Intervention effect and mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis in rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and potential mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis （HF） in rats based on the transforming growth factor-β（1 TGF-β1）/Smad2/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1（ERK1） and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1（Keap1）/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1（HO-1） pathways. METHODS Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， breviscapine low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （5.4， 10.8， 21.6 mg/kg）， and colchicine group （positive control， 0.45 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group， half male and half female. Except for the normal control group， HF model of the other groups was induced by carbon tetrachloride. Subsequently， each drug group was given corresponding medicine by gavage once a day for 28 days. The liver appearance of rats in each group was observed and their liver coefficients were calculated. The levels of alanineaminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST）in serum， those of ALT， AST， superoxide dismutase （SOD），malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH- Px） in liver tissue were detected. The liver tissue inflammatory and fibrotic changes were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1， Smad2， ERK1， Nrf2， Keap1 and HO-in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group， the model group showed large areas of white nodular lesions in the liver， obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition. The body weight， the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly lowered in the model group （P＜0.05）； the liver coefficient， the percentage of Masson staining positive area， ALT and AST levels of serum and liver tissue， MDA level of liver tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1， Smad2， ERK1 and Keap1 were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the liver lesions of rats in each drug group were improved， and the above quantitative indexes were generally reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Breviscapine has a good intervention effect on HF rats， which may be related to inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/ERK1 pathway for anti-fibrosis and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.

Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in Inhibiting Invasion and Metastasis of Renal Carcinoma Cells via Regulating MMP/TIMP Balance by Smads / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of pachymic acid （PA） in Poria on the invasion and metastasis of renal carcinoma cells. MethodThe effect of PA （0， 20， 40， 80， 160 μmol·L-1） on cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8（CCK-8）， and the dose of PA was selected for subsequent experiments. The effect of PA （0， 20， 40， 80 μmol·L-1） on cell proliferation was evaluated by colony formation assay. The effect of PA （0， 20， 40， 80 μmol·L-1） on cell adhesion ability was observed by cell adhesion assay. The effect of PA （0， 20， 40， and 80 μmol·L-1） on cell invasion and metastasis was investigated by Wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay. The inhibitory effect of PA （0， 20， 40， 80 μmol·L-1） on cell motility was further observed and verified by high-content imaging technology. The effects of PA （0， 20， 40， 80 μmol·L-1） on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase （MMP）/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinasas （TIMP） related to invasion and metastasis and Smads were detected by Western blot. ResultCCK-8 results showed that compared with the blank group， the PA groups showed decreased cell viability（P<0.01）， with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration （IC50） of ACHN cells of 70.42 μmol·L-1 at 24 h. Colony formation assay showed that the number of cell clonal groups in the PA groups was reduced compared with that in the blank group（P<0.01）. Cell adhesion assay showed that compared with the blank group， the PA groups displayed reduced cell adhesion（P<0.01）. Wound healing assay showed that the wound healing rate of cells in the PA groups was lower than that in the blank group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Transwell invasion assay showed that compared with the blank group， the number of transmembrane cells in PA groups was reduced（P<0.01）. High-content imaging showed that the cumulative migration distance of cells in the PA groups was shorter than that in the blank group（P<0.01）. The results of Western blot showed that the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the PA groups decreased （P<0.01）， and TIMP-1 protein expression increased （P<0.01） compared with those in the blank group. In addition， compared with the blank group， the PA groups showed decreased protein expression of Smad2 and Smad3 （P<0.01）. ConclusionPA can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of renal carcinoma cells presumably through regulating the homeostasis of MMP/TIMP by Smad2/3.

miR-9500 Regulates Migration and Invasion of Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Targeting SMAD2 / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the molecular mechanism underlying miR-9500 regulating the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting SMAD2. Methods The core target genes of miR-9500 were screened out by bioinformatics analysis, and their GO function analysis, KEGG signaling pathway enrichment, and survival analysis were performed. The targeted binding sites between miR-9500 and SMAD2 were predicted, and the direct targeting relationship between miR-9500 and SMAD2 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to assess the effect of miR-9500 on the mRNA and protein expression levels of SMAD2. Wound healing assay, Transwell assay, and Matrigel invasion assay were used to determine the effect of miR-9500 on the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Results The core target genes of miR-9500 were mainly enriched in the cancer pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and focal adhesion. However, only the expression levels of VAMP2, SMAD2, and RXRA among the top 10 core target genes were significantly correlated with the overall survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. miR-9500 targeted SMAD2 and down-regulated the expression levels of SMAD2, and overexpression of miR-9500 significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and markedly decreased the expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusion miR-9500 can inhibit the migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells by targeting SMAD2, which may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and development of lung adenocarcinoma as a tumor suppressor.

Role of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in pulmonary fibrosis after rheumatoid arthritis in mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the role of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - associated postinterstitial pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods The mouse model of RA was constructed by subcutaneous administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and chicken II collagen (Col-II) to the tail root of mice. The blank group was given the same amount of distilled water, and the control group was given the same amount of glacial acetic acid (solvent). The degree of toe swelling (joint swelling degree and arthritis index) was monitored to evaluate the mouse modeling. The pathological changes of mouse lung tissues were observed by HE and Masson staining. The expression of TGF-β in lung tissues were observed by immunohistochemical staining. The level of hydroxyproline in lung tissues was measured by chemiluminescence method. The expressions of Smad2, Smad3 and phosphorylated p-Smad2 and phosphorylated p-Smad3 in lung tissues were detected by Western blot. Results Compared with blank group and solvent group, the joint swelling and arthritis index of model group significantly increased. Twenty-one days after administration, HE staining showed inflammatory changes in lung interstitium of the model group, Masson staining showed collagen fiber deposition and obvious fibrosis in lung interstitium of the model group, and immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of TGF-β in cytoplasm of lung interstitial cells of the model group increased, which was brown and yellow. Meanwhile, hydroxyproline was significantly raised in lung tissue homogenate of the model group. Further WB analysis showed that compared with blank group and solvent group, the expression of p-Smad2 and pSmad3 in lung tissues of the model group was significantly up-regulated (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01). Conclusions RA can give rise to pulmonary fibrosis, and the expressions of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 are up-regulated, which is be pivotal in pulmonary fibrosis and RA-related post-interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Role of miRNA-10a in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice: the relationship with TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of microRNA-10a (miRNA-10a) in renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in mice and the relationship with transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β 1)/Smad2 signaling pathway. Methods:Twenty-four SPF healthy male adult C57BL/6 mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), renal I/R group (IR group), renal I/R plus miRNA-10a antagonist group (I group), and renal I/R+ miRNA-10a agonist group (M group). The mouse model of renal I/R was developed by clamping the left renal pedicle for 45 min followed by reperfusion in anesthetized animals.miRNA-10a antagonist and agonist 20 nmol were injected via the tail vein once every 24 h for 3 consecutive days starting from 72 h before surgery in group M and group I, respectively, while the equal volume of normal saline was given instead in S and IR groups.Blood samples were collected from the orbital vein at 24 h of reperfusion to determine the concentrations of the serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Then the mice were sacrificed, and the kidney tissues were taken for determination of the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, contents of interleukin-1 beta (IL-β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and expression of TGF-β 1 and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) (by Western blot) and for microscopic examination of the pathological changes.The damage to the renal tubules was scored. Results:Compared with group S, the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased in IR, I and M groups, and the activity of SOD was significantly decreased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was up-regulated in IR and M groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group IR, the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly decreased, the activity of SOD was increased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was down-regulated in group I, and the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was up-regulated in group M ( P<0.05). Compared with group I, the concentrations of Scr and BUN, contents of MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α in renal tissues and renal tubular damage score were significantly increased, the activity of SOD was decreased, and the expression of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2 was up-regulated in group M ( P<0.05). Conclusions:miRNA-10a is involved in the process of renal I/R injury and is related to activation of TGF-β 1/Smad2 signaling pathway in mice.

LncRNA-m18as1 competitively binds with miR-18a-5p to regulate follicle-stimulating hormone secretion through the Smad2/3 pathway in rat primary pituitary cells / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in different species and different tissues, and perform different functions, but little is known about their involvement in the synthesis or secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In general, we have revealed lncRNA‍‒‍microRNA (miRNA)‍‒‍‍messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions that may play important roles in rat primary pituitary cells. In this study, a new lncRNA was identified for the first time. First, we analyzed the gene expression of lncRNA-m18as1 in different tissues and different stages by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and observed the localization of lncRNA-m18as1 with fluorescence in situ hybridization, which indicated that this lncRNA was distributed mainly in the cytoplasm. Next, we used RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the regulation of FSH synthesis and secretion after overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA-m18as1 and found that lncRNA-m18as1 was positively correlated with FSH synthesis and secretion. In addition, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) was highly expressed in our sequencing results. We also screened miR-18a-5p from our sequencing results as a miRNA that may bind to lncRNA-m18as1 and Smad2. We used RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR) and/or dual luciferase assays to confirm that lncRNA-m18as1 interacted with miR-18a-5p and miR-18a-5p interacted with Smad2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that lncRNA-m18as1 and miR-18a-5p were localized mainly in the cytoplasm. Finally, we determined the relationship among lncRNA-m18as1, miR-18a-5p, and the Smad2/3 pathway. Overall, we found that lncRNA-m18as1 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-18a-5p to regulate the synthesis and secretion of FSH through the Smad2/3 pathway.

The potential role of long non-coding RNA Dnm3os in the activation of cardiac fibroblasts / 生物医学工程学杂志

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Dnm3os plays a critical role in peritendinous fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis, but its role in the process of cardiac fibrosis is still unclear. Therefore, we carried out study by using the myocardial fibrotic tissues obtained by thoracic aortic constriction (TAC) in an early study of our group, and the

Huoxin Pill () Attenuates Cardiac Fibrosis by Suppressing TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Pathway in Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Failure Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effects of Huoxin Pill (, HXP) on cardiac fibrosis and heart failure (HF) in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced HF rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups including control, HF, isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN), HXP low (HXP-L), and HXP high (HXP-H) groups (n=6 for each group) according to the complete randomization method. Rats were pretreated with ISMN (5 mg/kg daily), low concentration of HXP (10 mg/kg daily) or high concentration of HXP (30 mg/kg daily) or equal volume of saline by intragastric administration for 1 week, followed by intraperitoneal injection of ISO (10 mg/kg, 14 days), and continually intragastric administrated with above medicines or saline for additional 6 weeks. The effects of HXP treatment on the cardiac function, heart weight index (HWI), pathological changes, and collagen content were further assessed. Moreover, the role of HXP on activation of transforming growth factor- β 1 (TGF-β 1)/Smads pathway was further explored using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western-blot assay.@*RESULTS@#HXP treatment significantly alleviated the decrease of ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), while decreased the elevation of left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) in ISO-induced HF rats (P<0.05). Moreover, HXP treatment obviously attenuated the increase of HWI and serum level of creatine kinase MB (CK-MB, P<0.05), as well as pathological changes in ISO-induced HF rats. Further determination indicated that HXP treatment alleviated the elevation of collagen I and collagen III protein expression in cardiac tissues of ISO-induced HF rats. Furthermore, HXP treatment significantly down-regulated the increase of TGF-β 1 and p-Smad2/3 protein expression in cardiac tissues of HF rats (P<0.05), while did not affect the expression of total Smad2/3.@*CONCLUSIONS@#HXP attenuated heart failure and cardiac fibrosis in ISO-induced HF rats by suppression of TGF-β 1/Smad2/3 pathway.

Let-7a-5p represses proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targeting Smad2 in TGF-β2-induced human lens epithelial cells

Transforming growth factor b2 (TGF-b2)/Smad signaling is widely accepted as a key inducer of proliferationand epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human lens epithelial cells (LECs), contributing to thedevelopment of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Increasing evidence shows that microRNAs (miRNAs)play important roles in PCO pathogenesis. Herein, we aimed to explore the role and molecular mechanism oflet-7a-5p on TGF-b2-induced proliferation and EMT in LECs. qRT-PCR was performed to detect theexpression of let-7a-5p and Smad2 mRNA. Western blot was used to determine the Smad2 level and theinduction of EMT. The targeted correlation between let-7a-5p and Smad2 was confirmed using dual-luciferasereporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. CCK-8 assay was employed to determine cell proliferation, andtranswell assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. We found that TGF-b2 induced EMT ofLECs, and TGF-b2 upregulated Smad2 expression and reduced let-7a-5p expression in LECs. Smad2 was adirect target of let-7a-5p. Moreover, let-7a-5p upregulation repressed proliferation, migration, invasion andEMT in TGF-b2-induced LECs. But, Smad2 expression restoration abrogated the inhibitory effect of let-7a-5pupregulation. In conclusion, our data indicated that let-7a-5p upregulation repressed TGF-b2-induced proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT at least partly by targeting Smad2 in LECs, highlighting that let-7a-5pmight act as a promising therapeutic target to intervene to the progression of PCO.

Beta-sitosterol alleviates liver fibrosis in mice by blocking tprl-smad2/3 and TNF-a-nf-icb signaling pathways / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effect of beta-sitosterol (BS) on liver fibrosis induced by CCL4 in mice and the mechanisms. Methods Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups; control group (CG) , carbon tetrachloride group (CTG), low/medium/high dose of BS group ( BS-L/M/H), with 10 mice in each group. The model of hepatic fibrosis was established by injecting CCL4 in peritoneal cavity, the study lasted 30 days, and different doses of BS were given from 1st day to 15 th day. All mice were sacrificed for the observation of morphological changes and the measurement of liver index. Liver collagenous fibers were observed by HE and Masson staining, the changes of serum ( ALT and AST) were assessed by Elisa, the expressions of a-SMA and Collagen I were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and the changes of TpRl-Smad2/3 and TNF-a-NF∗kB were detected by Elisa and Western blot. Results Compared to control group, different doses of BS markedly inhibited the increase of liver index, A .T, AST, a-SMA and Collagen I in a dose-dependent n an-ner ( P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01 ). Liver morphology, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagenous fiber irj BS groups were better than those in CCL4 group, meanwhile BS-M decreased the expression of TgKl, Smad2/3, TNF-a and p-NF-KB (P <0. 01). Conclusions BS dose-dependently inhibits mouse liver f bro-sis induced by CCL4, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TpRl-Smad2/3 and TNF-a-N •-kB signaling pathways.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To study the anti- fibrotic effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUCMSC-EXOs) and explore the mechanism.@*METHODS@#Twenty-four C57 BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups (=6), including the control group treated with intratracheal injection of saline (3 mg/kg); lung fibrosis model group with intratracheal injection of 1.5 mg/mL bleomycin solution (prepared with saline, 3 mg/kg); EXOs1 group with intratracheal injection of 1.5 mg/mL bleomycin solution (3 mg/kg) and hUCMSC-EXOs (100 μg/250 μL, given by tail vein injection on the next day after modeling); and EXOs2 group with intratracheal injection of 1.5 mg/mL bleomycin solution (3 mg/kg) and hUCMSC-EXOs (100 μg/250 μL, given by tail vein injection on the 10th day after modeling). At 21 days after modeling, pulmonary index, lung tissue pathology and collagen deposition in the mice were assessed using HE staining and Masson staining. The expression level of TGF-β1 was detected using ELISA, and vimentin, E-cadherin and phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) were detected using immunohistochemical staining. CCK8 assay was used to evaluate the effect of hUCMSCEXOs on the viability of A549 cells, and Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of p-Smad2/3, vimentin, and E-cadherin in the cells.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those in the model group, the mice treated with hUCMSC-EXOs showed significantly reduced the pulmonary index ( < 0.05), collagen deposition, lung tissue pathologies, lowered expressions of TGF-β1 ( < 0.05), vimentin, and p-Smad2/3 and increased expression of E-cadherin. hUCMSC-EXOs given on the second day produced more pronounced effect than that given on the 11th day ( < 0.05). CCK8 assay results showed that hUCMSC-EXOs had no toxic effects on A549 cells ( > 0.05). Western blotting results showed that hUCMSC-EXOs treatment significantly increased the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the expressions of p-Smad2/3 and vimentin in the cells.@*CONCLUSIONS@#hUCMSC-EXOs can alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting epithelialmesenchymal transition activated by the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, and the inhibitory effect is more obvious when it is administered on the second day after modeling.

Effect and mechanism of tanshinone IIA on TGF-β1 induced human skin fibroblast proliferation / 中草药

Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of tanshinone IIA on human skin fibroblasts cell (HSF). Methods: CCK- 8 method was used to determine the effect of different concentrations of TSA on the proliferation of HSF induced by TGF-β1. The plate cloning ability of HSF treated with different concentrations of TSA (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L) for 48 h were analyzed by plate clonogenesis assay. The protein expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway proteins and α-SMA, VEGFA and COL I were further measured by Western blotting. Results: CCK-8 and plate clonognesis assay results showed that TSA significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony forming efficiency of HSF (P < 0.01). Western blotting results revealed that each concentration group of TSA significantly inhibited the protein levels of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3, and down-regulated the ratio of p-Smad2/Smad2 (P < 0.01). The ratio of p-Smad3/Smad3 was significantly decreased in 5, 10 and 20 μmol/L TSA groups. Additionally, the expression levels of α-SMA, VEGFA and COL I in HSF decreased significantly with the increase of TSA concentration (P < 0.01). Conclusion: TSA exhibits the inhibitory effect on proliferation of HSF, and its mechanism may be related to TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Xueshuantong for Injection (Lyophilized, ) Alleviates Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Retinopathy in Rats / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the ameliorate effect and underlying mechanism of Xueshuantong for Injection (Lyophilized, , XST) in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic retinopathy (DR) rats.@*METHODS@#Diabetes mellitus (DM) model was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of STZ (60 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Diabetic rats were randomized into 3 groups (n=10) according to a random number table, including DM, XST50 and XST100 groups. XST treatment groups were daily i.p. injected with 50 or 100 mg/kg XST for 60 days, respectively. The control and DM groups were given i.p. injection with saline. Blood glucose level and body weight were recorded every week. Histological changes in the retina tissues were observed with hematoxylin-eosin staining. Apoptosis and inflammation related factors, including cleaved caspase-3, glial fifibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected by Western blot or real-time polymerase chain reaction. Then, the levels of advanced glycation end product (AGE) and its receptor (RAGE) were investigated. Tight junctions proteins (Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin and Claudin-5) of blood-retinal barrier were detected by Western blot. The levels of retinal fifibrosis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-Smad2/3 signaling pathway were evaluated at last.@*RESULTS@#There was no signifificant difference in the body weight and blood glucose level between XST and DM groups (P>0.05). Compared with the DM group, XST treatment signifificantly increased the retinal thickness of rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and suppressed cleaved caspase-3 expression (P<0.01). XST increased the protein expressions of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-5 and decreased the mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, XST signifificantly reduced the productions of AGE and RAGE proteins in the retina of rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01), suppressed the over-expression of TNF-α, and decreased the elevated level of ICAM-1 in retina of rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). XST signifificantly reduced the levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), TGF-β1 and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 protein in rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#XST had protective effects on DR with possible mechanisms of inhibiting the inflammation and apoptosis, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins, suppressing the productions of AGE and RAGE proteins, and blocking the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. XST treatment might play a role for the future therapeutic strategy against DR.

Matrine Suppresses Pancreatic Fibrosis by Regulating TGF-β/Smad Signaling in Rats

PURPOSE: This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the anti-pancreatic fibrosis effects of matrine in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid was administrated to rats to establish a pancreatic fibrosis model. Rats were divided into four groups: Control, Sham, Model, and Matrine (n=8). Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, and Azan staining were performed to evaluate pancreatic fibrosis. Expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I in pancreatic tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β receptor 1 (TβR1), TβR2, and Smad2 in pancreatic tissues were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: In the model group, hyperplasia of glandules around the glandular ducts, mitochondrial swelling of acinous cells, and severe fibrosis were found. Interestingly, in the Matrine group, mitochondrial swelling was only found in a small number of acinous cells, and the fundamental structures of pancreatic tissues were intact. Moreover, pancreatic fibrosis was markedly alleviated. Comparing to the Sham group, expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, and collagen I was sharply elevated in the Model group (p < 0.05); however, their expressions were much lower in the Matrine group, compared to the Model group (p < 0.05). Compared with the Sham group, mRNA and protein levels of Smad2, TβR1, and TβR2 in the Model group were notably raised (p < 0.05). However, their high expression was significantly downregulated in the Matrine group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Matrine suppressed pancreatic fibrosis by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling in rats.

Role of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in tissue remodeling of cultured nasal polyps in vitro / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To further explore the role of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in the tissue remodeling process of cultured nasal polyps in vitro. Methods: Fifteen cases of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and 15 cases of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) were screened out, and the control group was 10 patients with deviation of nasal septum. The location and expression of proteins in tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The expression and distribution of collagen were detected by using the method of Masson trichrome staining. The levels of mRNA and protein expression were detected by quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting respectively. Nasal polyps were treated ex vivo by TGF-β1 (n=15). The levels of mRNA and protein expression in culture pellets and collagen expression in culture supernatant were analyzed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA respectively. Results: The TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly decreased in the CRSwNP group compared with the CRSsNP group (all P<0.05). TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3 protein level showed positive correlation in CRS (r=0.991, P<0.01), so was TGF-β1 and Smad2, Smad3 mRNA levels (r=0.581, r=0.658, both P<0.01). TGF-β1 had positive correlation with collagen expression in CRS (r=0.982, P<0.01). Compared with the controls ex vivo, the levels of Smad2, Smad3, pSmad2/3 and collagen were markedly increased after TGF-β1 treatment. Conclusion: TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway may play an important role in tissue remodeling of CRSwNP, and cause collagen reduction and edematous mucous membrane in nasal polyps.

Effect of Kangxianling Decoction on TGF-β1/Smad Signal Pathway in Renal Fibrosis Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of Kangxianling Decoction on renal fibrosis induced by 5/6 nephrectomization in rats, and discuss its action mechanism. Method: Totally 50 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10), sham-operation group (n=10), and 5/6 nephrectomized renal fibrosis model group (n=30). After successful modeling, rats were randomly divided into the model group, Kangxianling group, and Losartan Potassium group. Rats in the Losartan Potassium group were administered with Losartan Potassium by gastrogavage; rats in the Kangxianling group were administered with Kangxianling by gastrogavage. Equal volume of distilled water was administered to rats in the other groups. Rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks of consecutive medication, and then serum creatinine (SCr), urea nitrogen (BUN), 24 hour urine protein (24 h-Pro) were measured in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the renal pathological changes and the score of Kidney damage was made. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of renal fibrosis. Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7 in kidneys. Result: As compared with the normal control and sham-operation group, the renal tissue fibrosis, score of kidney damage, SCr, BUN and 24 h-Pro levels were higher in model group (Pβ1, Smad2, and Smad3 (PPPβ1, Smad2, Smad3 were reduced (PPConclusion: Kangxianling decoction could alleviate renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway.

Rapamycin alleviates inflammation by up-regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling in a mouse model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy of rapmycin for treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice and explore the underlying mechanism.@*METHODS@#An EAE model was established in C57BL/6 mice. After immunization, the mice were divided into model group and rapamycin groups treated daily with low-dose (0.3 mg/kg) or high-dose (1 mg/kg) rapamycin. The clinical scores of the mice were observed using Knoz score, the infiltration of IL-17 cells in the central nervous system (CNS) was determined using immunohistochemistry; the differentiation of peripheral Treg cells was analyzed using flow cytometry, and the changes in the levels of cytokines were detected with ELISA; the changes in the expressions of p-Smad2 and p- smad3 were investigated using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#High-dose rapamycin significantly improved the neurological deficits scores of EAE mice. In high-dose rapamycin group, the scores in the onset stage, peak stage and remission stage were 0.14±0.38, 0.43±1.13 and 0.14±0.37, respectively, as compared with 1.14±0.69, 2.14±1.06 and 2.2±0.75 in the model group. The infiltration of inflammatory IL-17 cells was significantly lower in high-dose rapamycin group than in the model group (43±1.83 153.5±7.02). High-dose rapamycin obviously inhibited the production of IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-23 and induced the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β. The percentage of Treg in CD4+ T cells was significantly higher in high- dose rapamycin group than in the model group (10.17 ± 0.68 3.52 ± 0.32). In the experiment, combined treatments of the lymphocytes isolated from the mice with rapamycin and TGF-β induced a significant increase in the number of Treg cells (13.66±1.89) compared with the treatment with rapamycin (6.23±0.80) or TGF-β (4.87±0.85) alone. Rapamycin also obviously up-regulated the expression of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 in the lymphocytes.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Rapamycin can promote the differentiation of Treg cells by up-regulating the expression of p-Smad2 and p-smad3 to improve neurological deficits in mice with EAE.

Effects of Xuanfei Huayu Formula on expression of TGF-β1/Smad in lung tissue of pulmonary fibrosis rats / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xuanfei Huayu Formula (XFHY) on the expression of TGF-β1/Smad2 in pulmonary fibrosis rats. Methods: Sixty male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: negative control group (group A), pulmonary fibrosis model group (group B), prednisone positive control group (group C, 0.167 mg/kg), the high doses of XFHY groups (group D, 14.38 g/kg), the medium doses of XFHY groups (group E, 7.19 g/kg), and the low doses of XFHY groups (group F, 3.60 g/kg) with ten rats in each group. The pulmonary fibrosis model was established by nasal instillation of bleomycin 7 μg/g (150 μL); In 8 h after the modle establishment, the rats in C, D, E, and F groups were respectively treated with prednisone acetate or XFHY once daily. Negative control group (group A) and model group (group B) were given equal volume physiological saline. The rats in different groups were executed 28 d after modeling for sampling. The HE and sirius red staining were used to observe alveolitis even pulmonary fibrosis changes in lung tissue under the microscope; The alkaline hydrolysis method was adopted to determine the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) in lung tissue; The immunohistochemical method was used to determine the expression of alpha-SMA, Smad4, and Smad7 in rat lung tissues. The expression levels of TGF-β RII, Smad2, p-Smad2, and Smad7 proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results: The alveolar structure of the model group was severely damaged, and the interstitial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen fibrosis were observed. Compared with the negative control group, the content of hydroxyproline and collagen staining was significantly increased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the expression of collagen fibers in the alveolar interval of three-dose group and prednisolone acetate group was significantly reduced, and the content of hydroxyproline was decreased significantly. Among them, the collagen fiber expression in XFHY high-dose group was less than XFHY low- and medium-dose group, and the hydroxyproline content was much lower. The above results showed that XFHY had a certain dose-effect relationship with the efficacy of pulmonary fibrosis. On this basis, the mechanism of the action of XFHY continues to it should be further explored. It was found that the protein content of TGF-β RII, Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad4, and α-SMA were decreased significantly, while the expression of Smad7 was higher in the XFHY group compared with the model group. Conclusion: XFHY can effectively prevent and treat pulmonary fibrosis, and its mechanism may relate to inhibit the over-expression of the α-SMA by regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, thereby reducing the formation of collagen fibers.

Effect of Nourishing Yin and Nonifying Yang Sequential Therapy Combined with Western Medicine on Expression Levels of Smad2 ,Smad3 ,Smad7 mRNA in Rats with Diminished Ovarian Reserve / 华中科技大学学报(医学版)

Objective To investigate the effect of Nourishing Yin and Nonifying Yang sequential therapy (NYNYST )com-bined with western medicine on expression levels of Smad2 ,Smad3 ,Smad7 mRNA in rats with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).Methods Totally 40 female rats were randomly divided into 5 groups ,the normal control group ,the model group ,the western medicine group ,the NYNYST group and the combination group(western medicine combined with NYNYST ) ,8 in each group. The DOR model was established through orally administering tripterygium pill for continuous 2 weeks. The normal con-trol group and the model group were administered with saline for 10 days. The western medicine group was treated with hor-mone replacement therapy(HRT ) and ovarian stimulation. The NYNYST group was administered with Nourishing Yin herbs in proestrus and Nonifying Yang herbs in late estrus and the combination group was administered with combination of Chinese herb and western drugs for 10 days ,with the same dose in the former two groups.Serum levels of FSH ,LH ,E2 ,anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) ,Transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)and Inhibin B(INHB)were measured by ELISA.Changes of Smad2 ,Smad3 ,Smad7 mRNA in ovaries were detected by real-time PCR.Results Compared with the model group ,the serum levels of FSH ,LH were decreased significantly in western medicine group ,NYNYST group and combination group(P＜0.01) , the serum levels of E2 ,AMH ,TGF-β1 and INHB increased in the rats of the treatment group(P＜0.05 ,P＜0.01) ,and efficacy of the combination group was significantly superior to that of the western medicine group (P＜0.01 ,P＜0.05);compared with the model group ,Smad2 mRNA increased significantly in NYNYST group and combination group ,Smad3 mRNA increased sig- nificantly in combination group(P＜0.01) ,the efficacy of combination group was superior to that of the western medicine group (P＜0.05);compared with the model group ,Smad7 mRNA of treatment groups was decreased significantly (P＜0.01).Conclu-sion NYTYST combined with western medicine can improve the function of ovaries by up-regulating the expression of Smad2 , Smad3 mRNA and down-regulating the expression of Smad7 mRNA in DOR rats.

Nodal induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gallbladder carcinoma via the Smad2/4 pathway / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To study the expressions of Nodal in normal gallbladder,and gallbladders with cholelithiasis,cholecystitis and carcinoma;and to study the impact of inhibiting or promoting Nodal expressions in gallbladder carcinoma on the Smad2/4 pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions and distributions of Nodal protein in 30 normal gallbladders,96 simple cholecystitis/calculous cholecystitis specimens and 42 gallbladder carcinoma specimens.The mRNA and protein expressions of Nodal in normal and malignant gallbladdcr mucosal epithelium cells and breast cancer cells were detected by RT-PCR,western blotting and wound healing tests.The impact of activating agents and inhibitors on the expression levels of Nodal and its signaling pathway Smad2/4 and EMT-related proteins were analyzed.Results Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive rates of Nodal in the gallbladder cancer group was significantly higher than that in the gallbladder stone group and the normal gallbladder group.The results were 83.3％ (35/42),44.8％ (43/96),6.7％ (2/30) respectively (P＜ 0.01).RT-PCR and Western blotting showed the expressions of Nodal in gallbladder carcinoma cells were higher than normal gallbladder cells (P＜0.05).After using rhNodal to up regulate the Nodal expression,the Smad2 protein phosphorylation was promoted and the EMT associated proteins were up-regulated.After using the inhibitor SB431542 to suppress the Nodal expression,the Smad2 protein phosphorylation decreased and the EMT associated proteins were down-regulated.Conclusions The expression of Nodal was closely related to cell proliferation and metastasis in gallbladder carcinoma.Tumor progression was promoted via the smad2/4 pathway through epithelial-mesenchymal transition.