and 66.27%, respectively, and the specificity was better than Ranson score (71.08%). Conclusion:ACT-A can be detected in the early stage of AP, and it is positively correlated with the disease severity, which can early identify moderate-to-severe AP.
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Abstract Objective The aim is to evaluate the diagnostic value of Activin A levels in serum and pleural fluid on Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion (PPE). Methods The authors collected serum and pleural fluid from 86 PPE and 37 Non-PPE (NPPE) patients. Including Activin A, levels of biomarkers such as Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Procalcitonin (PCT), and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were measured. All factors were calculated for association with days after admission. The diagnostic potential of biomarkers on PPE was considered by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results Levels of Activin A in serum and pleural fluid of PPE patients were significantly higher than those of the NPPE patients. Moreover, concentrations of Activin A in pleural fluid showed a more obvious relevant days after admission. ROC curve analysis found that Activin A in pleural fluid had AUCs of 0.899 with 93% sensitivity and 84% specificity for PPE diagnosis. Conclusion Activin A in pleural fluid correlated with disease severity could act to diagnose PPE.
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@#AIM: To investigate the expression of different kinds of transforming growth factors beta- 1(TGF- β1)and changes of activin receptor-like kinase(ALK)in pterygium and normal conjunctiva tissues. <p>METHODS: A total of 40 cases(40 eyes)of pterygium patients who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital were selected. In the same period, 40 cases(40 eyes)of normal conjunctiva tissues removed from the eye due to cataract surgery were selected. The expression of TGF-β1 receptors(ALK1/ALK5)in pterygium and normal conjunctiva tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, with the proportion of positive staining cells counted. The expression of ALK1 and ALK5 mRNA and their proteins were quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western Blot, respectively.<p>RESULTS: According to immunohistochemistry results, the ALK1 expression level was increased more distinct in pterygium group, compared to the normal conjunctiva group, and it was detected throughout the full-thickness pterygium epithelial cells, while only in the basal layer of epithelial cells in normal conjunctiva tissues; the ALK5 was detected in the basal layer of epithelial cells in both groups, while its level was decreased in the pterygium group compared to normal conjunctiva group. There was significant difference in the proportion of ALK1 and ALK5 positive cells between the two groups(all <i>P</i><0.05). The expression of the ALK1 mRNA and its protein in the pterygium tissues were significantly elevated, while the ALK5 mRNA level and its protein was significantly decreased, compared with the normal conjunctival group(<i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: Compared with the normal conjunctiva tissues, the expression of ALK1 and ALK5 in pterygium tissues was increased and decreased, respectively. This indicated different activation status of TGF-β signaling pathway, providing experimental evidence for further study on the pathogenesis of pterygium.
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Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Whether and how GDF-15 modulates nociceptive signaling remains unclear. Behaviorally, we found that peripheral GDF-15 significantly elevated nociceptive response thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli in naïve and arthritic rats. Electrophysiologically, we demonstrated that GDF-15 decreased the excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Furthermore, GDF-15 concentration-dependently suppressed tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 currents, and shifted the steady-state inactivation curves of Nav1.8 in a hyperpolarizing direction. GDF-15 also reduced window currents and slowed down the recovery rate of Nav1.8 channels, suggesting that GDF-15 accelerated inactivation and slowed recovery of the channel. Immunohistochemistry results showed that activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2) was widely expressed in DRG medium- and small-diameter neurons, and some of them were Nav1.8-positive. Blockade of ALK2 prevented the GDF-15-induced inhibition of Nav1.8 currents and nociceptive behaviors. Inhibition of PKA and ERK, but not PKC, blocked the inhibitory effect of GDF-15 on Nav1.8 currents. These results suggest a functional link between GDF-15 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons via ALK2 receptors and PKA associated with MEK/ERK, which mediate the peripheral analgesia of GDF-15.
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@#Malaria infection still remains as one of the most prominent parasitic diseases afflicting mankind in tropical and subtropical regions. The severity of malaria infection has often been associated to exuberant host immune inflammatory responses that could possibly lead to severe immunopathological conditions and subsequent death of host tissues. Activin A is a protein belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family that regulates multiple physiological processes and pathological-associated diseases. The biological roles of activin A have been associated with manipulation of inflammation-related processes and modulation of host immune responses. This implies that activin A protein could play a role in malaria pathogenesis since malaria infection has been closely linked to severe immune responses leading to death, However, the actual in vivo role of activin A in malaria infection remains elusive. Hence, this study was undertaken to investigate the involvement of activin A in malaria infection as well as to assess the modulating effects of activin A on the cytokine releases (TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-10) and histopathological changes in major affected organs (kidney, liver, lung, brain and spleen) in malarial mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Our results showed that the concentrations of plasma activin A were significantly increased in malarial mice throughout the study periods. Also. the systemic activin A level was positively correlated with malaria parasitemia. This indicates that activin A could play a role in malaria pathogenesis and malaria parasitemia development. Plasma TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-10 cytokine levels were significantly increased in malarial mice at day-5 post infection, suggesting that these cytokines attributed to severe malaria pathogenesis. Histopathological features such as sequestration of parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) and hemozoin formation were amongst the most common pathological conditions observed in tissues of major affected organs (kidney, liver, lung, brain and spleen) in malarial mice. Neutralization of activin A production via recombinant mouse activin RIIA Fc chimera (rmActivin RIIA Fc chimera) had significantly reduced the parasitemia levels in malarial mice. The release of TNF-α cytokine was significantly reduced as well as the sequestration of parasitized pRBCs and hemozoin formation in major affected organs in malarial mice were also alleviated following inhibition of activin A production. Overall, this preliminary study suggests that activin A could play an immune modulation role in malaria pathogenesis through modulation of TNF-α release that benefits host from severe pathological destructions provoked by intensified inflammatory responses. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanism of immune modulation mediated by activin A and its associated immune-modulation mediators in regulating the inflammatory responses elicited during the course of malaria infection.
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Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Whether and how GDF-15 modulates nociceptive signaling remains unclear. Behaviorally, we found that peripheral GDF-15 significantly elevated nociceptive response thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli in naïve and arthritic rats. Electrophysiologically, we demonstrated that GDF-15 decreased the excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Furthermore, GDF-15 concentration-dependently suppressed tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 currents, and shifted the steady-state inactivation curves of Nav1.8 in a hyperpolarizing direction. GDF-15 also reduced window currents and slowed down the recovery rate of Nav1.8 channels, suggesting that GDF-15 accelerated inactivation and slowed recovery of the channel. Immunohistochemistry results showed that activin receptor-like kinase-2 (ALK2) was widely expressed in DRG medium- and small-diameter neurons, and some of them were Nav1.8-positive. Blockade of ALK2 prevented the GDF-15-induced inhibition of Nav1.8 currents and nociceptive behaviors. Inhibition of PKA and ERK, but not PKC, blocked the inhibitory effect of GDF-15 on Nav1.8 currents. These results suggest a functional link between GDF-15 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons via ALK2 receptors and PKA associated with MEK/ERK, which mediate the peripheral analgesia of GDF-15.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Analgesia , Ganglia, Spinal , Growth Differentiation Factor 15 , Sensory Receptor Cells , Sodium Channels , Tetrodotoxin/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the effect of type 1 bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor activin A receptor type 1 ( ACVRl) on the morphology, proliferation and differentiation of the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) cells in the postnatal mice, and to provide the reference for the study on etiology and treatment of MCC-related disease. Methods: The C57BL/6J mouse model of conditional deletion of ACVRl gene was constructed by using the Cre-LoxP system. The female and male mice with Acvrl1" ; RS/RS and Acvrl ; Osterix (+)/( ) genotypes were paired off with each other; the offspring Osterix-Cre ( + ); Acvrl'∗ ; RS/+ genotype mice were selected as experiment group, and the Osterix-Cre ( + ); Acvrl1" ; RS/+ mice were selected as control group. The newborn (n-3). postnatal day 21 (n=4) and PN42 (n=5) male mice were selected. X-gal staining was used to detect the expressions of Osterix-Cre in MCC tissue of the mice in two groups. micro-CT was used to detect the condylar widths and condylar head lengths of mandible of the mice in two groups. HE and Toluidine blue staining were used to analyze the morphology of MCC cells and the thickness of caritilage in each layer of MCC tissue of the mice in two groups, immunohistochemical (1HC) staining was used to detect the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells and the level of type X collagen in MCC tissue of the mice in two groups. Results: The X-gal staining and 1HC results showed that the mouse model of ACVRl gene conditional deletion was successfully constructed. At PN21. compared with control group, the condylar width and the condylar head length of mandible of the mice in experiment group were significantly shortened ( P<0. 05); the morphology of the MCC cells of the mice in two groups had no significant difference. Compared with control group, the number of PCNA-positive cells in the MCC cells of hypertrophic chondrocyte zone (Hy) and chondroblastic zone (Ch) and single Hy of the mice in experiment group were significantly increased ( P<0. 05 or P-<0. 01). At PN42. compared with control group, the shape of parts of the mandibular condylar cartilage cells of the mice in experiment group was abnormal, and the arrangement of some condylar chondrocytes was disordered, the cell thickness of the Ar. Pr and Ch in intermediate part and Hy in anterior part of the condylar cartilage of the mice in experiment group were significantly increased ( P<0. 05 or P<.0. 01); compared with control group, the number of PCNA-positive cells in each zone and the level of type X collagen in Ch of MCC tissue of the mice in experiment group were incresed. Conclusion: ACVRl affects the morphology of MCC cells and structure of MCC tissue by inhibiting the proliferation of MCC cells and the differentiation of chondroblasts into hypertrophic chondrocytes.
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Objective To investigate the clinical value of serum activin A,endoglin combined with uterine artery pulsatility index in predicting preeclampsia.Methods One hundred cases pregnant women who were admitted to the obstetrics clinic of Longhua New District People′s Hospital in Shenzhen from December 2016 to July 2017 were selected ,50 cases of preeclampsia were in the observation group,and another 50 cases of healthy pregnant women were in the control group.Serum activin A,endoglin and uterine artery pulsatility index ( UAPI ) were measured at 11 ～ 13 weeks respectively.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of activin A,endoglin and UAPI in different gestational weeks separately and jointly in predicting preeclampsia.Results At 11～13 weeks of pregnancy, the serum activin A((379.98±153.80)ng／L],endoglin((9.87 g±1.62)μg／L) and UAPI (0.97±0.09) in the observation group were significantly higher than in the control group ((205.45±93.29)ng／L,(6.61 ±1.54)μg／L, ( 0.82 ± 0.15 )), and the difference was statistically significant ( all P＜ 0.05 ).The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that serum activin A, endoglin level and UAPI in early pregnancy were the risk factors for preeclampsia ( all P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the joint prediction of activin A, endoglin and UAPI in different gestational weeks was better than that in single detection.The maximum area (AUC) of the joint prediction of activin A,endoglin and UAPI at pregnant 11～13 weeks was 0.969, the sensitivity was 82.0%, and the specificity was 100.0%.Conclusion The combined detection of serum activin A, endothelial factor and uterine artery pulsation index in early pregnancy can be used to predict preeclampsia with high sensitivity and specificity,and can be used as a clinical index to predict preeclampsia.
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Objective: To study the effect of Yangxinkang tablets on myocardial fibrosis in mice after heart failure, and to explore its mechanism.Method: The model of chronic heart failure in mice was established by thoracic aorta constriction (TAC). After successful modeling, mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, 3-methyladenine(3-MA,15 mg·kg-1) autophagy inhibitor group, Yangxinkang tablets high, medium, and low dose groups (1 170,585,390 mg·kg-1).The sham operation group received equal volume of distilled water. After 30 days, cardiac ultrasound was performed to collect hemodynamic parameters. Cardiac paraffin slices were stained with Masson to observe the morphological changes and fibrosis of cardiomyocytes. Western blot was used to detect lysosome-associated membrane protein(LAMP), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin-1 autophagyportein, α-smooth muscle activin(α-SMA),Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ protein expression.Result: As compared with normal group, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening(FS) were significantly decreased(PPPα-SMA, Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, LAMP, LC3, and Beclin-1 were significantly increased in model group (PPPα-SMA,Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ,LAMP,LC3 and Beclin-1 were decreased in 3-MA group, Yangxinkang high and medium dose groups(PConclusion: Yangxinkang tablets can reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in mice with heart failure probably by down-regulating autophagy.
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OBJECTIVES: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by pathogenic blood vessel development and maintenance. HHT type 1 (HHT1) and type 2 (HHT2) are caused by variants in endoglin (ENG) and activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ACVRL1), respectively. The aim of this study was to identify the spectrum of pathogenic variants in ENG and ACVRL1 in Austrian HHT families. METHODS: In this prospective study, eight Austrian HHT families were screened for variants in ENG and ACVRL1 by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of DNA isolated from peripheral blood. RESULTS: Heterozygous variants were identified in all families under study. HHT1 was caused by a novel c.816+1G>A splice donor variant, a novel c.1479C>A nonsense (p.Cys493X) variant and a published c.1306C>T nonsense (p.Gln436X) variant in ENG. Variants found in ACVRL1 were novel c.200G>C (p.Arg67Pro) and known c.772G>A (p.Gly258Ser) missense variants in highly conserved residues, a known heterozygous c.100dupT frameshift (p.Cys34Leufs*4) and the known c.1204G>A missense (p.Gly402Ser) and c.1435C>T nonsense (p.Arg479X) variants as causes of HHT2. CONCLUSION: Novel and published variants in ENG (37.5%) and ACVRL1 (62.5%) were exclusively identified as the cause of HHT in an Austrian patient cohort. Identification of novel causative genetics variants should facilitate the development of tailored therapeutical applications in the future treatment of autosomal dominant HHT.
Subject(s)
Humans , Activins , Blood Vessels , Cohort Studies , DNA , Genetics , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Prospective Studies , Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic , Telangiectasis , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Muscle wasting contributes to the reduced quality of life and increased mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Muscle atrophy in mice with cachexia was caused by Activin A binding to ActRIIB. The role of circulating Activin A leading to muscle atrophy in COPD remains elusive. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between serum levels of Activin A and skeletal muscle wasting in COPD patients. The expression levels of serum Activin A were measured in 78 stable COPD patients and in 60 healthy controls via ELISA, which was also used to determine the expression of circulating TNF-α levels. Total skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was calculated according to a validated formula by age and anthropometric measurements. The fat-free mass index (FFMI) was determined as the fat-free mass (FFM) corrected for body surface area. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy controls, COPD patients had upregulated Activin A expression. The elevated levels of Activin A were correlated with TNF-α expression, while total SMM and FFMI were significantly decreased in COPD patients. Furthermore, serum Activin A expression in COPD patients was negatively associated with both FFMI and BMI. CONCLUSION: The above results showed an association between increased circulating Activin A in COPD patients and the presence of muscle atrophy. Given our previous knowledge, we speculate that Activin A contributes to skeletal muscle wasting in COPD.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Muscular Atrophy/etiology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/complications , Activins/blood , Cachexia/metabolism , Muscular Atrophy/metabolism , Muscular Atrophy/blood , Body Mass Index , Case-Control Studies , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood , Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/blood , Activins/metabolism , Inhibin-beta SubunitsABSTRACT
It is not fully clear why there is a higher contribution of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to the chimera produced by injection of PSCs into 4-cell or 8-cell stage embryos compared with blastocyst injection. Here, we show that not only embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but also induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can generate F0 nearly 100% donor cell-derived mice by 4-cell stage embryo injection, and the approach has a "dose effect". Through an analysis of the PSC-secreted proteins, Activin A was found to impede epiblast (EPI) lineage development while promoting trophectoderm (TE) differentiation, resulting in replacement of the EPI lineage of host embryos with PSCs. Interestingly, the injection of ESCs into blastocysts cultured with Activin A (cultured from 4-cell stage to early blastocyst at E3.5) could increase the contribution of ESCs to the chimera. The results indicated that PSCs secrete protein Activin A to improve their EPI competency after injection into recipient embryos through influencing the development of mouse early embryos. This result is useful for optimizing the chimera production system and for a deep understanding of PSCs effects on early embryo development.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Activins , Metabolism , Cells, Cultured , Embryonic Development , Germ Layers , Metabolism , Pluripotent Stem Cells , Cell Biology , MetabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the spinal bone fusion properties of activin A/BMP2 chimera (AB204) with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP2) using a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model. METHODS: The study was designed to compare the effects and property at different dosages of AB204 and rhBMP2 on spinal bone fusion. Sixty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion using one of nine treatments during the study, that is, sham; osteon only; 3.0 μg, 6.0 μg, or 10.0 μg of rhBMP2 with osteon; and 1.0 μg, 3.0 μg, 6.0 μg, or 10.0 μg of AB204 with osteon. The effects and property on spinal bone fusion was calculated at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using the scores of physical palpation, simple radiograph, micro-computed tomography, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Bone fusion scores were significantly higher for 10.0 μg AB204 and 10.0 μg rhBMP2 than for osteon only or 1.0 μg AB204. AB204 exhibited more prolonged osteoblastic activity than rhBMP2. Bone fusion properties of AB204 were similar with the properties of rhBMP2 at doses of 6.0 and 10.0 μg, but, the properties of AB204 at doses of 3.0 μg exhibited better than the properties of rhBMP2 at doses of 3.0 μg. CONCLUSION: AB204 chimeras could to be more potent for treating spinal bone fusion than rhBMP2 substitutes with increased osteoblastic activity for over a longer period.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Rats , Activins , Bone Morphogenetic Proteins , Chimera , Haversian System , Immunohistochemistry , Osteoblasts , Palpation , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Spinal FusionABSTRACT
@# Objective: To explore the effect of shRNA interfering BAMBI (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane bound inhibitor) on the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of human colon cancer SW480 cells and the possible mechanisms. Methods: After successful transfection with sh-BAMBI in SW480 cells, the mRNA and protein epxressions of BAMBI were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation was measured by MTT; apoptosis was tested by Hoechst33258 staining; cell invasion was detected by transwell assay; and cell migration was measured by wound healing assay. The expressions of TGF-β/ Smad/2 signaling pathway related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: The mRNA and protein levels of BAMBI in shBAMBI group were lower than those of control group (P<0.05). Compared with control group, cell proliferation in sh-BAMBI group was obviously decreased (P<0.05), while apoptosis was obviously increased (P<0.01); in the meanwhile, cell invasion and migration in sh-BAMBI group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). In addition, the protein level of TGF-β and the ratio of p-Smad/2/ Smad/2 in shBAMBI group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Interference of BAMBI by shRNA inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration but induces apoptosis of human colon cancer SW480 cells and activates TGF-β/Smad/2 pathway.
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OBJECTIVE: To compare the spinal bone fusion properties of activin A/BMP2 chimera (AB204) with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP2) using a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model.METHODS: The study was designed to compare the effects and property at different dosages of AB204 and rhBMP2 on spinal bone fusion. Sixty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion using one of nine treatments during the study, that is, sham; osteon only; 3.0 μg, 6.0 μg, or 10.0 μg of rhBMP2 with osteon; and 1.0 μg, 3.0 μg, 6.0 μg, or 10.0 μg of AB204 with osteon. The effects and property on spinal bone fusion was calculated at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment using the scores of physical palpation, simple radiograph, micro-computed tomography, and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: Bone fusion scores were significantly higher for 10.0 μg AB204 and 10.0 μg rhBMP2 than for osteon only or 1.0 μg AB204. AB204 exhibited more prolonged osteoblastic activity than rhBMP2. Bone fusion properties of AB204 were similar with the properties of rhBMP2 at doses of 6.0 and 10.0 μg, but, the properties of AB204 at doses of 3.0 μg exhibited better than the properties of rhBMP2 at doses of 3.0 μg.CONCLUSION: AB204 chimeras could to be more potent for treating spinal bone fusion than rhBMP2 substitutes with increased osteoblastic activity for over a longer period.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Male , Rats , Activins , Bone Morphogenetic Proteins , Chimera , Haversian System , Immunohistochemistry , Osteoblasts , Palpation , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Spinal FusionABSTRACT
Activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 1 is a transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic pro-teins superfamily type Ⅰ receptor, predominantly expressed in active endothelial cells. ALK1 has been shown to play a piv-otal role in regulating angiogenesis, which is involved in vascular formation during embryonic and early postnatal develop-ment and angiogenesis-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders and tumor. Understanding the exact function of ALK1 in angiogenesis will provide theoretical basis for anti-angiogenic strategy of ALK1 inhibition. In the present study, we briefly recapitulate ALK1 signaling pathway and its role in blood vessel formation and pathological neovascularization.
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Objective To evaluate the effects of capparis spinosa total alkaloid on transforming growth factor-β( TGF-β)/Smad4 signalling pathways in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods A total of 90 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, penicillamine ( 125 mg·kg-1) group and Capparis spinosa total alkaloid low (225 mg·kg-1),medium (450 mg·kg-1) and high ( 900 mg·kg-1) dose group. Except for the normal control group,SSc mouse model was established by daily subcutaneous injection of bleomycin in the back of the mice.After the establishment of the model,Capparis spinosa total alkaloid emulsifiable paste was externally applied to Capparis spinosa total alkaloid group,ground substance was externally applied to the mice in normal control group and model control groups, and penicillamine was intragastrically administrated in the penicillamine group for 60 days,once daily.After the treatment,The expression of TGF-β1in skin tissue was detected by Western-blotting and the levels of actin / in receptor-like kinase / Smad4, nuclear factor-κB in skin tissue were measured by ELISA. Results The expression of TGF-β1was significantly decreased after administration of 225,450 and 900 mg·kg-1capparis spinosa total alkaloid, and the levels of ALK1 and Smad4 were significantly decreased after administration of 900 mg·kg-1capparis spinosa total alkaloid as compared with model control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01),but the content of NF-κB was not influenced (P>0.05). Conclusion Capparis spinosa total alkaloid can accommodate abnormal expression of TGF-β1/Smad4 signalling pathways in SSc.
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Smad3 is a major transporter in the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway.It is in charge of the transfer of TGF-β signal from the surface of the cell membrane into the nucleus.The TGF-β signal can be bound to the target gene in the nucleus and regulate its expression.Abnormalities in Smad3 expression level and functional status will lead to abnormal signal transduction,involving cell growth,proliferation,development,differentiation,migration,apoptosis and other basic life activities.This review focused on the differential expression of Smad3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)and the adjacent tissue.The character of Smad3 in HCC is outlined in three parts:Smad3 upstream signaling source,Smad3 self-assembly maturation and Smad3 downstream effects,which may provide a summary and reference for the follow-up study on Smad3.
ABSTRACT
Objective To screen for selective transforming growth factor β(TGF-β)inhibitors from the compound library, and analyze their structure-activity relationship. Methods The inhibiting activities of 170 compounds to TGF-βpathway were evaluat-ed by the SMAD3 luciferase reporter system;the positive hits were examined for their selectivity towards activin receptor like kinase (ALK)4、ALK5 or ALK7 by a molecule based screening system composed of SMAD3,ATP and the purified kinase domain for ALK4, ALK5 or ALK7;the EGFP-SMAD2 fusion protein redistribution assay was used to confirm the inhibiting effects of positive hits. The structure-activity relationship was analyzed by comparing the docking module of SB431542 with ALK5 kinase domain. Results Fif-teen compounds were found capable of inhibiting luciferase expression downstream of SMAD3 with≥25%inhibitory rate;several of them showed different selectivity towards ALK4,ALK5 and ALK7. Compound 63 selectively inhibited the activity of ALK4 and ALK7 with IC500.234 and 0.370μmol/L,respectively,while compound 64 showed inhibiting activity towards all three kinases with the IC50 values 10,6 and 85 nmol/L for ALK4、ALK5 and ALK7,respectively. In addition,compounds 63 and 64 further inhibited the TGF-β1 induced EGFP-SMAD2 nuclear translocation,with the IC50 values of 0.45 and 6.30μmol/L,respectively. The MTT anti-proliferative assay indicated that compounds 63 and 64 exerted these activities at non-toxic concentrations. The analysis of structure-activity rela-tionship indicated that the compounds sharing a core structure,the 1,2,4-triarylimizazole or 1,3,5-triarylpyrazoline,with the 3,4 methyoenedioxyphenyl,6-methylpyridine and 4-aminocarboxyl substitution groups tended to exhibit better activities. Conclusion The two potent TGF-βpathway inhibitors,63 and 64 are identified through this screening project,of which,63 selectively inhibited the ALK4 and ALK7 activity,while 64 showed inhibiting activity towards all three tested types of ALKs.