The melatonin agonist ramelteon attenuates bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by suppressing the NLRP3/TGF-Β1/HMGB1 signaling pathway.

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 â€‹mL of 5 â€‹mg/kg) was administered by intratracheal instillation to induce pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Starting 24 â€‹h after bleomycin administration, a single dose of ramelteon was administered by oral gavage to the healthy groups, i.e. PF â€‹+ â€‹RM2 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin â€‹+ â€‹ramelteon at 2 â€‹mg/kg) and PF â€‹+ â€‹RM4 (pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin â€‹+ â€‹ramelteon at 4 â€‹mg/kg) at 2 and 4 â€‹mg/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€‹< â€‹0.0001). 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.

TGF-ß1, NAG-1, and antioxidant enzymes expression alterations in Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model: Comparative modulating role of Melatonin, Vit. E and Ozone.

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.

1,8 Cineole and Ellagic acid inhibit hepatocarcinogenesis via upregulation of MiR-122 and suppression of TGF-ß1, FSCN1, Vimentin, VEGF, and MMP-9.

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.

Oroxylin A inhibits the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by inducing NAG-1 expression.

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.

Bevacizumab and anexelekto inhibitor, TP-0903 inhibits TGF-ß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cells.

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.

Endostatin in fibrosis and as a potential candidate of anti-fibrotic therapy.

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.

Down-Regulation of a Profibrotic Transforming Growth Factor-ß1/Cellular Communication Network Factor 2/Matrix Metalloprotease 9 Axis by Triamcinolone Improves Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis.

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.

Hesperetin regulates transforming growth factor-ß1/Smads pathway to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition -mediated invasion and migration in cervical cancer cell.

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.

Stachydrine inhibits TGF-ß1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the TGF-ß/Smad and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.

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.

Inhibitory Effect of the LY2109761 on the Development of Human Keloid Fibroblasts.

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.

Qingda granule attenuates cardiac fibrosis via suppression of the TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.

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 Ⅲ, 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.

N-acetylcysteine maintains penile length and erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve crush rat model by reducing penile fibrosis.

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.

Periadventitial Delivery of Simvastatin-Loaded Microparticles Attenuate Venous Neointimal Hyperplasia Associated With Arteriovenous Fistula.

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.

Quercetin regulates fibrogenic responses of endometrial stromal cell by upregulating miR-145 and inhibiting the TGF-ß1/Smad2/Smad3 pathway.

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.

Wogonin Ameliorates Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis by Inhibiting NF-κB and TGF-ß1/Smad3 Signaling Pathways in Diabetic Nephropathy.

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.

Systemic Delivery of Anti-Integrin αL Antibodies Reduces Early Macrophage Recruitment, Inflammation, and Scar Formation in Murine Burn Wounds.

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.

Oxidative stress and TGF-ß1 induction by metformin in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells are accompanied with the downregulation of genes related to cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

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.

Anti-tumor effects of mevalonate pathway inhibition in ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer remains the most fatal gynecological malignancy. Current therapeutic options are limited due to late diagnosis in the majority of the cases, metastatic spread to the peritoneal cavity and the onset of chemo-resistance. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches are required. Statins and amino-bisphosphonates are inhibitors of the mevalonate pathway, which is a fundamental pathway of cellular metabolism, essential for cholesterol production and posttranslational protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation. While this pathway has emerged as a promising treatment target in several human malignancies, its potential as a therapeutic approach in ovarian cancer is still not fully understood. METHODS: Human ovarian cancer cell lines (IGROV-1, A2780, A2780cis) were treated with increasing concentrations (0.5-100 µM) of statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) and zoledronic acid. Effects on cell vitality and apoptosis were assessed using Cell Titer Blue®, Caspase 3/7 Glo®, clonogenic assays as well as cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (cPARP) detection. The inhibition of the mevalonate pathway was confirmed using Western Blot of unprenylated Ras and Rap1a proteins. Quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA were used to analyze modulations on several key regulators of ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. RESULTS: The treatment of IGROV-1 and A2780 cells with statins and zoledronic acid reduced vitality (by up to 80%; p < 0.001) and induced apoptosis by up to 8-folds (p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent fashion. Rescue experiments using farnesyl pyrophosphate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate evidenced that blocked geranylgeranylation is the major underlying mechanism of the pro-apoptotic effects. Gene expression of the tumor-promoting cytokines and mediators, such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 were significantly suppressed by statins and zoledronic acid by up to 90% (p < 0.001). For all readouts, simvastatin was most potent of all agents used. Cisplatin-resistant A2780cis cells showed a relative resistance to statins and zoledronic acid. However, similar to the effects in A2780 cells, simvastatin and zoledronic acid significantly induced caspase 3/7 activation (6-folds; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our in vitro findings point to promising anti-tumor effects of statins and zoledronic acid in ovarian cancer and warrant additional validation in preclinical and clinical settings.

Triphala Ameliorates Nephropathy via Inhibition of TGF-ß1 and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rats.

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.

Tranilast Inhibits TGF-ß1-induced Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition and Invasion/Metastasis via the Suppression of Smad4 in Human Lung Cancer Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) is an important epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) activator that regulates the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin through Smad signalling. Tranilast is an anti-allergic drug that inhibits TGF-ß1, and is used in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. We investigated whether tranilast inhibits TGF-ß1-induced EMT and invasiveness in human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the effects of tranilast treatment on EMT markers, TGF-ß1/Smad signalling, and cell invasiveness in A549 and PC14 cells. Tumours from a mouse orthotopic lung cancer model with or without tranilast treatment were also immunohistochemically evaluated. RESULTS: Tranilast increased E-cadherin expression via Smad4 suppression and inhibited cell invasion in TGF-ß1-stimulated cells. Tranilast treatment of the in vivo mouse model reduced the pleural dissemination of cancer cells and suppressed vimentin and Smad4 expression. CONCLUSION: Tranilast inhibited TGF-ß1-induced EMT and cellular invasion/metastasis by suppressing Smad4 expression in cancer cells.