Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis of mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis of mice. METHODS: At 14 h after whole body irradiation with 0.5 Gy and 1.0 Gy,splenocytes were cultured with and without bFGF,and splenocytic apoptosis was quantitatively analysed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was determined by the method of [³H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: bFGF(1 μg/mL and 2 μg/mL) could reduce the rate of cell apoptosis,and promote the proliferation of splenocytes. CONCLUSION: bFGF could inhibit radiation-induced splenocytic apoptosis and promote the proliferation of splenocytes and then enhance body immunity.     

Advances inthe research of bFGF binding to heparin

Basic fibroblast growthfactor (bFGF) is a multi-potential growth factor whose biological activities depend on its receptor’s intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and second messengers such as the mitogen activated protein kinases. Heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have been demonstrated to enhance or inhibit bFGF activity. The response elicited by HSPGis related to the relative concentrations and binding kinetics for bFGF of the various pools of HSPG. The type of cellular response might depend on the specific HSPG and FGF receptor expressed on the cell surface. The specific core protein of HSPG, and tissue-specific differences in heparin sulfate modification result in altered bFGF regulation.     

Effect of bFGF on human kidney fibroblasts

AIM: To study the effect of bFGF on cell proliferation, secretion of type I collagen and expression of integrin β₁ in human kidney fibroblasts(KFB). METHODS: The KFB was cultured and stimulated by bFGF in vitro. The proliferation and collagen I secreting of KFB, the expression of integrin β₁ were measured by MTT, ELISA and flow cytometer, respectively. RESULTS: bFGF(25-50 μg/L) could obviously stimulate the cell proliferation(P< 0.05), promote the secretion of collagen I(P< 0.05) and enhance the expression of integrin β₁(P< 0.05) in human kidney fibroblast. CONCLUSION: bFGF could induce renal interstitial fibrosis by promoting cell proliferation, secretion of collagen I and integrin β₁ expression of KFB.     

Effects of insulin on VEGF expression in cultured retinal Müller cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of insulin on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in cultured rabbit retinal Müller cells. METHODS: Immunocytochemical method and ELISA were used to assay the change of VEGF expression in cultured Müller cells in vitro at different insulin concentrations in qualitative and quantitative ways. RESULTS: VEGF expression in retinal Müller cells was enhanced markedly by insulin. CONCLUSION: Insulin at high concentration enhances VEGF expression in cultured Müller cells, which may be one of factors that insulin accelerates the progress of diabetic retinopathy.     

Effect of bFGF on expression of endothelial cell integrin β1 subunits

AIM: To study the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) to the expression of integrin β₁ subunit of endothelial cells. METHOD: The expression of integrin β₁ subunit of endothelial cells was determined before and after bFGF treatment with Western Blot and immage analysis method.RESULTS: The mean gray value of immunostain by immage analysis method is 166.11±9.86 in the experimental group and 175.32±5.12 in the control group, suggested that bFGF may upregulate expression of integrin β₁ subunits of endothelial cell. CONCLUSION: bFGF may play an important role in angiogenesis by way of inducing the overexpression of endothelial cell integrin β₁ subunits.     

Bone marrow-derived stromal cells and cartilage tissue engineering

Articular cartilage repair is one of the most challenging issues which remains to be resolved in clinic work. Discovering of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) and its application in tissue engineering provide new methods for the treatment of cartilage defects. High seeding density, appropriate cytokines and three-dimensional culture play important roles in the process of inducing BMSC differentiating into chondrocytes, suitable scaffold is also essential in reconstructing cartilage in vitro by methods of tissue engineering.     

Effects of probucol on the proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor and hydrogen peroxide

AIM: To investigate the effect of probucol on proliferation of rat vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC) stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and/or hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂). METHODS: Effects of probucol on VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis stimulated by bFGF and/or H₂O₂ were observed by means of MTT test, cell number count and [3H]-TdR incorporation. RESULTS: ①Probucol significantly inhibited proliferation and DNA synthesis in VSMC stimulated by bFGF and/or H₂O₂, with dosage-dependent manner. Cell number, A value and [3H]-TdR incorporation in group probucol+bFGF and group probucol+H₂O₂ were reduced by 40.0%, 39.1%, 45.5% and 46.9%, 45.0%, 39.5%, respectively, compared with group bFGF and group H₂O₂ (P＜0.05, P＜0.01, respectively). ②Pretreatment of VSMC with probucol for 24 h prior to bFGF and/or H₂O₂ stimulation exhibited significant inhibiton of VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis, but after prestimulation by bFGF and/or H₂O₂ for 24 h, probucol had no influence on VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis (P＞0.05). CONCLUSION: Probucol dramatically inhibited proliferation and DNA synthesis in VSMC stimulated by bFGF and/or H₂O₂, but had no inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation prestimulated by bFGF and /or H₂O₂.     

Effects of recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor on retinal ganglion cells of rats

AIM:To investigate the pharmacological effects of recombined basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of rats.METHODS:Using calibrated cross-action forceps a moderate crush injury was inflicted on the nerve. After crush injury, rbFGF, saline and VB₁₂ were administered by retrobublar injection. Four weeks after injury, the apoptosis of RGCs was measured with flow cytometer.RESULTS:Four weeks after operation, it was shown that the rbFGF, but not saline or VB₁₂ injection could significantly improve the maintainance of RGCs of rats. After 800 U, 1600 U and 2400 U rbFGF injection, the injured RGCs were rescued by 24.5%, 27.3% and 28.5% respectively. Furthermore, it was also found that rbFGF injection could effectively prevent the axons from injury. The flow cytometer showed that the rate of apoptosis was reduced markedly on 7 days at rbFGF group. CONCLUSION:rbFGF can significantly promote the functional repair of injured optic nerve.     

Expression of bFGF mRNA in pulmonary artery of rat with chronic hypoxia and its effect on tension of rat pulmonary artery in vitro

AIM: To explore the role of basic-fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by hypoxia. METHODS: 1) The pulmonary arteries of SD rats with hypoxia for one and two weeks were isolated, from which the total RNA were extracted by acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chlorform .Then the levels of mRNA were measured by RT-PCR. 2) About 3mm-long arterial rings cut from SD rat pulmonary arterial stem were suspended between stainless steelhooks in chamber with warmed (37℃) Kreb's solution. Different concentrations of bFGF were added in a cumulative fashion into the chamber where the rings were suspended. The cumulative concentration response curve was obtained. RESULTS: 1)The levels of bFGF mRNA in pulmonary artery of rats with hypoxia were increased significantly compared with those that without hypoxia (2578±384 counts·min^-1 (control) vs 5303±756 (hypoxia) for 1 week and 4054±547 (hypoxia) for 2 weeks, P all ＜0.05). 2) bFGF at concentrations ranged from 5.56×10^-10~2.78×10^-7mol/L caused dose-dependent contraction of vessel rings of rat pulmonary artery (r=0.695,P＜0.05), with EC₅₀ being 2.62×10^-7mol/L. CONCLUSION: bFGF may play an important role in the hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.     

Inhibitory effect of different target-side antisense oligonucleotides on bFGF expression in SWO-38 cells

AIM:Three different antisense oligonucleotides complementary to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA were compared in inhibitory effect on gene targeted expression.METHODS:After transfecting bFGF antisense oligonucleotides (asODN) into SWO-38 cells by lipofectin, the proliferation of cells was identified by MTT method, apoptosis was examined by flow cytometric cell cycle analysis and the expression levers of bFGF were detected by Western-blotting.RESULTS:There were 49%, 33%, 51% inhibition of cell growth and 35%, 27%, 18% cell apoptosis after asODN1, asODN2 and asODN3 treatment.In addition, the decrease in bFGF protein was 63%, 42%, 11%, respectively.CONCLUSION:The data suggeste that asODN1 is a potent target to bFGF mRNA, which inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in SWO-38 cells.     

Role of cAMP and cGMP in the regulation of bFGF gene expression of rat cardiomyocytes

AIM: To investigate the role of cAMP and cGMP in the regulation of bFGF gene expression of rat cardiomyocytes. METHODS: 8-Bromo-cAMP and sodium nitroprusside were added into the media to raise the concentrations of cAMP and cGMP of cultured cardiomyocytes, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry methods were used to identify the mRNA and protein expression of bFGF. The amount of bFGF mRNA and protein expression were detected by computor imaging analysis system MIAS exe. RESULTS: At 24 h after adding 8-Bromo-cAMP(0 1 mmol/L), bFGF mRNA and protein expression elevated significantly , at 48 h and 72 h it still expressed higher than that of control group( P< 0.05). But after adding sodium nitroprusside (1 mmol/L),bFGF expression decreased significantly,and especially at 48 h. CONCLUSION: The regulation of bFGF expression of cardiomyocytes is related to cAMP signal pathway.     

Effects of insulin on cardiac fibroblast proliferation and cardiac myocyte hypertrophy

AIM:To study the effect of insulin on proliferation and hypertrophy of cardiac myocytes and its role in the induction of cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS:1. The neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were cultured respectively and identified with light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. 2. Cell proliferation was measured with cell number, metabolic activity and DNA synthesis (with WST-1, BrdU enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ) and the percentage of S+G₂+M in cell cycle (by flow cytometry ). 3.Cell hypertrophy was evaluated by cell protein content (Coomassie Briliant Blue's method). RESULTS:1. The cultured cells showed the characteristic of cardiac myocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, respectively. 2. After being treated with insulin, the cell number, absorbance of BrdU incorporation and WST-1 cleavage products and the percentage of S+G₂+M of cardiac fibroblasts increased significantly (P＜0.01 orP＜0.05), while the above parameters of cardiac myocytes remained unchanged (P＞0.05). 3. Protein content of cardiac myocytes increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.01 orP＜0.05) in insulin treated groups (10^-10 mol/L-10^-7 mol/L). CONCLUSION:Insulin promoted cardiac fibroblast proliferation and increased myocytes protein content(induced myocyte hypertrophy)in vitroand may play an important role in pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophyin vivo.     

Effects of Radix Angelicae Sinensis on changes of IL-6, TNF-α and bFGF in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits

AIM: To determine the effect of Radix Angelicae Sinensis(RAS) on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: Twenty-five rabbits were divided randomly into the sham operated group(Control group), renal ischemia/reperfusion injury group(IR group) and RAS+IR group. At the time point of reperfusion 48 h after renal ischemia 1 h, the renal tissue were observed by electron-microscope and the contents of creatinine(Cr) in serum, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) in the renal tissue were measured. RESULTS: A remarkably degenerative changes in renal tissue were showed under electronmicroscope in IR group, but the changes in RAS+IR group were slight. The contents of Cr, TNF-α and IL-6 in IR group were higher than those in Control group, these parameters in RAS+IR group were lower than those in IR group, the difference between these groups was significant(P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). At the same time, the content of bFGF in IR group was lower than that in Control group(P< 0.01), while the content of bFGF in RAS+IR group was higher than that in IR group(P< 0.01) and Control group(P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: RAS has an effect of alleviating the renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the production or release of TNF-α, IL-6 and bFGF.     

The synergistic effect of endothelin-1 and basic fibroblast growth factor on rat vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

AIM: The synergistic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) on rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation was observed. The possible mechanism of the synergism was also investigated. METHODS: BrdU incorporation and cell counting method were adopted to value the pro-proliferative effect of VSMC. Western blotting was used to observe the variation of bFGF and FGFR-1 isoforms expression. RESULTS: bFGF and ET-1 could promote VSMC proliferation separately, and synergistically in combination. The synergism was dose- and time-dependent. ET-1 increased all the three bFGF isoforms and FGFR-1 protein level in dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, after exhaustion of intracellular PKC, the upregulation effects of ET-1 on bFGF and FGFR-1 expressions in VSMC both inclined. CONCLUSION: bFGF and ET-1 had synergistic effect on VSMC proliferation. ET-1 may increase the responsiveness of VSMC to bFGF through modulation of bFGF isoforms together with FGFR-1, which was PKC-dependent.     

Effects of brain tissue extract of hypoxia-preconditioned mice at different concentrations on tolerance of PC12 cells to hypoxia

AIM: To investigate the effect of brain tissue extract of hypoxia-preconditioned mice (HP extract) on tolerance of PC12 cells to hypoxia. METHODS: The mice model of acute repetitive hypoxia was reproduced and brain tissue extracts were prepared. HP extract was added into the cultures of PC12 cells and the final concentrations of HP extracts were 0.2, 0.8, 3.2, 6.4 or 12.8 g/L (HP group), respectively. Brain tissue extract of normal mice (N extract) at the same five concentrations were used as controls (N group). The PC12 cells were cultured in hypoxia (2% O2). After hypoxia for 24 h, 48 h or 72 h, colorimetric method (A570) of tetrazolium salt MTT (3-［4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl］-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromid) staining was adopted to determine the cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release percentage assay was also conducted after 24 h, 48 h or 72 h hypoxia. Besides, apoptotic percentages at early stage (24 h hypoxia) and late stage (72 h hypoxia) were detected respectively by means of annexin V-FITC/PI double-stained flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 stained fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: HP extract at the concentrations lower than 6.4 g/L (including 6.4 g/L) showed protective effect on PC12 cells in early stage of hypoxia (24 h). A570 values in HP group were significantly higher than those in N group, but LDH release percentages were significantly lower than those in N group after 24 h hypoxia. With hypoxia prolonging, HP extract at high concentrations gradually lost the protective effect. At the time point of 72 h hypoxia, HP extract at concentrations higher than 6.4 g/L (including 6.4 g/L) had pro-apoptotic effect. At this time point, A570 values of HP groups at these concentrations were significantly lower than those in the corresponding N group, both LDH release percentages and apoptotic percentages were significantly higher than those in the N group. CONCLUSION: The effects of HP extract on tolerance of PC12 cells to hypoxia depend on its concentrations and on the time of treatment.     

NIH3T3 cell proliferation and cell cycle in the conditions of hypoxia or low nutrition and its response to bFGF

AIM: To investigate NIH3T3 cell proliferation and cell cycle in the condition of hypoxia or low nutrition and its response to bFGF, and to explore the pathophysiological changes of fibroblast under hypoxic or low nutrional conditions.METHODS: The cells were placed in anaerobic workstation where the mixture gas was given to simulate hypoxic environment. Partial oxygen pressure (PO2) of medium was controlled in 27 mmHg, 44 mmHg and 175mmHg. NIH3T3 cells were cultured with low nutritional medium contained new bovine serum (NCS) less than 10% to simulate low nutritional environment. MTT assay was used for observing cell activity and flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis.RESULTS: Under 44 mmHg PO2, no obvious difference was shown between hypoxia group and normal group. Under 27 mmHg PO2, the proliferation activity of NIH3T3 cells was significantly lower than that in normal group (P<0.01), as well as the cell numbers in G0-G1 phase increased (P<0.05), S phase decreased (P<0.01). bFGF had no effect on cell proliferation. In 0.5% NCS medium, the NIH3T3 cell proliferation speed decreased (P<0.01) and cell cycle was arrested at G0-G1 (P<0.01). The proliferation speed was improved by bFGF (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: In lower PO2 or lower nutrinal condition, fibroblast proliferation activity is inhibited by cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. However the decreasing proliferation in low nutritional medium could be improved by external bFGF.     

Expression of bovine bFGF-pcDNA3 eukaryotic vector in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and product identification

AIM: To study the expression and activity of bovine bFGF-pcDNA₃ in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and its effect on the bioactivity of these cells. METHODS: Recombinant bovine bFGF-pcDNA₃ was transferred into cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells by lipofectin transfection, and positive clones were selected by G418. The bFGF expression position and Ⅷ related antigen was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Chemiluminescence Western blotting analysis of total cell extracts was carried to detect bFGF expression in transfected and non-transfected cells and to compare their expression level. Growth curves of transfected and non-transfected cells were drawn and doubling time were caculated. The activity of bFGF was estimated by MTT analysis. RESULTS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells appeared elongated after transfection. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed its endothelial origin both before and after transfection and demonstrated that both transfected and non-transfected cells express bFGF in cytoplasm. Western blotting confirmed that both cell lines express 17kD bFGF but the level is much higher in transfected cells. Growth curve of transfected cell line moves upward and the doubling time is shorter. MTT analysis confirmed that the bioactivity of the expression product is equal to about 571.4 ng/L of exogenous bFGF continuous stimulation. CONCLUSION: bFGF cDNA-transfected human umbilical vein endothelial cells can grow in vitro and express functional bFGF. bFGF-pcDNA₃ can increase endogenous bFGF expression and has corresponding bioactivity on human umbilical endothelial cells.     

Protective effect of chrysin on mice with insulin resistance

AIM: To explore the effects of chrysin on insulin resistance (IRe) in a mouse model. METHODS: Male C57 mice were randomly divided into control group, IRe group, low-dose chrysin group (IRe+chrysin-low) and high-dose chrysin group (IRe+chrysin-high). After 24 weeks, the body weight, liver index and fat mass in all mice were detected. The blood glucose, insulin level and HOMA-IR were measured to determine the changes of the insulin resistance in the animals. The oxidative stress (SOD, GSH-Px and MDA) was also measured. The mRNA expression of insulin signaling pathway molecules (IR, IRS1, IRS2, Glut2 and Glut4) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NF-κB) was analyzed by real-time PCR. The protein levels of IRS1 and p65, and their phosphorylation were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: After 24-week intervention, the indicators in IRe group were higher than those in control group, including body fat deposition, serum glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR and liver oxidative stress (P<0.01), indicating that the model of insulin resistance was successfully established. Low dose and high dose of chrysin decreased the body weight, serum glucose, serum insulin and HOMA-IR in the IRe mice (P<0.05). The liver oxidative stress was also reduced in both groups (P<0.05). However, no statistical difference of the indexes between IRe+chrysin-low group and IRe+chrysin-high group was observed. Chrysin upregulated the mRNA expression of IR, IRS1, IRS2, Glut2 and Glut4 (P<0.05), and down-regulated the mRNA expression of various inflammatory factors. The inhibitory effect of chrysin on the mRNA expression of NF-κB was observed (P<0.05), especially in high dose group (P<0.05). It was confirmed that the effect of chrysin on liver IRe was related with the increase in the p-IRS1 levels and decrease in the p-p65 levels by Western blot. CONCLUSION: Chrysin inhibits obesity, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, and relieves insulin resistance and oxidative stress, which might be closely related to the regulation of insulin signaling pathway and the inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.     

Improvement of insulin sensitivity by osteocalcin inhibits inflammation in the adipose tissue of obese mice

AIM: To explore the improving effect of osteocalcin on obesity-related insulin resistance and inflammation in the adipose tissue of obese mice.METHODS: The C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to obtain obese mice. Osteocalcin (30 ng/kg or 3 ng/kg) and saline solution (control) were intraperitoneally injected for other 4 weeks. The fat mass, body weight, serum triglycerides and serum free fatty acid were analyzed. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were carried out. Macrophage infiltration degree in the adipose tissue was observed by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and CD68 was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.RESULTS: Osteocalcin (30 ng/kg or 3 ng/kg) treatment for 4 weeks significantly reduced the body weight, fat mass and insulin level, and improved abnormal glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in the obese mice. Moreover, the macrophage infiltration decreased, and the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and CD68 was down-regulated in the adipose tissue of obese mice treated with osteocalcin at 30 ng/kg.CONCLUSION: Osteocalcin at 30 ng/kg significantly reduces body weight and fat mass, and attenuates the severity of insulin resistance through down-regulating the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and CD68 and inbihiting macrophage infiltration in the adipose tissue of obese mice induced by high-fat diet.     

Effect of insulin on the secretion of VEGF and its receptor in serum-free cultured bovine thoracic aortic endothelial cells

AIM: This study was designed to investigate the secretion of VEGF and its receptor (flt-1 or flk-1/KDR) protein by cultured bovine thoracic aortic endothelial cells treated with various insulin concentrations. METHODS: Endothelial cells was isolated from bovine thoracic aorta, and cultured in serum-free medium, then incubated with different insulin concentrations (30 mU/L, 300 mU/L, 3 000 mU/L). The level of VEGF and its receptor (flt-1 or flk-1/KDR) protein were detected by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: As compared with no insulin group, the expression of VEGF protein in low insulin concentration (30 mU/L and 300 mU/L) groups were significantly increased (P＜0.01). The expression of VEGF protein in high insulin concentration (3 000 mU/L) group was significantly decreased (P＜0.05). Howerer, no difference of the expression of VEGF receptor (flt-1 or flk-1/KDR) protein among all groups (P＞0.05) was observed. CONCLUSION: Low concentration insulin up-regulates the VEGF protein expression while high concentration insulin down-regulates the VEGF protein expression in bovine thoracic aortic endothelial cells, but insulin had no directly effect on the VEGF receptor (flt-1 or flk-1/KDR) protein expression in bovine thoracic aortic endothelial cells.