scholarly journals Prodigiosin Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Inhibiting miRNA-410 and TGF-β1/ADAMTS-1 Signaling Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 501-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Liu ◽  
Yi He ◽  
Zhaolei Jiang ◽  
Saie Shen ◽  
Ju Mei ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Pulmonary fibrosis is a common outcome of various interstitial lung diseases. Prodigiosin (PG) is a series of red pigment with methoxypyrrole ring. This studyinvestigates therole of prodigiosin in pulmonary fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms. Methods: A pulmonary fibrosis rat model was established by intra-trachealinjection ofbleomycin A5. Rats were divided into 4 groups: Normal group, pulmonary fibrosis Model group, Prodigiosin treatment group and hydrocortisone treatmentgroup. HE and Masson staining were carried outto evaluate histopathological changes. The content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue was determined by alkaline hydrolysis. The expression of PICP and PIIINP was examined by ELISA. The mRNA expression of miR-410, TGF-β1 and ADAMTS1 in lung homogenate were detected by RT-PCR. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues of rats were collected and analyzed. Human embryonic pulmonary fibroblast (HEPF) was used for study in vitro. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to examine the effect of miR-410 on ADAMTS1 expression. Cell transfection was conducted to inhibit miR-410. MTT assay was performed to investigate cell proliferation. The expressions of miR-410, TGF-β1, ADAMTS1and other fibrosis related biomarkers (Col I, Col III, and α-SMA) wereexamined by RT-PCR and Western Blot. Results: HE and Masson staining showed thickened alveolar septum, hyperplasticcapillaries, and large areas of collagen fiber deposition in pulmonary fibrosis model rats. Rats in prodigiosin and hydrocortisone treatment groups had alleviated symptoms. There was high hydroxyproline expression in model rats, whereas the expression of hydroxyproline reduced after prodigiosin or hydrocortisone treatments. RT-PCR results showed high miR-410,high TGF-β1 and low ADAMTS1 in lung tissue of model rats. The expression of PICP and PIIINP werehigher in BALF of model group than in treatment groups. Prodigiosin and hydrocortisone treatment significantly reduced PICP and PIIINP content. RT-PCR and Western Blot analysis showed that prodigiosin inhibited expression of miR-410 and TGF-β1, but up-regulated ADAMTS1 expression. MTT assay indicated that prodigiosin inhibited HEPF proliferation induced by miR-410 overexpression. Conclusion: Prodigiosin down-regulates the expression of miR-410 and TGF-β1, up-regulates ADAMTS1, leading to decrease accumulation of fibrotic proteins. It could be used in alleviating pulmonary fibrosis.

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 834-840
Author(s):  
Peng Xu ◽  
Fang Sun ◽  
Ming Xiong ◽  
Qun Li ◽  
Peng Tu ◽  
...  

Purpose: To discuss the effects and mechanisms of improvement of Hydroxysafflor yellow A in pulmonary fibrosis by in vivo study. Material and Methods: In this study, dividing the C57BL/6 mice as 4 group, there were 10 mice in every group. Collecting the serum of difference groups and measuring the Hyp, SOD, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Lung tissues were taken out and evaluating the pathology by HE staining and fibrosis degree by Masson staining. The relative proteins (α-SMA and E-cadherin) were measured by IHC and WB in lung tissues of difference groups. Results: With HSYA or DXM supplement, the Hyp, MDA, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations significantly suppressed and SOD concentration significantly enhanced (P < 0.05, respectively). Compared with Sham group, the pathology injury and fibrosis degree of Model group were significantly up-regulation (P < 0.001, respectively); With HSYA or DXM treatment, the pathology injury and fibrosis degree of HSYA and DXM groups were significantly improved (P < 0.05, respectively). By IHC and WB assay, the α-SMA and E-cadherin proteins expressions of Model group were significantly differences (P < 0.001, respectively); however, the α-SMA and E-cadherin proteins expressions of HSYA and DXM groups were significantly improved with HSYA or DXM supplement (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: HSYA improves pulmonary fibrosis by regulation α-SMA and E-cadherin in vivo study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jiahuan Tong ◽  
Zhisong Wu ◽  
Yuchen Wang ◽  
Qingxun Hao ◽  
Haoge Liu ◽  
...  

Objective. The study aims to research the interventional effect and mechanism of astragaloside IV (Ast) synergizing with ferulic acid (FA) on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) induced by bleomycin in mice. Methods. The mice were randomly divided into seven groups with 10 mice in each group, namely, a sham operation group, a model group, a miRNA-29b (miR-29) group, a miR-29b negative control group (NC group), a FA group, an Ast group, and a combination group. A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Samples were collected after 28 days of continuous administration. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe pathological changes in the lung tissue, and the degree of fibrosis was evaluated using the hydroxyproline content. Changes in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad3 in the lung were observed using immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum. PCR was used to detect the expression of the miR-29b, TGF-β1, Smad3, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) genes. Western blotting was used to detect the content of the TGF-β/Smad3 protein. Results. Ferulic acid combined with astragaloside IV reduced the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and the synthesis of hydroxyproline in lung tissue. The combination of the two also regulated the oxidative stress response , TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and miR-29b in lung tissue. Conclusion. Astragaloside IV combined with ferulic acid regulated the oxidative stress of lung tissues and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling through miR-29b, thereby reducing the degree of pulmonary fibrosis. This provides a reference direction for the clinical treatment of IPF patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 985-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisen Wang ◽  
Zhi Wang ◽  
Dingyuan Tian ◽  
Xi Zeng ◽  
Yangdong Liu ◽  
...  

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Chen ◽  
Wensu Chen ◽  
Yao Zhang ◽  
Zhirong Wang

Abstract Background The pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation(AF) is complex, and the treatment method is still not satisfactory. A rapid atrial pacing (RAP) model was constructed to study the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on electrical and structural remodeling, as well as its possible mechanism in rabbits.Methods A total of 30 rabbits were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (SHAM group), a rapid atrial pacing model group (RAP group) and an alpha-lipoic acid+rapid atrial pacing model group (ALA+RAP group). Their right atriums were paced at a speed of 600 beats/min for 12 h in the RAP and ALA+RAP groups, and the atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and AERP frequency adaptability were determined during the pace. In each group, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to observe the effects of oxidative stress. The pathological structure of the atrial tissue was observed through HE and Masson staining. Ultrastructural changes in the atrial myocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the expression levels of Nox2 and Nox4 were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot and ELISA.Results Through testing AERP and AERP frequency adaptability, it was found that in the early stage of rapid atrial pacing, AERP gradually shortened, while ALA injection could remarkably delay this process. Correspondingly, AERP frequency adaptability in the RAP group was reduced, and ALA could enhance it. HE staining showed that pathological changes in the ALA+RAP group were milder than those in the RAP group. And it was found that in the ALA+RAP group, the deposition of collagen in the endomysium was remarkably reduced via Masson staining. Ultrastructure injury in the ALA+RAP group showed various degrees of improvement compared with the RAP group. RAP was accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress levels, and ALA could effectively inhibit RAP-induced oxidative stress in vivo via detecting SOD, MDA and ROS. In addition, Western blot showed that the expression of NOX2 and NOX4 was upregulated in RAP group, but ALA intervention could inhibit their expression. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and ELISA also got similar results as Western blot.Conclusion ALA can inhibit atrial electrical remodeling and structural remodeling by reducing ROS production and alleviating oxidative stress injury induced by rapid right atrial pacing, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activity of NADPH oxidase.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Zhou ◽  
Ruihui Weng ◽  
Zhaoyu Chen ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Jing Zou ◽  
...  

Aims.This work was conducted to establish anin vitroParkinson’s disease (PD) model by exposing BV-2 cells to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and exploring the roles of TLR2/TLR4/TLR9 in inflammatory responses to MPP+.Methods/Results.MTT assay showed that cell viability of BV-2 cells was 84.78 ± 0.86% and 81.18 ± 0.99% of the control after incubation with 0.1 mM MPP+for 12 hours and 24 hours, respectively. Viability was not significantly different from the control group. With immunofluorescence technique, we found that MPP+incubation at 0.1 mM for 12 hours was the best condition to activate BV-2 cells. In this condition, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS protein were statistically increased compared to the control according to ELISA tests. Real time RT-PCR and western blot measurements showed thatTLR4was statistically increased after 0.1 mM MPP+incubation for 12 hours. Furthermore, after siRNA interference ofTLR4mRNA, NF-κB activation and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS were all statistically decreased in this cell model.Conclusion.MPP+incubation at the concentration of 0.1 mM for 12 hours is the best condition to activate BV-2 cells for mimicking PD inflammation in BV-2 cells. TLR4 signalling plays a critical role in the activation of BV-2 cells and the induction of inflammation in this cell model.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayebeh Mahmoudi ◽  
Kamal Abdolmohammadi ◽  
Hamed Bashiri ◽  
Mehdi Mohammadi ◽  
Mohammad Jafar Rezaie ◽  
...  

Purpose: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disorder with few available treatments. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy (MSCT), an innovative approach, has high therapeutic potential when used to treat IPF. According to recent data, preconditioning of MSCs can improve their therapeutic effects. Our research focuses on investigating the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of H2 O2 -preconditioned MSCs (p-MSCs) on mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were induced with PF by intratracheal (IT) instillation of bleomycin (4 U/kg). Human umbilical cord vein-derived MSCs (hUCV-MSCs) were isolated and exposed to a sub-lethal concentration (15 μM for 24 h) of H2 O2 in vitro. One week following the injection of bleomycin, 2×105 MSCs or p-MSCs were injected (IT) into the experimental PF. The survival rate and weight of mice were recorded, and 14 days after MSCs injection, all mice were sacrificed. Lung tissue was removed from these mice to examine the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, histopathological changes (hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome) and expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) through immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Results: Compared to the PF+MSC group, p-MSCs transplantation results in significantly decreased connective tissue (P<0.05) and collagen deposition. Additionally, it is determined that lung tissue in the PF+pMSC group has increased alveolar space (P<0.05) and diminished expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that MSCT using p-MSCs decreases inflammatory and fibrotic factors in bleomycin-induced PF, while also able to increase the therapeutic potency of MSCT in IPF


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2094835
Author(s):  
Wenyue Zhuang ◽  
Na Zhao ◽  
Di Li ◽  
Xiaoming Su ◽  
Yueyang Wang ◽  
...  

There is no effective method for treating pulmonary fibrosis (PF) until now. This study investigated the anti-fibrotic effect of schisantherin A (SCA) extracted from Schisandra chinensis and its potential molecular mechanism in PF. A bleomycin-induced PF mouse model in vivo and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced A549 epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) cell model in vitro were used for assessing the anti-fibrotic effect of SCA. Histopathological examination was conducted after hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The level of TGF-β1 was tested by ELISA. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, E-cadherin, and inflammatory cytokines (COX2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was tested in lung tissues and cells by Western blot. The in vivo experiments revealed that SCA treatment markedly improved body weight and pulmonary index and reformed the destruction of the lung tissue structure. We observed that SCA inhibited the process of TGF-β1-induced EMT in the in vitro experiments. Inflammatory cytokines were reduced greatly in lung tissues and cells by SCA. Our study also indicated that SCA decreased phosphorylated ERK. It was concluded that SCA can attenuate PF by regulating the ERK signaling pathway, which suggests that SCA may be used as a potential therapeutic drug for PF.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanping Wang ◽  
Yanqiu Wang ◽  
Yadie Lu ◽  
Jinhua Yu

Objective. The transport and metabolism of glucose are important during mammalian development. High glucose can mediate the biological characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the role of high glucose in the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) is unclear. Materials and Methods. SCAPs were isolated and identified in vitro. Then, SCAPs were cultured in normal α-MEM and high glucose α-MEM separately. MTT assay was applied to observe the proliferation of SCAPs. ALP activity, alizarin red staining, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot were used to detect the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs as well as the participation of NF-κB pathway. Results. SCAPs in 25mmol/L glucose group expressed the maximum proteins of RUNX2 and ALP as compared with those in 5, 10, and 15 mmol/L groups. MTT assay showed that 25 mmol/L glucose suppressed the proliferation of SCAPs. ALP assay, alizarin red staining, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot showed 25 mmol/L high glucose can obviously enhance the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs. Moreover, the NF-κB pathway was activated in 25mmol/L glucose-treated SCAPs and the odonto/osteogenic differentiation was inhibited following the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions. High glucose can enhance the odonto/osteogenic capacity of SCAPs via NF-κB pathway.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 724-730
Author(s):  
Xue Zhong ◽  
Yuebo Jin ◽  
Yufei Feng

Aim: To discuss Muscone treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rat Models and relative mechanisms. Materials and methods: Dividing 36 rats as 4 groups as Normal, Model, DMSO and Muscone groups (n = 9). Rats of Model, DMSO and Muscone groups were made Rheumatoid Arthritis model. Muscone group were treated with 2 mg/kg Muscone after modeling. HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of cartilage tissue, measuring MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression by RT-PCR, Western Blotting (WB) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: Compared with Model group, the pathological changes of Muscone group was significantly improved and average optical density of collagen fibers was significantly depressed (P < 0.001, respectively) via MMP-3 and MMP-9 proteins significantly depressing (P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Muscone improved Rheumatoid Arthritis by depressing MMP-3 and MMP-9 proteins in vivo study.


2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (1) ◽  
pp. L34-L45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamila Kitowska ◽  
Dariusz Zakrzewicz ◽  
Melanie Königshoff ◽  
Izabella Chrobak ◽  
Friedrich Grimminger ◽  
...  

Lung fibrosis is characterized by increased deposition of ECM, especially collagens, and enhanced proliferation of fibroblasts. l-arginine is a key precursor of nitric oxide, asymmetric dimethylarginine, and proline, an amino acid enriched in collagen. We hypothesized that l-arginine metabolism is altered in pulmonary fibrosis, ultimately affecting collagen synthesis. Expression analysis of key enzymes in the arginine pathway, protein arginine methyltransferases (Prmt), arginine transporters, and arginases by quantitative (q) RT-PCR and Western blot revealed significant upregulation of arginase-1 and -2, but not Prmt or arginine transporters, during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. HPLC revealed a concomitant, time-dependent decrease in pulmonary l-arginine levels. Arginase-1 and -2 mRNA and protein expression was increased in primary fibroblasts isolated from bleomycin-treated mice, compared with controls, and assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. TGF-β1, a key profibrotic mediator, induced arginase-1 and -2 mRNA expression in primary and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Treatment of fibroblasts with the arginase inhibitor, NG-hydroxy-l-arginine, attenuated TGF-β1-stimulated collagen deposition, but not collagen mRNA expression or Smad signaling, in fibroblasts. In human lungs derived from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, arginase activity was unchanged, but arginase-1 expression significantly decreased when compared with donor lungs. Our results thus demonstrate that arginase-1 is expressed and functionally important for collagen deposition in lung fibroblasts. TGF-β1-induced upregulation of arginase-1 suggests an interplay between profibrotic agents and l-arginine metabolism during the course of lung fibrosis in the mouse, whereas species-specific regulatory mechanisms may account for the differences observed in mouse and human.


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