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Objective:To evaluate the role of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) in endogenous protective mechanism of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and the relationship with transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β 1)/Smad3 signaling pathway. Methods:Twenty-four SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 20-23 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=8 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), hepatic I/R group (IR group) and hepatic I/R plus CD73 specific inhibitor group (APCP group). The hepatic hilum was only exposed but not occluded in group S. The hepatic portal was occluded for 30 min followed by reperfusion to develop the model of hepatic I/R in anesthetized animals in group IR.CD73-specific inhibitor APCP 40 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected, and 10 min later hepatic I/R was performed.Orbital venous blood samples were collected at 6 h of reperfusion for determination of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations.Then the mice were sacrificed, and liver tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of CD73, TGF-β 1 and phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) (by Western blot), contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (with a visible spectrophotometer) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of liver tissues (with a light microscope). Results:Compared with group S, the concentrations of AST and ALT in serum and contents of IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA in liver tissues were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of CD73, TGF-β 1 and p-Smad3 was up-regulated in IR and APCP groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group IR, the concentrations of AST and ALT in serum and contents of IL-1β, TNF-α and MDA in liver tissues were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of CD73, TGF-β 1 and p-Smad3 in liver tissues was down-regulated in group APCP ( P<0.05). The pathological changes of liver tissues were accentuated in group APCP as compared with group IR. Conclusions:CD73 is involved in the process of endogenous protective mechanism of hepatic I/R injury in mice, which may be related to the regulation of TGF-β 1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
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Objective@#To investigate the effect of Yanghe decoction serum on the proliferation of breast cancer stem cells MDA-MB-231 and the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB.@*Methods@#According to the random number table method, 20 female SD rats were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose group. Drug serum were given gastric gavage of Yanghe decoction 28, 14, 7 g/kg, and control group were given gastric gavage of same volume saline. Each group of rats was given orally for 3 days to prepare 10% Yanghe decoction serum and blank serum. MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group according to random number table method. Low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction groups were cultured with medium containing 10% Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose drug serum, and the blank control group was cultured with medium containing 10% control serum. After drug intervention, the effects of each group on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h were detected by MTT assay. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB protein in each group was detected by Western blot. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB mRNA in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.@*Results@#Compared to the control group, Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group of cells for 24 h (1.143 ± 0.093, 0.953 ± 0.069, 0.874 ± 0.041 vs. 1.239 ± 0.160), 48 h (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs. 1.389 ± 0.095), 72 h (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) proliferation activity were significantly lower (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After 48 h of drug intervention, the expression of Smad3 protein (0.974 ± 0.098, 0.844 ± 0.084, 0.789 ± 0.105 vs. 1.214 ± 0.012), NF- κB p50 protein (0.994 ± 0.047, 0.911 ± 0.015, 0.765 ± 0.084 vs. 1.147 ± 0.103) in the low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Smad3 mRNA (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs.1.389 ± 0.095), NF-κB mRNA (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) significantly decreased in the Yanghe decoction group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Yanghe decoction can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer stem cell MDA-MB-231, and lower the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB.
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Objective To investigate the effect of Yanghe decoction serum on the proliferation of breast cancer stem cells MDA-MB-231 and the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB. Methods According to the random number table method, 20 female SD rats were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose group. Drug serum were given gastric gavage of Yanghe decoction 28, 14, 7 g/kg, and control group were given gastric gavage of same volume saline. Each group of rats was given orally for 3 days to prepare 10% Yanghe decoction serum and blank serum. MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into blank control group and Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group according to random number table method. Low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction groups were cultured with medium containing 10% Yanghe decoction high, medium and low dose drug serum, and the blank control group was cultured with medium containing 10% control serum. After drug intervention, the effects of each group on the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h were detected by MTT assay. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB protein in each group was detected by Western blot. The expression of Smad3 and NF-κB mRNA in each group were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Results Compared to the control group, Yanghe decoction low, medium and high dose group of cells for 24 h (1.143 ± 0.093, 0.953 ± 0.069, 0.874 ± 0.041 vs. 1.239 ± 0.160), 48 h (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs. 1.389 ± 0.095), 72 h (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) proliferation activity were significantly lower (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After 48 h of drug intervention, the expression of Smad3 protein (0.974 ± 0.098, 0.844 ± 0.084, 0.789 ± 0.105 vs. 1.214 ± 0.012), NF-κB p50 protein (0.994 ± 0.047, 0.911 ± 0.015, 0.765 ± 0.084 vs. 1.147 ± 0.103) in the low, medium and high dose Yanghe decoction group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Smad3 mRNA (1.223 ± 0.129, 0.989 ± 0.093, 0.864 ± 0.105 vs.1.389 ± 0.095), NF-κB mRNA (1.092 ± 0.147, 0.881 ± 0.095, 0.719 ± 0.086 vs. 1.353 ± 0.150) significantly decreased in the Yanghe decoction group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions Yanghe decoction can inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer stem cell MDA-MB-231, and lower the expression of Smad3 and NF-κB.
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Objective@#To explore the effects of human erythropoietin (hEPO) on healing related transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signal transduction pathway in acute wounds of rats.@*Methods@#Seventy-two healthy Sprague Dawley rats were divided into normal saline control group, low dose group, middle dose group, and high dose group according to the random number table, with 18 rats in each group, after round acute wounds with diameter of 2.5 cm were inflicted on the back of rats. Rats in the 4 groups had debridement routinely. Wounds of rats in normal saline control group were covered by gauzes infiltrated with 1 mL normal saline, while wounds of rats in low dose group, middle dose group, and high dose group were respectively covered by gauze infiltrated with 1 mL hEPO in doses of 50, 100, and 150 U every day, and then the wounds were bandaged with 6 layers of dry gauze. Dressing change was performed once every day. On treatment day (TD) 3, 7, and 14, 6 rats from each group were taken for general observation and calculation of wound healing rate. Then the wound tissue samples were harvested after the rats were sacrificed for observation of expressions of CD31 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) with immunohistochemical method. Protein expression of phosphorylated Smad3 of the wound tissue of 3 rats were detected by Western blotting. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, least-significant difference test, and Bonferroni correction.@*Results@#(1) On TD 3, obvious exudation and scab were observed in the wounds of rats in the 4 groups. On TD 7, the wounds of rats in low dose group, middle dose group, and high dose group were reduced compared with those in normal saline control group. On TD 14, all wounds of rats in the 4 groups were healed. On TD 7, the wound healing rates of rats in middle dose group and high dose group were significantly higher than the rate in normal saline control group (P<0.01). At the other time points, the wound healing rates of rats in the 4 groups were close (P>0.05). (2) CD31 mainly expressed in blood vessels. Except for those in low dose group on TD 3 and 7 (P>0.05), the expressions of CD31 in wound tissue of rats in low dose group on TD 14 and in middle dose group and high dose group on TD 3, 7, and 14 were significantly higher than those in normal saline control group (P<0.01). Except for those on TD 3 (P>0.05), the expressions of CD31 in wound tissue of rats in middle dose group and high dose group on TD 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those in low dose group (P<0.01). Except for that on TD 3 (P>0.05), the expressions of CD31 in wound tissue of rats in high dose group on TD 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those in middle dose group (P<0.01). (3) Except for that in low dose group on TD 3 (1.9±0.7, P>0.05), the expressions of TGF-β1 in wound tissue of rats in low dose group on TD 7 and 14 (3.3±1.0, 3.7±0.7), and in middle dose group and high dose group on TD 3, 7, and 14 (3.3±1.0, 3.6±1.0, 3.9±0.9, 3.4±0.7, 3.8±0.8, 4.2±0.4) were significantly higher than those in normal saline control group (1.7±0.5, 2.7±1.0, 3.0±0.9, P<0.01). Except for those on TD 7 (P>0.05), the expressions of TGF-β1 in wound tissue of rats in middle dose group and high dose group on TD 3 and 14 were significantly higher than those in low dose group (P<0.01). Except for that on TD 14 (P<0.01), the expressions of TGF-β1 in wound tissue of rats in high dose group on TD 3 and 7 were close to those in middle dose group (P>0.05). (4) Except for those in low dose group on TD 3 and 14 and in middle dose group and high dose group on TD 14 (P>0.05), the protein expressions of phosphorylated Smad3 in wound tissue of rats in the 3 groups at the other time points were significantly higher than those in normal saline control group (P<0.01). Except for those on TD 14 (P>0.05), the protein expressions of phosphorylated Smad3 in wound tissue of rats in middle dose group and high dose group on TD 3 and 7 were significantly higher than those in low dose group (P<0.01). Except for that on TD 14 (P>0.05), the protein expressions of phosphorylated Smad3 in wound tissue of rats in high dose group on TD 3 and 7 were significantly lower than those in middle dose group (P<0.01).@*Conclusions@#Exogenous hEPO can increase the expressions of CD31, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated Smad3 in acute wounds of rats, promote angiogenesis of wounds, and activate TGF-β1/Smad3 signal transduction pathway to promote wound healing.
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Objective To observe the effect of treadmill exercise on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and its receptor Smad3 protein as well as on cell apoptosis in the ischemic boundary zone,so as to explore how exercise promotes the recovery of neurological function after cerebral ischemia.Methods Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group (n=6),a model group (n=12) and an exercise group (n=12).A modified Longa's method was used to establish an animal model of cerebral ischemia by occluding the right middle cerebral artery in the rats of the model and exercise groups.Those of the sham group were subjected to the same surgical procedure except that no thread was inserted.After 24h the exercise group began treadmill training,while the other two groups were left on the treadmill without training.Modified neurological severity scores (mNSSs) were used to quantify the rats' neurological functioning on the 3rd,7th and 14th day after the surgery.The ischemic boundary zone tissue was then dissected to detect the expression of TGF-31 and Smad3 protein using western blotting.Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.Results The average mNSS scores of the exercise group on the 7th and the 14th day were significantly lower than those of the model group at the same time points.The average expression level of TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein in the exercise group was significantly higher than in the model group.The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the exercise group was significantly lower than in the model group on the 14th day.Conclusions Treadmill exercise can improve the recovery of neurological function after cerebral ischemia.It may be partly due to upregulating the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein,which inhibit cell apoptosis in the ischemic boundary zone.
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PURPOSE: The transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) are two key players in various types of malignancies including breast cancer. The TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway can interact with HIF-1α in some diseases; however, their interaction in breast cancer is still unknown. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the interactions between the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway and HIF-1α in breast cancer. METHODS: Expression of HIF-1α in serum of breast cancer patients and healthy controls was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the diagnostic value of HIF-1α for breast cancer was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Breast cancer cell lines overexpressing SMAD3 and HIF-1α were established. Cell apoptosis and proliferation following different treatments were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and cell counting kit-8, respectively. Expression of related proteins was detected by western blot. RESULTS: Serum levels of HIF-1α were higher in breast cancer patients than in normal controls. Both SMAD3 and HIF-1α overexpression inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation. Treatment with inhibitors of HIF-1α and SMAD3 promoted apoptosis in breast cancer cells and inhibited their proliferation. Overexpression of HIF-1α promoted the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD3, while SMAD3 overexpression did not significantly affect expression of HIF-1α or TGF-β1. CONCLUSION: HIF-1α serves as an upstream regulator of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway and promotes the growth of breast cancer.
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Humans , Apoptosis , Blotting, Western , Breast Neoplasms , Breast , Cell Count , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Reverse Transcription , ROC Curve , Smad3 Protein , Transforming Growth Factor beta1 , Transforming Growth FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro screening system for activin receptor-like kinase 4,5 and 7 (ALK4,ALK5 and ALK7) inhibitors.METHODS The insect expression systems for kinase domain of ALK4,5,7 and Smad2/3 proteins were established using the Bac to Bac baculovirus expression system.The desired proteins were expressed in Sf9 insect cells and purified by GST affinity.The screening system was composed of the kinase,Smad3 protein,ATP as well as the compound.The impact of the compound on the activities of ALK kinase domains was examined by measuring the amount of remnant ATP in the system as ALKs catalyzed the phosphorylation of Smad3 protein and consumed ATP during the process.The screening conditions were optimized,and validation of the screening system was conducted using known ALKs inhibitors.RESULTS All the reconstructed Bacmids were identified to be correct by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion.All the proteins were expressed in Sf9 insect cells after transfection,and purified proteins were achieved by GST affinity purification.For the screening system,the optimized kinase concentration and Smad3 concentration were 10 mg· L-1 and the optimized ATP concentration was 10 nmol·L-1.The Z'factor for ALK4,ALK5,and ALK7 kinase inhibitors screening system was 0.71,0.51 and 0.74,respectively.The well-known ALK inhibitor SB431542 inhibited the catalytic activities of ALK4,ALK5,and ALK7 with IC50 values of 22,188 and 91 nmol· L-1,respectively.CONCLUSION The in vitro screening system for ALK4,ALK5 and ALK7 inhibitors is successfully established.
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Objective To observe the expression of MicroRNA-21(miRNA-21)in kidney tissue of unilateral ureteral obstruc-tion (UUO)rats and explore mechanisms of miRNA-21 involved in TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF).Methods Totally 20 adult male SD rats were divided into UUO group and Sham operation group.The left ureter of rats in UUO group were ligated,and the rats in sham group were dissociated left ureter only,but not to be obstructed.The left kidney tis-sue was collected at the 3rd、7th days after surgery.Real-time quantitative PCR analysed the expression of miRNA-21.Masson stai-ning,HE staining and immunohislochemistry staining were used to evaluate the degree of RIF.The expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)、Smad3,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)、and collagenⅠ(Col-Ⅰ)were examined by immunohislochemis-try staining.Results The expression of miRNA-21 in kidney tissue was higher at 3rd、7th days after surgery in UUO groups than that in Sham group(P <0.01).The expression in UUO group at 7th day was higher than 3rd day after surgery(P <0.01).The fi-brosis score,positive TGF-β1、Smad3、Col-Ⅰ、α-SMA area in UUO group were significantly higher than those of Sham group at 3rd、7th days (P <0.01),Which at 7th day were higher than 3rd day in UUO group(P <0.01).The expressions of miRNA-21 in kidney tissue was positive correlations with the fibrosis score(r=0.888,P <0.01).The expressions of miRNA-21 in kidney tissue was positive correlations with TGF-β1、Smad3、Col-Ⅰ、α-SMA(r=0.799,0.849,0.882,0.896,P <0.01).Conclusion The expres-sion of miRNA-21 was upregulated in UUO kidney tissue after model establishment.The RIF degree might be positive correlations with miRNA-21 expression,and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway positively regulate miRNA-21 to mediate rats RIF.
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BACKGROUND:Pancreatic stelate cels transforming growth factor β1/Smads signaling pathway activation is probably a main molecular mechanism of pancreatic fibrosis. If this pathway can be blocked, the progression of fibrosis of tissues with chronic pancreatitis wil be inhibited. OBJECTIVE:To study the inhibitory effect of colchicine on transforming growth factor β1/Smads pathway in chronic pancreatitis rat models. METHODS:Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into colchicines-treated group and chronic pancreatitis group. After successful establishment of rat models of chronic pancreatitis, the rats in the colchicines-treated group were intraperitonealy injected with colchicine 150 μg/kg daily. The rats in the chronic pancreatitis group were intraperitonealy injected with equal volume of physiological saline daily. Pancreatic tissues were colected after 3 months. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe histopathological changes of pancreatic tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of transforming growth factor β1 in pancreatic tissue. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the expressions of P-Smad2, P-Smad3 and α-SMA protein in pancreatic stelate cels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hematoxylin-eosin staining results revealed that compared with the colchicines-treated group, glandular tissue had reduced, while fibrous connective tissue and inflammatory cels had increased obviously and replaced the pancreatic gland tissue in the chronic pancreatitis group. Immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated that the expression levels of transforming growth factor β1 and the index of positive cels were significantly lower in the colchicines-treated group than those in the chronic pancreatitis group (P < 0.05). Western blot assay results revealed that the results of P-Smad2/β-actin, P-Smad3/β-actin andα-SMA/β-actin in pancreatic stelate cels were significantly lower in the chronic pancreatitis group than those in the colchicines-treated group (P < 0.05). Results suggested that colchicine could inhibit the activity of transforming growth factor β1/Smads pathway and pancreatic tissue fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis rats. Therefore, colchicine can be used as a new candidate therapeutic scheme for chronic pancreatitis fibrosis.
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Objective To observe the phosphorylation of Smad3 in hyperplastic scar fibroblasts (HSFs) induced by hematoporphyrin monomerthyl ether (HMME) followed by photodynamic therapy (PDT).Methods Fibroblasts were isolated from the hypertrophic scar tissues of 10 patients and subjected to culture in vitro.After 3-5 passages,the HSFs were divided into 4 groups:control group receiving no treatment,PDT group pretreated with HMME of 4 μg/ml followed by PDT,HMME group induced by HMME alone,and laser group irradiated with laser alone.Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the expression of Smad3 after immunofluorescent staining with anti-Smad3 antibody,and Western blot to detect the expression of Smad3 and phosphorylated Smad3 in these HSFs.Paired t test was conducted to compare the difference in Smad3 and phosphorylated Smad3 expression between these groups.Results The total fluorescence intensity of Smad3 was similar between these groups,but the intranuclear fluorescence signal was significantly weaker in the PDT group than in the control group.The level of phosphorylated Smad3 was statistically decreased in the PDT group compared with the control group (0.20 ± 0.02 vs.0.92 ± 0.15,P ＜ 0.05),but no significant difference was observed between the HMME group and laser group (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion PDT may inhibit the proliferation of HSFs via attenuating the phosphorylation of Smad3.
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Objective To investigate the mechanism of the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) by detecting the expressions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, Smad proteins andα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in kidney biopsy of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods Twenty-eight patients with DN who underwent renal biopsy were col-lected as DN group. Ten subjects without DN who underwent nephrectomy were taken as control group. The expressions of TGF-β1, TGF-βRⅠ,TGF-βRⅡ,Smad2/3 andα-SMA in renal tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry stain. Results (1)TGF-β1,TGF-β RⅠ,TGF-β RⅡ,and Smad2/3 were expressed in the glomeruli and tubules of both DN group and control group, while the expressions of TGF-βand Smad proteins were significantly higher in DN group than those in control group. At the early stage of DN, TGF-βand Smad proteins were significantly expressed even though there was no remarkable lesions observed by light microscopy. There was no correlation between increased expression and the progres-sion of DN. These proteins were not expressed after glomerulus and renal tubule fibrosis. (2) In control group,α-SMA was identified only in the vascular walls, glomerulus and renal tubules, while it was expressed in almost all parts of kidney in DN group. Conclusion TGF-β and Smad signals involved in the pathogenesis of DN, which may have similar pathogenesis with immune complex glomerulonephritis.
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Objective To investigate the molecular mechanisms of protective effects of thioredoxin (Trx) on human vascular endothelial cells in atherosclerosis.Methods The cell models of Trx-overexpressing cells (Ad Trx) and the control cells (Ad-con) were established by adenovirus vector gene transfer technology in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).The oxidized low density lipoprotein,a risk factor of atherosclerosis,was used as a stimulator.Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expression levels and the cellular localization of Trx,adhesion molecules (ICAM-1,VCAM-1) and the upstream signal pathways.Trx activity was detected by insulin disulfide reduction assay,and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)production was detected by fluorescent probe DCFH-DA.Results As compared with control group,Trx protein expression level was enhanced in Ad-trx group and the Trx activity in Ad-Trx group was upregulated by (26.2 ±3.3)％.The result of ROS detection showed that overexpression of Trx significantly inhibited the cellular ROS generation.As compared with control group,overexpression of Trx obviously inhibited the adhesion molecules expression but markedly promoted the phosphorylation of Smad3 in endothelial cells with or without oxLDL stimulation (P＜0.05).Pretreatment of cells with SIS3,a specific inhibitor of Smad3 phosphorylation,reversed Trx-induced inhibition of adhesion molecules expression.Further studies showed that pretreatment of cells with SIS3 enhanced oxLDL-induced AP-1 subunit c-fos nuclear expression.Conclusions The enhancement of Smad3 phosphorylation and c-Fos nuclear expression are mainly responsible for the Trx-induced downregulation of adhesion molecules.
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Ecotropic viral integration site-1 (Evi-1) gene is first identified as a binding site for retrovirus in murine myeloid leukemia.The human homologue with the murine in leukemia oncogene Evi-1 is about 91％ of nuclear sequence and 94％ of amino acid.Evi-1 gene is high expressed in myeloid malignancies and other tumors.The main tumorigenic mechanisms of Evi-1 gene include inhibiting TGF-β signal path by depressing Smad3,adjusting cell cycle,promoting angiogenesis,inhibiting JNK.activating AP-1,and so on.
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Objective To investigate the role of serine threonine protein kinase-1 (Akt1) and Smad3 in lung tissues in development of hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats.Methods Seventy-two healthy male SpragueDawley rats,aged 3-4 months,weighing 200-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=24 each):control group (C group),sham operation group (S group) and common bile duct ligation (CBDL) group.The rats were anesthetized with 3％ pentobarbital sodium 45 mg/kg.In group CBDL,laparotomy was performed,the common bile duct was ligated and then the abdomen was closed,while the common bile duct was only exposed,but not ligated and then the abdomen was closed in group S.At 1st,3rd and 5th weeks (T1-3),8 rats were chosen randomly in each group and blood samples were obtained from the abdominal aorta for blood gas analysis.The rats were then sacrificed and lungs were isolated to detect the expression of Aktl and Smad3 mRNA and protein in lung tissues (by RT-PCR and Western blot).The lung tissues were sliced and stained with hematoxylin eosin for examination of the pathological changes of pulmonary capillaries.Results Compared with C and S groups,the expression of Akt1 and Smad3 mRNA and protein in lung tissues was significantly up-regulated at T2,3,and alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference was increased at T3 in CBDL group (P ＜ 0.05).The pulmonary capillary was obviously dilated at T3 in CBDL group.Conclusion The expression of Akt1 and Smad3 in lung tissues is up-regulated,which may be one of the mechanisms of development of hepatopulmonary syndrome in rats.
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Previously, we found that high doses of genistein show an inhibitory effect on uterine leiomyoma (UtLM) cell proliferation. In this study, using microarray analysis and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis(TM), we identified genes (up- or down-regulated, > or = 1.5 fold, P < or = 0.001), functions and signaling pathways that were altered following treatment with an inhibitory concentration of genistein (50 microg/ml) in UtLM cells. Downregulation of TGF-beta signaling pathway genes, activin A, activin B, Smad3, TGF-beta2 and genes related to cell cycle regulation, with the exception of the upregulation of the CDK inhibitor P15, were identified and validated by real-time RT-PCR studies. Western blot analysis further demonstrated decreased protein expression of activin A and Smad3 in genistein-treated UtLM cells. Moreover, we found that activin A stimulated the growth of UtLM cells, and the inhibitory effect of genistein was partially abrogated in the presence of activin A. Overexpression of activin A and Smad3 were found in tissue samples of leiomyoma compared to matched myometrium, supporting the contribution of activin A and Smad3 in promoting the growth of UtLM cells. Taken together, these results suggest that down-regulation of activin A and Smad3, both members of the TGF-beta pathway, may offer a mechanistic explanation for the inhibitory effect of a high-dose of genistein on UtLM cells, and might be potential therapeutic targets for treatment of clinical cases of uterine leiomyomas.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Activins/genetics , Anticarcinogenic Agents/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p15/genetics , Down-Regulation , Genistein/pharmacology , Leiomyoma/metabolism , Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/genetics , Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics , Up-Regulation , Uterine Neoplasms/metabolismABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of curcumin in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) induced intestinal fibrosis in rats and its mechanism. Methods Forty SD rats were randomly divided into model group, treatment group, control group and normal group with 10each. Except the normal group, the other three groups were given 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg of TNBS enema on the 1st, 8 th, 15th, 22nd and 29th days,respectively. The rats in treatment group were intraperitonealy injected with 30 mg/kg of curcumin daily. Control group was injected with 0. 9%NaCl solution and normal group received an equal volume of 50% ethanol enema without any treatment. The damage and fibrosis of colon were detected with HE staining and Masson collagen staining, respectively. The contents of interleukin (IL) -2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, IL-4 and IL-17 in colon were measured by enzyme-link immunosorbent analysis (ELISA). The expressions of intestinal fibrosis related cytokines such as transforming growth factor (TGF) -β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Smad3, collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ mRNA were determined by FQ-PCR.Results The macroscopic and micrpscopic colonic damage scores and collagen area were significantly higher in model group (6.14 ± 1.07, 8. 42 ± 1.40 and 36. 59% ± 4.07%, respectively) and control group (6.17 ± 1.47, 8. 17 ±1.47 and 37.18 %±4.05 %, respectively) than those in normal group (2.13±0.64, 2.25±1.28 and 25.43%±5.39% ,respectively)(P＜0.05). Contents of IL2, TNF-α, IL-17, as well as expressions of intestinal fibrosis related cytokines including TGF-β1, CTGF,Smad3, collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ mRNA were also higher in model group [(378. 25±29. 90) ng/L,(87.11±23.85) ng/L, (47.80±5.62) ng/L, 4.71%±2.71%,10.33%±6.99%,9.35%±7.32%,1.52% ± 1.11% and 3.04% ±1.33%, respectively] and control group [(410. 06 ± 64.74) ng/L,(100.41±12.59) ng/L, (41.45±2. 12) ng/L, 4. 12%±3.01%,11.46%±4.72%,10. 11%±3.80%,1. 57% ± 1. 35% and 3. 03% ± 3. 53%, respectively] in comparision with normal group [(179.74±20. 73) ng/L, (35. 47±7. 13) ng/L, (14. 48±7. 52) ng/L and 0. 90%± 1. 13%,0.53%±0.47%, 0. 62%±0. 44%, 0. 16%±0. 09% and 0. 18%±0. 10%, respectively] (P＜0.05). While in treatment group, the macroscopic (4.00 ± 1.07 ) and micrpscopic (5. 13 ± 1.46)colonic damage scores, collagen area (30.01%±7.56%), contents of IL-2 [(223.91±28.04) ng/L],TNF-α [(44.19±4. 77) ng/L] and IL-17 [(14.89±4. 31) ng/L], expressions of TGF-β1 (0.85%±0.76%), CTGF (1.56%±1.13%), Smad3 (3.62%±3.03%), collagen Ⅰ (0.40%±0.31%) and Ⅲ (0.60 % ± 1.02 % ) mRNA were much lower than those in model group and control group (P＜0.05 ), but similar to those in normal group (P＞ 0.05 ). Conclusions Curcumin can inhibit intestinal fibrosis caused by excessive "wound-healing" reaction via reducing the overexpression of cytokines in colonic mucosa and attenuating the inflammation of colon.
ABSTRACT
Angiogenesis is a multi-step process that involves the activation, proliferation, and migration of endothelial cells. We have recently shown that TGF-beta1 can induce mouse macrophages to produce VEGF, a potent angiogenic factor. In the present study, we explored whether TGF-beta1 has a similar effect on mouse dendritic cells. First, we show that under hypoxic conditions, TGF-beta1 induced the expression of VEGF transcripts in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Overexpression of Smad3/4 further augmented TGF-beta1-induced VEGF transcription, while overexpression of DN-Smad3 decreased VEGF transcription in DC2.4 cells, a mouse dendritic cell line. We also show that TGF-beta1 and Smads are involved in the induction of VEGF protein secretion. Interestingly, under the same conditions, the expression of VEGF receptor 1 (Flt-1) was also elevated at both the transcriptional and protein levels. Additionally, we found that the TGF-beta1-induced VEGF secretion in activated DC2.4 cells has wound-healing properties. Finally, Smad7 and Smurf1 negatively regulated the TGF-beta1-induced and Smad3/4-mediated VEGF expression. Taken together, these results indicate that TGF-beta1 can enhance the expression of VEGF and Flt-1 through the typical Smad pathway in mouse dendritic cells.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/metabolism , Cell Line , Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Macrophages/metabolism , Mice, Inbred BALB C , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Smad2 Protein/metabolism , Smad3 Protein/metabolism , Smad4 Protein/metabolism , Smad7 Protein/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1/metabolismABSTRACT
Objective Study the possible mechanisms of inhibiting hepatic fibrosis of IFN-? by observing the effects of IFN-? on the expression of smad3 mRNA in rat hepatic fibrosis model.Methods 70 rats were divided into three groups at random-fibrosis model group、IFN-? treatment group and normal control group.There are 30 rats in fibrosis model group which were induced to hepatic fibrosis by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl4) for 12 weeks.In the meantime,using IFN-? to treat the rats in IFN-? treatment group for 12 weeks.Histopathology changes and degree of fibrosis in livers of all rats were observed.Eventually,Smad3 mRNA were detected and quantified by real-time RT-PCR.Results In contrast with normal control group,the degrees of fibrosis in rat fibrosis model were significantly increased(P