Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and collagen accumulation in aristolochic acid-treated rat renal tubular epithelial cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSB) extract on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and collagen accumulation induced by aristolochic acid (AA) in renal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS:Rat renal tubular epithelial NRK-52E cells were randomly divided into 3 groups, including control group (only treated with solvent), AA group (treated with AA at concentrations ranging from 1 to 100 mg/L) and SSB group (treated with AA at a concentration of 10 mg/L plus SSB extract at concentrations ranging from 10 to 2 000 mg/L). After cultured for 24 h, the morphology of the NRK-52E cells was observed under inverted phase-contrast microscope. The level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the culture supernatant was measured by ELISA. Immunofluorescent analysis was performed to detect the expression of epithelial marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), mesenchymal marker E-cadherin, and extracellular cell matrix component type III collagen. The mRNA expression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) and type I collagen was also quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Fibrosis-like reaction observed under microscope was obviously increased in AA-treated NRK-52E cells, and aggravated as the increase in the concentration of AA. AA at concentrations of 1 and 10 mg/L increased the expression of α-SMA, type I and type III collagens, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin. With SSB extract treatment, fibrosis in NRK-52E cells was alleviated, accompanied with the decreasing expression of α-SMA, type I and type III collagen, and the enhancing expression of E-cadherin and BMP-7.Moreover, SSB extract down-regulated TGF-β1 level in a concentration-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: AA-induced fibrosis-like reaction in renal tubular epithelial cells is reduced by the treatment with SSB extract. The possible mechanism is that SSB extract decreases TGF-β1 level, and inhibits renal EMT and collagen accumulation induced by AA.［KEY WORDS］Sedum sarmentosum Bunge|Aristolochic acid|Transforming growth factor β1|Epithelial-mesenchymal transition|Collagen     

Inhibitory effect of oxymatrine on high glucose-induced rat renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition

AIM:To investigate the inhibitory effect of oxymatrine (OM) on high glucose-induced rat renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS:The rat renal tubular epithelial NRK52E cells were cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into control group, high glucose group, high glucose+different concentrations of OM groups and high glucose+0.50 g/L OM dynamic observation group. The expression of TGF-β1, Smad7, α-SMA and E-cadherin at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The viability of NRK52E cells was determined by MTT assay. RESULTS:(1) Compared with control group, the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA at mRNA and protein levels in high glucose group gradually increased, and Smad7 protein and E-cadherin mRNA and protein gradually reduced, but the mRNA expression of Smad7 gradually increased. (2) Compared with high glucose group, as increases in OM doses, the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA at mRNA and protein levels in high glucose+different concentrations of OM groups gradually reduced, and Smad7 protein and E-cadherin mRNA and protein gradually increased, but the mRNA expression of Smad7 had no significant change. (3) Compared with high glucose group, the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA at mRNA and protein levels was significantly reduced, the expression of E-cadherin at mRNA and protein levels significantly increased, and the protein expression of Smad7 significantly increased, but the mRNA expression of Smad7 had no significant change in high glucose+0.50 g/L OM dynamic observation group. CONCLUSION: In NRK52E cells, oxymatrine inhibits high glucose induced EMT by down-regulating TGF-β1 and up-regulating Smad7, thus preventing the fibrosis effect of TGF-β1/Smads signaling.     

Effects of MG132 on protein expression of SnoN and fibrosis-related indicators in NRK-52E cells after incubated with high concentration of glucose

AIM: To investigate the effects of proteasome inhibitor MG132 on the expression of SnoN in renal tubule epithelial cells incubated in high glucose, and to explore the possible mechanism and function that MG132 reduces or slows down renal tubular interstitial injury after incubated in high glucose. METHODS: The NRK-52E cells were divided into normal control group (NG), high glucose group (HG) and high glucose plus pretreatment with different doses of MG132 group (HG+MG132). The immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the protein expression of E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in NRK-52E cells under different conditions. The relative protein expression levels of SnoN, Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2), Arkadia, E-cadherin, α-SMA and collagen type Ⅰ(Col-Ⅰ) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with NG group, the expression of E-cadherin and SnoN was decreased (P<0.05), while the expression of α-SMA, Col-Ⅰ, Smurf2 and Arkadia was increased (P<0.05). Compared with HG group, the protein expression of SnoN and E-cadherin was significantly up-regulated in HG+MG132 group (P<0.05), and the protein expression of α-SMA and Col-Ⅰ was significantly down-regulated in a dose-depended manner (P<0.05). However, no effect on the protein expression of Smurf2 and Arkadia was observed. CONCLUSION: MG132 inhibits the degradation of SnoN protein induced by high glucose, thus reducing the renal fibrosis.     

Inhibitory effect of metformin on alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung tissue of rats with pulmonary fibrosis

AIM: To study the inhibitory effect of metformin on alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in rats with pulmonary fibrosis and the possible mechanism. METHODS: SD rats (n=48) were used, 12 of which were set up as normal control group, and 36 of which were induced by bleomycin (5 mg/kg) by tracheal instillation to establish pulmonary fibrosis. The pulmonary fibrosis rats were randomly divided into bleomycin group, low dose (100 mg/kg) of metformin group, and high dose (300 mg/kg) of metformin group. The rats in metformin groups were given the corresponding dose of metformin daily for 4 weeks. HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the changes of lung histopathology and collagen deposition. Real-time PCR, Western blot and innunohistochemical staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, vimentin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), collagen I, collagen III and transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁), and the protein phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) were also determined. RESULTS: Metformin up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1, down-regulated the expression of α-SMA, vimentin, collagen I and collagen III, and the protein phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 were also decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Metformin inhibits alveolar EMT in the rats with pulmonary fibrosis, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β₁ signal transduction pathway.     

Effect of angiotensin-(1-7) on angiotensin II-induced rat renal interstitial fibroblast activation

AIM: To explore the influence of angiotensin-(1-7) on angiotension II (Ang II)-induced activation and extracellular matrix secretion in rat renal interstitial fibroblasts (NRK-49F cells). METHODS: The NRK-49F cells were maintained and sub-cultured, then the cells were divided into control group, Ang II group, Ang-(1-7) group and Ang II+Ang-(1-7) group. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor β₁ (TGF-β₁) and insulin-like growth factor I(IGF-I) was detected by the method of immunocytochemistry when the cells were cultured for 72 h. The content of TGF-β₁, IGF-I and collagen type I(Col I) in the cultured supernatants were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: In control group and Ang-(1-7) group, only basic expression of α-SMA and almost no expression of TGF-β₁, IGF-I and Col I were observed. Compared with control group, the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β₁, IGF-I and Col I was increased in Ang II group. Compared with Ang II group, the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β₁, IGF-I and Col I was significantly decreased in Ang II+Ang-(1-7) group.CONCLUSION: Ang-(1-7) inhibits the activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and decreases the Ang II induced secretion of Col I by suppressing TGF-β₁ and IGF-I expression.     

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.     

Expression of Sonic hedgehog pathway-related genes in kidney tissues of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

AIM: To investigate the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis in the rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into sham operation group and UUO model group with 24 rats each. The kidneys were excised on day 3, 7, and 14, and the deposition of collagen fiber in the kidneys was detected with HE and Masson staining. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate the expression of Shh signaling pathway-related proteins, including Shh, Smo,Ptch1 and Gli1. The contents of TGF-β₁ and Shh in the kidney tissues were determined by ELISA. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of TGF-β₁, Col I, Col III and Shh signaling-related genes.RESULTS: Fibrosis observed with HE and Masson staining was obviously increased in UUO kidneys, and aggravated as time prolonged. The contents of TGF-β₁, Col I and Col III were also increased. In addition, the expression of Shh, Smo and Gli1 was markedly increased in obstructive kidneys, and the expression of Ptch1 was decreased (P<0.01), suggesting that Shh signaling was activated. The level of Shh in UUO rats was associated with the content of TGF-β₁. CONCLUSION: Shh signaling is activated in the progress of renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats, and the possible mechanism triggering the fibrogenic response is that Shh signaling promotes the expression of TGF-β₁.     

TAK1 regulates fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by regulating p38 MAPK signaling pathway

AIM:To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activated kinase 1(TAK1) on renal tubular epithelial fibrosis. METHODS:The renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 was used as the research object. After induced by TGF-β1, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of TAK1 in the HK-2 cells. TAK1 shRNA lentivirus was used to infect HK-2 cells, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to determine the interference effect on TAK1 expression in the HK-2 cells with TGF-β1 stimulation. Under the condition of treating with p38 MAPK activator anisomycin, the levels of type I collagen and type Ⅲ collagen in the supernatant, and the protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and p-p38MAPK^{Thr 180/Tyr 182} in the HK-2 cells with TAK1 knock-down were determined by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS:TGF-β1 significantly increased the expression of TAK1 in the HK-2 cells(P<0.05). TAK1 shRNA significantly decreased the expression of TAK1 in the HK-2 cells with TGF-β1 stimulation. Type I collagen and type Ⅲ collagen secreted by the HK-2 cells after treatment with TGF-β1 were increased, the protein levels of α-SMA, CTGF and p-p38MAPK^{Thr 180/Tyr 182} were also increased(P<0.05). Knock-down of TAK1 expression significantly inhibited the secretion of type I and type Ⅲ collagen, reduced the protein levels of α-SMA, CTGF and p-p38MAPK^{Thr 180/Tyr 182} in the TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells(P<0.05). Treatment with p38 MAPK activator reversed the inhibitory effect of TAK1 knock-down on the secretion of type I and type Ⅲ collagens, and the protein levels of α-SMA, CTGF and p-p38 MAPK^{Thr 180/Tyr 182} in the HK-2 cells(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:Knock-down of TAK1 expression attenuates the TGF-β1 induced fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting p38 MAPK signaling pathway.     

Effect of c-SKI on coronary endothelial cell proliferation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition

AIM: To investigate the effect of cellular Sloan-Kettering Institute (c-SKI) on the proliferation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). METHODS: HCAECs were treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) at varying concentrations for different time points. Western blot was used to test the expression of c-SKI and mesenchymal markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin. Meanwhile, the endothelial marker E-cadherin was also detected. HCAECs were transfected with c-ski gene mediated by lentivirus (LV), the efficiency of LV-SKI transfection was detected by RT-qPCR. The HCAECs were divided into 4 groups:control group, TGF-β1 (5 μg/L) group, LV-SKI+ TGF-β1 group, LV-NC+ TGF-β1 group. The cell viability and colony formation were measured by MTT assay and colony formation assay. The protein levels of vimentin, α-SMA, E-cadherin, Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: The expression of c-SKI was down-regulated in the HCAECs treated with TGF-β1 (P<0.01). Over-expression of c-SKI inhibited the proliferation of HCAECs (P<0.01). Compared with LV-NC group, over-expression of c-SKI down-regulated the expression of α-SMA and vimentin (P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin (P<0.01), and inhibited the protein phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 (P<0.01), reversed the endothelial-mesenchymal transition induced by TGF-β1. CONCLUSION: The expression of c-SKI in the HCAECs is down-regulated in the process of endothelial-mesenchymal transition. Over-expression of c-SKI inhibits proliferation and endothelial-mesenchymal transition of HCAECs, the mechanism may be related to regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.     

Protectin D1 inhibits renal fibrosis in early-stage diabetic nephropathy mice by inhibiting renal inflammation and podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition

AIM:To study the effect of protectin D1 (PD1) as a potent anti-inflammatory lipid mediator on diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS:PD1 (0.08 mg·kg-1·d-1) was intraperitoneally injected into the mice for 8 weeks after diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin. The 24-h urinary protein and albumin levels, body weight, renal weight, kidney-to-body weight ratio, creatinine clearance, glomerular mesangial matrix accumulation, renal cortical macrophage accumulation, and glomerular expression of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and P-cadherin were detected. Thfe effect of PD1 on inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the podocytes induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and the effect of PD1 on inhibiting the inflammatory effect of macrophages induced by high glucose were determined. RESULTS:PD1 markedly suppressed diabetes-induced elevation of 24-h urinary protein and albumin levels, body weight, renal weight, kidney-to-body weight ratio, creatinine clearance, glomerular mesangial matrix accumulation, and glomerular expression of FN and α-SMA. PD1 also suppressed diabetes-induced increase in the number of renal cortical macrophages in the mice with DN. Analysis by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry revealed that PD1 suppressed diabetes-induced elevation of mesenchymal/fibrotic markers FN and α-SMA, and increased podocyte-related epithelial markers ZO-1 and P-cadherin in the glomeruli of the mice with DN. PD1 repressed high glucose-induced generation of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β by macrophages, and inhibited TGF-β1-induced increases in fibroblast-specific protein 1 and α-SMA, and inhibited TGF-β1-induced decreases in epithelial markers P-cadherin and ZO-1 in podocytes in vitro. CONCLUSION: PD1 inhibits renal fibrosis in the early stage of DN, and its mechanisms may be related to its anti-inflammatory and anti-EMT effects on podocytes.     

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.     

Effect of salvianolic acid B on high glucose-induced phenotypic transition and extracellular matrix secretion in human glomerular mesangial cells

AIM:To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on high glucose-induced phenotypic transition and extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion in human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMCs) and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS:HGMCs were randomly divided into control group, high glucose group and high glucose plus high dose, medium dose and low dose of Sal B groups. The HGMCs except those in control group were exposed to high glucose (33.3 mmol/L) for 72 h, while those in Sal B groups were co-incubated with indicated concentrations of Sal B. The protein levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) and phosphorylated Smad2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by Western blot. The secretion levels of collagen type I (Col I), collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ), fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN) were measured by ELISA. RESULTS:Exposure to high glucose markedly increased the protein expression of α-SMA, TGF-β₁, Col I, Col Ⅲ, FN and LN in the HGMCs (P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of Smad2 and p38 MAPK were also significantly increased (P<0.01). Co-incubation with Sal B evidently decreased the protein expression of α-SMA, TGF-β₁, Col I, Col Ⅲ, FN and LN in the HGMCs induced by high glucose (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The phosphorylated levels of Smad2 and p38 MAPK were also reduced noticeably (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Sal B significantly suppresses high glucose-induced phenotypic transition and ECM secretion in the HGMCs, which might be attributed, at least partly, to inhibition of TGF-β₁/Smad signaling pathway and p38 MAPK activation.     

Effect of blood glucose control on expression of Smad7 and renal fibrosis in diabetic rats

AIM： To verify the hypothesis that treatment with insulin to control the blood glucose (BG) may relieve or slow down the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in diabetic rats by increasing the expression of Smad7. METHODS：The diabetic rat model was established by tail-vein injection of streptozotocin. Sixteen rats were divided into 2 groups. Eight of these animals in diabetes mellitus (DM) group had no treatment. The remaining eight of them in insulin treatment (INS) group were injected with insulin. After 13 weeks, the rats in INS group were given individual treatment with insulin to let the blood glucose level keep within 4 to 7 mmol/L. Meanwhile, 8 rats were used for normal control (NC group). After 16 weeks, the rats were sacrificed to detect the relevant biochemical parameters, and to observe the histophathological changes of the kidney and pancreas. In addition, immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were employed to detect the protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2), Smad7, E-cadherin, α-sooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN) and collagen I. RESULTS：Compared with NC group, the body weight was significantly reduced in DM group, whereas the body weight in INS group increased gradually. Compared with NC group, the levels of 24 h urine protein (24 h UP), BG and triglyceride (TG) were remarkably increased in DM group. Pathological detection on pancreas indicated that the islet was destroyed. The levels of TGF-β1, Smurf2, α-SMA, FN and collagenⅠ in the kidneys were increased in DM group, and the expression of Smad7 and E-cadherin, which were mainly located in renal tubular epithelial cells, was significantly reduced. Compared with DM group, the levels of 24 h UP and BG were significantly reduced in INS group, and the alleviated renal fibrosis was observed under light microscope. In addition, the protein levels of TGF-β1, Smurf2, α-SMA, FN and collagenⅠ in INS group were decreased compared with DM group, and the expression of Smad7 and E-cadherin was increased significantly. CONCLUSION：Target glucose control with insulin treatment restores the protein expression of Smad7 in the kidney of diabetic rats, reduces the accumulation of extracellular matrix and slows down DN progress. The decrease in TGF-β1 and Smurf2 expression, and the attenuation of Smad7 ubiquitination in renal tissues are the crucial parts in this process.     

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.     

Fasudil reduces formation of urethral stricture after injury via inhibiting Rho/ROCK pathway activation in rabbit urethra fibroblasts

AIM: To investigate the role of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor fasudil in the formation of rabbit urethral stricture after injury and to observe the cell activity, migration and extracellular matrix synthesis in the rabbit urethra fibroblasts. METHODS: The rabbit model of urethral stricture was established by microsurgical techniques. The rabbits were divided into sham operation group, operation group and fasudil (3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) groups. The diameter of the stenosis was measured by retrograde urethrography 3 months after surgery. The fibroblasts were isolated from urethral scar, and then incubated with fasudil (12.5 μmol/L, 25 μmol/L, 50 μmol/L) in the presence of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1, 10 μg/L). The untreated cells were used for control. The cell activity was measured by MTT assay. The cell migration ability was tested by the method of Transwell chambers. The protein expression of ROCK, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and collagen III was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Fasudil significantly reduced formation of urethral stricture after injury (P<0.05). Cultured rabbit fibroblasts with different concentrations of fasudil inhibited the cell activity and cell migration ability (P<0.05). The protein expression of ROCK, α-SMA, collagen I and collagen III was also inhibited by treatment with fasudil in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Fasudil inhibits the formation of extracellular matrix and reduces the incidence of urethral stricture after injury by down-regulating TGF-β1-induced Rho/ROCK pathway activation in the rabbit urethra fibroblasts.     

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

AIM: To investigate the role of canonical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). METHODS: EMT of 16HBE cells induced by TGF-β1 were identified by microscopy, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Immunofluorescence, real-time PCR and Western blotting were applied to detect the mRNA and the protein expression of TRPC1 in the 16HBE cells. The influence of SKF96365 (a TRPC1 blocker) and siRNA-mediated silencing of TRPC1 on the EMT of the 16HBE cells were detected by microscopy and Western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment with TGF-β1 induced significant morphological changes of the 16HBE cells. Exposure to TGF-β1 decreased the expression of E-cadherin protein (P<0.01) and increased the expression of α-SMA protein (P<0.05) in the 16HBE cells. Immunofluorescence observation indicated that TRPC1 expression in the 16HBE cells was positive. The expression of TRPC1 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased in the 16HBE cells after stimulation with TGF-β1 (P<0.05). The morphological changes of the 16HBE cells induced by TGF-β1 were inhibited by SKF96365 and TRPC1 silencing compared with TGF-β1 group. The protein expression of E-cadherin and α-SMA induced by TGF-β1 were inhibited by SKF96365 and TRPC1 silencing compared with TGF-β1 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TGF-β1 induces EMT with the mechanism of up-regulating TRPC1 in human bronchial epithelial cells.     

Lentiviral vector CV072-mediated Mfn2 over-expression inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation

AIM:To construct a lentiviral vector carrying mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), and to investigate the inhibitory effect of Mfn2 on the activation of rat hepatic stellate cells and its mechanism of reducing the formation of hepatic fibrosis-related factors. METHODS:The lentiviral over-expression vector CV072-pCMV-Mfn2-EGFP containing Mfn2 was constructed and transfected into the hepatic stellate cells. The expression of green fluorescent protein was observed under fluorescence microscope, and the transfection efficiency was evaluated. The protein levels of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 were detected by Western blot. The levels of type I collagen, type Ⅲ collagen and type IV collagen in the cell culture supernatants were determined by ELISA. RESULTS:Compared with control group, the apoptosis of the hepatic stellate cells transfected with lentivirus over-expression vector CV072-pCMV-Mfn2-EGFP was increased, and the protein levels of proapoptotic molecules Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were increased (P<0.01). TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related proteins TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 were decreased, and the levels of fibrosis-related proteins α-SMA, type I collagen, type Ⅲ collagen and type IV collagen were decreased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Transfection of lentiviral over-expression vector CV072-pCMV-Mfn2-EGFP effectively inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and may reduce the production of hepatic fibrosis-related factors by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad pathway.     

Chronic alcohol intake-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition contri-butes to hepatic fibrogenesis in mice

AIM：To evaluate the effect of chronic alcohol intake on the histopathological changes of the liver and to determine the contribution of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS：Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups as following: the mice in control group was given (ig) water; the mice in low-dose alcohol group (2.0 g·kg -1·d -1) and high-dose alcohol group (4.0 g·kg -1·d -1) were given (ig) alcohol for 5 months. Alcohol-induced histopathological changes of the liver or development of hepatic fibrosis were evaluated using the histological methods with HE and Masson trichrome staining. The apoptosis of the liver was detected by TUNEL fluorometric staining (counterstained with DAPI). The activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was measured by an automated biochemical analyzer. The expression of fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin in the hepatic tissues was detected by immunofluorescence examination. The protein levels of E-cadherin, α-SMA, FSP-1, transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β 1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS：Compared with control, the activity of serum ALT and AST, and apoptotic index of liver tissues were increased in the mice treated with alcohol for 5 months. The histopathological changes of the livers in the mice of low-dose alcohol group included steatosis and mild liver fibrosis, while severe liver fibrosis was observed in the high-dose alcohol-treated mice. Chronic alcohol consumption induced the increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level, and the decreases in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the livers. It also reduced E-cadherin expression and increased α-SMA expression. FSP-1 immunostaining and albumn immunostaining positive cells were co-localized in the hepatocytes of low-dose alcohol group, but only FSP-1 positive hepatocytes were observed in high-dose alcohol group. Chronic alcohol consumption decreased E-cadherin expression and increased α-SMA, FSP-1, TGF-β 1 and HIF-1α expression in a dose-dependent manner, but the HIF-1α expression was not altered between the 2 alcohol-treated groups. CONCLUSION：Chronic alcohol intake induces the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Some fibroblasts derive from hepatocytes in liver fibrosis via EMT. The underlying mechanism is associated with the changes of the redox state, and increased TGF-β 1 generation and HIF-1α expression.