Dendrobium Officinale Polysaccharide Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide （DOP）on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis（HF）and its mechanism. MethodsA total of 56 male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups： normal group（NG），model group（MG），colchicine group（CG， 0.1 mg/kg）， Fuzheng Huayu group（FG， 0.45 g/kg），low-dose DOP group（LDG， 0.05 g/kg），middle-dose DOP group（MDG， 0.1 g/kg）and high-dose DOP group（HDG，0.2 g/kg），with 8 rats in each group. HF rat model was established by subcutaneous injection with 40% CCl4 olive oil mixture， every 3-day for 10 weeks. At the end of the sixth week， the drug groups were treated with colchicine， Fuzheng Huayu and DOP solution by gavage respectively， once a day for 4 weeks. NG and MG groups were similarly handled with an equal amount of 0.9 % normal saline. Liver histopathology was detected using hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Masson and Sirius red staining； blood biochemistry was tested for liver function and four indicators of HF； RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression of α-SMA， Col-I， E-cadherin， and ZEB1 genes and proteins in the liver tissues of rats， respectively. ResultsHE， Masson， and Sirius red staining showed that the liver tissue of MG rats had typical pathologic features of HF， and the degree of HF was alleviated in LDG， MDG， and HDG rats， respectively. Liver function test results showed that the serum AST， TBIL， and AKP levels were significantly lower in LDG， MDG， and HDG， compared with those of the MG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. Meanwhile， ALT levels in serum deceased remarkably except in LDG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. The four results of HF showed that the serum HA， LN， PC-Ⅲ， and COL-Ⅳ levels in LDG， MDG， and HDG rats were significantly decreased compared with those of the MG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. The relative expressions of α-SMA， COL-I， and ZEB1 genes and proteins were significantly decreased in the liver tissues of LDG， MDG， and HDG （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）， and the relative expression of E-cadherin gene and protein increased （P < 0.05 or < 0.01）. In addition， the expressions of HA， α-SMA， COL-I， ZEB1 and E-cadherin were dependent on the dose of DOP. ConclusionDOP alleviated the degree of CCl4 induced HF in rats by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in liver tissue.

Correlation Between Wnt5a Expression and Vasculogenic Mimicry in Prostate Cancer Tissues / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the correlation of Wnt5a expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in prostate cancer tissues, and analyze their relationships with cancer stem cells (CSCs) characteristics and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the expression of Wnt5a in 50 prostate cancer tissues and 50 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. The expression levels of CD133, vimentin, and E-cadherin were detected in the prostate cancer tissues, and CD34/PAS double staining was used to detect VM structures. We analyzed the difference in Wnt5a level between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, the clinical significance of Wnt5a and VM, the relationship of Wnt5a expression and VM, and the relationships of Wnt5a expression and VM with CD133, Vimentin, E-cadherin. Results The expression of Wnt5a was significantly higher in prostate cancer tissues than in benign prostatic hyperplasia (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between Wnt5a expression and VM (P < 0.05). The expression levels of Wnt5a and VM were positively correlated with those of CD133 and vimentin (P < 0.05). Wnt5a expression and VM were positively correlated with Gleason score, vas deferens invasion and lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05) of prostate cancer, and VM was also positively correlated with T stage of prostate cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusion The expression level of Wnt5a in prostate cancer tissues is elevated and positively related with VM formation. Wnt5a expression and VM are correlated with cancer stem cells characteristics and the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker proteins.

Effects of anlotinib on the malignant phenotype of glioma cells by mediating NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of anlotinib on the malignant phenotype of glioma cells by regulating the nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Human glioma T98G cells were cultured in vitro， and 5-fluorouracil was used as positive control to investigate the effects of different concentrations of anlotinib （5， 10， 20 μmol/L） on the ability of proliferation， adhesion， migration and invasion， the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） related proteins [E-cadherin， N-cadherin， vimentin and fibronectin （FN）]. NF- κB signaling pathway inhibitor （BAY 11-7082） and activator （prostratin） were additionally used to verify the possible mechanism of the above effects of anlotinib. RESULTS Anlotinib with 5， 10， 20 μmol/L could significantly decrease the activity of cell proliferation （except for 5 μmol/L anlotinib group）， migration rate， and the number of adherent cells and invasive cells， could significantly up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin protein while down-regulate the expressions of N-cadherin， vimentin and FN protein （P＜0.05）； the effect of 20 μmol/L anlotinib was similar to that of positive control （P＞0.05）. Compared with 10 μmol/L anlotinib， pathway inhibitor could significantly decrease the ability of proliferation， adhesion， migration and invasion， and the expressions of N-cadherin， vimentin， FN and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 protein， while could significantly up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin protein （P＜0.05）； above indexes were reversed significantly by pathway activator （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Anlotinib may inhibit the proliferation， adhesion， migration and invasion of human glioma T98G cells， which may be associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway， thus inhibiting cell EMT-like processes.

Effect of Qianyang Yuyin Granules on Mesenchymal Transdifferentiation of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Induced by TGF-β1 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBy observing the effect of Qianyang Yuyin granules on the phenotype of renal tubule epithelial cells， the intervention of Qianyang Yuyin granule on renal interstitial fibrosis was investigated. MethodThe renal tubular epithelial cells （HK-2） were treated with different concentrations of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 （5， 10， 15， 20， 25 μg·L-1） for 24 hours， and cell morphology and growth state were observed with an inverted phase contrast microscope. The 20 μg·L-1 was selected as the most appropriate concentration of TGF-β1 according to Western blot results for subsequent experiments. HK-2 cells were divided into six groups： blank group， TGF-β1 group （concentration of 20 μg·L-1）， low， medium， and high dose Qianyang Yuyin granule groups （concentration of 0.5， 1， 2 g·L-1）， and valsartan group （1 × 10-5 mol·L-1）. The cell activity was measured by cell proliferation and cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. The cell migration ability was detected by scratch test. The Transwell method was used to detect the invasiveness of cells. Western blot was used to detect levels of fibronectin （FN）， E-cadherin， α-smooth muscle activator （α-SMA）， Vimentin， collagen type Ⅰ（Col Ⅰ）， collagen type Ⅳ（Col Ⅳ）， and other related proteins. ResultTGF-β1 stimulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in renal tubular epithelial cells was time- and concentration-dependent. Compared with the blank group， higher concentration in the TGF-β1 group indicates longer intervention time and more obvious long spindle change of cells， and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was significantly enhanced. The protein expression level of FN， α-SMA， Vimentin， Col Ⅰ， and Col Ⅳ increased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the expression level of E-cadherin protein decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， Qianyang Yuyin granule groups could maintain normal cell morphology， and the migration and invasion ability of the cells was inhibited. The protein expression level of FN， α-SMA， Vimentin， Col Ⅰ， and Col Ⅳ decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the expression of E-cadherin protein was significantly restored （P<0.05）. ConclusionQianyang Yuyin granule can reverse TGF-β1-induced interstitial transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing the phenotypic expression of mesenchymal cells and increasing the phenotypic expression of epithelial cells.

The characteristics of bone disseminated cells of 4T1 / 药学学报

Based on bone metastasis potential of mouse breast cancer 4T1 cells, the bone disseminated breast tumor cells 4T1 (B-4T1) were acquired through the screening of 6-mercaptopurine. The characteristics of B-4T1 were studied by morphological observation, proliferation assay, expression of epithelial and mesenchymal cell markers detection, transcriptome sequencing, and tumor formation experiments. The results showed that B-4T1 was round and spindle-shaped than primary 4T1 cells, and its proliferation rate was reduced, as well as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and E-cadherin expression. The transcript level of N-cadherin was increased in the B-4T1, but not vimentin, indicating that B-4T1 had partial epithelial mesenchymal transition. Besides, B-4T1 had higher fatty acid metabolism and better tumor formation capacity. This study lays the experimental foundation for the basic study of metastasis in breast cancer. All animal experiments in this paper were conducted in accordance with the standards of the Animal Ethics Committee of China Pharmaceutical University.

Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Modulating Effect of Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis （IPF）， as a progressive lung disease， has a poor prognosis and no reliable and effective therapies. IPF is mainly treated by organ transplantation and administration of chemical drugs， which are ineffective and induce side effects， failing to meet the clinical needs. Therefore， developing safer and more effective drugs has become an urgent task， which necessitates clear understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF. The available studies about the pathogenesis of IPF mainly focus on macrophage polarization， epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT）， oxidative stress， and autophagy， while few studies systematically explain the principles and links of the pathogeneses. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory， Qi deficiency and blood stasis and Qi-Yang deficiency are the key pathogeneses of IPF. Therefore， the Chinese medicines or compound prescriptions with the effects of replenishing Qi and activating blood， warming Yang and tonifying Qi， and eliminating stasis and resolving phlegm are often used to treat IPF. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that such medicines play a positive role in inhibiting macrophage polarization， restoring redox balance， inhibiting EMT， and regulating cell autophagy. However， few studies report how Chinese medicines regulate the pathways in the treatment of IPF. By reviewing the latest articles in this field， we elaborate on the pathogenesis of IPF and provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of the active ingredients or compound prescriptions of Chinese medicines in regulating IPF. Combining the pathogenesis of IPF with the modulating effects of Chinese medicines， we focus on exploring systemic treatment options for IPF， with a view to providing new ideas for the in-depth study of IPF and the research and development of related drugs.

Effect of Qingshen granules on miR-23b and PINKl/Parkin pathway in rat NRK-52E cell transdifferentiation model / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the targeting mechanism of miR-23b on PINKl/Parkin pathway in transdifferentiation of NRK-52E cellsinduced by TGF-β1, and to elucidate the intervention mechanism of Qingshen granules drug-containing serum on NRK-52E cell transdifferentiation. Methods Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography ( UPLC ) fingerprinting method was used to analyze Qingshen granules. The NRK-52E transdifferentiation model induced by TGF-β1 was constructed. The NRK-52E cells were divided into simulated no-load control group, miR-23b-5p simulated group, inhibitor no-load control group, and miR-23b-5p inhibitor group, after transfection with siRNA, and the effect of miR-23b-5p on PINK1 expression was ob-served. The NRK-52E cells were then divided into normal group, TGF-(31 group, Qingshen granule group, miR-23 b-mimic group, miR-23 b-mimic group, and miR-23b-mimic + Qingshen granule group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Pinkl, Parkin, LC3 n, Beclin-1, P62 and a-SMA proteins, and RT- PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-23 b-5p, Pinkl, Parkin, Beclin-1 and a-SMA mRNA in NRK- 52E cells. Dual-Luciferase Reporter gene experiment was used to detect the targeting relationship between miR-23b-5p and PINKL Results UPLC fingerprinting method found 11 active components in Qingshen granules. After overexpression of miR-23b-5p, the expression of PINkl mRNA significantly increased (P 0. 05 ). The experimental results showed that the expressions of miR- 23b-5p, Pinkl, Parkin, Beclin-1, LC3 II and LC3 II/ I ratio in TGF-β1 group were significantly lower than those in normal group, but the expressions of P62 and a-SMA were significantly higher than those in normal group ( P <0.05). The expressions of miR-23 b-5 p, Pinkl, Parkin, Beclin-1, LC3 II and LC3 11/ I ratio in Qingshen granule group and miR-23 b-mimic group were significantly higher than those in TGF-β1 group, and the expressions of P62 and a-SMA were significantly lower than those in TGF-β1 group (P < 0. 05 ). The performance of miR-23 b-mimic + Qingshen granule group was better than that of miR-23 b-mimic group (P < 0. 05 ). Conclusions Qingshen granules can up- regulate the expression of miR-23b-5p in NRK-52E cellsand inhibit the transdifferentiation process of NRK- 52E cells by enhancing the mitochondrial autophagy activity mediated by PINKl/Parkin pathway.

Effects of polydatin on the cell proliferation，migration，invasion and tumor growth of AML / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of polydatin （PD） on cell proliferation， migration， invasion and tumor growth of acute myeloid leukemia （AML）. METHODS Human AML cell KG-1 were divided into normal group， PD low-， medium- and high-concentration groups （10， 30， 60 μmol/L PD）， SQ22536 group [cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） inhibitor， 100 μmol/L]， high concentration of PD+SQ22536 group （60 μmol/L PD+100 μmol/L SQ22536）. The effects of PD on cell activity， apoptotic rate， invasion and migration ability， cAMP level， the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） related proteins and protein kinase A （PKA） were investigated. Using BALB/c nude mice as subjects， a transplanted tumor model of AML nude mice was induced by subcutaneous inoculation of KG-1 cell suspension and then divided into control group， PD group， SQ22536 group and PD+SQ22536 group （with 6 mice in each group）. The effects of PD on tumor volume and mass were measured. RESULTS Compared with the normal group or control group， the cell viabilities， the number of migrating cells， the number of invasive cells， the relative expressions of vimentin and Snail as well as the tumor volume and mass were decreased significantly in PD groups， while the apoptotic rates， cAMP levels， the relative expressions of E-cadherin and PKA were significantly increased， with a dose-dependent manner （P＜0.05）. SQ22536 had opposite effects on cells and nude mice compared to PD， and could significantly reverse the anti-tumor activity of PD （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS PD may inhibit the proliferation， migration， invasion and EMT process of KG-1 cells， induce apoptosis， and inhibit tumor growth， by activating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway， thereby exerting anti-AML effects.

BMSCs promote M2 macrophage polarization to attenuate acute radiation-induced lung injury / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) and the underlying mechanism. Methods Forty-five healthy adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, model, and BMSCs groups. The model and BMSCs groups received a single irradiation dose of 20 Gy to the chest, while the control group did not receive X-ray irradiation. For the BMSCs group, an injection of 1 × 106 BMSCs cells was administered via the tail vein within 6 h after irradiation. In the 5th week, the lung tissue was taken to observe pathological changes with HE staining; examine the expression of the inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) with immunohistochemical staining; observe the polarization of macrophages with immunofluorescence staining; and measure the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin proteins by Western blot. Results After radiation, the model group developed pulmonary vasodilation and congestion with septal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration, and these changes were markedly reduced in the BMSCs group. The model group showed significantly down-regulated expression of IL-6 and TNF-α compared with significantly increased levels in the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Treatment with BMSCs significantly increased the polarization of lung macrophages towards the M2 type, while significantly decreasing the abnormally increased N-cadherin and vimentin levels in RILI mice (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Conclusion BMSCs have therapeutic effects for RILI mice, which may be through promoting macrophage polarization from M1 to M2.

Mechanism of TFF3-dependent TWIST1 Upregulating TRIB3 to Promote Colorectal Cancer Metastasis / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the effects of TFF3 overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of colorectal cancer HT29 cells and the mechanisms involved in cancer metastasis. Methods HT29 cells were transfected with pIRES2-TFF3, and the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins related to TFF3 gene, TWIST1/TRIB3 signaling pathway, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of HT29 cells were detected by the CCK-8, cell scratch, and Transwell assays. Changes in cell morphology after TFF3 overexpression were observed through transmission electron microscopy. Results After the HT29 cells were transfected with pIRES2-TFF3, the expression levels of TFF3 mRNA and protein significantly increased (P<0.01); cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were significantly enhanced (P<0.01); and the expression of related genes, such as TWIST1, TRIB3, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated. By contrast, the expression of E-cadherin significantly decreased (P<0.05). Various changes in cell morphology were observed after TFF3 overexpression, such as decrease in cell junctions, loss of cilia, formation of pseudopodia, and increase in fusiform cells. Conclusion TFF3 overexpression may promote EMT in colorectal cancer cells through the Twist1/TRIB3 signaling pathway, increase their metastatic potential, and accelerate the malignant progression of colorectal cancer.

Targeting FAPα-positive lymph node metastatic tumor cells suppresses colorectal cancer metastasis

Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.

Alteración en la integridad de la membrana basal en agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento ortodóncico

Introducción: El agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia es un aumento progresivo, localizado o generalizado del tejido gingival. Objetivo: Determinar aspectos morfológicos en la membrana basal del tejido gingival de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, donde se analizaron tejidos gingivales de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia (grupo test: n=5) e individuos sanos (grupo control: n=5) mediante análisis histológicos e inmunohistoquímico con anticuerpo policlonal anti-citoqueratina 14. Las interrupciones de la membrana basal grado 1 y grado 2 fueron identificadas. Fue utilizado el programa estadístico R versión 4.0.2 para Windows. Se declaró significancia si p <0,05. Resultados: Se constató la presencia de rupturas de la membrana basal en todos los pacientes del grupo test. Estos individuos presentaron una mayor cantidad de cambios morfológicos en el tejido gingival. Exponiendo así, valores estadísticamente significativos de rupturas de la membrana basal (Grado I) y rupturas rodeadas de células epiteliales y/o fibroblastos gingivales (Grado II) en comparación con el grupo control (p <0,001). Conclusión: El tejido epitelial de pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia presenta una evidente pérdida en la integridad de la membrana basal. Estas discontinuidades sugieren un aumento considerable de la plasticidad del epitelio en pacientes con agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento de ortodoncia.

Introduction: Orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement is a progressive, localized or generalized increase in gingival tissue. Objective: To determine morphologic aspects in the basal membrane of the gingival tissue in patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, in which gingival tissues of patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement (test group: n=5) and healthy individuals (control group: n=5) were analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical analysis with the polyclonal antibody anticytokeratin 14. Grade 1 and grade 2 disrupted basal membrane were identified. The statistical program R (version 4.0.2) for Windows was used. Significance was declared if p was greater than 0.05. Results: The presence of disrupted basal membranes was observed in all the patients from the test group. These individuals presented a greater number of morphological changes in the gingival tissue. Compared to the control group (p < 0.001), statistically significant values were observed for cases of disrupted basal membrane (grade I) and disruptions surrounded by epithelial cells or gingival fibroblasts (grade II). Conclusion: The epithelial tissue of patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement shows an evident loss of the basal membrane integrity. These discontinuities are suggestive of a considerable increase in epithelial plasticity in patients with orthodontic treatment-induced gingival enlargement.

Imunoexpressão de clic4, α-sma, e-caderina e vimentina em lesões odontogênicas epitelias benígnas / Immunoexpression of clic4, α-sma, e-cadherin and vimentin in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions

As lesões odontogênicas epiteliais benignas constituem um grupo heterogêneo de lesões. A proteína CLIC4 atua na regulação dos processos de parada de crescimento e apoptose, participando também do processo de transdiferenciação dos fibroblastos em miofibroblastos que passam a expressar α-SMA. Além disso, a expressão de CLIC4 pode interferir no processo de transição epitélio-mesenquima (TEM) em neoplasias. Este trabalho avaliou a imunoexpressão de CLIC4, α-SMA, E-caderina e Vimentina em ameloblastomas (AM) (n = 16), ceratocistos odontogênicos (n = 20) e tumores odontogênicos adenomatóides (TOA) (n = 8). A análise da expressão imunoistoquímica das proteínas CLIC4, E-caderina e vimentina no componente epitelial das lesões e de CLIC4 e α-SMA no tecido conjuntivo foi realizada de forma semi-quantitativa por um avaliador previamente calibrado. A expressão no componente epitelial de CLIC4 foi analisada separadamente no núcleo e no citoplasma, bem como a marcação de E-caderina que foi avaliada na membrana e no citoplasma. As comparações dos percentuais de imunorreatividade em relação aos grupos estudados foram realizadas por meio dos testes não paramétricos de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney. Possíveis correlações entre a expressão de CLIC4, α-SMA, E-caderina e Vimentina foram avaliadas por meio do teste de correlação de Spearman. O nível de significância foi estabelecido em 5% (p < 0,05). Foram observados diferentes padrões de marcação entre os grupos analisados, observando-se que a imunoexpressão exclusivamente citoplasmática da CLIC4 no componente epitelial dos AM (p < 0,001) e TOA (p < 0,001) foi significativamente superior a dos CO, não demonstrarando significância estatística entre os AM e TOA. A imunoexpressão (nuclear e citoplasmática) da CLIC4 no revestimento epitelial CO foi significativamente superior à encontrada no componente epitelial dos AM (p < 0,001) e dos TOA (p < 0,001). A imunoexpressão estromal de CLIC4 foi significativamente superior nos AM (p = 0,009) e CO (p = 0,004) quando comparados aos TOA. A imunoexpressao de α-SMA significativamente maior em AM (p = 0,016) e CO (p = 0,034) quando comparados aos TOA. Para a imunoexpressão membranar da E-caderina em CO foi significativamente superior em comparação à encontrada nos AM (p = 0,009) e nos TOA (p = 0,024). Foi observada maior imunoexpressão de E-caderina (membranar e citoplasmática) nos COs, quando comparados aos AM (p < 0,001) e aos TOAs (p < 0,001). A expressão de Ecaderina citoplasmática foi significativamente maior nos AM e TOA (p < 0,001) quando comparados aos CO. Observou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa na imunoexpressão de vimentina entre os casos de AM e os casos de TOA (p = 0,038) e CO (p < 0,001), bem como entre o TOA e CO (p < 0,001). As correlações testadas entre os escores das proteínas estudadas evidenciou que no grupo dos AM foi possível evidenciar moderada correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa (r = 0,527; p = 0,036) entre a expressão citoplasmática da CLIC4 e a expressão citoplasmática da E-caderina. Também foi verificada fraca correlação negativa e estatisticamente significativa (r = -0,499; p = 0,049) entre a expressão núcleo-citoplasmática da CLIC4 e a expressão citoplasmática da E-caderina nos AM. Além disso, uma moderada correlação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre a expressão estromal da CLIC4 e a expressão da α-SMA nos AM (r = 0,648; p = 0,007) e nos CO (r = 0,541; p = 0,014). Foi observada forte correlação negativa e estatisticamente significativa (r = -0,813; p < 0,001) entre a expressão da E-caderina e a expressão da vimentina nos AM. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem um potencial envolvimento de CLIC4 no processo de transdiferenciação de miofibroblastos, e que a presença destas células é mais frequentemente associada a lesões de comportamento biológico mais agressivo como os AM e CO, além de uma possível atuação desta proteína na regulação do ciclo celular e na TEM nas lesões estudadas (AU).

Benign epithelial odontogenic lesions constitute a heterogeneous group of lesions. the CLIC4 protein acts in the regulation of growth arrest and apoptosis processes, also participating in the process of transdifferentiation of fibroblasts Into myofibroblasts that begin to express α-SMA. Furthermore, CLIC4 expression can interfere with the epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT) process in neoplasms. This work evaluated the immunoexpression of CLIC4, α-SMA, e-cadherin and vimentin in ameloblastomas (AM) (n = 16), odontogenic keratocysts (OK) (n = 20) and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOT) (n = 8). The analysis of the immunohistochemical expression of the proteins CLIC4, ecadherin and vimentin in the epithelial component of the lesions and of CLIC4 and α-SMA in the connective tissue was carried out in a semi-quantitative way by a previously calibrated evaluator. Expression in the epithelial component of CLIC4 was analyzed separately in the nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as e-cadherin labeling, which was evaluated in the membrane and cytoplasm. Comparisons of the percentages of immunoreactivity in relation to the studied groups were carried out using the nonparametric kruskal-wallis and mann-whitney tests. Possible correlations between the expression of CLIC4, α-SMA, e-cadherin and vimentin were evaluated using the spearman correlation test. The significance level was set at 5% (p < 0.05). Different staining patterns were observed between the groups analyzed, observing that the exclusively cytoplasmic immunoexpression of CLIC4 in the epithelial component of AM (p < 0.001) and AOT (p < 0.001) was significantly higher than that of OK, not demonstrating statistical significance between the AM and AOT. The immunoexpression (nuclear and cytoplasmic) of CLIC4 in the co epithelial lining was significantly higher than that found in the epithelial component of AM (p < 0.001) and AOT (p < 0.001). Stromal CLIC4 immunoexpression was significantly higher in AM (p = 0.009) and OK (p = 0.004) when compared to AOT. The immunoexpression of α-SMA is significantly higher in AM (p = 0.016) and OK (p = 0.034) when compared to AOT. For e-cadherin membrane immunoexpression in co was significantly higher compared to that found in AM (p = 0.009) and AOT (p = 0.024). Greater immunoexpression of e-cadherin (membrane and cytoplasmic) was observed in OK, when compared to AM (p < 0.001) and AOT (p < 0.001). Cytoplasmic ecadherin expression was significantly higher in AM and AOT (p < 0.001) when compared to OK. A statistically significant difference in vimentin immunoexpression was observed between cases of AM and cases of AOT (p = 0.038) and OK (p < 0.001), as well as between AOT and OK (p < 0.001). The correlations tested between the scores of the proteins studied showed that in the am group it was possible to demonstrate a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation (r = 0.527; p = 0.036) between the cytoplasmic expression of clic4 and the cytoplasmic expression of e-cadherin. A weak and statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.499; p = 0.049) was also found between the nucleus-cytoplasmic expression of clic4 and the cytoplasmic expression of e- cadherin in AM. Furthermore, a moderate positive and statistically significant correlation between the stromal expression of CLIC4 and the expression of α-SMA in AM (r = 0.648; p = 0.007) and OK (r = 0.541; p = 0.014). Additionally, a strong negative and statistically significant correlation (r = -0.813; p < 0.001) was observed between the expression of ecadherin and the expression of vimentin in AM. The results of this study suggest a potential involvement of CLIC4 in the myofibroblast transdifferentiation process, and that the presence of these cells is more frequently associated with lesions with more aggressive biological behavior such as AM and OK, in addition to a possible role of this protein in the regulation of cell cycle and EMT in the lesions studied (AU).

Immunohistochemical appraisal of epithelial mesenchymal transition type III in gall bladder cancer

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the heart of invasion. EMT associated with cancer progression and metastasis is known as type III EMT. Beta-catenin, E-cadherin, and MMP9 markers of EMT are routinely employed for diagnostic purposes. Aims: We employed these markers to study EMT by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in gall bladder cancer (GBC) with respect to depth of tumor invasion, clinical outcome, and disease-free survival. Settings and Design: This was a prospective case-control study. Material and Methods: Seventy gall bladders were included (50 GBC and 20 CC). After detailed histology, immunoexpression was studied in terms of percentage and strength of expression. Statistics Analysis Used: Expression was compared between CC and GBC by Student t test and analysis of variance. Kaplan–Meier was used for survival analysis, and the extent of agreement (“Kappa”) was calculated. Results and Conclusions: The age of incidence of GBC was 49.40 (+11.6) years with female predominance (F:M = 4:1). In 88% (44/50) of GBC, the fundus was involved. Moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was most frequent [54%; 27/50]. Significant downregulation of E-cadherin (P = 0.022) and beta-catenin (P < 0.001) and upregulation in MMP9 (P < 0.001) were seen in GBC with respect to CC with significant association among them. MMP9 expression was significantly associated with higher tumor stage but with chemotherapeutic response. Our results display that epithelial-mesenchymal transition type III plays a role in GBC invasion. MMP9 overexpression and loss of membranous beta-catenin may be considered a marker for poor clinical outcomes and advanced disease.

Evaluation of tumor budding and its correlation with histomorphological prognostic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process

Objective: To evaluate the association of tumor budding (TB) with prognostic histomorphological parameters in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to investigate the correlation of TB intensity with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Material and Method: A total of 200 cases diagnosed as OSCC were selected and their TB status was reviewed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Correlation with histomorphological prognostic parameters was done. Also, IHC for Vimentin and E-cadherin was performed to look for EMT. Results: On H and E examination, TB was observed in 154/200 (77%). About 88/154 (57.14%) cases showed a high TB (>5 TB/10 hpf) which increased to 100/154 (64.9%) cases on IHC staining. The intensity of TB was significantly associated with tumor grade and depth of invasion. It was also significantly associated with reduced expression for E-Cadherin and upregulation of Vimentin establishing a pathogenetic correlation between the TB and EMT. Conclusion: Therefore, our results suggest that TB is associated with poor prognosis and histologically represents EMT in OSCC which further adds to the aggressiveness of the tumor.

Effect of miR-524-5p on Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Esophageal Cancer Cells by Regulating HEG1 Expression / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the mechanism and the effect of miR-524-5p regulating HEG1 expression on the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of esophageal cancer cells. Methods The expression levels of miR-524-5p and HEG1 mRNA in esophageal cancer cells and normal esophageal epithelial cells were detected by qRT-PCR. KYSE30 cells were divided into miR-524-5p mimic group, miR-524-5p NC group, miR-524-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1 group, and miR-524-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1-HEG1 group. Non-transfected cells were set as the normal control group (group Control). CCK-8 method was applied to detect the proliferation ability of KYSE30 cells. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of proteins related to EMT, invasion, and migration and the HEG1 protein. Scratch and Transwell assays were applied to detect the migration and invasion abilities of KYSE30 cells. A dual-luciferase reporter gene was used to examine the targeting relationship between miR-524-5p and HEG1. Results miR-524-5p was lowly expressed in four esophageal cancer cell lines, namely, TE-1, KYSE30, KYSE150, and NEC (P < 0.05). KYSE30 cells with the lowest expression level were selected for subsequent experiments. HEG1 mRNA was highly expressed in four esophageal cancer cell lines (P < 0.05). The GEPIA database showed that HEG1 was highly expressed in esophageal cancer tumor tissues (P < 0.05). KYSE30 cells in the miR-524-5p mimic group had lower proliferation ability, colony formation number, mesenchymal marker protein expression, and migration and invasion abilities and upregulated epithelial marker protein E-cadherin level than cells in the miR-524-5p NC group (P < 0.05). The miR-524-5p mimic+pcDNA3.1-HEG1 group significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of overexpression of miR-524-5p on the proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transformation, invasion, and metastasis of KYSE30 cells (P < 0.05). The luciferase activity of cells in the miR-524-5p mimic and WT-HEG1 co-transfection groups was lower than that in the miR-524-5p NC and WT-HEG1 co-transfection groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion miR-524-5p is lowly expressed in EC cells and tissues. The overexpression of miR-524-5p can negatively regulate the expression of HEG1 in esophageal cancer cell line (KYSE30 cells) and reduce the proliferation, EMT process, and invasion and migration abilities of KYSE30 cells.

Effects of Substrate Stiffness on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Colon Cancer Cells under Simulated Hypoxia Environment / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the effects from the synergy of substrate stiffness and hypoxia on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colon cancer cells SW480 by simulating the microenvironment of human colon cancer tissues. Methods Polyvinyl alcohol gels with different stiffness ( 4. 5, 20, 40 kPa) were prepared to simulate the stiffness of each part of colon cancer tissues. The morphological change of cells on substrate with different stiffness was detected under simulated hypoxia ( CoCl2 ) environment. The expression of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α), and EMT markers E-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail 1 were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail 1, matrix metalloproteinase-2 ( MMP-2), and MMP-9 was detected by quantitative real-time PCR ( qRT-PCR). Results Under simulated hypoxia environment, with the increase of substrate stiffness, the SW480 cells spreading area increased, and transformed from round shape into irregular polygon. The EMT of SW480 could be enhanced through up-regulating expression of Vimentin, Snail 1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and down-regulating expression of E-cadherin. Conclusions This study is important for exploring the synergistic effect of substrate stiffness and hypoxia on the EMT of colon cancer cells as well as the molecular mechanism.

Effect of Shengmai Yin on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Radioresistant Cells / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanism by which Chinese medicine Shengmai Yin (SMY) reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through lipocalin-2 (LCN2) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells CNE-2R.@*METHODS@#Morphological changes in EMT in CNE-2R cells were observed under a microscope, and the expressions of EMT markers were detected using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assays. Through the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset and text mining, LCN2 was found to be highly related to radiation resistance and EMT in NPC. The expressions of LCN2 and EMT markers following SMY treatment (50 and 100 µ g/mL) were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot assays in vitro. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were measured using colony formation, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays, respectively. The inhibitory effect of SMY in vivo was determined by observing a zebrafish xenograft model with a fluorescent label.@*RESULTS@#The CNE-2R cells showed EMT transition and high expression of LCN2, and the use of SMY (5, 10 and 20 µ g/mL) reduced the expression of LCN2 and reversed the EMT in the CNE-2R cells. Compared to that of the CNE-2R group, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of SMY high-concentration group were weakened (P<0.05). Moreover, SMY mediated tumor growth and metastasis in a dose-dependent manner in a zebrafish xenograft model, which was consistent with the in vitro results.@*CONCLUSIONS@#SMY can reverse the EMT process of CNE-2R cells, which may be related to its inhibition of LCN2 expression. Therefore, LCN2 may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in patients with NPC.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Feiyanning Prescription Regulates EMT to Reverse Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Feiyanning prescription （FYN） on cisplatin （DDP） resistance in non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodCell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay was used to detect the proliferation of A549 and A549/DDP （DDP-resistant） cells treated by DDP （0， 2.0， 4.0， 6.0， 8.0， 10.0 mg⋅L-1） and the proliferation of A549/DDP cells treated by FYN （0， 100， 200， 300， 400， 500， 600 mg⋅L-1）. Based on immunofluorescence staining and Western blot （WB）， the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition （EMT）-related proteins in A549 and A549/DDP groups was observed. A549/DDP cells were classified into control group， FYN group （200 mg⋅L-1）， DDP group （6.0 mg⋅L-1）， and combination group ［FYN （200 mg⋅L-1） + DDP （6.0 mg⋅L-1）］ and respectively treated with corresponding drugs. Then， invasion ability of each group was examined by transwell assay， and the expression of EMT-related proteins in each group by WB. Moreover， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and immunofluorescence staining were separately applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression of drug resistance-related factors in each group， respectively. ResultCompared with A549 group， A549/DDP group showed high resistance to DDP （P<0.01）， low expression of E-cadherin， and high protein expression of Vimentin， N-cadherin， and Snail （P<0.05， P<0.01）. As compared with the control group， FYN inhibited the proliferation of A549/DDP cells in a concentration-dependent manner （P<0.01）， and the FYN group， DDP group， and combination group demonstrated low invasion ability （P<0.01）. In addition， the invasion ability in the combination group was particularly lower than that in the DDP group （P<0.01）. The expression of E-cadherin protein was higher and the protein expression of N-cadherin， Vimentin， and Snail was lower in the in FYN group than in the control group （P<0.01）. The protein expression of E-cadherin， N-cadherin， and Vimentin was lower and the expression of Snail was higher in the DDP group than in the control group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The protein expression of E-cadherin， N-cadherin， Vimentin， and Snail in the combination group decreased as compared with that in the control group （P<0.01）. Compared with the DDP alone， the combination raised the expression of E-cadherin and lowered the protein expression of N-cadherin， Vimentin， and Snail （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expression of lung resistance-related protein （LRP） and multidrug resistance 1 （MDR1） was lower and the protein and mRNA expression of topoisomerase Ⅱα （TOPO Ⅱα） was higher in the FYN group than in the control group （P<0.01）. The protein and mRNA expression of LRP， MDR1， and TOPO Ⅱα was higher in the DDP group than in the control group （P<0.01）. The expression of LRP protein and mRNA showed no significant variation， but the protein and mRNA expression of MDR1 and TOPO Ⅱα increased in the combination group compared with those in the control group （P<0.01）. Compared with the DDP group， FYN group and combination group showed low protein and mRNA expression of LRP and MDR1 and high protein and mRNA expression of TOPO Ⅱα （P<0.01）. Compared with FYN， the combination elevated the protein and mRNA expression of LRP， MDR1， and TOPO Ⅱα （P<0.01）. ConclusionFYN prescription can reverse the DDP resistance of NSCLC by modulating EMT.

Ethyl Acetate Extract of Qigesan Intervenes in Migration and Invasion of Esophageal Cancer Cells via Inhibiting TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Qigesan （QGS） in intervening in the migration and invasion of esophageal carcinoma TE-1 cells. MethodMicroarray technology was used to screen differentially expressed genes （DEGs） in the normal group and the QGS group， and the ontological functions and signaling pathways of DEGs were analyzed. The thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay was used to detect the effect of QGS on the viability of TE-1 cells. In the subsequent experiments for verification， a blank group， a transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） group， a TGF-β1 + QGS group， and a TGF-β1 + SB431542 group were set up. The cell morphology in each experimental group was observed by microscopy. The migration and invasion abilities of cells were detected by wound healing assay， and the mRNA expression levels of E-Cadherin， vimentin， Smad2， and Smad7 were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of E-Cadherin， vimentin， p-Smad2/3， Smad2/3， and Smad7 was detected by Western blot. ResultThere were 1 487 DEGs between the QGS group and the blank group， including 1 080 down-regulated ones （accounting for 72.63%） and 407 up-regulated ones. The down-regulated genes were mainly involved in biological processes such as cytoskeletal protein binding， ATP binding， adenylate nucleotide binding， and adenylate ribonucleotide binding， and the involved Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathways included TGF-β signaling pathway， cell cycle， extracellular matrix-receptor interaction protein， tumor pathways， and oocyte meiosis. The up-regulated genes were mainly involved in RNA binding， DNA binding， transcriptional regulator activity， transcriptional activator activity， and nucleotide binding， and the KEGG pathways involved mainly included mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， bladder cancer， renal cell carcinoma， cancer pathways， and p53 signaling pathway. Compared with the blank group， the inhibition rate of cell viability of TE-1 cells increased after QGS （20， 30， 40， 60， 80 mg·L-1） intervention for 12， 24， 36， 48， 60 h （P<0.05）， and the inhibition rate was time- and dose-dependent. Compared with the blank group， the TGF-β1 group showed lengthened cells with fibroblast phenotype. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， the TGF-β1 + QGS group showed shortened cells with normal morphology and epithelial phenotype. The cell morphology in the TGF-β1 + SB431542 group was similar to that of the TGF-β1 + QGS group. Compared with the blank group， the TGF-β1 group showed potentiated ability of cell migration and invasion （P<0.05）. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， the TGF-β1 + QGS group and the TGF-β1 + SB431542 group showed inhibited and weakened migration and invasion abilities of cells （P<0.05）. However， there was no significant difference in migration and invasion abilities between the TGF-β1 + QGS group and the TGF-β1 + SB431542 group. The mRNA expression levels of vimentin and Smad2 in the TGF-β1 group were higher （P<0.05）， and the mRNA expression levels of E-Cadherin and Smad7 were lower （P<0.05） than those in the blank group. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， the TGF-β1 + QGS group and the TGF-β1+ SB431542 group exhibited decreased expression levels of vimentin and Smad2 mRNA （P<0.05）， and elevated expression levels of E-Cadherin and Smad7 mRNA （P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the TGF-β1 group showed up-regulated protein expression levels of vimentin， p-Smad2/3， and Smad2/3 （P<0.05）， and reduced protein expression levels of E-Cadherin and Smad7 （P<0.05）. Compared with the TGF-β1 group， the TGF-β1 + QGS group and the TGF-β1 + SB431542 group displayed decreased protein expression levels of vimentin， p-Smad2/3， and Smad2/3 （P<0.05）， and increased protein expression levels of E-Cadherin and Smad7 （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe ethyl acetate extract of QGS inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of TE-1 cells through the TGF-β1 pathway to reduce the migration and invasion of TE-1 cells.