Sodium butyrate induces mouse embryonic stem cells to differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro

AIM:To explore mechanism by which sodium butyrate induces mouse embryonic stem cells (ES) to differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro. METHODS:E14 mouse ES cells were cultivated in a routine way, and then cultivated in suspension to form embryonic bodies (EBs). EBs were transferred into 6-well culture dishes and 3 mmol/L sodium butyrate was added into the culture medium. Morphological changes were investigated by phase contrast microscopy. α-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) were examined by immunofluorescence staining. AFP, ALB, α1-antitrypsin (AAT) and TTR mRNA were assayed by RT-PCR. Proportion of ALB positive cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reaction and indocyanine green (ICG) uptake assay were performed to assess the characteristic hepatocyte function of the differentiated cells. RESULTS:In the presence of sodium butyrate, parts of ES cells differentiated into a population with epithelial morphology similar to mouse hepatocytes. AFP and TTR mRNA expression were observed at 7 d, and ALB and AAT mRNA expressed at 14 d. Hepatocytes specific markers, ALB, AFP and CK18 were positive expression in immunofluorescence staining at 14 d. PAS reaction and ICG uptake were positive for the hepatocyte-like cells. CONCLUSION:Mouse ES cells can be induced into hepatocyte-like cells by sodium butyrate efficiently, and these ES cells-derived hepatocytes possess characteristic hepatocytic function.     

Influence of siRNA-mediated MIF knockdown on inhibition of inflammatory lipid mediator release by glucocorticoids

AIM：To investigate the influence of siRNA-mediated macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) knockdown on inhibition of inflammatory lipid mediator release by glucocorticoids.
METHODS：Mouse macrophage cell line RAW2647 was transiently transfected with MIF siRNA and control siRNA by liposome method. The transfection efficiency was assessed by immunofluorescence technique. The expression of MIF mRNA and protein was examined by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production in cell culture supernatants was measured by ELISA, and the protein expression of Annexin 1, cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) and phospho-cPLA2α were evaluated by Western blotting.
RESULTS：MIF siRNA significantly inhibited MIF expression both at mRNA and protein levels in RAW2647 cells and subsequently enhanced the inhibitory effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on PGE2 and LTB4 production. MIF siRNA also increased Annexin 1 expression becreased by Dex, and strengthened the inhibitory effect of Dex on the phosphorylation of cPLA2α.
CONCLUSION：MIF siRNA enhances the inhibitory effect of Dex on PGE2 and LTB4 production from RAW2647 cells partly via increasing Annexin 1 expression and inhibiting cPLA2α phosphorylation. Intracellular MIF knockdown mediated by siRNA may enhance the sensitivity of RAW2647 cells to the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids.     

Role of miR-219 and TGFBR2 in pathogenesis of renal fibrosis

AIM:To study the role of microRNA-219 (miR-219) in regulation of transforming growth factor-β receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) in renal fibrosis. METHODS:The renal fibrosis patients (n=70) were selected in this stu-dy, and 20 cases of healthy people were selected as control group. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-219 in the serum of the patients with renal fibrosis and control group, and the expression of miR-219 in NRK49F cells after stimulation with angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ) was detected. The protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the NRK49F cells transfected with miR-219 mimics after stimulation with AngⅡ was determined by Western blot. The potential target gene TGFBR2 of miR-219 was screened and verified by the method of luciferase reporter gene. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detected the effect of miR-219 mimics on the expression of TGFBR2 at mRNA and protein levels, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), type I collagen α1 (COL1A1) and COL3A1 in the NRK49F cells was also detected, respectively. The unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) mouse model was established and the expression of miR-219 in the renal tissue was monitored. The morphological change of renal fibrosis was observed in the UUO mice after injection of miR-219, and the mRNA expression levels of COL1A1 and COL3A1 were detected. RESULTS:The expression level of miR-219 in the patients with renal fibrosis was significantly lower than that in control group, and the expression of miR-219 in the UUO mice was decreased significantly (P<0.01). The expression level of miR-219 was significantly decreased in the NRK49F cells after AngⅡ stimulation, and miR-219 mimics inhibited the protein expression of α-SMA(P<0.01). miR-219 mimics had a targeted regulatory effect on TGFBR2 gene, which inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of TGFBR2. miR-219 mimics inhibited the mRNA expression of α-SMA, CTGF, COL1A1 and COL3A1. miR-219 also down-regulated the mRNA expression of COL1A1 and COL3A1 in the UUO mice and inhibited the process of renal fibrosis. CONCLUSION:miR-219 inhibits the development of renal fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of TGFBR2, which may become a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of renal fibrosis.     

Protective effects of sequoyitol on type 2 diabetic rats with liver inflammatory lesions

AIM：To investigate the possible protective effect of sequoyitol on type 2 diabetic rats with liver inflammatory lesions. METHODS：Type 2 diabetic rats were induced by feeding high-fat/high-sugar diet and injecting with a low dose of streptozotocin. Sequoyitol at doses of 12.5, 25 and 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 was orally administered in the model rats. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed. Serum levels of fasting blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and albumin(ALB) were determined. Liver wet was recorded and liver index was calculated. The levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and interleukin 6(IL-6) in the liver tissues were also measured. Real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of TNF-α. In addition, the pathological changes of the liver were observed with HE staining. RESULTS：Compared with the model rats, treatment with sequoyitol obviously decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose, ALT, AST, ALB, CRP, TNF-α and IL-6, reduced the liver index, down-regulated the mRNA expression of TNF-α in the liver, and ameliorated the pathologic changes of the liver. CONCLUSION：Sequoyitol attenuates liver lesions in type 2 diabetic rats through down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 expression.     

In vitro differentiation of exocrine pancreatic cells from mouse embryonic stem cells

AIM: To explore the effects of sodium butyrate, activin A and dexamthasone on inducing mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to differentiate into exocrine pancreatic cells in vitro. METHODS: E14 mouse ES cells were cultured in suspension to form embryonic bodies (EBs). The EBs were cultured with differentiating medium containing different concentrations of sodium butyrate, and the spontaneously differentiated ES cells were used as control. Exocrine pancreatic genes such as amylase, chymotrypsinogen, elastase 1, elastase 2 and carboxypeptidase were detected by RT-PCR at different time points to determine the optimal concentration and exposure time of sodium butyrate. Furthermore, activin A or dexamthasone was also used to explore the effects on exocrine differentiation. After that, the combination of sodium butyrate, activin A and dexamthasone was used to promote the differentiation of exocrine pancreatic cells from ES cells. During the differentiation course, the gene expressions of amylase, chymotrypsinogen, elastase 1, elastase 2 and carboxypeptidase were detected by RT-PCR. Morphological changes were investigated by phase contrast microscopy. Amylase expression was examined by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Exocrine pancreatic gene expressions such as amylase, chymotrypsinogen, elastase 1, elastase 2 and carboxypeptidase were detected in spontaneously differentiated EBs. A relatively lower concentration of sodium butyrate with a shorter exposure time significantly promoted those above gene expressions as compared to that of spontaneously differentiated EBs. Activin A and dexamethasone induced upregulation of exocrine gene expression. The combination of activin A, sodium butyrate and dexamethasone significantly enhanced the mRNA levels of amylase, chymotrypsinogen, elastase 1, elastase 2 and carboxypeptidase. Under the treatment of activin A, sodium butyrate and dexamethasone, differentiated cells were polygonal in shape with large, round, and center-situated nuclei. According to the observation of immunofluorescence staining, amylase was positive expressed at the final stage. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that exocrine pancreatic differentiation of ES cells is induced by sodium butyrate, activin A and dexamethasone. The combination of pancreatic inducing factors improves the differentiating efficiency.     

Up-regulation of miR-181a attenuates releases of CSE-induced pro-inflammatory factors and expression of collagen IV,fibronectin and α-SMA in human bronchial epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of microRNA-181a (miR-181a) on cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced the productions of pro-inflammatory factors and the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs). METHODS: CSE-induced miR-181a expression was detected by RT-qPCR in the HBECs. After tansfected with miR-181a mimic, the releases of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by ELISA, the protein expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA was determined by Western blot. The activation of NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway was also evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: CSE increased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1 and the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA, and decreased the expression of miR-181a in the HBECs (P<0.05). However, transfected with miR-181a mimic partially prevented the releases of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TGF-β1, and inhibited the expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA (P<0.05). Additionally, the activation of NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad3 evoked by CSE was attenuated after transfected with miR-181a mimic. CONCLUSION: Up-regulation of miR-181a prevents the releases of CSE-induced pro-inflammatory factors and expression of collagen IV, fibronectin and α-SMA in the HBECs, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway.     

Effects of HIF-1α silencing on proliferation of rat hepatoma cells

AIM：To study the effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) silencing on the proliferation of hepatoma cells under hypoxia. METHODS：Rat hepatoma cell line CBRH-7919 was used in this study. Hypoxia model was established by treating the cells with cobalt chloride (CoCl2). The expression of HIF-1α was silenced by small interfe-rence RNA. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and/or protein expression of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), p21 and cyclin D1 in CBRH-7919 cells under hypoxia. The proliferation of CBRH-7919 cells was measured by the technique of 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. RESULTS：The expression of HIF-1α and VEGF at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased under hypoxia (P<0.05). Silencing of HIF-1α significantly inhibited the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and cyclin D1 at mRNA and/or protein levels, while increased the protein expression of p21 (P<0.05). The BrdU-positive cells in HIF-1α siRNA transfection group were significantly less than those in control group. CONCLUSION：HIF-1α silencing significantly inhibits the proliferation of hepatoma cells under hypoxia.     

Dexmedetomidine reduced isoflurane-induced neuroapoptosis by inhibiting activation of p38 and JNK proteins in hippocampus of neonatal rats

AIM：To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) on neuronal apoptosis induced by isoflurane (Iso) and its relationship with the expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins in the hippocampus of neonatal rats. METHODS：Forty-eight neonatal SD rats at postnatal day 7 were randomly divided into control group (Con), Dex group, Iso group and Iso combined with Dex (Iso+Dex) group. Rats in Iso and Iso+Dex groups were exposed to 0.75% Iso for 6 h, while rats in Con and Dex groups were exposed to air for 6 h. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with 25 μg·kg-1 Dex (Dex and Iso+Dex groups) or 150 μL saline (Con and Iso groups) 20 min before exposure and 2 and 4 h after exposure. After the termination of anesthesia, the neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 region was detected by TUNEL staining, and the protein expression of cleaved caspase-3, phospho-p38 (p-p38), p38, phospho-JNK (p-JNK) and JNK in hippocampal tissues was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS：The number of TUNEL positive cells in hippocampal CA1 region of the rats in Iso group was increased by 447.57% (P<0.01) compared with Con group, while Dex significantly inhibited the increased TUNEL positive cells in Iso group by 75.18% (P<0.01). The expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein in Iso group was increased by 126.29% (P<0.01) compared with Con group, while Dex reversed the increased cleaved caspase-3 protein expression (P<0.01). Iso significantly increased the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK proteins (P<0.01), while Dex reversed the increased p-p38 and p-JNK proteins (P<0.01). CONCLUSION：Dex attenuates Iso-induced neuroapoptosis in the hippocampus of neonatal rats through inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK proteins.     

IL-1β induces human mesangial cell injury via exacerbating lipid-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress

AIM：To investigate the molecular mechanism that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) exacerbates lipid-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the injury of human mesangial cells (HMCs). METHODS：HMCs were cultured and divided into control group, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) group, IL-1β+LDL group and 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA)+IL-1β+LDL group. Oil red O staining was used to evaluate the accumulation of lipid droplet in the cells. The mRNA levels of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78), protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were examined by real-time PCR. Immunocytochemistry was used to observe GRP78 expression. The protein level of NF-κB p65 was measured by Western blotting. The releases of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in the culture supernatants of HMCs were detected by ELISA. RESULTS：Compared with LDL group, the intracellular lipid accumulation, the mRNA levels of GRP78 and PERK, the protein expression of GRP78 and NF-κB p65, and the release of IL-6 were significantly increased in IL-1β+LDL group. Dramatically reduced intracellular lipid accumulation, down-regulated GRP78 and PERK mRNA expression, decreased protein levels of GRP78 and NF-κB p65, and suppressed IL-6 release were observed in 4-PBA+IL-1β+LDL group as compared with IL-1β+LDL group. The mRNA level of α-SMA was higher in IL-1β+LDL group than that in LDL group, and that in 4-PBA+IL-1β+LDL group was significantly depressed. CONCLUSION：IL-1β exacerbates lipid-induced ERS, thus promoting the injury of HMCs.     

Regulation of rat pulmonary fibroblasts differentiation into myofibroblasts though RhoA/ROCK pathway mediated by TGF-β1

AIM：To investigate the regulatory effect of RhoA/Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway mediated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. METHODS：Primarily cultured fibroblasts were obtained by trypsin digestion from the lung of neonatal rats. The fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF-β1 for different durations and were divided into control group, TGF-β1 induction group and Y-27632 treatment group. The distribution and expression of p-RhoA, ROCK, phosphorylated myosin binding subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase (p-MBS), serum response factor (SRF), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),type I collagen and type Ⅲ collagen in the cells were detected by the methods of immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS：A lot of parallel and cross arranged filaments labeled by α-SMA antibody appeared in the cells after TGF-β1 stimulation. The cultured cells stimulated with TGF-β1 were all myofibroblasts at 24 h determined by immunocytochemistry. The expression levels of p-RhoA, ROCK, p-MBS, SRF, α-SMA and type I and type III collagens were increased gradually with the extension of TGF-β1 stimulation time. The expression of RhoA/ROCK signaling protein in the cells stimulated with TGF-β1 (peaking at 6 h of exposure) was 2.96 folds higher as compared with the non-stimulated cells. The expression of SRF protein (peaking at 12 h of TGF-β1 exposure) was 4.55 folds higher as compared with the non-sti-mulated cells. The expression levels of α-SMA and type I and type III collagens (peaking at 24 h of TGF-β1 exposure) were 4.06 folds, 2.19 folds and 3.04 folds higher as compared with the non-stimulated cells, respectively. Compared with TGF-β1 induction group, the protein expression levels of ROCK, p-MBS, SRF, α-SMA and type I and type III collagens were significantly decreased at the corresponding time points in Y-27632 treatment group. CONCLUSION：TGF-β1 induces the differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, and then promotes the synthesis of collagen through the activation of ROCK pathway, which possibly plays an important role in the formation of pulmonary fibrosis.     

Effects of epididymal P34H gene silencing on expression of P34H and activity of hyaluronidase in mouse sperm

AIM: To investigate the effects of P34H gene silencing on the expression of P34H and activity of hyaluronidase (HYD) in mouse sperm.METHODS: The recombinant plasmid series of P34H targeted short hairpin RNA (shRNA) were constructed by GV248 plasmids vector. These recombinant plasmids were transformed into DH5α competent cells, and the plasmids were taken from DNA sequencing analysis. The HEK293T cells were co-transfected with shRNA and lentiviral packaging plasmids. The 3 kinds of recombinant lentiviruses and negative control lentiviruses were used to inject into the mouse epididymis and the expression of P34H at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The location of P34H protein on the mouse spermatozoa was determined by indirect immunofluorescent staining using P34H antibody. The positive rate and activity intensity of HYD was detected by modified sodium hyaluronate-gelatin membrane. RESULTS: DNA sequencing analysis confirmed that the 3 P34H-shRNA sequences were successfully inserted into the lentiviral vectors. P34H expression in epididymis tissue was significantly decreased at both mRNA and protein levels compared with those of the non-transfected and normal control vectors (P<0.05). The GV-P34H-shRNA-1 played a significant role in reducing the percentage of P34H positive rate and the activity of HYD in mouse sperm. The silencing effect did not significantly differ between the non-transfected and normal control vectors. CONCLUSION: Silencing of P34H significantly inhibits the percentage of P34H positive rate and the activity of hyaluronidase in mouse sperm.     

MicroRNA-24 regulates apoptosis of cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction

AIM：To evaluate the expression of miR-24 in infarcted myocardial tissues and to investigate the function of miR-24 during cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS：The mouse model of myocardial infarcton (MI) was established. The expression of miR-24 in the sections of infarcted myocardial tissues was measured by qRT-PCR. The expression of miR-24 was modified by transfecting oligonucleotide mimic and inhibitor of miR-24 into cardiomyocytes, or injecting lentiviral vectors intramyocardially. The apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was detected by Caspase-Glo 3/7 Assay System. The heart functions were determined by echocardiography and the scar size in MI model was observed with Masson trichrome staining. The apoptosis of infarcted myocardial tissues was detected by TUNEL method. Microarray and bioinformatic analysis were also used to predict the targets of miR-24. RESULTS：The expression of miR-24 in the infarct and border areas was down-regulated after MI. Overexpression of miR-24 in cardiomyocytes reduced the apoptosis induced by hypoxia. miR-24 transfection resulted in reduction of the scar size, and improved left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of the mice in treatment group after 2 weeks. Furthermore, miR-24 reduced cell apoptosis in the infarct region. BCL2L11, ANK3 and SGPL1 may be the targets of miR-24 during the process of anti-apoptosis. CONCLUSION：miR-24 is down-regulated in the infarcted myocardial tissues. In vitro, miR-24 reduces apoptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by hypoxia. In vivo, miR-24 attenuates cell apoptosis in the infarct and border areas of the heart 2 weeks after MI, and ultimately improves heart functions.     

Expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α in experimental colitis in mice

AIM: To investigate the role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) by measuring the expression of HNF4α in the colon tissues in experimental colitis mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice were exposed to 2% or 2.5% (W/V) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce acute colitis, and the severity of colitis was assessed by observation of disease activity index (DAI), histological injuries and inflammatory cytokines. The correlation between the expression of HNF4α and the severity of disease as well as E-cadherin (E-CAD), junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM-1) and desmocollin 2 (DSC-2) was analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the normal controls, DAI, histological injuries and the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in DSS-treated mice were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The expression of HNF4α at protein and mRNA levels was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The result of Pearson analysis indicated an inverse correlation between the protein expression of HNF4α and the severity of disease (P<0.01). The positive correlation between the mRNA expression of HNF4α and E-CAD/JAM-1/DSC-2 (P<0.01) was also observed. CONCLUSION: There is a close relationship between the expression of HNF4α and the severity of colitis as well as the intercellular linking proteins. The low expression of HNF4α in intestine might aggravate the function of intestinal mucosal barrier, thus promoting the development of UC.     

Effects of miR-92a and miR-19b on insulin gene expression in mouse pancreatic β-cells

AIM To investigate the effect of microRNA-92a （miR-92a） and microRNA-19b （miR-19b） on the insulin expression in mouse pancreatic β-cells. METHODS The relative expression levels of endogenous miR-92a and miR-19b in mouse insulinoma MIN6 cells were detected by qPCR. The MIN6 cells were divided into control group， and experimental groups I and II， with 3 samples in each group， and transfected with negative control miRNA （NC）， miR-92a and miR-19b， respectively. The over-expression of the miRNAs was detected by qPCR. The morphological changes and viability of the cells were detected by optical microscopy and CCK8 assay， respectively. The expression of insulin was detected by qPCR， Western blot and immunofluorescence. The possible mechanisms of miR-92a and miR-19b regulating insulin expression were analyzed by bioinformatics prediction， dual-luciferase reporter assay， and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the adult pancreatic progenitor cells， the expression of endogenous miR-92a and miR-19b in the MIN6 cells was decreased significantly （P<0.05）. Over-expression of miR-92a and miR-19b had no effect on the viability of MIN6 cells， but inhibited the expression of insulin at mRNA and protein levels. miR-19b significantly inhibited the luciferase activity of NeuroD1 3′UTR and the protein expression of NeuroD1 （P<0.05）. miR-92a had a fine-tuning effect on the luciferase activity of NeuroD1 3′UTR and the protein expression of NeuroD1. CONCLUSION miR-92a and miR-19b inhibit the insulin expression in mouse pancreatic β-cells.     

Gefitinib inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by up-regulating Foxo3a expression in mice with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis

AIM：To identify the effect of gefitinib on the expression of forkhead box protein O3a (Foxo3a), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and related signal pathway molecules in the mice with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and to investigate the inhibition mechanism of gefitinib on lung epithelial-mesenchymal transition. METHODS：Thirty Kunming female mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group (received normal saline intratracheally), bleomycin group (received bleomycin intratracheally, 3 mg/kg), and bleomycin plus gefitinib group (received bleomycin intratracheally and gefitinib orally, 20 mg/kg). All the mice were sacrificed 14 d after the treatments. Pulmonary histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining. The mRNA levels of Foxo3a and α-SMA in the lung tissues were detected by RT-PCR. Nuclear Foxo3a, α-SMA, and phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt and Foxo3a in the lung tissues were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS：Gefitinib inhibited bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and significantly decreased the scores of lung inflammation and fibrosis. Foxo3a mRNA expression and total Foxo3a protein expression were increased, while the phosphorylated Foxo3a was decreased. Nuclear Foxo3a was increased significantly. Meanwhile, phosphorylated EGFR and Akt were decreased. The level of α-SMA was observably increased. CONCLUSION:Gefitinib restores Foxo3a activity and reduces α-SMA expression by modulating EGFR/Akt activity, thus inhibiting bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.     

Effect of SMYD3 over-expression on miR-124 expression and proliferation ability in human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells

AIM：To explore the effect of SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) over-expression on miR-124 expression and proliferation ability of human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells. METHODS：Transient transfection of SMYD3 eukaryotic expression plasmid into human intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell line HCCC-9810 were performed. The expression of SMYD3 at mRNA and protein levels was measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The expression of miR-124 was detected by qRT-PCR, and the methylation status of miR-124 gene was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Cell proliferation was examined by CCK-8 assay and colony formation experiment. RESULTS：After transfected with SMYD3 eukaryotic expression plasmid, the over-expression of SMYD3 in HCCC-9810 cells was observed. Compared with the blank cells, the expression level of miR-124 was significantly decreased and miR-124 gene promoter methylation was significantly increased. In addition, SMYD3 over-expression significantly promoted the proliferation of HCCC-9810 cells. CONCLUSION：The transient transfection of SMYD3 plasmid increases the methylation of miR-124 gene promoter and induces under-expression of miR-124. Over-expression of SMYD3 promotes the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma cells.