Effects of sera containing Kang xian ling on c-Met and its downstream MAPK signal molecules in HK-2 cells treated with TGF-β1

AIM: To observe the effects of sera containing Kang xian ling (a traditional Chinese medicine) on c-Met and its downstream MAPK signal molecules in HK-2 cells treated with transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), so as to further explore the effective mechanism of anti-renal fibrosis of the traditional Chinese medicine. METHODS: Rat sera containing herbs were collected after rats were intragastrically administered with the herbs. HK-2 cells activated by TGF-β1 were incubated with different heat-inactivated sera. The proliferation and expression of MAPK and the phosphorylation of MAPK in HK-2 cells were detected by Alarm blue and immunoblotting. RESULTS: No significant difference of cell proliferation between any two groups was observed. c-Met and the phosphorylation of its downstream molecules were also observed after incubated with different sera. CONCLUSION: The receptor c-Met of hepatocyte growth factor, and the phosphorylation of its downstream MAPK molecules can be regulated by the sera containing Kang xian ling.     

Changes of PKAC-β, c-Fos and BDNF in cerebral cortex after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats treated with WIN55-212-2

AIM: To observe the effect of cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) agonist WIN55-212-2 on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), c-Fos and protein kinase A beta-catalytic subunit (PKAC-β) in cerebrum cortex after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats. METHODS: The intracerebral hemorrhage model of rat was made by the injection of collagenase Ⅶ, and WIN55-212-2 was intraperitoneally (ip) injected 30 min later. The rats were killed for sampling the brain tissues as specimens 24 h after ICH. The methods of immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting were adopted to detect the expression of PKAC-β and BDNF. The mRNA expression of PKAC-β, c-Fos and BDNF was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: WIN55-212-2 obviously improved some nervous deficit symptoms and increased the expression of BDNF at mRNA and protein levels with upregulating the mRNA expression of c-Fos and downregulating the expression of PKA at mRNA and protein levels in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. The proteins of PKAC-β, c-Fos and BDNF were expressed on the membrane or nucleus of the neuron or in the cytoplasm of glial cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: The expression of BDNF is induced not only by upregulation of c-Fos, but also by downregulation of PKA in WIN55-212-2 treated rats.     

Roles of protein phosphatase 4 in down-regulation of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation induced by palmitic acid in human umbilical vein endotheli?al cells

AIMTo investigate the roles of protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) in down-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) Ser633 phosphorylation induced by palmitic acid (PA). METHODSHuman umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with PA at 25 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L, 100 μmol/L and 200μmol/L for 36 h, or treated with PA at 100 μmol/L for 12 h, 24 h, 36 h and 48 h. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) family inhibitor fostriecin (FST, 20 nmol/L) or okadaic acid (OA, 5 nmol/L) was selected to pretreat the HUVECs for 30 min. Protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit (PP4c) siRNA or protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac) siRNA was transfected into the HUVECs. The protein expression levels of of eNOS, PP4c and PP2Ac, as well as the level of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation, were detected by Western blot. The intracellular nitric oxide (NO) content was measured by DAF-FM DA. RESULTS(1) Compared with control group, the levels of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation were decreased in PA groups in which the HUVECs were treated with 25 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L, 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L PA for 36 h (P<0.05) and 100 μmol/L PA for 24 h, 36 h and 48 h (P<0.05). No significant difference in the level of total eNOS protein expression among all the groups was observed. (2) Compared with control group, both FST and OA pretreatment reversed the reduction of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation (P<0.05) and the decrease in intracellular NO content (P<0.05) induced by PA. No significant difference in the level of total eNOS protein expression among all the groups was observed. (3) Compared with si-Control group, the PP4c protein expression was significantly reduced (P<0.05), while the level of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation was significantly increased in si-PP4c group (P<0.05). Although the levels of PP2Ac protein expression declined significantly (P<0.05), the level of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation remained unchanged in si-PP2Ac group. No significant differencein the level of total eNOS protein expression among all the groups was found. CONCLUSION PA significantly reduces the level of eNOS Ser633 phosphorylation and the content of NO in the HUVECs, which may be due to PA inducing the activation of the PP2A family member PP4 rather than PP2A.     

Expansion capacity and cytokine releasing characteristics of TCRVα24+Vβ11+NKT cells in peripheral blood of patients with lymphoma

AIM: To analyze the quantity of TCRVα24+Vβ11+ natural killer T (NKT) cells and cytokines production induced by α-galactosylceramide (α-Galcer) in vitro in lymphoma patients. METHODS: Flow cytometry was utilized to enumerate TCRVα24+Vβ11+NKT cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in 30 cases of lymphoma patients and 30 cases of age- and gender-matched healthy controls. NKT cells were activated with α-Galcer and interleukin-2 (IL-2) after expansion in vitro. The percentages of positive NKT cells which expressed intracellular interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were then determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The rates of NKT cells in PBMNCs were 0.17%±0.10% and 0.28%±0.18%(P<0.05) in lymphoma patients and controls, respectively. Seven days after expansion and activation with α-Galcer and IL-2, the fold of expansion of NKT cells in two groups was 101.37±44.61 and 129.66±56.31(P<0.05), respectively. The ratio of TCRVα24+NKT cells that secreted IFN-γ or TNF-α in lymphoma patients was significantly lower than that in controls (41.96%±15.06% vs 52.48%±18.85%, P<0.05; 46.30%±16.03% vs 71.37%±17.28%, P<0.05). While the ratio of TCRVα24+NKT cells that secreted IL-4 was not significantly different between the two groups (36.19%±11.74% vs 33.12%±12.95%, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in above parameters among different groups of lymphoma patients subdivided by pathology and clinical stage. CONCLUSION: The quantity of NKT cells in PBMNCs in lymphoma patients is lower than that in controls. The expansion capacity and the function of producing cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α of NKT cells stimulated with α-Galcer are decreased. This decrease is independent of lymphoma pathology type or clinical stage.     

Proapoptotic mechanism and changes of endogenous TGF-β1 in NB4 cells induced by exogenous TGF-β1

AIM: To study the effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on cell apoptosis, cell cycle, production of endogenous TGF-β1, expressions of P27Kip1, cyclin E and bcl-2 mRNA levels in NB4 cells. METHODS: Apoptotic morphological changes were observed by Wright-Giemsa staining. Cell cycle and apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA levels of endogenous TGF-β1, P27Kip1, cyclin E and bcl-2. RESULTS: TGF-β1 significantly restrained the growth and promoted the apoptosis of NB4 cells. The blockage of NB4 cells treated by TGF-β1 at concentration of 5 μg/L was in G1 phase. Endogenous TGF-β1 mRNA expression in NB4 cells was up-regulated when the concentration of exogenous TGF-β1 was <5 μg/L. Meanwhile, the expression of endogenous TGF-β1 mRNA was down-regulated when the concentration of exogenous TGF-β1 was 10 μg/L. After treated with TGF-β1 at concentration of 5 μg/L, P27Kip1 mRNA expression in NB4 cells was up-regulated, cyclin E and bcl-2 were reduced. CONCLUSION: TGF-β1 is able to induce apoptosis and cell cycle distribution abnormally in NB4 cells by (1) Up-regulation of endogenous TGF-β1, so that NB4 cells was induced into apoptosis through consequently high expression of P27Kip1. (2) TGF-β1 may lead to cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the expression of cyclin E directly, or by inhibiting the activity of cyclin E through the increased expression of P27Kip1. (3) Down-regulation of bcl-2 induces apoptosis of NB4 cells.     

Changes in TCR Vβ subfamily nave T cells in peripheral blood of patients with multiple myeloma

AIM: To detect the existence of signal joint T-cell receptor excision DNA circles (sjTRECs) of 23 TCR Vβ subfamilies in mononuclear cells of patients with multiple myeloma (MM), and to evaluate the recent thymic emigrants of corresponding Vβ subfamily nave T cells in MM patients. METHODS: 23 TCR Vβ subfamily sjTRECs were amplified in genomic DNA from 5×104 PBMCs of 12 cases in MM patients by using semi-nest PCR.10 normal individuals served as controls. RESULTS: The number of detectable Vβ subfamily sjTRECs was 5.00±2.45 from MM patients, as compared with 9.60±5.48 from normal individuals, the difference was significant (P<0.05). The frequencies of Vβ2-, Vβ10-, Vβ16-, Vβ17-, and Vβ21-Dβ1 sjTRECs were significantly lower than those from normal individuals. 2-9 Vβ subfamily sjTRECs were detected from 12 cases of MM patients. It was negative correlation between age and the number of detectable Vβ subfamily sjTRECs in MM patients (r=-0.892; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: It has been found that some of 23 Vβ subfamily nave T cells are absent or lower level of recent thymic output function in MM patients, suggesting that MM patients have severe cellular immunodeficiency and the capacity and potential of long-term TCR Vβ repertoire reconstitution are dramatically lowered.     

Expression of PPARγ, Nrf2 and γ-GCS-h in inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of guinea pigs with bronchial asthma

AIM: To investigate the expression of PPARγ and Nrf2/γ-GCS-h in inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) of guinea pig with bronchial asthma of acute episode, and to explore the roles of PPARγ on Nrf2/γ-GCS-h expression. METHODS: Forty adult male guinea pigs were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 guinea pigs in each group): control group (group A), asthmatic group (group B), dexamethasone treatment group (group C) and rogridone treatment group (group D). The asthmatic model was established by an ovalbumin challenge method. BALF was collected, and the total cell count and the proportion of the inflammatory cells were measured. After centrifugation, the concentrations of ROS and MDA in the clear supernatant were detected. The methods of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used for detecting the expression of PPARγ and Nrf2/γ-GCS-h at mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: The proportion of eosinophils (EOS) in BALF in group B was significantly higher than that in groups A, C and D (P<0.01). The concentrations of ROS and MDA in BALF of group B was the highest. The difference of ROS and MDA was statistically significant (all P<0.05) as compared to the control. The results of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization indicated that the A value was the lowest in group B as compared to that in groups A, C and D (all P<0.01). In group B, the positive correlations were observed between PPARγ and Nrf2/γ-GCS-h, between γ-GCS-h and Nrf2. A negative correlation between the proportion of EOS in BALF and the expression of PPARγ and Nrf2/γ-GCS-h was also observed (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In acute asthmatic models induced by ovalbumin, the expression of PPARγ and Nrf2/γ-GCS-h is decreased, and PPARγ may up-regulate the expression of Nrf2/γ-GCS-h to inhibit the inflammatory and oxidative reactions, indicating a new way for prevention and treatment of bronchial asthma.     

Effects of arsenic trioxide on activities of MMPs and expression of TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in skin fibroblasts and polymorphonuclear neutrophils

AIM: To observe the effects of arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) on activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β₁) in human fibroblast (hFb), and to discuss weather As₂O₃ promotes the healing of chronic skin ulcer through regulating collagen metabolism. METHODS: Zymography was used for testing activity of MMP-9 deriving from rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and activities of MMP-1, MMP-2 secreted by hFb. Immunocytochemical method was used to determine the expressions of TIMP-1 and TGF-β₁. RESULTS: At the concentration of 50 mg/L, As₂O₃ elevated the activity of MMP-9 (P<0.01). At the concentration of 0.8 mg/L, As₂O₃ increased the activities of MMP-1 and MMP-2 (P<0.01, respectively). After hFb was cultured with As₂O₃ for 6 h, 12 h and 18 h, the expressions of TIMP-1 and TGF-β₁ decreased continuously (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: As₂O₃ elevates the activities of MMP-1, MMP -2 and MMP-9, also inhibits the expressions of TIMP-1 and TGF-β₁, suggesting that arsenic preparation may exert positive effect on healing chronic skin ulcer through regulating collagen metabolism.     

Inhibitors of CaMKⅡ suppress the expression of TNF-α, TGF-β1 and collagen I,III in cardiac fibroblasts treated with angiotensin II or electrical field stimulation

AIM: To observe the role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ) in the proliferation, released cytokines and expression of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ in rat cardiac fibroblasts induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) or electrical field stimulation (EFS).METHODS: The cultured cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from the neonatal rats of 1-3 days and used in the 3rd passage. The cells were divided into 10 groups: control group, 0.1 μmol/L AngⅡ group, 0.1 μmol/L AngⅡ+0.5 μmol/L KN92 group, 0.1 μmol/L AngⅡ+0.5 μmol/L KN93 group, 0.1 μmol/L AngⅡ+0.5 μmol/L AIP group; 10V 1.0 Hz EFS group, 10 V 1.0 Hz EFS+0.5 μmol/L KN92 group, 10 V 1.0 Hz EFS+0.5 μmol/L KN93 group, 10 V 1.0 Hz EFS+0.5 μmol/L AIP group, 10 V 1.0 Hz EFS+0.1 μmol/L AngⅡ group.MTT was used to detect the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. The release of cytokines was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression of TNF-α, TGF-β₁ and collagen Ⅰ, Ⅲ was determined by RT-PCR.RESULTS: CaMKⅡ inhibitors (0.5 μmol/L KN93 or 0.5 μmol/L AIP) prevented the proliferation and the increase in the expression of TGF-β₁ and TNF-α in cardiac fibroblasts induced by AngⅡ (0.1 μmol/L) or EFS (10 V 1.0 Hz). CaMKⅡ inhibitors (0.5 μmol/L AIP or 1.0 μmol/L AIP) also prevented the increase in mRNA expression of collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ induced by 0.1 μmol/L AngⅡ. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of CaMKⅡ prevents the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts induced by AngⅡ or EFS. The possible mechanism of CaMKⅡ inhibitors may be involved in preventing the mRNA expression and release of cytokines (TGF-β₁ and TNF-α), and regulating collagen I and III expression.     

Effect of salvianolic acid B on expression of TGF-β1 receptors and Smad2 in activated mesangial cells

AIM: To study the mechanisms of salvianolic acid B (Sal B)antagonizing mesangial cell activation and kidney fibrosis through investigating the effect of Sal B on expression of transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) receptors and Smad2 in TGF-β₁-stimulated renal mesangial cell activation. METHODS: Mesangial cells was isolated and purified from rat kidney. TGF-β₁ was used to establish rat primary mesangial cell activation model and Smad2,Smad7 protein expression was detected. Sal B (10^-6 mol/L and 10^-5 mol/L) was employed to treat the cells; α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Mesangial cells were treated with Sal B alone or additional with TGF-β₁,and TGF-β₁ receptor Ⅰ (TβRⅠ),TGF-β₁ receptorⅡ (TβRⅡ),Smad2 phosphorylation and Smad2 protein expression was determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Cell ular model was established by incubating with 5 μg/L TGF-β₁ for 24 h,and in early stage Smad2 was significantly phosphorylated. Sal B (10^-6 mol/L and 10^-5 mol/L) could inhibit α-SMA expression,which was the biomarker of activated mesangial cells. In addition,in Sal B group,the protein expression of TβRⅠand TβRⅡ was significantly down-regulated while Smad2 phosphorylation in mesangial cells was inhibited. CONCLUSION: Sal B inhibits the TGF-β₁-Smad pathway,the protein expression of TβRⅠ,TβRⅡ and Smad2 phosphorylation in mesangial cells,which is probably one of the mechanisms of Sal B alleviating kidney fibrosis.     

Effects of Huanglian-jiedu decoction on TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and goblet cells of mucosa in rats with allergic rhinitis

AIM To investigate the effect of Huanglian-jiedu decoction （HLJD） on goblet cells and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor （NF）-κB signaling pathway in allergic rhinitis rats. METHODS The rat model of allergic rhinitis was made by ovalbumin. The model rats were divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose HLJD groups, and positive control drug group. The rats in low-, medium- and high-dose HLJD groups were given different doses（5, 10 and 20 g/kg, respectively） of crude drug by intragastric administration, the rats in positive control group was given fluticasone propionate nasal spray （50 μg per side）, and the rats in control group and model group were given normal saline, once per day for 10 days. The behaviors were observed and scored after modeling and treatment, the weight of nasal secretion was measured after the treatment. The goblet cells in nasal mucosa were observed by periodic acid-Schiff （PAS） staining. The morphological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The interleukin （IL）-4 and IL-5 levels in nasal mucosa were measured by ELISA. The mRNA levels of mouse calcium-activated chloride channel 3 （mCLCA3） and mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） were detected by RT-qPCR. The protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS After modeling, compared with control group, the behavioral scores in model group, low-, medium- and high-dose HLJD groups and positive control group were increased （P<0.05）. The eosinophils, neutrophils and lymphocytes in nasal mucosa were seriously infiltrated, inflammatory infiltration was obvious, and obvious small vessel dilatation and interstitial edema in model group were observed. With the increase in the dosage of HLJD, the lymphatic infiltration was obviously relieved, but the eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration still existed, and the inflammatory infiltration was relieved. Compared with control group, the behavioral score, nasal secretion, the relative proportion of goblet cells in the mucosa, the IL-4 and IL-5 levels, the mRNA levels of mCLCA3 and MUC5AC, and the protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 in the mucosa of model group were increased （P<0.05）. Compared with model group, the behavioral score, nasal secretion, the relative proportion of goblet cells in the mucosa, the IL-4 and IL-5 levels, the mRNA levels of mCLCA3 and MUC5AC, and the protein expression of TLR4 in the mucosa of low-, medium- and high-dose HLJD groups and positive control group were increased （P<0.05）, and the protein expression of NF-κB p65 in the mucosa of medium- and high-dose HLJD groups and positive control group was decreased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Huanglian-jiedu decoction reduces the relative proportion of goblet cells in the nasal mucosa of rats with allergic rhinitis, which may be achieved by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.     

Effects of rhTGF-β1 and TGF-β1 gene transfection on the proliferation of cultured rabbit corneal endothelial cells in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effects of rhTGF-β₁ and TGF-β₁ gene transfection on the proliferation of cultured rabbit corneal endothelial cells in vitro. METHODS: Cell growth induced by various concentrations of rhTGF-β₁ was determined by MTT proliferation assay. Under the induction of liposomes, recombinant pSecTag2-TGF-β₁MP vectors were transferred into the corneal endothelial cells. Morphological changes of transfected cells were observed by HE staining. The expression levels of TGF-β₁ were assessed by ELISA. Cell cycle analysis was assessed by flow cytometry. DNA fragment analysis was used to confirm the presence of apoptosis. RESULTS: rhTGF-β₁ in concentrations of 5-20 μg/L showed a significant suppressive effect on the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells, 0.5-1 μg/L had no effect, 0.05-0.1 μg/L facilitated cell growth, as compared with negative controls. The morphous of transfected corneal cells had no significant abnormality compared with normal cells. According to the result of ELISA, the concentration of TGF-β₁ in the supernatant was calculated to be (98±3) ng/L. Flow cytometry assay showed that S and G₂/M phase of transfected cells decreased significantly compared with that of control group, but the cell cycle recovered normally after adding 10 μg/L EGF into the culture medium. Agarose electrophoresis didn′t show marked ladders in transfected group. CONCLUSION: Effects of rhTGF-β₁ on the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells are different with various concentrations. TGF-β₁ gene transfection shows suppressive effect on the proliferation of cultured corneal endothelial cells, but does not induce cell apoptosis. EGF is the antagonist of this suppressive effect.     

Aβ1-40 induces inflammation and phenotypic switching via activation of MAPKs signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM To investigate the effects of amyolid β-protein 1-40 （Aβ1-40） on inflammation, viability, migration and phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs）, and to analyze the underlying mechanisms. METHODS The VSMCs were treated with Aβ1-40 at different concentration gradients for appropriate time. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the viability and migration ability of VSMCs. The levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, phenotypic switching-related proteins including α?smooth muscle actin （α?SMA）, osteopontin （OPN） and Krüppel?like factor 4 （KLF4）, and mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） signaling pathway-related proteins including p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK were determined by Western bolt. RESULTS After Aβ1-40 treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α in the VSMCs were significantly increased （P<0.05）, and the expression of phenotypic switching-related proteins was altered, as indicated by down-regulation of α?SMA and up-regulation of OPN and KLF4 （P<0.05）. Treatment with Aβ1-40 within a certain concentration range promoted the viability and migration of the VSMCs. In addition, the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK were significantly increased by Aβ1-40 treatment （P<0.05）. Furthermore, pretreatment with specific inhibitors of MAPKs pathway significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α （P<0.05）, and inhibited the phenotypic switching, as indicated by up-regulation of α?SMA and down-regulation of OPN and KLF4 （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION Treatment with Aβ1-40 induces the inflammation and phenotypic switching in VSMCs via activation of MAPKs signaling pathway.     

Expression of ROCK I and TGF-β1 in pulmonary arterioles of rat with chronic thromboembolism pulmonary hypertension

AIM:To investigate the dynamic expression of Rho kinase (ROCK I) and transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) in pulmonary arterioles of rat with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Sixty-four male Wister rats were randomly divided into eight groups: beginning control group, embolism for 3 d, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks groups and end control group. The pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) model was established by injecting thrombin into jugular vein two times in two weeks and each rat underwent peritoneal injection with tranexamic acid one time a day during experiment to prevent thrombolysis. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), relative medial thickness of small pulmonary arteries (PAMT) and vessel wall area/total area (WA/TA) were measured. The levels of ROCK I mRNA and TGF-β₁ protein in rat pulmonary artery were determined by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and image analysis, respectively. RESULTS: mPAP, PAMT and WA/TA were higher respectively in embolism from 4 weeks group to 12 weeks group than those in beginning control group (mPAP: all P<0.01, PAMT and WA/TA: 4 weeks group P<0.05, 8 weeks group and 12 weeks group P<0.01). RVHI was elevated in 8 weeks group P<0.05, in 12 weeks group P<0.01. ROCK I mRNA and TGF-β₁ protein in pulmonary arterioles got the enhanced positive signals of in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry staining with prolonging the time of rats with pulmonary thromboembolism. ROCKⅠ mRNA: embolism from 3 d group to 2 weeks group P<0.05, 4 weeks group to 12 weeks group P<0.01, TGF-β₁ protein: 1 week group and 2 weeks group P<0.05, 4 weeks group to 12 weeks group P<0.01. Linear correlation analysis showed that ROCK I mRNA and TGF-β₁ protein were positively correlated with mPAP, RVHI and vessel remodeling index (all P<0.01), ROCK I mRNA were positively correlated with TGF-β₁ protein (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:ROCK I and TGF-β₁ play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vessel remodeling. TGF-β₁ produces biological effect by active ROCK signal pathway.     

Effects of rosiglitazone on expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and TGF-β1 in rats with adriamycin nephrosis

AIM: To investigate the expression of renal peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in rats with adrimycine nephrosis (ADR), and the effect of rosiglitazone on the activation of NF-κB p65 in renal tissue rats with ADR. METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned to following groups: control (CTR) group, adrimycine nephrosis (ADR) group, and ADR treated with rosiglitazone (5 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) group（RGL）. The levels of urinary protein, albumin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and renal function change in rats were measured after 12 weeks. The nuclear-translocation of cortical NF-κB p65 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The activity of cortical NF-κB p65 was measured by sandwich ELISA. The mRNA levels of cortical PPARγ and TGF-β₁ were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expressions of PPARγ and TGF-β₁ in the rat kidney tissues were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: As compared to ADR group, the urinary protein excretion in RGL treatment group was decreased and the serum albumin levels were increased, but the serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were decreased and the renal pathological lesion was ameliorated. The activity of NF-κB p65 and the expressions of TGF-β₁ mRNA and protein were significantly decreased in rosiglitazone group, while the expression of PPARγ mRNA and protein was increased in RGL group (P<0.01). The correlation analysis was manifested: in ADR and RGL group, a negative correlation between the activity of NF-κB p65 and the expression of PPARγ in renal tissue (r=-0.8305, P<0.01) was observed. There was a negative correlation between the expression of TGF-β₁ and PPARγ in renal tissues (r=－0.7938, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The expression of renal cortical PPARγ is up-regulated in rats with adrimycine nephrosis by rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone inhibits the activation of renal cortical NF-κB p65 in part, so it inhibits the gene expression of renal TGF-β₁ and relieves the renal pathological lesion.     

Effect of compound of Epimedium, Astragalus and Radix Puerariae on expression of ADAM10 in Aβ-induced hippocampal neuron HT22 cells with or without hepcidin expression knock-down

AIM To explore the effect of compound of Epimedium, Astragalus and Radix Puerariae on the expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 （ADAM10） in Aβ-induced hippocampal neuron HT22 cells with or without hepcidin （HAMP） expression knock-down for analyzing the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease （AD） at cell level. METHODS Hippocampal neuron HT22 cells were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into 7 groups： control group, Aβ group （Aβ_25-35-induced HT22 cells）, RNAi group （HAMP gene was silenced in HT22 cells）, Aβ+RNAi group （HAMP gene expression in Aβ_25-35-induced HT22 cells was silenced）, Aβ+TCM group （Aβ_25-35-induced HT22 cells were treated with Epimedium, Astragalus root and Radix Puerariae effective components）, RNAi+TCM group （HT22 cells with HAMP gene silence were treated with Epimedium, Astragalus root and Radix Puerariae effective components） and Aβ+RNAi+TCM group （Aβ_25-35-induced HT22 cells with HAMP gene silence were treated with Epimedium, Astragalus root and Radix Puerariae effective components）. The silence efficiency of HAMP siRNA was detected by qPCR and Western blot. The ADAM10 expression in each group was determined by immunofluorescence, qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS The HAMP siRNA-3 sequence had the highest interference efficiency. Compared with control group, the expression levels of ADAM10 in Aβ group, RNAi group and Aβ+RNAi group were decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with Aβ group,the expression levels of ADAM10 in Aβ+RNAi group was also decreased （P<0.05）, and the expression levels of ADAM10 in Aβ+TCM group was increased （P<0.05）. Compared with RNAi group, the expression levels of ADAM10 in Aβ+RNAi group was decreased （P<0.05）, while the expression levels of ADAM10 in RNAi+TCM group was increased （P<0.05）. Compared with Aβ+RNAi group, the expression levels of ADAM10 in Aβ+RNAi+TCM group was increased （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION The effective components of Epimedium, Astragalus and Radix Puerariae compound promotes the expression of ADAM10 in Aβ_25-35-induced HT22 cells, which mechanism may be related to the expression of HAMP.