Co-transfection of hepatocyte growth factor and truncated TGF-ß type II receptor inhibit scar formation

Wound scarring remains a major challenge for plastic surgeons. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays a key role in the process of scar formation. Previous studies have demonstrated that truncated TGF-β type II receptor (t-TGF-βRII) is unable to continue signal transduction but is still capable of binding to TGF-β, thereby blocking the TGF-β signaling pathway. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a multifunctional growth factor that promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing. Theoretically, the combination of HGF and t-TGF-βRII would be expected to exert a synergistic effect on promoting wound healing and reducing collagen formation. In the present study, lentivirus-mediated transfection of the two genes (t-TGF-βRII/HGF) into fibroblasts in vitro and in a rat model in vivo was used. The results demonstrated that the expression of t-TGF-βRII and HGF in NIH-3T3 cells was successfully induced. The expression of both molecules significantly reduced collagen I and III expression, and also inhibited fibroblast proliferation. Furthermore, histological examination and scar quantification revealed less scarring in the experimental wound in a rat model. Moreover, on macroscopic inspection, the experimental wound exhibited less visible scarring compared with the control. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that the combination gene therapy of t-TGF-βRII and HGF promoted wound healing, with less scarring and more epithelial tissue formation, not only by suppressing the overgrowth of collagen due to its antifibrotic effect, but also by promoting tissue regeneration.

Effect of Endothelial Microparticles Induced by Hypoxia on Migration and Angiogenesis of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Delivering MicroRNA-19b / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Microparticles (MPs) are small extracellular plasma membrane particles shed by activated and apoptotic cells, which are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Our previous study found that microRNA (miR)-19b encapsulated within endothelial MPs (EMPs) may contribute to the upregulation of circulating miR-19b in unstable angina patients. Hypoxia is involved in atherosclerosis as a critical pathological stimulus. However, it still remains unclear whether the increase of miR-19b levels in EMPs is related to hypoxia and if the effect of miR-19b - wrapped within EMPs - stimulates hypoxia on vascular endothelial cells. This study aimed to explore the changes of miR-19b in EMPs induced by hypoxia as well as their effects on endothelial cells.@*Methods@#Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro and arranged to harvest EMPs in two parts: the first part consisted of EMP and EMP and the second part included EMP, EMP, and EMP. Cell migration was detected by scratch migration and transwell chamber migration. Angiogenesis was assessed by tube formation assays. Furthermore, we predicted the target gene of miR-19b by bioinformatics analysis, and luciferase assay was used to verify the targeted gene of miR-19b. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Student's t-test was used when two groups were compared.@*Results@#Compared with EMP- and EMP-inhibited migration of cells by scratch migration assay (80.77 ± 1.10 vs. 28.37 ± 1.40, P < 0. 001) and transwell chamber migration assay (83.00 ± 3.46 vs. 235.00 ± 16.52, P < 0.01), the number of tube formations was markedly reduced by 70% in the EMP group (P < 0.001) in vitro analysis of HUVECs. Meanwhile, a strong inhibition of migration and tube formation of HUVECs in the presence of miR-19b-enriched EMP was observed. This effect might be due to the delivery of miR-19b in EMPs. Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGFβ2) was predicted to be one of the target genes of miR-19b, and we further confirmed that TGFβ2 was a direct target gene of miR-19b using the luciferase assay. The expression of TGFβ2 in HUVECs was inhibited by treatment with EMP and EMP.@*Conclusions@#MiR-19b in EMPs induced by hypoxia could reduce endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis by downregulating TGFβ2 expression, which may have inhibited the progression of atherosclerosis.

TGF-β2 downregulates osteogenesis under inflammatory conditions in dental follicle stem cells / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Bone formation is important for the reconstruction of bone-related structures in areas that have been damaged by inflammation. Inflammatory conditions such as those that occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, and periodontitis have been shown to inhibit osteoblastic differentiation. This study focussed on dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs), which are found in developing tooth germ and participate in the reconstruction of alveolar bone and periodontal tissue in periodontal disease. After bacterial infection of inflamed dental tissue, the destruction of bone was observed. Currently, little is known about the relationship between the inflammatory environment and bone formation. Osteogenic differentiation of inflamed DFSCs resulted in decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red S staining compared to normal DFSCs. Additionally, in vivo transplantation of inflamed and normal DFSCs demonstrated severe impairment of osteogenesis by inflamed DFSCs. Protein profile analysis via liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was performed to analyse the differences in protein expression in inflamed and normal tissue. Comparison of inflamed and normal DFSCs showed significant changes in the level of expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.)-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to create in vitro inflammatory conditions similar to periodontitis. The osteogenic differentiation of LPS-treated DFSCs was suppressed, and the cells displayed low levels of TGF-β1 and high levels of TGF-β2. DFSCs treated with TGF-β2 inhibitors showed significant increases in alizarin red S staining and ALP activity. TGF-β1 expression was also increased after inhibition of TGF-β2. By examining inflamed DFSCs and LPS-triggered DFSCs, these studies showed both clinically and experimentally that the increase in TGF-β2 levels that occurs under inflammatory conditions inhibits bone formation.

Effect of Curcumin on TGF-β2 Regulated PPAR-γ/PDGF-β Signaling Pathway in Lung Fibroblasts of Mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of curcumin on TGF-β2 regulated peroxisome proliferater activated receptor y (PPAR-γ)/platelet derived growth factor β (PDGF-β) signaling pathway in lung fibroblasts of mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>C57BL/6 mouse lung fibroblasts were in vitro cultured with TGF-β2, curcumin, or TGF-β2 plus curcumin. The cell proliferation was detected by cell growth counting in the blank control group, low, middle, and high dose curcumin groups (5, 25, 50 μmol/L), the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) group, TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin (5, 25, 50 μmol/L) groups. mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β), fibroblast growth factor R1 (FGFR1) were detected using reverse transcription PCR. Protein levels of PPAR-γ and collagen-1 were detected using Western blot and ELISA in the blank control group, the TGF-β2 group, the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank control group, curcumin 50 μmol/L showed the most significant inhibition on cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h. Compared with the TGF-β2 group, TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 mol/L also showed the most significant inhibition on cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h. Compared with the blank control group, mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ and PDGF-β, as well as protein expression of PPAR-γ increased, the collagen-1 expression also increased in the TGF-β2 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β2 group, mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ obviously increased in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group and the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group, higher than that in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 5 [μmol/L group (P < 0.05). mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ was higher in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group than in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group (P < 0.05). mRNA expressions of PDGF-β was lower in TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin groups than in the TGF-β2 group (P < 0.05). Besides, PDGF-β mRNA expressions were lower in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group than in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 5 μmol/L group and the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FGFR1 mRNA expressions between the TGF-β2 group and 3 TGF-β2 plus curcumin groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β2 group, PPAR-γ protein expressions increased and collagen-1 protein expressions decreased in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μLmol/L group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Curcumin not only could inhibit TGF-β2 induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts, but also could inhibit the synthesis of collagens. These might be associated with up-regulating PPAR-γ expressions and down-regulating PDGF-β expressions. Therefore, curcumin might inhibit the occurrence and developing of lung fibrosis through blocking PPAR-γ/PDGF-β signaling pathway.</p>

Transforming growth factor-beta receptor 2 gene polymorphisms are associated with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in immune disorders, cancer, asthma, lung fibrosis, and chronic kidney disease, and its signal pathways are considered crucial mediators of a variety of cellular processes. In addition, several recent studies have reported that TGF-beta receptor (TGF-betaR) gene polymorphism is associated with chronic kidney disease. However, the association between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the TGF-beta gene polymorphism has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we hypothesized that polymorphisms of the TGF-beta ligands or their receptors may be related to ESRD. METHODS: We assessed the relationship between four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TGF-betaR2 and TGF-beta2 genes and ESRD, in 312 patients with ESRD and 258 controls. RESULTS: Compared with the control participants, the frequencies of the TGF-betaR2 (rs764522*C) and TGF-betaR2 (rs3087465*G) alleles were significantly higher in the patients with ESRD. Genotyping analysis demonstrated that two SNPs in TGF-betaR2 of the four SNPs included in the study were significantly associated with ESRD in the codominant 1 [rs764522, odds ratio (OR)=1.65; rs3087465, OR=1.63], dominant (rs764522, OR=1.63; rs3087465, OR=1.57), and log-additive (rs764522, OR=1.54; rs3087465, OR=1.39) models after adjusting for age and sex. CONCLUSION: We suggest that TGF-betaR2 polymorphisms (rs764522 and rs3087465) increase the risk of development of ESRD.

The Preventive Effect of Topical Zafirlukast Instillation for Peri-Implant Capsule Formation in Rabbits

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is the most troublesome complication in breast implant surgery. Although capsule formation can be seen as a normal reaction to a foreign body, it can induce pain, hardness, deformity, and other pathologic problems. Surgical intervention is required in severe cases, but even surgery cannot guarantee a successful outcome without recurrence. This experimental study confirms that single topical administration of leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast (Accolate, Astrazeneca) reduces peri-implant capsule formation and prevents capsular contracture. METHODS: Twelve smooth-surfaced cohesive gel implants were implanted in New Zealand White rabbits. These miniature implants were designed to be identical to currently used products for breast augmentation. The rabbits were divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group (n=6), the implant and normal saline with zafirlukast were inserted in the submuscular pocket. In the control group (n=6), the implant and normal saline alone were used. Two months later, the implants with peri-implant capsule were excised. We evaluated capsule thickness and collagen pattern and performed immunohistochemical staining of myofibroblasts, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, 2. RESULTS: The thickness of the capsules in the experimental group was reduced in both dorsal and ventral directions. The collagen pattern showed parallel alignment with low density, and the number of myofibroblasts as well as the amounts of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were reduced in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that single topical administration of leukotriene antagonist zafirlukast can be helpful in reducing capsule formation and preventing capsular contracture via myofibroblast suppression, modulation of fibroblastic cytokines, and anti-inflammatory effect.

Osseointegration of the titanium implant coated with rhTGF-beta2/PLGA particles by electrospray: a preliminary microCT analyzing rabbit study / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: This preliminary rabbit study was conducted to evaluate the effect of recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta2 (rhTGF-beta2)/poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) coating on osseointegration of the titanium (Ti) implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight Ti implants were anodized with 300 voltages for three minutes. Four of those were coated with rhTGF-beta2/PLGA by an electrospray method as the experimental group. The implants were placed into tibiae of four New Zealand rabbits, two implants per a tibia, one implant per each group. After 3 and 6 weeks, every two rabbits were sacrificed and micro-computed tomography (microCT) was taken for histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: In scanning electron microscope (SEM) image, the surface of rhTGF-beta2/PLGA coated Ti implant showed well distributed particles. Although statistically insignificant, microCT analysis showed that experimental group has higher bone volume / total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) values relatively. Cross sectional view also showed more newly formed bone in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: In the limitation of this study, rhTGF-beta2/PLGA particles coating on the Ti implant show the possibility of more favorable quantity of newly formed bone after implant installation.

Maternal Psychosocial Factors that Affect Breastfeeding Adaptation and Immune Substances in Human Milk

PURPOSE: This study was to identify relationships of maternal psychosocial factors including mother's mood state, childcare stress, social support and sleep satisfaction with breastfeeding adaptation and immune substances in breast milk, especially secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta2). METHODS: Data were collected from 84 mothers who delivered full-term infants by natural childbirth. Structured questionnaires and breast milk were collected at 2~4 days and 6 weeks postpartum. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: Scores for the breastfeeding adaptation scale were significantly related with child care stress, mood state and social support. Mother's anger was positively correlated with the level of sIgA in colostrum (p<.01). Immune substances of breastmilk was significantly influenced by time for milk collection (p<.001) and the type of breastfeeding (sIgA, p<.001, TGF-beta2, p=.003). Regression analysis showed that breastfeeding adaptation could be explained 59.1% by the type of breastfeeding, childcare stress, the Profile of Mood States, emotional support and sleep quality (F=16.67, p<.001). CONCLUSION: The findings from this study provide important concepts of breastfeeding adaptation program and explanation of psychosocial factors by immune substances in breast milk. Future research, specially, bio-maker research on breast milk should focus on the ways to improve breastfeeding adaptation.

Preliminary study of the inhibitory effect and mechanism of B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 vaccine on the pulmonary metastasis in mouse models of melanoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect and mechanism of B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 tumor cell vaccine on pulmonary metastasis in mouse model of melanoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twelve 8-week old female C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. The mice were injected with wild-type B16F10 cells through tail vein after immunization with B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 tumor cell vaccine, and the pulmonary metastasis was observed. The CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting, and then used for the detection of CFSE/7-AAD cytotoxicity by flow cytometry. Serum from the mice immunized with tumor-cell vaccine was used to detect IFN-γ expression by ELISA. The expression of TGF-β2, ZEB1, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin of tumor tissues was detected by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mice vaccinated with B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 had significantly fewer nodules in the lung and lower lung weight [(285.8 ± 19.01) mg vs. (406.3 ± 27.12) mg], with lower levels of TGF-β2, ZEB1 and N-cadherin proteins but higher level of E-cadherin protein within the tumor tissue, as compared with the control mice. Meanwhile, the immunized mice had significantly increased CD8(+) T cell killing activity [(42.62 ± 3.465)% vs. (22.29 ± 1.804)%] and IFN-γ expression level [(55.200 ± 7.173) pg/ml vs. (6.435 ± 1.339) pg/ml] over the control mice.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The B16F10-ESAT-6-gpi/IL-21 vaccine can inhibit the metastasis of melanoma in the lung in vaccinated melanoma-bearing mice. This inhibitory effect is associated with CD8(+) T cell immune response and a higher level of IFN-γ, which may influence on the mesenchymal-epithelial transition of tumor cells.</p>

Expression Patterns of Gli-1, Pleckstrin Homology-Like Domain, Family A, Member 1, Transforming Growth Factor-beta1/beta2, and p63 in Sebaceous and Follicular Tumors

BACKGROUND: Certain epidermal appendage tumors, including hyperplasias (hamartomas), adenomas, benign epitheliomas, primordial epitheliomas, and malignant tumors, can exhibit any stage of differentiation. Several molecules associated with tumorigenesis, such as Gli-1, pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 1 (PHLDA-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, TGF-beta2, and p63, are associated with tumor grade and aggressive behavior in follicular and sebaceous tumors in ways that are not well understood. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression of Gli-1, PHLDA-1, TGF-beta1/beta2, and p63 in benign and malignant tumors of the hair and sebaceous glands and to determine their importance in the degree of tumor differentiation. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was performed in follicular and sebaceous tumors using antibodies against Gli-1 (sebaceous tumor marker), PHLDA-1 (hair follicle outer root sheath [ORS] cell marker), p63, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta2. RESULTS: Gli-1 was expressed in basaloid cells, sebocytes, and sebaceous carcinoma cells, and expression levels decreased as differentiation progressed. PHLDA-1 was expressed in ORS cells and some follicular tumor cells. Expression of p63 was observed in the nuclei of the outermost basaloid cells (seboblasts), poorly differentiated sebaceous carcinoma cells, and tumor cells toward the direction of the hair. Remarkably, TGF-beta1 was expressed exclusively in the nuclei of benign and malignant follicular (hair) tumors, but not in sebaceous tumors, at levels that correlated with the degree of differentiation. CONCLUSION: We propose that p63 and/or TGF-beta1 are useful for predicting the degree of differentiation and malignant potential of sebaceous and follicular tumors and for distinguishing trichilemmal carcinoma from sebaceous carcinoma.

role of Wnt signaling pathway on the expression of TGF beta1 and TGF beta 2 in cultured rat cortical astrocytes

Astrocytes, the most abundant glia in the central nervous system, modulate neuronal survival and function. Astrocytic functions are mediated by synthesis and secretion of wide ranges of polypeptides through mechanism [s] poorly understood. Among these, TGF beta s are synthesized and released by the astrocytes. In this study, the involvement of Wnt signaling pathway on the synthesis of TGF beta s by the astrocyte was investigated. Cultured rat astrocytes were therefore treated either with Wnt3a [20ng/ml] alone for 24 hours or in combination with sFRP-1 [400 ng/ml] for a further 24 hours. Cells were then harvested and examined for the expression of TGF beta s and the Wnt target gene, cyclin D1. In this study, we were able to show that 1] treatment Wnt3a alone for 24 hours induced the expressions of TGF beta s and cyclin D1; 2] The effect of Wnt was inhibited by pre-treatment with sFRP-1, that is, sFRP-1 pre-treatment significantly blocked the Wnt-induced expressions of TGF beta s and cyclin D1. This study therefore provides the first evidence for the involvement of Wnt signaling pathway in the synthesis of TGF beta proteins by cortical rat astrocytes

Murine corneal stroma cells suppress bone marrow-derived dendritic cells maturation in vitro / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) is a key modulator of dendritic cells (DCs) function, and cornea-derived transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β(2)) promotes the generation of phenotypically and functionally immature DCs. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate whether PGE(2) is involved in the suppressive effect on DCs maturation mediated by corneal stroma cells (CSCs) and whether PGE(2) and TGF-β(2) have additive effects in this immunosuppressive mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs), splenic T cells and CSCs culture supernatant were obtained from mice via various protocols. After that, the level of PGE(2) in CSCs culture supernatant was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, immature BM-DCs pretreated by E-prostanoid 2 receptor antagonist AH6809 or dimethyl sulfoxide were induced to mature in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, with or without CSCs culture supernatant. In parallel experiments, neutralizing TGF-β(2) antibody or normal goat IgG was added into the supernatant. Next, the cellular surface markers for DCs maturation, including CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), were analyzed by flow cytometry; the capability of stimulating the proliferation of T lymphocytes was evaluated by allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions and the function of endocytosis was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran uptake.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Higher concentration of PGE(2) was detected in CSCs culture supernatant than in the fresh medium. In addition, compared with control group, after treated with the supernatant in the mature stage, BM-DCs displayed lower expression of CD80, CD86 and MHC II, lower T cell stimulatory capacity and higher endocytosis function. However, after the application of AH6809, BM-DCs partially regained T cell stimulatory capacity and expression of CD86 and MHC II, but partially lost endocytic activity. Moreover, after the application of AH6809 and neutralizing TGF-β(2) antibody, the result of statistical analysis indicated that there was a statistical difference of interaction in the expression of MHC II and T cell stimulatory capacity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>PGE(2) contributes to the suppressive effect on BM-DCs maturation mediated by CSCs in vitro, and PGE(2) and TGF-β(2) have additive effects on the immunosuppression of BM-DCs.</p>

Association between rs6658835 polymorphism of transforming growth factor beta 2 gene and congenital heart diseases in Chinese Han population / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the association between a tag single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6658835) of transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF beta2) gene and congenital heart disease (CHD) in Chinese Han population.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 324 CHD cases including 144 atrial septal defects (ASD), 88 patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 92 ventricular septal defects (VSD) and 158 healthy controls were enrolled. The genotype of rs6658835 was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs6658835 were associated with VSD (P< 0.05), but not with ASD or PDA (P> 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The rs6658835 polymorphism of TGF beta 2 gene is associated with the susceptibility of VSD in Chinese Han population.</p>

Effect of tetrandrine on bax, bcl-2 and TGF-β2 mRNA expressions in cultured human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on the expression of bax, bcl-2, and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) mRNA in cultured human fibroblasts of Tenon's capsules (TCFS) and explore its possible mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The third passage of TCFS cultured in vitro were exposed to 1×10(-5) mol/L Tet for 24 h, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the changes in the expressions of bax, bcl-2, and TGF-β2 mRNA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression level of bax mRNA was obviously higher, while bcl-2 and TGF-β2 mRNA levels were significantly lower in Tet-treated TCFS than those in the control cells (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tet can inhibit the proliferation of TCFS possibly by reducing the expressions of bcl-2 and TGF-β2 mRNA, enhancing the expression of bax mRNA and inducing cell apoptosis, suggesting its potential in preventing fibrous scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery.</p>

The Regulation of FOXP3 Expression by the Treatment of TGF-beta and the Modification of DNA Methylation in Lung Cancer Cell Lines / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Transcription factor FOXP3 characterizes the thymically derived regulatory T cells. FOXP3 is expressed by cancer cell itself and FOXP3 expression was induced by TGF-beta treatment in pancreatic cancer cell line. However, the expression of FOXP3 expression is not well known in patients with lung cancer. This study was conducted to investigate the expression of FOXP3 in patients with lung cancer and to investigate the regulation of FOXP3 expression by the treatment of TGF-beta and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor in lung cancer cell lines. METHODS: FOXP3 expression in the tissue of patients with resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The regulation of FOXP3 expression was investigated by Western blot and RT-PCR after lung cancer cell lines were stimulated with TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2. The regulation of FOXP3 expression was also investigated by RT-PCR and flow cytometry after lung cancer cell lines were treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-AZA-dC). RESULTS: FOXP3 expression was confirmed in 27% of patients with NSCLC. In NCI-H460 cell line, TGF-beta2 decreased FOXP3 mRNA and protein expressions. In A549 cell line, both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 decreased FOXP3 mRNA and protein expressions. 5-AZA-dC increased FOXP3 mRNA expression in NCI-H460 and A549 cell lines. Moreover, 5-AZA-dC increased intracellular FOXP3 protein expression in A549 cell lines. CONCLUSION: It was shown that FOXP3 is expressed by cancer cell itself in patients with NSCLC. Treatment of TGF-beta2 and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor seems to be associated with the regulation of FOXP3 expression in lung cancer cell lines.

Effect of different concentration of tamoxifen ointment on the expression of TGF-beta2 of hypertrophic scar at rabbit ears / 中华整形外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of different concentration of Tamoxifen ointment on the fibroblasts and transforming growth factor (TGF-beta2) of hypertrophic scar at rabbit ears, so as to explore the possibility of treatment of hypertrophic scar with Tamoxifen.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The hypertrophic scar model was established in 96 New Zealand rabbits' ears. The wounds were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D), with 144 wounds in each group. Different concentration of tamoxifen ointment (0.5%, 1%, 2%) was topically administered in groups A, B and C respectively, and blank ointment in group D. On postoperative day 30, 60 and 90, the scar samples were harvested. The scar thickness, scar histological change and the content of TGF-beta2 were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) On the 30th day after operation, the difference of scar tissue thickness among groups A, D and B, C reached statistical significance (group A, D < group B < group C). However, there was a contrary tendency in fibroblasts density and TGF-beta2 content of the scar tissue simultaneously. (2) On 60th, 90th day after injury, there was statistical difference in scar thickness, fibroblasts density and the content of TGF-beta2 in scar of four groups (P < 0.05). The content of TGF-beta2 in group A, B, C, D was (43.97 +/- 3.63) microg/L, (41.92 +/- 3.91) microg/L, (36.69 +/- 4.15) microg/L, (54.90 +/- 4.71) microg/L, respectively, on 60th day; and (45.69 +/- 2.63) microg/L, (40.43 +/- 3.87) microg/L, (38.76 +/- 3.24) microg/L, (52.59 +/- 4.92) microg/L, respectively, on 90th day. The fibroblasts density of scar in groups A, B, C, D was (4392.07 +/- 327.84) point/mm2, (4208.57 +/- 329.76) point/mm2 (4 033.44 +/- 427.91) point/mm2, (4863.03 +/- 387.98) point/mm2, respectively, on 60th day; and (4418.41 +/- 432.52) point/mm2, (4077.65 +/- 386.70) point/mm2, (3844.53 +/- 354.29) point/mm2, (4838.64 +/- 390.52) point/mm2, respectively, on 90th day. The content of TGF-beta2 and fibroblasts density of scar were lined up as group D > group A > group B > group C (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Topical Tamoxifen can reduce the content of TGF-beta2 and fibroblast, decrease fibroblasts density and the formation of hypertrophic scar at rabbit ears. It offers a new way for the treatment of the hypertrophic scar.</p>

Research progress on proliferative property and capacity of human corneal endothelium / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Primary and secondary corneal endothelial decompensation leads to stromal edema, corneal opacity and loss of visual acuity. The pathogenesis of corneal endothelial decompensation is that adult corneal endothelium in vivo lacks of a robust proliferative response to injury, does not divide sufficiently to replace the lost cells. Previous studies indicate that cell-cell contact inhibition and transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) in aqueous humor may be responsible for maintaining human endothelial cells in a non-replicative state in vivo. The results of the experimental investigation by using immunofluorescent staining of the cell cycle-associated proteins and cell proliferation marker Ki67 in corneal endothelium indicate that human corneal endothelial cells in vivo are arrested in the G1-phase and have not exited from the cell cycle. Successful outgrowth in culture of human corneal endothelial cells in vitro and the establishment of the immortalized human endothelial cell line, provide strong evidence that corneal endothelial cells retain proliferative capacity. Experiments with cell culture ex vivo demonstrate that corneal endothelial cells cultured from young donors grow more robustly than those from older donors, and cells cultured from peripheral area of corneas show greater cell density than central regions. Studies have demonstrated that in vitro human corneal endothelia undergo mitotic changes in response to stimulation of growth promoting agents, such as growth factors, EDTA and extracellular matrix. Identification of corneal endothelial stem cells and isolation and culture of human endothelial precursor cells in vitro will be beneficial for further investigation regarding the mechanism of corneal endothelial regeneration as well as corneal endothelial cells in vitro culture.

Expression of Smad7 inhibits fibrogenic responses of keratocytes to transforming growth factor β2 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is one of the most important growth factors in the development of fibrosis and scarring on cornea. Smad7, an inhibitory Smad, can inhibit TGFβ signal transduction. In recent years, effects of lentiviral-mediated Smad7 on inhibition of fibrosis on some organs have been studied, while little is known about the effects on cornea. This study aimed to determine the effects of lentiviral-mediated Smad7 gene expression on keratocyte proliferation and fibrosis induced by TGF β2 in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Keratocytes were cultured from corneal tissue isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and transfected with Smad7 expressing lentiviral vector (Lv-Smad7) or non-functioning control vector (Lv-blank). Following the exposure to TGFβ2, keratocytes were processed for immunoblotting to assess the phosphorylation of Smad2 as down-stream event of TGFβ/Smad signaling. Expression of fibrotic markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type III collagen (collagen III) were measured by Western blotting and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overall cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the expression of cell cycle-related marker Ki67 at both mRNA and protein levels.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The Smad7 gene transfer suppressed TGFβ/Smad signaling in keratocytes by down-regulating phosphorylation of Smad2. Markers of cell proliferation and fibrosis including Ki67, α-SMA, collagen III were inhibited by introduction of Smad 7 into TGFβ exposed keratocytes. Consequently, the rate of cell proliferation was attenuated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Smad7 gene transfer inhibited fibrogenic responses of keratocytes to TGFβ2.</p>

TGF-beta-treated antigen presenting cells suppress collagen-induced arthritis through the promotion of Th2 responses

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is mediated by self-reactive CD4+ T cells that produce inflammatory cytokines. TGF-beta2-treated tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (Tol-APCs) are known to induce tolerance in various autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated whether collagen-specific Tol-APCs could induce suppression of CIA. We observed that Tol-APCs could suppress the development and severity of CIA and delay the onset of CIA. Treatment of Tol-APCs reduced the number of IFN-gamma- and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells and increased IL-4- and IL-5-producing CD4+ T cells upon collagen antigen stimulation in vitro. The suppression of CIA conferred by Tol-APCs correlated with their ability to selectively induce IL-10 production. We also observed that treatment of Tol-APCs inhibited not only cellular immune responses but also humoral immune responses in the process of CIA. Our results suggest that in vitro-generated Tol-APCs have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune diseases.

Aldosterone Modulates Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Neonatal Rat Heart

In the present study, we investigated whether and how the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone affects cardiac growth and development through apoptosis and cell proliferation in the neonatal rat heart. Newborn rat pups were treated with spironolactone (200 mg/kg/d) for 7 days. The cell proliferation was studied by PCNA immunostaining. The treatment with spironolactone decreased proliferating myocytes by 32% (P<0.05), and reduced myocytes apoptosis by 29% (P<0.05). Immunoblot and immunohistochemistry for the expression of p38, p53, clusterin, TGF-beta2, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase were performed. In the spironolactone group, p38, p53, clusterin, and TGF-beta2 protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). These results indicate that aldosterone inhibition in the developing rat heart induces cardiac growth impairment by decreasing proliferation and apoptosis of myocytes.