The clinical treatment of joint contracture due to immobilization remains difficult. The pathological changes of muscle tissue caused by immobilization-induced joint contracture include disuse skeletal muscle atrophy and skeletal muscle tissue fibrosis. The proteolytic pathways involved in disuse muscle atrophy include the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent pathway, caspase system pathway, matrix metalloproteinase pathway, Ca-dependent pathway and autophagy-lysosomal pathway. The important biological processes involved in skeletal muscle fibrosis include intermuscular connective tissue thickening caused by transforming growth factor-β1 and an anaerobic environment within the skeletal muscle leading to the induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. This article reviews the progress made in understanding the pathological processes involved in immobilization-induced muscle contracture and the currently available treatments. Understanding the mechanisms involved in immobilization-induced contracture of muscle tissue should facilitate the development of more effective treatment measures for the different mechanisms in the future.
Atrophy ; Autophagy ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Connective Tissue ; metabolism ; pathology ; Contracture ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; therapy ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Immobilization ; adverse effects ; Joints ; Lysosomes ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinases ; metabolism ; Muscle, Skeletal ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex ; metabolism ; Proteolysis ; Signal Transduction ; physiology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Ubiquitin ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of tetrandrine (Tet) on proliferation and activation of rat cardiac fibroblasts. METHODS: Firstly, the cell counting kit-8 (cck-8) assay was applied to detect the effects of Tet with different concentrations on proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. Secondly, transforming growth factor (TGF-β)with a concentration of 5 μg/L was used to induce the cardiac fibroblast activation, and Western blot was performed to measure the expression variation of β-catenin, vimentin (Vm), fibronectin (Fn) and smooth muscle α-actin (SMA). At last, the real-time PCR was conducted to measure the expression change of collagen-1(Col-1) and collagen-3(Col-3). RESULTS: The cck-8 assay showed that the Tet with different concentrations respectively, which were 0.5 μmol/L, 1 μmol/L, 2 μmol/L, 4 μmol/L, and 8 μmol/L, significantly inhibited the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. The viability was decreased to 94.4%,84.9%,74.9%,63.8%and 50.3% respectively of the control group when the Tet concentration changed, and the difference was statistically significant, P=0.043, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001 respectively. Western blot revealed that the expressions of β-catenin, Fn, SMA and Vm, were up-regulated by TGF-β(5 μg/L), the result showed that the difference was statistically significant, and the P values were 0.001,0.008,0.010,0.001 respectively. Then, the up-regulation of β-catenin, Fn and SMA was attenuated by pre-treatment of Tet, and the result also displayed that the difference was statistically significant, and the P values were 0.009, 0.005, 0.019,respectively. While there was no significant change in the expression of Vm, according to Western blotting, and P>0.05,at the same time, real-time PCR indicated that the up-regulations of Col-1 and Col-3 which were induced by TGF-β were blocked by pre-treatment of Tet, the result showed that the difference was statistically significant, P<0.001. CONCLUSION According to the experimental results, we can draw the conclusion that: the Tet can significantly inhibit the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts, meanwhile, it can block the activation of cardiac fibroblasts, which is induced by TGF-β. It is supposed that the Tet may probably have anti myocardial fibrosis, which indicates that it may probably be a medicine which is used to block the cardiac remodeling.
Actins ; Animals ; Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology* ; Blotting, Western ; Calcium Channel Blockers/pharmacology* ; Cell Proliferation ; Collagen ; Collagen Type I ; Fibroblasts/physiology* ; Fibrosis ; Myocardium/cytology* ; Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism* ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis and provides novel strategies for cancer therapy. Hypaconitine (HpA), a diester-diterpenoid alkaloid isolated from the root of the Aconitum species, exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and especially, cardiotoxic activities. Here, we reported the anti-metastatic potentials of HpA in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT in lung cancer A549 cells. The cytotoxic effect of HpA was determined by MTT assay. A549 cells were treated with TGF-β1 with or without HpA co-treatment, and the morphological alterations were observed with a microscopy. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and NF-κB was determined by both Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses. The adhesion, migration, and invasion were detected with Matrigel, wound-healing, and transwell assays, respectively. The expression of Snail was determined by Western blotting. The expression of NF-κB p65, IκBα, and p-IκBα in nuclear and cytosolic extracts was assessed by Western blotting. The results showed that low concentration of HpA (<16 μmol·L) had no obvious cytotoxicity to A549 cells. Morphologically, TGF-β1 treatment induced spindle-shaped alteration in the cells. The upregulation of N-cadherin, NF-κB, and Snail and the downregulation of E-cadherin were detected after TGF-β1 treatment. The adhesion, migration and invasion abilities were also increased by TGF-β1. Besides, TGF-β1 induced expression of Snail in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, TGF-β1 induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. All these alterations were dramatically inhibited by HpA co-treatment. In addition, the NF-κB inhibitor PDTC showed similar inhibitory effect. In conclusion, these results showed that HpA inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 cells, which was possibly mediated by the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, providing an evidence for anti-cancer effect of HpA.
A549 Cells ; Aconitine ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Active Transport, Cell Nucleus ; drug effects ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Cadherins ; analysis ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Movement ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; drug effects ; Humans ; NF-kappa B ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; physiology

Objective: To explore the role of TGF-β1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of Sertoli cells and its effect on the expressions of tight junction-related proteins and genes in rats. METHODS: Rat Sertoli cells were isolated in vitro, primarily cultured, and divided into groups A (blank control), B (TGF-β1 receptor blocker), C (TGF-β1), and D (TGF-β1 + receptor blocker). The proliferation and apoptosis of the cells were detected by CCK-8 and flow cytometry, respectively. After establishment of the dual-chamber model for the primary culture of Sertoli cells, the trans-epithelia electrical resistance (TER) value was measured and the relative expressions of Occludin, ZO-1 and Claudin Ⅱ determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: The OD value of the proliferation of the Sertoli cells was markedly higher in group C than in groups A and D (0.79 ± 0.04 vs 0.66 ± 0.05 and 0.68 ± 0.02, P<0.05), with statistically significant differences among the four groups (F = 5.05, P <0.05). However, no remarkable difference with found among the four groups in the apoptosis rate of the cells (F = 1.13, P >0.05). The TER value was dramatically decreased in group C as compared with groups A and D (［176.37 ± 16.61］ vs ［281.42 ± 9.83］ and ［254.37 ± 13.55］ /cm2, P<0.01), with statistically significant differences among the four groups (F = 38.99, P<0.01). There were no remarkable differences among the four groups in the mRNA expressions of ZO-1 and Claudin Ⅱ (F = 0.49 and 0.93, P>0.05) or their protein expressions (F = 0.28 and 1.31, P>0.05). Both the mRNA and protein expressions of Occludin were markedly lower in group C than in A and D (P<0.01 and P<0.05), with statistically significant differences among the four groups (F = 6.86 and 6.87, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TGF-β1 can promote the proliferation of Sertoli cells in rats and act on the tight junction of the cells by regulating the expression of Occludin.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Claudin-2 ; metabolism ; Male ; Occludin ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Sertoli Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Tight Junction Proteins ; metabolism ; Tight Junctions ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; physiology ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein ; metabolism

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the omega-3 fatty acids help to improve erectile function in an atherosclerosis-induced erectile dysfunction rat model. A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats at age 8 weeks were divided into three groups: Control group (n = 6, untreated sham operated rats), Pathologic group (n = 7, untreated rats with chronic pelvic ischemia [CPI]), and Treatment group (n = 7, CPI rats treated with omega-3 fatty acids). For the in vivo study, electrical stimulation of the cavernosal nerve was performed and erectile function was measured in all groups. Immunohistochemical antibody staining was performed for transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). In vivo measurement of erectile function in the Pathologic group showed significantly lower values than those in the Control group, whereas the Treatment group showed significantly improved values in comparison with those in the Pathologic group. The results of western blot analysis revealed that systemically administered omega-3 fatty acids ameliorated the cavernosal molecular environment. Our study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids improve intracavernosal pressure and have a beneficial role against pathophysiological consequences such as fibrosis or hypoxic damage on a CPI rat model, which represents a structural erectile dysfunction model.
Animals ; Atherosclerosis/*complications ; Blotting, Western ; Carotid Arteries/physiology ; Chronic Disease ; Disease Models, Animal ; Electric Stimulation ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3/*pharmacology ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism ; Ischemia/etiology/*pathology ; Male ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism ; Penile Erection/*drug effects ; Penis/metabolism/pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the anticoagulants on PRP quality, so as to clarify the appropriate anticoagulant used in PRP production.

METHODSThe microstructure change of platelets collected via heparin, citrate, acid citrate dextrose (ACD) and citrate-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole ( CTAD) was observed by TEM following time course. The extent of spontaneous activation of platelets in four groups was detected by measuring sP-selectin in plasma. The TGF-β1 release amount of activated PRP of four groups was measured.

RESULTSCTAD is superior to other anticoagulants in maintaining the integrity of platelet structures for a long time and preventing platelet spontaneous activation. ACD slightly surpassed heparin and citrate in above two aspects. ACD-PRP and CTAD-PRP released significantly more TGF-β1 compared with heparin and citrate.

CONCLUSIONSThe PRP quality and biological effects were strongly associated with the type of Anticoagulants. ACD and CTAD are optimal anticoagulants in PRP production for they can maintain platelet viability at a high level.

Adenosine ; pharmacology ; Anticoagulants ; pharmacology ; Blood Platelets ; drug effects ; physiology ; Citrates ; pharmacology ; Citric Acid ; pharmacology ; Dipyridamole ; pharmacology ; Drug Combinations ; Glucose ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Heparin ; pharmacology ; Platelet Activation ; drug effects ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; Theophylline ; pharmacology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo construct and characterize the TGF-β1, induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) model of keloid epithelial cells in vitro, and to investigate the expression of epithelial stem cells related surface markers in keloid epithelial cells during EMT induction.

METHODSThe epithelial cells from 3 keloid samples of ears were cultured in vitro and induced by transforming growth factor betal (TGF-β1, 1 ng/ml) for 5 days, which was the experimental group, the same cells untreated were considered as the negative control group. The expressions of EMT-associated markers and regulative genes were detected using immunofluorescence staining, real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Then the surface markers of epithelial stem cells were detected using real-time PCR. Statistical significance was determined using Independent-Samples t Test, a p value less than 0. 05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTSThe mRNA expression of transcription factor snail2 and mesenchymal-specific marker vimentin increased significantly in TGF-β1, induced keloid epithelial cells (P < 0. 05), in which snail2 increasing from 0. 91 ± 0. 23 to 1. 69 ± 0. 10, and vimentin from 5. 86 ± 2. 07 to 24. 29 ± 5. 39. Whereas the mRNA expression of epithelial-specific marker E-cadherin decreased from 1. 06 ± 0. 19 to 0. 65 ± 0. 09. The mRNA expression of CD29 and Lgr6, two surface markers of epithelial stem cells, significantly increased after induction of the TGF-β1, (P < 0. 05), from 0. 55 ± 0. 14 and 1. 61 ± 0. 31 to 1. 19 ± 0. 12 and 3. 84 t 0. 62 respectively. In induced cells, the immunofluorescence results showed staining of E- cadherin became faint, but the number of positive staining cells of vimentin increased. Western blot confirmed the protein expression of E-cadherin weakened, and the vimentin and p-Smad3 enhanced (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSTGF-β1, initiated EMT in keloid epithelial cells by inducing the up-regulation of snail2, and TGF-β1,/Smad3 signaling pathway was involved in EMT. EMT could change the phenotype of epithelial stem cells in keloid.

Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Cadherins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; physiology ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; drug effects ; physiology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Keloid ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Smad3 Protein ; genetics ; metabolism ; Snail Family Transcription Factors ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Up-Regulation ; Vimentin ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of tensile stress on human heel skin fibroblast proliferation in vitro, providing a theoretical basis for preventing the wound edge skin necrosis and nonunion after calcaneal fracture surgery.

METHODSFibroblast cells were taken from lateral heel skin of a 40 year-old-man, then cultured and subcultured in vitro. After that, they were divided into three groups: 0 hours group, 6 hours group and 24 hours group and were tested by tensile stress testing. The levels of TGF-β1 and IL-6 in nutrient fluid were measured. Transmission electron microscope and light microscope was applied for observe mitochondria and nucleus.

RESULTSUnder 10% of the tensile stress, mitochondria decreased, the levels of TGF-β1 and IL-6 in nutrient fluid were decreased and cell proliferation was inhibited gradually with time increasing.

CONCLUSIONThe human lateral heel skin in a long-time tensile stress state is an important cause of wound edge skin necrosis and nonunion after calcaneus fracture surgery.

Adult ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; chemistry ; cytology ; Heel ; physiology ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Interleukin-6 ; metabolism ; Male ; Skin ; chemistry ; cytology ; metabolism ; Tensile Strength ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of β8 expression on transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) activation in astrocytes with oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD).

METHODSAstrocytes were cultured and then subjected to OGD to generate hypoxia-ischemia (HI) model in vitro. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the expression and distribution of β8 in nomoxia cultured cells. β8 protein expression was quantified by Western blot at 12 hours, 1 day and 2 days after OGD. Astrocytes and luciferase reporter cells (TMLC) were co-cultured. β8 RNA interference system was established to specifically inhibit β8 expression in cultured astrocytes. TGF-β1 activation was then detected in the co-culture system.

RESULTSβ8 was mainly located in the cytoplasm and neurites of astrocytes. OGD resulted in increase of β8 protein expression at 12 hours after reoxygenation in astrocytes, which was peaked at 1 day after reoxygenation. TGF-β1 activation was in accordance with β8 expression in astrocyte-TMLC co-culture system after reoxygenation. After the inhibition of β8, TGF-β1 activation was significantly reduced in all time points.

CONCLUSIONSThe highly expressed β8 plays important roles in the regulation of TGF-β1 activation in neonatal rats with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.

Animals ; Astrocytes ; metabolism ; Female ; Glucose ; metabolism ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain ; metabolism ; Integrin beta Chains ; physiology ; Male ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidasedependent formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs), and the effect of Astragalus injection (AGI) intervention.

METHODSPrimary RPMCs were cultured to the second generation in vitro. After synchronization for 24 h, the cells were randomly assigned to the following groups: control (Group A), AGI (2 g/mL; Group B), TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL; Group C), TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) + AGI (2 g/mL; Group D; pretreated for 1 h with AGI before TGF-β1 stimulation). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were employed to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of the NADPH oxidase subunit p67phox, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin. The dichlorofluorescein-sensitive cellular ROS levels were measured by a fluorometric assay and confocal microscopy.

RESULTSTGF-β1 significantly induced NADPH oxidase subunit p67phox mRNA and protein expression in RPMCs, as well as inducing the production of intracellular ROS. AGI inhibited this TGF-β1-induced up-regulation by 39.3% and 47.8%, respectively (P<0.05), as well as inhibiting the TGF-β1-induced ROS generation by 56.3% (P<0.05). TGF-β1 also induced α-SMA mRNA and protein expression, and down-regulated E-cadherin mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05). This effect was suppressed by AGI (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSNADPH oxidase-dependent formation of ROS may mediate the TGF-β1-dependent EMT in RPMCs. AGI could inhibit this process, providing a theoretical basis for AGI in the prevention of peritoneal fibrosis.

Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA Primers ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; physiology ; Epithelium ; NADPH Oxidases ; metabolism ; Peritoneal Cavity ; cytology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; physiology