scholarly journals Effect of Sox9 on TGF-β1-mediated atrial fibrosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hechuan Wang ◽  
Yiqi Chen ◽  
Shuting Zhao ◽  
Xiaowen Wang ◽  
Kai Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Atrial Fibrosis ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Atrial fibrosis is a crucial mechanism responsible for atrial fibrillation (AF). Sex-determining region Y-box containing gene 9 (Sox9) plays a pivotal role in fibrosis of many organs such as the skin, kidney, and liver. However, there are few studies about the occurrence and maintenance of Sox9 in atrial fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Sox9 in the fibrotic phenotype of human atrial tissues and rat atrial fibroblasts in vitro. In the human right atrial tissue, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were carried out to explore the relationship between Sox9 and atrial fibrosis at the morphological, functional, and molecular levels. In cultured atrial fibroblasts, Sox9 was overexpressed by adenovirus or depleted by siRNA, and then, recombinant human transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was added. Immunofluorescence analysis, western blot analysis, Transwell assay, and scratch assay were used to analyze the cells. In patient atrial tissues, Sox9 was increased with worsened atrial fibrosis, and this increase was related to AF severity. In rat atrial fibroblasts, Sox9 was promoted by TGF-β1, and the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein level and the ability of cell migration were increased after Sox9 overexpression by adenovirus, while the α-SMA protein level and the cell migration ability were decreased after Sox9 depletion by siRNA. In conclusion, Sox9 is involved in the regulation of fibrosis in the atria and may be located downstream of TGF-β1. Our findings may provide a new perspective to treat atrial fibrosis during AF.

scholarly journals Fucoxanthin Inhibits Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblasts via Modulation of Smad-Dependent and Smad-Independent Signaling Pathways

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Jung ◽  
Dae-Sung Lee ◽  
Seong Park ◽  
Jung Choi ◽  
Won-Kyo Jung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Nasal Polyp ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Type I ◽  
Molecular Signaling ◽  
Tgf Β1

Nasal polyps (NPs) are a multifactorial disorder associated with a chronic inflammatory state of the nasal mucosa. Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a characteristic orange carotenoid obtained from brown algae and has diverse immunological properties. The present study investigated whether Fx inhibits fibrosis-related effects in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and elucidated the molecular signaling pathways involved. The production of collagen type I (Col-1) was investigated in NP tissue via immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. NPDFs were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (1 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of Fx (5–30 µM). The levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col-1, and phosphorylated (p)-Smad 2/3, signal protein-1 (SP-1), MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), and Akt were measured by western blot analysis. The expression of Col-1 was detected in NP tissues. TGF-β1 stimulated the production of α-SMA and Col-1, and stimulated the contraction of collagen gel. However, pretreatment with Fx attenuated these effects. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects were mediated through modulation of both Smad 2/3 and Akt/SP-1 signaling pathways in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. The results from the present study suggest that Fx may be a novel anti-fibrotic agent for the treatment of NP formation.

scholarly journals Quercetin Protects RIMVECs From Inflammatory Damage, Pyroptosis and Cell Migration by Inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huixin Zhang ◽  
Yeye Li ◽  
Zhongjie Liu
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Caspase 1 ◽  
Inflammatory Damage

Abstract Background: Intestinal mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (MEC) have multiple functions and play an important role in intestinal bowel diseases (IBD). Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many plants and fruits. It was reported that quercetin can treat several gastrointestinal cancers, but its effect on bacterial enteritis and pyroptosis-related diseases has been rarely studied. This article aims to explore the effect and mechanism of quercetin on inflammatory injury and pyroptosis of RIMVECs.Methods: The inflammatory damage and pyroptosis in RIMVECs were induced by LPS and ATP. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunofluorescence methods were used to detect TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways, inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18) and pyroptosis-related proteins (Caspase-1 and GSDMD). The expression and distribution of ZO-1 were detected by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence method. The late apoptosis and necrosis of cells were measured by cell flow cytometry. Results: The results showed that different concentrations (5, 10, 20μM) of quercetin not only significantly reduced the protein and mRNA levels of TLR4, NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD, but also down-regulated the protein expression, mRNA and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Quercetin also inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and the degradation of IκB. At the same time, quercetin increased the cell migration rate and the expression level of ZO-1, and reduced the number of late apoptotic cells (P<0.05). Conclusions: Our data indicated that Quercetin reduced the inflammatory response and pyroptosis induced by LPS/ATP through the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, and protected the migration and tight junctions of RIMVECs.

scholarly journals Zeaxanthin Exhibits Protective Effects in Myocardial Injury by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/3 and p38MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathways

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyang Li ◽  
Xiang Song ◽  
Lichun Qi ◽  
Yanhui Gao ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Background: Zeaxanthin is a newly discovered natural product in β-carotenoid family with multiple bioactivities. Recently, it has been shown that zeaxanthin may have cardioprotective effects in several studies, but its mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Herein, we explored the role and mechanism of zeaxanthin in myocardial injury.Methods and Results: In this study, three different models were used to investigate the mechanism by which zeaxanthin alleviates myocardial injury. H9C2 Cardiomyocyte injury models were induced by H2O2. TUNEL assay, Flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin significantly decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein expression. And reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement analysis and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin also could reduce the production of ROS and affect the expression of p38-Mitogen activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κ gene bindin (p38MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway. Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was used to establish the fibrosis model in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin significantly decreased the expression of fibrosis markers in CFs. Myocardial injury animal models were induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Our results demonstrated that zeaxanthin improved fibrosis damage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in HFD mice. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that TGF-β/Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic2/3 (TGF-β/Smad2/3) signaling pathway related protein p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, and TGF-β1 were significantly downregulated by zeaxanthin treatment.Conclusions: Zeaxanthin may alleviate HFD and H2O2-induced heart injury by regulating TGF-β/Smad2/3 and p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, which is of immense clinical significance in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Visfatin facilitates gastric cancer malignancy by targeting snai1 via the NF-κB signaling

2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712110061
Author(s):  
D Cao ◽  
L Chu ◽  
Z Xu ◽  
J Gong ◽  
R Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Migration And Invasion ◽  
Protein Levels

Background: Visfatin acts as an oncogenic factor in numerous tumors through a variety of cellular processes. Visfatin has been revealed to promote cell migration and invasion in gastric cancer (GC). Snai1 is a well-known regulator of EMT process in cancers. However, the relationship between visfatin and snai1 in GC remains unclear. The current study aimed to explore the role of visfatin in GC. Methods: The RT-qPCR and western blot analysis were used to measure RNA and protein levels, respectively. The cell migration and invasion were tested by Trans-well assays and western blot analysis. Results: Visfatin showed upregulation in GC cells. Additionally, Visfatin with increasing concentration facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by increasing E-cadherin and reducing N-cadherin and Vimentin protein levels in GC cells. Moreover, endogenous overexpression and knockdown of visfatin promoted and inhibited migratory and invasive abilities of GC cells, respectively. Then, we found that snai1 protein level was positively regulated by visfatin in GC cells. In addition, visfatin activated the NF-κB signaling to modulate snai1 protein expression. Furthermore, the silencing of snai1 counteracted the promotive impact of visfatin on cell migration, invasion and EMT process in GC. Conclusion: Visfatin facilitates cell migration, invasion and EMT process by targeting snai1 via the NF-κB signaling, which provides a potential insight for the treatment of GC.

scholarly journals Integrin β3 Mediates the Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via the Notch Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 985-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisen Wang ◽  
Zhi Wang ◽  
Dingyuan Tian ◽  
Xi Zeng ◽  
Yangdong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Integrin Β3 ◽  
Endothelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background/Aims: Neointimal hyperplasia is responsible for stenosis, which requires corrective vascular surgery, and is also a major morphological feature of many cardiovascular diseases. This hyperplasia involves the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). We investigated whether integrin β3 can modulate the EndMT, as well as its underlying mechanism. Methods: Integrin β3 was overexpressed or knocked down in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression of endothelial markers and mesenchymal markers was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and western blot analysis. Notch signaling pathway components were detected by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell mobility was evaluated by wound-healing, Transwell, and spreading assays. Fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1) promoter activity was determined by luciferase assay. Results: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment or integrin β3 overexpression significantly promoted the EndMT by downregulating VE-cadherin and CD31 and upregulating smooth muscle actin α and FSP-1 in HUVECs, and by enhancing cell migration. Knockdown of integrin β3 reversed these effects. Notch signaling was activated after TGF-β1 treatment of HUVECs. Knockdown of integrin β3 suppressed TGF-β1-induced Notch activation and expression of the Notch downstream target FSP-1. Conclusion: Integrin β3 may promote the EndMT in HUVECs through activation of the Notch signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Transient changes of transforming growth factor-β expression in the small intestine of the pig in association with weaning

2005 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Mei ◽  
Ruo-Jun Xu
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Intestinal Mucosa ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Intestinal Villus ◽  
Weaning Pigs ◽  
Tgf Β1

It is well known that early weaning causes marked changes in intestinal structure and function, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is believed to play an important regulatory role in post-weaning adaptation of the small intestine. The present study examined the distribution and expression intensity of TGF-β in the small intestinal mucosa of pre- and post-weaning pigs using a specific immunostaining technique and Western blot analysis. The level of TGF-β in the intestinal mucosa, as estimated by Western blot analysis, did not change significantly during weaning. However, when examined by the immunostaining technique, TGF-β1 (one of the TGF-β isoforms dominantly expressed in the tissue) at the intestinal villus epithelium, particularly at the apical membrane of the epithelium, decreased significantly 4 d after weaning, while the staining intensity increased significantly at the intestinal crypts compared with that in pre-weaning pigs. These changes were transient, with the immunostaining intensity for TGF-β1 at the intestinal villi and the crypts returning to the pre-weaning level by 8 d post-weaning. The transient decrease in TGF-β1 level at the intestinal villus epithelium was associated with obvious intestinal villus atrophy and marked reduction of mucosal digestive enzyme activities. Furthermore, the number of leucocytes staining positively for TGF-β1 increased significantly in the pig intestinal lamina propria 4 d after weaning. These findings strongly suggest that TGF-β plays an important role in the post-weaning adaptation process in the intestine of the pig.

The N-Terminally Truncated p53 Isoform Δ40p53 Influences Prognosis in Mucinous Ovarian Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerda Hofstetter ◽  
Astrid Berger ◽  
Regina Berger ◽  
Arijana Zorić ◽  
Elena I. Braicu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ovarian Cancer ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Histological Subtypes ◽  
Mutational Status

ObjectiveThe tumor suppressor p53 generates the N-terminally truncated isoforms Δ40p53 and Δ133p53 that possess the ability to modulate p53 function in vitro. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of p53 isoforms in the main histological subtypes of ovarian cancer.MethodsΔ40p53, Δ133p53, and full-length p53 (FLp53) expression was determined in 45 mucinous, 30 endometrioid, and 91 serous ovarian cancer specimens as well as 42 normal ovarian tissues using reverse transcriptase–quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In a subgroup of mucinous ovarian cancer cases, Δ40p53 expression was examined using Western blot analysis. A functional yeast-based assay and subsequent sequencing were performed to analyze the p53 mutational status.ResultsIn endometrioid cancer specimens, Δ133p53 expression was significantly lower than in mucinous and serous cases (P = 0.016) or in normal tissues (P = 0.004). Mucinous cancer samples showed elevated Δ40p53 expression as compared with normal ovarian tissues (P = 0.003). In addition, high Δ40p53 expression constituted an independent prognostic marker for recurrence-free but not for overall survival in patients with mucinous ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 0.267; 95% confidence interval, 0.094–0.756 [P = 0.013]; hazard ratio, 0.453, 95% confidence interval, 0.193–1.064 [P = 0.069]). Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of p53β and Δ40p53α in a subset of patients with mucinous ovarian cancer. Expression of p53 isoforms was not associated with p53 mutational status or clinicopathologic parameters.ConclusionsWe show that expression of p53 isoforms differs in histological subtypes, thus supporting the hypothesis that histological subtypes represent distinct disease entities. In addition, we provide first evidence for a favorable role of Δ40p53 in patients with mucinous ovarian cancer.

scholarly journals The effect of resveratrol and its methylthio-derivatives on the Nrf2-ARE pathway in mouse epidermis and HaCaT keratinocytes

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Violetta Krajka-Kuźniak ◽  
Hanna Szaefer ◽  
Tomasz Stefański ◽  
Stanisław Sobiak ◽  
Michał Cichocki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Human Keratinocytes ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Hacat Keratinocytes ◽  
Mouse Epidermis ◽  
Chemical Carcinogens ◽  
Gst Activity

AbstractResveratrol is the most extensively studied stilbene derivative. We previously showed that methylthiostilbenes were more effective inhibitors of CYP1A1 and 1B1 activity than resveratrol. In this study, we investigated whether resveratrol and its methylthio-substituted derivatives, i.e. 3-M-4′-MTS (S2), 3,5-DM-4′-MTS (S5) and 3,4,5-TM-4′-MTS (S7) could activate Nrf2 signaling in the mouse epidermis and in human keratinocytes. Western blot analysis showed translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus in both models. All of the tested stilbenes increased GST activity, but resveratrol was the most effective inducer. Moreover, only resveratrol increased the protein level of GSTP in the mouse epidermis. GSTM was enhanced in HaCaT cells after the treatment with derivatives S2 and S5. The same effect was observed for GSTP in the case of compound S2. Resveratrol and its derivatives reduced the NQO2 protein level in HaCaT cells. Thus, it is possible that increased expression of GSTP or GSTM and GST activity was linked with NQO2 inhibition in these cells. The results of this study indicate that resveratrol and its methylthioderivatives activate Nrf2 not only in the mouse epidermis, but also in human keratinocytes. Upregulating GST isozymes might be particularly important for deactivating chemical carcinogens, such as PAH.

scholarly journals Protective Effect of Spironolactone on Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in HUVECs via Notch Pathway

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Chen ◽  
Jiejie Cai ◽  
Xi Zhou ◽  
Lingzhi Chen ◽  
Yongsheng Gong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Signal Pathway ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Notch Signal ◽  
Endothelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Notch Signal Pathway

Background: Fibrosis results in excessive buildup of extracellular matrix proteins along with abnormalities in structure and is partly derived by a process involving transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). We investigated whether the aldosterone receptor-blocker spironolactone could abrogate TGF-β-induced fibrosis in EndMT and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into 5 groups for treatment: blank; vehicle control; TGF-β (10 ng/ml); spironolactone (1 μM)+TGF-β; and spironolactone+TGF-β+DAPT (10 μM). Cell chemotaxis was assayed by transwell assay. The expression of CD31 and vimentin was determined by Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Notch1 protein level was detected by western blot analysis. Results: Spironolactone significantly prevented TGF-β-stimulated EndMT by down-regulate vimentin and up-regulate CD31 in HUVECs (p<0.01).It inhibited cell migration during EndMT (p<0.01). The protective effect of spironolactone against EndMT could be attenuated by blocking the Notch signal pathway with DAPT (p<0.01). Notch signaling was activated and cross-interacted with TGF-β and spironolactone in regulating EndMT in HUVECs and reversed the spironolactone-related signaling by abrogating the antifibrotic actions with decreased Notch1 protein expression (p<0.01). Conclusion: Spironolactone may have a protective role in TGF-β-induced EndMT in HUVECs mediated by the Notch signal pathway.

scholarly journals Increased expression of transforming growth factor α precursors in acute experimental colitis in rats

Gut ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Hoffmann ◽  
J M Zeeh ◽  
J Lakshmanan ◽  
V S Wu ◽  
F Procaccino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Colonic Mucosa ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Rat Colon ◽  
Ribonuclease Protection Assay ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Α ◽  
Factor Α

Background and aim—Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor α (TGF-α), members of the EGF family of growth factors, protect rat gastric and colonic mucosa against injury. Having shown previously that exogenously applied EGF protects rat colonic mucosa against injury, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the endogenously expressed ligand mediating the protective effect of EGF/TGF-α in vivo.Methods—In an experimental model of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)/ ethanol induced colitis in rats EGF and TGF-α expression was evaluated using a ribonuclease protection assay, northern blot analysis, western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry.Results—TGF-α mRNA increased 3–4 times at 4–8 hours after induction of colitis and returned to control levels within 24 hours. TGF-α immunoreactive protein with a molecular size of about 28 kDa representing TGF-α precursors increased markedly after induction of colitis with a peak at 8–12 hours. No fully processed 5.6 kDa TGF-α protein was detected in normal or inflamed colon tissue. Only a weak signal for EGF mRNA expression was detected in the rat colon and no EGF protein was observed by immunohistochemistry or western blot analysis.Conclusions—TGF-α precursors are the main ligands for the EGF receptor in acute colitis. It is hypothesised that TGF-α precursors convey the biological activity of endogenous TGF-α peptides during mucosal defence and repair.

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