MOLECULES
·
2023
·Vol. 28
·期 22
·7669
·
IF 4.6
Hongxing Zheng,Yingjun Hu,Mengli Shao,Simin Chen,Shanshan Qi
Chromium picolinate (CP) is an organic compound that has long been used to treat diabetes. Our previous studies found CP could relieve diabetic nephropathy. Thus, we speculate that it might have a positive effect on diabetic testicular injury. In this study, a diabetic rat model was established, and then the rats were treated with CP for 8 weeks. We found that the levels of blood glucose, food, and water intake were reduced, and body weight was enhanced in diabetic rats after CP supplementation. Meanwhile, in CP treatment groups, the levels of male hormone and sperm parameters were improved, the pathological structure of the testicular tissue was repaired, and testicular fibrosis was inhibited. In addition, CP reduced the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines, and decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis in the testicular tissue. In conclusion, CP could ameliorate testicular damage in diabetic rats, as well as being a potential testicle-protective nutrient in the future to prevent the testicular damage caused by diabetes.
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
·
2025
·Vol. 23
·期 1
·791
·
IF 12.6
Qiao Wenyu,Yang Luling,Liu Yu,Zhang Huaiyuan,Zheng Zhihuan,Gu Tianheng,Zhu Jiaxi,Hu Xinyi,Li Gangze,Zhang Yuxia,Xiao Meng,Zhang Lin
Excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota are pivotal contributors to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and associated fibrosis. In this study, a microfluidic approach was utilized to fabricate a multifunctional therapeutic microsphere system by encapsulating hollow mesoporous cerium oxide nanoparticles (HCeO 2 ) loaded with KP1 short peptides-specific inhibitors of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The resulting composite formulation (KP1@HCeO₂@SAM) was designed to achieve synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. The developed microspheres exhibited prolonged intestinal retention and effectively modulated gut microbiota composition, increasing the relative abundance of probiotic species by over sevenfold. Moreover, they demonstrated remarkable reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging efficiency (> 95%) and significant inhibition of fibrotic signaling cascades. In dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis models, treatment with the microspheres led to a substantial reduction in Disease Activity Index (DAI) (> 76%), restoration of intestinal barrier integrity (> 90%), and mitigation of fibrotic progression, as indicated by a 66% decrease in α-SMA expression. These findings establish a novel and integrative therapeutic platform for the effective management of IBD. Graphical abstract
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Biomaterials Advances
·
2025
·
IF 6
Chen Shen,Xingyu Zhou,Junhui Jiang,Junbo Dang,Tong Lin,Ruibo Hu,Tianhao Zhao,Dahui Sun,Mei Zhang
Soft tissue fillers have received much attention for the treatment of skin aging and the restoration of missing or excised soft volumes. However, the development of fillers with both safety and applicability remains a challenge. This study presented a synergistic composite filler comprising aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid (OHA), hydrazide-modified hyaluronic acid (NHA), amino-modified poly-L-lactic acid microspheres (NPLLA), and antioxidant copper peptide. The hydrogel formed in situ via Schiff base reaction exhibited excellent mechanical properties and immediate filling effect. The amino-modified PLLA microspheres were less likely to agglomerate, avoiding the occurrence of adverse reactions and further enhancing the mechanical properties of the filler. The timed-release platform provided protection for copper peptide stability, scavenged reactive oxygen species during the fibrotic encapsulation phase, and synergistically promoted collagen deposition. In a nude mice skin aging model, hydrogels stimulated collagen production through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway with good long-term filler efficacy. Therefore, NPLLA microspheres/hyaluronic acid-based composite hydrogels exhibit great potential as injectable soft tissue fillers.
研究领域:
生物材料
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组织工程
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生物医学工程
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皮肤科学
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药物递送
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高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
·
2022
·
IF 6.1
Xin Xie,Ting-ting Shen,Hai-lian Bi,Zhuo-lin Su,Zi-qi Liao,Ying Zhang,Lei Shi,Yun-long Xia
Angiotensin II (Ang II) induced Atrial fibrillation (AF) often accompanied with reduced ATRAP which is a negative modulator of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Melatonin can protect against AF, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, Ang II was used to induce AF, and AF inducibility and duration were documented telemetrically. Ang II-infused mice had a higher AF incidence, which was associated with atrial fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Melatonin partially inhibited these effects, and enforced expression of siRNA-ATRAP in atria counteracted the beneficial role of melatonin. Specifically, melatonin inhibited expression of Ang II-induced proteasome and immunoproteasome subunits β2, β2i, β5, and β5i as well as their corresponding trypsin-like and chymotrypsin-like activities and blocked ATRAP degradation. In turn, this inhibited AT1R-mediated NF-κB signaling, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling in the atria, and thereby affected atrial remodeling and AF. Melatonin receptor inhibition by the chemical inhibitor luzindole partially inhibited the inhibitory effects of melatonin on proteasome activity and also Ang II-induced pathological changes in the atria. Overall, our study demonstrates that melatonin protects against Ang II-induced AF by inhibiting proteasome activity and stabilizing ATRAP expression, and these effects are partially dependent on melatonin receptor activation.
研究领域:
心脏病学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2023
·
IF 7.9
Jun Jiang,Baixiu Zhao,Jianpeng Xiao,Liang Shi,Wei Shang,Ye Shu,Zhiming Zhao,Junyi Shen,Jingjuan Xu,Hui Cai
Background Clinical studies indicated that postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) often accompanied by iron overload risk factor, which exacerbated bone metabolism disorders and accelerated PMOP. Previous research found that multicomponent in Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (FLL) or wine-steamed FLL (WFLL) acted on the common targets of iron overload and PMOP simultaneously, which indicated that FLL and WFLL probably regulated iron/bone metabolism dually. Additionally, WFLL had more superior effect according to the theory of Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Purpose To reveal the “superior multi-component structure (SMCS)” and its molecular mechanisms in parallelly down-regulating iron overload and rescuing bone metabolism by WFLL. Designs and methods HPLC fingerprinting was established to compare the chemical profiles of FLL and WFLL; Then, the chemical compositions and quality markers of FLL and WFLL were analyzed by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS coupled with OPLS-DA; The dynamic contents of quality markers and the multi-component structure at different wine steaming times (WST) were simultaneously determined by HPLC-DAD; Meanwhile, the dynamic efficacy of FLL at different WST were hunt by systematic zebrafish model. Subsequently, potential mechanism of WFLL in treating PMOP accompanied with iron overload was obtained from network pharmacology (NP) and molecular docking (MD). Finally, zebrafish and ovariectomy rat model were carried out to validate this potential mechanism. Results HPLC fingerprints similarity of 15 batches in FLL and WFLL were among 0.9-1.0. 126 compositions were identified, including 58 iridoids, 25 terpenes, 30 phenylethanoids, 7 flavonoids and 6 others. 20 quality markers associated with WFLL was revealed, and the ratio of Phenylethanols: Iridoids: Triterpenes (P/I/T) was converted from 1: 15: 4.5 to 1: 0.8: 0.9 during steaming (0 - 24 h) calculated by the quantification of 11 quality markers; The bone mineralization and motor performance of zebrafish larvae indicated that the optimum efficacy of WFLL at 12 h ( P < 0.05) in which the SMCS of P/I/T was converted to 1: 4: 1.8. NP discovered that BMP-Smad pathway is one of the potential mechanisms of FLL in anti PMOP and then regulated bone formation and iron overload simultaneously. MD revealed that 17 active ingredients and 10 core targets genes could spontaneously bind with appropriate affinity. Rats model verified that FLL and WFLL significantly reversed PMOP, based on the improvement in bone formation indexes (ALP, OPG, OGN), iron metabolism indicators (hepcidin, ferritin), bone microstructure (BMD, BV/TV, Tb. Th, Tb. N); Moreover, WFLL significant enhanced reversal effect in anti-PMOP compared to FLL ( P < 0.05). FLL and WFLL increased genes and proteins expression (Hep, BMP-6, p-Smad1/5, Smad4) related to BMP-Smad pathway compared with model group, and WFLL was more superior than FLL ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The SMCS of FLL was optimized by wine-steam, WFLL represented a dual effect in downregulating iron overload and promoting bone formation, and the BMP-Smad pathway is one of the potential molecular mechanisms.
研究领域:
药理学
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中药学
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骨代谢
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铁代谢
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网络药理学
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分子生物学
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
·
2017
·Vol. 233
·期 6
·4919-4925
·
IF 4.08
Ji Li,Mincheng Zhang,Yong Mao,Yimao Li,Xiaoxia Zhang,Xuehan Peng,Feng Yu
Aristolochic acid I (AA-I), one of the main active components in Aristolochaia herbs, may induce aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Renal interstitial fibrosis is one of the most typical features of AAN. To investigate the mechanism of Aristolochic acid I (AA-I) −induced renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and determine the role of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in this process, we established an AA-I-induced EMT model in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). Morphological examination, MTT assay, and Western blot analysis were performed. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and several EMT-related proteins were detected, thereby suggesting the occurrence of AA-I-induced EMT. Two main pathways of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, namely, Smad-dependent and Smad-independent signaling pathways, were also detected. The results showed that the TGF-β / Smad-independent signaling pathways (β-catenin, Ras-Raf-Erk1/2 signaling pathways) were activated, and AQP1 expression was decreased during the AA-I induced EMT on HK-2 cells. With the presence of TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor (LY364947) and Erk1/2 inhibitor (PD98059), AQP1 expression was altered by PD98059, suggested that AQP1 could be adjusted by Erk1/2 signaling. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of AA-I on AQP1 was stronger than that of TGF-β1, suggested that AQP1 may be an important target on AAN clinical therapy.
研究领域:
肾病学
·
细胞生物学
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药理学
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Bioengineered
·
2021
·
IF 3.269
Ji Wu,Yang Fu,Ying-xing Wu,Zu-xiang Wu,Zhen-hua Wang,Ping Li
Alleviating cardiac dysfunction improves the prognosis of heart failure patients. Lycorine is an alkaloid with several beneficial biological properties. Here, we used mice to evaluate the effect of lycorine on cardiac dysfunction elicited by isoproterenol. Mice were divided into four groups: control, lycorine, isoproterenol, and isoproterenol + lycorine. Mice in the combined group were treated daily with 10 mg/kg isoproterenol intraperitoneally for 2 weeks and 5 mg/kg lycorine was given simultaneously intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Isoproterenol-induced cardiac dysfunction and histopathological injury that was significantly improved by treatment with lycorine. Western blotting and the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to explore the molecular mechanisms of these effects. Levels of the inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, were increased by treatment with isoproterenol; these increases were significantly reduced by lycorine, with involvement of the NF-κB signaling pathway. The fibrotic factors, collagen I and collagen III, were increased by isoproterenol and decreased by treatment with lycorine through inhibiting activation of the Smad signaling pathway. In addition, lycorine alleviated oxidative stress as evidenced by a reduction in total reactive oxygen species in the isoproterenol + lycorine group compared to the isoproterenol group. Lycorine exerted an anti-apoptotic effect as evidenced by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax. Overall, our findings demonstrate that lycorine protects against cardiac dysfunction induced by isoproterenol by inhibiting inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.
研究领域:
药理学
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心脏病学
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分子生物学
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高影响因子
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
·
2022
·
IF 6.064
Peng Wei,Zhang Shiwen,Zhou Wei,Zhao Xinchen,Wang Kexue,Yue Chengxu,Wei Xinyu,Pang Siyan,Dong Wei,Chen Sulian,Chen Changjie,Yang Qingling,Wang Wenrui
A core feature of liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are transformed into myofibroblasts and lead to the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. In this study, we combined in vitro cellular efficacy with in vivo antifibrosis performance to evaluate the outcome of sorafenib (SRF) loaded layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite (LDH-SRF) on HSCs. The cellular uptake test has revealed that sorafenib encapsulated LDH nanoparticles were efficiently internalized by the HSC-T6 cells, synergistically inducing apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, the apoptosis rate and the migration inhibition rate induced by LDHs-SRF were 2.5 and 1.7 times that of SRF. Western Blot showed that the TGF-β1/Smad/EMT and AKT signaling pathway was significantly inhibited in HSC-T6 cells treated with LDHs-SRF. For the in vivo experiment, LDHs-SRF were administered to rat models of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. H&E, masson and sirius red staining showed that LDHs-SRF could significantly reduce inflammatory infiltrate and collagen fiber deposition and immunohistochemical results found that LDHs-SRF treatment significantly inhibited the protein expressions of α-SMA in the liver, these results suggesting that LDHs-SRF exhibited better anti-fibrotic effect than SRF alone and significantly inhibited the proliferation and activation of rat hepatic stellate cells and collagen fiber synthesis.
研究领域:
药理学
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细胞生物学
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肝病学
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纳米技术
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高影响因子
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
·
2026
·Vol. 77
·期 1
·
IF 2.5
Y Yang,J H Liu,D K Gui
Adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common renal disease model characterized by proteinuria, glomerular damage, and inflammatory responses. Baicalin, a bioactive flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, demonstrates anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. This study aims to investigate whether baicalin alleviates ADR-induced NS by regulating the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway and the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. A murine NS model in vivo was established by administering 10 mg/kg ADR to male C57BL/6J mice. Experimental groups were treated orally with 20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg baicalin for 6 weeks. The following parameters were measured in each group: 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. In vitro, a cellular NS model was established by treating mouse podocyte cells (MPC5) with 0.75 µmol/L ADR, and the protective effects of baicalin were evaluated. Protein expression levels of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome were analyzed by Western blot. The secretion levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in cells. ADR reduced MPC5 cell viability to below 50% and increased MDA levels (≥6 nmol/mg prot). The expression of NLRP3 (upregulated by 4-fold), α-smooth muscle actin (upregulated by 3-fold), N-cadherin (upregulated by 3-fold), and IL-8/IL-1β/IL-18 (all upregulated by more than 1-fold) was significantly elevated. Treatment with 12.5 µmol/L baicalin markedly reversed these changes, restoring cell viability to over 85% and bringing pathway protein and cytokine levels close to those of the control group. In vivo , ADR-induced NS mice exhibited doubled 24-h urinary protein, Scr, and BUN levels, along with renal interstitial inflammatory infiltration and a 60% downregulation of podocin expression. Treatment with 40 mg/kg of baicalin restored these indicators to levels comparable to those in untreated mice, with effects similar to irbesartan ( P <0.05). We concluded that baicalin demonstrated significant renoprotective effects in both in vivo and in vitro models of ADR-induced NS by regulating the TGF-β/Smad pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome, mitigating renal injury and inflammation. These results offer experimental support for the potential use of baicalin as a therapeutic agent for NS.
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高影响因子
Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology
·
2018
·Vol. 14
·期 12
·2135-2145
·
IF 5.068
Chen Xiaoyu,Qin Zainen,Zhao Jinmin,Yan Xiaohui,Ye Jing,Ren En,Wang Junqing,Yang Xingchen,Heng Shujun,Zheng Li,Liu Gang
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potential uses for cartilage repair due to the potential of chondrogenic differentiation. However, developing effective approaches to regulate chondrogenesis in vivo remains a big challenging. To address the limitations, we propose the application
of magnetic fields, which features excellent performance for tissue penetration, good biocompatibility even at high magnetic strength, and wireless remote control. To test this concept, a pulsed magnetic field (PMF) was used to enhance the chondrogenesis of SPIO-labeled MSCs in a rat model
of cartilage defects. The SPIO labeling not only efficiently strengthens the responsiveness of MSCs to the externally applied PMF but also enables in vivo non-invasive monitoring of MSCs with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Importantly, biochemical and gene expression analysis reveal
the upregulation of certain cartilage biomarkers (i.e., SOX9 and COL2A1), showing that the PMF improves the chondrogenesis of MSCs via activation of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathways. These results indicate a promising scheme for stem cell-based cartilage repair.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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干细胞生物学
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再生医学
·
骨科
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高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2022
·
IF 10.383
Siyu Wu,Jiayi Ma,Jun Liu,Chun Liu,Su Ni,Ting Dai,Yan Wang,Yiping Weng,Hongbin Zhao,Dong Zhou,Xiubo Zhao
Biomaterial–immune system interactions play an important role in postimplantation osseointegration to retain the functionality of healthy and intact bones. Therefore, appropriate osteoimmunomodulation of implants has been considered and validated as an efficient strategy to alleviate inflammation and enhance new bone formation. Here, we fabricated a nanostructured PCL/PVP (polycaprolactone/polyvinylpyrrolidone) electrospinning scaffold for cell adhesion, tissue ingrowth, and bone defect padding. In addition, telmisartan, an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker with distinct immune bioactivity, was doped into PCL-/PVP-electrospun scaffolds at different proportions [1% (TPP-1), 5% (TPP-5), and 10% (TPP-10)] to investigate its immunomodulatory effects and osteoinductivity/conductivity. Telmisartan-loaded scaffolds displayed in vitro anti-inflammatory bioactivity on lipopolysaccharide-induced M1 macrophages by polarizing them to an M2-like phenotype and exhibited pro-osteogenic properties on bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Histological analysis and micro-CT results of a rat skull defect model also showed that the telmisartan-loaded scaffolds induced a higher M2/M1 ratio, less inflammatory infiltration, and better bone regenerative patterns. Furthermore, activation of the BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2)-Smad signaling pathway was found to be dominant in telmisartan-loaded scaffold-mediated macrophage–BMSC interactions. These findings indicate that telmisartan incorporation with PCL/PVP nanofibrous scaffolds is a potential therapeutic strategy for promoting bone healing by modulating M1 macrophages to a more M2 phenotype at early stages of postimplantation.
研究领域:
生物材料
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免疫学
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组织工程
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再生医学
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药理学
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高影响因子
HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CELL BIOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 2.3
Jin Xin,Xu Hainan,Hu Qing,Yin Yitong,Qin Meiying,Xia Zhijun
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disorder among women that negatively affects women’s quality of life. Early growth response 2 (EGR2) is a transcription factor that regulates cell growth. The present study aimed to explore the role of EGR2 in POP progression and provided a new target for the treatment and prevention of POP. Firstly, we extracted primary vaginal anterior wall fibroblasts from POP tissues and non-POP tissues and then constructed an EGR2-silencing lentivirus for further study. Immunoblotting, qPCR, TUNEL assay, CCK-8 assay, dual luciferase assay, and ELISA assay were carried out. EGR2 expression was much higher in POP tissues than in control tissues, and EGR2 expression positively correlated with cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression. Knockdown of EGR2 increased cell proliferation, upregulated PCNA expression, and reduced apoptosis in POP fibroblasts. Moreover, we found that the knockdown of EGR2 increased COL1A1 , COL3A1 , and Elastin expression and decreased MMP2 and MMP9 activities, and knockdown of EGR2 increased TGF-β/Smad pathway activity in POP fibroblasts. Interestingly, the results of dual luciferase assay demonstrated that EGR2 was able to increase SOCS3 transcriptional activity. EGR2 knockdown alleviated the apoptosis of POP fibroblasts by reducing SOCS3 expression and improving the proliferation and collagen synthesis of POP fibroblasts. Overall, our study illustrated that EGR2 was highly expressed in POP tissues, and knockdown of EGR2 alleviated apoptosis and reduced matrix degradation in POP fibroblasts. This study might provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of POP.
研究领域:
妇科学
·
分子生物学
·
细胞生物学
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高影响因子
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