Effect of continuous subculturing of hUC-MSCs on mRNA expression of NLR family

AIM：To investigate the influence of continuous subculturing of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on the mRNA expression of all 23 family members of NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and to search for the way of improving the subculture quality of hUC-MSCs and increasing the quantity and safety in the experimental and clinical application. METHODS：Neonatal umbilical cord was collected to isolate and purify the hUC-MSCs with the collagenase II digestion and adherence screening methods. These cells were continuously subcultured. The hUC-MSCs at passage 3 and passage 28 were identified by flow cytometry and induced differentiation. The mRNA expression of NLRs in the passage 3 and passage 28 hUC-MSCs was detected by RT-qPCR. RESULTS：The cell phenotypes of both passage 3 and passage 28 hUC-MSCs were CD29+/CD44+/CD105+/ CD31-/CD34-/CD40-/CD45-/CD106-/HLA-DR-, and both of the cells were induced into osteoblasts and adipocytes, which were conformed to the criteria of International Society for Cellular Therapy to define MSCs. All the NLR family members were expressed in passage 3 hUC-MSCs. NOD1, NLRC4, NLRC5, NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRP10, NAIP, NLRX1 and APAF1 at mRNA levels were highly expressed, and the rest were lowly expressed. When hUC-MSCs were subcultured to passage 28, NLRP10 mRNA was increased, NLRC5 mRNA and NLRX1 mRNA were hardly changed, and all of the rest members were decreased. The difference of NLRP1 mRNA expression between passage 3 and passage 28 hUC-MSCs was observed with statistical significance (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：The effects of subculturing on the expression of NLR family in hUC-MSCs are pleiotropic. It requires further investigation to confirm whether these effects are related to the proliferation, differentiation and immunomodulation of MSCs.     

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulate the function of Th17/ Treg in peripheral blood of severe asthmatic children

AIM：To investigate the regulatory function of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on T helper 17 cells (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in peripheral blood of severe asthmatic children. METHODS：MSCs were isolated, cultured and identified in vitro. MSCs digested with mitomycin were cocultured with T lymphocytes (TLC) at different ratios (1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶10 and 1∶20) from severe asthmatic children for 72 h. The proliferation of TLC was measured by CCK-8 method. In the coculture system of the 1∶2 ratio and the single TLC system, the supernatant levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor C (RORC) and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) in TLC was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS：After cocultured with MSCs, the proliferation of TLC decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). It also showed decreases in IL-17 (3 799±441 vs 4 890 ±373, P<0.05) and RORC mRNA level (1.21±0.14 vs 3.85±0.48, P<0.05), while an increase in TGF-β level (209±32 vs 117±26, P<0.05) was observed. No influence on the mRNA expression of Foxp3 was found (P>0.05). CONCLUSION：MSCs suppresses Th17 polarization of naive peripheral blood CD4+ T cells and matures Th17 cells secreting IL-17, which may effectively revise Th17/Treg imbalance of asthma.     

Maturity-promoting protocols and mechanisms directing differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs towards islet-like clusters

[ABSTRACT]AIM: To determine the maturity-promoting protocols for directing the differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs）towards islet-like clusters (ILCs) expressing prohormone convertase (PC) 1 and PC2 through different combinations of biological products. METHODS: Primary hUC-MSCs were isolated from the whole human umbilical cord by digestion (with collagenase II), filtration and centrifugation, and then were purified by incomplete digestion. The stem cell-specific markers were detected by the methods of flow cytometry, RT-PCR and immunocytofluorescence. The protocols were adopted for inducing the differentiation of hUC-MSCs towards ILCs. Protocol A consisted of IMDM culture medium containing 10 μg/L basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), 10 μg/L epidermal growth factor (EGF), 10 mg/L Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) and 2% fetal calf serum (FCS). Protocol B was based on the protocol A plus 10 μg/L nicotinamide. Protocol C was based on the protocol B plus 10 μg/L hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Before and after induction, the morphological changes of hUC-MSCs were observed under inverted microscope. The islet-related mRNA and proteins especially PC1 and PC2 were measured by RT-PCR, qPCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: The cell morphology, surface antigen and stem cell-specific markers indicated that hUC-MSCs were successfully isolated and purified from human umbilical cord. hUC-MSCs expressed nestin broadly and Isl1 to a less degree. ILCs induced by protocol A expressed Glut-2 and MafA mRNA. ILCs induced by protocol B expressed Glut-2, MafA, Nkx6.1 and PC2 mRNA. ILCs induced by protocol C expressed Glut-2, MafA, Nkx6.1, PC2, Ngn3, Pdx1, PC1 and insulin mRNA. The expression of PC1 mRNA was only observed in ILCs induced by protocol C. ILCs induced by protocol B and protocol C both expressed PC2 mRNA and the expression in the cells induced by protocol C was significantly higher than that in the cells induced by protocol B. ILCs induced by protocol C expressed PC1 protein. ILCs induced by protocol B and protocol C both expressed ProPC2 protein and PC2 protein, and the former (protocol B) was less than the latter (protocol C) with statistically difference (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: hUC-MSCs possess the potential to differentiate towards the islet progenitor cells and/or islet cells. Compared to protocol A and B, protocol C offers a maturity-promoting method to induce hUC-MSCs differentiation to ILCs with the expression of PC1 and PC2.     

Relationship of microRNA-133a and TGF-β1 protein in myocardial tissues of spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM：To observe the changes of microRNA-133a and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) protein in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS：Male SHR (18 weeks old, n=12) and male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY, 18 weeks old, n=12) served as SHR group and control group, respectively. Caudal arterial blood pressure was detected by a noninvasive blood pressure measurement and analysis system. Myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) and perivascular collagen area ratio (PVCA) were determined by Masson staining. The level of miR-133a in the heart was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein level of TGF-β1 in the heart was also analyzed by the methods of immunohistochemisty and Western blotting. RESULTS：Compared with control group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, CVF and PVCA significantly increased, the expression of TGF-β1 protein was significantly up-regulated, and the level of miR-133a was significantly reduced in SHR group. In SHR group, the expression of miR-133a was decreased to (23.9±4.6)% in control group. A negative correlation between the levels of miR-133a and TGF-β1 protein in SHR group was observed (r=-0.791, P<0.01). CONCLUSION：The level of miR-133a is down-regulated along with the up-regulation of TGF-β1 protein expression and collagen synthesis in the myocardial tissues of SHR. miR-133a and TGF-β1 may be involved in myocardial fibrosis in SHR.     

Effect of microRNA-100 on proliferation activity and cell cycle of hepatocarcinoma cells

AIM：To investigate the effect of microRNA-100 (miR-100) on the proliferation activity and cell cycle of hepatocarcinoma cells. METHODS：Synthetic miR-100 mimic and its negative control were transfected into human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells by liposome method. After transfection, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to measure the cell proliferation activity. The cell cycle distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The expression of Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) at mRNA and protein levels was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS：The transfection efficiency mediated by cationic liposome was greater than 85%. The inhibitory rates of cell proliferation in HepG2 cells were (43.5±12.2)%, (46.5±3.7)% and (52.1±0.2)% at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfected with miR-100 mimic, respectively, which were significantly increased as compared with the control cells. Moreover, the cell proliferation index in experimental group (35.8 ± 1.4) was higher than that in negative control group (39.2 ± 1.0) and simple liposome group (40.7 ± 2.0) at 72 h. At the same time, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Plk1 obviously decreased in HepG2 cells transfected with miR-100 at 72 h after transfection. CONCLUSION：miR-100 suppresses the proliferation activity of hepatocarcinoma cells by down-regulating Plk1 gene expression.     

Comparison of Toll-like receptor expression in granulocytes from umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood

AIM：To compare the expression levels of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the granulocytes isolated from umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood. METHODS：The granulocytes in umbilical blood and adult peri-pheral blood were isolated by the method of density gradient centrifugation combined with red blood cell splitting. The purity of the cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of 10 TLRs were detected by RT-qPCR, and the protein levels of some TLRs were also tested by flow cytometry. RESULTS：The populations of CD19- CD24+ cells and CD3+ cells were （95.66±3.15）% and (4.19±1.54)% in neonatal granulocytes,respectively, and were (95.36±1.74)% and (4.30±0.96)% in adult granulocytes,respectively. The relative mRNA expression levels of TLRs in the granulocytes isolated from umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood were as follows: TLR1 0.141±0.091 and 0.691±0.447, TLR2 0.388±0.337 and 0.901±0.508, TLR4 0.093±0.071 and 0.254±0.147, TLR6 0.056±0.045 and 0.202±0.034, TLR7 0.001±0.001 and 0.004±0.003, and TLR8 0.046±0.040 and 0.211±0.146,and the diffe-rence had statistical significance (P<0.01). However, no difference in the expression levels of TLR3, TLR5, TLR9 and TLR10 between the neonatal and adult gra-nulocytes was observed (P>0.05). Among them, the mRNA expression of TLR3, TLR7 and TLR9 was at a low level in both neonatal and adult granulocytes. The protein level of TLR2 in adult gra-nulocytes (30.50±5.69) was higher than that in neonatal granulocytes (21.40±3.09, P<0.05). CONCLUSION：Low mRNA expression of TLR1, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR6, and low protein level of TLR2 in neonatal granulocytes indicate that the ability of recognizing bacterial pathogen by neonatal granulocytes may be defective or not yet fully mature.     

Knockdown of HMGA2 gene inhibits TGF-β1-induced human embryonic lung fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis

AIM: To investigate the effects of high mobility group A2(HMGA2) gene knockdown on the cell viability, apoptosis, collagen synthesis and oxidative stress of human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). METHODS: The HELF were divided into blank group, TGF-β1 group,negative control (NC) group and HMGA2 siRNA(si-HMGA2) group. The protein levels of HMGA2, AKT and p-AKT were determined by Western blot. The cell viability and apoptotic rate was analyzed by MTT assay and flow cytometry,respectively. The mRNA expression of collagen I (COL-Ⅰ) and COL-Ⅲ was detected by RT-qPCR. DCFH-DA was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RESULTS: Compared with blank group, the protein levels of HMGA2 and p-AKT, the cell viability, the mRNA expression of COL-Ⅰ and COL-Ⅲ in TGF-β1 group were significantly increased, but the apoptotic rate and ROS level were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with TGF-β1 group, the protein levels of HMGA2 and p-AKT, the cell viability, the mRNA expression of COL-Ⅰ and COL-Ⅲ in si-HMGA2 group were significantly decreased, but the apoptotic rate and ROS level were significantly increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Knockdown of HMGA2 gene expression decreases the viability and collagen synthesis, and promotes apoptosis and ROS production of human embryonic lung fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. The mechanism may be related to down-regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.     

Effect of CKLF1-C19 polypeptide on differentiation of human lung fibroblast into myofibroblast induced by TGF-β

AIM: To investigate the effect of CKLF1-C19 polypeptide (C19) on differentiation of human lung fibroblast (LFB) into myofibroblast (MFB) induced by TGF-β. METHODS: LFBs were cultured and identified. LFBs were treated with TGF-β (5 μg/L) to establish the cell model of LFB differentiate into MFB. The LFBs were divided into 6 experimental groups including control group, TGF-β group, and TGF-β plus different doses (1, 0.1, 0.01, 0.001 mg/L) C19 groups. The cell morphology, cell proliferation rate, and the expression of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I were observed. RESULTS: Human primary LFB was successfully cultured and was confirmed by the method of immunofluorescence. TGF-β at 5 μg/L induced proliferation and differentiation of LFB. The mRNA levels of α-SMA and collagen I in TGF-β group were higher than that in control group (P<0.05).The cell proliferation rates, mRNA levels of α-SMA and collagen I, and the protein expression of α-SMA in 0.01 mg/L+TGF-β group and 0.001 mg/L+TGF-β group were markedly lower than those in TGF-β group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: C19 at 0.01 mg/L and 0.001 mg/L effectively inhibits differentiation of LFB into MFB induced by TGF-β, thus inhibiting the process of airway remodeling and fibrosis to some extent.     

Differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells expressing hepatocyte growth factor into hepatocyte-like cells

AIM:To observe the hepatic differentiated efficiency of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) expressing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in three-dimensional microenvironment formed by hanging drop. METHODS:rMSCs were isolated and cultured in vitro, and flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of CD44, CD90, CD34 and CD45. Recombinant retrovirus carrying cDNA of human HGF (pLNCX2-hHGF) was constructed and infected with rMSCs (hHGF-rMSCs). hHGF expression in hHGF-rMSCs was detected by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining and ELISA. hHGF-rMSCs were cultured in hanging drop for 21 days. The expression of albumin (ALB),cytokeratin-18 (AFP) and alpha fetoprotein (CK-18) were detected by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining in the 7th, 14th and 21st day, respectively. The secretion of albumin in cultured supernatant was measured by ELISA. RESULTS:CD44 and CD90 were highly expressed in the third generation of rMSCs, but CD34 and CD45 were hardly expressed. The expression of hHGF at mRNA and protein level were all detectable in the hHGF-rMSCs, and the secretion in the cultured supernatant was about (123.71±8.81) μg/L in a period of 21 days. In the hHGF-rMSCs, ALB, AFP and CK-18 were highly expressed at mRNA level from the 7th to the 21st day, and there were significant differences compared with rMSCs at the same time point (P<0.01). The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that the protein expression of AFP was negative on day 7 and 14, and positive on day 21; while the protein expression of ALB and CK-18 was positive on day 7 and lasted until day 21. ALB was positively observed in the culture supernatant of hHGF-rMSCs from 7th to 21st day measured by ELISA, and there was significant difference between the hHGF-rMSCs and rMSCs (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:hHGF transduced-rMSCs can be induced to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells after cultured in hanging drop which provides a three-dimensional microenvironment. All these results might help to provide new seed cells for cell therapy of clinical liver diseases and in vitro bioartificial liver.     

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.     

Protective effect of nicotinic acid amide on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of nicotinic acid amide (NAA) on the infusion damage of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) under the condition of instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR). METHODS: Normal peripheral blood without anticoagulant at volume of 2.7 mL was mixed with 0.3 mL physiological saline (as blank group), CFSE labeled hUC-MSCs (1×10⁶ cells in 0.3 mL as MSC group) and CFSE labeled hUC-MSCs (1×10⁶ cells in 0.3 mL) preprocessed with NAA at concentration of 10 mmol/L for 24 h (as MSC+NAA group), respectively. The mixture was immediately injected into the improved Chandler Loop model, placed in 37 ℃ water bath, and then started the peristaltic pump at the speed of 20 mL/min for 1 h. The number of CFSE labeled hUC-MSCs, platelets, white blood cells were counted and the concentration of complement C3a was measured before and after cycling, respectively. RESULTS: After 1 h circulation, the platelet dissipation rate were (29.96±10.88)% in blank group, (77.76±19.29)% in MSC group all and (50.13±18.10)% in MSC+NAA group; and the leukocyte counts were (37.82±13.81)% in blank group, (64.57±17.08)% in MSC group and (41.52±17.26)% in MSC+NAA group. Compared with blank group, the differences of the dissipation rates in MSC group and MSC+NAA group all had statistical significance. The hUC-MSCs relative survival rate in MSC+NAA group was higher than that in MSC group. C3a concentrations in blank group, MSC group and MSC+NAA group were (206.27±58.10), (230.47±39.61) and (208.37±40.66) μg/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Co-circulating the mixture of hUC-MSCs with normal peripheral blood without anticoagulant in the improved Chandler Loop for 1 h depletes a large number of hUC-MSCs and blood components, and increases C3a, suggesting that this model can induce IBMIR. NAA has a protective effect on the hUC-MSCs in the infusion damage by inhibiting IBMIR, reducing the wastage of the blood components and enhancing the survival rate of the hUC-MSCs.     

Effects of lentivirus-mediated caspase-3 silencing on proliferation and apoptosis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM：To investigate the effects of caspase-3 gene silencing on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). METHODS：A lentiviral vector expressing caspase-3 shRNA was constructed and transfected into rat bone marrow MSCs．The expression of caspase-3 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated by MTS assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The expression of bcl-2 and bax mRNA was detected by real-time PCR. The apoptosis of the cells was evaluated by Hoechst 33258 staining. RESULTS：Recombinant lentivirus was successfully transfected into MSCs. The proliferation of the MSCs transfected with caspase-3 shRNA was significantly promoted (P<0.05) and the proportion of the cells in S phase was increased to (52.66±0.30) %. Compared with control groups, caspase-3 silencing up-regulated the mRNA level of bcl-2 and down-regulated the mRNA level of bax, and the ratio of bcl-2 to bax increased (P<0.05). The apoptotic rate in MSCs-shRNA group was (15.01±1.73) %, which was significantly lower than those in MSCs and MSCs-vector group ［(23.67±1.16) % and (25.67±3.05) %, respectively; P<0.05］. CONCLUSION: Caspase-3 silencing regulates cell cycle, promotes the proliferation and attenuates the apoptosis of rat bone marrow MSCs.     

Effect of lysophosphatidic acid on expression of integrin β6 in epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on the expression of integrin β₆ (ITGB6) for determining the role of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) activation induced by LPA in this process. METHODS: Normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were primarily cultured in 6 well plate and stimulated with LPA. The mRNA expression of ITGB6 and the level of cell surface ITGB6 protein were detected by RT-PCR and flow cytometry,respectively. The activity of active TGF-β induced by LPA was measured by the method of transformed mink lung epithelial cells (TMLC) transfected with TGF-β responsive plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1) promoter fused with firefly luciferase reporter gene. RESULTS: After stimulated with LPA at concentration of 10 μmol/L for 2 h, the mRNA expression of ITGB6 in epithelial cells was significantly increased in a time-dependent manner. The results of flow cytometry showed that the protein level of ITGB6 on cell surface was obviously increased after treated with LPA at concentration of 10 μmol/L for 4 h. The active TGF-β induced by LPA in epithelial cells was blocked by an α_Vβ₆ blocking antibody. However, α_Vβ₆ blocking antibody failed to inhibit the mRNA expression of ITGB6 induced by LPA. CONCLUSION: LPA induces the mRNA and cell surface protein of ITGB6 in epithelial cells. The up-regulated ITGB6 expression by LPA is independent on LPA-induced TGF-β activation.     

Phosphorothioate-modified antisense TGF-β1 oligodeoxynucleotide inhibits neointimal hyperplasia after vascular balloon injury in rats

AIM: To evaluate the effects of antisense TGF-β1 oligodeoxynucleotide (AS TGF-β1) on the expression of TGF-β1, deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the neointima formation in the arteries after balloon injury. METHODS: The unmodified and phosphorothioate-modified AS TGF-β1 which containing 15 bases and surrounding the initiation codon region (ATG) of rat TGF-β1 complementary DNA (cDNA) were designed. At the same time, sense TGF-β1 oligodeoxynucleotide (S TGF-β1) with the base sequence complement to AS TGF-β1 was synthesized as a control. The oligodeoxynucleotides were introduced into in vivo and in vitro experiments, respectively. RESULTS: The AS TGF-β1 significantly inhibited the protein expression of TGF-β1 in a concentration-dependent manner, and S TGF-β1 did not have the same effect. Furthermore, no effect of the AS TGF-β1 on the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 in injured VSMCs was observed. Moreover, for the injured VSMCs, AS TGF-β1 significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited the basal DNA synthesis. Both AS TGF-β1 and S TGF-β1 did not exhibit dose-dependent effects on DNA synthesis in uninjured VSMCs. Fibronectin (FN) mRNA expression in injured VSMCs was significantly decreased by AS TGF-β1 in a concentration (001~1 μmol/L)-dependent manner. AS TGF-β1 significantly increased the mRNA expression of contractile marker SM22α, and decreased the mRNA expression of synthetic markers osteopontin and matrix Gla, especially at the concentration of 001 μmol/L and 01 μmol/L. After treatment with AS TGF-β1 (90 μg·kg-1·d-1) for 28 d, the neointima formation was significantly inhibited, and the area ratio of intima/media was markedly decreased by 68% compared with untreated group, but S TGF-β1 had no effect on neointimal formation. CONCLUSION：The AS TGF-β1 specifically inhibits the protein expression of TGF-β1 in the VSMCs derived from injured arteries. Moreover, it significantly inhibits DNA synthesis and cell proliferation, and decreases the expression of FN. Therefore, AS TGF-β1 dramatically attenuates neointima formation after balloon njury. The effects of AS TGF-β1 on the injured VSMCs may be associated with its reverse effects on the alteration of VSMC phenotype after balloon injury.     

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells migrate to Raji cells and promote their proliferation

AIM：To investigate the interaction between human Burkitt lymphoma cell line Raji and human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC). METHODS：The direct and indirect effects of MSC on Raji cells were investigated. The viability of Raji cells was tested by CCK-8 assay, and the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. The importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the migration of MSC to Raji cells was analyzed by blocking VEGF expression in Raji cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA). VEGF level in the supernatant was detected by ELISA, and the mRNA expression of VEGF was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS：Both MSC and MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) promoted the growth of Raji cells. The viability of Raji cells co-cultured with MSC-CM was 0.99±0.05 at 72 h, and that in control group was 0.71±0.07. Both direct co-culture with MSC and MSC-CM turned the Raji cells from G0/G1 phase to S phase. The number of Raji cells co-cultured with MSC-CM in S phase was increased from 16.33±1.37 to 28.50±1.41, and the number in G0/G1 phase was decreased from 77.70±1.57 to 54.40±1.57. The expression of VEGF was down-regulated either at mRNA or protein level after transfection with siRNA. The ability of MSC migrated to Raji cells was significantly declined (96.00±5.28 vs 143.00±7.20). CONCLUSION：Raji cells recruit MSC by secreting VEGF, and MSC promote the proliferation of Raji cells by turning the cells from G0/G1 phase to S phase.     

Effects of TRPC1 on TGF-β1-induced migration of human bronchial epithelial cells

AIM: To investigate the role of canonical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) in the migration of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). METHODS: Silencing of TRPC1 gene expression was performed by siRNA. The cell activity and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The migration and invasion abilities of the 16HBE cells were detected by wound- healing assay and Transwell assay. The protein expression of E-cadherin and vimentin was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: TGF-β1 treatment significantly enhanced the cell migration distance compared with control groups (P < 0.01). The results of CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry indicated that there were no significant difference in proliferation and apoptosis among TRPC1 siRNA group, TGF-β1 group and control group (P > 0.05). The results of wound-healing and Transwell assays showed that migration and invasion abilities in TRPC1 siRNA + TGF-β1 group were markedly suppressed compared with TGF-β1 group (P < 0.01). The protein expression of E-cadherin and vimentin induced by TGF-β1 was inhibited by TRPC1 silencing compared with TGF-β1 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TRPC1 is involved in the migration of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by TGF-β1 through regulating the protein expression of E-cadherin and vimentin.     

Prostaglandin E2 receptors,EP2 and EP4, regulate expression of surface molecules and cytokines in B-cells of collagen-induced arthritic mice

AIM: To observe the immunoregulatory effects of prostaglandin E₂ receptor (EP) subtypes EP2/EP4 on the B-cells of collagen-induced arthritic(CIA)mice. METHODS: DBA/1 mice were immunized with chicken type II collagen emulsified in Freunds complete adjuvant to induce arthritis. B-cells were isolated from the splenocyte suspension by positive selection using anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody immunomagnetic beads. The expression of MHC II, CD 80 and CD86 was examined by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of EPs, interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were detected by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The rank of the mRNA levels of EPs was EP2>EP1>EP3>EP4 in B-cells and EP2/EP4 mRNA expression was obviously increased in CIA mice. EP2 antagonists inhibited the expression of MHC II, CD80 and CD86. EP4 antagonist had little effect on CD80. EP2/EP4 antagonists inhibited the mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and increased the expression of IL-10 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, the antagonists of EP2 and EP4 also increased the mRNA expression of IL-4 and TGF-β (P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: PGE₂ modulate the pathogenesis of CIA via EP2/EP4 by regulating the expression of surface molecules and cytokines in B-cells. EP2/EP4 may be a new therapeutic target for treating rheumatoid arthritis.     

Expression of LOX-1 in type 2 diabetic rat tubular interstitial tissues

AIM： To explore the effect of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1) on type 2 diabetic nephropathy in rats. METHODS：The Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group and model group. The animal model was established by intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg) plus feeding with high-fat/high-glucose diets for one month. Biochemical parameters and 24 h urine album excretion rate (UAER) were monitored. The morphological changes of the renal tissue were examined under microscope with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff reaction (PAS) staining. The protein levels of LOX-1 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the renal tissues were determined by the method of immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of LOX-1 and TGF-β1 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The serum levels of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between LOX-1 and UAER, inflammatory factors and TGF-β1 was analyzed. RESULTS：Compared with normal group, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and UAER in model groups markedly increased, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) only increased at 0 week, then decreased at 4 and 8 weeks. The expression of LOX-1 and TGF-β1 at mRNA and protein levels was increased, as well as the concentration of serum inflammatory factors such as MCP-1, ICAM and TNF-α. The obvious relations between LOX-l mRNA with UAER, TNF-α and TGF-β1 were observed (r=0.509, 0.649 and 0.800, respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSION：LOX-1 is significantly increased in type 2 diabetic rat tubular interstitial tissues and aggravates the dysfunction of renal tubules by releasing inflammatory factors and promoting inflammatory cell infiltration.