The Timecourses of Functional, Morphological, and Molecular Changes Triggered by Light Exposure in Sprague-Dawley Rat Retinas

Retinal neurodegeneration can impair visual perception at different levels, involving not only photoreceptors, which are the most metabolically active cells, but also the inner retina. Compensatory mechanisms may hide the first signs of these impairments and reduce the likelihood of receiving timely treatments. Therefore, it is essential to characterize the early critical steps in the neurodegenerative progression to design adequate therapies. This paper describes and correlates early morphological and biochemical changes in the degenerating retina with in vivo functional analysis of retinal activity and investigates the progression of neurodegenerative stages for up to 7 months. For these purposes, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 1000 lux light either for different durations (12 h to 24 h) and examined seven days afterward (7d) or for a fixed duration (24 h) and monitored at various time points following the exposure (up to 210d). Flash electroretinogram (fERG) recordings were correlated with morphological and histological analyses to evaluate outer and inner retinal disruptions, gliosis, trophic factor release, and microglial activation. Twelve hours or fifteen hours of exposure to constant light led to a severe retinal dysfunction with only minor morphological changes. Therefore, early pathological signs might be hidden by compensatory mechanisms that silence retinal dysfunction, accounting for the discrepancy between photoreceptor loss and retinal functional output. The long-term analysis showed a transient functional recovery, maximum at 45 days, despite a progressive loss of photoreceptors and coincident increases in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF-2) expression. Interestingly, the progression of the disease presented different patterns in the dorsal and ventral retina. The information acquired gives us the potential to develop a specific diagnostic tool to monitor the disease's progression and treatment efficacy.

Clinical significance of miR-139-5p and FGF2 in ovarian cancer

PURPOSE

To estimate the expression and clinical significance of miR-139-5p and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in ovarian cancer (OC).

METHODS

Of the 198 female patients undergoing surgical treatment in our hospital, 101 patients with ovarian tumor resection were allocated in a study group and 97 with ovarian resection for benign lesions were allocated in a control group. MiR-139-5p and FGF2 expression was quantified, and associations between miR-139-5p and FGF2 and clinicopathological features of OC were analyzed, as well as their diagnostic performances (receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve).

RESULTS

The study group presented lower miR-139-5p level and higher FGF2 level (both p<0.05). Significant associations of miR-139-5p and FGF2 with tumor differentiation and clinical stage were noted in OC (p<0.05). MiR-139-5p was reversely associated with clinical stage and positively associated with tumor differentiation (p<0.05), FGF2 was positively correlated with clinical stage and negatively correlated with tumor differentiation (p<0.05). The overall survival in the study group was 70.41%. The survival in high miR-139-5p expression group and low FGF2 expression group improved remarkably (p<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of combined detection (0.91) was higher than that of single detection.

CONCLUSION

MiR-139-5p shows a decreased expression and FGF-2 shows an increased expression in OC, and they are associated with clinical stage and tumor differentiation. Combined detection of miR-139-5p and FGF-2 contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of OC, and is an available biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients.

AAV2-mediated and hypoxia response element-directed expression of bFGF in neural stem cells showed therapeutic effects on spinal cord injury in rats

Neural stem cell (NSCs) transplantation has been one of the hot topics in the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is considered a promising nerve injury therapy after SCI. However, owing to a hostile hypoxia condition in SCI, there remains a challenging issue in implementing these tactics to repair SCI. In this report, we used adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2), a prototype AAV used in clinical trials for human neuron disorders, basic FGF (bFGF) gene under the regulation of hypoxia response element (HRE) was constructed and transduced into NSCs to yield AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs. Our results showed that its treatment yielded temporally increased expression of bFGF in SCI, and improved scores of functional recovery after SCI compared to vehicle control (AAV2-5HRE-NSCs) based on the analyses of the inclined plane test, Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale and footprint analysis. Mechanistic studies showed that AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs treatment increased the expression of neuron-specific neuronal nuclei protein (NeuN), neuromodulin GAP43, and neurofilament protein NF200 while decreased the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as compared to the control group. Further, the expressions of autophagy-associated proteins LC3-II and Beclin 1 were decreased, whereas the expression of P62 protein was increased in AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs treatment group. Taken together, our data indicate that AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs treatment improved the recovery of SCI rats, which is accompanied by evidence of nerve regeneration, and inhibition of SCI-induced glial scar formation and cell autophagy. Thus, this study represents a step forward towards the potential use of AAV2-5HRE-bFGF-NSCs for future clinical trials of SCI repair.

LncRNA PCGEM1 promotes renal carcinoma progression by targeting miR-433-3p to regulate FGF2 expression

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the development of carcinomas, containing renal carcinoma. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network is well-known in modulating the pathological and physiological processes of tumors. Still and all, the function role of oncogenic lncRNA PCGEM1 prostate-specific transcript (PCGEM1) in renal carcinoma was undefined till now. This paper aimed to figure out the role and mechanism of PCGEM1 in renal carcinoma. In this study, PCGEM1 was observed to be lifted in renal carcinoma cells. Loss-of-function experiments displayed that silencing of PCGEM1 repressed cell proliferation and migration, and activated apoptosis in renal carcinoma. FISH assay and subcellular fractionation assay indicated that PCGEM1 was largely located in the cytoplasm. As demonstrated, PCGEM1 interacted with microRNA433-3p (miR-433-3p). Subsequently, luciferase reporter and RIP experiments together with qRT-PCR certified that PCGEM1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) functioned as ceRNA for miR-433-3p, leading to the upregulation of FGF2 expression. Finally, rescue assays exhibited that FGF2 overexpression rescued the inhibited cell progression caused by PCGEM1 downregulation. MiR-433-3p inhibitor could reverse the cell growth and migration caused by PCGEM1 downregulation. The present research investigated the molecular mechanism underlying PCGEM1 in renal carcinoma, exposing a PCGEM1-mediated therapy for the treatment of patients with renal carcinoma.

MiR-145 silencing promotes steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head repair via upregulating VEGF

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of miR-145 silencing in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-Associated X(bax) and caspase-3 in avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 12 healthy wild-types (the control group) and 12 miR-145 knock-out (miR-145-/-) (the experimental group) adult New Zealand white rabbits were selected to construct ANFH model with a steroid. Four weeks later, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to measure the VEGF, bFGF, Bcl-2, bax, caspase-3, β-catenin as well as c-Myc expression. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining analysis was used to detect the apoptosis of bone cells in each group.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the expression of VEGF, bFGF, Bcl-2, β-catenin and c-Myc in the miR-145-/- group raised (p<0.05). Moreover, the expression level of bax and caspase-3 significantly decreased in the miR-145-/- group (p<0.05). TUNEL staining showed decreased apoptosis in the miR-145-/- group.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-145 silencing promotes bone repair of ANFH via upregulating VEGF, bFGF and inhibiting the bone cells apoptosis through Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Effects of dl-3-n-butylphthalide on serum VEGF and bFGF levels in acute cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE

To observe the curative effect of dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP) on patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACI) and its effects on levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 160 ACI patients treated in our hospital who met the criteria were selected and randomly divided into treatment group (n=80, including 42 males and 38 females) and control group (n=80, including 40 males and 40 females). The control group was treated with routine drug therapy, while the treatment group was treated with butylphthalide on this basis. The curative effect was evaluated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Activity of Daily Life Scale (ADL Scale). The levels of the two factors in serum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the changes in the levels of the two factors in serum at different time points before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

After treatment, the levels of the two factors in serum in both groups were significantly increased compared with those before treatment (p<0.05), and the increase in treatment group was more significant than that in control group (p<0.05). The scores of ADL scale in both groups were significantly increased after treatment compared with those before treatment, and the increase in treatment group was more significant than that in control group (p<0.05). The scores of NIHSS in both groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment, and the decrease in treatment group was more significant than that in control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NBP can improve the expressions of VEGF and bFGF in serum of ACI patients, and its effect is superior to that of conventional drugs.

Impact of Rantes from jawbone on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This study elucidates the question of whether chronic inflammation in the jawbone contributes to the development of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Fatty degenerative osteonecrosis in jawbone (FDOJ) may contribute to CFS by induction of inflammatory mediators. We examined seven cytokines by multiplex analysis in jawbone samples from two groups of patients. In order to clarify neurological interrelations, specimens from 21 CFS patients were analyzed from areas of previous surgery in the retromolar wisdom tooth area. Each of the retromolar jawbone samples showed clinically fatty degenerated and osteonecrotic medullary changes. As control, healthy jawbone specimens from 19 healthy patients were analyzed. All fatty necrotic and osteolytic jawbone (FDOJ) samples showed high expression of RANTES and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. FDOJ cohorts showed a 30-fold mean overexpression of RANTES and a 20-fold overexpressed level of FGF-2 when compared to healthy controls. As RANTES is discussed in the literature as a possible contributor to inflammatory diseases, we hypothesize that FDOJ in areas of improper and incomplete wound healing in the jawbone may hyperactivate signaling pathways. Constituting a hidden source of “silent inflammation” FDOJ may represent a hitherto unknown cause for the development of CFS.

Dual Functional MicroRNA-186-5p Targets both FGF2 and RelA to Suppress Tumorigenesis of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant cancers. MicroRNAs (miRs) were reported to play important roles in GBM recently. However, the role of a novel miR-186-5p in GBM tumorigenesis is still elusive. Using bioinformatics, miR-186-5p was identified as potential regulators of both fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 and NF-κB subunit RelA. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the direct recognition FGF2 and RelA mRNAs by miR-186-5p. Invasion and migration assays were employed to study the effect of miR-186-5p on GBM cell growth in vitro. Xenograft tumor animal model was established to elucidate the in vivo function of miR-186-5p. MiR-186-5p directly targeted mRNAs of both FGF2 and RelA, and repressed their expressions. Invasive and migratory abilities of GBM cells and growth of xenograft tumors were significantly inhibited by miR-186-5p, which can be restored by re-introduction of FGF2 and RelA expressions. MiR-186-5p is a novel tumor suppressor miR that functions to inhibit tumorigenesis of GBM both in vitro and in vivo, by targeting both FGF2 and RelA. MiR-186-5p/FGF2/RelA pathway may be potentially used as molecular targets of in the clinical treatment of GBM.

Distinct Patterns of Angiogenesis in Oral and Skin Wounds

Clinical observation suggests that oral mucosal wounds heal faster than skin; however, little is known about the site-specific differences. Since fetal skin wounds heal rapidly, but are less vascular than adult wounds, we hypothesized that less robust wound angiogenesis might be observed in healing oral mucosa. This study investigated angiogenesis in equivalent-size oral and skin murine wounds. Change in wound bed vascularity was significantly lower in oral wounds than in skin. Also, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were less in oral than cutaneous wounds. Because keratinocytes are a prominent source of VEGF in wounds, we compared VEGF production by oral and epidermal keratinocytes in vitro. Significantly higher levels of VEGF protein and mRNA were observed in epidermal keratinocytes than in oral keratinocytes after 18 hrs of hypoxia. This study demonstrates distinct angiogenesis patterns in oral and skin wounds and intrinsic site-specific differences in VEGF production by keratinocytes.

Attachment, Viability and Adipodifferentiation of Pre-adipose Cells on Silk Scaffolds with and Without Co-expressed FGF-2 and VEGF

BACKGROUND/AIM

For application of stem cells and progenitor cells in regenerative medicine, scaffolds for carrying the cells play a key role. One promising biomaterial for scaffold generation is silk because of its mechanical strength, good cytocompatibility and low immunogenicity. Furthermore, bioengineering of silk proteins enable co-expression of various growth, differentiation and angiogenic factors on silk fibers, which may promote cell growth, differentiation and angiogenesis. This study aimed to test cytocompatibility and growth/differentiation of pre-adipose cells on scaffolds with and without expressed growth factors fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Disk-form scaffolds of 15×3 mm (diameter × thickness) were manufactured in two different densities using silk with and without expressed growth factors FGF-2 or VEGF. Pre-adipose cells were prepared from fatty tissues of patients undergoing operation. Cells (1.6×10(6)) were seeded onto each of the silk-scaffold disks, that were placed into wells of 12-well culturing plates. Adipose-differentiation was induced using differentiation medium containing DMEM/F-12, insulin, pantothenate, biotin, triiodothyronine (T3), transferrin, dexamethasone, isobuthylmethylxanthine and rosiglitazone. Cells on the scaffolds were visualized using a confocal microscope. Viability and adiponectin were measured on days 0, 7 and 14. Expression of adipose-differentiation markers was assessed by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Pre-adipose cells attached well onto the silk fibers. The highest initial viability was measured on the low-density scaffolds with expressed VEGF. Adipose-differentiation was evident in visible oil droplets and significantly increased adiponectin protein levels were seen in ELISA. Furthermore, increased expression of adipose-differentiation genes were measured in RT-PCR. Adipose-differentiation was more profound in cells on high-density scaffolds. In concordance, viability of cells on high-density scaffolds did not increase, while that of cells on low-density scaffolds doubled over the 14-day experimental period. Slightly enhanced adipose-differentiation was observed in cells on scaffolds with expressed FGF-2 or VEGF.

CONCLUSION

Silk scaffolds exhibit excellent cytocompatibility for human pre-adipose cells and have application potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. VEGF and FGF-2 expressed on silk fibers could have a potential positive effect on pre-adipose cells, while the effect of VEGF should be further addressed in vivo.

[Regulation of airway stem cell proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of fibroblasts on regulating airway stem cell proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

Lung cell suspension was prepared from β-actin-GFP mice. Airway stem cells were obtained by fluorescence activated cell sorting and co-cultured with lung fibroblasts. The fibroblasts were treated with TGF-β inhibitor SB43142. The expression of growth factors FGF1/2 and the effect of FGF1/2 on stem cell proliferation were observed.

RESULTS

The cloning efficiency of airway stem cells, when co-cultured with normal lung fibroblast cells for 8 days, was (3.5±1.1)%, while the cloning efficiency was reduced to (0.04±0.04)% when co-cultured with lung fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. The difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant(P=0.002 5). TGF-β receptor inhibitor SB431542 increased lung fibroblast growth factors FGF1/2 expression.FGF1 mRNA expression was increased to the experimental group 0.005 5 from 0.000 2 in the control group.FGF2 mRNA expression of the amount raised to the experimental group 0.000 15 from 0.000 8 in the control group.FGF1/2 promoted the growth of airway stem cells. After FGF1/2 was co-cultured with normal lung fibroblast cells for 8 days, the cloning efficiency of airway stem cells was (0.3±0.1)%.

CONCLUSION

During the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, fibroblast secreted FGF1/2 regulate airway stem cell proliferation.

Comparison of trophic factors' expression between paralyzed and recovering muscles after facial nerve injury. A quantitative analysis in time course

After peripheral nerve injury, recovery of motor performance negatively correlates with the poly-innervation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) due to excessive sprouting of the terminal Schwann cells. Denervated muscles produce short-range diffusible sprouting stimuli, of which some are neurotrophic factors. Based on recent data that vibrissal whisking is restored perfectly during facial nerve regeneration in blind rats from the Sprague Dawley (SD)/RCS strain, we compared the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), insulin growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF1, IGF2) and nerve growth factor (NGF) between SD/RCS and SD-rats with normal vision but poor recovery of whisking function after facial nerve injury. To establish which trophic factors might be responsible for proper NMJ-reinnervation, the transected facial nerve was surgically repaired (facial-facial anastomosis, FFA) for subsequent analysis of mRNA and proteins expressed in the levator labii superioris muscle. A complicated time course of expression included (1) a late rise in BDNF protein that followed earlier elevated gene expression, (2) an early increase in FGF2 and IGF2 protein after 2 days with sustained gene expression, (3) reduced IGF1 protein at 28 days coincident with decline of raised mRNA levels to baseline, and (4) reduced NGF protein between 2 and 14 days with maintained gene expression found in blind rats but not the rats with normal vision. These findings suggest that recovery of motor function after peripheral nerve injury is due, at least in part, to a complex regulation of lesion-associated neurotrophic factors and cytokines in denervated muscles. The increase of FGF-2 protein and concomittant decrease of NGF (with no significant changes in BDNF or IGF levels) during the first week following FFA in SD/RCS blind rats possibly prevents the distal branching of regenerating axons resulting in reduced poly-innervation of motor endplates.

Priming Dental Pulp Stem Cells With Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Increases Angiogenesis of Implanted Tissue-Engineered Constructs Through Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Secretion

Tissue engineering strategies based on implanting cellularized biomaterials are promising therapeutic approaches for the reconstruction of large tissue defects. A major hurdle for the reliable establishment of such therapeutic approaches is the lack of rapid blood perfusion of the tissue construct to provide oxygen and nutrients. Numerous sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) displaying angiogenic potential have been characterized in the past years, including the adult dental pulp. Establishment of efficient strategies for improving angiogenesis in tissue constructs is nevertheless still an important challenge. Hypoxia was proposed as a priming treatment owing to its capacity to enhance the angiogenic potential of stem cells through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release. The present study aimed to characterize additional key factors regulating the angiogenic capacity of such MSCs, namely, dental pulp stem cells derived from deciduous teeth (SHED). We identified fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) as a potent inducer of the release of VEGF and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by SHED. We found that FGF-2 limited hypoxia-induced downregulation of HGF release. Using three-dimensional culture models of angiogenesis, we demonstrated that VEGF and HGF were both responsible for the high angiogenic potential of SHED through direct targeting of endothelial cells. In addition, FGF-2 treatment increased the fraction of Stro-1+/CD146+ progenitor cells. We then applied in vitro FGF-2 priming to SHED before encapsulation in hydrogels and in vivo subcutaneous implantation. Our results showed that FGF-2 priming is more efficient than hypoxia at increasing SHED-induced vascularization compared with nonprimed controls. Altogether, these data demonstrate that FGF-2 priming enhances the angiogenic potential of SHED through the secretion of both HGF and VEGF.

Hypoxia Enhances Proliferation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells via HIF-1ɑ Activation

Background

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been recently isolated from human subcutaneous adipose tissue. ASCs may be useful in regenerative medicine as an alternative to bone marrow-derived stem cells. Changes in the oxygen concentration influence physiological activities, such as stem cell proliferation. However, the effects of the oxygen concentration on ASCs remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of hypoxia on ASC proliferation were examined.

Methods

Normal human adipose tissue was collected from the lower abdomen, and ASCs were prepared with collagenase treatment. The ASCs were cultured in hypoxic (1%) or normoxic (20%) conditions. Cell proliferation was investigated in the presence or absence of inhibitors of various potentially important kinases. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression and MAP kinase phosphorylation in the hypoxic culture were determined with western blotting. In addition, the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 in hypoxic or normoxic conditions were determined with real-time RT-PCR. The effects of these growth factors on ASC proliferation were investigated. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of the HIF–1α-binding hypoxia responsive element in FGF–2 was performed. HIF–1α was knocked down by siRNA, and FGF–2 expression was investigated.

Results

ASC proliferation was significantly enhanced in the hypoxic culture and was inhibited by ERK and Akt inhibitors. Hypoxia for 5–15 minutes stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 among MAP kinases and induced HIF–1α expression. The levels of VEGF and FGF–2 mRNA and protein in the ASCs were significantly enhanced in hypoxia, and FGF–2 increased ASC proliferation. The ChIP assay revealed an 8-fold increase in the binding of HIF–1α to FGF–2 in hypoxia. HIF–1α knockdown by siRNA partially inhibited the FGF–2 expression of ASCs induced by hypoxia.

Conclusion

ASC proliferation was enhanced by hypoxia. HIF–1α activation, FGF–2 production, and the ERK1/2 and Akt pathway were involved in this regulatory mechanism.

Expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1, fibroblast growth factor 2, phosphatidyl inositol 3 phosphate kinase and their clinical and prognostic significance in early and advanced stage of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

AIM

Non-small cell lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer related to death in the world. Squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC) is the second most frequent histological subtype of lung carcinomas. Recently, growth factors, growth factor receptors, and signal transduction system-related gene amplifications and mutations are extensively under investigation to estimate the prognosis and to develop individualized therapies in SqCLC. In this study, besides the signal transduction molecule phosphatidyl inositol-3-phosphate kinase (IP3K) p110α, we explored the expressions of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and receptor-1 (FGFR1) in tumor tissue and also their clinical and prognostic significance in patients with early/advanced SqCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From 2005 to 2013, 129 patients (23 early, 106 advanced disease) with a histopathological SqCLC diagnosis were selected from the hospital files of Cukurova University Medical Faculty for this study. Two independent pathologists evaluated FGFR1, FGF2, and PI3K (p110α) expressions in both tumor and stromal tissues from 99 of the patients with sufficient tissue samples, using immunohistochemistry. Considering survival analysis separately for patients with both early and advanced stage diseases, the relationship between the clinical features of the patients and expressions were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

FGFR1 expression was found to be low in 59 (60%) patients and high in 40 (40%) patients. For FGF2; 12 (12%) patients had high, 87 (88%) patients had low expression and for IP3K; 31 (32%) patients had high and 66 (68%) patients had low expressions. In univariate analysis, overall survival (OS) was significantly associated with stage of the disease and the performance status of the patient (P<0.0001 and P<0.001). There was no significant difference in OS of the patients with either low or high expressions of FGFR1, FGF2, and IP3K. When the patients with early or advanced stage disease were separately taken into consideration, the relationship did not differ, either. Any of FGFR1, FGF2 or IP3K expressions was not found predictive for the treatment of early or advanced staged patients. On the other hand, the expressions of both FGFR1 and FGF2 were significantly different with respect to smoking, scar of tuberculosis and scar of radiotherapy (P=0.002; P=0.06 and P=0.05, respectively).

DISCUSSION

There has not been identified an effective individualized treatment for SqCLC yet. Therefore, in order to be able to develop such a treatment in the future, it is essential to identify the genetic abnormalities that are responsible for the biological behaviors and carcinogenesis of SqCLC. Although we could not show the prognostic and predictive significance of FGFR1, FGF2 and IP3K expressions in SqCLC, we determined the expression rates of FGFR1, FGF2 and IP3K as a reference for Turkish patients. In conclusion, we want to put some emphasis on the fact that, pulmonary fibrosis which is a late complication of radiotherapy at stage III disease, and the scar of tuberculosis could be associated with FGFR1 and FGF2 expressions.

Prophylactic Subacute Administration of Zinc Increases CCL2, CCR2, FGF2, and IGF-1 Expression and Prevents the Long-Term Memory Loss in a Rat Model of Cerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia

Prophylactic subacute administration of zinc decreases lipoperoxidation and cell death following a transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia, thus suggesting neuroprotective and preconditioning effects. Chemokines and growth factors are also involved in the neuroprotective effect in hypoxia-ischemia. We explored whether zinc prevents the cerebral cortex-hippocampus injury through regulation of CCL2, CCR2, FGF2, and IGF-1 expression following a 10 min of common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). Male rats were grouped as follows: (1) Zn96h, rats injected with ZnCl2 (one dose every 24 h during four days); (2) Zn96h + CCAO, rats treated with ZnCl2 before CCAO; (3) CCAO, rats with CCAO only; (4) Sham group, rats with mock CCAO; and (5) untreated rats. The cerebral cortex-hippocampus was dissected at different times before and after CCAO. CCL2/CCR2, FGF2, and IGF-1 expression was assessed by RT-PCR and ELISA. Learning in Morris Water Maze was achieved by daily training during 5 days. Long-term memory was evaluated on day 7 after learning. Subacute administration of zinc increased expression of CCL2, CCR2, FGF2, and IGF-1 in the early and late phases of postreperfusion and prevented the CCAO-induced memory loss in the rat. These results might be explained by the induction of neural plasticity because of the expression of CCL2 and growth factors.

Combination Efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus and Curcuma wenyujin at Different Stages of Tumor Progression in an Imageable Orthotopic Nude Mouse Model of Metastatic Human Ovarian Cancer Expressing Red Fluorescent Protein

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study determined the efficacy of extracts of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Curcuma wenyujin (CW), a traditional Chinese medicine herbal mixture, at different tumor stages of an orthotopic nude mouse model of human ovarian cancer expressing red fluorescent protein.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The tumor-bearing mice were treated with cisplatinum (CDDP), AM, CW, or a combination of AM and CW in each of three tumor stages, using the same regimen. Group 1 received saline as negative control. Group 2 received CDDP i.p. as positive control with a dose of 2 mg/kg, every three days. Group 3 received AM daily via oral gavage, at a dose of 9120 mg/kg. Group 4 received CW daily via oral gavage, at a dose of 4560 mg/kg. Groups 5, 6 and 7 received combinations of AM and CW daily via oral gavage at low (AM, 2280 mg/kg; CW, 1140 mg/kg), medium (AM, 4560 mg/kg; CW 2280 mg/kg), and high (AM, 9120 mg/kg; CW, 4560 mg/kg) doses. The expression of angiogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2), and by polymerase chain reaction for MMP-2, FGF-2 and Bcl-2.

RESULTS

CDDP, AM, and its combination with CW-induced significant growth inhibition of Stage I tumors. Strong efficacy of the combination of AM and CW at high dose was observed. Monotherapy with CDDP, AM, CW, and the combination treatments did not significantly inhibit Stage II and III tumors. The expression of MMP-2, VEGF, FGF-2, and Cox-2 was significantly reduced in Stage I tumors treated with AM, CW, and their combination, suggesting a possible role of these angiogenesis- and apoptosis-related genes in the observed efficacy of the agents tested.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first report on the efficacy of anticancer agents at different stages of ovarian cancer in an orthotopic mouse model. As the tumor progressed, it became treatment-resistant, similar to the clinical situation, further demonstrating the utility of the model and the need for agents acrtive in advanced-stage ovarian cancer.

[Effect of the nerve growth factor mimetic GK-2 on post-resuscitation expression of neurotrophic factors]

THE OBJECTIVE

to elucidate an influence of nerve growth factor mimetic GK-2 on the expression of neurotrophic factors and the process of neuronal death after ischemia-reperfusion. Materials and methods. Adult white male rats underwent cardiac arrest for 12 minutes, followed by resuscitation. 10 rats were injected GK-2 (Img/kg i/ρ) at 30 minutes and 48 hours after resuscitation. 10 untreated animals received equivalent doses of saline. The control group consisted of sham-operated animals (n = 10). On the 7th postoperative day the total density of hypoxia-sensitive cerebellar Purkinje cells was determined by morphometric analysis. Immunohistochemical study of proteins FGFb, NT4, BDNF was performed by indirect peroxidase-antiperoxidase method using primary polyclonal antibodies. The number of neurons with different expression levels of the neurotrophic factors was determined.

RESULTS

In the post-resuscitation period the neuronal loss was detected in untreated animals. Namely NT4-negative, FGFb-negative and BDNF-negative cells died. GK-2 had no effect on the expression level of FGFb and NT4, however, promoted an increase in the expression level of BDNF. Initiating the expression of BDNF in neurons that were not previously producing this factor, GK-2 prevents the development of post-resuscitation neuronal death. Obtained facts lead to the conclusion that one of the mechanisms of neuroprotective action of nerve growth factor mimetic GK-2 is its ability to activate the expression of BDNF in nerve cells.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in extramammary Paget disease

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a special type of cancers. The etiology of the disease is still unclear. We aimed to study the expression differences of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in EMPD tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and the protein expression was explored by immunohistochemistry. Higher immunostaining signal scores of bFGF and VEGF in EMPD tissues had been found (z=-3.827, P<0.001, z=-3.729, P<0.001, respectively). In addition, the mRNA expression of bFGF and VEGF was higher in EMPD tissues, which had been validated by RT-PCR (t=5.771, P<0.001, t=3.304, P=0.004, respectively). The VEGF and bFGF might be the key signaling proteins in angiogenesis of EMPD. How to block the VEGF and bFGF in EMPD and to destroy the blood supply of the tumor cells becomes the focus of our future research.

A single exposure to cocaine during development elicits regionally-selective changes in basal basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-2) gene expression and alters the trophic response to a second injection

RATIONALE

During adolescence, the brain is maturing and more sensitive to drugs of abuse that can influence its developmental trajectory. Recently, attention has been focused on basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) given that its administration early in life enhances the acquisition of cocaine self-administration and sensitization at adulthood (Turner et al. (Pharmacol Biochem Behav 92:100-4, 2009), Clinton et al. (Pharmacol Biochem Behav103:6-17, 2012)). Additionally, we found that abstinence from adolescent cocaine exposure long lastingly dysregulates FGF-2 transcription (Giannotti et al. (Psychopharmacology (Berl) 225:553-60, 2013 ).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study are to evaluate if (1) a single injection of cocaine (20 mg/kg) at postnatal day 35 alters FGF-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and (2) the first injection influences the trophic response to a second injection (10 mg/kg) provided 24 h or 7 days later.

RESULTS

We found regional differences in the FGF-2 expression pattern as either the first or the second injection of cocaine by themselves upregulated FGF-2 mRNA in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens while downregulating it in the hippocampus. The first injection influences the trophic response of the second. Of note, 24 h after the first injection, accumbal and hippocampal FGF-2 changes produced by cocaine in saline-pretreated rats were prevented in cocaine-pretreated rats. Conversely, in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus 7 days after the first injection, the cocaine-induced FGF-2 changes were modified by the subsequent exposure to the psychostimulant.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that a single cocaine injection is sufficient to produce enduring changes in the adolescent brain and indicate that early cocaine priming alters the mechanisms regulating the trophic response in a brain region-specific fashion.

[The administration of interleukin-1beta during early postnatal develop ment impairs FGF2, but not TIMP1, mRNA expression in brain structures of adult rats]

According to the Neurodevelopmental hypothesis, the long-lasting cognitive deficit in schizophrenia and other types of neuropathology may occur by injurious factors, such as hypoxia, traumas, infections that take place during pre- and postnatal development, at least at early stages. These pathological conditions are often associated with the high production of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1B (IL-1B) by the cells of immune and nervous systems. We investigated the expression of genes involved in the neuroplastic regulation (Fgf2 and Timp2) in medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal and ventral regions of hippocampus of adult rats that were treated with IL-1beta between P15 and P21. The learning impairment in IL-1beta-treated rats is accompanied by lower FGF-2 mRNA levels in medial prefrontal cortex and ventral (not dorsal) hippocampus, but TIMP-1 was not affected. No differences in TIMP-1 and FGF-2 mRNA expressions were observed in untrained IL-1beta-treated when compared to control rats.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound induces angiogenesis and ameliorates left ventricular dysfunction in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia

BACKGROUND

Although a significant progress has been made in the management of ischemic heart disease (IHD), the number of severe IHD patients is increasing. Thus, it is crucial to develop new, non-invasive therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we aimed to develop low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy for the treatment of IHD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We first confirmed that in cultured human endothelial cells, LIPUS significantly up-regulated mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with a peak at 32-cycle (P<0.05). Then, we examined the in vivo effects of LIPUS in a porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (n = 28). The heart was treated with either sham (n = 14) or LIPUS (32-cycle with 193 mW/cm2 for 20 min, n = 14) at 3 different short axis levels. Four weeks after the treatment, LVEF was significantly improved in the LIPUS group (46±4 to 57±5%, P<0.05) without any adverse effects, whereas it remained unchanged in the sham group (46±5 to 47±6%, P = 0.33). Capillary density in the ischemic region was significantly increased in the LIPUS group compared with the control group (1084±175 vs. 858±151/mm2, P<0.05). Regional myocardial blood flow was also significantly improved in the LIPUS group (0.78±0.2 to 1.39±0.4 ml/min/g, P<0.05), but not in the control group (0.84±0.3 to 0.97±0.4 ml/min/g). Western blot analysis showed that VEGF, eNOS and bFGF were all significantly up-regulated only in the LIPUS group.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the LIPUS therapy is promising as a new, non-invasive therapy for IHD.

[FGF2 signaling pathway components in tissues of the posterior eye sector in the adult newt Pleurodeles waltl]

The FGF2 signaling pathway components in tissues of the posterior wall in the normal and regenerating eye of the adult Pleurodeles waltl newt were detected for the first time. The fgf2 gene expression was found in the retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A high homology of the mRNA nucleotide sequence of the most conservative fgf2 gene region in the P. waltl with the fgf2 orthologs in other vertebrates was proved. The Fgf2 protein aminoacid sequence of the P. waltl newt demonstrates even more homology with this growth factor in other vertebrates. The Fgf2 protein with a molecular weight 35 kDa was found in the studied eye tissues using Western blot hybridization. Localization of the Fgf2 protein and its Fgfr receptors was immunohistochemically studied in the pigment epithelium, choroid, central and growth retina regions of the newt native eye, and in the connective cilium of photoreceptors. Using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry methods, it was found that the fgf2 gene down-regulation and a decrease in the intensity of the immunochemical reaction of its protein product (Fgf2) occur in the early period after the retina removal (in 4-8 days) (as compared with those in the same department of the unoperated eye).

Thyroid hormone induced angiogenesis through the integrin αvβ3/protein kinase D/histone deacetylase 5 signaling pathway

Thyroid hormone is reported to induce angiogenesis, which is mediated by the membrane receptor integrin αvβ3, but the precise signaling pathway is still not very clear. Recently, studies have shown that protein kinase D (PKD) regulates the recycling of integrin αvβ3, which is required for cell migration. Moreover, phosphorylated PKD stimulates histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) phosphorylation and nuclear export in endothelial cells. As a potent pro-angiogenic growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF (FGF2)) is a downstream target gene of HDAC5. Therefore, we examined the hypothesis that a novel signaling pathway through integrin αvβ3/PKD/HDAC5 might contribute to thyroxine (T4)-induced angiogenesis. We selected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for treatment. Angiogenesis was assessed using wound-healing and tubulogenesis assays. Signaling molecules, including phosphorylated PKD and HDAC5, were measured by western blotting. bFGF mRNA was analyzed by real-time PCR. Our results showed that T4 (100 nmol/l) stimulated the migration and formation of tube-like structures of HUVECs, whereas tetraiodothyroacetic acid (Tetrac, 100 nmol/l) inhibited T4-induced cell migration. Importantly, T4 promoted the phosphorylation of PKD and HDAC5. These effects were inhibited respectively by Tetrac, PKC inhibitor (2.5 μmol/l) and PKD siRNA. Meanwhile, T4 could promote the cytoplasmic accumulation of phosphorylated HDAC5 in HUVECs. In addition, bFGF mRNA expression in HUVECs significantly increased within 2 h of T4 treatment, but was decreased by Tetrac. Our findings indicate that T4 increases the expression of bFGF mRNA via the integrin αvβ3/PKD/HDAC5 signaling pathway, which plays an important role in angiogenesis.

Human urine-derived stem cells alone or genetically-modified with FGF2 Improve type 2 diabetic erectile dysfunction in a rat model

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the possibility of improving erectile dysfunction using cell therapy with either human urine-derived stem cells (USCs) or USCs genetically-modified with FGF2 in a type 2 diabetic rat model.

Methods

Human USCs were collected from 3 healthy donors. USCs were transfected with FGF2 (USCs-FGF2). Sixty-five SD male rats were divided into five groups (G). A control group of normal rats (G1, n = 10), and four other test groups of type 2 diabetic erectile dysfunction rats: PBS as a negative control (G2, n = 10), USCs (G3, n = 15), lentivirus-FGF2 (G4, n = 15), and USCs-FGF2 (G5, n = 15). Diabetes was induced in the rats via a high fat diet for 28 days and a subsequent intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Erectile dysfunction was screened with apomorphine (100 μg/kg). Cell injections in the test groups (G2–G5) occurred directly into the corpora cavernosa. The implanted cells were tracked at 7 days (n = 5 animals/G) and 28 days (n = 10 animals/G) post injection. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), intracavernosal pressure (ICP), expression of endothelial markers (CD31, VEGF and eNOS), smooth muscle markers (desmin and smoothelin), histological changes and erectile function were assessed for each group.

Results

USCs expressed mesenchymal stem cell markers, and secreted a number of proangiogenic growth factors. USCs expressed endothelial cell markers (CD31 and vWF) after transfection with FGF2. Implanted USCs or USCs-FGF2 displayed a significantly raised ICP and ICP/MAP ratio (p<0.01) 28 days after intracavernous injection. Although few cell were detected within the implanted sites, histological and western blot analysis demonstrated an increased expression of endothelial and smooth muscle markers within the cavernous tissue following USC or USC-FGF2 injection.

Conclusions

The paracrine effect of USCs or USCs-FGF2 induced improvement of erectile function in type 2 diabetic rats by recruiting resident cells and increasing the endothelial expression and contents of smooth muscle.