OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 4-methylcatechol (4MC) on the migration and inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: RA-FLS was isolated from synovial tissue donated by RA patients, and the optimal concentration of 4MC was determined by cell counting kit 8 method for subsequent experiments, and the effect of 4MC on the migratory ability of RA-FLS was evaluated via a cell scratch assay. An inflammation model of RA-FLS was induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA were employed to detect the gene and protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in RA-FLS and their culture supernatants, respectively, thereby investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of 4MC. Western blot was used to examine the expressions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins, including inhibitor of NF-κB-α (IKBα), phosphorylated (P)-IκBα, NF-κB-inducing kinase α (IKKα), P-IKKαβ, P-p65, and p65. Cellular immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression and localization of p65 in RA-FLS, exploring whether 4MC exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Finally, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was established. The anti-RA effect of 4MC in vivo was evaluated by gross observation and histological examination. RESULTS: 4MC inhibited RA-FLS migration in a concentration-dependent manner. In the TNF-α-induced RA-FLS inflammation model, 4MC significantly decreased the gene and protein expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, 4MC markedly reduced the ratios of P-IΚBα/IΚBα, P-IKKαβ/IKKα, and P-p65/p65, thereby blocking the transcriptional activity of p65 by inhibiting its nuclear translocation. This mechanism effectively suppressed the activation of the TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. Animal studies demonstrated that 4MC [10 mg/(kg·day)] significantly lowered serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and alleviated arthritis severity and bone destruction in CIA mice. CONCLUSION 4MC not only inhibits the migration of RA-FLS but also mitigates their inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby effectively exerting its anti-RA effects.
Synoviocytes/metabolism* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Animals ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Humans ; Catechols/therapeutic use* ; Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Mice ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism* ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; Arthritis, Experimental ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; Inflammation

Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which exosomes (Exo) derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) carrying HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (lncRNA HOTAIR) promote the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods CAFs were collected from tumor tissues, and non-cancer associated fibroblasts (NFs) were obtained from adjacent normal tissues at least 5 cm away from the tumor. Exosomes (CAFs-Exo and NFs-Exo) were isolated from conditioned media collected from CAFs or NFs. CAFs-Exo and NFs-Exo were incubated with human ESCC cell line TE-1 for 24 hours, and CCK-8 was used to determine the cell proliferation ability. Scratch test and Transwell test were performed to determine the cell migration and invasion ability. TE-1 cells were divided into the following two groups: NC group and KD group. The NC group and KD group were transfected with control siRNAs or siRNAs targeting HOTAIR respectively. The effects of HOTAIR knock-down on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis were determined. Results CAFs-Exo promoted the proliferation of TE-1 cells more significantly than NFs-Exo. Compared with NFs-Exo group, the migration and invasion ability of TE-1 cells treated with CAFs-Exo were improved significantly. In addition, CAFs-Exo treatment inhibited the expression of E-cadherin and enhanced the expression of N-cadherin. The expression of HOTAIR in CAFs was significantly higher than that in NFs. Compared with NFs-Exo, the expression level of HOTAIR in CAFs-Exo increased significantly. Compared with NC group, the proliferation, migration and invasion of TE-1 cells in KD group decreased significantly. Compared with NC group, hexokinase 2 (HK2), extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and ATP/ADP ratio of TE-1 cells in KD group decreased significantly. Conclusion HOTAIR, an exosome derived from CAFs, may be involved in metastasis and EMT by regulating glycolysis in ESCC cells.
Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma ; Exosomes/genetics* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Glycolysis/genetics* ; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism* ; Cadherins/genetics*

Objective To investigate the gene expression and regulatory mechanisms of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) under inflammatory conditions, aiming to elucidate the role of MEFs in inflammatory responses and provide a foundation for discovering anti-inflammatory drugs that act by modulating MEF function. Methods MEFs cultured in vitro were divided into the following groups: lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated group, inflammatory conditioned medium (CM)-treated group, and control group, which were treated with LPS, CM, and equal volume solvent, respectively. Transcriptome sequencing was used to analyze the effects of two stimuli on gene expression profile of MEFs. Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to verify the transcription levels of highly expressed genes of MEFs induced by CM. ELISA was performed to determine the concentrations of cytokines in cell supernatants. Finally, the regulatory effects of CM on the activation of signaling pathways in MEFs were analyzed by immunoblotting. Results Transcriptome analysis showed that both LPS and CM induced the transcription of a large number of genes in MEFs. Compared with LPS, CM potentiated the mRNA transcription of some acute phase proteins, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), prostaglandin synthetases, and colony-stimulating factors. The transcriptome analysis was verified by RT-qPCR. The results of ELISA showed that CM treatment significantly increased the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL2), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL1) by MEFs compared with LPS. Mechanism study showed that both LPS and CM induced the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and TANK-binding kinase (TBK) in MEFs, and CM strongly stimulated the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in MEFs. Conclusion Both LPS and CM can induce transcription and protein secretion of various inflammation-related genes in MEFs. CM can partly enhance LPS-induced activation of MEFs, and the mechanism may be related to the enhancement effect of CM on the activation STAT3 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Fibroblasts/immunology* ; Mice ; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects* ; Cytokines/genetics* ; Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology* ; Cells, Cultured

Objective To investigate the effects of hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan-linked protein 1 (HAPLN1) secreted by synovial fibroblasts (FLS) on the polarization of macrophages (Mϕ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were differentiated into Mϕ, which were subsequently exposed to recombinant HAPLN1 (rHAPLN1). RA-FLS were transfected separately with HAPLN1 overexpression plasmid (HAPLN1^OE) or small interfering RNA targeting HAPLN1 (si-HAPLN1), and then co-cultured with Mϕ to establish a co-culture model. The viability of Mϕ was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and the proportions of pro-inflammatory M1-type and anti-inflammatory M2-type Mϕ were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Results The viability of Mϕ was increased in the rHAPLN1 group compared to the control group. Furthermore, both the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor levels were elevated in the rHAPLN1 and HAPLN1^OE groups. In contrast, the si-HAPLN1 group exhibited a decrease in the M1/Mϕ ratio and inflammatory factor expression. Notably, the introduction of rHAPLN1 in rescue experiments further promoted Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Conclusion HAPLN1, secreted by RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS), enhances Mϕ polarization towards the M1 phenotype.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics* ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Phenotype ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins/genetics* ; Proteoglycans/genetics* ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics* ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation ; Coculture Techniques ; THP-1 Cells

Objective To investigate the effects of exosomes (Exo) derived from high glucose-stimulated glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) on the kidneys of C57BL/6 mice and the intervention mechanism of Tongluo Yishen Formula (TLYSF). Methods The rat GMC were divided into a normal glucose group (NG, with 5.6 mmol/L glucose) and a high glucose group (HG, with 30 mmol/L glucose). After 24 hours of culture, the supernatant was collected, and exosomes were extracted using the ultracentrifugation method. The exosomes were then identified by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot analysis. Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: NO-Exo group, NG-Exo group, and HG-Exo group. These groups were respectively administered tail vein injections of PBS buffer, exosomes derived from GMC cultured in normal glucose, and exosomes derived from GMC cultured in high glucose, three times a week for a total of 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, the mice in the HG-Exo group were randomly divided into three subgroups: the HG-Exo group [gavaged with saline], the HG-Exo+TLYSF group [gavaged with TLYSF at 34.32 g/(kg.d)], and the HG-Exo + VAL group [gavaged with valsartan suspension at 10.4 mg/(kg.d)], and the intervention lasted for 4 weeks. Urinary microalbumin (mALb), urinary N-acetyl-β-D-aminoglucosidase (NAG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of renal tissues. TUNEL was used to detect the DNA damage of renal tissue cells. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and wilms tumor 1(WT-1). RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of NLRP3, cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), miR-200c-3p and miR-148a-3p. Western Blot was employed to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1 and IL-1β. Results Compared with the NG-Exo group, mice in the HG-Exo group exhibited significantly increased levels of mALb, urinary NAG, Scr and BUN. Transmission electron microscopy revealed ruptured podocyte membranes and swollen mitochondria. The positive rate of cells stained by the TUNEL increased, with elevated optical density of NLRP3 and decreased optical density of WT-1. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the level of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β mRNA, as well as miR-200c-3p and miR-148a-3p. The protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β also increased. Compared with HG-Exo group, mice in the HG-Exo+TLYSF group showed decreased levels of mALb, urinary NAG, Scr, and BUN. The podocyte membranes were relatively intact, and mitochondrial damage was alleviated. The positive rate of cells stained by the TUNEL decreased, along with a reduction in the optical density of NLRP3 and an increase in the optical density of WT-1. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, miR-200c-3p, and miR-148a-3p were all downregulated to varying degrees. The protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β also decreased. Conclusion Exosomes derived from GMC stimulated by high glucose can damage the kidneys of mice and induce podocyte pyroptosis. TLYSF may ameliorate podocyte pyroptosis by downregulating the expression of exosomal miR-200c-3p and miR-148a-3p and inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 pathway.
Animals ; Exosomes/ultrastructure* ; Glucose/pharmacology* ; Male ; Podocytes/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice ; Mesangial Cells/metabolism* ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Rats ; MicroRNAs/genetics*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of pachymic acid on brown/beige adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism in preadipocytes. METHODS: 3T3-L1 MBX cells were induced to differentiate into beige adipocytes using a brown cocktail method. The impact of pachymic acid on the viability of 3T3-L1 MBX cells was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The formation of lipid droplets following treatment with pachymic acid was observed by oil red O staining. The mRNA expression levels of key browning genes, including uncoupling protein (Ucp) 1, the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator (Pgc)-1α, and the PR domain-containing protein 16 (Prdm16), as well as the mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (Srebp) 1c, acetyl-coA carboxylase (Acc), fatty acid synthase (Fas), and hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase (Hsl), adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (Cpt) 1 were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of Ucp1, Pgc-1a, and Prdm16 was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The 3T3-L1 MBX cells were induced in vitro to form beige adipocytes with high expression of key browning genes(Ucp1, Pgc-1α, and Prdm16), and beige adipose-marker genes (Cd137, Tbx1, and Tmem26). Concentrations range of 0-80 μmol/L pachymic acid were non-cytotoxic to 3T3-L1 MBX cells. Pachymic acid treatment significantly inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 MBX cells, resulting in a notable decrease in lipid accumulation. There was a marked increase in the expression of key browning genes and their proteins products, such as Ucp1, Pgc-1α, and Prdm16, while the expressions of fat synthesis-related genes Srebp1c, Acc and Fas were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). The expressions of lipolysis-related genes (Hsl, Atgl, and Cpt1) were significantly increased (all P<0.05). Treatment with 20 μmol/L pachymic acid showed the most pronounced effect. CONCLUSIONS Pachymic acid can inhibit fat synthesis and promote lipid decomposition by regulating the brown formation and lipid differentiation of preadipocytes.
Animals ; Lipid Metabolism/drug effects* ; Mice ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Adipocytes, Beige/drug effects* ; 3T3-L1 Cells ; Adipocytes, Brown/drug effects* ; Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha ; Uncoupling Protein 1 ; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1/metabolism*

Scar formation is characterized by dynamic alterations in collagen secretion, which critically determine scar morphology and pathological progression. In fibroblasts, collagen secretion is initiated through the activation of cytokine- and integrin-mediated signaling pathways, which promote collagen gene transcription. The procollagen polypeptide α chains undergo extensive post-translational modifications, including hydroxylation and glycosylation, within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), followed by folding and assembly into triple-helical procollagen. Subsequent intracellular trafficking involves the sequential transport of procollagen through the ER, Golgi apparatus, and plasma membrane, accompanied by further structural refinements prior to extracellular secretion. Once secreted, procollagen is enzymatically processed to form mature collagen fibrils, which drive scar tissue remodeling. Recent advances in elucidating regulation of collagen secretion have identified pivotal molecular targets, such as transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H), heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), and transport and Golgi organization protein 1 (TANGO1), providing novel therapeutic strategies to mitigate pathological scar hyperplasia and improve regenerative outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms governing collagen secretion during scar formation, with emphasis on signaling cascades, procollagen biosynthesis, intracellular transport dynamics, and post-translational modifications, thereby offering a framework for developing targeted anti-scar therapies.
Humans ; Collagen/metabolism* ; Cicatrix/pathology* ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Fibroblasts/metabolism* ; Animals

Skin fibrosis is primarily characterized by excessive fibroblasts proliferation and aberrant extracellular matrix accumulation, leading to pathological conditions such as hypertrophic scars, keloids, and systemic sclerosis. This dynamic and complex process involves intricate interactions among various resident skin cells and inflammatory cells, ultimately resulting in extracellular matrix deposition and even invasive growth. The maintenance of cellular phenotypes and functions relies on dynamic metabolic responses, and cellular signal transduction is closely coupled with metabolic processes. Given that the coupling of cell metabolism and signaling in the skin fibrosis microenvironment plays a critical role in inflammatory responses and fibrotic activation, modulation of these metabolic pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for inhibiting or even reversing the progression of skin fibrosis. This review systematically summarizes the metabolic characteristics of various cell types involved in skin fibrosis, with a focus on core metabolic reprogramming mechanisms such as hyperactive glycolysis, dysregulated fatty acid metabolism, cellular metabolic dysfunction and dysregulated mTOR/AMPK signaling. Furthermore, potential intervention strategies targeting these metabolic pathways are explored, thereby providing new research perspectives for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Humans ; Fibrosis/metabolism* ; Skin/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Fibroblasts/pathology* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Skin Diseases/pathology* ; Cellular Reprogramming ; Metabolic Reprogramming

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapeutic strategies play a pivotal role in the comprehensive treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally exhibits a more favorable response to neoadjuvant therapy compared with lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). The aim of this study is to elucidate how baseline cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated endothelial cells (TAECs) influence the differential therapeutic outcomes of neoadjuvant treatment in SCC versus ADC. METHODS: We retrospectively collected pretreatment biopsy samples from 104 patients with stage II-III NSCLC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) or neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NAIC) at Shandong Cancer Hospital between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2023. Tissue microarrays were constructed using an automated arrayer, and multiplex immunofluorescence staining (α-SMA/CD31/CK/DAPI) was performed to identify CAFs (α-SMA+/CK-) and TAECs (CD31+/CK-). Quantitative analyses included CAFs and TAECs densities, the nearest neighbor distance (NND) between CAFs and TAECs, and their spatial proximity (30 μm). Differences in major pathological response (MPR) between groups, defined as residual viable tumor cells ≤10% in resected specimens after neoadjuvant therapy, were assessed using the χ² test. The Mann-Whitney U test was applied to analyze intergroup differences in quantitative indicators, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive performance of immune-related markers for MPR in the NAIC cohort. RESULTS: Among the 104 NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant therapy, 35 underwent NAIC and 69 received NAC. Overall, patients with SCC were more likely to achieve MPR compared with those with ADC (50.0% vs 22.4%, P=0.006). This trend persisted in the NAIC subgroup (72.7% vs 30.8%, P=0.038), whereas no significant difference in MPR rates was observed between SCC and ADC in the NAC subgroup. At baseline, prior to NAIC or NAC, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) expression, CAFs and TAECs densities, CAFs-TAECs NND, and CAFs-TAECs proximity (30 μm) showed no significant differences between SCC and ADC. In patients with SCC receiving NAIC, baseline PD-L1/PD-1 expression, CAFs density, and TAECs density showed not significant differences between MPR and NMPR groups. However, the CAFs-TAECs distance was significantly greater in the MPR group (NND: 31.2 vs 24.7 μm, P=0.038), and the number of TAECs within 30 μm of CAFs was significantly lower (proximity: 1.1 vs 3.6, P=0.038). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that low TAECs density was associated with MPR following NAIC (OR=36.00, 95%CI: 2.68-1486.88, P=0.019). Furthermore, ROC analysis demonstrated that baseline CAFs-TAECs NND and proximity (30 μm) exhibited strong predictive performance for MPR in SCC patients treated with NAIC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893, sensitivity of 0.857, and specificity of 1.000. CONCLUSIONS CAFs are more spatially distant from TAECs and more prone to MPR after NAIC in SCC, which may be related to the reduced interaction of CAFs with TAECs and reduced tumor-associated angiogenesis.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Endothelial Cells/drug effects* ; Aged ; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Immunotherapy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy* ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy* ; Adult

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that the mRNA expression of serine protease 23 (PRSS23) was increased in skin fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients (SSc). The purpose of this study is to explore the pathogenetic effect and mechanism of PRSS23 in skin fibrosis of SSc. METHODS: The expression of PRSS23 in skin tissues from the SSc patients and healthy controls was detected by immunohisto-chemistry. Fibroblasts isolated from fresh skin tissue were used to detect the expression of PRSS23 by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Overexprssion of PRSS23 in BJ, the fibroblasts cell line of skin, was constructed by lentivirus. After stimulation with 400 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide for 12 h, Annexin V/7-AAD staining was used to detect apoptosis of fibroblasts; flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related protein cleaved Caspase-3. The expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in fibroblasts was detected by RT-qPCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared with the healthy controls, the expression of PRSS23 in skin tissues of the SSc patients was significantly increased [4.952 (3.806-5.439) vs. 0.806 (0.395-1.173), P < 0.001], and fibroblast was the main cell that expressed PRSS23. The mRNA [27.59 (25.02-30.00) vs. 1.00, P < 0.001] and protein [0.675 (0.587-0.837) vs. 0.451 (0.342-0.502), P=0.029] of PRSS23 in skin fibroblasts isolated from the SSc patients were significantly up-regulated. Compared with the control group, the anti-apoptotic ability of skin fibroblasts overexpressing PRSS23 was enhanced, and the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly reduced after hydrogen peroxide induction [(5.043±1.097)% vs. (17.480±3.212)%, P=0.022], the expression of apoptosis-related protein cleaved Caspase-3 was also markedly reduced [(0.718±0.022) vs. (1.422±0.105), P=0.003]. In addition, the mRNA [(99.780±1.796) vs. (1.000±0.004), P < 0.001] and protein [(211.600±2.431) ng/L vs. (65.930±1.768) ng/L, P < 0.001] of IL-6 in the fibroblasts overexpressing PRSS23 were significantly up-regulated; the mRNA[(3.555±0.555) vs. (1.000±0.004), P < 0.001] and protein levels [(41.190±0.949) ng/L vs. (31.150±0.360) ng/L, P < 0.001] of TNF-α in the fibroblasts overexpressing PRSS23 were also significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSION The expression of PRSS23 is increased in skin fibroblasts of SSc patients. PRSS23 can inhibit cell apoptosis, promote the secretion of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and regulate the process that skin fibroblasts transform into pro-inflammatory type. So, PRSS23 is associated with the development of skin fibrosis.
Humans ; Scleroderma, Systemic/enzymology* ; Fibroblasts/pathology* ; Apoptosis ; Skin/metabolism* ; Fibrosis ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Caspase 3/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Cells, Cultured ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Serine Endopeptidases/genetics*