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Background Pulmonary fibrosis currently lacks screening and diagnostic methods in the early stages and effective treatments in the later stages, so there is an urgent need to explore the mechanisms and develop targeted treatments. Objective To screen the expression of differentially expressed circular RNA (circRNA) hsa_circUCK2 under pathological conditions and to explore its effect on pulmonary fibrosis. Methods In the cell-based experiments, hsa_circUCK2 was knocked down in HPF-a cells using small interfering RNA (siRNA), and HPF-a cells were stimulated by TGF-β1. Four groups were set up: si-NC group, si-circUCK2 group, si-NC+TGF-β1-treated group, and si-circUCK2+TGF-β1-treated group. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of fibronectin (FN1) in HPF-a cells of the four groups, scratch assay was used to detect the migration ability of HPF-a cells, and CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of HPF-a cells in the two groups with TGF-β1 stimulation, the si-NC+TGF-β1-treated group and the si-circUCK2+TGF-β1-treated group. In the animal experiments, forty-eighty healthy SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: saline+si-con group, saline+si-circ_0000115 group, SiO2+si-con group, and SiO2+si-circ_0000115 group. Mouse lung circRNA mmu_circ_0000115 (mouse homolog of hsa_circUCK2) was knocked down by tracheal drip injection of siRNA, and a mouse lung fibrosis model was constructed by tracheal drip injection of SiO2 suspension (0.2 g·kg−1, 50 mg·mL−1) after 48 h. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the knockout efficiency in each organ of the mouse, Western blot was applied to detect the expression of type I collagen α2 (COL1A2) in the lung tissues, and Sirius red was used to detect collagen synthesis in the lung tissues. Results In the cell-based experiments, after the knockdown of hsa_circUCK2, the Western blot results showed that the expression level of the FN1 protein in TGF-β1-stimulated HPF-a cells was significantly down-regulated (P <0.05); the CCK-8 assay and cell scratch assay showed that the down-regulation of hsa_circUCK2 gene significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HPF-a cells (P<0.01). In the animal experiments, the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results showed that among the detected organs, mmu_circ_0000115 was significantly knocked down only in the lung tissues (P<0.0001); the Western blot results showed that knocking down mmu_circ_0000115 significantly reduced the COL1A2 protein expression level when compared with the SiO2+si-con group (P<0.0001); the Sirius red results showed that knocking down mmu_circ_0000115 significantly reduced collagen production and deposition in lung tissues of mice in the model group. Conclusion Knockdown of hsa_circUCK2 inhibits fibroblast activation and reduces collagen deposition in lung fibrosis model mice. It is suggested that the hsa_circUCK2 is involved in the process of pulmonary fibrosis and may be a potential therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Objective To explore the probability and associated factors of pulmonary fibrosis in 350 cases of elderly pneumonia. Methods Elderly patients who received diagnosis and treatment at Changzhi Medical College Affiliated Peace Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected, and 350 patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Analyze its clinical data, incidence of pulmonary fibrosis, and analyze the relationship between the two. Results The average age of 350 patients was (63.51 ± 5.74) years old; 219 cases were common type , 72 cases were severe type, and 59 cases were critically ill. At admission, the CT signs were: ground glass in 66 cases (18.86%) , paving stone in 37 cases (10.57%), consolidation in 73 cases (20.86%), nodules in 93 cases (26.57%) , fried egg sign in 20 cases (5.71%) , and mosaic sign in 61 cases (17.43%). At discharge, the lesion signs were as follows: 61 cases (17.43%) had no lesions, 207 cases (59.14%) maintained the original lesion signs, and 82 cases (23.43%) evolved into other signs. 76 cases of pulmonary fibrosis were discharged, with an incidence rate of 21.71%. There were significant differences in the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis among patients with different ages, lesion evolution during treatment, lesion signs at discharge, and clinical stages (all P<0.001). Pulmonary fibrosis is positively correlated with age (P=0.047), lesion signs at discharge (P=0.032), and clinical classification (P=0.010). The incidence of lesions presenting as paving stones (P=0.014) and fibrosis in critically ill patients (P=0.013) at discharge is higher. Age increase (P=0.047) , wide range of lesions at admission (P=0.042), evolution of lesions into other signs at discharge (P=0.016), and clinical classification as severe (P=0.008) or critically ill (P=0.021) are independent risk factors for the development of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly pneumonia patients. Conclusion The incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly patients exceeds 20%. Increasing age, wide range of lesions upon admission, evolution of lesions into other signs upon discharge, and clinical classification as severe or critically ill are independent risk factors for the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly pneumonia patients.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Shengxiantang (SXT) on cell senescence mediated by wingless/integrated (Wnt)3a/β-catenin pathway in rats with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and reveal the possible mechanism in improving lung function of IPF rats. MethodA total of 32 SPF level SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, pirfenidone group, and SXT group. The IPF rat model was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (0.005 g·kg-1). The following day after surgery, rats in the SXT group were given the aqueous solution of SXT granules (0.78 g·kg-1), and the pirfenidone group was given pirfenidone suspension (0.05 g·kg-1). The other groups were given deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) for 28 consecutive days. Lung tissue was collected after the lung function was measured. The pathological changes of the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and then the Szapiel score and Ashcroft score were performed. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect telomere length. Western blot was applied to detect the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) markers [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin], telomere reverse transcriptase (TRET), aging-related proteins (p53 and p21), senescence-associated secretory phenotype [interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)], and key proteins of Wnt signaling pathway [Wnt3a, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc]. ResultCompared with those in the Sham group, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and minute ventilation volume (MV) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the frequency of respiratory (f) was significantly increased (P<0.01). The Szapiel score, Ashcroft score, and protein expression of α-SMA, p53, p21, IL-6, MMP-1, Wnt3a, GSK3β, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc were increased (P<0.01). The expressions of E-cadherin and TERT, as well as telomere length were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, PEF and MV in the SXT group were significantly increased (P<0.01), while f was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The Szapiel score, Ashcroft score, and protein expression of α-SMA, p53, p21, IL-6, MMP-1, Wnt3a, GSK3β, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Nevertheless, the expression of E-cadherin and TERT, as well as telomere length were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionSXT presents a significant protective effect on lung function in IPF rats, and the prescription may act on the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate cell senescence induced by TERT to inhibit EMT.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of anti-pulmonary fibrosis of cannabidiol by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). MethodSD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, prednisone group(3.15 mg·kg-1) and cannabidiol low, medium and high dose groups(12, 36, 108 mg·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal injection of bleomycin(5 mg·kg-1), which was administered continuously for 28 days after successful modeling. The pathological changes of rat lung tissue were observed, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7(MMP-7), type Ⅱ alveolar cell surface antigen(KL-6), pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A(SP-A) and SP-D in serum. The expression levels of type Ⅰ collagen(Col-Ⅰ) and fibronectin(FN) in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of mucin 5 subtype AC(MUC5AC) was detected by immunofluorescence. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to search for potential biomarkers and related metabolic pathways of cannabidiol in treating pulmonary fibrosis. ResultCompared with the blank group, there were a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration and continuous fibrosis lesions in the lung tissue of rats in the model group. Compared with the model group, the inflammatory infiltration and blue collagen deposition in the lung tissue of rats in the prednisone and cannabidiol groups were reduced. Compared with the blank group, the expressions of MMP-7, KL-6, SP-A and SP-D in serum of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), while the expressions of MMP-7, KL-6, SP-A and SP-D in the prednisone and cannabidiol high dose groups were significantly decreased by comparing with the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the expression levels of Col-Ⅰ and FN in the lung tissues of the model group were significantly increased, and the fluorescence intensity of MUC5AC was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of Col-Ⅰ and FN in the lung tissues of the prednisone and cannabidiol high dose groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of MUC5AC was significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, a total of 18 differential compounds were screened out in the model group, which could be used as potential biomarkers, and cannabidiol could call back 16 of them, mainly involving 4 metabolic pathways(linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and niacin and niacinamide metabolism). Compared with the blank group, the relative contents of potential biomarkers arachidonic acid and linoleic acid were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01), while the relative contents of 5,6-EET, L-tyrosine and niacinamide were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, cannabidiol could significantly reduce the relative contents of arachidonic acid and linoleic acid, and significantly increase the relative contents of 5,6-EET, L-tyrosine and niacinamide(P<0.01). ConclusionCannabidiol has an intervention and remission effect on pulmonary fibrosis, and its mechanism may be related to linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, niacin and niacinamide metabolism.
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Objective To explore the impact of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition(MMT)on pulmonary fibro-sis induced by acute lung injury by LPS.Methods Totally 21 male mice were randomly classified into 7 groups:control group,model group(LPS-PF)at different time points and intervention group of clodronate-liposomes(CL-LIP)treatement at different time points(n=3).Pulmonary fibrosis was identified by HE and Masson staining microscopy.The immuno-fluorescence technology was used for the evaluation of numbers of macrophage-to-myofi-broblast transition cells(MMT cell which co-expressed CD68 and α-SMA).Bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs)were randomly classified into two group:control(Ctrl)group and TGF-β1-treated group induced by transforming growthfactor-β1.α-SMA,FN and Col1 were detected by RT-qPCR.The expression of α-SMA,Smad3 and p-Smad3 protein was evaluated by Western blot.Results At day 7,the Ashcroft score of lung tissue in LPS-PF mouse model was significantly increased when compared with the Ctrl group(P<0.01);While the score signifi-cantly declined when the model was pretreated with CL-LIP(P<0.05).As detected by immuno-fluorescence stai-ning,in CL-LIP group the number of CD68-positive cells co-labeled with α-SMA was obviously less then that of LPS-PF group of the corresponding time point(P<0.01).When the BMDMs were stimulated by TGF-β1 at 24 h,48 h and 96 h respectively,a higher expression of α-SMA,FN,Col1,were found in TGF-β1-treated group than that in Ctrl group at the corresponding time point(P<0.01).The expression of Smad3,p-Smad3 significantly higher in LPS-PF group(at both day 7 and day 10)and TGF-β1-treated group(at both 48 h and 96 h)as compared to cor-responding control group(P<0.01).Conclusions MMT promotes pulmonary fibrosis induced by ALI via LPS.Smad3 is proved to be involved in the MMT process.
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Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive interstitial fibrotic lung disease with high mortality.Its pathogenesis is complex and involves the reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism.This reprogramming includes changes in de novo fatty acid synthesis,uptake,oxidation,and derivatives.It crucially influences alveolar epithelial cell survival,macrophage polarization,and fibroblast activation,thereby playing a significant role in either exacerbating or miti-gating the disease.Understanding and intervening in the reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism offers potential strategies for prevention,diagnosing and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Acute respimtory distress syndrome(ARDS)is an acute diffuse inflammatory lung injury caused by various internal and external lung injury factors.It has complex pathogenesis,rapid onset and high mortality,which seriously endangers human life and health.Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the important pathologic processes of ARDS occurrence and development,and it is also an important cause of death in ARDS patients.To a certain extent,the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in ARDS is determined by the dynamic balance of macrophage-fibroblast interactions.Therefore,this article aims to review the interaction mechanism of macrophage-fibroblasts in the pro-cess of ARDS pulmonary fibrosis,and provide new methods and ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of ARDS pul-monary fibrosis.
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BACKGROUND:Despite a series of clinical treatment measures,the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis still faces challenges.In recent years,mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles have attracted extensive attention as an emerging therapeutic strategy and are considered to be a promising means of treating pulmonary fibrosis. OBJECTIVE:To systematically review the application of mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis,to comprehensively understand their therapeutic mechanism,efficacy evaluation and problems,and provide reference and guidance for further research and clinical application in the future. METHODS:Using Chinese and English search terms"mesenchymal stem cells","mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles","pulmonary fibrosis",we searched the CNKI and PubMed electronic journal databases.By means of manual reading and eliminating duplicate articles,112 articles were selected,but 58 Chinese and English articles were finally included for summary. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Mesenchymal stem cells and their extracellular vesicles have shown great potential in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis,such as regulating inflammatory responses,inhibiting fibroblast proliferation,and promoting damaged tissue repair.Preliminary results from clinical trials have also shown some effects of the treatment,including improved lung function and quality of life in patients.(2)However,mesenchymal stem cells and extracellular vesicles in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis still face some challenges.During treatment,technical challenges such as cell migration and intrachistological localization need to be addressed for it to accurately reach the damaged lung tissue.Furthermore,its long-term safety also needs to be further studied and improved.For translational medicine development,standardized procedures such as cell collection,cell isolation,cell culture,cell harvesting,and cell identification need to be refined.(3)Despite these challenges,through the joint efforts of scientific researchers and medical personnel,these problems are expected to be gradually solved.In the future,we can further improve treatment outcomes by optimizing treatment regimens and exploring individualized treatments.At the same time,in-depth research on the therapeutic mechanism of stem cells and their extracellular vesicles is expected to develop more efficient and safe therapeutic strategies.
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BACKGROUND:Human placental mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to be effective in inhibiting the development of pulmonary fibrosis,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the therapeutic effect and related mechanism of human placental mesenchymal stem cells on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in human embryonic lung fibroblasts(MRC-5). METHODS:CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of different mass concentrations of silica on the proliferation of MRC-5 at different time points.Immunofluorescence staining was used to screen out the best stimulating mass concentration and time of silica for subsequent experiments.MRC-5 cells were divided into blank group,silica group,and silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group.In the blank group,cells were not treated.In the silica group,MRC-5 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/mL silica for 48 hours.In the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group,MRC-5 cells were stimulated with 100 μg/mL silica for 48 hours and then co-cultured with human placental mesenchymal stem cells for 24 hours.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in cells of each group.Western blot assay was used to detect the expressions of pulmonary fibrosis-related proteins and TGF-β1/Smad 3 signaling pathway-related proteins in cells of each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CCK-8 assay results suggested that 100 μg/mL silica was the best mass concentration and time to stimulate MRC-5 cells for 48 hours.(2)Immunofluorescence staining results showed that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I in the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group was significantly lower than that in the silica group.(3)Western blot assay results showed that compared with the silica group,the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin,collagen type I,N-cadherin,fibronectin,transforming growth factor-β1,p-Smad3,and Smad3 in the silica + human placental mesenchymal stem cell group were decreased,and the expression of E-cadherin was increased.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)The results showed that human placental mesenchymal stem cells had a significant therapeutic effect on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.Human placental mesenchymal stem cells can inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology,with a rapid disease course,poor prognosis,and the absence of effective therapeutic drugs.Mitochondrial dys-function is one of the crucial causes of inducing IPF.Silent information regulator 3(SIRT3)can restore mitochondrial ho-meostasis by inhibiting mitochondrial oxidative stress,repairing mitochondrial DNA damage,and ameliorating abnormal mitochondrial lipid metabolism.This paper summarizes the role and mechanism of SIRT3 in attenuating mitochondrial dys-function based on delineating the relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and IPF,aiming to provide references for finding effective treatment methods for IPF.
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Objective:To investigate the correlation between immune function and age-related pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the potential impact of bacterial lysates on this condition.Methods:Twenty-four healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 24, were randomly divided into three groups: a control group(Group N), a pulmonary fibrosis group(Group M), and a pulmonary fibrosis+ bacterial lysis product intervention group(Group P). Mice in Groups M and P were intratracheally injected with bleomycin(5 mg/kg)to induce a mouse pulmonary fibrosis model, while mice in Group N were injected with saline.After modeling, mice in Group P were orally administered 0.4 ml of a bacterial lysis product once a day.After 28 days, lung tissue and blood samples were collected for analysis.Pathological changes in lung tissue were assessed using hematoxylin and tosin staining(HE)and Masson staining and the Ashcroft score.The expression of CD4+ and CD8+ in lung tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry.The levels of serum interferon-γ(INF-γ), interleukin-3(IL-13), and immunoglobulin A(IgA)protein were measured using Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent Assay(ELISA). The levels of INF-γ and IL-13 mRNA in lung tissue were determined using Real-Time Quantitative Transcription PCR(RT-qPCR). Additionally, the protein expression levels of matrix metalloprotein-9(MMP-9)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteincise 1(TIMP-1)in lung tissue were assessed using blot analysis.Results:The degree of lung fibrosis was significantly reduced in mice in group P compared with group M when treated with bacterial lysis products.Group M showed a significant decrease in the expression of CD4+ T cells and an increase in the expression of CD8+ T cells( P<0.05)compared to group N. Additionally, the content of IgA was decreased( P<0.05)in group M. On the other hand, group P showed a significant increase in the expression of CD4+ T cells and a decrease in the expression of CD8+ T cells( P<0.05)compared to group M. Furthermore, the content of IgA was elevated( P<0.05)in group P. After bacterial lysis product intervention, mRNA and protein expression levels of IFN-γ were elevated( P<0.05), while mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-13 were reduced( P<0.05). Moreover, protein expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 was significantly up-regulated in group M compared with group N( P<0.05), and decreased after bacterial lysis product intervention( P<0.05). Conclusions:It is well-known that immune mechanisms play a crucial role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.The use of bacterial lysates has been found to effectively regulate immune balance and mitigate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in elderly mice.
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AIM To investigate the effects of Ophiopogonis Root Decoction on bleomycin(BLM)-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)in mice and to explore its metabolic modulation of immunity.METHODS The IPF mouse model was constructed by tracheal drip injection of BLM,and the mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the pirfenidone group(0.3 g/kg)and the high,medium and low dose groups of Ophiopogonis Root Decoction(18,9,4.5 g/kg).HE and Masson staining,ELISA,flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the histopathological changes of the lung,the levels of Collagen I,HYP and TGF-β1,the proportion of PD-1+ CD4+T cells in plasma,and the expressions of p-STAT3,PD-1,PD-L1 and IL-17A in lung tissue,respectively.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the model group displayed significantly higher level of lung coefficients(P<0.01),more severe pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition,and increased pulmonary fibrosis score(P<0.01),increased levels of Collagen I,HYP and TGF-β1(P<0.01),increased proportion of PD-1+ CD4+ T cells in plasma(P<0.01),increased pulmonary expression of p-STAT3,PD-1,PD-L1 and IL-17A(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Ophiopogonis Root Decoction groups shared lower levels of lung coefficients(P<0.05),less pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition,decreased pulmonary fibrosis score(P<0.05),decreased levels of Collagen I,HYP and TGF-β1(P<0.05),decreased proportion of PD-1+ CD4+T cells in plasma(P<0.05),and decreased pulmonary expression of p-STAT3,PD-1,PD-L1,and IL-17A(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ophiopogonis Root Decoction can significantly reduce extracellular matrix(ECM)deposition and curb the progression of IPF via inhibition of STAT3/PD-1/PD-L1 immunomodulatory signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveBased on spatial metabolomics technology combined with pharmacological indexes, to analyze the mechanism of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus(FCB) powder in improving bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups, including the blank group, the model group, and high, medium, low dosage groups of FCB. Except for the blank group, rats in all other groups were injected with bleomycin by tracheal injection to establish a pulmonary fibrosis model. Postoperatively, the high, medium and low dosage groups of FCB were administered aqueous solutions of FCB powder at doses of 0.36, 0.18, 0.09 g·kg-1, respectively, continuously for 28 d. The blank and model groups were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage. After the last administration, lung tissues and blood samples were collected, the pathological conditions of rat lung tissues were comprehensively evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Masson staining, and aerodynamic assisted desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging(AFADESI-MSI) was used for MSI of rat lung tissues from different experimental groups. Spatial metabolomics analysis was conducted on the fibrotic areas of lung tissues in the model group and the high dosage group of FCB based on HE staining images. Differential metabolites between groups were screened by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), with variable importance in the projection(VIP) values>1, t-test P<0.05, and fold change analysis. Metabolic pathway analysis of the identified differential metabolites was performed using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). Protein expression levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in rat lung tissues were detected by Western blot. Biochemical assessments of superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione(GSH) levels in rat lung tissues were conducted. Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2(Nrf2), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and some of the screened signaling pathways with strong correlation were verified. ResultThe results of MSI experiment showed that after 28 d of the administration of FCB powder to rats with pulmonary fibrosis, the content of L-arginine in the fibrotic regions of lung tissues was significantly different from that of rats in the model group, and the content of phosphatidylcholine was lower than that in the fibrotic region of lung tissues of rats in the model group. Western blot results confirmed that, in comparison to the model group, oral administration of FCB powder for 28 d could inhibit the elevated expression of NF-κB p65 protein in the lung tissues of rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, high dose of FCB powder was able to significantly inhibit the expression of HO-1 after oral administration (P<0.05). The cytokine detection results indicated that the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum of rats from the high, medium, low dosage groups of FCB were reduced by comparing with the model group, and the high dose of Chuanbeimu powder administered by gavage could significantly inhibit the trend of decreased SOD, GSH, Nrf2 contents and increased MDA content induced by bleomycin. ConclusionOral administration of FCB powder has the potential to partially ameliorate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of pathways associated with inflammation(NF-κB p65) and oxidative stress(Nrf2/HO-1).
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Blood stasis is an important pathological factor throughout the whole course of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, which could evolve from new into long stagnation, and the methods of dispelling stasis to promote regeneration should throughout the whole disease progress. It is believed that the basis of the radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis is heat toxin dispersing qi and yin, and deficiency of healthy qi promoting blood stasis. The process of the disease showed latent fire burning pulmonary collaterals, and the binding of phlegm and stasis. The key factors of the disease were the damage of ying-wei (营卫) qi in channels and collaterals, as well as the blood stasis evolving into dried blood. It is suggested that during radiotherapy, we should pay more attention to relieve heat, moisten dryness, supplement qi and yin, nourish and harmonize blood, and remove blood stasis, so as to prevent disease before it arises. If there is radiation pneumonia, we could focus on dissolving phlegm, removing blood stasis, clearing latent fire, and unblocking the collaterals and veins, in order to "control the development of existing disease". If it develops into radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, we could relive the center and supplement deficiency, tonify original qi, dispel stasis to promote regeneration, and clear dried blood, for the purpose of slowing the progression of disease. These ideas might provide reference for clinical treatment.
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Objective @#To investigate the role of lncSIL in transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced alveo- lar epithelial interstitial transformation (EMT) and its related signaling pathways .@*Methods @#Western blot was used to detect the effect of lncSIL silencing on the expression of E-cadherin ( E-cad) , alpha-smooth muscle actin ( α- SMA) and Collagen I (Col I) in the process of EMT induced by TGF-β1 . LncSIL interacting proteins were ana- lyzed by RNA pulldown . Western blot was used to detect the effect of overexpression or silencing of lncSIL on the expression of its target gene enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its downstream factors P21 and cyclin-de- pendent kinase 6 (CDK6) . Flow cytometry was used to analyze the effect of lncSIL on cell cycle progression .@*Results@#After lncSIL silencing , the expression of α-SMA and Col I increased , the expression of E-cad decreased . RNA pulldown assay showed that EZH2 was the target protein that interacted with lncSIL , and the expression of EZH2 increased after silencing lncSIL , the expression of EZH2 downstream gene P21 decreased , CDK6 increased . Flow cytometry showed that the number of cells in S phase significantly increased . When lncSIL was overexpressed , the expression of EZH2 and CDK6 was down-regulated , the expression of P21 was up-regulated , and the number of S phase cells significantly decreased .@*Conclusion @#LncSIL inhibits TGF-β1-induced alveolar epithelial cell mesen- chymal transition by negatively regulating EZH2/P21 /CDK6 signaling pathway to inhibit cell cycle progression .
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Objective To summarize the effect of the timing of lung transplantation and related treatment measures on clinical prognosis of patients with paraquat poisoning. Methods Clinical data of a patient with paraquat poisoning undergoing bilateral lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination, diagnosis and treatment of this patient were summarized and analyzed. Results A 17-year-old adolescent was admitted to hospital due to nausea, vomiting, cough and systemic fatigue after oral intake of 20-30 mL of 25% paraquat. After symptomatic support treatment, the oxygen saturation was not improved, and pulmonary fibrosis continued to progress. Therefore, sequential bilateral lung transplantation was performed under extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). After postoperative rehabilitation and active prevention and treatment for postoperative complications, the patient was discharged at postoperative 50 d. Conclusions The timing of lung transplantation after paraquat poisoning may be selected when the liver and kidney function start to recover. Active and targeted prevention of potential pathogen infection in perioperative period and early rehabilitation training contribute to improving clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients.
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Objective To analyze the correlation between the lung allocation score (LAS) and the risk of early death and complications in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 275 patients with IPF were retrospectively analyzed. The correlation between LAS and the risk of early death in IPF patients after lung transplantation and the correlation between LAS and complications at postoperative 1 year was assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results Among 275 recipients, 62, 83, 95 and 108 cases died within postoperative 30, 90, 180 and 365 d, respectively. LAS was correlated with 30-, 90-, 180- and 365-d fatality of IPF patients (all P<0.05), whereas it was not correlated with the incidence of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) at 365 d after lung transplantation (both P>0.05). Conclusions LAS is correlated with the risk of early death of IPF patients after lung transplantation. While, it is not correlated the incidence of PGD and AKI early after lung transplantation. Special attention should be paid to the effect of comprehensive factors upon PGD and AKI.
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), as a progressive lung disease, has a poor prognosis and no reliable and effective therapies. IPF is mainly treated by organ transplantation and administration of chemical drugs, which are ineffective and induce side effects, failing to meet the clinical needs. Therefore, developing safer and more effective drugs has become an urgent task, which necessitates clear understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF. The available studies about the pathogenesis of IPF mainly focus on macrophage polarization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), oxidative stress, and autophagy, while few studies systematically explain the principles and links of the pathogeneses. According to the traditional Chinese medicine theory, Qi deficiency and blood stasis and Qi-Yang deficiency are the key pathogeneses of IPF. Therefore, the Chinese medicines or compound prescriptions with the effects of replenishing Qi and activating blood, warming Yang and tonifying Qi, and eliminating stasis and resolving phlegm are often used to treat IPF. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that such medicines play a positive role in inhibiting macrophage polarization, restoring redox balance, inhibiting EMT, and regulating cell autophagy. However, few studies report how Chinese medicines regulate the pathways in the treatment of IPF. By reviewing the latest articles in this field, we elaborate on the pathogenesis of IPF and provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of the active ingredients or compound prescriptions of Chinese medicines in regulating IPF. Combining the pathogenesis of IPF with the modulating effects of Chinese medicines, we focus on exploring systemic treatment options for IPF, with a view to providing new ideas for the in-depth study of IPF and the research and development of related drugs.
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ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intervention of medicated serum of Buyang Huanwutang (BYHWT) in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) as well as its related mechanisms. MethodMedicated serum of BYHWT was prepared by gavage to New Zealand rabbits with a dosage of 53.36 g·kg-1·d-1 after decocting the medicine as usual. In addition, the same volume of normal saline was used to prepare blank serum. The HPAECs were cultured in vitro, and then induced by the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) to establish the EndMT model. Five groups were established: blank group (10% blank serum), model group (TGF-β1+10% blank serum), low-dose BYHWT group (TGF-β1+2.5% medicated serum+7.5% blank serum), medium-dose BYHWT group (TGF-β1+5% medicated serum+5% blank serum) and high-dose BYHWT group (TGF-β1+10% medicated serum). Through Western blot, the expressions of Wnt1, β-catenin, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) were detected. In order to further clarify the mechanism of the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intervention of the medicated serum of BYHWT in inhibiting EndMT, the overexpression of β-catenin was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction after plasmid of overexpression β-catenin was constructed and transfected into the HPAECs. The HPAECs were intervened by 10% medicated serum with the optimal effect in previous studies. Then, they were divided into another five groups: the blank group (10% blank serum), the model group (TGF-β1+10% blank serum), the BYHWT group (TGF-β1+10% medicated serum), the BYHWT+overexpression plasmid control group (TGF-β1+10% medicated serum+blank plasmid) and the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group (TGF-β1+10% medicated serum+β-catenin). Apart from that, cell proliferation ability was detected by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and cell migration ability by scratch assay and Transwell assay together. Immunofluorescence was adopted to detect the expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1/CD31), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). ResultIn comparison to the blank group, the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly increased (P<0.01) while the expression of GSK-3β significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison to the model group, the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly decreased (P<0.01) while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the high-dose BYHWT group. The expression of β-catenin was significantly decreased (P<0.01) while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the medium-dose BYHWT group. There was no significant difference in these indexes of the low-dose BYHWT group. In comparison to the blank group, proliferation and migration abilities were remarkably increased (P<0.01) and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased, while those of FSP1 and α-SMA were increased in the model group. In comparison to the model group, proliferation and migration abilities were significantly decreased (P<0.01) and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were increased, while those of FSP1 and α-SMA diminished in the BYHWT group. Beyond that, the change trend of those indexes in the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group was consistent with that in the model group. In comparison to the BYHWT+overexpression plasmid control group, proliferation and migration abilities were significantly increased (P<0.01) and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased, while those of FSP1 and α-SMA were increased in the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group. ConclusionMedicated serum of BYHWT can inhibit EndMT of HPAECs by the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway.
ABSTRACT
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is a common,persistent,irreversible,fatal chronic lung disease with a median survival of 2-4 years after diagnosis.It is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and scarring in the lungs,leading to functional failure,severe respiratory problems and even death.Numerous studies have shown that CXC chemokines and their receptors play important roles in PF and other desmoplastic disorders.Sever-al studies have shown that chemokines may be-come new targets for the treatment of many dis-eases.Here,we review the role of key CXC chemo-kines and their receptors in PF to provide a refer-ence for the treatment of PF.