Connective Tissue Growth Factor Levels Research Articles

Elevated Serum IGFBP-2 and CTGF Levels Are Associated with Disease Activity in Patients with Dermatomyositis.

Background Insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) participate in angiogenesis. Dermatomyositis (DM) is characterized by microvasculopathy-derived skin lesions. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of serum IGFBP and CTGF levels in DM patients. Methods In this study, 65 DM patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum IGFBP and CTGF levels were examined by ELISA, and their correlation with clinical and laboratory findings was analyzed by Spearman's correlation. Results Serum IGFBP-2, IGFBP-4, and CTGF levels were higher in DM patients than in healthy controls (median (quartile): 258.9 (176.4–326.1) ng/mL vs. 167.7 (116.1–209.4) ng/mL, p < 0.0001; 450.4 (327.3–631.8) ng/mL vs. 392.2 (339.0–480.2) ng/mL, p = 0.04; and 45.71 (38.54–57.45) ng/mL vs. 35.52 (30.23–41.52) ng/mL, p = 0.001, respectively). IGFBP-2 and CTGF levels were positively correlated with cutaneous (r = 0.257, p = 0.040 and r = 0.427, p = 0.015, respectively) and global (r = 0.380, p = 0.002 and r = 0.292, p = 0.019, respectively) disease activity in DM patients. Conclusion Serum IGFBP-2 and CTGF levels were increased in patients with DM and correlated with cutaneous and global disease activity.

The value of plasma hypoxia markers for predicting imaging-based hypoxia in patients with head-and-neck cancers undergoing definitive chemoradiation

BackgroundTumor hypoxia worsens the prognosis of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, and plasma hypoxia markers may be used as biomarkers for radiotherapy personalization. We therefore investigated the role of the hypoxia-associated plasma proteins osteopontin, galectin-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as surrogate markers for imaging-based tumor hypoxia. MethodsSerial blood samples of HNSCC patients receiving chemoradiation within a prospective trial were analyzed for osteopontin, galectin-3, VEGF and CTGF concentrations. Tumor hypoxia was quantified in treatment weeks 0, 2 and 5 using [18F]FMISO PET/CT. The association between PET-defined hypoxia and the plasma markers was determined using Pearson’s correlation analyses. Receiver-operating characteristic analyses were conducted to reveal the diagnostic value of the hypoxia markers. ResultsBaseline osteopontin (r = 0.579, p < 0.01) and galectin-3 (r = 0.429, p < 0.05) correlated with the hypoxic subvolume (HSV) prior to radiotherapy, whereas VEGF (r = 0.196, p = 0.36) and CTGF (r = 0.314, p = 0.12) showed no association. Patients with an HSV > 1 mL in week 2 exhibited increased VEGF (p < 0.05) and CTGF (p < 0.05) levels in week 5. Pretherapeutic osteopontin levels were higher in patients exhibiting residual hypoxia at the end of treatment (104.7 vs. 60.8 ng/mL, p < 0.05) and could therefore predict residual hypoxia (AUC = 0.821, 95% CI 0.604–1.000, p < 0.05). ConclusionIn this exploratory analysis, osteopontin correlated with the initial HSV and with residual tumor hypoxia; therefore, there may be a rationale to study hypoxic modification based on osteopontin levels. However, as plasma hypoxia markers do not correspond to any spatial information of tumor hypoxia, they have limitations regarding the replacement of [18F]FMISO PET-based focal treatments. The results need to be validated in larger patient cohorts to draw definitive conclusions.

Serotoninergic receptor ligands improve Tamoxifen effectiveness on breast cancer cells

BackgroundSerotonin (or 5-Hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signals in mammary gland becomes dysregulated in cancer, also contributing to proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Thus, the discovery of novel compounds targeting serotonin signaling may contribute to tailor new therapeutic strategies usable in combination with endocrine therapies. We have previously synthesized serotoninergic receptor ligands (SER) with high affinity and selectivity towards 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, the main mediators of mitogenic effect of serotonin in breast cancer (BC). Here, we investigated the effect of 10 SER on viability of MCF7, SKBR3 and MDA-MB231 BC cells and focused on their potential ability to affect Tamoxifen responsiveness in ER+ cells.MethodsCell viability has been assessed by sulforhodamine B assay. Cell cycle has been analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene expression of 5-HT receptors and Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) has been checked by RT-PCR; mRNA levels of CTGF and ABC transporters have been further measured by qPCR. Protein levels of 5-HT2C receptors have been analyzed by Western blot. All data were statistically analyzed using GraphPad Prism 7.ResultsWe found that treatment with SER for 72 h reduced viability of BC cells. SER were more effective on MCF7 ER+ cells (IC50 range 10.2 μM - 99.2 μM) compared to SKBR3 (IC50 range 43.3 μM - 260 μM) and MDA-MB231 BC cells (IC50 range 91.3 μM - 306 μM). This was paralleled by accumulation of cells in G0/G1 phase of cell cycle. Next, we provided evidence that two ligands, SER79 and SER68, improved the effectiveness of Tamoxifen treatment in MCF7 cells and modulated the expression of CTGF, without affecting viability of MCF10A non-cancer breast epithelial cells. In a cell model of Tamoxifen resistance, SER68 also restored drug effect independently of CTGF.ConclusionsThese results identified serotoninergic receptor ligands potentially usable in combination with Tamoxifen to improve its effectiveness on ER+ BC patients.

Padrão de expressão dos genes CRYAB e CTGF em duas raças de suínos em altitudes diferentes

ABSTRACT Tibetan pigs are characterized by significant phenotypic differences relative to lowland pigs. Our previous study demonstrated that the genes CRYAB and CTGF were differentially expressed in heart tissues between Tibetan (highland breed) and Yorkshire (lowland breed) pigs, indicating that they might participate in hypoxia adaptation. CRYAB (ɑB-crystallin) and CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) have also been reported to be associated with lung development. However, the expression patterns of CRYAB and CTGF in lung tissues at different altitudes and their genetic characterization are not well understood. In this study, qRT-PCR and western blot of lung tissue revealed higher CRYAB expression levels in highland and middle-highland Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs than in their lowland counterparts. With an increase in altitude, the expression level of CTGF increased in Tibetan pigs, whereas it decreased in Yorkshire pigs. Furthermore, two novel single-nucleotide polymorphism were identified in the 5′ flanking region of CRYAB (g.39644482C&gt;T and g.39644132T&gt;C) and CTGF (g.31671748A&gt;G and g.31671773T&gt;G). The polymorphism may partially contribute to the differences in expression levels between groups at the same altitude. These findings provide novel insights into the high-altitude hypoxia adaptations of Tibetan pigs.

High shear stress attenuated arterial neointimal hyperplasia accompanied by changes in yes-associated protein/jun N-terminal kinase/vascular cell adhesion protein 1 expression.

Abnormal neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) is known as the predominant mechanism in the pathogenesis of arterial restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Low shear stress (SS) is known to augment balloon injury-induced NIH. The aim of this study is to study the effect and mechanisms of an increase of shear stress caused by arteriovenous fistula could alleviate arterial NIH caused by balloon injury. Eighteen male rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: BI-the rabbits received a balloon injury to right common carotid artery (CCA). BI+AVF-the rabbits received a balloon injury to right CCA and a carotid-jugular AVF. Control-the animals received no surgery. After 21days, CCA samples were harvested for histological staining, immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis. The luminal shear stress of the BI+AVF group increased from 13.8 ± 1.0dyn/cm2 before surgery to 30.9 ± 1.7dyn/cm2 right after surgery (p < 0.01). This value was higher than that of the BI or Control groups at any timepoint. The neointimal area and neointima/media area ratio in the BI+AVF group were significantly lower than those in the BI group. In the BI group, the cellular proliferation, the protein levels of yes-associated protein (YAP), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (pJNK), and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM1) increased, whereas the protein levels of SMCs specific genes decreased. In the BI+AVF group, the opposite effect was observed as cellular proliferation and the protein levels of YAP, CTGF, pJNK, and VCAM1 decreased, the protein levels of SMCs specific genes increased. The arteriovenous fistula alleviated the balloon injury-induced arterial NIH. It elevated the luminal shear stress and inhibited SMCs phenotypic modulation to the synthetic state, as well as suppressing the over-activation of YAP, JNK, and VCAM1.

Role of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and connective tissue growth factor levels in coronavirus disease-2019-related lung Injury: a prospective, observational, cohort study.

ABSTRACTBackground: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) results in acute lung injury. This study examined the usefulness of serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) levels in predicting disease severity in COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement.Methods: Fifty patients with confirmed COVID-19 and pulmonary involvement between September 2020, and February 2021 (Group 1) and 45 healthy controls (Group 2) were classified into three subgroups based on clinical severity: moderate, severe, and critical pneumonia. Serum TGF-β1 and CTGF concentrations were measured on days 1 and 7 of admission in Group 1 using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These concentrations were also measured in control cases. The mean serum TGF-β1 and CTGF levels were then compared among COVID-19 patients, based on clinical severity.Results: Significantly higher mean serum TGF-β1 and CTGF levels were observed on both days in Group 1 than in the control group. The mean serum TGF-β1 and CTGF levels on day 7 were also significantly higher than those on day 1 in Group 1. The critical patient group had the highest serum TGF-β1 and CTGF levels on both days, and the difference between this group and the moderate and severe pneumonia groups was significant. Cutoff values of 5.36 ng/mL for TGF-β1 and 626.2 pg/mL for CTGF emerged as predictors of COVID-19 with pulmonary involvement in receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis. Conclusions: TGF-β1 and CTGF are potential markers that can distinguish COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement and indicate disease severity. These findings may be useful for initiating treatment for early-stage COVID-19.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE GROWTH FACTOR (CTGF) AS A PROMOTER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FIBROSIS IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY BILIARY CHOLANGITIS

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an immune-mediated disease, is characterized by destroying the intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to progressive damage to the biliary tree, cholestasis, and development of progressive fibrosis leading to cirrhosis with all its complications. The development of fibrosis is multifactorial and includes connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). in a mouse model of cholestasis by bile duct ligation, the hepatic and serum increase in CTGF associated with the progression of fibrosis was demonstrated. Our goal was to determine the relationship between CTGF levels and their association with the development of fibrosis in patients with PBC. Prospective, cross-sectional, and analytical study, including patients with PBC. The degree of fibrosis was determined by transient elastography (Fibroscan). Serum concentrations of FCTC-8pg/ml were quantified, for statistical analysis, the SPSS version 25.0 software was used; the medians (Q3, Q1) of CTGF, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, and degree of fibrosis were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test with significantly less than 0.05. We included 30 patients, 29 women (96.6%) and 1 man (3.4%), with a mean age of 55.5±12.4 years. Overexpression of CTGF protein was shown in 28 subjects (93.3%). Regarding the degree of fibrosis, all patients were categorized into one of two stages: Significant fibrosis (F2) and cirrhosis (F4). The F2 group had 11 patients with a median and standard deviation for CTGF of 915.9 and 522.9, respectively; The F4 group had 19 patients who showed a median: 945.7 (1313.85-738.32); p :0.025 . In relation to the differences between fibrosis levels and markers of alkaline phosphatase cholestasis, the median and interquartile ranges F2: 79 (180.60) F4: 169(266-5.84) p : 0.066 ; GGT: F2: 1.51(7.7-1,04); F4: 1.2(2-1.92) p:0.746 In (Figure 1) The difference in medians of patients with different degrees of fibrosis and different concentration of CTGF is shown, confirming the association between peptide and the development and progression of fibrosis. According to the results obtained in patients with CBP and chronic cholestasis, the increase in CTGF showed significant differences between the degree of fibrosis and its levels; this could perhaps be interpreted as if it were an important factor for the development and progression of liver fibrosis, taking into account the antecedent of the initial study in mice with bile duct ligation and secondary cholestasis, where this factor was overexpressed at the hepatic and serum level in subjects with advanced fibrosis. It will be important to add more samples to this work and compare it with healthy controls to have better evidence. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) probably participates directly in the processes of synthesis of extracellular matrix and therefore in the progression of fibrosis in subjects with primary biliary cholangitis, which makes it a possibility of a therapeutic target to develop in future studies. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Circ-MKLN1/miR-377-3p/CTGF Axis Regulates the TGF-β2-induced Posterior Capsular Opacification in SRA01/04 Cells

ABSTRACTObjectivePosterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative ocular complication after cataract surgery. Little research focused on the regulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PCO. This study was designed to investigate the function of circRNA-muskelin (circ-MKLN1) in PCO.MethodsSRA01/04 cells were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. Cell viability was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Transwell assay was used for cell migration and invasion detection. Cell migration was also measured by wound healing assay. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were quantified using western blot.ResultsCell viability, migration, invasion and EMT process in SRA01/04 cells were facilitated by TGF-β2. Circ-MKLN1 expression was enhanced in 17 PCO lens samples relative to 19 normal lens samples and TGF-β2-treated SRA01/04 cells contrasted to control cells. Downregulation of circ-MKLN1 inhibited the effects of TGF-β2 on SRA01/04 cells. Circ-MKLN1 targeted miR-377-3p and the regulation of si-circ-MKLN1 for the TGF-β2-induced influences was related to the upregulation of miR-377-3p. CTGF was the target gene for miR-377-3p. CTGF knockdown also abolished the TGF-β2-mediated cell growth, migration and invasion of SRA01/04 cells. The function of miR-377-3p was achieved by reducing the CTGF level. TGF-β2-induced CTGF expression promotion was alleviated by si-circ-MKLN1 through upregulating the expression of miR-377-3p.ConclusionThese results showed that circ-MKLN1 contributed to the progression of PCO in vitro by increasing the CTGF expression via sponging miR-377-3p. Circ-MKLN1 might be important for improving the molecular target therapy in PCO.

Influence of Silica Exposure for Lung Silicosis Rat.

Objective To investigate the influence of silica exposure on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in lung silicosis rat. Methods Wistar rats were divided into an experimental group and a control group. In the experimental group, rats were exposed to silica by intratracheal instillation. In the control group, rats were exposed to physiological saline by intratracheal instillation. After 45 days, we compared the level of fibrosis and CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF in the lungs by immunohistochemistry or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction between the two groups. Results The results showed that the expression levels of CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF mRNA were significantly higher in the experimental group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The positive staining of CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF mRNA was found in the cytoplasm, especially in the silicotic nodules of the hyalinisation section and cell endochylema of the alveolar macrophages, type II pneumonocytes, and lung tracheal epithelium. There were significantly positive correlations between CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF expressions (P < 0.05). A protein–protein interaction analysis showed interactions between TGF-β1, CTGF, and PDGF. Conclusions TGF-β/CTGF signaling pathway plays an important role in silicosis. Silicon dioxide exposure can induce the expression of CTGF, TGF-β1, and PDGF.

Impacts of Metformin on Local Ovarian Cell Tissue of Rats with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Intestinal Flora Under Aerobic Exercise

In order to explore the possible treatment mechanism of metformin on the local ovarian cell tissue of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 35 female clean sterile rats were selected as the research objects in this study, and randomly divided a PCOS model group (PCOS MG) (25 rats) and a control group (CG) (10 rats). After the modelling was completed, 5 rats were randomly selected to evaluate the modelling effect. When the success rate was higher than 80%, the remaining model rats were divided into two groups randomly, namely the (PCOS MG) (10 rats) and the treatment group (TG) (10 rats). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed on ovarian tissue of the rat, and the ovarian tissue structure was observed under light microscope. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the distribution and expression levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) on the ovaries of rats in each group. It was found by observing the vaginal smear under the microscope that the rats in the (PCOS MG) had lost the regular estrous cycle, suggesting that there was no ovulation. The expression levels of TNF-α and CTGF in rats in the (PCOS MG) were greatly higher than those in the CG (P &lt; 0.05); compared with the (PCOS MG), the expression levels of TNF-α and CTGF in the TG were decreased observably (P &lt; 0.05). IGF-I was mainly expressed in granulosa cells (GCs) and follicular membrane cells (FMCs) of the ovarian tissue. The expression level of IGF-I in ovarian GCs in rats in the (PCOS MG) was significantly higher than that in the CG (P &lt; 0.05). The expression level of IGF-I in GCs in the TG was lower significantly than that in the (PCOS MG) (P &lt; 0.05). By comparing with rats in the CG, the rats in the (PCOS MG) had obviously decreased Actinobacteria and Betaproteobacteria in the intestinal tract, and the proportion of Firmicutes in the intestine was significantly increased; the amount of butyric acid in the faeces of rats with aerobic exercise was obviously higher than that in the (PCOS MG), because exercise increased the proportion of intestinal butyric acid-producing bacteria. Conclusion: metformin combined with aerobic exercise can treat the PCOS by regulating serum hormone levels and the expression levels of TNF-α, IGF-I, and CTGF.

Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 regulates transforming growth factor β1-connective tissue growth factor pathway in chronic rhinosinusitis

PurposeSerum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) has been identified as a crucial regulator in fibrotic disorders. Herein, we explored SGK1 role in tissue remodeling of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). MethodsLentivirus was employed to generate an SGK1-overexpressing human bronchial epithelial cell (16HBE) line. To screen SGK1 downstream genes, RNA sequencing was performed on SGK1-overexpressing and control cell lines. To determine protein and gene expression levels, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed. Correlation analysis was performed using mRNA expression levels of SGK1, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) derived from CRS mucosal tissue and GEO database. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted using gene sets from Molecular Signatures Database. The severity of symptoms in CRS patients was assessed using the 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test. ResultsSGK1 overexpression significantly increased the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in 16HBE cells (P < 0.01). Consistently, CTGF protein level was considerably greater in mucosal tissue of CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) than in CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) (P < 0.05) or in control subjects (P < 0.01). TGF-β1 protein level was higher in mucosal tissue of CRSsNP patients than in CRSwNP patients (P < 0.001) or in the control group (P < 0.01). mRNA levels of SGK1 and CTGF (P < 0.05, r = 0.668; P = 0.001, r = 0.630), TGF-β1 and CTGF (P < 0.05, r = 0.560; P < 0.05, r = 0.420), as well as SGK1 and TGF-β1(P < 0.05, r = 0.612; P < 0.05, r = 0.524) were significantly correlated in CRS mucosal tissue and GSE36830 dataset, respectively. TGF-β1-induced upregulated genes were significantly enriched in SGK1 overexpression group. In vitro assays, TGF-β1 promoted SGK1 and CTGF expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Administrating an SGK1 inhibitor, GSK650394, significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced CTGF expression in 16HBE and dispersed primary nasal polyp cells. ConclusionsTGF-β1 stimulation significantly increases SGK1 and CTGF expression. By regulating TGF-β1-CTGF pathway, SGK1 may participate in tissue remodeling in the pathological mechanism of CRS.

High carbohydrate high fat diet causes arterial hypertension and histological changes in the aortic wall in aged rats: The involvement of connective tissue growth factors and fibronectin

BackgroundAge and diabetes are risk factors for arterial hypertension. However, the relationship between age, connective tissue growth factors, vascular aging and arterial hypertension while on a the high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHFD) remains poorly understood. PurposeTo estimate the relationship between humoral factors, the morphological changes of aorta and impaired blood pressure regulation under the influence of age and a HCHFD. MethodsA study was carried out in male Wistar rats, which were divided into the following groups: 1st (n = 15) - naive young rats; 2nd (n = 15) – young rats, exposed to HCHFD; 3rd (n = 14) – naive old rats; 4th (n = 12) - old rats exposed to HCHFD. The age of old rats was 540 days, and young rats 150 days at the end of the diet. HCHFD contained proteins 16%, fats 21%, carbohydrates 46%, including 17% fructose, 0.125% cholesterol, 90 days. Blood pressure and body weight were measured weekly, carbohydrate metabolism, histological signs of changes in the aorta, serum transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin, and endothelin-1 levels were determined one week after the onset of diet. ResultsThe severity of arterial hypertension and its histological signs in the aortic wall was found to be most pronounced in elderly rats kept on a HCHFD. In young rats kept on a HCHFD, arterial hypertension was transient. An increase in systolic blood pressure has a positive correlation with the degree of obesity, serum fibronectin, and endothelin-1 content, and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. The rise in diastolic blood pressure has a positive correlation with the serum CTGF, endothelin-1, fibronectin levels and aortic wall thickness, and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. A rise in the serum concentration of fibronectin was also associated with increased endothelin-1, TGFβ and CTGF serum levels. ConclusionThis study indicated that an increase in blood pressure in old rats with a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet is due to a disturbance of a structure of the vascular wall, the release of fibronectin, which can occur under the influence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders, endothelin-1, TGFβ and CTGF.

BMP6 increases CD68 expression by up-regulating CTGF expression in human granulosa-lutein cells

Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are critical growth factors required for normal follicular development and luteal function. Cluster of Differentiation 68 (CD68) is an intraovarian marker of macrophages that plays an important role in modulating the physiological regression of the corpus luteum. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of BMP6 on the expression of CTGF and the subsequent increase in CD68 expression as well as its underlying mechanisms. Primary and immortalized (SVOG) human granulosa cells obtained from infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment were used as cell models to conduct the in vitro experiments. Our results showed that BMP6 treatment significantly increased the expression levels of CTGF and CD68. Using BMP type I receptor inhibitors (dorsomorphin, DMH-1 and SB431542), we demonstrated that both activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)2 and ALK3 are involved in BMP6-induced stimulatory effects on the expression of CTGF and CD68. Additionally, SMAD4-knock down reversed the BMP6-induced up-regulation of CTGF and CD68, indicating that the canonical SMAD signaling pathway is required for these effects. Moreover, CTGF-knock down abolished the BMP6-induced up-regulation of CD68 expression. These findings indicate that intrafollicular CTGF mediates BMP6-induced increases in CD68 expression through the ALK2/ALK3-mediated SMAD-dependent signaling pathway.

Lower expression of Hsa_circRNA_102682 in diabetic hyperhomocysteinemia negatively related to creatinemia is associated with TGF‐β and CTGF

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease caused by long‐term hyperglycemia. Hsa_circRNA_102682 is related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is related to hypertension and proteinuria, and diabetic nephropathy is mainly manifested by hypertension and proteinuria. The main pathological change in diabetic nephropathy is glomerular fibrosis.MethodsThis study used serum samples of patients treated at Li Huili Eastern Hospital, Ningbo, China, from July 10, 2018 to February 15, 2019. We included 73 patients with diabetes and divided them into a normal‐homocysteine group and a high‐homocysteine group. We selected used quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction to measure Hsa_circRNA_102682 concentration in the serum. Serum transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor levels were tested using ELISA. The Pearson correlation test was used to assess the correlations between Hsa_circRNA_102682, transforming growth factor‐beta, connective tissue growth factor, homocysteine, and creatinine.ResultHsa_circRNA_102682 was significantly lower in diabetic patients with high levels of homocysteine than in those with normal levels of homocysteine, whereas transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor levels were higher in diabetic patients with hyperhomocysteinemia. Hsa_circRNA_102682 was negatively correlated with the levels of transforming growth factor‐beta, connective tissue growth factor, homocysteine, and creatinine. Transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor were both positively correlated with homocysteine and creatinine.ConclusionLow Hsa_circRNA_102682 was associated with high levels of transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor as well as homocysteine and creatinine. These results suggest that Hsa_circRNA_102682 might be related to the pathogenesis of hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetic nephropathy.

Fabrication of Drug-Eluting Polycaprolactone/poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Prolapse Mats Using Solution-Extrusion 3D Printing and Coaxial Electrospinning Techniques.

We developed biodegradable drug-eluting prolapse mats using solution-extrusion 3D printing and coaxial electrospinning techniques. The mats were composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh and lidocaine-, estradiol-, metronidazole-, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)-incorporated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers that mimic the structure of the natural extracellular matrix of most connective tissues. The mechanical properties of degradable prolapse membrane were assessed and compared to commercial non-degradable polypropylene knitted meshes clinically used for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. The release behaviors of the drug-loaded hybrid degradable membranes were also characterized. The experimental results suggest that 3D-printed PCL meshes exhibited comparable strengths to commercial POP meshes and survived through 10,000 cycles of fatigue test without breakage. Hybrid PCL meshes/PLGA nanofibrous membranes provided a sustainable release of metronidazole, lidocaine, and estradiol for 4, 25, and 30 days, respectively, in vitro. The membranes further liberated high levels of CTGF for more than 30 days. The animal tests show that the mechanical property of PCL mesh decreased with time, mainly due to degradation of the polymers post-implantation. No adverse effect of the mesh/nanofibers was noted in the histological images. By adopting solution-extrusion 3D printing and coaxial electrospinning, degradable drug-eluting membranes can be fabricated for POP applications.

Dysregulation of PI3K and Hippo signaling pathways synergistically induces chronic pancreatitis via CTGF upregulation.

The role of PI3K and Hippo signaling in chronic pancreatitis (CP) pathogenesis is unclear. Therefore, we assessed the involvement of these pathways in CP by examining the PI3K and Hippo signaling components PTEN and SAV1, respectively. We observed significant decreases in pancreatic PTEN and SAV1 levels in 2 murine CP models: repeated cerulein injection and pancreatic ductal ligation. Additionally, pancreas-specific deletion of Pten and Sav1 (DKO) induced CP in mice. Pancreatic connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was markedly upregulated in both CP models and DKO mice, and pancreatic CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (CEBPA) expression was downregulated in the CP models. Interestingly, in pancreatic acinar cells (PACs), CEBPA knockdown reduced PTEN and SAV1 and increased CTGF levels in vitro. Furthermore, CEBPA knockdown in PACs induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and activation of cocultured macrophages and pancreatic stellate cells. These results were mitigated by CTGF inhibition. CP in DKO mice was also ameliorated by Ctgf gene deletion, and cerulein-induced CP was alleviated by antibody-mediated CTGF neutralization. Finally, we observed significantly decreased PTEN, SAV1, and CEBPA and increased CTGF levels in human CP tissues compared with nonpancreatitis tissues. Taken together, our results indicate that dysregulation of PI3K and Hippo signaling induces CP via CTGF upregulation.

Intergenerational effects of the antioxidant Idebenone on the placentas of rats with gestational diabetes mellitus

Experimental models of maternal diabetes lead to the intrauterine programming of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the offspring, together with an intrauterine proinflammatory environment, feto-placental metabolic alterations and fetal overgrowth. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the mitochondrial antioxidant Idebenone given to F0 mild pregestational diabetic rats on the development of GDM in their F1 offspring and the intergenerational programming of a pro-oxidant/proinflammatory environment that affects the placentas of F2 fetuses. Control and mild pregestational diabetic female rats (F0) were mated with control males, and Idebenone or vehicle was administered to diabetic rats from day 1 of gestation to term. The F1 female offspring were mated with control males and maternal and fetal plasma samples were obtained for metabolic determinations at term. The F2 fetuses and placentas were weighed, and placental protein levels and peroxynitrite-induced damage (immunohistochemistry), mRNA levels (PCR), nitric oxide production (Griess reaction), and number of apoptotic cells (TUNEL) were evaluated. The F1 offspring of F0 diabetic rats (treated or not with Idebenone) developed GDM. The placentas of GDM rats showed a decrease in the mRNA levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and an increase in the production of nitric oxide, peroxynitrite-induced damage, and connective tissue growth factor levels, alterations that were prevented by the maternal Idebenone treatment in F0 rats. In conclusion, the maternal treatment with Idebenone in pregestational diabetic F0 rats ameliorates the pro-oxidant/proinflammatory environment that affects the placentas of F2 fetuses, although it does not prevent F1 rats from developing GDM.

Serum Amyloid Beta42 Is Not Eliminated by the Cirrhotic Liver: A Pilot Study.

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain is the main pathological hallmark of Alzheimer disease. Peripheral clearance of Aβ may possibly also lower brain levels. Recent evidence suggested that hepatic clearance of Aβ42 is impaired in liver cirrhosis. To further test this hypothesis, serum Aβ42 was measured by ELISA in portal venous serum (PVS), systemic venous serum (SVS), and hepatic venous serum (HVS) of 20 patients with liver cirrhosis. Mean Aβ42 level was 24.7 ± 20.4 pg/mL in PVS, 21.2 ± 16.7 pg/mL in HVS, and 19.2 ± 11.7 pg/mL in SVS. Similar levels in the three blood compartments suggested that the cirrhotic liver does not clear Aβ42. Aβ42 was neither associated with the model of end-stage liver disease score nor the Child–Pugh score. Patients with abnormal creatinine or bilirubin levels or prolonged prothrombin time did not display higher Aβ42 levels. Patients with massive ascites and patients with large varices had serum Aβ42 levels similar to patients without these complications. Serum Aβ42 was negatively associated with connective tissue growth factor levels (r = −0.580, p = 0.007) and a protective role of Aβ42 in fibrogenesis was already described. Diabetic patients with liver cirrhosis had higher Aβ42 levels (p = 0.069 for PVS, p = 0.047 for HVS and p = 0.181 for SVS), which is in accordance with previous reports. Present analysis showed that the cirrhotic liver does not eliminate Aβ42. Further studies are needed to explore the association of liver cirrhosis, Aβ42 levels, and cognitive dysfunction.

Role of Plasma Connective Tissue Growth Factor Levels in Assessment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Children with Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract Background: To investigate plasma Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) levels in Pulmonary Arterial Hyper-tension (PAH) associated with Congenital Heart Disease (PAH-CHD) in children and the relationships of CTGF with hemodynamic parameters. Plasma CTGF levels were calculated in 30 children with PAH-CHD and 30 health volunteers, using the subtraction method. Aim of Study: To assess plasma Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) levels in children with CHD and study its role in assessment of PAH that can be promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PAH in children with CHD. Patients and Methods: Our study was conducted in Pedi-atric Cardiology Clinic and Cardiology Catheter Laboratory of Ain Shams University Pediatric Hospital, in the period from Jan. 2019 to May 2020, including 30 patient and 30 healthy controls of matched age and sex. Results: The patients with PAH, 17 were acyanotic and 13 were cyanotic. The health control group and patient groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, gender and BSA (p>0.05). Height, weight and BMI were significantly lower in PAH-CHD group compared with the HCG (p 0.05). In addition, CTGF levels were higher in PAH-CHD group than health control group. Depicts that, PAH-CHD group had higher PASP, PADP, RVSP, mPAP, Qp, Rp and Rp/Rs (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Plasma CTGF levels could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for PAH-CHD in children.

Full composition granules of Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) decrease the serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and connective tissue growth factor levels and inhibit kidney nuclear factor-κB expression in rats with high-fat diet-induced diabete.

To investigate the efficacy of the full composition granules of Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) (FGC) on the serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) levels and kidney nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in rats with high-fat diet-induced diabetes. Diabetes was induced in rats by feeding a high-fat chow combined with intravenous streptozotocin injection. Forty diabetic Sprague- Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a normal group (NG), model group (MG), irbesartan group (IG), and low-, middle-, and high-dosage FGC groups (LFGC, MFGC, HFGC), with eight rats per group. The IG rats received 31.25 mg·kg－1·d－1 irbesartan tablets, whereas those in the LFGC, MFGC, and HFGC were administered 52, 312.5, and 625 mg·kg－1·d－1 FGC, respectively. After 12 weeks, bodyweight (BW), left kidney weight (KW), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), serum creatinine (Scre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum MCP-1 and CTGF levels were determined, pathological changes of the kidney were recorded, and kidney NF-κB p65 (A) expression was measured. The 24-h urine albumin and levels of HbA1c, Scre, BUN, and serum MCP-1 and CTGF were significantly increased in in the MG compared with the NG, as was the kidney NF-κB (p65) expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, clear pathological changes in kidney fibrosis were observed in the MG rats. Following irbesartan and FGC administration, the 24-h urine albumin and the levels of HbA1c, Scre, and serum MCP-1 and CTGF were significantly decreased in FCG groups compared with those in the MG, which is in agreement with the change in the kidney NF-κB (p65) expression, whereas the similarly significant decrease only exist in 24-h urine albumin and the levels of serum CTGF after irbesartan administration. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results indicated that the fibrosis observed in the MG samples was alleviated through FGC treatment. FGC may alleviate potential kidney injury by decreasing the serum MCP-1 and CTGF levels and inhibiting NF-kB expression in diabetic nephropathy in rats with high-fat diet-induced diabetes.