Expression Of bFGF Research Articles

Effect of local application of transcutaneous carbon dioxide on survival of random-pattern skin flaps

Skin flap procedures are widely used to reconstruct skin and soft tissue defects. Skin flap necrosis is a serious postoperative complication. Many researchers have introduced pharmacological agents to improve flap ischemia in experimental studies. However, outcomes of these studies remain controversial. We previously demonstrated that transcutaneous CO2 application improves hypoxia in fracture repair. In this study, we hypothesized that improving hypoxia by transcutaneous CO2 application can improve the blood flow in skin flaps and increase angiogenesis. We investigated whether transcutaneous CO2 application can increase the survival of random-pattern skin flaps. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two equal groups: the control group (n = 6) and CO2 group (n = 6). A random-pattern skin flap was constructed in these rats. Topical CO2 was applied using a hydrogel every day for 5 days in the CO2 group. The flap survival area was measured on postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. The vessel density and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were evaluated on postoperative day 5. A statistically significant difference was found in the percentage of the flap survival area between the two groups on postoperative days 3 and 5 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of VEGF and bFGF was significantly higher and that of HIF-1α was significantly lower in the CO2 than in the control group (p < 0.05). Transcutaneous CO2 application can improve the blood flow in skin flaps and increase angiogenesis, thus increasing the survival of random-pattern skin flaps.

Calcium gluconate alleviates the toxic effect of hydrofluoric acid on human dermal fibroblasts through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

The present study was performed to determine the molecular mechanism of calcium gluconate (CG) in alleviating the toxic effect of hydrofluoric (HF) acid on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). HDF morphology was observed by optical microscopy and the vimentin immunofluorescence assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 and Annexin V/propidium iodide assays, respectively. The levels of apoptosis-associated factors, as well as Wnt2, Wnt3a and β-catenin were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were detected by ELISA and western blotting. Carboxyterminal propeptide of type I collagen (CICP) was detected by ELISA, while L-Hydroxyproline (L-HYP) was detected by colorimetry. First, the morphology of normal HDFs was observed. Cell viability was inhibited and apoptosis was increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner following treatment with HF acid [0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 20% (v/v)] for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 20 min. The effects were blocked by CG at different doses (50, 100 and 200 µmol/l) and time points (6, 12 and 24 h), following treatment with 8% (v/v) HF acid for 6 min. The levels of Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 associated X protein, Wnt2, Wnt3a and β-catenin were decreased, whereas Bcl-2 was increased by CG treatment dose-dependently, when compared with HF control. CG promoted the expression of MMP-1, bFGF and L-HYP, and inhibited CICP, when compared with HF control. Based on the present results, CG alleviated the toxic effect of HF acid on HDFs by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Typhae pollen polysaccharides ameliorate diabetic retinal injury in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAccording to ancient traditional Chinese medicine, Typhae Pollen (TP) is commonly used to treat fundus haemorrhage because it improves blood circulation. Aims of the studyThis study evaluated the role of the main TP component, polysaccharides (TPP), on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its possible mechanisms of inhibiting inflammation and improving blood circulation. Materials and methodsAfter successful establishment of a diabetic rat model, TPP was administered to diabetic rats for treatment, and the rats were sacrificed at 12 weeks. Retinal electrophysiology and ultrastructures were observed, and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also measured. Changes in the retinal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were examined by immunofluorescence. A mouse model of acute blood stasis was then established, and the effects of TPP on haemorheology were observed. The anti-inflammatory effect of TPP was analysed based on the changes in abdominal capillary permeability and the degree of auricle swelling in the mice. ResultsIn streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR rats, TPP (0.4 g/kg) treatment restored electrophysiology indexes and retinal ultrastructures, reduced serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels, decreased VEGF and bFGF expression in retinal tissues, and improved haemorheology indexes. Moreover, TPP reduced abdominal capillary permeability and relieved auricle swelling in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionsTPP treatment ameliorated DR by inhibiting inflammation and improving blood circulation.

Comparative characterization of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, dental pulp, and bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells

ObjectivesMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used clinically in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of MSCs vary according to factors such as tissue source and cell population heterogeneity. Dental tissue has received attention as an easily accessible source of high-quality stem cells. In this study, we compared the in vitro characteristics of dental pulp stem cells from deciduous teeth (SHED), human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Materials and methodsSEHD and hDPSCs were isolated from dental pulp and analyzed in comparison with human bone marrow (hBM)MSCs. Proliferative capacity of cultured cells was analyzed using a bromodeoxyuridine immunoassay and cell counting. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were monitored to assess osteogenic differentiation. Mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red staining. Levels of bone marker mRNA were examined by real-time PCR analysis. ResultsSHED were highly proliferative compared with hDPSCs and hBMSCs. SHED, hDPSCs, and hBMSCs exhibited dark alizarin red staining on day 21 after induction of osteogenic differentiation, and staining of hBMSCs was significantly higher than that of SHED and hDPSCs by spectrophotometry. ALP staining was stronger in hBMSCs compared with SHED and hDPSCs, and ALP activity was significantly higher in hBMSCs compared with SHED or hDPSCs. SHED showed significantly higher expression of the Runx2 and ALP genes compared with hBMSCs, based on real-time PCR analysis. In bFGF, SHED showed significantly higher expression of the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene compared with hDPSCs and hBMSCs. ConclusionSHED exhibited higher proliferative activity and levels of bFGF and BMP-2 gene expression compared with BMMSCs and DPSCs. The ease of harvesting cells and ability to avoid invasive surgical procedures suggest that SHED may be a useful cell source for application in bone regeneration treatments.

Cxcl12 gene engineered endothelial progenitor cells further improve the functions of oligodendrocyte precursor cells

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are needed for white matter repair after various brain injury. Means that promote OPC functions could benefit white matter recovery after injury. Chemokine CXCL12 and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) both have been shown to promote remyelination. We hypothesize that the beneficial effects of EPCs and CXCL12 can be harnessed by genetically modifying EPCs with cxcl12 to synergistically improve the functions of OPCs. In this work, CXCL12-EPC was generated using virus-mediated gene transfer. OPCs were cultured with CXCL12-EPC conditioned media (CM) to analyze its impact on the proliferation, migration, differentiation and survival properties of OPCs. We blocked or knocked-down the receptors of CXCL12, namely CXCR4 and CXCR7, respectively to investigate their functions in regulating OPCs properties. Results revealed that CXCL12-EPC CM further promoted OPCs behavioral properties and upregulated the expression of PDGFR-α, bFGF, CXCR4 and CXCR7 in OPCs, albeit following different time course. Blocking CXCR4 diminished the beneficial effects of CXCL12 on OPCs proliferation and migration, while knocking down CXCR7 inhibited OPCs differentiation. Our results supported that cxcl12 gene modification of EPCs further promoted EPCs’ ability in augmenting the remyelination properties of OPCs, suggesting that CXCL12-EPC hold great potential in white matter repair.

B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 10 promotes angiogenesis in an experimental corneal neovascularization model

PurposeCorneal neovascularization (CrNV) arises from many causes including corneal inflammatory, infectious, or traumatic insult, and frequently leads to impaired vision. This study seeks to determine the role of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 10 (BCL-10) in the development of experimental CrNV.MethodsCorneas from BCL-10 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were burned by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to create the CrNV model and neovascular formation in the corneas was assessed 2 weeks later. Intracorneal macrophage accumulation and the expression of angiogenic factors were quantified by flow cytometric analysis (FCM) and real-time PCR, respectively.ResultsThe amount of CrNV was determined 2 weeks after alkali burn. Compared to WT mice, the amount of CrNV in BCL-10 KO mice was significantly decreased. FCM revealed that F4/80-positive macrophages were markedly decreased in BCL-10 KO mice compared with WT mice. Reverse transcription PCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of intracorneal vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 were reduced in BCL-10 KO mice compared with WT mice.ConclusionBCL-10 KO mice exhibited reduced alkali-induced CrNV by suppressing intracorneal macrophage infiltration, which subsequently led to decreased VEGF-A and bFGF expression, suggesting that BCL-10 may become a potential clinical intervening target of CrNV.

A vaccine targeting basic fibroblast growth factor elicits a protective immune response against murine melanoma

ABSTRACTTumor growth and metastasis are closely related to angiogenesis. Basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) is an angiogenic factor, and up-regulated expression of bFGF plays a crucial role in the development and metastasis of melanoma. Therefore, in this study, we sought to achieve antitumor activity by immunity targeting bFGF which would inhibit tumor angiogenesis and simultaneously induce bFGF specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes to kill melanoma cells. A human bFGF protein was used as exogenous antigen, coupled with a saponin-liposome adjuvant formulation to enhance CTL response. The results showed that the immunity induced strong immune response and produced prominent anti-cancer activities. CD31 immunohistochemistry and alginate-encapsulated tumor cell assay displayed that tumor angiogenesis was effectively inhibited. Further, the higher production of IFN-γ and cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing assay suggested that the anti-cancer activities may mainly depend on cellular immune response, which could cause the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and specific killing of tumor cells by bFGF-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We concluded that immunotherapy targeting bFGF may be a prominent strategy for melanoma, and that the adjuvant formulation of saponin-liposome is very desirable in enhancing cytotoxic T lymphocytes response.

Analysis of IL-1α, bFGF, TGF-β1, IFNγ, MMP-1, and CatD Expression in Multinuclea Macrophages In Vitro

The incidence of mono- and multinuclear cells and their expression of pro- and antifibrotic factors were studied in cultured peritoneal macrophages from intact and BCG-infected mice. Generally, the expression of factors increased with an increase in the number of nuclei per cell. However, the expression was higher in macrophages from BCG infected mice, except the cells with 3 and more nuclei, extremely rarely expressing IL-1α in cultures from intact and BCG-infected animals. The number of macrophages with 3 and more nuclei, expressing CatD, was comparable with the number of mono- and binuclear macrophages. Presumably, this was determined by various mechanisms of formation of multinuclear (3-5 and more nuclei) macrophages, for example, by amitosis.

Staphylococcus aureus induces TGF-β1 and bFGF expression through the activation of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Staphylococcus aureus is a common Gram-positive pathogen that causes bovine mastitis, a persistent infection of the bovine mammary gland. Bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) are important parenchymal cells of the bovine mammary gland. To better understand the importance of BMEC and the roles of the TLR-NF-κBand TLR-AP-1 signaling pathways in the regulation of S. aureus-associated mastitis and mammary fibrosis, BMEC cultured in vitro were stimulated with different concentrations of heat-inactivated S. aureus to analyze the gene and protein expression and production of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as well as the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and activation protein-1 (AP-1) by means of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting, respectively. Specific NF-κB and AP-1 inhibitors were also used to investigate their effects on the regulation of TGF-β1 and bFGF expression. The results indicated that, in addition to increasing mRNA expression and secretion of TLR2 and TLR4, S. aureus could also upregulate TGF-β1 and bFGF mRNA expression and secretion through the activation of NF-κB and AP-1. The increase in TGF-β1 and bFGF expression was shown to be inhibited by AP-1- and NF-κB-specific inhibitors. Taken together, S. aureus induces TGF-β1 and bFGF expression through the activation of AP-1 and NF-κB in BMECs. This information offers new potential targets for the treatment of bovine mammary fibrosis.

Expression of angiogenic factors in sclerosing stromal tumours of the ovary

Sclerosing stromal tumours (SSTs) are rare benign tumours and are generally observed in individuals in their teens to 20 s. Many cases are suspected as malignant tumours pre-operatively, owing to their high vascularity on diagnostic imaging. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the expressions of various angiogenic factors in SSTs. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Upon immunohistochemistry, overexpressions of VEGF, bFGF, and HGF in the ovarian stroma were observed in SSTs. In the normal ovary, the expressions were strong around the vessels and weak in the stroma of the ovary, while a Sertoli–Leydig cell tumour showed weak staining with VEGF, locally strong staining with bFGF and negative staining with HGF. This is the first report about angiogenic factors such as bFGF, and HGF in SST.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Sclerosing stromal tumour (SST) is a rare benign tumour with high vascularity. The high vascularity of SSTs are reported to be related to the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). But there is no study on the expressions of other angiogenic factors in SST.What do the results this study add? In the immunohistochemical analysis, VEGF, bFGF and HGF were found to be widely stained in SSTs. This results suggest the possibility that the high vascularity seen on diagnostic imaging, and the many small vessels observed microscopically may be related to the expressions of VEGF, bFGF and HGF in SSTs.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our results suggest the possibility that the combined expression pattern of VEGF, bFGF, and HGF may be used as marker of SSTs.

Increased expression of angiogenic cytokines in CD56+ uterine natural killer cells from women with recurrent miscarriage

ObjectiveTo compare the expression pattern of angiogenic cytokines in CD56+ uNK cells from peri-implantation endometrium in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage and fertile controls. Methods28 women were recruited, from which 18 women were diagnosed as recurrent miscarriage and 10 women were of proven fertility. Endometrial biopsy samples were obtained precisely 7 days after luteinization hormone surge in a natural cycle. The angiogenic profile of isolated CD56+ uNK cells was determined by RayBio human angiogenesis antibody array G Series 1000. Differentially expressed angiogenic cytokines between groups were validated by ELISA kits. ResultsCD56+ uNK cells freshly isolated from peri-implantation endometrium were determined to be >90% pure. Angiogenic cytokine array demonstrated that CD56+ uNK cells are one of the angiogenic factors producers in endometrium around the time of embryo implantation. A differential angiogenic cytokine expression profile was found between two groups, with significantly higher expressions of angiogenin, VEGF-A and bFGF in CD56+ uNK cells from women with recurrent miscarriage, compared with fertile controls. ConclusionsDifferential angiogenic cytokine profile of isolated CD56+ uNK cells suggested the role of uNK cells in the altered endometrial vascularity at the time of implantation, which may account for the endometrial contribution to recurrent miscarriage.

Therapeutic strategies for flexor tendon healing by nanoparticle-mediated co-delivery of bFGF and VEGFA genes.

Tendon injuries are a common injury of musculocutaneous system. Due to the lack of sufficient cellularity and low growth factor activity, healing of disrupted digital flexor tendon is troublesome and the process is lengthy and ineffective. bFGF and VEGFA gene were proved to be responsible and critical for promoting tendon healing. How to continuously enhance expression of these genes is a challenge. In this study, we developed a combination therapeutic approach that corrects the fundamental problem underlying intrasynovial tendon healing with introduction of growth factor genes via non-viral vector nanoparticle. PLGA nanoparticles as vehicle were used to delivery bFGF+VEGFA genes into injured tendon tissues. The expression of bFGF and VEGFA was upregulated in the tenocytes after transfection. We injected nanoparticle/bFGF+VEGFA gene complexes into injured tendons producing sufficient amounts of these factors required during early tendon healing period. After treatment, the ultimate strength of repaired tendons treated with nanoparticle/bFGF+VEGFA plasmid complexes was significantly increased, and combination therapy could also enhance flexor tendon gliding function. Therefore, combination gene therapy via nanoparticles may be an effective biological strategy for tendon repair.

Inhibitory effects of Genistein on hyperoxia-induced retinal neovascularization

Objective To investigate the effect of Genistein, a tyrosinase inhibitor, on retinal neovascularization in mice. Methods Thirty-six 7-day-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into hyperoxia-induced group, Genistein group, DMSO group and normal control group.The mice in the hyperoxia-induced group, Genistein group and DMSO group were fed in a static chamber with the oxygen volume fraction (75±2)% for 5 days and then sent back to natural environment for 5 days to establish retinal neovascular models, and 1 μl Genistein diluted by 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (400 mg/L) and 1 μl DMSO were intravitreally injected in the 12-day-old mice of Genistein group and DMSO group, respectively.The mice in the normal control group were bred in natural environment.The fluorescence angiography was carried out in 17-day-old mice (2 mice in each group) to prepare the whole retinal flatmounts, and the morphology of retinal vessels was observed under the fluorescence microscope.The other mice in various groups were sacrificed and the retinas were collected.The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively.The use and care of the mice complied with regulations for the management of laboratory animals. Results Retinal vessels were normal in the mice of normal control group.In the mice of the hyperoxia-induced group and DMSO group, retinal vessels were tortuous, and neovacularization and non-perfusion areas were visible.In the Genistein group, retinal vessels were clearly visible, but non-perfusion areas were exhibited.The relative expression levels of VEGF mRNA in retinas were 0.64±0.25, 0.37±0.23, 0.03±0.02 and 0.04±0.02, and the relative expression levels of bFGF mRNA in retinas were 21.40±3.07, 17.22±2.63, 0.52±0.25 and 0.67±0.23, in the hyperoxia-induced group, DMSO group, Genistein group and normal control group, and the expressions of VEGF and bFGF in mRNA level in the hyperoxia-induced group and DMSO group were significantly higher than those in the Genistein group and normal control group (all at P<0.05). The protein expression levels of VEGF and bFGF were 1.01±0.05 and 0.97±0.06 in the hyperoxia-induced group, 1.06±0.07 and 1.03±0.08 in the DMSO group, 0.73±0.05 and 0.76±0.07 in the Genistein group, 0.52±0.05 and 0.56±0.05 in the normal control group.The expressions of VEGF and bFGF in protein level in the hyperoxia-induced group and DMSO group were significantly higher than those in the Genistein group and normal control group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions Genistein can inhibit hyperoxia-induced retinal neovascularization may be by down-regulating the expressions of VEGF and bFGF in retinas. Key words: Angiogenesis inhibitors/pharmacology; Neovascularization, retinal; hyperoxia; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Fibroblast growth factor

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Protects Astrocytes Against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Upregulating the Caveolin-1/VEGF Signaling Pathway.

A previous in vivo study demonstrated that intracerebroventricular injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats increased the expression of caveolin-1 (cav-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cerebral ischemia penumbra. Because astrocytes are the largest population in the brain, the aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the influence of bFGF on cav-1 and VEGF expression in rat astrocytes following oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). For this, an ischemic model in vitro of oxygen glucose deprivation lasting for 6h, followed by 24h of reoxygenation was used. Primary astrocytes from newborn rats were pre-treated with siRNA targeting bFGF before OGD/R. Cell viability was measured by a CCK-8 assay. The protein and mRNA expressions of bFGF, cav-1, and VEGF were evaluated by western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that OGD/R reduced cell viability, which was decreased further following bFGF knockdown; however, restoring bFGF improved cell survival. A cav-1 inhibitor abrogated the effect of bFGF on cell viability. The expression levels of bFGF mRNA, bFGF protein, cav-1 mRNA, cav-1 protein, and VEGF protein were higher in OGD/R astrocytes. bFGF knockdown markedly decreased the expression levels of cav-1 mRNA, cav-1 protein, and VEGF protein, which were effectively reversed by exogenous bFGF treatment. Moreover, exogenous bFGF treatment significantly increased the expression levels of cav-1 mRNA, cav-1 protein, and VEGF protein in OGD/R astrocytes; however, a cav-1 inhibitor abolished the effect of bFGF on VEGF protein expression. These results suggested that bFGF may protect astrocytes against ischemia/reperfusion injury by upregulating caveolin-1/VEGF signaling pathway.

Effect of Totoaba macdonaldi -meat collagen peptides on wound healing in mice

Totoaba macdonaldi-meat collagen peptides(TMCP)with molecular weight of 837 Da obtained from Mexican farmed Totoaba used combinative enzyme to investigate its effects on wound healing in mice. 40 healthy male ICR mice were underwent surgical full-thickness incision with a diameter of 8 mm and were divided into 4 groups,which were normal control group and 0.66,1.33,2.0 g/kg·bw TMCP groups. TMCP were orally administered by gavage to mice in TMCP group from post-operation,and the control mice were given vehicle only for 14 d. The healing of the wound were observed every 2 d. Necropsy was performed on postoperative 7 and 14 d. The wound tissues were excised for HE staining,Masson staining,hydroxyproline measurement and immunohistochemical analysis. According to results,TMCP-M and TMCP-H had highly significant positive effect on all indexes(p<0.01). TMCP-L could highly significantly increase the healing rate,collagen content,VEGF and bFGF expression on 14 d(p<0.01).TMCP groups could promote collagen producing and tissue remodeling. TMCP had potential to promote wound healing and could be used in high-quality oral healthy products,that would provide a theoretical basis for high-efficient utilization

Downregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor increases cisplatin sensitivity in A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells.

The objective of the study is to investigate the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in sensitivity to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells and its effect on the stemness characteristics of NSCLC cells, revealing possible mechanisms of cisplatin resistance. After A549 cells were treated with cisplatin, bFGF protein expression was analyzed by Western blot. A549 cells were transfected with bFGF small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and the knockdown efficiency was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. After bFGF downregulation, A549 cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The effect of bFGF siRNA on the sensitivity to cisplatin was evaluated by cell viability assays and flow cytometry for cell apoptosis. Colony formation assay was performed to explore whether bFGF affected the stemness characteristics of A549 cells, and OCT-4 protein expression was analyzed by Western blot after bFGF siRNA treatment. Cisplatin treatment enhanced bFGF expression in A549 cells. After A549 cells were transfected with bFGF siRNAs, bFGF expression was significantly decreased compared to that in the negative control siRNA group. In addition, bFGF knockdown inhibited A549 cell proliferation. bFGF siRNA treatment enhanced the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of cisplatin on cell viability and promoted cisplatin-induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Further analyses showed that bFGF siRNA treatment not only significantly decreased colony formation in A549 cells but also downregulated OCT-4 protein expression. bFGF decreased NSCLC sensitivity to cisplatin in vitro, while it enhanced colony formation ability and increased OCT-4 expression of A549 cells, which might account for its involved mechanisms of cisplatin resistance.

The comparison of the mrna expressions of tgfbeta1, bfgf, igf-1, ngf and matrix metalloprotease iii genes in cervical and lumbar disc tissues

Aim: To evaluate and compare the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes between the cervical and lumbar degenerated disc tissues. Material and Methods: Obtained degenerated Nucleus Pulposus (DNP) materials were divided into two groups, which were cervical DNP (Group I) (n=20) and lumbar DNP (Group II) (n=20). There are 6 men and 14 women in group I with a mean age of 43.8 years and 13 men and 7 women in group II with the mean age of 40.3 years (28 to 54). All cervical DNP materials were obtained between C5 and C6 and all lumbar DNP materials were obtained between L4 and L5 levels. The TGFβ1, bFGF, IGF-1, NGF and Matrix metalloprotease III (MMP III) gene expressions of DNP materials were determined by polymerase chain reaction, Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting techniques.Results: When the results of the two groups were compared by polymerase chain reaction, the expressions of TGFβ1, bFGF, IGF-1, NGF and MMP III was found lower in lumbar DNP group. Also the TGFβ1, bFGF, IGF-1, NGF, and Matrix metalloprotease III genes showed a decrease in gene expression levels when they were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction. Conclusion: These data showed that; decrease of the TGFβ1, bFGF, IGF-1, NGF and MMP III genes in the degenerated lumbar disc tissues, may related with the possibility of molecular background of the disease pathogenesis.

The effects of Anadara granosa shell-Stichopus hermanni on bFGF expressions and blood vessel counts in the bone defect healing process of Wistar rats

Background: Bone damage can be caused by various factors with treatment usually involving graft materials being applied to the defective area. Moreover, in the bone defect healing process, blood vessels are also considered to be an important energy source for cell proliferation. One of the angiogenic factors playing an important role in blood vessel formation is basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Furthermore, synthesized hydroxyapatite derived from Anadara granosa (AG) shells constitutes one of the potential materials for use in bone graft. The gold sea cucumber genus Stichopus hermanni (SH) possesses the ability to stimulate endothelial progenitor cells inducing bFGF. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effects of AG shells and SH on bFGF expressions and blood vessel counts within the bone healing process. Methods: Twenty four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups, namely: a control group (C), a treatment group was administered with blood cockle shell (AG), and a treatment group with blood cockle shell and golden sea cucumber (AG+SH). Defects were made on their femurs measuring half the diameter of a circular, no. 018. bur These rats were subsequently sacrificed on day 7 after surgery. The expressions of bFGF were measured by means of IHC technique, while the number of blood vessels was quantified using HE technique. The resulting data was subjected to statistical analysis using an Anova test followed by an LSD test (p &lt; 0.05). Results: The one-way Anova test results combined with those of an LSD test showed there to be significant differences in bFGF expressions and blood vessel counts between the control group (K) and the treatment group (AG) as well as between the treatment group (AG) and the treatment group (AG+SH). Conclusions: A combination of Anadara granosa shell and Stichopus hermanni can increase the expression of bFGF and the number of blood vessels on day 7 during the bone healing process in Wistar rats.

A novel cell exclusion zone assay with a barrier made from room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber.

ObjectiveTo examine the usefulness of room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber as a barrier material for cell exclusion zone assays.MethodsWe created barriers using three types of RTV silicone rubber with differing viscosities. We then assessed the adherence of these barriers to culture dishes and their ease of removal from the dishes. We tested the effect of the newly created barriers on the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin by attaching and then removing them from fibronectin-coated culture dishes. We also conducted cell exclusion zone assays with MIO-M1 cells using this new barrier in order to measure cell migration. We used real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining to measure the effect of fibronectin on MIO-M1 cell migration and the effect of migration (with fibronectin coating) on basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression in MIO-M1 cells.ResultsOf the three types of RTV silicon rubber tested, KE-3495-T was the best in terms of adherence to the dish and ease of removal from the dish. When barrier attachment and removal tests were performed, this rubber type did not have an effect on the fibronectin that coated the dish. In the cell exclusion assay, removal of the barrier revealed that a cell-free area with a distinct margin had been created, which allowed us to conduct a quantitative assessment of migration. Fibronectin significantly promoted the migration of MIO-M1 cells (P = 0.02). In addition, both real time RT-PCR and immunohistological staining indicated that bFGF expression in migrating MIO-M1 cells was significantly higher than that in non-migrating cells (P = 0.03).ConclusionsRTV silicone rubber can be used to create an effective barrier in cell exclusion zone assays and allows simple and low-cost multi-parametric analysis of cell migration.

Corneal Neovascularization: A Combined Approach of Bevacizumab and Suramin Showed Increased Antiangiogenic Effect Through Downregulation of BFGF and P2X2

ABSTRACTPurpose: The objective is to analyze the antiangiogenic mechanism of suramab, a pharmaceutical compound of bevacizumab and suramin, in a rabbit model of corneal angiogenesis.Material and Methods: Corneal neovascularization was induced in four groups of six New Zealand White rabbits by applying a filter paper disk soaked in 1 M Na (OH) on the central cornea. Group one was treated after injury with intravenous suramab at a dose equivalent to 3 mg/kg of bevacizumab and 10 mg/kg of suramin. Group two was treated with intravenous bevacizumab (5 mg/kg). Group three was treated with 10 mg/kg of suramin while the control group received no treatment. Digital photographs were taken at days 9, 15, 21, and 35. Neovessel formation was quantified giving a 0–4 score to each quadrant according to the centripetal growth of the longest vessel (neovessel index, NVI). Animals were sacrificed at day 35. Corneas were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry, and Western-blot using primary antibodies against P2X2, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), LYVE-1, PECAM-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A).Results: Suramab significantly reduced neovessel growth (mean NVI: 4.2) compared to bevacizumab (8.4), suramin (7.22), and control animals (12.2) at 35 days post-injury (p < 0.01). A lower protein expression of P2X2, bFGF, LYVE-1, PECAM-1, and VEGF-A was found in the cornea of suramab animals than in the other groups of animals.Conclusions: Joint downregulation of bFGF, P2X2, bFGF, and LYVE-1 constitutes a mechanism that induces greater and longer inhibition of corneal angiogenesis. Results might be relevant to ophthalmic care. Ocular administration of suramab is currently being investigated.