Effects of MT1-MMP on collagen metabolism regulated by FRNK in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK) on the expression of membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP) in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). METHODS: FRNK were transfected into HSCs by cationic liposome method. The protein levels of FRNK in HSC were assayed by Western blotting. The levels of MT1-MMP were determined by RT-PCR for mRNA and by Western blotting for protein, respectively. RESULTS: The up-regulated expression of FRNK protein was observed and it was at 48 h after transfection that the FRNK protein content was the highest (P<0.05). The expressions of MT1-MMP mRNA and protein were also up-regulated by the transfection of FRNK, and it was at 48 h after transfection that the MT1-MMP protein content was significantly increased. CONCLUSION: The mRNA and protein of FRNK were over-expressed in HSC transfected with the gene of FRNK. The inhibitory effect of FRNK on the collagen synthesis in HSC may be through the up-regulation of MT1-MMP.     

Effect of FAK-related non-kinase on apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To evaluate the inhibitory effect of FRNK on the phosphorylation of FAK and apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: After stimulated with fibronectin, HSCs was transfected with FRNK plasmid by cationic liposome method. The apoptosis of FRNK-induced HSCs was examined by Annexin-V/propidium iodide double-labeled flow cytometry (FCM), gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscope. The protein levels of FRNK, FAK and p-FAK (Tyr397) in HSCs were assayed by Western blotting, and RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of mRNA. RESULTS: The expression of FRNK was enhanced and the phosphorylation of FAK was inhibited after FRNK was transiently transfected into HSCs in vitro. The apoptotic rate in HSCs exposed to FRNK plasmid for 48 h was higher than that in the non-FRNK plasmid group ［(25.37±1.92) % vs (9.28±1.05) %, P<0.01］, and accompanied by a significant increase in caspase-3 activity both in the protein and in the mRNA level ［(264.17±12.60 vs 185.82±9.69), P<0.01; (4.19±0.48 vs 1.07±0.27), P<0.01］. CONCLUSION: In HSCs, the expression of FRNK is enhanced and the phosphorylation of FAK is inhibited after FRNK transfection. FRNK induces the HSCs apoptosis.     

Inhibitory effect of sorafenib on collagen synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of sorafenib on collagen synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: HSC cell line LX-2 was used in vitro in this study. -proline incorporation assay was performed to measure the collagen synthesis. Immunocytochemistry was applied to detect type I collagen and real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of collagen α1 (I). RESULTS: Stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced the increase in type I collagen synthesis, while treatment with sorafenib (10.0 μmol/L) for 24 h markedly decreased the collagen synthesis. Sorafenib resulted in dose-dependent and time-dependent decrease in collagen synthesis in LX-2 cells in the absence or presence of PDGF by -proline incorporation assay. The inhibition rates were 22.69%, 37.52% and 71.74%, respectively, when LX-2 cells was treated with sorafenib at 10.0 μmol/L for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Sorafenib dose-dependently blocked the mRNA expression of collagen α1 (I) in LX-2 cells stimulated with PDGF. Sorafenib at the concentrations of 2.5 μmol/L, 5.0 μmol/L and 10.0 μmol/L down-regulated the mRNA expression of collagen α1 (I) in LX-2 cells by 58.66%, 67.06% and 81.64%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sorafenib inhibits the collagen synthesis and blocks the expression of type I collagen at mRNA and protein levels in vitro in LX-2 cells. Therefore, sorafenib may be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.     

Effects of NGF on collagen secretion and morphology of hepatic stallete cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the changes of collagen secretion and morphology of hepatic stallete cells(HSCs). METHODS: Rat HSCs were incubated with different concentrations of NGF for 24 h. Collagen I and III in the supernatants of culture medium secreted by HSCs were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of HSCs were observed under inverted microscope with acridine orange staining and under transmission electronic microscope. RESULTS: When HSCs was incubated with NGF at concentrations of 100, 200 or 400 μg/L for 24 h, the content of collagen I and collagen III in the culture supernatants were significantly reduced compared with control group (P<0.05). After stimulated with NGF at the concentration of 100 μg/L for 24 h, the growth of the HSCs was inhibited and the morphous of the cells became round or oval gradually. The morphological changes of apoptotic cells were also observed by acridine orange staining and transmission electronic microscopy. CONCLUSION: NGF inhibits HSCs to synthesize collagen I and collagen III. Inhibition of collagen production and promotion of apoptosis in HSCs may be the possible mechanisms of NGF to reverse liver fibrosis.     

Effect of siRNA-mediated Smad3 silence on proliferation and apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of siRNA-mediated Smad3 silence on proliferation and apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).METHODS: HSCs-T6 cells were divided into 3 groups: blank group, negative control group and siRNA-Smad3 transfection group. The siRNA-Smad3 was transfected into HSCs-T6 cells. At different time points after transfection, cell proliferation was measured by CCK-8, cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and protein levels of P53 and Bcl-2 were determined by immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: HSCs proliferation was significantly inhibited at the time points of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of HSCs was significantly increased in siRNA-Smad3 transfection group (P<0.01). Compared to the control cells, the protein expression of P53 was significantly increased while Bcl-2 protein was significantly decreased 48 h after transfection in siRNA-Smad3 transfection group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The siRNA-mediated Smad3 silence significantly inhibits HSCs proliferation and induces apoptosis by up-regulating the P53 expression and down-regulating the Bcl-2 expression in HSCs.     

Effects of c-myb antisense RNA on the proliferation and collagen Ⅰ gene expression in cultured hepatic stellate cells

AIM:To investigate the effects of c-myb antisense RNA on the proriferation and collagen Ⅰ gene expression in cultured hepatic stellate cells(HSC) in rats.METHODS:The c-myb antisense gene recombinant retroviral vector(pDOR-myb) was constructed, and then was transfected into retroviral package cell line PA 317 by means of N-[1-(2,3-Dioleoyloxy) propyl]-N, N, N-trimethylammonium methyl-sulfate(DOTAP) liposomal transfection reagent. The pseudoviruses produced from the resistant PA317 cells selected with G418 were collected, with which HSCs isolated from rat liver were infected. The cell proliferation was measured by MTT method, c-myb, α₁-Ⅰ collagen mRNA expression and c-myb protein in HSCs were detected with semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western-blot, respectively.RESULTS:HSCs from rats were isolated successfully with the viability >98%. In the pDOR-myb infected HSCs, c-myb expression levels, the cell proliferation, and α₁-Ⅰ collagen mRNA expression were repressed significantly.CONCLUSIONS:c-myb plays a key role in the activation and proliferation of HSC. c-myb antisense RNA can inhibit cell proliferation and α₁-Ⅰ collagen mRNA expression in the infected HSC. These data suggest that inhibition of c-myb gene expression would be a potential way for the treatment of liver fibrosis.     

番茄E8启动子乙烯应答元件克隆及DNA序列分析

E8启动子是常用的番茄果实特异表达启动子之一，是指番茄E8基因5’侧翼近2．2kb的DNA序列。前人的研究表明，E8基因5’侧翼-2181～-1088区段的删除使E8基因表达量大幅度下降(仅为完整E8启动子的1／10)，同时该区段还是E8基因对乙烯应答的充分必要区域；这说明了该区段是E8基因表达调控的重要元件。     

Effects of adenovirus-mediated shRNA targeting PTEN on proliferation and apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells in vitro

AIM:To investigate the down-regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10(PTEN) gene by adenovirus-mediated short hairpin RNA(shRNA) on proliferation and apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) in vitro and the related signaling transduction pathways. METHODS:The activated HSCs were cultured in vitro and transfected with recombinant adenovirus expressing shRNA targeting PTEN. The proliferation of HSCs was measured by MTT assay and the apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of PTEN, Bax, Bcl-2, Akt, p-Akt, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 in HSCs, and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was applied to detect the mRNA expression of Akt and ERK1. RESULTS:The recombinant adenovirus expressing shRNA targeting PTEN was successfully transfected into activated HSCs in vitro, and significantly promoted the proliferation of HSCs in a time-dependent manner within a certain extent. The apoptotic rate of HSCs was significantly decreased 72 h after transfection(P<0.05). Meanwhile, reduced expression of Bax and elevated expression of Bcl-2 were induced 72 h after transfection(P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression of p-Akt and p-ERK1/2 were increased significantly(P<0.05), while no significant difference in the expression of Akt and ERK1 at mRNA and protein levels was observed(P>0.05). CONCLUSION:Down-regulation of PTEN by adenovirus-mediated shRNA dramatically promotes the proliferation of activated HSCs, and inhibits the apoptosis through Bcl-2/Bax pathway. In addition, the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2 is increased, indicating that PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signal transduction pathways may play an important role in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs.     

Effect of decorin on proliferation and collagen type I synthesis of stiff knee joint synovial type B cells

AIM: To explore the effects of decorin on procollagen type I (PcI), mRNA expression,collagen type I synthesis and proliferation of synovial type B cells of stiff knee joint synovial membrane. METHODS: Type B cells of synovial membrane were isolated from the stiff knee joint synovial membrane and cultured in vitro. The cells were treated with decorin at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L. After cultured for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, the cell proli-feration rates were measured by MTT colorimetric determination. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA level of Pc I was detected by RT-PCR, while collagen type I was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: The proliferation of synovial type B cells was significantly inhibited, the percentage of synovial type B cells at G₁ phase was significantly increased by 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L decorin (P<0.05), and PcⅠmRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis were significantly decreased. The cells with late apoptosis were not found in control group and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Recombinant human decorin inhibits synovial type B cell proliferation and decreases PcⅠmRNA expression and collagen type I synthesis in synovial type B cells of stiff knee joint synovial membrane in vitro, suggesting that decorin potentially contributes to the therapy of human knee stiffness.     

Mollugin inhibits viability and collagen synthesis of rat CFSC-2G cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of mollugin on the viability and collagen synthesis of rat hepatic stellate cell line CFSC-2G. METHODS: The activation of CFSC-2G cells was induced with low concentration (10 μmol/L) of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) for 30 min in the experiment. The viability of the CFSC-2G cells after exposed to mollugin at different concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 and 120 μmol/L) was detected by MTT assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, and hepatic stellate cell activation markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I (Col Ⅰ) were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. The phosphorylation level of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Mollugin significantly inhibited the viability and collagen synthesis of activated CSFC-2G cells induced by H₂O₂. The expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and Bax at mRNA and protein levels, and the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK were promoted, while the levels of NF-κB p65, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, α-SMA and ColⅠwere inhibited by mollugin (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mollugin may inhibit H₂O₂-induced viability and collagen synthesis of the CSFC-2G cells by activating Nrf2 and HO-1, and blocking the NF-κB p65 and Bcl-2 expression.     

Effect of small interfering RNA on expression of β2M in pre-differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM：To study the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the expression of beta 2-microglo-bulin (β2M) in pre-differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS：The β2M siRNA was transfected into the pre-differentiated BMSCs with Lipofectamine 2000. BMSCs were divided into transfection group, blank control group and negative control group. The expression of β2M at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time qPCR, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. The productions of aggrecan and type II collagen in pre-differentiated BMSCs were determined by toluidine blue staining and type Ⅱ collagen immunofluorescence. RESULTS：The results of real-time qPCR, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy showed that siRNA successfully inhibited the expression of β2M at mRNA and protein levels in the pre-differentiated BMSCs. The results of toluidine blue and type Ⅱ collagen immunofluorescence staining showed that siRNA does not affect the productions of aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen in the pre-differentiated BMSCs. CONCLUSION：siRNA targeting β2M reduces the expression of β2M in the pre-differentiated BMSCs and does not affect the chondrocyte characteristics of pre-differentiated BMSCs.     

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.     

Effect of recombinant MIF on lung fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in vitro

AIM: To investigate the influence and mechanism of recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor (rMIF) on fibroblasts. METHODS: MRC-5 fibroblasts were divided into two groups: the treated group was treated with rMIF (25-100 μg/L, 12 h, 24 h or 48 h) and the control was non-rMIF treatment. The activity of proliferation in both groups was investigated and compared by CCK-8 means. Synthesis of collagen in the culture supernatants was detected by the hydroxyproline. The expression of collagen type I mRNA was examined using RT-PCR analysis. The level of collagen type I protein induced by rMIF was quantified by Western blotting. RESULTS: The production of proliferation ratio of fibroblasts treated with 50 μg/L and 100 μg/L rMIF at 24 h or 48 h were increased obviously (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The collagen synthesis significantly increased after stimulation with 100 μg/L rMIF for 48 h (P<0.01). rMIF significantly increased the expression of collagen type I mRNA and protein in a dose dependent manner compared with control (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: rMIF upregulates the proliferation of fibroblasts and has an effect on the production of collagen. These results suggest that MIF may play important roles in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling.     

Role of danshensu on TGF-β signal transduction in rat’s hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the role of danshensu on Smad signal transduction in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF-β1). METHODS: The rat HSCs was isolated with collagenase by in situ-liver recirculation perfusion and cultured in vitro. MTT colorimetric assay was used to detect proliferation of HSCs treated with different concentration of danshensu. The expressions of α-SMA and TβR I and II were observed by immunocytochemitry, indirect immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting when HSCs stimulated with TGF-β1 and with different concentrations of danshensu for 24 h. RESULTS: (1) Danshensu at the concentration from 0.0625 mmol/L to 1 mmol/L prevented the proliferation of HSCs in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Danshensu also inhibited the proliferation of HSCs induced by TGF-β1 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). (2) At concentration of 0.25 mmol/L, danshensu down-regulated α-SMA protein expression in HSCs with or without stimulation of TGF-β1 (P<0.05), and the activation of HSCs was inhibited also. (3) Danshensu down-regulated the protein expression of TβR I and II in HSCs stimulated with TGF-β1 (P<0.05, or P<0.01), these effects were correlated with the concentration. (4) TGF-β1 increased the mRNA level of Smad2, 3, and 7 in HSCs (P<0.01). Danshensu down-regulated the mRNA level of Smad2, 3 (P<0.05) and up-regulate the mRNA level of Smad7 in HSCs induced by TGF-β1 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Danshensu inhibits the activation and proliferation of HSCs through down-regulating the expression of TβR I and II located in cellular membrane of HSCs. Danshensu suppresses the activation of HSCs, and also inhibits the activation of HSCs stimulated by TGF-β1 through up-regulation of Smad7 mRNA and down-regulation of Smad2, Smad3 mRNA expression in HSCs.     

Retinoid X receptor agonist inhibits TGF-β1-induced collagen synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts by repressing Smad2 activation

AIM: To investigate the effect of activation of retinoid X receptor (RXR) on transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) induced collagen synthesis under hypoxic environment in rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: CFs were cultured using myocardial tissue with dry method. Hypoxic environment was established for CFs by continuous nitrogen supplement. Type I and type III collagens in supernatants were detected by ELISA. Nuclear and cytoplasmic extractions were prepared using NE-PER nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction reagents. The protein levels of Smad2 and p-Smad2 were determined by Western blot and immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: Under hypoxic condition, TGF-β1 (0.01~10 μg/L) increased the synthesis of type I and type III collagens in a dose-dependent manner in the CFs. At the concentration of 5 μg/L, the synthesis of collagen I and III was significantly increased as compared with control group (P<0.01). RXR agonist 9-cis-retinoic acid (9-cis-RA; 10^-9~10^-6mol/L) decreased TGF-β1 (5 μg/L)-induced synthesis of type I and III collagens in a dose-dependent manner in the CFs under hypoxic condition. The synthesis of type I and type III collagens was significantly inhibited by 9-cis-RA (P<0.01). Smad2 inhibitor (20 nmol/L) showed similar inhibitory effect on the synthesis of type I and III collagens induced by TGF-β1 under hypoxic condition. Compared with TGF-β1 intervention group, the cytoplasmic level of p-Smad2 in the CFs was significantly increased in TGF-β1+9-cis-RA group, but the nuclear p-Smad2 level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Retinoid X receptor agonist 9-cis-RA inhibits TGF-β1-induced synthesis of type I and type III collagens in the CFs by repressing p-Smad2 nuclear translocation under hypoxic condition.     

PAX6 inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation

AIM To investigate the effects of paired box 6 （PAX6） on angiotensin II （Ang II）-induced transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts （CFs） and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Primary CFs were isolated from the hearts of adult mice, and Ang II was used to induce the transdifferentiation of CFs. The adenovirus vector carrying PAX6 was constructed and transfected into the CFs. The cells were divided into Ad-GFP+Ctrl group （transfected with control adenovirus vector）, Ad-GFP+Ang II group （transfected with control adenovirus vector and treated with Ang II）, Ad-PAX6+Ctrl group （transfected with adenovirus vector carrying PAX6） and Ad-PAX6+Ang II group （transfected with adenovirus vector carrying PAX6 and treated with Ang II）. The fluorescence expressed by transfected CFs was observed under an inverted fluorescence microscope. The protein levels of PAX6, α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）, collagen type I （Col I）, fibronectin （FN） and transforming growth factor β1 （TGFβ1） were detected by Western blot. The expression and distribution of α-SMA, Col I and FN were measured by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of PAX6 and TGFβ1 were determined by qPCR. RESULTS The fluorescence observed by inverted fluorescence microscopy confirmed the successful transfection of adenovirus vector into the CFs. qPCR and Western blot showed successful PAX6 overexpression in the CFs （P<0.01）. Ang II increased the myofibroblast marker α-SMA in the CFs, while overexpression of PAX6 significantly inhibited the expression of α-SMA induced by Ang II （P<0.01）. In addition, PAX6 overexpression significantly inhibited Ang II-induced synthesis of extracellular matrix （ECM） proteins Col I and FN （P<0.05）. Furthermore, Ang II treatment upregulated TGFβ1 mRNA and protein levels, while overexpression of PAX6 significantly inhibited TGFβ1 mRNA and protein expression induced by Ang II （P<0.05）. CONCLUSION PAX6 inhibits Ang II-induced CF transdifferentiation and ECM protein synthesis via inhibiting TGFβ1 expression.     

Recombinant MIF induces synthesis of collagen type III in lung fibroblasts via Rho-kinase

AIM: To investigate the effects of recombinant macrophage migration inhibitory factor (rMIF) on the synthesis of collagen type III in fibroblasts.METHODS: The MRC-5 fibroblasts were divided into 2 groups.The cells in treatment group were exposed to rMIF at the concentrations of 25-100 μg/L for 48 h. The cells without rMIF treatment served as control group. Half an hour before challenging with rMIF (100 μg/L), Y27632 (a Rho-kinase inhibitor) was added to the cells in both 2 groups. After challenged for 48 h, total RNA and protein in the cells were extracted. The expression of collagen type III at mRNA and protein levels was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: Different concentrations of rMIF significantly increased the expression of collagen type III at mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner as compared with the control cells (r=0.862 and r=0.914; all P<0.01). These increases were abolished by Y27632 pretreatment(P<0.01).CONCLUSION: rMIF increases the synthesis of collagen type III in MRC-5 cells and Rho-kinase regulates the MIF-induced synthesis of collagen, suggesting that MIF may play important roles in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling.     

Effects of angiotensin II and losartan on collagen synthesis in rat hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and AT_1a receptor antagonist (losartan) collagen synthesis in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS: ① Rat HSCs were isolated, cultured and identified. ② Rat HSCs were incubated in the medium with different concentrations of AngII or losartan, then the quantity of collagen was examined by -proline release assay. RESULTS: ① The yield of HSCs was 2×10⁷-3×10⁷/per rat, their viability and purity was more than 95% and 90%, respectively. ② The yield of collagen in HSCs significantly got a rise in a concentration-dependent manner when HSCs were incubated with AngII (10^－6mol/L-10^－10 mol/L) (P<0.05). While HSCs were influenced by the antagonist of AT_1a (10^－6 mol/L-10^－9 mol/L), the quantity of collagen dropped greatly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ang II stimulates HSCs to produce more collagen. Losartan inhibits the cell to synthesize collagen via AT_1a receptor (P<0.05). The results indicate that Ang II may play an important role in the development of hepatic fibrosis, and using AT_1a antagonist may offer a new strategy to prevent hepatic fibrosis.     

Effects of Nrf2 overexpression on proliferation,activation and collagen type I synthesis in cultured hepatic stellate cells stimulated by ethanol

AIM：To investigate the effects of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) overexpression on the proliferation, cell cycle distribution, collagen type I (Col I) synthesis and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in cultured hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 stimulated by ethanol. METHODS：Cultured HSC-T6 cells were transfected with pEGFP-Nrf2 or pEGFP-N1 (empty vector) plasmid by liposome transient transfection. The cells were divided into control group, ethanol group, ethanol+pEGFP-Nrf2 group and ethanol+pEGFP-N1 group. The mRNA expression of Nrf2, α-SMA and Col I was determined by RT-PCR, and their protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS：The pEGFP-Nrf2 plasmid was successfully transfected into HSC-T6 cells, and the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2 was higher than other three groups 48 h after transfection (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the cell proliferation and the mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and Col I in ethanol group and ethanol+pEGFP-N1 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the numbers of HSC-T6 cells were decreased in G1 phase and increased in S phase (P<0.05), without significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the cells in ethanol+pEGFP-Nrf2 group showed significantly decreased proliferation level, down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA and Col I, higher numbers in G1 phase and lower numbers in S phase compared with ethanol group and ethanol+pEGFP-N1 group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：Nrf2 overexpression could significantly down-regulate the expression of α-SMA and Col I and cause G1/S phase arrest in HSC-T6 cells cultured with ethanol, thus inhibiting the proliferation and activation of the cells.