Serum Transforming Growth Factor Beta Research Articles

Pharmacological Study of Guben Yifei-Tang on a Rat Model of Pneumoconiosis

Background Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis is a progressively worsening lung disease that poses a serious threat to human health. Current treatment options are limited and generally ineffective. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of GubenYifei-Tang (GB) in a rat model of pneumoconiosis. Materials and Methods We established a chronic pneumoconiosis model in rats through intratracheal injection of silica dust. Subsequently, the rats were randomly assigned to various groups, including the model group (NC group), Hanfangji Masu tablet group (TET group), high-dose GB group (GB-H group), low-dose GB group (GB-L group), and a blank control group comprising 12 normal rats (NC group). We assessed blood biochemical, vascular endothelial function, immunoinflammatory factors, and oxidative stress indices in four rats from each group at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of administration. Results Throughout the 6-month administration period, rats in the GB-L and GB-H groups displayed no significant abnormalities in their general condition or body weight. Both high and low doses of GB significantly reduced the respiratory rate and increased the respiratory amplitude of the pneumoconiosis model rats ( p < 0.05). Additionally, they significantly decreased the mean pulmonary arterial pressure of these rats ( p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed noteworthy improvements in blood gas indices and hypoxemia symptoms, including increased pH, decreased arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, increased arterial oxygen partial pressure, and arterial oxygen saturation. Compared to the NC group, the model group rats exhibited significantly elevated concentrations of serum transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 ( p < 0.01). High-dose GB significantly reduced serum levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, and interleukin-10 in rats, while low-dose GB partially improved serum inflammatory factor levels. Additionally, the lung mass index, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and hydroxyproline levels were significantly increased in the model group rats compared to the NC group ( p < 0.01), accompanied by decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Both high and low doses of GB demonstrated substantial improvements in lung mass index, MDA, SOD, and hydroxyproline levels in rats ( p < 0.05). Conclusion In the rat model of pneumoconiosis, GB exerts a positive therapeutic impact on lung tissue lesions and respiratory function, with its effectiveness being both time- and dose-dependent.

Elucidating the role of T-Reg related cytokines: serum transforming growth factor beta and interleukin-35 in alopecia areata.

Previous studies demonstrated that Th1 cytokines like IL-2, IL-12 and IFN-γ have initiatory role in alopecia areata (AA) and positive correlation with disease severity. They informed that serum levels of Th17 cytokines, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23 increased in active AA patients and corelated, particularly IL-17, with disease severity. In recent reports it was showed the balance between Th17 and Treg cells is crucial for maintaining tolerance to self-antigens, and an imbalance towards Th17 may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases like AA. But research on serum Treg markers in AA is limited. It was aimed to investigate whether the Treg cells have a role in the pathogenesis of AA analyzing the serum levels of Treg cytokines IL-35 and TGF-β in the patients with AA. 42 AA patients and 38 healthy controls were enrolled. Patient demographics, clinical data, disease severity assessed by Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores were recorded. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for TGF-β and IL-35 levels using ELISA kits. The cytokine levels in both groups were statistically compared. Their relation with parameters of demographic and severity of disease was evaluated. The patient and control groups had no statistically significant difference, there was 71.4% males and 28.6% females in patient group, while the control group had 63.2% males and 36.8% females, Severity analysis classified 18 patients with mild AA, 19 with moderate AA, and 5 with alopecia totalis/areata universalis. While TGF-β levels exhibited no significant difference between groups, IL-35 levels were significantly elevated in AA patients (p = 0.002). Logistic regression identified IL-35 as a significant parameter influencing disease status (OR = 1.055). Correlation analysis revealed a weak positive correlation between patient age and IL-35 levels (r = 0.436; p = 0.004). Notably, IL-35 levels displayed a significant decrease in individuals with antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity. No correlations were identified between cytokine levels and disease severity, prognosis, or disease activity. Elevated IL-35 levels suggest that IL-35 and specific Treg cell subsets can play a role in AA pathogenesis. The nuanced roles of TGF-β and IL-35 highlight the need for comprehensive studies to interpret their implications in the complex immunopathogenesis of AA. These findings open avenues for further research, positioning IL-35 as a prospective target for investigating and potentially intervening in AA pathogenesis.

Serum Biomarkers of Nociceptive and Neuropathic Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis

Debilitating abdominal pain is a common symptom affecting most patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). There are multiple underlying mechanisms that contribute to CP-related pain, which makes successful treatment difficult. The identification of biomarkers for subtypes of pain could provide viable targets for nonopioid interventions and the development of mechanistic approaches to pain management in CP. Nineteen inflammation- and nociception-associated proteins were measured in serum collected from 358 subjects with definite CP enrolled in PROspective Evaluation of Chronic Pancreatitis for EpidEmiologic and Translational StuDies, a prospective observational study of pancreatitis in US adult subjects. First, serum levels of putative biomarkers were compared between CP subjects with and without pain. Only platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) stood out, with levels significantly higher in the CP pain group as compared to subjects with no pain. Subjects with pain were then stratified into 4 pain subtypes (Neuropathic, Nociceptive, Mixed, and Unclassified). A comparison of putative biomarker concentration among 5 groups (no pain and 4 pain subtypes) identified unique proteins that were correlated with pain subtypes. Serum transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) level was significantly higher in the Nociceptive pain group compared to the No pain group, suggesting that TGFβ1 may be a biomarker for nociceptive pain. The Neuropathic pain only group was too small to detect statistical differences. However, glycoprotein 130 (GP130), a coreceptor for interleukin 6, was significantly higher in the Mixed pain group compared to the groups lacking a neuropathic pain component. These data suggest that GP130 may be a biomarker for neuropathic pain in CP. PerspectiveSerum TGFβ1 and GP130 may be biomarkers for nociceptive and neuropathic CP pain, respectively. Preclinical data suggest inhibiting TGFβ1 or GP130 reduces CP pain in rodent models, indicating that additional translational and clinical studies may be warranted to develop a precision medicine approach to the management of pain in CP.

Serum transforming growth factor-beta levels and severity of retinoblastoma in children

Background Transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) expression contributes to the growth of retinoblastoma. TGF-? is produced or released by infiltrating cells such as lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. TGF-? levels are a potential marker of disease severity.
 Objective To assess the difference in serum TGF-? levels before chemotherapy in patients with retinoblastoma grades III and IV. 
 Methods This cross-sectional observational study was done at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia from January to November 2019. Subjects were pediatric patients with grade III and IV retinoblastoma who had not undergone chemotherapy. Patients who met the inclusion criteria provided blood specimens for TGF-? testing. We analyzed the difference in serum TGF-? level between grade III and grade IV patients.
 Results We obtained 38 subjects, consisting of 13 grade III and 25 grade IV retinoblastoma patients. Mean TGF-? levels were in 1,061 ng/L in grade III and 988 ng/L in grade IV patients. The Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between the levels of TGF-?, retinoblastoma grade III and IV (P=0.655). However, TGF-? levels in both groups were markedly above the normal value (100 ng/L).
 Conclusion TGF-? levels are markedly increased in grade III and IV retinoblastoma patients. There was no significant difference in TGF-? level between grade III and IV patients. Our findings suggest that TGF-? plays an important role in tumor cell development. Further research on differences in TGF-? levels between late stages (grades III and IV) and early stages (grades I and II) of retinoblastoma to elucidate the role of TGF-? as a marker of retinoblastoma severity.

Effects of Nintedanib associated with Shenfu Injection on paraquat-induced lung injury in rats

Objective: To study the effects of Nintedanib associated with Shenfu Injection on lung injury induced by paraquat (PQ) intoxication. Methods: In September 2021, a total of 90 SD rats were divided into 5 groups in random, namely control group, PQ poisoning group, Shenfu Injection group, Nintedanib group and associated group, 18 rats in each group. Normal saline was given by gavage route to rats of control group, 20% PQ (80 mg/kg) was administered by gavage route to rats of other four groups. 6 hours after PQ gavage, Shenfu Injection group (12 ml/kg Shenfu Injection), Nintedanib group (60 mg/kg Nintedanib) and associated group (12 ml/kg Shenfu Injection and 60 mg/kg Nintedanib) were administered with medicine once a day. The levels of serum transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were determined at 1, 3 and 7 d, respectively. The pathological changes of lung tissue, the ratio of wet weight and dry weight (W/D) of lung tissue, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissue were observed and determined after 7 d. Western blot was used to analyse the expression levels of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), platelet derivation growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in lung tissue after 7 d. Results: The levels of TGF-β1, IL-1β in all poisoning groups went up first and then went down. The levels of TGF-β1, IL-1β in associated group at 1, 3, 7 d were lower than that of PQ poisoning group, Shenfu Injection group and Nintedanib group at the same point (P<0.05). Pathological changes of lung tissue under the light microscopes showed that the degrees of hemorrhage, effusion and infiltration of inflammatory cells inside the alveolar space of Shenfu Injection group, Nintedanib group and associated group were milder than that of PQ poisoning group, and the midest in associated group. Compared with control group, the W/D of lung tissue was higher, the level of MDA in lung tissue was higher, while the level of SOD was lower, the expressions of FGFR1, PDGFRα and VEGFR2 in lung tissue were higher in PQ poisoning group (P<0.05). Compared with PQ poisoning group, Shenfu Injection group and Nintedanib group, the W/D of lung tissue was lower, the level of MDA in lung tissue was lower, while the level of SOD was higher, the expressions of FGFR1, PDGFRα and VEGFR2 in lung tissue were lower in associated group (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Nintedanib associated with Shenfu Injection can relieve lung injury of rats induced by PQ, which may be related to Nintedanib associated with Shenfu Injection can inhibit the activation of TGF-β1 and the expressions of FGFR1, PDGFRα, VEGFR2 in lung tissue of rats.

Serum Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 1 and Creatinine for Early Diagnosis of CKD of Unknown or Uncertain Etiology Phenotypes

The global burden of kidney diseases has disproportionally increased over the last 2 decades.1 Although diabetes and hypertension are leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), environmental risk factors contribute to a significant disease burden in hot spots of Mesoamerican countries, such as India, and Sri Lanka.2,3 CKD associated with environmental risk factors, CKD of uncertain or unknown etiology (CKDu), is prevalent among farming communities living in these at-risk areas. Recently, a subcategory of patients has been reported from these at-risk areas for CKDu in Nicaragua and Sri Lanka.

Changes in serum transforming growth factor-beta concentration as a predictive factor for radiation-induced lung injury onset in radiotherapy-treated patients with locally advanced lung cancer.

BackgroundRadiation-induced lung injury (RILI) occurs after chest radiation therapy, which ranges from acute radiation pneumonia to subsequent radiation pulmonary fibrosis. However, they are difficult to predict. The study aimed to examine the predictive utility of serum levels of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) for radiation-induced lung injury.MethodsThis single-center prospective observational study enrolled 21 patients with locally advanced lung cancer who underwent chest radiation therapy. We measured the serum levels of TGF-β, Krebs von Denlungen-6, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) eight times immediately before irradiation.ResultsSeven, four, eight, and one patient had Grade 0, 1, 2, and 3 radiation-induced lung injury, respectively. Compared with the Grade 0 and 1 RILI groups (RP− group), the Grade 2 and 3 RILI groups (RP+ group) had a significantly higher relative ratio of TGF-β values from immediately before irradiation to the time of 30–48 Gy irradiation (P=0.011). The cut-off value of the TGF-β relative ratio of the RP+ group measured from the receiver operating characteristic curve was 1.31; moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were 75%, 100%, and 75%, respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in the levels of the other cytokines.ConclusionsFor patients undergoing radiation therapy for locally advanced lung cancer, the ratio of TGF-β levels before and after 30–48 Gy irradiation may predict the onset of RILI. Our findings may facilitate the identification of predictors of the onset of radiation-induced lung injury.

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.

Potential use of ground brown rice for weanling pigs.

The purpose of the current study was to assess the effects of substituting corn with ground brown rice on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota in weanling pigs. Seventy-two weanling pigs (28 d old with 6.78 ± 0.94 kg body weight [BW]) were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments with six pens and six pigs (three barrows and gilts) per pen within a randomized complete block design. The control pigs were fed a typical diet for weanling pigs based on corn and soybean meal diet (control diet: CON), and the other pigs were fed a formulated diet with 100% replacement of corn with ground brown rice for 35d (treatment diet: GBR). Growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota of weanling pigs were measured. The substitution of corn with GBR did not affect growth performance or diarrhea frequency. Additionally, there were no differences in white blood cell number, hematocrit, cortisol, C-reactive protein, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels between pigs fed CON or GBR for the first 2 wk after weaning. However, weanling pigs fed GBR had lower (P < 0.05) serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 level than those fed CON. Furthermore, weanling pigs fed GBR had increased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genus Lactobacillus and Streptococcus and decreased (P < 0.05) relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Clostridium and Prevotella in the gut microbiota compared with those fed CON. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in growth performance when corn was replaced with ground brown rice in diets for weanling pigs. Furthermore, the substitution of corn with ground brown rice in weaning diet modulated immune status and gut microbiota of pigs by increasing beneficial microbial communities and reducing harmful microbial communities. Overall, ground brown rice-based diet is a potential alternative to corn-based diet without negative effects on growth performance, immune status, and gut microbiota changes of weanling pigs.

Possible new role for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in treating glomerulonephritis

Serum transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta1) production was estimated for 10 patients with essential hypertension, 12 patients with glomerulonephritis (5 hypertensive and 7 normotensive) and 10 healthy controls. The glomerulonephritis group received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril 25-75 mg/day for 4 weeks. Blood urea, serum creatinine, 24-hour urinary protein and serum TGF-beta1 were then re-estimated. Urea and creatinine were significantly higher in the hypertension and glomerulonephritis groups than in the controls and also higher in the glomerulonephritis group than the hypertension group. TGF-beta1 was significantly higher in the glomerulonephritis groups than in the control and hypertension groups. TGF-beta1 and 24-hour urinary protein were significantly reduced in the glomerulonephritis group.

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.

Cellular and Molecular Detection of Multi-doses of Ionizing Radiation-Induced Immunomodulatory Response.

Ionizing radiation (IR) is used in a wide range of clinical applications. The study aims to evaluate various IR doses for their immunomodulatory responses, which can be used in multiple immunological conditions. Forty rats were exposed to whole-body gamma rays of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 Gray (Gy). T-cell receptor (TCR) gene expression, serum transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and nitric oxide levels were measured on days 1 and 4 post irradiation. TCR activation occurred only at the genetic level, and radiation raised all measured parameters, even at low doses at α = 0.05 (P < 0.05). Except for IL-10, it shows a nearly 6% (P < 0.05) rise in early response in irradiated groups up to 0.5 Gy. At lower doses, the indirect impacts of IR were as essential as the direct impacts, and they increased over time in most measured parameters due to endogenous releases. They were having an anti-proliferative effect on the immune system. Lastly, a single acute IR dose can raise anti-inflammatory cytokines and anti-proliferative effects in the immune system, avoiding various contraindications associated with immunomodulatory drugs. More information on safety and clinical relevance is needed.

Proteomic Analyses of 3-Monochloropropanediol 1-Monooleate and 1-Monostearate Induced Testicular Toxicity in a 90 Day Sprague-Dawley Rats' Study.

3-Monochloropropane 1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters are toxicants formed during food thermal processing, and their testicular toxicities were widely reported. In this 90 day in vivo study, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 3-MCPD 1-monooleate at 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day or 1-monostearate at 15 and 150 mg/kg bw/day. Histological results indicated that testicular impairment was observed, and the level of serum testosterone was decreased dose dependently, while the levels of serum transforming growth factor beta and interferon-γ in rats' serum were increased dose dependently. To address the molecular mechanisms leading to testicular toxicities of 3-MCPD esters, testes samples were investigated with a mass spectrometry proteomic approach. The deregulated proteins affected by 3-MCPD esters include many enzymes related with the inflammatory necrosis pathways. While verifying the results in cellular level, 3-MCPD 1-monooleate and 3-MCPD 1-monostearate showed almost similar testicular cytotoxicity, and they could activate RIPK1 and MLKL pathways at the cellular level. All of these results showed the possible mechanisms about the toxicity of 3-MCPD esters in rats' testes and play a vital role in understanding the toxic effects of 3-MCPD esters both in vivo and in vitro.

IN VIVO EFFICACY OF TOPICAL BINAHONG (ANREDERA CORDIFOLIA (TEN.) STEENIS) LEAF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-BETA 1 IN INFECTED WOUNDS

Objective: This study’s aim was to assess the efficacy of topical Binahong (Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis) leaf ethanolic extract administration on serum transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in infected wounds.&#x0D; Methods: An experimental study, in vivo, was conducted in the Biotechnology Laboratory and Animal House, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, from July to September 2020. There were 30 male Wistar rats aged 10–12 weeks with excisional wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The rats were divided into five groups and received three concentrations of Binahong leaf extracts (2.5%, 5%, and 10%), salve base, and povidone iodine 10% topically twice daily for 14 days. Serum was obtained before treatment and after 14 days of treatment. Wound area and bacterial count were also recorded and analyzed. Data analysis was performed using computer software.&#x0D; Results: Wound size and bacterial count were significantly decreased in treatment groups receiving topical Binahong leaf ethanolic extract. No significant increase in serum TGF-β1 was observed in all treatment groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Topical administration of Binahong leaf ethanolic extract on rats with infected wounds for 14 days did not significantly increase serum TGF-β1.

Can dried tomato and red pepper powder be used as a dietary supplement to strengthen defence systems and production performance in laying hens?

Abstract In this study, effects of dietary supplementation of dried tomato powder (DTP) and red pepper powder (DPP) on the antioxidant mechanisms, immune system, cytokines, egg production performance, and egg quality were investigated in a total of 90, 30-week-old hens. The study groups were fed on a diet containing 4% DTP and 4% DPP, respectively for 30 days, while the control group received a commercial laying hen feed. Egg production and egg quality parameters, differential leukocyte count, heterophil functions, serum cytokine, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbic acid, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were measured. It was determined that serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels increased (PÂ =Â 0.018) and heterophil (PÂ =Â 0.033) and monocyte (PÂ =Â 0.020) percentages decreased in the DPP group compared to both control and DTP groups. In the same hens, serum transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) level (PÂ =Â 0.029) and oxidative burst (PÂ =Â 0.021) increased compared to the control group, but interleukin-4 (IL-4) (PÂ =Â 0.014) level and SOD activity (PÂ =Â 0.021) increased compared to the DTP group. Phagocytic activity was higher in the DTP group compared to other groups (PÂ =Â 0.003). In addition, it was observed that serum catalase level (PÂ =Â 0.008), and egg yolk colour (PÂ =Â 0.001) increased in both experimental groups compared to the control group. It was concluded that DPP and DTP used in this study strengthen the antioxidant defence system, increase heterophil functions, and positively affect cytokine production and egg colour, so it can be used as a safe feed additive in chickens.

Effect of Montelukast on Elderly Patients with Bronchial Asthma and Its Effect on Serum Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 and Cysteine Leukotriene Levels

To investigate the effect of montelukast on elderly patients with bronchial asthma and the effects of serum transforming growth factor β1 and cysteinyl leukotriene, 150 patients with bronchial asthma enrolled in the Central Hospital of Shanghai Jingan District between October 2016 to October 2018, and those who met the clinical diagnostic criteria were included. All patients were given antispasmodic and antiinfective treatment after admission. The study group (75 cases) were administered orally montelukast chewable tablets, while the control group (75 cases) was not given montelukast. Comparison of the efficacy of the two groups and lung function indicators before and after treatment, such as 1 second forced expiratory volume, first second forced expiratory volume versus forced vital capacity ratio (1 second forced expiratory volume/versus forced vital capacity), first second forced expiratory volume as predicted percentage and changes in the levels of serum transforming growth factor-β1 and cysteinyl leukotriene. The effective rate of treatment in the study group was higher than that in the control group (93.33 % vs 78.67 %, p<0.05). The first second forced expiratory volume, 1 second forced expiratory volume/versus forced vital capacity and percentage of first second forced expiratory volume/predicted of the study group were significantly increased after treatment (p<0.05), and higher than those of the control group (p<0.05). The levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and cysteinyl leukotriene in the study group were significantly decreased before treatment (p<0.05), and were lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). Montelukast treatment of bronchial asthma in the elderly can significantly improve lung function and improve clinical outcomes. Its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of transforming growth factor β1 and cysteinyl leukotriene levels.

Alleviation of paraquat-induced oxidative lung injury by betaine via regulation of sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism despite the lack of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) in the lung.

Betaine is a methyl donor utilized in regeneration of methionine from homocysteine in a metabolic reaction catalyzed by betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), an enzyme mostly localized in the liver. However, we recently showed that the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids in the kidney was also influenced by betaine, which is attributable to elevation of renal methionine availability resulting from an increase in its supply through blood. In this study we investigated the change in pulmonary sulfur-containing amino acid metabolism by betaine and its potential beneficial effect on paraquat (PQ)-induced lung injury. Male rats were provided with betaine for 2 weeks prior to an intratracheal instillation of PQ (0.3 mg/500 μl kg-1). Two weeks after PQ exposure, histopathological assessment revealed severe fibrotic lesions accompanied with elevation of 4-hydroxyproline in the lung, which were all prevented effectively by betaine supplementation. PQ-induced DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes, reduction of oxidant scavenging capacity, expression of heme oxygenase 1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the lung, and elevation of serum transforming growth factor beta 1 were also inhibited. PQ instillation increased cysteine, but depleted glutathione in the lung. Betaine supplementation before PQ exposure suppressed the cysteine accumulation and increased the glutathione synthesis. The polyamine synthesis, which requires decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine as a substrate, was also increased significantly. The results suggest that betaine may enhance pulmonary antioxidant capacity by modulating the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids and related substances despite the lack of BHMT in the lung.

Serum transforming growth factor beta 2 and feeding intolerance in hydrolyzed protein formula-fed versus breast milk-fed preterm neonates

Serum transforming growth factor beta 2 and feeding intolerance in hydrolyzed protein formula-fed versus breast milk-fed preterm neonates

The effect of abdominal Bevacizumab combined with hyperthermia chemotherapy on serum transforming growth factor beta 1 and migration-inhibitory factor levels in elderly patients with ovarian cancer

Objective To investigate the effect of abdominal Bevacizumab combined with hyperthermia chemotherapy on serum transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) and macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) levels in elderly patients with ovarian cancer. Methods A hundred elderly patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer from December 2011 to December 2014 at our hospital were recruited.Participants were assigned into a joint therapy group (n=50) and a thermal therapy group (n=50) according to the received treatment.Both groups were given the abdominal hyperthermia chemotherapy treatment, while the joint therapy group was additionally given Bevacizumab treatment.The effectiveness of treatment, adverse reactions, pre-and post-treatment serum TGF-β1 and MIF levels, and the 2-year survival situation in all participants were collected and analyzed. Results The therapeutic response rate and 2-year survival rate in the joint therapy group (64.0% and 60.0%) were significantly higher than those in the thermal therapy group (44.0% and 40.0%) (both P 0.05). Conclusions Abdominal Bevacizumab combined with hyperthermia chemotherapy can effectively decrease the levels of serum TGF-β1 and MIF in elderly patients with ovarian cancer and achieve improved short-term and long-term effectiveness with good safety. Key words: Ovarian cancer; Transforming growth factor beta1; Macrophage migration-inhibitory factors; Bevacizumab; Hyperthermia chemotherapy

Microrna 192 Gene Expression in Type II Diabetic Nephropathy

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the common cause of kidney failure in patients with diabetes mellitus. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs of about 22 nucleotides which recently have been shown to play vital roles in mammalian gene expression. Aim of the study: was to investigate the role of miRNA-192 in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and disease progression. Patients and Method: Sixty five patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, they were subdivided into; thirty nine patients with normoalbuminuria (<20mg/L); their ages ranged between 48-67 years and the onset of disease between 1-5 years; twenty six patients with microalbuminuria (20-200 mg/L), their ages ranged between 47-66 years and the onset of disease between 5-15 years, in addition to twelve apparently healthy individuals as control; their ages ranged between 51-67 years. Serum Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Interleukin 18 (IL-18) were determined using ELISA technique, the expression level of miRNA-192 in whole blood using (RT-PCR) was determined, other biochemical parameters as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile and creatinine were estimated using commercial available kits. Patients were given written contest. Results: The level of miRNA-192 expressions was significantly lower in microalbuminuria group when compared to normoalbuminuria group. Serum level of IL-18 and TGF-β were significantly higher in both patient groups when compared to control group and their levels were significantly higher in microalbuminuria group than normoalbuminuria group. Conclusion: Together with TGF-β1 and IL-18, miRNA- 192 may not only be used as molecular biomarker in diabetic microvascular complications but also as early marker of alterations in specific biological processes in the kidney.