Objective To explore the influences of long-chain noncoding RNA DHRS4-AS1 (lncRNA DHRS4-AS1) on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of thyroid cancer (TC) cells by regulating the microRNA-221-3p (miR-221-3p)/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) signaling axis. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3 mRNA in TC cell lines, and the optimal cell line was selected for subsequent experiments. FTC-133 cells were divided into five groups: control group, pcDNA-NC group, DHRS4-AS1 group, DHRS4-AS1 combined with agomir NC group, and DHRS4-AS1 combined with miR-221-3p-agomir group. Transfection efficiency was assessed using qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase reporter assays were applied to verify the targeting interaction between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, SOCS3, and miR-221-3p. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of SOCS3 in FTC-133 cells. EdU method was used to measure cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to measure the apoptosis of FTC-133 cells. Scratch experiment was applied to measure the migration of FTC-133 cells. Transwell chamber was applied to detect the invasion of FTC-133 cells. Nude mouse transplantation tumor experiment was used to observe the effect of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 on the growth of TC transplantation tumors. Results Dual luciferase reporter assays showed a targeting relationship between lncRNA DHRS4-AS1, miR-221-3p, and SOCS3. LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 and SOCS3 were downregulated and miR-221-3p was upregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of FTC-133 cells, while inducing apoptosis. Conversely, miR-221-3p overexpression reversed these inhibitory effects, and suppressed the apoptosis. Nude mouse transplantation experiment observed that overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 resulted in a decrease in tumor tissue quality and volume, and a decrease in miR-221-3p expression and an increase in SOCS3 expression. Conclusion LncRNA DHRS4-AS1 is downregulated in FTC-133 cells. Overexpression of lncRNA DHRS4-AS1 can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of TC cells and induce apoptosis by regulating the miR-221-3p/SOCS3 signaling axis.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Thyroid Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression level of suppressors of cytokine signaling 3 （SOCS3） in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and to observe the effect of over-expresson of SOCS3 in Jurkat cells on the cytotoxicity of NK cells. METHODS: The expression levels of SOCS3 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 20 children with ALL and 20 healthy children (normal control group) were detected by RT-PCR. The peripheral blood NK cells from healthy subjects were selected by immunomagnetic technique, and the purity was detected by flow cytometry. SOCS3 was overexpressed in Jurkat cells infected with lentivirus vector, and SOCS3 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR after lentivirus infection. The NK cells were co-cultured with the infected Jurkat, and LDH release method was used to detect the cytotoxicity of NK cells on the infected Jurkat cells. The concentrations of TNF-α and IFN-γ were determined by ELISA. The expression of NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB on the surface of Jurkat cells were detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the effect of SOCS3 overexpression on STAT3 phosphorylation in Jurkat cells. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of SOCS3 in the peripheral blood mononucleated cells of ALL children was significantly decreased. The purity of NK cells isolated by flow cytometry could reach more than 70%. The expression of SOCS3 mRNA in Jurkat cells increased significantly after lentivirus infection. Overexpression of SOCS3 in Jurkat cells significantly promoted the killing ability of NK cells and up-regulated the secretion of TNF-α and IFN-γ from NK cells. The results of flow cytometry showed that the expression of NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB on Jurkat cells increased significantly after SOCS3 overexpression. Western blot results showed that overexpression of SOCS3 significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of STAT3 protein in Jurkat cells. CONCLUSION SOCS3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in ALL patients, and overexpression of SOCS3 may up-regulate the expression of MICA and MICB of NKG2D ligands on Jurkat cell surface through negative regulation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway, thereby promoting the cytotoxic function of NK cells.
Child ; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism* ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural/cytology* ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology* ; Ligands ; NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics* ; RNA, Messenger/genetics* ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on protein expressions of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in hypothalamus and morphology of pancreas islet in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, and to explore its possible mechanism on improving plasma glucose and insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Twelve SPF male ZDF rats were selected and fed with high-fat diet for 4 weeks to establish the T2DM model, after modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, 6 rats in each one. Besides, 6 SPF male Zucker lean rats were selected as a blank group. In the EA group, EA was applied at "Pishu" (BL 20), "Weiwanxiashu" (EX-B 3), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), with continuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency, 2 mA in intensity, once a day, 20 min each time, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured before and after intervention. The serum level of fasting insulin (FINS) was measured by radioimmunoassay, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated; the morphological change of pancreas islets was observed by HE staining; the protein expressions of SOCS3 and IRS-1 in hypothalamus were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Before intervention, compared with the blank group, FPG in the model group and the EA group was increased (P<0.01). After intervention, compared with the blank group, FPG, serum level of FINS and HOMA-IR were increased (P<0.01), the protein expression of SOCS3 was increased while IRS-1 was decreased in the hypothalamus in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, FPG, serum level of FINS and HOMA-IR were decreased (P<0.01), the protein expression of SOCS3 was decreased while IRS-1 was increased in the hypothalamus in the EA group (P<0.01). In the model group, the shape of pancreas islets was irregular, the area of pancreas islets and the number of islet β cell nuclei were decreased, the nuclei of islet β cell was compensatory enlargement. In the EA group, the shape and the area of pancreas islets and the number of islet β cell nuclei were improved, the compensatory increase of islet β cell nuclei was alleviated compared with the model group. CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture can reduce the fasting plasma glucose, improve the morphology of pancreas islets, and alleviate the insulin resistance in ZDF rats. The mechanism may relate to the down-regulation of SOCS3 and up-regulation of IRS-1 in the hypothalamus, and improving the function of hypothalamus in regulating peripheral glucose metabolism.
Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy* ; Electroacupuncture ; Hypothalamus/metabolism* ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins/metabolism* ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Pancreas/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Zucker ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism*

This study aims to investigate the effect of modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder on the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4) signaling pathway in gastric tissue of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG).Sixty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned into the normal group, model group, Moluo Pills group, and high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder.The rats in other groups except the normal group were treated with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG) to establish the CAG model.After 12 weeks of modeling, the rats in each group were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 8 weeks.After the last administration, the histopathological changes of rat gastric mucosa were observed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining.The serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The mRNA levels of SOCS3 and TLR4 were determined by real-time PCR.The protein levels of SOCS3, TLR4, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 in rat gastric tissue were measured by Western blot.Immunohistochemical method was employed to determine the protein levels of NF-κB, MyD88, NLRP3, Bcl-2, Bax, and Bad in rat gastric tissue.The results showed that modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder alleviated gastric mucosal atrophy of rats, significantly lowered the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP in rat serum, up-regulated the mRNA level of SOCS3, and down-regulated the mRNA level of TLR4 in rat gastric tissue.Furthermore, modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder up-regulated the protein level of SOCS3, down-regulated the protein levels of TLR4, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, NF-κB, MyD88, NLRP3, Bax, and Bad, and promoted the expression of Bcl-2 protein.Therefore, modified Danggui Shaoyao Powder may mitigate the gastric mucosal atrophy of rats by regulating the SOCS3/TLR4 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Atrophy ; Gastritis, Atrophic/genetics* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Powders ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of taurolithocholic acid (tLCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) on the expression of aorexigenic neuropeptide in mouse hypothalamus GT1-7 cells. METHODS: Mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells were treated with culture medium containing 10% FBS (control group, =3) or with 10 nmol/L, 100 nmol/L, 1 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L tLCA (tLCA group, =3) or CDCA (CDCA group, =3) for 12, 24 or 48 h. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the expression levels of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) mRNA in the cells, and the production levels of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) were assessed using an ELISA kit. Signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation (p-STAT3), threonine kinase phosphorylation (p-AKT), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), G protein-coupled bile acid receptor-1 (TGR5) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Western blotting results showed that mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells expressed two bile acid receptors, TGR5 and FXR, whose expressions were regulated by bile acids. Real-time PCR showed that the expression of POMC mRNA was significantly increased in the cells after treatment with 10 μmol/L tLCA or CDCA for 24 h. POMC-derived anorexigenic peptide α-MSH increased significantly in GT1-7 cells after treatment with 10 μmol/L tLCA or CDCA for 24 h. Treatment of the cells with tLCA or CDCA significantly increased the expressions of intracellular signaling proteins including p-STAT3, p-AKT and SOCS3. CONCLUSIONS Mouse hypothalamic GT1-7 cells express bile acid receptors TGR5 and FXR. Bile acids tLCA or CDCA can promote the expression of POMC mRNA and increase the production of the anorexigenic peptide α-MSH. The intracellular signaling proteins p-AKT, p-STAT3 and SOCS3 are likely involved in bile acid-induced anorexigenic peptide production.
Animals ; Cell Line ; Chenodeoxycholic Acid ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Hypothalamus ; cytology ; Mice ; Neuropeptides ; genetics ; metabolism ; Pro-Opiomelanocortin ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; metabolism ; Taurolithocholic Acid ; pharmacology ; alpha-MSH ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of cytokine signal suppressor 3 (SOCS3) in colon cancer tissue and the mechanism by which SOCS3 regulates the proliferation and invasion of colon cancer. METHODS: We collected the specimens of tumor tissues and paired adjacent tissues from 80 patients with colon cancer undergoing radical resection in our hospital between July, 2014 and May, 2017, and the expression of SOCS3 in the tissue samples was analyzed using Western blotting. We also transfected colon cancer cell line SW480 with a SOCS3-overexpressing plasmid or a small interference RNA (siRNA) for SOCS3 knockdown, and the changes in the cell proliferation and invasion capacity were evaluated using CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The effect of demethylation and IL-6 treatment on SOCS3 expression and the proliferation and invasion of SW480 cells were observed. RESULTS: Colon cancer tissues showed a lowered expression of SOCS3 compared with the adjacent tissues. Over-expression of SOCS3 significantly inhibited while SOCS3 knockdown obviously promoted the proliferation and invasion of SW480 cells . Demethylation treatment up-regulated SOCS3 expression and inhibited the proliferation and invasion capacity of SW480 cells; IL-6 treatment of the cells caused the reverse changes. CONCLUSIONS SOCS3 participates in the development and progression of colon cancer and serves as a potential target for colon cancer treatment. In patients with colon cancer, the low expression of SOCS3 possibly as a result of methylation may promote the proliferation and invasion of the cancer cells.
Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Colonic Neoplasms ; etiology ; pathology ; Cytokines ; Demethylation ; Disease Progression ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; pharmacology ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Signal Transduction ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transfection

Triptolide( TP) is isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii,which exhibits notable immuneregulative effect. Th17 cells involve in inflammatory response and Treg cells contribute to immune tolerance. They both play an important role in immune response. Previous studies have investigated that TP induced hepatic Th17/Treg imbalance. However,the effect of TP on spleen Th17/Treg cells remains unclear. Therefore,the aim of present study was to investigate the effect of TP on Th17/Treg cells in spleen. In this study,the effect of TP on the proliferation of splenic lymphocyte was detected by cytotoxicity test in vitro. After different concentrations of TP( 2. 5,5,20,40 nmol·L~(-1)) were given to splenic lymphocyte,cytokines secreted from the supernatant of splenic lymphocyte were detected by cytometric bead array,and the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling( SOCS) mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR. Female C57 BL/6 mice were continuously observed for 24 h after treatment of 500 μg·kg-1 TP. The effects of TP on the splenic tissue structure and the percentage of Th17/Treg cells were examined. The results showed that the IC50 of TP was19. 6 nmol·L~(-1) in spleen lymphocytes. TP inhibited the secretion of IL-2 and IL-10 and induced the expression of SOCS-1/3 mRNA in spleen lymphocytes at the dosage of 2. 5 and 5 nmol·L~(-1) after 24 h in vitro. Administration of TP at dosage of 500 μg·kg-1 had no significant spleen toxicity in vivo. TP treatment increased the percentage of Th17 cells after 12 h and inhibited the proportion of Treg cells after 12 and 24 h. In conclusion,TP reduced the secretion of IL-2 and IL-10 through SOCS-1/3 signaling pathway,thereby induced the percentage of Th17 cells and inhibited the percentage of Treg cells.
Animals ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Diterpenes ; pharmacology ; Epoxy Compounds ; pharmacology ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Phenanthrenes ; pharmacology ; Signal Transduction ; Spleen ; cytology ; drug effects ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Protein ; metabolism ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; cytology ; Th17 Cells ; cytology

Catalpol, a major bioactive component from Rehmannia glutinosa, which has been used to treat diabetes. The present study was designed to elucidate the anti-diabetic effect and mechanism of action for catalpol in db/db mice. The db/db mice were randomly divided into six groups (10/group) according to their blood glucose levels: db/db control, metformin (positive control), and four dose levels of catalpol treatment (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg), and 10 db/m mice were used as the normal control. All the groups were administered orally for 8 weeks. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), random blood glucose (RBG), glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and glycated serum protein (GSP) and the globe gene expression in liver tissues were analyzed. Our results showed that catalpol treatment obviously reduced water intake and food intake in a dose-dependent manner. Catalpol treatment also remarkably reduce fasting blood glucose (FBG) and random blood glucose (RBG) in a dose-dependent manner. The RBG-lowering effect of catalpol was better than that of metformin. Furthermore, catalpol significantly improved glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance via increasing insulin sensitivity. Catalpol treatment significantly decreased GSP level. The comparisons of gene expression in liver tissues among normal control mice, db/db mice and catalpol treated mice (200 and 100 mg·kg) indicated that there were significant increases in the expressions of 287 genes, whichwere mainly involved in lipid metabolism, response to stress, energy metabolism, and cellular processes, and significant decreases in the expressions of 520 genes, which were mainly involved in cell growth, death, immune system, and response to stress. Four genes expressed differentially were linked to glucose metabolism or insulin signaling pathways, including Irs1 (insulin receptor substrate 1), Idh2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (NADP), mitochondrial), G6pd2 (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase 2), and SOCS3 (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3). In conclusion, catalpol ecerted significant hypoglycemic effect and remarkable therapeutic effect in db/db mice via modulating various gene expressions.
Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Insulin ; metabolism ; Insulin Receptor Substrate Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Iridoid Glucosides ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Rehmannia ; chemistry ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

To investigate the effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of curcumin on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rat model with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).A total of 75 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (group CN), model group (group M), low-dose curcumin group (group CL), medium-dose curcumin group (group CM) and high-dose curcumin group (group CH). HE staining was used to observe the morphology of pulmonary artery. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by immunohistochemical staining. TUNEL kit was used to analyze the effects of curcumin on apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, and the protein expressions of SOCS-3/JAK2/STAT pathway in lung tissues were determined by western blot.Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVMI) in group M were significantly higher than those in group CN, group CH and group CM (all<0.05). HE staining and TUNEL kit test showed that the number of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells had a significant increase in group M, while the pulmonary artery tube became thin, and the smooth muscle cells shrinked in group CM and group CH. Immunohistochemistry showed that PCNA and Bcl-2 in group M were significantly higher than those in group CN (all<0.05), while Bax expression was significantly lower than that in group CN (<0.05). PCNA in group CM and group CH were significantly lower than that in group M (all<0.05), while Bax expression was significantly higher than that in group M (<0.05). Western blot showed that SOCS-3 protein was significantly decreased in group M, while the p-JAK2, p-STAT1, p-STAT3 were significantly increased (all<0.05). Compared with group M, SOCS-3 protein in group CM and group CH were significantly increased (all<0.05), while the p-JAK2, p-STAT3 were significantly reduced (all<0.05).Curcumin could promote the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in rats with COPD, and improve the mean pulmonary artery pressure and RVMI through stimulating SOCS-3/JAK2/STAT signaling pathway.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; physiology ; Arterial Pressure ; drug effects ; physiology ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Hypertrophy, Right Ventricular ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Janus Kinase 2 ; drug effects ; physiology ; Lung ; chemistry ; drug effects ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; drug effects ; pathology ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Artery ; drug effects ; pathology ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; STAT Transcription Factors ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Protein ; drug effects ; physiology ; Ventricular Pressure ; drug effects ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; drug effects ; metabolism

Cows with different Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations showed comparable expression levels of hepatic growth hormone receptor (GHR). Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2), could be responsible for additional inhibition of the GHR signal cascade. The aims were to monitor cows with high or low antepartal IGF-I concentrations (IGF-I(high) or IGF-I(low)), evaluate the interrelationships of endocrine endpoints, and measure hepatic SOCS2 expression. Dairy cows (n = 20) were selected (240 to 254 days after artificial insemination (AI)). Blood samples were drawn daily (day -17 until calving) and IGF-I, GH, insulin, thyroid hormones, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations were measured. Liver biopsies were taken (day 264 +/- 1 after AI and postpartum) to measure mRNA expression (IGF-I, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, acid labile subunit (ALS), SOCS2, deiodinase1, GHR1A). IGF-I concentrations in the two groups were different (p < 0.0001). However, GH concentrations and GHR1A mRNA expression were comparable (p > 0.05). Thyroxine levels and ALS expression were higher in the IGF-I(high) cows compared to IGF-I(low) cows. Estradiol concentration tended to be greater in the IGF-I(low) group (p = 0.06). It was hypothesized that low IGF-I levels are associated with enhanced SOCS2 expression although this could not be decisively confirmed by the present study.
Animals ; Cattle ; Estradiol/blood ; Female ; Growth Hormone/blood ; Insulin/blood ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2/analysis ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3/analysis ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 4/analysis ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/*analysis/physiology ; Liver/chemistry ; Pregnancy/metabolism/physiology ; Pregnancy, Animal/*metabolism/physiology ; Progesterone/blood ; Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/analysis ; Thyroid Hormones/blood