Bone formation is important for the reconstruction of bone-related structures in areas that have been damaged by inflammation. Inflammatory conditions such as those that occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, and periodontitis have been shown to inhibit osteoblastic differentiation. This study focussed on dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs), which are found in developing tooth germ and participate in the reconstruction of alveolar bone and periodontal tissue in periodontal disease. After bacterial infection of inflamed dental tissue, the destruction of bone was observed. Currently, little is known about the relationship between the inflammatory environment and bone formation. Osteogenic differentiation of inflamed DFSCs resulted in decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red S staining compared to normal DFSCs. Additionally, in vivo transplantation of inflamed and normal DFSCs demonstrated severe impairment of osteogenesis by inflamed DFSCs. Protein profile analysis via liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was performed to analyse the differences in protein expression in inflamed and normal tissue. Comparison of inflamed and normal DFSCs showed significant changes in the level of expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.)-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to create in vitro inflammatory conditions similar to periodontitis. The osteogenic differentiation of LPS-treated DFSCs was suppressed, and the cells displayed low levels of TGF-β1 and high levels of TGF-β2. DFSCs treated with TGF-β2 inhibitors showed significant increases in alizarin red S staining and ALP activity. TGF-β1 expression was also increased after inhibition of TGF-β2. By examining inflamed DFSCs and LPS-triggered DFSCs, these studies showed both clinically and experimentally that the increase in TGF-β2 levels that occurs under inflammatory conditions inhibits bone formation.
Adolescent ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Cells, Cultured ; Dental Sac ; cytology ; metabolism ; Down-Regulation ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Mass Spectrometry ; Mice ; Nitric Oxide ; metabolism ; Osteogenesis ; drug effects ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Staining and Labeling ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; pharmacology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of curcumin on TGF-β2 regulated peroxisome proliferater activated receptor y (PPAR-γ)/platelet derived growth factor β (PDGF-β) signaling pathway in lung fibroblasts of mice.

METHODSC57BL/6 mouse lung fibroblasts were in vitro cultured with TGF-β2, curcumin, or TGF-β2 plus curcumin. The cell proliferation was detected by cell growth counting in the blank control group, low, middle, and high dose curcumin groups (5, 25, 50 μmol/L), the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) group, TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin (5, 25, 50 μmol/L) groups. mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β), fibroblast growth factor R1 (FGFR1) were detected using reverse transcription PCR. Protein levels of PPAR-γ and collagen-1 were detected using Western blot and ELISA in the blank control group, the TGF-β2 group, the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, curcumin 50 μmol/L showed the most significant inhibition on cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h. Compared with the TGF-β2 group, TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 mol/L also showed the most significant inhibition on cell proliferation at 48 h and 72 h. Compared with the blank control group, mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ and PDGF-β, as well as protein expression of PPAR-γ increased, the collagen-1 expression also increased in the TGF-β2 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β2 group, mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ obviously increased in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group and the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group, higher than that in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 5 [μmol/L group (P < 0.05). mRNA expressions of PPAR-γ was higher in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group than in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group (P < 0.05). mRNA expressions of PDGF-β was lower in TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin groups than in the TGF-β2 group (P < 0.05). Besides, PDGF-β mRNA expressions were lower in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μmol/L group than in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 5 μmol/L group and the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 25 μmol/L group (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in FGFR1 mRNA expressions between the TGF-β2 group and 3 TGF-β2 plus curcumin groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the TGF-β2 group, PPAR-γ protein expressions increased and collagen-1 protein expressions decreased in the TGF-β2 (10 ng/mL) plus curcumin 50 μLmol/L group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSCurcumin not only could inhibit TGF-β2 induced proliferation of lung fibroblasts, but also could inhibit the synthesis of collagens. These might be associated with up-regulating PPAR-γ expressions and down-regulating PDGF-β expressions. Therefore, curcumin might inhibit the occurrence and developing of lung fibrosis through blocking PPAR-γ/PDGF-β signaling pathway.

Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Collagen ; Curcumin ; pharmacology ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; PPAR gamma ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDProstaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) is a key modulator of dendritic cells (DCs) function, and cornea-derived transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β(2)) promotes the generation of phenotypically and functionally immature DCs. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate whether PGE(2) is involved in the suppressive effect on DCs maturation mediated by corneal stroma cells (CSCs) and whether PGE(2) and TGF-β(2) have additive effects in this immunosuppressive mechanism.

METHODSBone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs), splenic T cells and CSCs culture supernatant were obtained from mice via various protocols. After that, the level of PGE(2) in CSCs culture supernatant was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, immature BM-DCs pretreated by E-prostanoid 2 receptor antagonist AH6809 or dimethyl sulfoxide were induced to mature in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, with or without CSCs culture supernatant. In parallel experiments, neutralizing TGF-β(2) antibody or normal goat IgG was added into the supernatant. Next, the cellular surface markers for DCs maturation, including CD80, CD86, and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII), were analyzed by flow cytometry; the capability of stimulating the proliferation of T lymphocytes was evaluated by allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions and the function of endocytosis was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran uptake.

RESULTSHigher concentration of PGE(2) was detected in CSCs culture supernatant than in the fresh medium. In addition, compared with control group, after treated with the supernatant in the mature stage, BM-DCs displayed lower expression of CD80, CD86 and MHC II, lower T cell stimulatory capacity and higher endocytosis function. However, after the application of AH6809, BM-DCs partially regained T cell stimulatory capacity and expression of CD86 and MHC II, but partially lost endocytic activity. Moreover, after the application of AH6809 and neutralizing TGF-β(2) antibody, the result of statistical analysis indicated that there was a statistical difference of interaction in the expression of MHC II and T cell stimulatory capacity.

CONCLUSIONSPGE(2) contributes to the suppressive effect on BM-DCs maturation mediated by CSCs in vitro, and PGE(2) and TGF-β(2) have additive effects on the immunosuppression of BM-DCs.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Corneal Stroma ; cytology ; metabolism ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; pharmacology ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; pharmacology ; Dinoprostone ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Flow Cytometry ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; metabolism ; Xanthones ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on the expression of bax, bcl-2, and transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) mRNA in cultured human fibroblasts of Tenon's capsules (TCFS) and explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSThe third passage of TCFS cultured in vitro were exposed to 1×10(-5) mol/L Tet for 24 h, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the changes in the expressions of bax, bcl-2, and TGF-β2 mRNA.

RESULTSThe expression level of bax mRNA was obviously higher, while bcl-2 and TGF-β2 mRNA levels were significantly lower in Tet-treated TCFS than those in the control cells (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONTet can inhibit the proliferation of TCFS possibly by reducing the expressions of bcl-2 and TGF-β2 mRNA, enhancing the expression of bax mRNA and inducing cell apoptosis, suggesting its potential in preventing fibrous scar formation after glaucoma filtration surgery.

Apoptosis ; Benzylisoquinolines ; pharmacology ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Cicatrix ; metabolism ; prevention & control ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tenon Capsule ; cytology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; genetics ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is one of the most important growth factors in the development of fibrosis and scarring on cornea. Smad7, an inhibitory Smad, can inhibit TGFβ signal transduction. In recent years, effects of lentiviral-mediated Smad7 on inhibition of fibrosis on some organs have been studied, while little is known about the effects on cornea. This study aimed to determine the effects of lentiviral-mediated Smad7 gene expression on keratocyte proliferation and fibrosis induced by TGF β2 in vitro.

METHODSKeratocytes were cultured from corneal tissue isolated from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and transfected with Smad7 expressing lentiviral vector (Lv-Smad7) or non-functioning control vector (Lv-blank). Following the exposure to TGFβ2, keratocytes were processed for immunoblotting to assess the phosphorylation of Smad2 as down-stream event of TGFβ/Smad signaling. Expression of fibrotic markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type III collagen (collagen III) were measured by Western blotting and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Overall cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the expression of cell cycle-related marker Ki67 at both mRNA and protein levels.

RESULTSThe Smad7 gene transfer suppressed TGFβ/Smad signaling in keratocytes by down-regulating phosphorylation of Smad2. Markers of cell proliferation and fibrosis including Ki67, α-SMA, collagen III were inhibited by introduction of Smad 7 into TGFβ exposed keratocytes. Consequently, the rate of cell proliferation was attenuated.

CONCLUSIONSmad7 gene transfer inhibited fibrogenic responses of keratocytes to TGFβ2.

Actins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Collagen Type III ; genetics ; metabolism ; Corneal Keratocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Ki-67 Antigen ; genetics ; metabolism ; Lentivirus ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; genetics ; Smad7 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of different concentration of Tamoxifen ointment on the fibroblasts and transforming growth factor (TGF-beta2) of hypertrophic scar at rabbit ears, so as to explore the possibility of treatment of hypertrophic scar with Tamoxifen.

METHODSThe hypertrophic scar model was established in 96 New Zealand rabbits' ears. The wounds were divided into four groups (A, B, C and D), with 144 wounds in each group. Different concentration of tamoxifen ointment (0.5%, 1%, 2%) was topically administered in groups A, B and C respectively, and blank ointment in group D. On postoperative day 30, 60 and 90, the scar samples were harvested. The scar thickness, scar histological change and the content of TGF-beta2 were detected.

RESULTS(1) On the 30th day after operation, the difference of scar tissue thickness among groups A, D and B, C reached statistical significance (group A, D < group B < group C). However, there was a contrary tendency in fibroblasts density and TGF-beta2 content of the scar tissue simultaneously. (2) On 60th, 90th day after injury, there was statistical difference in scar thickness, fibroblasts density and the content of TGF-beta2 in scar of four groups (P < 0.05). The content of TGF-beta2 in group A, B, C, D was (43.97 +/- 3.63) microg/L, (41.92 +/- 3.91) microg/L, (36.69 +/- 4.15) microg/L, (54.90 +/- 4.71) microg/L, respectively, on 60th day; and (45.69 +/- 2.63) microg/L, (40.43 +/- 3.87) microg/L, (38.76 +/- 3.24) microg/L, (52.59 +/- 4.92) microg/L, respectively, on 90th day. The fibroblasts density of scar in groups A, B, C, D was (4392.07 +/- 327.84) point/mm2, (4208.57 +/- 329.76) point/mm2 (4 033.44 +/- 427.91) point/mm2, (4863.03 +/- 387.98) point/mm2, respectively, on 60th day; and (4418.41 +/- 432.52) point/mm2, (4077.65 +/- 386.70) point/mm2, (3844.53 +/- 354.29) point/mm2, (4838.64 +/- 390.52) point/mm2, respectively, on 90th day. The content of TGF-beta2 and fibroblasts density of scar were lined up as group D > group A > group B > group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSTopical Tamoxifen can reduce the content of TGF-beta2 and fibroblast, decrease fibroblasts density and the formation of hypertrophic scar at rabbit ears. It offers a new way for the treatment of the hypertrophic scar.

Animals ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ear Diseases ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; pathology ; Ointments ; Rabbits ; Tamoxifen ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; metabolism

In the present study, we investigated whether and how the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone affects cardiac growth and development through apoptosis and cell proliferation in the neonatal rat heart. Newborn rat pups were treated with spironolactone (200 mg/kg/d) for 7 days. The cell proliferation was studied by PCNA immunostaining. The treatment with spironolactone decreased proliferating myocytes by 32% (P<0.05), and reduced myocytes apoptosis by 29% (P<0.05). Immunoblot and immunohistochemistry for the expression of p38, p53, clusterin, TGF-beta2, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase were performed. In the spironolactone group, p38, p53, clusterin, and TGF-beta2 protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). These results indicate that aldosterone inhibition in the developing rat heart induces cardiac growth impairment by decreasing proliferation and apoptosis of myocytes.
Aldosterone Antagonists/*pharmacology ; Animals ; Animals, Newborn ; *Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Clusterin/genetics/metabolism ; Female ; Heart/*drug effects/growth & development ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen/metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spironolactone/*pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2/genetics/metabolism ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics/metabolism ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics/metabolism

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is mediated by self-reactive CD4+ T cells that produce inflammatory cytokines. TGF-beta2-treated tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells (Tol-APCs) are known to induce tolerance in various autoimmune diseases. In this study, we investigated whether collagen-specific Tol-APCs could induce suppression of CIA. We observed that Tol-APCs could suppress the development and severity of CIA and delay the onset of CIA. Treatment of Tol-APCs reduced the number of IFN-gamma- and IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells and increased IL-4- and IL-5-producing CD4+ T cells upon collagen antigen stimulation in vitro. The suppression of CIA conferred by Tol-APCs correlated with their ability to selectively induce IL-10 production. We also observed that treatment of Tol-APCs inhibited not only cellular immune responses but also humoral immune responses in the process of CIA. Our results suggest that in vitro-generated Tol-APCs have potential therapeutic value for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other autoimmune diseases.
Animals ; Antigen-Presenting Cells/*drug effects/*immunology ; Arthritis, Experimental/*immunology ; Chickens ; Collagen Type II/immunology ; Immune Tolerance/drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Ovalbumin/immunology ; Th1 Cells/drug effects/immunology ; Th2 Cells/*drug effects/*immunology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2/*pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulation of atropine to the expression and secretion of TGF-beta2 in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells by observing the changes of those under different treatments of atropine and carbachol. METHODS: D407 cells were cultured conventionally and divided into 4 groups as follows: (1) An experimental group (Group A), cells were pretreated with 10(-4)-10(-8) mol/L atropine for 30 min, and then treated with 10(-5) mol/L carbachol; (2) a negative control group (Group B), cells were treated with 10(-4)-10(-8) mol/L atropine; (3) a positive control group (Group C), cells were treated with 10(-5) mol/L carbachol; (4) a blank control group (Group D). The concentration of TGF-beta2 in the supernate, and the level of TGF-beta2 mRNA and protein were measured by ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blot after the 24-hour treatment. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance. RESULTS: The levels of TGF-beta2 mRNA and protein in the cytoplasm and the concentration of TGF-beta2 in the supernate in the experimental groups were lower than those of the positive control group. Atropine at 10-4 mol/L could completely inhibit the effect of carbachol at 10-5 mol/L. The effect of atropine was concentration-dependent (F=1,056.897,1,320.170, and 475.657; P<0.001). There was no change of TGF-beta2 level in the cytoplasm and supernate with the treatment of atropine alone (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Carbachol can promote the expression and secretion of TGF-beta2 in human RPE cells and atropine could reverse it effectively, suggesting that M receptor may be involved.
Adult ; Atropine ; pharmacology ; Carbachol ; pharmacology ; Cell Line ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Muscarinic Antagonists ; pharmacology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Retinal Pigment Epithelium ; cytology ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

Whether transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2) induces apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells was investigated in vitro. Cultured 3-5 passage human trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0 (control), 0.32, 1, 3.2 ng/ml TGF-beta2 for 48 h and divided into control group and experimental group. The apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells was examined by transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL technique and flow cytometry. The results showed characteristic morphologic changes of apoptotic cells were observed under transmission electron microscopy. DNA fragmentation of human trabecular meshwork cells was found by TUNEL technique. Quantitative analysis of flow cytometry showed that percentages of apoptotic human trabecular meshwork cells were (2.79 +/- 0.44)%, (4.43 +/- 1.17)% and (9.60 +/- 2.05)% respectively with different concentrations [1 ng/ml (P<0.05), 3.2 ng/ml (P<0.01)] of TGF-beta2 with the difference being significant between experimental group and control group [(1.41 +/- 0.34)%]. It was concluded that TGF-beta2 can induce apoptosis of human trabecular meshwork cells in vitro and may be involved in the decrease of trabecular meshwork cells in the patients with primary open angle glaucoma and aging of normal people.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Trabecular Meshwork ; cytology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2