ABSTRACT
The objective of this research is to assess how salvianolate impacts inflammation and oxidative stress in a laboratory setting, as well as to investigate the underlying mechanisms. HK-2 cells were subjected to different treatments, including normal glucose, mannitol, high glucose and high glucose plus salvianolate. Cell proliferation, death, MDA levels, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 concentrations, ROS levels, MMP, MPTP and ATP levels were assessed using various kits. The protein expressions of NOX4, TGF-ß1, P-Smad2, P-Smad3, Smad4 and Smad7 were ascertained through western blot analysis. Our results indicated salvianolate could reduce the release of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, as well as MCP-1, alleviate the levels of oxidative stress markers NOX4 and MDA, and improve mitochondrial function by increasing MMP and ATP levels while reducing ROS and MPTP opening. Furthermore, salvianolate inhibited the TGF-ß1/Smad2, Smad3 signaling pathway, suppressed Smad4 expression and increased Smad7 expression. Salvianolate seems to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress through a variety of mechanisms. These discoveries offer valuable understanding into the possible mechanisms by which salvianolate may be employed in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Subject(s)
Glucose , Inflammation , Oxidative Stress , Signal Transduction , Humans , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Glucose/metabolism , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Smad Proteins/drug effects , Smad Proteins/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the phenolic compounds, the antibacterial activity of extract from Laurus nobilis leaves, and its possible effect on transforming growth factor-ß1 expression level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. METHODS: The phenolic components of Laurus nobilis were identified by the high-performance liquid chromatography method. The antibacterial activity of this extract was determined by disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The transforming growth factor-ß1 expression was analyzed using the RT-qPCR method. RESULTS: Epicatechin was found in the highest amount and o-coumaric acid in the lowest amount. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined to be 55.17 µg/mL. The zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration for Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 15, 14, and 8 mm and 125, 250, and 1000 µg/mL, respectively. The change in transforming growth factor-ß1 expression levels was found to be statistically significant compared with the control groups (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Laurus nobilis extract was found to be effective against bacteria and altered the expression level of transforming growth factor-ß1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Enterococcus faecalis , Laurus , Leukocytes, Mononuclear , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Plant Extracts , Staphylococcus aureus , Transforming Growth Factor beta1 , Humans , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects , Inhibitory Concentration 50 , Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects , Laurus/chemistry , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects , Phenols/pharmacology , Phenols/analysis , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolismABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The possible effects of ramelteon, a melatonin receptor agonist on bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis were analyzed via transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1), the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and Nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) which are related to the fibrosis process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bleomycin (0.1 âmL of 5 âmg/kg) was administered by intratracheal instillation to induce pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Starting 24 âh after bleomycin administration, a single dose of ramelteon was administered by oral gavage to the healthy groups, i.e. PF â+ âRM2 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin â+ âramelteon at 2 âmg/kg) and PF â+ âRM4 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin â+ âramelteon at 4 âmg/kg) at 2 and 4 âmg/kg doses, respectively. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) analyses, histopathological, and immunohistochemical staining were performed on lung tissues. Lung tomography images of the rats were also examined. RESULTS: The levels of TGF-ß1, HMGB1, NLRP3, and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) mRNA expressions increased as a result of PF and subsequently decreased with both ramelteon doses (p â< â0.0001). Both doses of ramelteon partially ameliorated the reduction in the peribronchovascular thickening, ground-glass appearances, and reticulations, and the loss of lung volume. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of fibrosis decreased with ramelteon application. These effects of ramelteon may be associated with NLRP3 inflammation cascade.
Subject(s)
HMGB1 Protein , Melatonin , Pulmonary Fibrosis , Animals , Rats , Bleomycin/toxicity , HMGB1 Protein/drug effects , HMGB1 Protein/metabolism , Lung , Melatonin/antagonists & inhibitors , Melatonin/metabolism , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/drug effects , NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism , Pulmonary Fibrosis/chemically induced , Pulmonary Fibrosis/drug therapy , Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism , Signal Transduction , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolismABSTRACT
Cisplatin (CP) is an anticancer medication that is commonly used to treat solid tumors. Its use is, however, dose-restricted due to nephrotoxicity. We planned to compare the nephroprotective effects of three major compounds, including melatonin (MN), Ozone, or vitamin E, against the CP-induced renal damage in rats. CP was given once intraperitoneally (10 mg/kg,) eliciting acute kidney injury as assured by several adverse histological changes; glomerulopathy, tubulopathy, and vasculopathy, an inflammatory response including elevated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. Furthermore, biochemical alterations including, elevated plasma levels of urea, uric acid, creatinine, phosphorous, decreased plasma calcium levels, and gene expression abnormalities; upregulation of N-acetyl-ß-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), downregulation of CAT and SOD. Concurrent supplementation with either MN (10 mg/kg per os) or Ozone (1.1 mg/kg ip) and Vit E given by oral gavage (1 g/kg) for five consecutive days prior to CP injection and five days afterward displayed variable significant nephroprotective effects by mitigating the pro-inflammatory secretion, augmenting antioxidant competence, and modulating the gene expression in the renal tissue. The obtained biochemical, histological, and gene expression data suggested that MN had foremost rescue effects followed by Ozone then Vit E. MN's ameliorative effect was augmented in many indices including TNF-α, IL-6 , IL1-ß, uric acid, creatinine, sNGAL and GGT, more than observed in Ozone, and Vit E therapy. A combination of these medications is expected to be more useful in relieving the damaging renal effects of CP given to cancer patients, pending further toxicological and pharmacological research.
Subject(s)
Acute Kidney Injury/drug therapy , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/metabolism , Melatonin/pharmacology , Ozone/pharmacology , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Vitamin E/pharmacology , Acute Kidney Injury/chemically induced , Acute Kidney Injury/metabolism , Animals , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/metabolism , Cisplatin/pharmacology , Cisplatin/toxicity , Creatinine/blood , Disease Models, Animal , Gene Expression , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/drug effects , Male , Melatonin/metabolism , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ozone/metabolism , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Urea/blood , Vitamin E/metabolismABSTRACT
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most burdened tumors worldwide, with a complex and multifactorial pathogenesis. Current treatment approaches involve different molecular targets. Phytochemicals have shown considerable promise in the prevention and treatment of HCC. We investigated the efficacy of two natural components, 1,8 cineole (Cin) and ellagic acid (EA), against diethylnitrosamine/2-acetylaminofluorene (DEN/2-AAF) induced HCC in rats. DEN/2-AAF showed deterioration of hepatic cells with an impaired functional capacity of the liver. In addition, the levels of tumor markers including alpha-fetoprotein, arginase-1, alpha-L-fucosidase, and ferritin were significantly increased, whereas the hepatic miR-122 level was significantly decreased in induced-HCC rats. Interestingly, treatment with Cin (100mg/kg) and EA (60mg/kg) powerfully restored these biochemical alterations. Moreover, Cin and EA treatment exhibited significant downregulation in transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-ß1), Fascin-1 (FSCN1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) key marker, vimentin, along with a restoration of histopathological findings compared to HCC group. Such effects were comparable to Doxorubicin (DOX) (2mg/kg); however, a little additive effect was evident through combining these phytochemicals with DOX. Altogether, this study highlighted 1,8 cineole and ellagic acid for the first time as promising phytochemicals for the treatment of hepatocarcinogenesis via regulating multiple targets.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Ellagic Acid , Eucalyptol , Phytochemicals/pharmacology , Animals , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/chemically induced , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Carrier Proteins/drug effects , Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Ellagic Acid/administration & dosage , Ellagic Acid/pharmacology , Eucalyptol/administration & dosage , Eucalyptol/pharmacology , Humans , Liver Neoplasms/chemically induced , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/metabolism , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/drug effects , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , MicroRNAs/drug effects , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Microfilament Proteins/drug effects , Microfilament Proteins/metabolism , Rats , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/drug effects , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Vimentin/drug effects , Vimentin/metabolismABSTRACT
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent liver cancer, is considered one of the most lethal malignancies with a dismal outcome mainly due to frequent intrahepatic and distant metastasis. In the present study, we demonstrated that oroxylin A, a natural product extracted from Scutellaria radix, significantly inhibits transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in HCC. Oroxylin A blocked the TGF-ß1/Smad signaling via upregulating the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-activated gene-1 (NAG-1) expression. Oroxylin A promoted NAG-1 transcription by regulating the acetylation of CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ß (C/EBPß), a transcription factor that binds to the NAG-1 promoter. In terms of the underlying mechanism, oroxylin A may interact with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) by forming hydrogen bonds with GLY149 residue and induce proteasome-mediated degradation of HDAC1 subsequently impairing HDAC1-mediated deacetylation of C/EBPß and promoting the expression of NAG-1. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously unknown tumor-suppressive mechanism of oroxylin A. Oroxylin A should be further investigated as a potential clinical candidate for inhibiting HCC metastasis.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Growth Differentiation Factor 15/drug effects , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , CCAAT-Binding Factor/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects , Histone Deacetylase 1/drug effects , Humans , Smad Proteins/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effectsABSTRACT
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is reported to be increasing nowadays, with a large proportion of newly diagnosed CRC patients being affected by metastasis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important event in the development of metastasis of CRC. In this study, we investigated whether the anticancer drug bevacizumab and anexelekto inhibitor, TP-0903, regulate EMT of colon cancer cells induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1). Using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis, we found that bevacizumab and TP-0903 decreased the expression levels of fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and vimentin, whereas they restored E-cadherin expression in TGF-ß1-exposed SW480 and HCT116 cells. In addition, we elucidated that bevacizumab and TP-0903 inhibited the migration and invasion of TGF-ß1-exposed colon cancer cells using scratched wound healing, transwell migration, and Matrigel-coated invasion assays. Finally, we discovered that bevacizumab and TP-0903 inactivated the Smad 2/3 signaling pathway in TGF-ß1-exposed SW480 and HCT116 cells. Therefore, we suggest that treatment of bevacizumab and TP-0903 inhibits TGF-ß1-induced EMT of colon cancer cells through inactivation of the Smad 2/3 signaling pathway.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology , Bevacizumab/pharmacology , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects , Pyrimidines/pharmacology , Sulfonamides/pharmacology , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Actins/drug effects , Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology , Bevacizumab/administration & dosage , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Fibronectins/drug effects , Humans , Proto-Oncogene Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors , Pyrimidines/administration & dosage , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage , Vimentin/drug effects , Axl Receptor Tyrosine KinaseABSTRACT
Fibrotic diseases pose significant clinical challenges due to their broadness and complexity. Thus, a better understanding of fibrogenesis and the development of more effective treatments is imperative. Recent evidence suggests a significant antifibrotic potential of an endogenous glycoprotein, endostatin. While endostatin has been widely studied for its role as an anticancer adjuvant by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, its possible implication in fibrosis remains largely unclear. Here, we review the role of endostatin in various cellular processes and highlight its antifibrotic activity. We hypothesize that endostatin conveys a homeostatic function in the process of fibrosis by regulating (a) TGF-ß1 and its downstream signaling; (b) RhoA/ROCK pathway; (c) NF-κB signaling pathway; (d) expression of EGR-1; (e) PDGF/PDGFR pathway; (f) autophagy-related pathways; (g) pathways associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis. Finally, we propose a schematic model of the antifibrotic roles and mechanisms of endostatin; also, we outline future research directions of endostatin and aim to present a potential therapeutic approach for fibrosis.
Subject(s)
Endostatins/pharmacology , Fibrosis/drug therapy , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Apoptosis/drug effects , Autophagy/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , NF-kappa B/drug effects , Platelet-Derived Growth Factor/drug effects , Signal Transduction/drug effects , rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/drug effectsABSTRACT
Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is a progressive fibrotic disease characterized by life-threatening airway narrowing. Although the molecular underpinnings are unknown, previous reports showing that subglottic serial intralesional steroid injections (SILSIs) improve clinical outcomes suggest a steroid-sensitive pathway in iSGS. Herein, a prospective study was conducted to determine the changes in profibrotic markers during SILSI to identify steroid-sensitive profibrotic drivers. Seven newly diagnosed patients with iSGS were recruited for SILSI. Subglottic biopsies before and after SILSI treatments were evaluated for histologic and molecular markers by confocal microscopy and RT-qPCR. At baseline, iSGS subglottises contained abundant vimentin-positive/α-smooth muscle actin-negative fibroblasts, intermingled with a matrix of fibronectin and types I and VI collagen. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was up-regulated primarily in glandular epithelium. Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) was mainly up-regulated in stromal fibroblasts surrounding TGF-ß1-positive glandular structures. SILSI improved iSGS by reducing fibroblast infiltration and increasing matrix remodeling. Mechanistically, SILSI counteracted the effects of TGF-ß1 by inducing matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) expression while repressing CCN2 expression, without affecting TGFß1 levels. Treatment of primary iSGS-derived fibroblasts with TGF-ß1 recapitulated aspects of the disease in vivo, demonstrating that the induction in CCN2 and repression of MMP9 are caused by changes in histone acetylation induced by TGF-ß1. Triamcinolone counteracted the coregulation of these genes by impairing SMAD2/3 binding to promoter regions, and not through histone acetylation. In conclusion, this study shows that SILSI counteracts a dysregulated TGF-ß1/CCN2/MMP9 axis involved in iSGS development.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use , Laryngostenosis/drug therapy , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Triamcinolone/therapeutic use , Connective Tissue Growth Factor/drug effects , Connective Tissue Growth Factor/metabolism , Down-Regulation , Humans , Injections, Intralesional , Laryngostenosis/metabolism , Laryngostenosis/pathology , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/drug effects , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolismABSTRACT
Hesperetin is an abundant flavonoid in citrus fruits, and be confirmed to possess a chemo-preventive effect on cancer. Migration and invasion are the main causes of death of cervical cancer patients, in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can directly contribute to malignant phenotypes of tumor cells. The present study aims to investigate the inhibitory effect of hesperetin on EMT-mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cells through transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)/Smads pathway. Cell viability, cell migration and invasion ability, and cell morphology were evaluated and monitored using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide assays, Transwell assays and optical microscope, respectively. The change of EMT marker protein E-cadherin and N-cadherin was assessed by immunofluorescence assay, whereas the protein expression of EMT bio-marker and TGF-ß1/Smads pathway were detected through western blot analysis. In conclusion, hesperetin can suppress EMT-mediated invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting abnormal activation of TGF-ß1/Smads pathway. The study provides an experimental basis for the prevention of the invasion and migration of cervical cancer.
Subject(s)
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects , Hesperidin/pharmacology , Smad Proteins/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Female , HeLa Cells , Humans , Signal Transduction/drug effectsABSTRACT
Stachydrine is a bioactive alkaloid that has been found to exert tumor-suppressive potential. However, the effect of stachydrine on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been previously investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effect of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that stachydrine significantly suppressed TGF-ß1-induced HepG2 cell migration and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Stachydrine prevented TGF-ß1-induced EMT in HepG2 cells, as proved by the increased expression level of E-cadherin and decreased expression levels of N-cadherin and vimentin. In addition, stachydrine attenuated TGF-ß1-induced upregulation of TGF-ß receptor I (TßRI) in both protein and mRNA levels. Further mechanism investigations proved that stachydrine prevented TGF-ß1-induced activation of Smad2/3 and phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that stachydrine prevented TGF-ß1-induced EMT in HCC cells through Smad2/3 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Thus, stachydrine might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of HCC.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Proline/analogs & derivatives , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Cadherins/drug effects , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Survival , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Hep G2 Cells , Humans , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases , Proline/pharmacology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Smad2 Protein/drug effects , TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/drug effects , Vimentin/drug effectsABSTRACT
Cardiac fibrosis plays an important role in hypertension-related contractile dysfunction and heart failure. Qingda granule (QDG), derived from the Qingxuan Jiangya decoction, has been used clinically for more than 60 years to treat hypertension. However, the effect of QDG on hypertensive cardiac fibrosis remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of QDG on cardiac fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanism in vivo and in vitro. For in vivo experiments, 30 male spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into groups that received no QDG or one of three doses (0.45, 0.9 or 1.8 g/kg/day). Positive-control animals received valsartan (VAL, 7.2 mg/kg/day). Treatments were administered by gavage for 10 weeks. All three doses of QDG and VAL led to significantly lower blood pressure than in SHR animals. Besides, all three doses of QDG and VAL attenuated pathological changes in SHR animals. However, only intermediate, high concentrations of QDG and VAL led to significantly lower left ventricle ejection fraction and left ventricle fractional shortening than in SHR animals. Therefore, the minimum and effective QDG dose (intermediate concentration of QDG) was selected for subsequent animal experiments in this study. Our results showed that intermediate concentration of QDG also significantly mitigated the increases in levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), collagen III, transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and in the ratio of phospho-Smad2/3 to total Smad2/3 protein in cardiac tissue, based on immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and Masson staining. For in vitro experiments, primary cardiac fibroblasts were stimulated with 100 nM angiotensin II in the presence or absence of QDG. And we tested different concentrations of QDG (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 µg/mL) in the cell viability experiment. Our results showed that 3.125, 6.25 and 12.5 µg/mL of QDG treatment for 24 h didn't affect the cell viability of cardiac fibroblasts. Consistently, QDG at 6.25 or 12.5 µg/mL significantly reduced cell viability and down-regulated α-SMA in primary cardiac fibroblasts were stimulated with 100 nM angiotensin II. Therefore, QDG at 12.5 µg/mL was chosen for the following cell experiment. Our results showed that QDG at 12.5 µg/mL alleviated the increase of PCNA, collagen â ¢, TGF-ß1 expression, and the ratio of phospho-Smad2/3 to total Smad2/3 protein. Our studies in vitro and in vivo suggest that QDG reduces blood pressure and cardiac fibrosis as well as protecting cardiac function, and that it exerts these effects in part by suppressing TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signaling.
Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Myocardium/pathology , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Smad2 Protein/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers/therapeutic use , Animals , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Echocardiography , Fibrosis , Male , Rats , Rats, Inbred SHR , Rats, Inbred WKY , Valsartan/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Keloids are scars characterized by abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and overproduction of extracellular matrix components including collagen. We previously showed that LY2109761, a transforming growth factor- (TGF-) ß receptor inhibitor, suppressed the secretion of matrix components and slowed the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from human hypertrophic scar tissue. However, the exact mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. Here, we replicated the above results in keloid-derived fibroblasts and show that LY2109761 promoted apoptosis, decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, and suppressed TGF-ß1. These results suggest that the development and pathogenesis of keloids are positively regulated by the Smad2/3 signaling pathway and the upregulation of TGF-ß1 receptors. LY2109761 and other inhibitors of these processes may therefore serve as therapeutic targets to limit excessive scarring after injury.
Subject(s)
Fibroblasts/drug effects , Keloid/metabolism , Pyrazoles/pharmacology , Pyrroles/pharmacology , Adult , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Female , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Humans , Male , Smad2 Protein/drug effects , Smad2 Protein/metabolism , Smad3 Protein/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/metabolism , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolismABSTRACT
Penile length shortening and erectile dysfunction are common complications after radical prostatectomy. Various methods have been used to maintain erectile function, but less attention has been paid to preserving penis length. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has the effect of antioxidation and antifibrotic, which may be beneficial to improve those postoperative complications. This study investigated the effect of NAC on maintaining the penile length and the erectile function after bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC) and its underlying mechanism. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, BCNC group, and BCNC + NAC group. NAC or equal volume of saline was daily administrated by intragastric gavage for 4 weeks. The initial and end penile lengths were measured. Intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratio was calculated to assess erectile function. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were performed to explore cellular and molecular changes of the penis. Compared to the BCNC group, the penile length, ICP/MAP ratio and smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the BCNC + NAC group were improved significantly (all P < 0.05), and the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, α-smooth muscle actin, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase 1 were significantly increased after NAC treated (all P < 0.05), along with the decreased expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, transforming growth factor-ß1, collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, malonaldehyde, and lysine oxidase (all P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that NAC could maintain penile length and partly improve erectile function. Possible mechanism is directly and/or indirectly related to antihypoxic and antifibrosis.
Subject(s)
Acetylcysteine/pharmacology , Crush Injuries/metabolism , Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology , Penile Erection/drug effects , Penis/drug effects , Peripheral Nerve Injuries/metabolism , Actins/drug effects , Actins/metabolism , Animals , Collagen/drug effects , Collagen/metabolism , Crush Injuries/pathology , Crush Injuries/physiopathology , Disease Models, Animal , Erectile Dysfunction/prevention & control , Fibrosis , Glutathione/drug effects , Glutathione/metabolism , Glutathione Peroxidase/drug effects , Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/drug effects , Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism , Male , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/drug effects , Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism , Organ Size , Penis/innervation , Penis/pathology , Peripheral Nerve Injuries/pathology , Peripheral Nerve Injuries/physiopathology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Prostatectomy , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase/drug effects , Protein-Lysine 6-Oxidase/metabolism , Rats , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Glutathione Peroxidase GPX1ABSTRACT
Background Venous neointimal hyperplasia and venous stenosis (VS) formation can result in a decrease in arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patency in patients with end-stage renal disease. There are limited therapies that prevent VNH/VS. Systemic delivery of simvastatin has been shown to reduce VNH/VS but local delivery may help decrease the side effects associated with statin use. We determined if microparticles (MP) composed of cyclodextrins loaded with simvastatin (MP-SV) could reduce VS/VNH using a murine arteriovenous fistula model with chronic kidney disease. Methods and Results Male C57BL/6J mice underwent nephrectomy to induce chronic kidney disease. Four weeks later, an arteriovenous fistula was placed and animals were randomized to 3 groups: 20 µL of PBS or 20 µL of PBS with 16.6 mg/mL of either MP or MP-SV. Animals were euthanized 3 days later and the outflow veins were harvested for quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and 28 days later for immunohistochemistical staining with morphometric analysis. Doppler ultrasound was performed weekly. Gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (Vegf-A), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp-9), transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgf-ß1), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (Mcp-1) were significantly decreased in MP-SV treated vessels compared with controls. There was a significant decrease in the neointimal area, cell proliferation, inflammation, and fibrosis, with an increase in apoptosis and peak velocity in MP-SV treated outflow veins. MP-SV treated fibroblasts when exposed to hypoxic injury had decreased gene expression of Vegf-A and Mmp-9. Conclusions In experimental arteriovenous fistulas, periadventitial delivery of MP-SV decreased gene expression of Vegf-A, Mmp-9, Tgf-ß1 and Mcp-1, VNH/VS, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Subject(s)
Arteriovenous Fistula/pathology , Hyperplasia/prevention & control , Neointima/pathology , Simvastatin/therapeutic use , Animals , Anticholesteremic Agents/administration & dosage , Anticholesteremic Agents/adverse effects , Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use , Chemokine CCL2/drug effects , Chemokine CCL2/metabolism , Cyclodextrins/metabolism , Drug Delivery Systems/methods , Fibrosis/metabolism , Graft Occlusion, Vascular/prevention & control , Hyperplasia/etiology , Inflammation/metabolism , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Male , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/drug effects , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Models, Animal , Simvastatin/administration & dosage , Simvastatin/adverse effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/drug effects , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism , Vascular Remodeling/drug effects , Veins/metabolismABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has become an increasing threat to health, and inflammation and fibrosis play important roles in its progression. Wogonin, a flavonoid, has been proven to suppress inflammation and fibrosis in various diseases, including acute kidney injury. This study aimed at investigating the effect of wogonin on diabetes-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse models received gavage doses of wogonin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. Metabolic indices from blood and urine and pathological damage of glomerulus in the diabetic model were assessed. Glomerular mesangial cells SV40 were cultured in high glucose (HG) medium containing wogonin at concentrations of 1.5825, 3.125, and 6.25 µg/mL for 24 h. Inflammation and fibrosis indices were evaluated by histopathological, Western blotting, and PCR analyses. RESULTS: Wogonin treatment ameliorated albuminuria and histopathological lesions in diabetic mice. Inflammatory cytokines, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and related signaling pathway NF-κB were downregulated after the administration of wogonin in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, wogonin reduced the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM), including fibronectin (FN), collagen IV (Col-IV), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in the kidneys of diabetic mice and HG-induced mesangial cells. Moreover, the inhibition of TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway might be responsible for these changes. CONCLUSION: Wogonin may ameliorate renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the NF-κB and TGF-ß1/Smad3 signaling pathways.
Subject(s)
Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy , Flavanones/pharmacology , Inflammation/drug therapy , NF-kappa B/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Animals , Cell Line , Cytokines/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Extracellular Matrix/drug effects , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Fibrosis , Flavanones/therapeutic use , Glomerular Mesangium/drug effects , Humans , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Signal Transduction/drug effectsABSTRACT
Objective: Increased macrophage recruitment in the early stages of wound healing leads to an excessive inflammatory response associated with elevated fibrosis and scarring. This recruitment relies upon integrins on the surface of monocytes that regulate their migration and extravasation from the circulation into the wound site, where they differentiate into macrophages. The aim of this study was to determine if inhibiting monocyte extravasation from the circulation into burns would reduce macrophages numbers in burns and lead to reduced inflammation and scar formation. Approach: Scald burns were created on mice and treated with integrin alpha L (αL) function blocking antibody via intravenous delivery day 1 after injury. The effect of inhibiting macrophage recruitment into the burn was assessed using macro- and microscopic wound parameters as well as immunohistochemistry for inflammatory cell markers, cytokines, and collagen deposition. Results: Burn wound-associated macrophages were reduced by 54.7% at day 3 following treatment with integrin αL antibody, with levels returning to normal by day 7. This reduction in macrophages led to a concomitant reduction in inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and Il-10 as well as a reduction in proscarring transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFß1). This reduced inflammatory response was also associated with less alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression and an overall trend toward reduced scar formation with a lower collagen I/III ratio. Innovation: Treatment of burns with integrin αL function blocking antibodies reduces inflammation in burn wounds. Conclusion: These results suggest that reducing macrophage infiltration into burn wounds may lead to a reduced early inflammatory response and less scar formation following burn injury.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology , Burns/drug therapy , CD11a Antigen/immunology , Macrophages/drug effects , Wound Healing/drug effects , Animals , Burns/pathology , Cicatrix/prevention & control , Collagen/drug effects , Collagen/metabolism , Fibrosis/drug therapy , Humans , Inflammation/prevention & control , Inflammation Mediators , Macrophages/metabolism , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/drug effects , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study is to explore whether quercetin can inhibit the enlarged fibrogenic responses of endometrial stromal cells by increasing the level of microRNA-145 (miR-145) and mediating the TGFß1/Smad2/Smad3 signaling pathway, and to discuss the mechanism of signal transduction, further to provide experimental basis for revealing the pathophysiological mechanism and seeking new strategies for effective prevention and treatment of endometrial fibrosis. METHODS: The expression levels of miR-145 and TGF-ß receptor 2 (TGFBR2) were detected by RT-qPCR analysis. Expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin were examined by immunofluorescence staining. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The protein expression of collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col1a1), α-SMA, fibronectin (FN), TGFBR2, transforming growth factor (TGF-ß1), Smad2/3, phospho-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3) were detected by western blot analysis. The interaction between miR-145 and TGFBR2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS: The expression level of miR-145 was decreased, whereas TGFBR2 was increased in intrauterine adhesion tissue. The expression levels of COL1A1, α-SMA, FN, TGFBR2, and p-Smad2/3 were increased, whereas miR-145 and cell proliferation were decreased in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) in response to TGF-ß1 stimulation in a time and dose-dependent manner, which could be reversed by quercetin. Furthermore, quercetin regulates cell fibrogenic responses of endometrial stromal cells via miR-145/TGF-ß1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that quercetin have a significant anti-fibrotic effect and could upregulate miR-145 and inhibit activation of TGF-ß1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway to regulate TGF-ß1 induced fibrogenic responses of endometrial stromal cells, which may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for endometrial fibrosis.
Subject(s)
MicroRNAs/drug effects , Quercetin/pharmacology , Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II/drug effects , Smad2 Protein/drug effects , Smad3 Protein/drug effects , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Stromal Cells/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/geneticsABSTRACT
High doses of metformin induces oxidative stress (OS) and transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) in breast cancer cells, which was associated with increased cancer stem cell population, local invasion, liver metastasis and treatment resistance. Considering the impact of TGF- ß1 and OS in breast cancer and the interrelation between these two pathways, the objective of this work was to investigate the effects of consecutive metformin treatments, at a non-cytotoxic dosage, in TGF- ß1 targets in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Cells were exposed to 6 µM of metformin for seven consecutive passages. Samples were collected to immunocytochemistry (evaluation of p53, Nf-кB, NRF2 and TGF-ß1), biochemical (determination of lipoperoxidation, total thiols and nitric oxide/peroxynitrite levels) and molecular biology analyzes (microarray and Real-time quantitative array PCR). Microarray analysis confirmed alterations in genes related to OS and TGF-ß1. Treatment interfered in several TGF-ß1 target-genes. Metformin upregulated genes involved in OS generation and apoptosis, and downregulated genes associated with metastasis and epithelial mesenchymal transition in MCF-7 cells. In MDA-MB-231 cells, metformin downregulated genes involved with cell invasion, viability and proliferation. The results shows that even a non-cytotoxic dosage of metformin can promote a less aggressive profile of gene expression in breast cancer cells.
Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Metformin/pharmacology , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Down-Regulation/drug effects , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Humans , Neoplasm Invasiveness/genetics , Transforming Growth Factor beta1/drug effectsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, and TGF-ß expression play a crucial role in pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy. Inhibition of oxidative stress and TGF-ß expression by natural traditional medicines may give an economic and safe alternative treatment option. Triphala churna, a traditional medicine, has been proved to have potent antioxidant activity, and individual components of it have shown significant antidiabetic activity. Hence, the present study was designed to study the effect of Triphala churna in diabetic nephropathy in rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rats by administration of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg i.p.). Four weeks after induction of diabetes, the animals were treated with Triphala churna at the doses of 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg for next 4 weeks. Various biochemical and urine parameters such as glucose, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein, and albumin were assessed at the end of study. Creatinine clearance, BUN clearance, and glomerular filtration rate were determined. Oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde, catalase, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase were determined in kidney tissues. TGF-ß1 expression was measured with ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and western blot techniques. Histopathology study was carried out with haemotoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome staining to determine histological changes. RESULTS: Treatment with Triphala churna significantly improved urine parameters. Triphala churna treatment also improved plasma proteins, albumin, creatinine, and BUN levels. The oxidative stress was reduced in the kidney with the treatment of Triphala churna. Histopathological studies revealed that Triphala churna reduced kidney damage. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and western blotting study revealed that treatment with Triphala decreased the expression of TGF-ß in kidney tissues. CONCLUSION: From the results, it can be concluded that Triphala churna has a significant nephroprotective effect because of its capability of inhibiting oxidative stress and TGF-ß in diabetes.