scholarly journals Fucoxanthin Inhibits Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Production in Nasal Polyp-Derived Fibroblasts via Modulation of Smad-Dependent and Smad-Independent Signaling Pathways

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Jung ◽  
Dae-Sung Lee ◽  
Seong Park ◽  
Jung Choi ◽  
Won-Kyo Jung ◽  
...  

Nasal polyps (NPs) are a multifactorial disorder associated with a chronic inflammatory state of the nasal mucosa. Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a characteristic orange carotenoid obtained from brown algae and has diverse immunological properties. The present study investigated whether Fx inhibits fibrosis-related effects in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDFs) and elucidated the molecular signaling pathways involved. The production of collagen type I (Col-1) was investigated in NP tissue via immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. NPDFs were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (1 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of Fx (5–30 µM). The levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col-1, and phosphorylated (p)-Smad 2/3, signal protein-1 (SP-1), MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), and Akt were measured by western blot analysis. The expression of Col-1 was detected in NP tissues. TGF-β1 stimulated the production of α-SMA and Col-1, and stimulated the contraction of collagen gel. However, pretreatment with Fx attenuated these effects. Furthermore, these inhibitory effects were mediated through modulation of both Smad 2/3 and Akt/SP-1 signaling pathways in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. The results from the present study suggest that Fx may be a novel anti-fibrotic agent for the treatment of NP formation.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingyang Li ◽  
Xiang Song ◽  
Lichun Qi ◽  
Yanhui Gao ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Zeaxanthin is a newly discovered natural product in β-carotenoid family with multiple bioactivities. Recently, it has been shown that zeaxanthin may have cardioprotective effects in several studies, but its mechanisms have not been fully investigated. Herein, we explored the role and mechanism of zeaxanthin in myocardial injury.Methods and Results: In this study, three different models were used to investigate the mechanism by which zeaxanthin alleviates myocardial injury. H9C2 Cardiomyocyte injury models were induced by H2O2. TUNEL assay, Flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin significantly decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis and apoptosis-related protein expression. And reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement analysis and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin also could reduce the production of ROS and affect the expression of p38-Mitogen activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κ gene bindin (p38MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway. Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was used to establish the fibrosis model in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). QRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with zeaxanthin significantly decreased the expression of fibrosis markers in CFs. Myocardial injury animal models were induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Our results demonstrated that zeaxanthin improved fibrosis damage and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in HFD mice. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that TGF-β/Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic2/3 (TGF-β/Smad2/3) signaling pathway related protein p-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, and TGF-β1 were significantly downregulated by zeaxanthin treatment.Conclusions: Zeaxanthin may alleviate HFD and H2O2-induced heart injury by regulating TGF-β/Smad2/3 and p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways, which is of immense clinical significance in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.


Author(s):  
Hechuan Wang ◽  
Yiqi Chen ◽  
Shuting Zhao ◽  
Xiaowen Wang ◽  
Kai Lu ◽  
...  

Abstract Atrial fibrosis is a crucial mechanism responsible for atrial fibrillation (AF). Sex-determining region Y-box containing gene 9 (Sox9) plays a pivotal role in fibrosis of many organs such as the skin, kidney, and liver. However, there are few studies about the occurrence and maintenance of Sox9 in atrial fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the role of Sox9 in the fibrotic phenotype of human atrial tissues and rat atrial fibroblasts in vitro. In the human right atrial tissue, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunofluorescence, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis were carried out to explore the relationship between Sox9 and atrial fibrosis at the morphological, functional, and molecular levels. In cultured atrial fibroblasts, Sox9 was overexpressed by adenovirus or depleted by siRNA, and then, recombinant human transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 was added. Immunofluorescence analysis, western blot analysis, Transwell assay, and scratch assay were used to analyze the cells. In patient atrial tissues, Sox9 was increased with worsened atrial fibrosis, and this increase was related to AF severity. In rat atrial fibroblasts, Sox9 was promoted by TGF-β1, and the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein level and the ability of cell migration were increased after Sox9 overexpression by adenovirus, while the α-SMA protein level and the cell migration ability were decreased after Sox9 depletion by siRNA. In conclusion, Sox9 is involved in the regulation of fibrosis in the atria and may be located downstream of TGF-β1. Our findings may provide a new perspective to treat atrial fibrosis during AF.


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.


2005 ◽  
Vol 93 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Mei ◽  
Ruo-Jun Xu

It is well known that early weaning causes marked changes in intestinal structure and function, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is believed to play an important regulatory role in post-weaning adaptation of the small intestine. The present study examined the distribution and expression intensity of TGF-β in the small intestinal mucosa of pre- and post-weaning pigs using a specific immunostaining technique and Western blot analysis. The level of TGF-β in the intestinal mucosa, as estimated by Western blot analysis, did not change significantly during weaning. However, when examined by the immunostaining technique, TGF-β1 (one of the TGF-β isoforms dominantly expressed in the tissue) at the intestinal villus epithelium, particularly at the apical membrane of the epithelium, decreased significantly 4 d after weaning, while the staining intensity increased significantly at the intestinal crypts compared with that in pre-weaning pigs. These changes were transient, with the immunostaining intensity for TGF-β1 at the intestinal villi and the crypts returning to the pre-weaning level by 8 d post-weaning. The transient decrease in TGF-β1 level at the intestinal villus epithelium was associated with obvious intestinal villus atrophy and marked reduction of mucosal digestive enzyme activities. Furthermore, the number of leucocytes staining positively for TGF-β1 increased significantly in the pig intestinal lamina propria 4 d after weaning. These findings strongly suggest that TGF-β plays an important role in the post-weaning adaptation process in the intestine of the pig.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 1769-1769
Author(s):  
Amir Hossein Daneshmanesh ◽  
Mohammad Hojjat-Farsangi ◽  
Asa Sandin ◽  
Abdul Salam Khan ◽  
Ali Moshfegh ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1769 Background: Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT cascade regulates cell survival, proliferation and differentiation in a variety of cells. In CLL cells PI3K pathway is constitutively activated leading to AKT activation and phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). CREB is a transcription factor overexpressed and constitutively phosphorylated in a variety of cancers and seems to have a role in tumor pathobiology. There is a great need to develop novel strategies for targeted therapy in CLL. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specifically targeting leukemic cells might be a rewarding approach. ROR1 is a type I transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to one of the twenty families of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). ROR1 is overexpressed on CLL cells but not in white blood cells of healthy donors. ROR1 is constitutively phosphorylated in CLL and siRNA transfection induced apoptosis. We have developed a unique anti-ROR1 mAb directed against CRD (cysteine-rich domain) of the extracellular region of ROR1 capable of inducing direct apoptosis of primary CLL cells. Our anti-CRD mAb induced dephosphorylation of the ROR1 molecule. Aims: To study the apoptotic effect of an anti-ROR1 CRD mAb and effects on downstream signaling pathways involved in CLL, specially the PI3-kinase/AKT/CREB pathway using primary CLL cells. Methods: Using a peptide-based mouse mAb generation method we produced several mAbs against the three extracellular domains of ROR1. In the current study we used one of the best anti-ROR1 antibodies, an anti-CRD mAb raised against the CRD region of ROR1 (Daneshmanesh et al., Leukemia. 2012 Jun;26(6):1348-55). Flow cytometry was used for surface staining of ROR1. Primary CLL cells were incubated with the anti-ROR1 CRD mAb and apoptosis was detected by the MTT assay and Annexin V/propidium iodide (flow cytometry) methods in a 24 h assay. Antibody untreated and treated cell lysates were prepared and subjected to Western blot analysis for identification of signaling molecules involved in apoptosis induced by the anti-ROR1 CRD mAb. We analysed total and phosphorylated levels of the following signaling proteins: AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, p-PI3K, CREB, p-CREB, ERK, p-ERK, PKC and p-PKC. Phosphoproteins were measured before incubation with the mAb and after 20 min-2 h. Results: ROR1 surface expression was detected on 80–85% of the CLL cells. The frequency of apoptotic cells induced by the anti-CRD mAb was in the range of 45–50% which is in accordance with our previous reports (see above). Time kinetics experiments using anti-ROR1 CRD mAb incubated with primary CLL cells revealed dephosphorylation of ROR1 downstream signaling molecules. We analysed the following molecules known to be involved in CLL: PKC, PI3-kinase and ERK1/2. After co-culturing CLL cells with the anti-ROR1 CRD mAb, Western blot analysis showed decreased level of phosphorylated AKT in treated compared to untreated samples. No changes in the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and PKC proteins were seen. Furthermore, we analysed the PI3-kinase protein which is upstream of AKT, and noticed that in CLL cells treated with the anti-ROR1 CRD mAb, the phosphorylation intensity of PI3-kinase p85 isoform has decreased but not p55 isoforrn. Moreover, we also studied the CREB phosphorylation in treated and untreated CLL samples and detected dephosphorylation of CREB in treated as compared to untreated samples. Conclusion: Incubation of CLL cells with an anti-ROR1 CRD mAb induced apoptosis of primary CLL cells. Apoptosis was preceded by dephosphorylation within 2 h of PI3-kinase, AKT and CREB proteins indicating deactivation of these signaling proteins by the anti-ROR1 mab. In untreated CLL cells no effect on phosphorylation of these proteins was noted. Furthermore our ROR1 mAb did not dephosphorylate PKC or ERK. Our data may suggest that activation of CREB molecule might occur via the PI3K/AKT pathway and may be a survival signal in CLL cells associated with the aberrant expression of ROR1. The constitutive phosphorylation of PKC and ERK1/2 seen in CLL might not be related to the overexpression of ROR1. Further studies are warranted for a better understanding of signaling pathways associated with ROR1 and the downstream signaling effects of ROR1 targeting drugs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-53
Author(s):  
Vladimir Polaček ◽  
Dejan Vidanović ◽  
Biljana Božić ◽  
Žolt Beckei ◽  
Ivana Vučićević ◽  
...  

Abstract The most important morphological characteristic of infections caused by M. avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is granuloma formation. The growth of mycobacteria is in accordance with anti-bacterial effector mechanisms of the host within granuloma. The most important cytokines for „orchestrating“the host defense are interferon γ (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). Myofibroblasts that make up a peripheral layer of granuloma largely express receptors for TGF-β1. This cytokine is believed to affect the induction of myofibroblast proliferation. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of myofibroblasts in the formation and sustainability of granuloma during natural infection of pigs with M. avium subsp. hominissuis. Examinations have been performed on the samples of Lnn. jejunales, Lnn. ileocolici and Lnn. colici of 100 pigs with a positive tuberculin skin test. The molecular method confirmed the presence of a genome M. avium subsp. hominissuis. The microscopic examination of lymph node samples stained by the routine hematoxyilin-eosin (HE) method, showed the presence of granulomatous lymphadenitis. The method of double immunohistochemical staining revealed that myofibroblasts which express TGF-β1 receptor type I (TGF-β1RI) and α smooth muscle actin (α SMA) have an important role in the morphogenesis of granulomatous lymphadenitis in pigs infected with MAH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ruihong Wang ◽  
Dawei Luo ◽  
Zhiwei Li ◽  
Huimin Han

Background. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) apoptosis are involved in pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD). Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has been found to effectively depress oxidative stress and inflammation via the Nrf2 pathway. Hence, this project was designed to explore the underlying mechanisms of how DMF protects NPCs from damage by LPS challenge. Methods and Results. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry of apoptosis indicated that DMF treatment attenuated LPS-induced NPC damage. Western blot analysis demonstrated that DMF enhanced the expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in LPS-challenged NPCs. DMF treatment significantly decreased the accumulation of ROS, downregulated inflammatory cytokines (p-NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α), and ER stress-associated apoptosis proteins (Bip, calpain-1, caspase-12, caspase-3, and Bax) in LPS-challenged NPCs. The level of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was promoted by DMF treatment in LPS-challenged NPCs. Glutathione (GSH) assay showed that DMF treatment improved reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio in LPS-challenged NPCs. Furthermore, the results of western blot analysis indicated that in LPS-challenged NPCs, DMF treatment ameliorated the elevated levels of matrix degradation enzymes (MMP-13, aggrecanase 1) and type I collagen and the reduced levels of matrix composition (type II collagen and ACAN). However, Nrf2 knockdown abolished these protective effects of DMF. Conclusion. Our data suggested that treatment with DMF mitigated LPS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and ER stress-associated apoptosis in NPCs via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thus reliving LPS-induced dysfunction of NPCs, which offered a novel potential pharmacological treatment strategy for IVDD.


Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2184
Author(s):  
Rafael Cierpka ◽  
Ralf Weiskirchen ◽  
Anastasia Asimakopoulos

Comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrogenesis is essential to the development of treatment. The hallmark of hepatic fibrosis is the development and deposition of excess fibrous connective tissue forcing tissue remodeling. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Their activation via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) as a key mediator is considered the crucial event in the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrogenesis. It has been shown that Perilipin 5 (PLIN5), known as a lipid droplet structural protein that is highly expressed in oxidative tissue, can inhibit such activation through various mechanisms associated with lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the possible influence of PLIN5 on TGF-β1 signaling. Our findings confirm the importance of PLIN5 in maintaining HSC quiescence in vivo and in vitro. PLIN5 overexpression suppresses the TGF-β1-SMAD2/3 and SNAIL signaling pathways as well as the activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). These findings derived from experiments in hepatic cell lines LX-2 and Col-GFP, in which overexpression of PLIN5 was able to downregulate the signaling pathways SMAD2/3 and SNAIL activated previously by TGF-β1 treatment. Furthermore, TGF-β1-mediatedinduction of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen type I (COL1), Fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), was suppressed by PLIN5. Moreover, STAT3, which is interrelated with TGF-β1 was already basally activated in the cell lines and inhibited by PLIN5 overexpression, leading to a further reduction in HSC activity shown by lowered α-SMA expression. This extension of the intervening mechanisms presents PLIN5 as a potent and pleiotropic target in HSC activation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 318 (5) ◽  
pp. E710-E722 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuxin Wang ◽  
Hsun-Ming Chang ◽  
Yuyin Yi ◽  
Yung-Ming Lin ◽  
Hong Li ◽  
...  

There is increasing evidence showing the importance of vitamin D (Vit D) and its nuclear receptor, the Vit D receptor (VDR), in female reproductive health. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and its functional receptors are expressed in human oocytes and granulosa cells that participate in follicular development and ovulation. Recently, Sma- and Mad-related protein 3 (SMAD3; a downstream effector of TGF-β1) has been proposed to mediate crosstalk between the Vit D and TGF-β1 signaling pathways, but this relationship has not been fully explored and has yet to be tested in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. In this study, we showed that TGF-β1 significantly promoted the expression of VDR, and this stimulatory effect occurred through the activin receptor-like kinase 5 type I receptor-mediated SMAD3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in hGL cells. Additionally, we showed that Vit D increased the expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we demonstrated a synergistic effect of TGF-β1 and Vit D on the expression of COX-2 and synthesis of PGE2, and this effect could be attenuated by silencing the expression of VDR. Our findings indicate that TGF-β1 upregulates the expression of VDR, which promotes Vit D-induced COX-2 expression and subsequent PGE2 production by activating the SMAD3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in hGL cells.


2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 216-216
Author(s):  
J. G. Trevino ◽  
S. R. Pillai ◽  
S. P. Chellappan

216 Background: The signaling pathways contributing to DNA-binding protein inhibitor Id1 expression and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer remain unknown. Id1 plays a role in pancreatic tumor progression with tumor-promoting effects of nicotine regulating protein tyrosine kinase Src activation and Id1 expression, both associated with chemoresistance in other systems. We hypothesize Id1 expression regulates chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer through a nicotine-promoting Src-dependent pathway. Methods: We probed pancreatic cancer cell lines (L3.6pl, PANC-1, Mia-PaCa-2) for innate gemcitabine chemoresistance with cell viability MTT assay and western blot analysis of PARP cleavage programmed cell death. Gemcitabine-sensitive cells were exposed to rising gemcitabine concentrations to establish a resistant subtype, L3.6plGemRes. Protein analysis and mRNA expression were determined by western blot analysis and RT-PCR respectively. Induction of Src phosphorylation or Id1 expression was performed with nicotine (1 μM). Results: Inhibition of c-Src expression was performed with short-interfering RNA (siRNA). Nicotine-induced Src phosphorylation and Id1 expression. Inhibition of Src by siRNA resulted in decreased nicotine-induced Id1 expression. Inhibition of Src and Id1 expression by siRNA in innate or established gemcitabine resistant pancreatic cancer cells resulted in gemcitabine sensitization. To determine if nicotine contributes to gemcitabine chemoresistance, we exposed gemcitabine-sensitive cells to nicotine with subsequent exposure to gemcitabine IC50, 250 ng/ml, and cell viability assays confirmed a 2-fold increase in cell prolilferation and a 4.5-fold reduction in apoptosis. Further, nicotine induced phosphorylation of key signaling enzymes involved in proliferation and apoptosis, Erk1/2 and Akt respectively. Conclusions: In summary, we demonstrate that Id1, through a nicotine-promoting Src-dependent pathway, is necessary for establishment of a chemoresistant phenotype in pancreatic cancer cells. Understanding the signaling pathways involved in pancreatic tumor chemoresistance will lead to therapies resulting in improved tumor responses. No significant financial relationships to disclose.


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