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.

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.

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.

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma combination inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer HT-29 cells by regulating EMT / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to investigate the effect of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(AC) combination on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colon cancer HT-29 cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT). HT-29 cells were respectively treated with 0, 3, 6 and 12 g·kg~(-1) AC-containing serum for 48 h. The survival and growth of cells were measured by thiazole blue(MTT) colorimetry, and the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells were detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU) test and Transwell assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The BALB/c nude mouse model of subcutaneous colon cancer xenograft was established, and then model mice were classified into blank control group, 6 g·kg~(-1) AC group, and 12 g·kg~(-1) AC group. The tumor weight and volume of mice were recorded, and the histopathological morphology of the tumor was observed based on hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The expression of apoptosis-associated proteins B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein(Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3(caspase-3), and cleaved caspase-3, and EMT-associated proteins E-cadherin, MMP9, MMP2 and vimentin in HT-29 cells and mouse tumor tissues after the treatment of AC was determined by Western blot. The results showed that cell survival rate and the number of cells at proliferation stage decreased compared with those in the blank control group. The number of migrating and invading cells reduced and the number of apoptotic cells increased in the administration groups compared with those in the blank control group. As for the in vivo experiment, compared with the blank control group, the administration groups had small tumors with low mass and shrinkage of cells and karyopycnosis in the tumor tissue, indicating that the AC combination may improve EMT. In addition, the expression of Bcl2 and E-cadherin increased and the expression of Bax, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, MMP9, MMP2, and vimentin decreased in HT-29 cells and tumor tissues in each administration group. In summary, the AC combination can significantly inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT of HT-29 cells in vivo and in vitro and promote the apoptosis of colon cancer cells.

Estudo da imunoexpressão de proteínas envolvidas na transição epitélio-mesênquima em tumores de glândula salivar / Study of the immunoexpression of proteins involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in salivary gland tumors

Os tumores de glândula salivar (TGS) apresentam notável complexidade clínica e biológica, razão para a qual muitos estudos investigam os eventos envolvidos na sua progressão. Uma das dinâmicas envolvidas na invasão tumoral de diversos tipos de carcinomas é a transição epitélio-mesênquima (TEM). Neste processo, as células epiteliais sofrem transição para um estado mesenquimal móvel, favorecendo a invasão e metástase. Sendo assim, esta pesquisa analisou a expressão imuno-histoquímica de E-caderina, Twist1, Snail1, α-SMA, metaloproteinases de matriz 9 (MMP-9) e Vimentina (VM) em 90 casos de TGS, correlacionando-os entre si e com parâmetros clinicopatológicos. Foram selecionados 20 casos de Adenoma pleomórfico (AP), 20 casos de Carcinoma mucoepidermoide (CME), 20 casos de Carcinoma adenoide cístico (CAC), 10 casos de Adenocarcinoma polimorfo (ACP), 10 casos de Carcinoma epitelial-mioepitelial (CEME) e 10 casos de Carcinoma ex-adenoma pleomórfico (CexAP). A análise de E-caderina, Twist1, Snail1 foi realizada em parênquima tumoral sendo observado o percentual de células positivas (PP), com escores variando de 0 a 4, e a intensidade de expressão (IE), cujos escores variaram de 0 a 3. A avaliação de MMP-9 foi realizada em parênquima e estroma tumoral, também avaliando-se a PP e a IE, ambos baseados em escores que variaram de 0 a 3. A marcação para α-SMA e VM foi analisada em região de estroma tumoral. Células positivas para α-SMA foram contabilizadas em 10 campos, obtendo-se, então a média. A VM foi avaliada de forma qualitativa, utilizando-se 4 escores de acordo com a IE e se a marcação é difusa ou focal. Os dados obtidos foram analisados no software Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism e STATA. O nível de significância de 5% foi adotado para os testes estatísticos. Foi verificada menor imunomarcação de E-caderina nos APs em relação às neoplasias malignas de glândula salivar (NMGS). Observou-se baixa imunoexpressão de Twist1 e Snail1 em APs. Em relação a expressão nuclear do Twist1, constatou-se maior expressão nas neoplasias malignas quando comparadas aos APs. Ainda, Twist1 em núcleo foi correlacionado à expressão citoplasmática de E-caderina nas NMGS. No que concerne aos parâmetros clinicopatológicos, esta proteína se relacionou estatisticamente com maiores chances de óbito. Foi evidenciada baixa imunoexpressão de Snail1 entre as NMGS. No entanto, na análise dos CACs, foi verificada maior expressão nuclear na variante sólida em relação às demais. A expressão de MMP-9 em parênquima demonstrou correlação positiva com Twist1 citoplasmático e Snail1nuclear nas NMGS. A MMP-9 também apresentou correlação positiva na comparação da sua imunoexpressão em região de parênquima e de estroma. A VM se apresentou como um biomarcador a ser considerado na avaliação clínica dos pacientes, já que esta apresentou relação significativa com tamanho do tumor (T3-T4) e maior frequência de óbito. Ademais, a alta expressão desta proteína se apresentou como um fator preditivo independente para piores taxas de sobrevida global (SG). A avaliação dos demais fatores clinicopatológicos apresentou estágios clínicos avançados como indicador de valor prognóstico independente para menores taxas de SG, enquanto que para a sobrevida livre da doença, estes foram a localização em glândula salivar menor e presença de metástase à distância. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o processo de TEM pode estar relacionado ao estágio de diferenciação celular em APs e à progressão tumoral nas NMGS. Ressalta-se, também, maior participação de Twist1 e MMP-9 no cenário da TEM em tumores malignos de glândula salivar, além da possibilidade de utilização da VM como indicador de valor prognóstico (AU).

Salivary gland tumors (SGTs) present remarkable clinical and biological complexity; therefore, many studies investigate the events involved in their progression. One of the dynamics involved in the tumor invasion of different types of carcinomas is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this process, epithelial cells undergo a transition to a mobile mesenchymal state, favoring invasion and metastasis. Therefore, this research analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin, Twist1, Snail1, α-SMA, vimentin (VM) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in 90 SGTs cases; correlations among the biomarkers, as well as between the biomarkers and clinicopathological parameters were made. We selected 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 20 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), 20 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 10 cases of polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), 10 cases of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) and 10 cases of carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA). E-cadherin, Twist1, and Snail1 were analyzed in tumor parenchyma, observing the percentage of positive cells (PP) using scores ranging from 0 to 4, and the expression intensity (EI), whose scores were ranged from 0 to 3. The evaluation of MMP-9 was performed in tumor parenchyma and stroma, also evaluating PP and IE, both based on scores that ranged from 0 to 3. The labeling for α-SMA and VM was analyzed in stromal cells. Positive cells for α-SMA were counted in 10 fields and the mean was calculated. VM was evaluated qualitatively, using 4 scores according to EI and whether the labeling was diffuse or focal. Obtained data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, GraphPad Prism, and STATA software. The significance level of 5% was adopted for the statistical tests. Patients were mostly female, with a mean age of 49.8 years; the major salivary glands were the most affected anatomical site, mainly the parotid gland. A lower E-cadherin immunostaining was verified in PAs in comparison to malignant neoplasms of salivary glands (MNSGs). Low immunoexpression of Twist1 and Snail1 was observed in PAs. Regarding the nuclear expression of Twist1, it was found greater expression in malignant neoplasms than in PAs. Furthermore, Twist1 in the nucleus was correlated with cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin in MNSGs. Regarding clinicopathological parameters, this protein was statistically related to higher chances of death. Low immunoexpression of Snail1 was evidenced among the MNSGs. However, in the analysis of CACs, greater nuclear expression was observed in the solid variant compared to the others. Expression of MMP-9 in parenchyma showed a positive correlation with cytoplasmic Twist1 and Snail1nuclear in MNSGs. MMP-9 also showed a positive correlation when comparing its immunoexpression in the parenchyma and the stroma. VM was presented as a biomarker to be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients since it showed a significant correlation between greater tumor size and a higher frequency of death. Furthermore, the high expression of this protein appeared as an independent predictive factor for worse overall survival (OS) rates. The evaluation of the rest of the clinicopathological factors showed advanced clinical stages as an indicator of independent prognostic value for lower rates of OS. For disease-free survival, these indicators were the location in the minor salivary gland and the presence of distant metastasis. Our results suggest that the EMT may be related to myoepithelial differentiation in PAs and tumor progression in MNSGs. Also, Twist1 and MMP-9 appear to play a greater role in the scenario of EMT in MNSGs; finally, VM might be used as a prognostic value indicator (AU).

Effect and mechanism of terminal fucosylation inhibitor on ciclosporin-induced renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the effect and mechanism of terminal fucosylation inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-galactose (2-D-gal) on ciclosporin (CsA)-induced renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods Fifteen male C57BL/6 mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly and evenly divided into the control group (Ctrl group), CsA group and CsA+2-D-gal group (n=5). The expression levels of fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1), EMT-associated proteins including E-cadherin, Vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the kidney tissues of the Ctrl and CsA groups were detected by Western blot. The expression levels of terminal fucose in the kidney tissues of Ctrl and CsA groups were determined by immunofluorescence. The renal fibrosis of mice in each group was evaluated by Masson staining. The blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels of mice in each group were detected. The in vitro EMT model of renal tubular epithelial cell HK2 was induced by CsA. HK2 cells were stimulated with 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 μmol/L CsA for 24 h, respectively. In addition, HK2 cells were divided into the Ctrl, 2-D-gal, CsA and CsA+2-D-gal groups. The morphology of HK2 cells after stimulation with different concentrations of CsA and in each group was observed. The expression levels of FUT1, E-cadherin, Vimentin and α-SMA in HK2 cells after stimulation with different concentrations of CsA and in each group were detected by Western blot. The expression level of terminal fucose in HK2 cells of the Ctrl and CsA groups was measured by immunofluorescence. Results Compared with the Ctrl group, the relative expression of E-cadherin protein was down-regulated, those of FUT1, Vimentin and α-SMA proteins were up-regulated (all P < 0.05), and that of terminal fucose in the mouse kidney tissues was up-regulated in the CsA group. Compared with the Ctrl group, the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels in the CsA and CsA+2-D-gal groups were up-regulated (all P < 0.05). Compared with the CsA group, the blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels in the CsA+2-D-gal group were down-regulated (both P < 0.05). Compared with the Ctrl group, the collagen fiber deposition was increased and the relative expression of α-SMA protein was up-regulated in the mouse kidney tissues of CsA and CsA+2-D-gal groups (all P < 0.05). Compared with the CsA group, the collagen fiber deposition was decreased and the relative expression of α-SMA protein in the mouse kidney tissues was down-regulated in the CsA+2-D-gal group (both P < 0.05). With the increase of CsA concentration, the morphology of HK2 cells gradually became longer and thinner from original normal cobblestone shape, the relative expression levels of FUT1, Vimentin and α-SMA protein in HK2 cells were up-regulated, and that of E-cadherin protein was down-regulated in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with the Ctrl group, the expression level of terminal fucose of HK2 cells was up-regulated in the CsA group. After CsA treatment combined with 2-D-gal intervention, the morphology of HK2 cells in the CsA+2-D-gal group was restored to resemble that of normal HK2 cells. Compared with the CsA group, the relative expression of E-cadherin protein in HK2 cells was up-regulated, whereas those of Vimentin and α-SMA proteins were down-regulated in the CsA+2-D-gal group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions CsA may induce EMT both in vivo and in vitro, and the terminal fucosylation is increased. 2-D-gal may inhibit CsA-induced EMT by suppressing the terminal fucosylation.

Modified Xiao Xianxiongtang Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Gastric Cancer MGC803 Cells via Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the inhibitory effect of modified Xiao Xianxiongtang on epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of human gastric cancer MGC803 cells and its relationship with secretory glycoprotein Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MethodThe BALB/c nude mice were implanted with human gastric cancer MGC803 cell suspension in the heterotopic subcutaneous position for inducing tumor. After successful modeling， they were randomly divided into the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose （16.0，32.0，and 64.0 g·kg-1） groups of modified Xiao Xianxiongtang， and capecitabine （400 mg·kg-1） group， with eight mice in each group， and gavaged with the corresponding drugs， once per day， for 28 consecutive days. Those in the capecitabine group received one-week discontinuation after every two weeks of treatment. The general state and body weight of the nude mice were observed， and the transplanted tumor volume was measured. After being killed， they were weighed and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was carried out for observing the pathological changes in transplanted tumor tissues. The gene and protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， followed by the determination of matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， N-cadherin， E-cadherin， Vimentin， and Snail protein expression by Western blot. The expression levels of cyclooxygenase 2 （COX2） and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. ResultIt was found that the transplanted tumor in each group showed different growth trends with time， with the most obvious growth observed in the model group. Compared with the model group， the low-， medium-， and high-dose modified Xiao Xianxiongtang groups exhibited reduced tumor volume and slowed growth to varying degrees over time. After medication for days 7，14，21，and 28， the tumor volumes in the low- and high-dose modified Xiao Xianxiongtang groups and capecitabine group declined （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and that in the medium-dose Xiao Xianxiongtang group was also remarkably reduced after medication for days 14，21，and 28 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the high-dose modified Xiao Xianxiongtang group and capecitabine group showed a significant reduction in the relative tumor volume after treatment for days 7，14，21，28 （P<0.01）， and the low- and medium-dose modified Xiao Xianxiongtang groups also presented with decreased relative tumor volume after treatment for days 14，21，28 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the modified Xiao Xianxiongtang at low， medium， and high doses and capecitabine all increased the tumor inhibition rate to varying degrees （P<0.01）， down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in tumor tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01） and protein expression levels of MMP-9， VEGF， N-cadherin， Vimentin， and Snail （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated E-cadherin protein expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced COX2 and PGE2 contents （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Xiao Xianxiongtang inhibits the EMT of human gastric cancer MGC803 cell-transplanted tumor， which may be related to Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Mechanical Heterogeneity of Tumor Tissues and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Tumor Cells / 医用生物力学

In the process of tumor growth, with the proliferation and expansion of cancer cells, the reconstruction of extracellular matrix (ECM) of cancer tissues, the restriction of surrounding tissues and the flow of cancer tissue interstitial fluid, the special stress environment is formed in the tumor tissues. Significant differences are found in the mechanical environment and mechanical characteristics of different regions of tumor tissues, that is, mechanical heterogeneity. The reseach shows that the mechanical properties of tumor tissue invasion frontier areas are more significant and complex. In particular, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells also prefers to concentrate on this area. The mechanical stress generated by the invasion front can induce EMT of tumor cells through TWIST1, TGF-β, WNT and other force signal transduction pathways, and promote tumor cell invasion. From the perspective of tumor biomechanics, this review focuses on the relationship between mechanical heterogeneity of tumor cells and EMT, so as to provide the theoretical basis for mechanoenvironment-targeted therapy of tumors.

Chrysin inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cell by regulating NF-κB/Twist 1 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to assess whether chrysin(ChR) can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cell and produce anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect by regulating the NF-κB/Twist 1 signaling pathway. Sixty rats were randomly divided into the control group, the bleomycin(BLC) group, BLC+ChR(50 mg·kg~(-1)) group and BLC+ChR(100 mg·kg~(-1)) group, with 15 rats in each group. The pulmonary fibrosis model was induced by intratracheal injection of BLC(7 500 U·kg~(-1)). Rats were orally administered with different doses of ChR after BLC injection for 28 days. The cells were divided into control group, TGF-β1 group(5 ng·mL~(-1)), and TGF-β1+ChR(1, 10, 100 μmol·L~(-1)) groups. The type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells were treated with TGF-β1 for 24 h, and then treated with TGF-β1 for 48 h in the presence or absence of different doses of ChR(1, 10 and 100 μmol·L~(-1)). The morphological changes and collagen deposition in lung tissues were analyzed by HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of collagen Ⅰ, E-cadherin, zonula occludens-1(ZO-1), vimentin, alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha(IκBα), nuclear factor-kappa B p65(NF-κB p65), phospho-NF-κB p65(p-p65) and Twist 1 in lung tissues and cells were detected by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The animal experiment results showed that as compared with the BLC group, after administration of ChR for 28 days, bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats was significantly relieved, collagen Ⅰ expression in lung tissues was significantly reduced(P<0.05 or P<0.01), and EMT of alveolar epithelial cells was obviously inhibited [the expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were increased and the expression levels of vimentin and α-SMA were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01)], concomitantly with significantly reduced IκBα and p65 phosphorylation level in cytoplasm and decreased NF-κB p65 and Twist 1 expression in nucleus(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The cell experiment results showed that different doses of ChR(1, 10 and 100 μmol·L~(-1)) significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced collagen Ⅰ expression(P<0.05 or P<0.01), significantly inhibited EMT of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells[the expression levels of E-cadherin and ZO-1 were increased and the expression levels of vimentin and α-SMA were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01)], and inhibited IκBα and p65 phosphorylation in cytoplasm and down-regulated NF-κB p65 and Twist 1 expression in nucleus induced by TGF-β1(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The results suggest that ChR can reverse EMT of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cell and alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and its mechanism may be associated with reducing IκBα phosphorylation and inhibiting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear transfer, thus down-regulating Twist 1 expression.

Mechanism of Artesunate in Reversing Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and Akt /Snail Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Carcinoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of artesunate （ART） on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation （EMT） of colorectal cancer HCT-8 cells，and explore the effects of ART on cell migration，invasion，EMT ability， and protein kinase B （Akt）/Snail signaling pathway of colorectal cancer. Method:3-（4-5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl）2，5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay was used to detect the effects of ART at different concentrations on the proliferation of HCT-8 cells. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay were used respectively to detect the effects of ART on migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells. The effects of different concentrations of ART on the distribution of EMT-related proteins vimentin and E-cadherin in HCT-8 cells were detected by double-immunofluorescent staining. The effects of ART on protein expression levels of EMT markers E-cadherin，vimentin and N-cadherin in HCT-8 cells and the expression of Akt1， p-Akt1， and Snail1 in the Akt/Snail signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. Result:The dose-dependent inhibitory effects of ART on the proliferation of HCT-8 cells were determined and the inhibition rate was calculated. A dose-response curve was plotted accordingly. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） of ART on HCT-8 cells was （16.67±1.95） μmol·L^-1. The following four groups were set up： a control group （0 μmol·L^-1），and low-， medium-， and high-dose ART groups（2， 10， 50 μmol·L^-1）. Compared with the results in the control group，ART inhibited the migration and invasion of HCT-8 cells（<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Specifically， the expression of E-cadherin in HCT-8 cells was significantly up-regulated，and that of vimentin and N-cadherin was significantly down-regulated （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. The expression levels of p-Akt1 and Snail1 were significantly decreased after ART treatment，thus inhibiting EMT（<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:The findings of this study suggested that ART inhibited the EMT-triggered migration and invasion of HCT-8 cells presumedly by inhibiting the activation of the Akt/Snail pathway to reverse EMT.

Mechanism of Fuzheng Qufeng Prescription in Suppressing Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition of Podocytes in Membranous Nephropathy Rats via TGF-β1/Smad Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the effect of Fuzheng Qufeng prescription （FZQP） on transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）/Smad signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of podocyte in membranous nephropathy （MN） rats and to explore its molecular mechanism for podocyte protection. Method:The rats were randomly divided into normal control group （NC） and modeling group. Rats in modeling group induced by bovine serum albumin （C-BSA） were randomly divided into model group （MN）， losartan potassium group （LP， 0.05g·kg^-1）， and FZQP high dose （FZQPH， 41 g·kg^-1）， medium dose （FZQPM， 20.5 g·kg^-1）， and low dose （FZQPL， 10.25 g·kg^-1） groups. The administration lasted for 4 weeks. In week 0， 2， and 4 of administration， the levels of 24 hours urine protein （24 h-Upro） were tested. At the end of 4th week， the levels of blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and serum creatinine （SCr） were detected， and the rats in each group were sacrificed and the renal pathological morphology changes were observed by light microscope with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， Masson and periodic acid-silver metheramine （PASM） staining. The deposition of immune complex， the thickening of glomerular basement membrane （GBM） and podocyte foot process were observed by transmission electron microscope （TEM）. The distribution and expression intensity of Desmin in renal tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， Smad2/3， phospho（p）-Smad2/3， Smad7 and Desmin in renal tissues were respectively detected by Western blot （WB） and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with NC group， the levels of 24 h-Upro， BUN and SCr significantly increased in model group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， with increased deposition of immune complex， significantly thickened GBM and fusion of foot processes， significantly increased Desmin mRNA and protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and increased TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， Smad2， and Smad3 mRNA and protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and decreased Smad7 mRNA and protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， 24 h-Upro and BUN decreased in FZQP groups and LP group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， levels of serum SCr in FZQPM group decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， deposition of immune complex， thickening of GBM and fusion of foot process were all alleviated in FZQP groups and LP group. Distribution of Desmin along GBM decreased in FZQPH group， FZQPM group and LP group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Both mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and p-Smad2/Smad2 in FZQPM group decreased， while mRNA and protein expression levels of Smad7 increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Both mRNA and protein expression levels of p-Smad3/Smad3 in FZQPH group decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Both mRNA and protein expression levels of Desmin in podocyte in FZQPH group， FZQPM group and LP group decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:FZQP might realize podocyte protection effect in MN via suppressing EMT mediated by overactivated TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁/Smad signaling pathway.

Effect of Zishenwan on Pyroptosis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells in Diabetic Nephropathy Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the efficacy and mechanism of Zishenwan （ZSW） against pyroptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of renal tubular epithelial cells in diabetic nephropathy （DN） mice， so as to provide evidence for the treatment of DN with ZSW. Method:The <italic>db/db</italic> mice with spontaneous diabetes were randomly divided into the model group， dapagliflozin （1.0 mg·kg^-1） group， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （6.0， 3.0， 1.5 g·kg^-1） ZSW groups. The non-diabetic <italic>db/m</italic> mice were classified into the normal group. The ones in the model and normal groups were given an equal volume of deionized water by gavage， while those in the other groups were intervened with the corresponding drugs for 12 weeks. The fasting blood glucose （FBG） level was tested at tail vein once every two weeks. The levels of urine albumin-creatinine ratio （ACR）， <italic>β</italic>-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase （NAG）， and cystatin C （CysC） were detected once every four weeks. After 12 weeks of administration， the blood sampled from eyeballs was used for measuring the blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and serum creatinine （SCr）. The pathological changes in renal tissues were observed by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of EMT markers in the renal tubular epithelium was analyzed by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The in situ terminal end-labeling （TUNEL） staining was conducted to analyze the nuclear damage of renal tubular epithelial cells. The protein and mRNA expression levels of EMT markers， nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasome and pyroptosis-related inflammatory cytokines in renal tissues were separately assayed by Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with the normal group， the model group displayed significantly increased FBG， BUN， serum SCr， ACR， NAG， and CysC （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， impaired renal tissues， altered EMT marker expression intensities and levels （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and elevated TUNEL-positive rate and protein and mRNA expression levels of pyroptosis-related inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， ZSW and dapagliflozin significantly decreased the levels of FBG， BUN， serum SCr， ACR， NAG， and CysC （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， relieved the pathological injuries in renal tissues， changed the EMT marker expression intensities （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and protein and mRNA expression levels （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， and down-regulated the TUNEL-positive rate （<italic>P</italic><0.01） of renal tubular epithelial cells as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of pyroptosis-related inflammatory cytokines （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and NLRP3 inflammasome （<italic>P</italic><0.05， <italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:ZSW alleviates DN possibly by inhibiting pyroptosis and EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells.

Effect of Banxia Xiexintang-containing Serum on Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells Induced by Gastric Cancer-derived Exosomes / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Banxia Xiexintang on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） of human peritoneal mesothelial cell line （HMrSV5） induced by gastric cancer-derived exosomes （Exo）. Method:Banxia Xiexintang-containing serum was prepared and the human gastric cancer NCI-N87-derived exosomes （NCI-N87-Exo） were extracted， followed by their identification by transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting and labeling with 1，1-dioctadecyl-3，3，3，3- tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate （Dil）. The cells were divided into the blank group， model group， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （13.5，27，54 g·kg^-1） Banxia Xiexintang groups. HMrSV5 cells in the blank group were cultured alone， the ones in the model group with 100 mg·L^-1 NCI-N87-Exo， and those in the low-， medium-， and high-dose Banxia Xiexintang groups with 100 mg·L^-1 NCI-N87-Exo plus low-， medium-， and high-dose 10% Banxia Xiexintang-containing serum， respectively. Confocal laser microscope was used to observe the uptake of NCI-N87-Exo by HMrSV5 cells at 24 h， 48 h and 72 h. Seventy-two hours later， the morphological changes in HMrSV5 cells were observed. The protein expression levels of E-cadherin， cytokeratin 19 （CK19）， <italic>α</italic>-smooth muscle actin （<italic>α</italic>-SMA）， elastin， and transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， Smad2/3， and p-Smad2/3 were assayed by Western blot. Result:It was observed under the transmission electron microscope that NCI-N87-Exo showed an oval or dish-shaped vesicle structure with a particle size ranging from 40 to 80 nm. Exo marker proteins CD9 and CD63 were highly expressed while calreticulin was not expressed， implying that the NCI-N87-Exo was confirmed. After 24 h， 48 h， 72 h of co-culture， it was observed under the fluorescence microscope that NCI-N87-Exo were taken up by HMrSV5 cells， which was positively correlated with time. Compared with the blank group， Banxia Xiexintang significantly inhibited the uptake of NCI-N87-Exo by HMrSV5 cells， with better effect noticed in the middle- and high-dose Banxia Xiexintang groups（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. After intervention with Banxia Xiexintang-containing serum， the HMrSV5 cells were arranged densely， and the intercellular space was significantly reduced， with the most obvious changes present in the high-dose Banxia Xiexintang group. Western blot revealed that the protein expression levels of E-cadherin and CK19 in HMrSV5 cells after being intervened with the medium- and high-dose Banxia Xiexintang-containing serum were increased significantly as compared with those in the blank group， whereas the levels of <italic>α</italic>-SMA and Elastin were decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Banxia Xiexintang-containing serum at the low， medium， and high doses remarkably down-regulated TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁ and p-Smad2/3 protein expression（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. However， there was no significant change in Smad2/3. Conclusion:NCI-N87-Exo can be taken up by HMrSV5 cells to induce EMT. Banxia Xiexintang can inhibit the uptake of NCI-N87-Exo by HMrSV5 cells and the resulting EMT induced by NCI-N87-Exo， which is related to the regulation of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁/Smads signaling pathway.

Anti-breast Cancer Activities in Vitro of Oxymatrine Combined with Bevacizumab： An Exploration Focusing on EMT Regulation Through Wnt/β-catenin / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of oxymatrine （OM） combined with bevacizumab （ BV ） on the proliferation， invasion， and migration of breast cancer MCF-7 cells and explore the mechanism of OM in regulating BV-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） based on the Wnt/<italic>β</italic>-catenin signaling pathway. Method:The effect of different concentrations of OM（0， 0.5， 1.0， 2.0， 4.0， 8.0， 16.0 mmol·L^-1）and BV（0， 0.25×10^-4， 0.50×10^-4， 1.00×10^-4， 2.00×10^-4， 4.00×10^-4， and 8.00×10^-4 mmol·L^-1）on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells were detected by cell counting kit-8（CCK-8）assay. The effect of OM（4.0 mmol·L^-1） combined with BV（2.00×10^-4 mmol·L^-1）on the invasion and migration of MCF-7 cells were observed in transwell and scratch repair tests. Western blot was conducted to investigate the effect of OM（4.0 mmol·L^-1）combined with BV （2.00×10^-4 mmol·L^-1） on proliferation-related proteins in MCF-7 cells， followed by the detection of the expression levels of Wnt/<italic>β</italic>-catenin signaling pathway- and EMT-related proteins. Result:Compared with the blank group， OM （2.0，4.0，8.0，16.0 mmol·L^-1） inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while BV did not show the inhibitory effect against the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The inhibitory effect of the combination of the two drugs on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was not significantly different from that of OM. Compared with the blank group， OM significantly reduced the migration distance of MCF-7 cells and the number of invaded cells（<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while BV increased the migration distance of MCF-7 cells and the number of invaded cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with BV， its combination with OM significantly inhibited the invasion and migration of MCF-7 cells induced by BV （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the blank group， both OM and the combined medication obviously inhibited the phosphorylation of proliferation-related protein kinase B（Akt） and extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）in MCF-7 cells （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and down-regulated the protein expression levels of <italic>β</italic>-catenin， proto-oncogene （c-Myc）， CD44， and G₁/S-specific cyclin D₁ in Wnt/<italic>β</italic>-catenin signaling pathway （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Besides， OM and the combination of two drugs both significantly reduced the protein expression levels of calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein <italic>N</italic>-cadherin and Vimentin in EMT， whereas increased the expression of calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein E-cadherin（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. However， the expression of the above-mentioned proteins in the BV group was reversed （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Conclusion:After the combination with BV， OM plays an anti-breast cancer role by effectively inhibiting the activation of Wnt/<italic>β</italic>-catenin pathway induced by BV and reversing EMT.

Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharide on EMT of A549/DDP Lung Adenocarcinoma Xenograft： An Exploration Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Astragalus polysaccharide （APS） on transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition （EMT） of A549/DDP lung adenocarcinoma xenograft and its potential molecular mechanism. Method:BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into the non-loading group （A549/DDP cells not loaded with TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， model group， cisplatin group， and combined group （A549/DDP cells overexpressing TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）. Mice in the combined group were treated with intragastric administration of APS （0.3 g·kg^-1·d^-1） and intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin （0.003 5 g·kg^-1）， while those in the cisplatin group only received intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin （0.003 5 g·kg^-1）. After drug intervention， the nude mice were sacrificed and the xenograft and lung were harvested， followed by the weighing of tumor and the calculation of the inhibition rate. The number of tumors metastasizing to the lung was counted under the microscope. The pathological features of tumors and their metastasis to the lung tumor were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels of EMT molecular markers E-cadherin， Vimentin， <italic>α</italic>-smooth muscle actin （<italic>α</italic>-SMA）， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） in the xenograft were detected by immunohistochemistry， Western blot， and Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with the non-loading group， the model group exhibited increased tumor weight and pulmonary metastatic nodules （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， sparse tumor cell junctions， long spindle cells， massive metastatic nodules in the lung， down-regulated E-cadherin protein and mRNA expression， and up-regulated Vimentin and <italic>α</italic>-SMA protein and mRNA expression and p-PI3K and p-Akt protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group and cisplatin group， the combined group displayed decreased tumor weight and pulmonary metastatic nodules （<italic>P<</italic>0.05）， tight tumor cell junctions， round or oval cells， no obvious lung metastasis， up-regulated E-cadherin protein and mRNA expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and down-regulated Vimentin and <italic>α</italic>-SMA protein and mRNA expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05） and p-PI3K and p-Akt protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. There was no significant difference in PI3K or Akt protein expression among groups. Conclusion:APS has a certain inhibitory effect against EMT in lung adenocarcinoma A549/DDP cells， which may be related to the inhibition of activated PI3K/Akt protein expression.

Expression of Tspan29 in breast cancer tissues and its effect on malignant biological behaviors of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#Objective: To investigate the expression of tetraspanins-29 (Tspan29) in breast cancer tissues and cell lines and to explore the effect of Tspan29 knockdown on proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods:Atotal of20pairsofbreast cancer tissues and corresponding para-cancerous tissues resected in Minhang Branch of Cancer HospitalAffiliated to Fudan University from June 2017 to February 2018 were collected for this study; in addition, breast cancer celllinesMCF-7,MDA-MB-231andhumanbreastepithelialMDA-kb2cellswerealsocollected.ThemRNAand protein expressions of Tspan29 in above mentioned tissues and cell lines were detected by Real-time quantitative (qPCR) and Western blotting. The expression of Tspan29 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells was interfered by siRNA. qPCR was used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of Tspan29. PCR microarray was used to examine the expressions of EMT-related genes in MCF-7 cells. CCK-8 assayandTranswellwereusedtodetectcellproliferation, migration and invasion of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Results: The mRNA and protein expressions of Tspan29 in breast cancer tissues were significantly higher than that in para-cancerous tissues (all P<0.01); and the mRNA and protein expressions of Tspan29 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly higher than that in MDA-kb2 cells (P<0.01). After being interfered with siTspan29, the mRNA and protein expressions of Tspan29 were significantly down-regulated in MCF-7 cells (all P<0.05); the proliferation, invasion and migration of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly inhibited (all P<0.05); and among the EMT-related genes, two were significantly up-regulated while 7 were down-regulated. Conclusion: Tspan29 is significantly up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and knockdown of Tspan29 significantly inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of breast cancer cells. ··

Berberine inhibits tgf-pl-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human liver cancer hepg2 cells via tgf-fi/smad pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of berberine on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human liver cancer HepG2 cells induced by transforming growth factor-pi ( TGF-pl ) and its mechanism. Methods MTT assay was used to detect the proliferation activity of berberine on HepG2 cells. After 10 ng • L"1 TGF-pl was used to induce EMT model process of HepG2 cells, berberine was added to treat HepG2 cells. Colony formation, cell scratch and Transwell assays were used to detect the clonogenic, migratory and invasive capabilities of HepG2 cells. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of EMT mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Western blot assay was used to detect the proteins expression of EMT marker (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail), matrix metallopro-teinase ( MMP-2), TGF-p/Smad pathway (Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3) in HepG2 cells. Results Berberine inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a concentration-time dependent manner. Compared with TGF-pl group, berberine could significantly inhibit the abilities of colony formation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Berberine could significandy inhibit the expression of E-cadherin protein up-regula-ted by TGF-pl, and N-cadherin, Vimentin;, Snail, MMP-2, p-Smad2, p-Smad2 proteins expression down-regulated by TGF-pl. Conclusions Berberine may interfere with the EMT process of HepG2 cells induced by TGF-pl by inhibiting the TGF-p/Smad 'signaling pathway to inhibit the HepG2 cell migration and invasion.

Inhibition of chemotherapy-related breast tumor EMT by application of redox-sensitive siRNA delivery system CSO-ss-SA/siRNA along with doxorubicin treatment / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Metastasis is one of the main reasons causing death in cancer patients. It was reported that chemotherapy might induce metastasis. In order to uncover the mechanism of chemotherapy-induced metastasis and find solutions to inhibit treatment-induced metastasis, the relationship between epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and doxorubicin (DOX) treatment was investigated and a redox-sensitive small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system was designed. DOX-related reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found to be responsible for the invasiveness of tumor cells in vitro, causing enhanced EMT and cytoskeleton reconstruction regulated by Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1). In order to decrease RAC1, a redox-sensitive glycolipid drug delivery system (chitosan-ss-stearylamine conjugate (CSO-ss-SA)) was designed to carry siRNA, forming a gene delivery system (CSO-ss-SA/siRNA) down-regulating RAC1. CSO-ss-SA/siRNA exhibited an enhanced redox sensitivity compared to nonresponsive complexes in 10 mmol/L glutathione (GSH) and showed a significant safety. CSO-ss-SA/siRNA could effectively transmit siRNA into tumor cells, reducing the expression of RAC1 protein by 38.2% and decreasing the number of tumor-induced invasion cells by 42.5%. When combined with DOX, CSO-ss-SA/siRNA remarkably inhibited the chemotherapy-induced EMT in vivo and enhanced therapeutic efficiency. The present study indicates that RAC1 protein is a key regulator of chemotherapy-induced EMT and CSO-ss-SA/siRNA silencing RAC1 could efficiently decrease the tumor metastasis risk after chemotherapy.

Cyclooxygenase-2 promotes ovarian cancer cell migration and cisplatin resistance via regulating epithelial mesenchymal transition / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Objective: Drug-resistance and metastasis are major reasons for the high mortality of ovarian cancer (OC) patients. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in OC development. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of COX-2 on migration and cisplatin (cis-dichloro diammine platinum, CDDP) resistance of OC cells and explore its related mechanisms. Methods: Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the cytotoxicity effects of celecoxib (CXB) and CDDP on SKOV3 and ES2 cells. The effect of COX-2 on migration was evaluated via the healing test. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to analyze E-cadherin, vimentin, Snail, and Slug levels. Results: COX-2 promoted drug-resistance and cell migration. CXB inhibited these effects. The combination of CDDP and CXB increased tumor cell sensitivity, reduced the amount of CDDP required, and shortened treatment administration time. COX-2 upregulation increased the expression of Snail and Slug, resulting in E-cadherin expression downregulation and vimentin upregulation. Conclusions: COX-2 promotes cancer cell migration and CDDP resistance and may serve as a potential target for curing OC.

Effect of Polyphyllin Ⅰ on Transcriptional Factor FOXQ1 and Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Cancer Cell HCT116 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of polyphyllin Ⅰ on the expressions of forkhead box Q1（FOXQ1）and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors, in order to explore the possible mechanism of polyphyllin Ⅰ in inhibiting the metastasis of colon cancer. Method:After the treatment with 1.25，2.50 μmol·L-1 polyphyllin Ⅰ on HCT116 cells, Western blot and Real-time PCR were used to detect the expressions of FOXQ1，E-cadherin，Vimentin protein and mRNA. Result:Compared with the blank group, relative expressions of FOXQ1 protein and mRNA in low-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group were decreased, while relative expression of E-cadherin mRNA was increased, the differences were not statistically significant, and relative expressions of Vimentin protein and mRNA in low-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group were decreased (P<0.05)， and relative expression of E-cadherin protein in low-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, relative expressions of FOXQ1, Vimentin protein and mRNA in high-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group were decreased，while relative expressions of E-cadherin protein and mRNA were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with low-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group, relative expressions of Vimentin protein and mRNA in high-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group were decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant, relative expressions of E-cadherin protein and mRNA in high-concentration polyphyllin Ⅰ group were increased, whereas relative expressions of FOXQ1 protein and mRNA were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion:Mechanism of polyphyllin Ⅰ inhibiting the metastasis of colon cancer may be related to the decrease of FOXQ1 and Vimentin expressions, and the up-regulation of E-cadherin.