Activated Effects of Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein on Human Hepatic Stellate Cells

Background & Aims

After years of experiments and clinical studies, parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrP) has been shown to be a bone formation promoter that elicits rapid effects with limited adverse reaction. Recently, PTHrP was reported to promote fibrosis in rat kidney in conjunction with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), which is also a fibrosis promoter in liver. However, the effect of PTHrP in liver has not been determined. In this study, the promoting actions of PTHrP were first investigated in human normal hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and LX-2 cell lines.

Methods

TGF-β1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and collagen I mRNA were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after HSCs or LX-2 cells were treated with PTHrP(1–36) or TGF-β1. Protein levels were also assessed by western-blot analysis. Alpha-SMA were also detected by immunofluorescence, and TGF-β1 secretion was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of HSC cell culture media.

Results

In cultured human HSCs, mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, collagen I, MMP-2, and TGF-β1 were increased by PTHrP treatment. A similar increasing pattern was also observed in LX-2 cells. Moreover, PTHrP significantly increased TGF-β1 secretion in cultured media from HSCs.

Conclusions

PTHrP activated HSCs and promoted the fibrosis process in LX-2 cells. These procedures were probably mediated via TGF-β1, highlighting the potential effects of PTHrP in the liver.     

Increased Expression of Angiogenic Factors in Cultured Human Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Endothelial Cells

To compare the mRNA level of angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 in cultured human brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) endothelial cells (ECs) and normal brain endothelial cells (BECs). Tissue explants both from deformed vessels of AVM and normal microvessel were put into culture for endothelial cells. After the monolayer adherent ECs reached confluence, they were tested with endothelial specific marker CD34 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) by immunochemical assay. mRNA levels of VEGF-A, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in AVM endothelial cells (AVMECs) and BECs were measured by PCR. Immunostaining confirmed that more than 95 % of the cultured cells were CD34 (Fig. 1b) and/or vWF positive. Expression levels of VEGF-A and MMP-2 mRNAs were significantly higher in AVMECs than in BECs. The MMP-9 level was also increased in AVMECs, but the difference was not statistically significant. Vascular tissue explants adherent method is a better approach for isolation and culture of AVMECs. Cultured AVMECs expressed higher angiogenic factors (VEGF, MMP-2) than the controlled BECs, implicating angiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AVM.     

人血管内皮细胞文库的构建

<正> 人体内大约有10~(12)个内皮细胞,它们均位于血管的内面,其面积约1000m~2,内皮细胞不仅为血液流动、防止血凝提供了一个光滑的表面,而且亦是防止某些细胞因子和细胞成分粘附和迁移的屏障。内皮细胞具有广泛的合成能力,可以产生几十种生物活性物质。另外,内皮细胞与血管平滑肌细胞及多种细胞有着广泛的相互作用。这种相互作用对维持机体     

血管内皮标记物及血管内皮生长因子在胸水细胞中的表达和意义

探讨CD31、CD34、CD105及VEGF在胸水中的表达.应用免疫细胞化学染色,免疫荧光染色,Western-blot技术检测200例非小细胞肺癌患者胸水、30例增生胸水和20例炎性胸水中CD31、CD34、CD105及VEGF的表达.CD31、CD34、CD105及VEGF在非小细胞肺癌胸水中的表达量明显高于增生和炎性胸水表达(P＜0.05).非小细胞肺癌胸水患者CD31、CD34、CD105及VEGF高表达,并且在存在着肿瘤细胞血管样管型结构中表达量明显高于未发现肿瘤细胞血管样管型的胸腔积液.检测CD31、CD34、CD105及VEGF在胸腔积液中的表达情况可能对判断患者的预后有一定价值.     

Inhibition of Gene Expression by Peptide Nucleic Acids in Cultured Cells

Abstract

We have tested in cultured cells the capacity of antisense and antigene PNAs to inhibit, in a sequence specific manner, the expression of oncogenes in leukaemia and pancreatic carcinoma cells. The results observed appeared promising and suggest that PNA may play in the future an important role in targeting disease-related genes.     

Expression - Level Dependent Activation of Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone/Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide Receptor: Effect of Human Parathyroid Hormone (1-34), (1-31), and (28-48)

Abstract

A stable recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell model system expressing the human type-1 receptor for parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone-related peptide (hPTH-R) was established for the analysis of human PTH (hPTH) variants. The cell lines showed receptor expression in the range from 10⁵ to 1.9xl0⁶ receptors per cell. The affinity of the receptors for hPTH-(l-34) was independent of the receptor number per cell (K<j = 8 nmol/1). The induction of cAMP by hPTH-(l-34) is maximal in clones expressing >2xl0⁵ receptors per cell and Ca⁺⁺ signals were maximal in cell lines expressing >1.4xl0⁶ receptors per cell. Second messenger specific inhibitors demonstrated that PTH-induced increases in intracellular cAMP and Ca⁺⁺ are independent and Ca⁺⁺ ions are derived from intracellular stores. The cAMP-specific receptor activator hPTH-(l-31) showed also an increase in intracellular Ca⁺⁺. Even in cell lines expressing more than 10 receptors per cell the Ca⁺⁺/PKC specific activator hPTH-(28-48) did not activate hPTH-Rs. Based on these results, synthesis of further derivatives of PTH is required to identify pathway-specific ligands for the type-1 hPTH-R.     

Lysophosphatidic Acid Enhances Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C Expression in Human Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cells

Clinical evidence suggests that lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis are important processes during the progression of prostate cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C was shown to be a key regulator in these processes. Our previous studies demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a low-molecular-weight lipid growth factor, enhances VEGF-C expression in human endothelial cells. We previously demonstrated that the LPA receptor plays an important role in lymphatic development in zebrafish embryos. However, the effects of LPA on VEGF-C expression in prostate cancer are not known. Herein, we demonstrate that LPA up-regulated VEGF-C expression in three different human prostate cancer cell lines. In PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, the enhancing effects of LPA were mediated through both LPA1 and LPA3. In addition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) expression were involved in LPA(1/3)-dependent VEGF-C expression. Furthermore, autotaxin (ATX), an enzyme responsible for LPA synthesis, also participates in regulating VEGF-C expression. By interrupting LPA(1/3) of PC-3, conditioned medium (CM) -induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) lymphatic markers expression was also blocked. In summary, we found that LPA enhances VEGF-C expression through activating LPA(1/3)-, ROS-, and LEDGF-dependent pathways. These novel findings could potentially shed light on developing new strategies for preventing lymphatic metastasis of prostate cancer.     

Estradiol Stimulates Vasodilatory and Metabolic Pathways in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells

Vascular effects of estradiol are being investigated because there are controversies among clinical and experimental studies. DNA microarrays were used to investigate global gene expression patterns in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to 1 nmol/L estradiol for 24 hours. When compared to control, 187 genes were identified as differentially expressed with 1.9-fold change threshold. Supervised principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed the differences between control and estradiol-treated samples. Physiological concentrations of estradiol are sufficient to elicit significant changes in HUVEC gene expression. Notch signaling, actin cytoskeleton signaling, pentose phosphate pathway, axonal guidance signaling and integrin signaling were the top-five canonical pathways significantly regulated by estrogen. A total of 26 regulatory networks were identified as estrogen responsive. Microarray data were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR in cardiovascular meaning genes; cyclooxigenase (COX)1, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH)2, phospholipase A2 group IV (PLA2G4) B, and 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase were up-regulated by estradiol in a dose-dependent and estrogen receptor-dependent way, whereas COX2, DDAH1 and PLA2G4A remained unaltered. Moreover, estradiol-induced COX1 gene expression resulted in increased COX1 protein content and enhanced prostacyclin production. DDAH2 protein content was also increased, which in turn decreased asymmetric dimethylarginine concentration and increased NO release. All stimulated effects of estradiol on gene and protein expression were estrogen receptor-dependent, since were abolished in the presence of the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780. This study identifies new vascular mechanisms of action by which estradiol may contribute to a wide range of biological processes.     

Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (Flk-1) Expression in Vascular Endothelial Cells

We have previously reported the existence of a synergistic interaction between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the induction of angiogenesisin vitro.Here we demonstrate that bFGF increases VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2/Flk-1) expression: mRNA levels were increased by 4.5- to 8.0-fold and total protein by 2.0- to 3.5-fold, in bovine microvascular endothelial (BME), aortic endothelial (BAE), and transformed fetal aortic (GM7373) endothelial cells. VEGF itself did not affect VEGFR-2 expression, and neither bFGF nor VEGF altered expression of FGF receptor-1. We also show that synergism occurs at the level of proliferation when this is measured in a three-dimensional but not in a conventional two-dimensional assay. Differences in the level of VEGFR-2 expression were also observed when cells were grown on or within collagen gels under different conditions: mRNA levels were lowest under sparse conditions, increased 20- to 26-fold at confluence, and increased even further (57-fold) when cells were cultured in suspension in three-dimensional collagen gels. Finally, a synergistic increase was seen in the level of expression of urokinase and urokinase receptor mRNAs when cells were exposed to bFGF and VEGF for 4 days. These findings demonstrate that the level of VEGFR-2 expression can be modulated by environmental factors including cytokines and the geometry of the culture conditions and provide some insight into the mechanisms of synergism between bFGF and VEGF in the induction of angiogenesisin vitro.     

Loss of NF1 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells Promotes Autonomous Proliferation and Altered Vascular Morphogenesis

Neurofibromatosis is a well known familial tumor syndrome, however these patients also suffer from a number of vascular anomalies. The loss of NFl from the endothelium is embryonically lethal in mouse developmental models, however little is known regarding the molecular regulation by NF1 in endothelium. We investigated the consequences of losing NF1 expression on the function of endothelial cells using shRNA. The loss of NF1 was sufficient to elevate levels of active Ras under non-stimulated conditions. These elevations in Ras activity were associated with activation of downstream signaling including activation of ERK, AKT and mTOR. Cells knocked down in NF1 expression exhibited no cellular senescence. Rather, they demonstrated augmented proliferation and autonomous entry into the cell cycle. These proliferative changes were accompanied by enhanced expression of cyclin D, phosphorylation of p27^KIP, and decreases in total p27^KIP levels, even under growth factor free conditions. In addition, NF1-deficient cells failed to undergo normal branching morphogenesis in a co-culture assay, instead forming planar islands with few tubules and branches. We find the changes induced by the loss of NF1 could be mitigated by co-expression of the GAP-related domain of NF1 implicating Ras regulation in these effects. Using doxycycline-inducible shRNA, targeting NF1, we find that the morphogenic changes are reversible. Similarly, in fully differentiated and stable vascular-like structures, the silencing of NF1 results in the appearance of abnormal vascular structures. Finally, the proliferative changes and the abnormal vascular morphogenesis are normalized by low-dose rapamycin treatment. These data provide a detailed analysis of the molecular and functional consequences of NF1 loss in human endothelial cells. These insights may provide new approaches to therapeutically addressing vascular abnormalities in these patients while underscoring a critical role for normal Ras regulation in maintaining the health and function of the vasculature.     

Diclofenac Enhances Proinflammatory Cytokine-Induced Aquaporin-4 Expression in Cultured Astrocyte

Acute encephalopathy is a generic term for acute brain dysfunction occurring after infection. Acute encephalopathy induced by influenza virus results in high mortality, and most cases of influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE) result in brain edema. Administration of diclofenac sodium (DCF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is associated with a significant increased mortality rate of IAE. These previous clinical findings proposed further investigation of DCF administration and brain edema to clarify how DCF aggravates IAE. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the predominant water channel protein in the mammalian brain, and is mainly expressed in astrocytes. AQP4 plays an important role in brain water homeostasis. Therefore, we investigated a possible association between DCF and AQP4 production in astrocytes. We stimulated cultured rat astrocytes with three cytokines, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ, and then treated with DCF. DCF enhanced proinflammatory cytokine-induced AQP4 gene and protein expression in astrocytes, whereas DCF alone did not change the AQP4 gene expression. The addition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor abrogated AQP4 gene and protein expression completely in astrocytes treated with cytokines alone and in those also treated with DCF. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that AQP4 is upregulated in astrocyte by proinflammatory cytokines, and that the addition of DCF further augments AQP4 production. This effect is mediated via NF-κB signaling. The enhancement of AQP4 production by DCF may explain the significantly increased mortality rates in IAE patients treated with DCF.     

Expression of Neutral Glycosphingolipids in Cytokine-Stimulated Human Endothelial Cells

We compared immunohistochemical distribution of glycosphingolipids globotriosylceramide (GbOse(3)Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (GbOse(4)Cer) with that of E-selectin on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. HUVECs activated by TNF-alpha were characterized by the highest expression of E-selectin and greatest adhesion of HL-60 cells as well compared to stimulation with interleukin-1beta or lipopolysaccharide. HUVECs activated by TNF-alpha also stained intensely with globoside antibodies, especially with the GbOse(3)Cer-directed one, staining being redistributed in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate the possible role of GbOse(3)Cer and GbOse(4)Cer in immune effector mechanisms of endothelium such as adhesion.     

脂联素在高糖孵育血管内皮细胞中的表达调节

目的:探讨脂联素(APN)在高糖孵育血管内皮细胞中的表达调节及意义.方法:用不同浓度葡萄糖(5.5、11、22及33mM)孵育人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVECs),2天后收集细胞和上清液.用实时荧光定量RT-PCR方法检测细胞中APN、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNFα)和过氧化物酶体增生物激活受体γ(PPARγ)的mRNA表达,用ELISA方法检测细胞上清液中APN和TNFα分泌情况.结果:随培养液中葡萄糖浓度的升高,HUVECs中APN的mRNA表达及上清中APN蛋白含量降低(p<0.05),TNFα的mRNA表达及上清中TNFα蛋白含量增加(p<0.05),HUVECs中PPARγ的mRNA表达降低(p<0.05),且组间比较差异均有统计学意义(p<0.05).结论:高糖诱导血管内皮细胞保护性细胞因子APN表达分泌下降,可能是高糖诱导的血管内皮细胞功能损害的重要机制之一.     

缺氧条件下血管活性因子对血管内皮细胞中VEGF表达的影响

 探讨在缺氧条件下人脐静脉血管内皮细胞对血管内皮生长因子 (vascular endothelialgrowth factor,VEGF)表达及缩血管活性物质内皮素 (ET)、舒血管活性物质一氧化氮 (NO)和 NO抑制剂 LNNA对 VEGF基因表达的影响 .体外培养人脐静脉血管内皮细胞 ,经缺氧及血管活性物质处理 .Northern杂交、酶联免疫检测和计算机图象分析等观察 VEGF m RNA和蛋白表达水平 .发现缺氧 6h内皮细胞可见 VEGF表达 .ET可促进 VEGF m RNA的表达 ,NO可明显抑制 VEGFm RNA的表达 ,NO抑制剂 LNNA也影响 VEGF m RNA的表达 .ELISA检测 VEGF蛋白水平分别为 6h组 8.2± 1 .1 ng/ L,ET+6h组 9.37± 1 .0 2 ng/ L,NO+6h组 2 .86± 0 .91 ng/ L,L - NNA+6h组 1 4.75± 1 .87ng/ L.缺氧可诱导人脐静脉血管内皮细胞分泌 VEGF并受血管活性物质ET和 NO的调控 ,ET促进其表达 ,NO抑制其表达 .     

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Enhances Nitric Oxide Production by Cultured Human Endothelial Cells

It is unclear whether the abnormal relaxation seen in diabetes is due to decreased levels of nitric oxide (NO) and how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5ω3) affects the endothelial production of NO. We investigated the effects of EPA ethyl ester (EPA-E) and elevated glucose on NO production by human endothelial cells (HUE). EPA-E (0.3 mM) significantly enhanced [NO₂⁻] production and the intracellular concentration of free Ca²⁺within 3 min after EPA-E was added to the cultures. High levels of glucose (27.5 mM) significantly increased endothelial glucose, sorbitol and fructose, and inhibited [NO₂⁻] production. However, EPA-E (0.3 mM) prevented the inhibition of [NO₂⁻] production due to the activation of the Ca²⁺-calmodulin system of NO synthase. EPA-E decreased the glucose-mediated inhibition of NO production by HUE. These results suggest this agent might ameliorate endothelial dysfunction associated with diabetes.     

血清饥饿可诱导人血管平滑肌细胞再分化

体外培养的分化型血管平滑肌细胞 (vascularsmoothmusclecells ,VSMC)以特异性标志基因表达、长梭形外观及对兴奋剂刺激产生收缩反应为其表型特征 .以血清饥饿法培养处于超汇合 (overconfluence)状态的人VSMC ,观察其分化型标志基因表达活性及其与细胞形态特征和收缩反应性之间的关系 ,探讨细胞生存环境对VSMC基因表达及表型的影响 .研究显示 ,生长至超汇合的VSMC由含血清培养转为血清饥饿后 ,收缩蛋白如SMα肌动蛋白 (SMα actin)、SM2 2α、h1 calponin、肌球蛋白重链 (MHC)SM1和SM2亚型的表达活性明显上调 ,证实血清饥饿诱导的收缩蛋白基因表达和血清应答因子 (serumresponsefactor ,SRF)与CArG顺式元件结合活性的增强有关 .同时 ,血清饥饿还可激活参与VSMC分化调节的转录调控因子SmLIM、Gax和分化相关蛋白HRG 1基因的转录 .随着血清饥饿培养时间的延长 ,VSMC逐渐形成多层、束状、成极性排列的形式 ,对兴奋剂刺激产生的收缩反应明显增强 .结果表明 ,超汇合状态的去分化型VSMC脱离血清刺激后 ,可以再分化成熟并重新获得收缩能力     

人血管内皮细胞生长因子在毕赤酵母中的高效表达

血管内皮细胞生长因子 (Ｖａｓｃｕｌａｒｅｎｄｏｔｈｅｌｉａｌｇｒｏｗｔｈｆａｃ ｔｏｒ,简称ＶＥＧＦ)是一类多功能细胞因子 ,特异地作用于血管内皮受体ＫＤＲ和Ｆｌｔ 1,促进新生血管形成并增加微血管的渗透性[1] 。ＶＥＧＦ在生理和病理 ,如肿瘤血管发生、伤口愈和、类风湿性关节炎、胚胎发育及冠心病等过程中起着非常重要的作用。天然ＶＥＧＦ是由两条糖蛋白链形成的二聚体。目前发现ＶＥＧＦ至少有 5种亚型 ,根据单体残基数不同分别为ＶＥＧＦ12 1,ＶＥＧＦ14 5,ＶＥＧＦ165,ＶＥＧＦ189和ＶＥＧＦ2 0 6,其中ＶＥＧＦ12 1和ＶＥＧ…