• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.2429-2434
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• 2016

Transforming growth factor-B1 ($TGF-{\beta}1$ )and its coreceptor endoglin (ENG) have been shown to contribute to hepatocellular tumor development and malignant progression. Our aim was to evaluate the serum expression levels of $ENG/TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNAs and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic Egyptian patients. Our study included 77 subjects. Real time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression level of ENG and $TGF-{\beta}1$mRNAs. The relative expression ratio of ENG mRNA was 0.82 (0.1 -3.2), 0.66 (0.15-5.3), 0.38(0.007-2.8) and 0.12 (0.00-0.22) and the relative expression ratio of $TGF-{\beta}1$mRNA was 1.4 (0.19 -6.2), 1.2 (0.22-4.3), 1.0 (0.15-4.4) and 0.6 (0.00-2.2) for cirrhotic HCC cirrhotic, HCC only and healthy control groups respectively. Increased ENG and $TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNA gene expression was correlated with TNM clinical stage. The expression ratio in TNM stage III-IV 1.1 (0.07-3.2), 1.55 (0.15-6.2) was statistically significantly higher than that in stage I-II 0.47 (0.007-2.8), 1.0 (0.31-4.4) (P<0.05). Our data suggested that increased ENG and $TGF-{\beta}1$ gene expression may participate in hepatocarcinogenesis and increased risk of HCC in individuals with cirrhosis. Early screening for evidence of cirrhosis and consideration of ENG and $TGF-{\beta}1$ as targets for therapy and treatment strategies are warranted.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.183-193
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• 2018

Objectives : In Traditional Korean Medicine, Epimedium koreanum Nakai has diverse pharmacological activities to treat impotence, forgetfulness, cataract and exophthalmos. Present study investigated anti-fibrogenic effects of E. koreanum water extract (EKE) in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods : To study anti-fibrogenic effects of EKE, LX-2 cells, a human immortalized HSCs, were pre-treated with $3-300{\mu}g/mL$ of EKE, and then subsequently exposed to 5 ng/mL of transforming growth $factor-{\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$). Expression level of ${\alpha}-smooth$ muscle actin was determined by immunoblot analysis. Phosphorylation of Smad, transactivation of Smad, and expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were monitored to investigate the effect of EKE on $TGF-{\beta}1-mediated$ signaling pathway. Results : Up to $100{\mu}g/mL$, EKE did not show any cytotoxicity on LX-2 cells. Pre-treatment of EKE ($100{\mu}g/mL$) significantly inhibited ${\alpha}-smooth$ muscle actin expression induced by $TGF-{\beta}1$. In addition, EKE significantly decreased Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, Smad binding element-driven luciferase activity and PAI-1 expression by $TGF-{\beta}1$. Of three flavonoid compounds found in EKE, only quercertin ($30{\mu}M$) attenuated $TGF-{\beta}1-mediated$ PAI-1 expression. Conclusion : These results suggest that EKE has an ability to suppress fibrogenic process in HSCs via inhibition of $TGF-{\beta}1/Smad$ signaling pathway.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.297-303
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• 2006

Background : Pulmonary tuberculosis is frequently accompanied with complications such as bronchiectasis, cavities, fibrosis and a deterioration of the lung function. However, there is little information available on the pathogenesis of these complications in pulmonary tuberculosis. Among the many factors involving in tissue remodeling, transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ ($TGF-{\beta}1$) is a potent stimulus of the extracellular matrix fomation and a mediator of potential relevance for airway wall remodeling. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the radiological changes and the $TGF-{\beta}1$ level in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods : Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected from total of 35 patients before treating them for active pulmonary tuberculosis, and the $TGF-{\beta}1$ levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The BALF levels were recalculated as the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) levels using the albumin method. pulmonary function test (PFT) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were performed before and after treatment. Results : There was a strong correlation between the serum $TGF-{\beta}1$ level and the presence of cavities (r=0.404, p=0.006), even though the BAL $TGF-{\beta}1$ level showed a weak correlation with complications. In addition, there was no correlation between the $TGF-{\beta}1$ levels before treatment and the changes in the PFT and HRCT during treatment. Conclusion : There is a correlation between the serum $TGF-{\beta}1$ level and cavity formation in pulmonary tuberculosis before treatment. However, further study will be needed to confirm this.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2007

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) would influence healing of periapical tissues by modulating the production of growth factors and cytokines from PDL fibroblasts, however, the studies are insufficient. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to monitor the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 $(TGF-\beta1)$, fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from PDL fibroblasts in the presence of MTA. The human PDL fibroblasts were seeded onto the set MTA or IRM at a level of $1\times10^5$ cells per unit well, and further incubated for 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. The levels of $TGF-\beta1$, FGF-2 and IL-6 from the supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The level of $TGF-\beta1$ was down-reg ulated when the cells were grown in the presence of MTA except at 6 hours. The levels of FGF-2 release were significantly suppressed when PDL fibroblasts were grown in the presence of MTA or IRM at all time intervals (p < 0.05). The expressions of IL-6 from MTA treated co)Is were comparable to those of untreated control cells throughout the observation periods. We presume that this material inhibits the stimulatory function of growth factors on granulation tissue formation and in turn, it promotes the healing process modulated by other bone-remodeling cells.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.1857-1862
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• 2013

Dermal fibroblasts produce the many components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that are needed to maintain connective tissue integrity and repair tissue injuries. This study investigated the effects of Areca catechu extract (ACE) on dermal fibroblast cell activation. Cultured human dermal fibroblasts were treated with ACE, and then ECM production was determined by ELISA, Western blot and RT-PCR. ACE significantly accelerated the production of type 1 collagen, fibronectin, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-${\beta}1$ by ELISA and type 1 collagen by Western blot assay. ACE also increased the gene expression of COL1A1, TGF-${\beta}1$, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and insulin growth factor (IGF)-1. These results suggest that ACE has the potential to stimulate ECM production and that it might be suitable for maintaining skin texture.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.429-447
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• 1996

Transforming growth factor $-{\beta}$ is one of the polypeptide growth factors that mediate the activity of mesenchymal cells and regulate wound healing process via cell proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix formation. The purposes of this study is to evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor $-{\beta}$ on the protein synthetic activity of human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts. The cells which were prepared were primary cultured gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells from humans, and the fourth or sixth subpassage were used in the experiments. Cells were seeded and at a confluent state, 0, 0.5, I, 2.5, 5, 10 ng/ml $TGF-{\beta}$ and $2{\mu]Ci/ml\;[^3H]$ proline were added to the cells and cultured for 24 hours. Then, 1 and 5 ng/ml concentrations were selected and added to confluent cells and cultured for 24 and 48 hours. They were labeled with $2{\mu}Ci/ml\;[^3H]$ proline for 24 hours and a collagen assay was done by the Peterkofsky and Diegelman method. The results were presented as the mean disintegration per minute (dpm) per well and S.D. of four determinations, The results were as follows. : The total protein, collagen and noncollagenous protein synthesis in periodontal ligament cells and gingival fibroblasts were increased dose- dependently by transforming growth factor-p to 2.5-5 ng/ml concentration and decreased at 10 ng/ml concentration. The percent of collagen was slightly changed according to the concentration of transforming growth factor-po The effect of transforming growth $factor-{\beta}$ was not specific for collagen synthesis since it increased the total, noncollagenous and collagenous protein, simultaneously. In the comparison of protein synthetic activity between the human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts, the human gingival fibroblasts had higher activities than the human periodontal ligament cells at all times and concentrations of $TGF-{\beta}$. In the comparison of protein synthetic activity between the 24 hour effect and the 48 hour effect of $TGF-{\beta}$, the 48 hour cultured cells' synthetic activity decreased more than the 24 hour cultured cells at human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts. In conclusion, $TGF-{\beta}$ has important roles in the stimulation of protein synthesis in human periodontal ligament cells and human gingival fibroblasts. Thus, it may be useful for clinical application in periodontal regenerative procedures.

• BMB Reports
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.405-410
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• 1996

Previous studies have shown that transforming growth factor beta ($TGF-{\beta}$) is a potent regulator of cell growth and differentiation. To study the effects of $TGF-{\beta}$ on cell morphology and cytoskeleton reorganization, we conducted a survey using Mv1Lu mink lung epithelial cells with antibodies to cytoskeletal proteins and an extracellular matrix protein. While the untreated cells showed a cuboidal shape of typical epithelia, the Mv1Lu cells displayed a drastic shape change in the presence of $TGF-{\beta}$. This alteration was most prominent when near-confluent cells were treated with $TGF-{\beta}$. Since the morphology alteration is known to be accompanied by the reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins in other cell types, we investigated the intracellular distribution of the three major cytoskeletal structures: microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. In the microfilament system, $TGF-{\beta}$ induced new stress fiber formation, which was caused primarily by the polymerization of cytoplasmic G-actin. However, $TGF-{\beta}$ appeared not to induce any significant changes in microtubular structures and vimentin filaments as determined by indirect fluorescence microscopy. Finally we confirmed the rapid accumulation of fibronectin by immunoblot analysis and chased the protein locations by immunofluorescence microscopy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.159-164
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• 2005

Effects of antioxidants on the established nephropathy were investigated. The experimental nephropathy was induced in rats by intravenous injection of adriamycin (2 mg/kg). Six weeks later, when proteinuria was apparent, the rats were supplemented with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 1 g/kg/day) in drinking water for additional 6 weeks. Glomerulosclerosis score and tubulointerstitial injury index were determined by light microscopy. Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) ${\beta}1$ and laminin ${\beta}1$ was determined in the renal cortex by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunogold electron microscopy. The adriamycin-induced proteinuria as well as the glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury was ameliorated by the treatment with NAC. Adriamycin increased the expression of TGF ${\beta}1$ mRNA and protein, which was ameliorated by NAC. Although the expression of laminin ${\beta}1$ mRNA was increased, adriamycin did not significantly alter that of its protein. These results indicate that antioxidants ameliorate the established nephropathy in association with normalization of overexpressed TGF ${\beta}1$.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.417-426
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• 2017

4-O-methylhonokiol, a neolignan compound from Magnolia Officinalis, has been reported to have various biological activities including hair growth promoting effect. However, although transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ (TGF-${\beta}$) signal pathway has an essential role in the regression induction of hair growth, the effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol on the TGF-${\beta}$ signal pathway has not yet been elucidated. We thus examined the effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol on TGF-${\beta}$-induced canonical and noncanonical pathways in HaCaT human keratinocytes. When HaCaT cells were pretreated with 4-O-methylhonokiol, TGF-${\beta}1$-induced G1/G0 phase arrest and TGF-${\beta}1$-induced p21 expression were decreased. Moreover, 4-O-methylhonokiol inhibited nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, Smad4 and Sp1 in TGF-${\beta}1$-induced canonical pathway. We observed that ERK phosphorylation by TGF-${\beta}1$ was significantly attenuated by treatment with 4-O-methylhonokiol. 4-O-methylhonokiol inhibited TGF-${\beta}1$-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced the increase of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) mRNA level in TGF-${\beta}1$-induced noncanonical pathway. These results indicate that 4-O-methylhonokiol could inhibit TGF-${\beta}1$-induced cell cycle arrest through inhibition of canonical and noncanonical pathways in human keratinocyte HaCaT cell and that 4-O-methylhonokiol might have protective action on TGF-${\beta}1$-induced cell cycle arrest.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.735-743
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• 2018

We investigated the effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 ($TGF-{\beta}1$) on equine hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene expression and hyaluronan (HA) synthesis in culture models of articular chondrocytes. Equine chondrocytes were treated with $TGF-{\beta}1$ at different concentrations and times in monolayer cultures. In three-dimensional cultures, chondrocyte-seeded gelatin scaffolds were cultured in chondrogenic media containing 10 ng/mL of $TGF-{\beta}1$. The amounts of HA in conditioned media and in scaffolds were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. HAS2 mRNA expression was analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The uronic acid content and DNA content of the scaffolds were measured by using colorimetric and Hoechst 33258 assays, respectively. Cell proliferation was evaluated by using the alamarBlue assay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and immunohistochemistry were used for microscopic analysis of the samples. The upregulation of HAS2 mRNA levels by $TGF-{\beta}1$ stimulation was dose and time dependent. $TGF-{\beta}1$ was shown to enhance HA and uronic acid content in the scaffolds. Cell proliferation and DNA content were significantly lower in $TGF-{\beta}1$ treatments. SEM and histological results revealed the formation of a cartilaginous-like extracellular matrix in the $TGF-{\beta}1$-treated scaffolds. Together, our results suggest that $TGF-{\beta}1$ has a stimulatory effect on equine chondrocytes, enhancing HA synthesis and promoting cartilage matrix generation.