Identification and characterization of mesenchymal-epithelial progenitor-like cells in normal and injured rat liver

In normal rat liver, thymocyte antigen 1 (Thy1) is expressed in fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and in some blood progenitor cells. Thy1-expressing cells also accumulate in the liver during impaired liver regeneration. The origin and nature of these cells are not well understood. By using RT-PCR analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy, we describe the presence of rare Thy1(+) cells in the liver lobule of normal animals, occasionally forming small collections of up to 20 cells. These cells constitute a small portion (1.7% to 1.8%) of nonparenchymal cells and reveal a mixed mesenchymal-epithelial phenotype, expressing E-cadherin, cytokeratin 18, and desmin. The most potent mitogens for mesenchymal-epithelial Thy1(+) cells in vitro are the inflammatory cytokines interferon γ, IL-1, and platelet-derived growth factor-BB, which are not produced by Thy1(+) cells. Thy1(+) cells express all typical mesenchymal stem cell and hepatic progenitor cell markers and produce growth factor and cytokine mRNA (Hgf, Il6, Tgfa, and Tweak) for proteins that maintain oval cell growth and differentiation. Under appropriate conditions, mesenchymal-epithelial cells differentiate in vitro into hepatocyte-like cells. In this study, we show that the adult rat liver harbors a small pool of endogenous mesenchymal-epithelial cells not recognized previously. In the quiescent state, these cells express both mesenchymal and epithelial cell markers. They behave like hepatic stem cells/progenitors with dual phenotype, exhibiting high plasticity and long-lasting proliferative activity.

Impaired endothelium-mesenchymal stem cells cross-talk in systemic sclerosis: a link between vascular and fibrotic features

INTRODUCTION

To assess if an impaired cross-talk between endothelial cells (ECs) and perivascular/multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might induce a perturbation of vascular repair and leading to a phenotypic switch of MSC toward myofibroblast in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

We investigated different angiogenic and profibrotic molecules in a tridimentional matrigel assay, performing co-cultures with endothelial cells (ECs) and bone marrow derived MSCs from patients and healthy controls (HC). After 48 hours of co-culture, cells were sorted and analyzed for mRNA and protein expression.

RESULTS

ECs-SSc showed a decreased tube formation ability which is not improved by co-cultures with different MSCs. After sorting, we showed: i. an increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in SSc-MSCs when co-cultured with SSc-ECs; ii. an increased level of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and platelet growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) in SSc-ECs when co-cultured with both HC- and SSc-MSCs; iii. an increase of TGF-β, PDGF-R, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1 (Col1) in both HC- and SSc-MSCs when co-cultured with SSc-ECs.

CONCLUSION

We showed that during SSc, the ECs-MSCs crosstalk resulted in an altered expression of different molecules involved in the angiogenic processes, and mainly SSc-ECs seem to modulate the phenotypic switch of perivascular MSCs toward a myofibroblast population, thus supporting the fibrotic process.

Suppression of mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by adiponectin in vitro and in vivo

Renal growth, particularly hypertrophy, is a feature of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, is an important regulator of cell proliferation. Recent studies have suggested that adiponectin has a protective effect in the kidney. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of adiponectin in early DN. Mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) were cultured in media containing different concentrations of platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) with or without adiponectin. MMC proliferation and expression of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin were investigated. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were injected intravenously with recombinant lentivirus encoding the mouse adiponectin gene (Lenti-Acdc-IRES-EGFP). Urinary microalbumin, serum adiponectin level, and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin were determined. Adiponectin inhibited the increases in MMC proliferation and expression of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin induced by PDGF-BB. Adiponectin also effectively reduced renal cell proliferation and expression of type IV collagen, laminin, and fibronectin when it was introduced in vivo by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer. These findings suggest that adiponectin exerts renoprotective effects by inhibiting renal cell proliferation and reducing synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, thus suppressing the development and progression of DN.

Establishment of highly metastatic cell line (Lu10) from murine mammary carcinoma cell line MCH66 and biological characteristics of Lu10

OBJECTIVE

Mouse mammary cancer cell line MCH66 shows invasion-independent metastasis. To elucidate this metastatic mechanism, the biological characteristics putatively related to metastasis were analyzed using several cell lines with different metastatic abilities derived from MCH66.

METHODS

Metastatic capacity, invasive activity, growth property, and mRNA expressions of factors associated with endothelial cell proliferation were comparatively analyzed in MCH66 and its sublines.

RESULTS

Lu10 subline exhibited higher metastatic potential to the lungs and lymph nodes (100%) than MCH66 or Lu1 subline (0/5, 0/5 each). The growth rate was almost identical between Lu10 and MCH66, and Lu10 revealed weaker invasive activity in vitro than MCH66. In Lu10 tumors in mice, well-developed sinusoidal blood vessels and dilated lymphatics were noted compared with in Lu1 tumors. Accordingly, Lu10 showed higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, -D, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B and pleiotrophin than Lu1, while the expression of other growth factors such as VEGF-A, midkine, angiogenin, hepatocyte growth factor, PDGF-A, and basic fibroblast growth factor remained unchanged between Lu1 and Lu10.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate that high invasiveness and rapid growth are not required for this metastatic process, and some angiogenic mediators are involved in blood-borne and lymphatic metastasis.

Vitreous biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic meta-analysis of biomarkers investigated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the vitreous, and to explore the molecular pathway interactions of these markers found to be consistently associated with DR. Relevant databases [PubMed and ISI web of science] were searched for all published articles investigating molecular biomarkers of the vitreous associated with DR. Based on set exclusion/inclusion criteria available data from studies with human vitreous samples were extracted and used for our meta-analysis. The interactions of significant biomarkers in DR were investigated via STRING and KEGG pathway analysis. Our meta-analysis of DR identifies eleven biomarkers as potential therapeutic candidates alternate to current anti-VEGF therapy. Four of these are deemed viable therapeutic targets for PDR; ET receptors (ET A and ET B), anti-PDGF-BB, blocking TGF-β using cell therapy and PEDF. The identification of supplementary or synergistic therapeutic candidates to anti VEGF in the treatment of DR may aid in the development of future treatment trials.

Ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolyase L1-suppressed autophagic degradation of p21WAF1/Cip1 as a novel feedback mechanism in the control of cardiac fibroblast proliferation

Aims

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) appear to be critical regulators of a multitude of processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammation; however, the potential roles of DUBs in the heart remain to be determined. This study was aimed to explore the role of a DUB, ubiquitin carboxyl terminal hydrolyase L1 (UCH-L1) in maladaptive cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.

Methods and Results

Maladaptive cardiac remodeling and dysfunction were induced in mice by transverse aortic constriction (TAC). UCH-L1 expression was transiently increased and then declined near to the basal level while impairment of cardiac function proceeded. The upregulation of UCH-L1 was observed in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. In primary culture of cardiac fibroblasts, UCH-L1 was upregulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and PDGF-DD. Adenoviral overexpession of UCH-L1 inhibited the PDGF-induced cardiac fibroblast proliferation without affecting the activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Akt, and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Further signaling dissection revealed that PDGF-BB posttranscriptional upregulated p21^WAF1/Cip1 protein expression, which was inhibited by rapamycin, an activator of autophagy via suppressing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), rather than MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. Overexpression of UCH-L1 enhanced PDGF-BB-induced mTOR phosphorylation and upregulation of p21^WAF1/Cip1 protein expression while suppressed autophagic flux in cardiac fibroblasts.

Conclusion

UCH-L1 facilitates PDGF-BB-induced suppression of autophagic degradation of p21^WAF1/Cip1 proteins in cardiac fibroblasts, which may serve as a novel negative feedback mechanism in the control of cardiac fibroblast proliferation contributing to cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB restores HIV Tat -mediated impairment of neurogenesis: role of GSK-3β/β-catenin

Our previous study demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) increased the cell proliferation of primary rat neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs). However, whether PDGF-BB regulates neurogenesis in HIV-associated neurological disorder (HAND) remains largely unknown. In this study we demonstrated that pre-treatment of NPCs with PDGF-BB restored Tat-mediated impairment of cell proliferation via activation of p38 and JNK MAPK pathways. Moreover, treatment with PDGF-BB induced inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), evidenced by its phosphorylation at Ser9, this effect was significantly inhibited by the p38 and JNK inhibitors. Level of nuclear β-catenin, the primary substrate of GSK-3β, was also concomitantly increased following PDGF-BB treatment, suggesting that PDGF-BB stimulates NPC proliferation via acting on GSK-3β to promote nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. This was further validated by gain and loss of function studies using cells transfected with either the wild type or mutant GSK-3β constructs. Together these data underpin the role of GSK-3β/β-catenin as a novel target that regulates NPC proliferation mediated by PDGF-BB with implications for therapeutic intervention for reversal of impaired neurogenesis inflicted by Tat.

Precision-cut liver slices as a model for the early onset of liver fibrosis to test antifibrotic drugs

Induction of fibrosis during prolonged culture of precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) was reported. In this study, the use of rat PCLS was investigated to further characterize the mechanism of early onset of fibrosis in this model and the effects of antifibrotic compounds. Rat PCLS were incubated for 48h, viability was assessed by ATP and gene expression of PDGF-B and TGF-β1 and the fibrosis markers Hsp47, αSma and Pcol1A1 and collagen1 protein expressions were determined. The effects of the antifibrotic drugs imatinib, sorafenib and sunitinib, PDGF-pathway inhibitors, and perindopril, valproic acid, rosmarinic acid, tetrandrine and pirfenidone, TGFβ-pathway inhibitors, were determined. After 48h of incubation, viability of the PCLS was maintained and gene expression of PDGF-B was increased while TGF-β1 was not changed. Hsp47, αSma and Pcol1A1 gene expressions were significantly elevated in PCLS after 48h, which was further increased by PDGF-BB and TGF-β1. The increased gene expression of fibrosis markers was inhibited by all three PDGF-inhibitors, while TGFβ-inhibitors showed marginal effects. The protein expression of collagen 1 was inhibited by imatinib, perindopril, tetrandrine and pirfenidone. In conclusion, the increased gene expression of PDGF-B and the down-regulation of fibrosis markers by PDGF-pathway inhibitors, together with the absence of elevated TGF-β1 gene expression and the limited effect of the TGFβ-pathway inhibitors, indicated the predominance of the PDGF pathway in the early onset of fibrosis in PCLS. PCLS appear a useful model for research of the early onset of fibrosis and for testing of antifibrotic drugs acting on the PDGF pathway.

[The possibilities and perspectives of using scaffold technology for bone regeneration]

The article deals with the one of the topical problem of tissue engineering--the design and implementation of biomaterials that could replace and repair bone defects. This review presents the recent studies of the potential of scaffold technology in bone tissue regeneration. This article contains information about the basic parameters and properties of modern scaffold systems. The results of experimental in vitro and in vivo studies on the use of matrices made of various materials are shown. Advantages and disadvantages of various materials used for the production of scaffolds are discussed. Attention is paid to the advantages combinations of different materials to achieve the desired structural and functional properties. Particular attention is paid to technologies and systems of targeted delivery and controlled release of factors that stimulate bone tissue regeneration. Different strategies for modulating tissue reactions and immune responses that take place during scaffold implantation are presented.

Blocking SDF-1α/CXCR4 downregulates PDGF-B and inhibits bone marrow-derived pericyte differentiation and tumor vascular expansion in Ewing tumors

Bone marrow cells (BMC) are critical to the expansion of the tumor vessel network that supports Ewing sarcoma growth. BMCs migrate to the tumor and differentiate into endothelial cells and pericytes. We recently demonstrated that stromal-derived growth factor 1α (SDF-1α) regulates platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) and that this pathway plays a critical role in bone marrow-derived pericyte differentiation in vitro. We investigated the role of SDF-1α/PDGF-B in the tumor microenvironment in vivo in promoting bone marrow-derived pericyte differentiation in Ewing tumors. The CXCR4 antagonist AMD 3100 was used to disrupt the SDF-1α/CXCR4 axis in vivo in two xenograft Ewing tumor models. BMCs from GFP(+) transgenic mice were transplanted into lethally irradiated nude mice to track BMC migration to the tumor site. Following BMC engraftment, tumor-bearing mice received daily subcutaneous injections of either PBS or AMD 3100 for 3 weeks. Tumors were resected and tumor sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. AMD 3100 inhibited BMC differentiation into desmin(+) and NG2(+) pericytes, affected the morphology of the tumor vasculature, decreased perfusion, and increased tumor cell apoptosis. We observed smaller vessels with tiny lumens and a decrease in the microvessel density. AMD 3100 also inhibited PDGF-B protein expression in vitro and in vivo. SDF-1α in the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in promoting pericyte formation and Ewing sarcoma tumor neovascularization by regulating PDGF-B expression. Interfering with this pathway affects tumor vascular morphology and expansion.

PD-0332991, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, significantly prolongs survival in a genetically engineered mouse model of brainstem glioma

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an incurable tumor that arises in the brainstem of children. To date there is not a single approved drug to effectively treat these tumors and thus novel therapies are desperately needed. Recent studies suggest that a significant fraction of these tumors contain alterations in cell cycle regulatory genes including amplification of the D-type cyclins and CDK4/6, and less commonly, loss of Ink4a-ARF leading to aberrant cell proliferation. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic approach of targeting the cyclin-CDK-Retinoblastoma (Rb) pathway in a genetically engineered PDGF-B-driven brainstem glioma (BSG) mouse model. We found that PD-0332991 (PD), a CDK4/6 inhibitor, induces cell-cycle arrest in our PDGF-B; Ink4a-ARF deficient model both in vitro and in vivo. By contrast, the PDGF-B; p53 deficient model was mostly resistant to treatment with PD. We noted that a 7-day treatment course with PD significantly prolonged survival by 12% in the PDGF-B; Ink4a-ARF deficient BSG model. Furthermore, a single dose of 10 Gy radiation therapy (RT) followed by 7 days of treatment with PD increased the survival by 19% in comparison to RT alone. These findings provide the rationale for evaluating PD in children with Ink4a-ARF deficient gliomas.

[Detection and clinical significance of platelet derived growth factor-BB and microvessel density in clear cell renal cell carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and microvessel density (MVD) marked with CD34 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) and explore their relevance to clinicopathologic features and prognoses of patients.

METHODS

Expressions of PDGF-BB and CD34 in the tissue samples of 100 clear cell renal cell carcinomas were detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) SP staining. The microvessel density (MVD) was counted using Weidner's method. For PDGF-BB assessment, the staining intensity and the proportion of positive tumor cells were analyzed. Staining was considered immunoreactive when brown granules were identified in the cytoplasm or nuclei of tumor cells. Staining intensity and the proportion of positively stained tumor cells in lesions was scored for further analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the software SPSS 18.0.

RESULTS

The MVD value marked by CD34 in the 100 cancer tissues was (105.49 ± 37.95) profiles/HPF. The median value of MVD in the entire cohort was used as the cut-off point for low MVD group (42 cases) and high MVD group (58 cases). The MVD of the low and high MVD groups was (75.12 ± 22.41) profiles/ HPF and (135.86 ± 22.91) profiles/HPF, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). MVD was significantly correlated with the tumor T staging, histopathological grading and postoperative metastasis in CCRCC (P < 0.05, respectively). Among the 100 CCRCC cases, there were 38 cases with low PDGF-BB expression and 62 cases with high PDGF-BB expression, and the expression of PDGF-BB was significantly correlated with tumor diameter, T staging, histopathological grading and postoperative metastasis in the CCRCC (P < 0.05, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cancer specific survival (CSS) in CCRCC patients with high expression of MVD and PDGF-BB was significantly better than that in the group with low MVD and low PDGF-BB expression (P < 0.001, respectively). Expression of PDGF-BB protein was positively associated with the MVD assessed by Spearman's correlation and factor analysis (r = 0.461, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Significantly increased MVD and PDGF-BB expression detected in CCRCC patients indicate a better tumor grading and staging, and a longer survival time.

MicroRNA-221 mediates the effects of PDGF-BB on migration, proliferation, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway has been found to play important roles in the development and progression of human cancers by regulating the processes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metastasis, and the acquisition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Moreover, PDGF signaling has also been found to alter the expression profile of miRNAs, leading to the reversal of EMT phenotype. Although the role of miRNAs in cancer has been documented, there are very few studies documenting the cellular consequences of targeted re-expression of specific miRNAs. Therefore, we investigated whether the treatment of human pancreatic cancer cells with PDGF could alter the expression profile of miRNAs, and we also assessed the cellular consequences. Our study demonstrates that miR-221 is essential for the PDGF-mediated EMT phenotype, migration, and growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Down-regulation of TRPS1 by miR-221 is critical for PDGF-mediated acquisition of the EMT phenotype. Additionally, the PDGF-dependent increase in cell proliferation appears to be mediated by inhibition of a specific target of miR-221 and down-regulation of p27Kip1.

Eupatilin, a major flavonoid of Artemisia, attenuates aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration by inhibiting PI3K, MKK3/6, and MKK4 activities

Eupatilin, a major flavonoid of plants in the genus Artemisia, has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-tumor effects. However, the potential anti-atherogenic effects of eupatilin and any underlying mechanisms have not been investigated. In the present study, we sought to determine the effects of eupatilin on phenotypes induced by the growth factor PDGF-BB in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Here we show that aortic sprouting as well as PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells were significantly inhibited by eupatilin. We found that eupatilin inhibited PI3K activity, causing a direct effect on phosphorylation of the downstream kinases Akt and p70S6K. In parallel, eupatilin also inhibited the phosphorylation of MKK3/6-p38 MAPK and the MKK4-JNK pathway. Moreover we found that eupatilin exhibited stronger inhibition effects on PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells than PI3K, p38 MAPK, and JNK pathway inhibitors. Taken together, our results indicate that eupatilin is a potent anti-atherogenic agent that inhibits PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration in HASMCs as well as aortic sprouting, which is likely mediated through the attenuation of PI3K, MKK3/6, and MKK4 activation.

Tenascin C promiscuously binds growth factors via its fifth fibronectin type III-like domain

Tenascin C (TNC) is an extracellular matrix protein that is upregulated during development as well as tissue remodeling. TNC is comprised of multiple independent folding domains, including 15 fibronectin type III-like (TNCIII) domains. The fifth TNCIII domain (TNCIII5) has previously been shown to bind heparin. Our group has shown that the heparin-binding fibronectin type III domains of fibronectin (FNIII), specifically FNIII12–14, possess affinity towards a large number of growth factors. Here, we show that TNCIII5 binds growth factors promiscuously and with high affinity. We produced recombinant fragments of TNC representing the first five TNCIII repeats (TNCIII1–5), as well as subdomains, including TNCIII5, to study interactions with various growth factors. Multiple growth factors of the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family, the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, the insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGF-BPs), and neurotrophins were found to bind with high affinity to this region of TNC, specifically to TNCIII5. Surface plasmon resonance was performed to analyze the kinetics of binding of TNCIII1–5 with TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, NT-3, and FGF-2. The promiscuous yet high affinity of TNC for a wide array of growth factors, mediated mainly by TNCIII5, may play a role in multiple physiological and pathological processes involving TNC.

[Effects of plumbagin on expression of TNF-alpha and PDGF-BB in human hepatic stellate cells activated by leptin]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of plumbagin on the expression of TNF-alpha and PDGF-BB in human hepatic stellate cells (HSC-LX2) activated by Leptin.

METHODS

HSC-LX2 were cultured in vitro and stimulated by Leptin for 24 hours then treated with different concentrations of plumbagin for 24 hours, the expressions of TNF-alpha mRNA and PDGF-BB mRNA were determined by Realtime quantitative PCR, the protein expressions of TNF-alpha and PDGF-BB were determined-by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The expressions of TNF-alpha mRNA and PDGF-BB mRNA of treatment groups were significantly reduced, especially in high dose group (P < 0.01), and Western blotting analyses revealed similar trends in protein expression.

CONCLUSION

Plumbagin may prevent the formation of hepatic fibrosis and its mechanism may be related to decreasing the level of mRNA of TNF-alpha and PDGF-BB and the protein of PDGF-BB.

Involvement of the ANGPTs/Tie-2 system in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a disorder associated with ovarian stimulation. OHSS features are ovarian enlargement with fluid shifting to the third space. Disturbances in the vasculature are considered the main changes that lead to OHSS. Our aim was to analyze the levels of angiopoietins 1 and 2 (ANGPT1 and 2) and their soluble and membrane receptors (s/mTie-2) in follicular fluid (FF) and in granulosa-lutein cells culture (GLCs) from women at risk of developing OHSS. We also evaluated the effect of ANGPT1 on endothelial cell migration. In ovaries from an OHSS rat model, we analyzed the protein concentration of ANGPTs, their mTie-2 receptor, and platelet-derived growth factor PDGF-B, -D and PDGFR-β. ANGPT1 levels were increased in both FF and GLCs from women at risk of OHSS. Incubation of these FF with an ANGPT1 neutralizing antibody decreased endothelial cell migration. In the ovaries of OHSS rat model, mTie-2 protein levels increased and PDGF-B and -D decreased. In summary, these results suggest that ANGPT1 could be another mediator in the development of OHSS.

Ocular neovascularization

Retinal and choroidal vascular diseases constitute the most common causes of moderate and severe vision loss in developed countries. They can be divided into retinal vascular diseases, in which there is leakage and/or neovascularization (NV) from retinal vessels, and subretinal NV, in which new vessels grow into the normally avascular outer retina and subretinal space. The first category of diseases includes diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and retinopathy of prematurity, and the second category includes neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ocular histoplasmosis, pathologic myopia, and other related diseases. Retinal hypoxia is a key feature of the first category of diseases resulting in elevated levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) which stimulates expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B), placental growth factor, stromal-derived growth factor-1 and their receptors, as well as other hypoxia-regulated gene products such as angiopoietin-2. Although hypoxia has not been demonstrated as part of the second category of diseases, HIF-1 is elevated and thus the same group of hypoxia-regulated gene products plays a role. Clinical trials have shown that VEGF antagonists provide major benefits for patients with subretinal NV due to AMD and even greater benefits are seen by combining antagonists of VEGF and PDGF-B. It is likely that addition of antagonists of other agents listed above will be tested in the future. Other appealing strategies are to directly target HIF-1 or to use gene transfer to express endogenous or engineered anti-angiogenic proteins. While substantial progress has been made, the future looks even brighter for patients with retinal and choroidal vascular diseases.

[Effects of blueberry on the expression of PPARγ and PDGF-B in rat hepatic fibrosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of blueberry on the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) in rat hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

A total of 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis (model group), blueberry prevention (BB group), DSHX prevention (DSHX group) and blueberry+DSHX prevention (BB+DSHX group) (n = 9 each). Fibrous liver models of rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 and high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 weeks except for control group. Then the expressions of collagen I (ColI), PPARγ and PDGF-B were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the expression of PPARγ decreased and those of ColI and PDGF-B were elevated in model group (P < 0.05). The expression of PPARγ increased and ColI and PDGF-B decreased in BB, DSHX and BB+DSHX groups as compared to model group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The inhibitory effects of blueberry in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis may be correlated with the activation of PPARγ, the inhibited expression of PDGF-B and the reduced synthesis of extracellular matrix.

Reduced mural cell coverage and impaired vessel integrity after angiogenic stimulation in the Alk1-deficient brain

OBJECTIVE

Vessels in brain arteriovenous malformations are prone to rupture. The underlying pathogenesis is not clear. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2 patients with activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1) mutation have a higher incidence of brain arteriovenous malformation than the general population. We tested the hypothesis that vascular endothelial growth factor impairs vascular integrity in the Alk1-deficient brain through reduction of mural cell coverage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Adult Alk1(1f/2f) mice (loxP sites flanking exons 4-6) and wild-type mice were injected with 2×10(7) PFU adenovious-cre recombinase and 2×10(9) genome copies of adeno-associated virus-vascular endothelial growth factor to induce focal homozygous Alk1 deletion (in Alk1(1f/2f) mice) and angiogenesis. Brain vessels were analyzed 8 weeks later. Compared with wild-type mice, the Alk1-deficient brain had more fibrin (99±30×10(3) pixels/mm(2) versus 40±13×10(3); P=0.001), iron deposition (508±506 pixels/mm(2) versus 6±49; P=0.04), and Iba1(+) microglia/macrophage infiltration (888±420 Iba1(+) cells/mm(2) versus 240±104 Iba1(+); P=0.001) after vascular endothelial growth factor stimulation. In the angiogenic foci, the Alk1-deficient brain had more α-smooth muscle actin negative vessels (52±9% versus 12±7%, P<0.001), fewer vascular-associated pericytes (503±179/mm(2) versus 931±115, P<0.001), and reduced platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction of mural cell coverage in response to vascular endothelial growth factor stimulation is a potential mechanism for the impairment of vessel wall integrity in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2-associated brain arteriovenous malformation.

[The correlation between BRAF mutations, RET/PTC rearrangements and platelet-derived growth factor B expression in papillary thyroid carcinomas]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of BRAF T1799A mutation and RET/PTC rearrangement in Qingdao and detect the expression of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) in order to investigate the correlation between gene mutation and PDGF-B.

METHODS

Fresh tissue from 48 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) patients was examined for BRAF mutation RET rearrangements (RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3) by PCR, followed by direct-sequence analysis. The expression of PDGF was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Among the 48 patients, 14 (29.2%) were micro PTC; 18 (37.5%) had BRAF T1799A mutations and 23(47.9%) had RET/PTC rearrangement. There were 17 (35.4%) cases of RET/PTC1 and 6 (12.5%) of RET/PTC3, with no multiple rearrangements. Both BRAF T1799A mutation and RET/PTC rearrangement were present in 6 (12.5%) cases of non-micro PTC. The level of PDGF-B expression in BRAF T1799A positive was higher than that in the negative, and the level of PDGF-B expression in RET/PTC3 was higher than that in RET/PTC1 (P < 0.05). The more advanced neoplasm stage was, the stranger PDGF-B expression was.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of BRAF T1799A mutation and RET/PTC rearrangement is higher in Qingdao. BRAF T1799A mutation and RET/PTC3 rearrangement in patients suggests a poorer prognosis than the negative one. The BRAF T1799A mutation and RET/PTC3 rearrangement may strengthen the expression of PDGF-B. Both variations suggest a poor prognosis.

Role of Btg2 in the progression of a PDGF-induced oligodendroglioma model

Tumor progression is a key aspect in oncology. Not even the overexpression of a powerful oncogenic stimulus such as platelet derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B) is sufficient per se to confer full malignancy to cells. In previous studies we showed that neural progenitors overexpressing PDGF-B need to undergo progression to acquire the capability to give rise to secondary tumor following transplant. By comparing the expression profile of PDGF-expressing cells before and after progression, we found that progressed tumors consistently downregulate the expression of the antiproliferative gene Btg2. We therefore tested whether the downregulation of Btg2 is sufficient and necessary for glioma progression with loss and gain of function experiments. Our results show that downregulation of Btg2 is not sufficient but is necessary for tumor progression since the re-introduction of Btg2 in fully progressed tumors dramatically impairs their gliomagenic potential. These results suggest an important role of Btg2 in glioma progression. Accordingly with this view, the analysis of public datasets of human gliomas showed that reduced level of Btg2 expression correlates with a significantly worse prognosis.

Evaluation of the effect of calcium gluconate and bovine thrombin on the temporal release of transforming growth factor beta 1 and platelet-derived growth factor isoform BB from feline platelet concentrates

BACKGROUND

There are not reported regarding the protocols for obtaining platelet concentrates (PC) in cats for medical purposes. The objectives of this study were: 1) to describe a manual method for producing two kinds of PC in cats (PC-A and PC-B), 2) to describe the cellular population of the PC, 3) to measure and compare the effect of calcium gluconate (CG) and bovine thrombin (BT) on the temporal release of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor type BB (PDGF-BB) at 3 and 12 hours post-activation and 4) to establish correlations between the cellular population of both PCs and the concentration of growth factors (GF). Blood samples were taken from 16 cats for complete blood count, plasma collection and PC preparation. The PC were arbitrarily divided into two fractions, specifically, PC-A (lower fraction) and PC-B (upper fraction).

RESULTS

The platelet counts were significantly different (P<0.05) between the PC and whole blood but not between the PC fractions. The TGF-β1 concentration efficiencies for PC-A and PC-B activated with CG were 42.86% and 46.54%, and activated with BT were 42.88% and 54.64%, respectively. The PDGF-BB concentration efficiencies for PC-A and PC-B activated with CG were 61.36% and 60.61%, and activated with BT were 65.64% and 72.12%, respectively. The temporal release of GFs showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) between the activating substances at the time or for any PC fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Whatever the activation means, these preparations of cat PC provide significant concentrations of platelets and GFs for possible clinical or experimental use.

Endothelial nuclear factor-κB-dependent regulation of arteriogenesis and branching

BACKGROUND

Arteriogenesis and collateral formation are complex processes requiring integration of multiple inputs to coordinate vessel branching, growth, maturation, and network size. Factors regulating these processes have not been determined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used an inhibitor of NFκB activation (IκBαSR) under control of an endothelial-specific inducible promoter to selectively suppress endothelial nuclear factor-κB activation during development, in the adult vasculature, or in vitro. Inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation resulted in formation of an excessively branched arterial network that was composed of immature vessels and provided poor distal tissue perfusion. Molecular analysis demonstrated reduced adhesion molecule expression leading to decreased monocyte influx, reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α levels, and a marked decrease in δ-like ligand 4 expression with a consequent decrease in Notch signaling. The latter was the principal cause of increased vascular branching as treatment with Jagged-1 peptide reduced the size of the arterial network to baseline levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings identify nuclear factor-κB as a key regulator of adult and developmental arteriogenesis and collateral formation. Nuclear factor-κB achieves this by regulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-dependent expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A and platelet-derived growth factor-BB, which are necessary for the development and maturation of the arterial collateral network, and by regulating δ-like ligand 4 expression, which in turn determines the size and complexity of the network.