Mice preantral follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days to achieve metaphase Ⅱ （M Ⅱ ） oocytes. Oocyte growth differentiation factor-9 （GDF-9） gene expression was measured during different growth stages to ex...Mice preantral follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days to achieve metaphase Ⅱ （M Ⅱ ） oocytes. Oocyte growth differentiation factor-9 （GDF-9） gene expression was measured during different growth stages to explore the relationship between oocyte maturation and GDF-9 gene expression. Preantral follicles of lO-day old mice were isolated from the ovaries and were cultured for 12 days. Oocytes from day 2 （D2）, D4, D6, D8, DIO, D12 cultured in vitro were named the in vitro group and oocytes of day 12 （D12）, D14, D16, D18, D20, D22 grown in vivo were named the in vivo group. Follicle survival, antrum formation and maturation rate were 89.5%, 51.8% and 56.6% respectively in follicles cultured in vitro. After RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, relative mRNA abundance of GDF-9 was measured in each group of oocytes. At day 8 - 12, the GDF-9 gene expression level of oocytes in vitro was significantly lower than that in vivo （P 〈 0.05）. We conclude that M Ⅱ oocytes can be obtained from in vitro culture of preantral follicles. The GDF- 9 gene expression of oocytes varies at different growth stages in vivo. The low expression of GDF-9 in oocytes cuhured in vitro may be the cause of their low developmental capacity.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Soothing liver therapy on infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:Fifty-eight women with tubal infertili...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Soothing liver therapy on infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:Fifty-eight women with tubal infertility were randomized into two groups:30 in an experimental group treated with Xiaoyao powder(Shugan)plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog(GnRHa)/follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)/human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)and 28 in the control group who were treated with GnRHa/FSH/hCG only.The total gonadotropin(Gn)doses required,endometrial thickness,oocyte numbers,high quality embryo production rate and pregnancy rate of the two groups were compared.The concentration of growth differentiation factor-9(GDF-9)in follicular fluid was detected by western blotting and the expression of GDF-9 mRNA in granulosa cells was measured using reverse tran-scription-polymerase chain reaction amplification.RESULTS:In the experimental group,the Gn dose was significantly lower than that in the control group;the endometrial thickness,high quality embryo production and pregnancy rates were significantly higher and the expression of GDF-9 mRNA was also significantly higher than in the control group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Shugan treatment can improve the pregnancy rate of women with tubal infertility;its mechanism is possibly related to the increased expression of GDF-9 in granulosa cells.展开更多
Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant...Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticoagulant,and anti-diabetic effects.Growth/differentiation factor-15(GDF-15),a member of the transforming growth factorβsuperfamily,is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism.The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo,and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress signaling in this process.Luciferase reporter assays,chromatin immunoprecipitation,and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),CCAAT enhancer binding proteinγ(CEBPG),and CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF).The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene,as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity.Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells(ECs),hepatoma cell line G2(HepG2)and hepatoma cell line 3B(Hep3B)cell lines,and primary mouse hepatocytes.The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene.SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15.In high-fat diet ApoE^(-/-)mice,administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15.These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity,indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.展开更多
BackgroundGrowth differentiation factor （GDF）-15, a divergent member of the transforming growth factor beta super-family does appear to be up-regulated in response to experimental pressure overload and progression o...BackgroundGrowth differentiation factor （GDF）-15, a divergent member of the transforming growth factor beta super-family does appear to be up-regulated in response to experimental pressure overload and progression of heart failure （HF）. HF frequently develops after myocardial infarction （MI）, contributing to worse outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between GDF-15 levels and markers related to collagen turnover in different stages of HF.MethodsThe study consists of a cohort of 179 patients, including stable angina pectoris patients （AP group,n= 50）, old MI patients without HF （OMI group,n = 56）, old MI patients with HF （OMI-HF group,n= 38） and normal Control group （n = 35）. Both indicators reflecting the synthesis and degradation rates of collagen including precollagen I N-terminal peptide （PINP）, type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide （ICTP）, precollagen III N-terminal peptide （PIIINP） and GDF-15 were measured using an enzyme-linked inmunosorbent assay.ResultsThe plasma GDF-15 level was higher in OMI-HF group （1373.4 ± 275.4 ng/L） than OMI group （1036.1 ± 248.6 ng/L）, AP group （784.6 ± 222.4 ng/L） and Control group （483.8 ± 186.4 ng/L） （P〈 0.001）. The indi-cators of collagen turnover （ICTP, PINP, PIIINP） all increased in the OMI-HF group compared with Control group （3.03 ± 1.02μg/Lvs. 2.08 ± 0.95μg/L, 22.2 ± 6.6μg/Lvs. 16.7 ± 5.1μg/L and 13.2 ± 7.9μg/Lvs. 6.4 ± 2.1μg/L, respectively;P〈 0.01）. GDF-15 positively cor-related with ICTP and PIIINP （r = 0.302,P〈 0.001 andr= 0.206,P= 0.006, respectively）. GDF-15 positively correlated to the echocardio-graphic diastolic indicators E/Em and left atrial pressure （r= 0.349 and r= 0.358, respectively;P〈 0.01）, and inversely correlated to the systolic indicators left ventricular ejection fraction and the average of peak systolic myocardial velocities （Sm） （r=-0.623 and r=-0.365, respectively;P〈 0.01）.ConclusionPlasma GDF-15 is associated with the indicators of type I and III collagen turnover.展开更多
Growth differentiation factor 9 （GDF9） is expressed in oocytes and is thought to be required for ovarian folliculogenesis. Given this function, GDF9 may be considered as a candidate gene controlling pig ovulate rate...Growth differentiation factor 9 （GDF9） is expressed in oocytes and is thought to be required for ovarian folliculogenesis. Given this function, GDF9 may be considered as a candidate gene controlling pig ovulate rate. In this study, the complete coding sequence was cloned （encoding a 444 amino acid）, intron sequence and partial 5＇-UTR of pig GDF9. RT-PCR results showed that GDF9 mRNA is expressed in a wide range of tissues of the ruttish Erhualian pig. The expression levels of GDF9 mRNA in pituitary, ovary, uterus and oviduct are higher in the Erhualian pigs than those in Duroc pigs, especially in pituitary with a significant difference （P 〈 0.05）. Comparative sequencing revealed 12 polymorphisms, including 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） and one 314 bp indel in noncoding regions, and the other 3 SNPs in coding regions. Four polymorphisms, G359C, C1801T, T1806C and 314 bp indel, were developed as markers for further use in population variation and association studies. The G359C polymorphism segregates only in Chinese native pigs, Erhualian and Dahuabai, on the contrary, 314 bp indel segregates only in Duroc and Landrace. C1801T and T1806C sites seem to be completely linked and segregate in Erhualian, Dahuabai and Landrace. In a word, GDF9 may be not associated with pig litter size in extensive populations as per the studies of allele distributions of the four polymorphisms and pilot association in four breeds.展开更多
Objective:To construct a novel non-viral vector loaded with growth and differentiation factor-5(GDF-5) plasmid using chitosan,hyaluronic acid,and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (OA)gene therapy.Methods: Nano-m...Objective:To construct a novel non-viral vector loaded with growth and differentiation factor-5(GDF-5) plasmid using chitosan,hyaluronic acid,and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (OA)gene therapy.Methods: Nano-microspheres (NMPs)were prepared by mixing chitosan,hyaluronic acid,and chondreitin sulfate.GDF-5 plasmid was encapsulated in the NMPs through electrostatic adsorption.The basic characteristics of the NMPs were observed,and then they were co-cultured with chondrocytes to observe their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression.Finally,NMPs loaded with GDF-5were inje.cted into the articular cavities of rabbits to observe their therapeutic effects on OA in vivo.Results:NMPs exhibited good physicochemical properties and low cytotoxicity.Their average diameter was (0.61±0.20)μm,and encapsulation efficiency was (38.19±0.36)%.According to Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,relative cell viability was 75%-99%when the total weight of NMPs was less than 560μg. Transfection efficiency was (62.0±2.1)% in a liposome group,and (60.0±1.8)% in the NMP group.There was no sig- nificant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results suggested that NMPs can successfully transfect chondrocytes and stimulate ECM protein expression in vitro.Compared with the control groups, the NMP group significantly promoted the expression of chondrocyte ECM in vivo (P<0.05),as shown by analysis of the biochemical composition of chondrocyte ECM.When NMPs were injected into OA model rabbits,the expression of ECM proteins in chondrocytes was significantly promoted and the progression of OA was slowed down.Conclusions: Based on these data,we think that these NMPs with excellent physicochemical and biological properties could be promising non-viral vectors for OA gene therapy.展开更多
Growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15)is a member of the transforming growth factor-βsuperfamily.It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Whether and how GDF-15 modulates nociceptive s...Growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15)is a member of the transforming growth factor-βsuperfamily.It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Whether and how GDF-15 modulates nociceptive signaling remains unclear.Behaviorally,we found that peripheral GDF-15 significantly elevated nociceptive response thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli in naïve and arthritic rats.Electrophysiologically,we demonstrated that GDF-15 decreased the excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglia(DRG)neurons.Furthermore,GDF-15 concentration-dependently suppressed tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 currents,and shifted the steady-state inactivation curves of Nav1.8 in a hyperpolarizing direction.GDF-15 also reduced window currents and slowed down the recovery rate of Nav1.8 channels,suggesting that GDF-15 accelerated inactivation and slowed recovery of the channel.Immunohistochemistry results showed that activin receptor-like kinase-2(ALK2)was widely expressed in DRG medium-and small-diameter neurons,and some of them were Nav1.8-positive.Blockade of ALK2 prevented the GDF-15-induced inhibition of Nav1.8 currents and nociceptive behaviors.Inhibition of PKA and ERK,but not PKC,blocked the inhibitory effect of GDF-15 on Nav1.8 currents.These results suggest a functional link between GDF-15 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons via ALK2 receptors and PKA associated with MEK/ERK,which mediate the peripheral analgesia of GDF-15.展开更多
Background Growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)is involved in multiple processes that are associated with coronary artery disease(CAD).However,little is known about the association between GDF-15 and the future is...Background Growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)is involved in multiple processes that are associated with coronary artery disease(CAD).However,little is known about the association between GDF-15 and the future ischemic events in patients with intermediate CAD.This study was conducted to investigate whether plasma GDF-15 constituted risk biomarkers for future cardiovascular events in patients with intermediate CAD.Methods A prospective study was performed based on 541 patients with intermediate CAD(20%–70%).GDF-15 of each patient was determined in a blinded manner.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac event(MACE),which was defined as a composite of all-cause death,nonfatal myocardial infarction,revascularization and readmission due to angina pectoris.Results After a median follow-up of 64 months,504 patients(93.2%)completed the follow-up.Overall,the combined endpoint of MACE appeared in 134 patients(26.6%)in the overall population:26 patients died,11 patients suffered a nonfatal myocardial infarction,51 patients underwent revascularization,and 46 patients were readmitted for angina pectoris.The plasma levels of GDF-15(median:1172.02 vs.965.25 pg/m L,P=0.014)were higher in patients with ischemic events than those without events.After adjusting for traditional risk factors,higher GDF-15 levels were significantly associated with higher incidence of the composite endpoint of MACE(HR=1.244,95%CI:1.048–1.478,Quartile 4 vs.Quartile 1,P=0.013).Conclusions The higher level of GDF-15 was an independent predictor of long-term adverse cardiovascular events in patients with intermediate CAD.展开更多
Objective To observe the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) on the growth and anabolic metabolism of articular chondrocytes. Methods The articular chondrocytes isolated from rats were treated with vario...Objective To observe the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) on the growth and anabolic metabolism of articular chondrocytes. Methods The articular chondrocytes isolated from rats were treated with various concentrations of rmGDF-5, and the growth of chondrocytes measured by MTT assay, the cellular cartilage matrices formation detected sulfated glycosaminoglycan by Alcian blue staining and type Ⅱcollagen by RT-PCR. Results After 7 days culture, MTT assay showed that GDF-5 enhanced the growth of chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, RT-PCR showed that GDF-5 clearly induced the synthesis of type Ⅱ collagen because of the col2a1 mRNA band more and more strong in a dose-dependent. Chondrocytes were cultured with GDF-5 for 14 days, the intensity of Alcian blue staining was greatly enhanced, especially, at a high concentration of 1000ng/mL, and GDF-5 enhanced the accumulation of the Alcian blue-stainable material in a concentration-dependent manner and in a does-dependent manner. Conclusion GDF-5 enhanced the growth of mature articular chondrocytes, and stimulated the cellular cartilage matrices formation in mono-layer culture.展开更多
AIM:To explore the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptorα(IGF-1Rα)on the differentiation fate of optic-cupderived retinal stem cells(OC-RSCs)into retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)in vitro.METHODS:OC-RSCs were i...AIM:To explore the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptorα(IGF-1Rα)on the differentiation fate of optic-cupderived retinal stem cells(OC-RSCs)into retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)in vitro.METHODS:OC-RSCs were isolated from optic cups of rats on embryonic day 12.5,and high-purity OC-RSCs were obtained by conditioned culture and passage.Differentiation of OC-RSCs into RGCs under different serum concentrations was examined using flow cytometry,and the serum concentration with high interference with differentiation ratio was selected.Furthermore,the effect of blocking IGF-1Rαon the differentiation of OC-RSCs into RGCs was analyzed through immunocytochemistry and Western blotting.RESULTS:Immunohistochemical analysis revealed IGF-1Rαwas highly expressed in rat embryos at day 12.5.OC-RSCs were isolated and purified,and high-purity OCRSCs were obtained.When 2.5%serum was administered,the ratio of differentiated RGCs(Thy-1.1 positive)decreased significantly,and the results of immunoblotting also confirmed the blockade of IGF-1Rαreduced Thy-1.1 protein expression.CONCLUSION:IGF-1Rαblocking can reduce the differentiation of OC-RSCs into RGCs.展开更多
AIM: To identify the key cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs) under liver-injury conditions. METHODS: Abdominal injection of CCl4 was adopted to duplicat...AIM: To identify the key cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs) under liver-injury conditions. METHODS: Abdominal injection of CCl4 was adopted to duplicate a mouse acute liver injury model. Global gene expression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential genes involved in hepatic commitment under liver-injury conditions. The cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs was function-ally examined by depletion experiment using specifi c antibodies, followed by rescue experiment and direct inducing assay. The hepatic differentiation was characterized by the expression of hepatic lineage genes and proteins, as well as functional features. RESULTS: Cytokines potentially participating in hepatic fate commitment under liver-injury conditions were initially measured by microarray. Among the up-regulated genes determined, 18 cytokines known to closely relate to liver growth, repair and development, were selected for further identif ication. The f ibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) were fi nally found to be involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs under liver-injury conditions. Hepatic differentiation could be dramatically decreased after removing FGF-4, HGF and OSM from the liver-injury conditioned medium, and could be rescued by supplementing these cytokines. The FGF-4, HGF and OSM play different roles in the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs, in which FGF-4 and HGF are essential for the initiation of hepatic differentiation, while OSM is critical for the maturation of hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: FGF-4, HGF and OSM are the key cytokines involved in the liver-injury conditioned medium for the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)on migration,proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Methods:MSCs were obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats by a combinatio...Objective:To explore the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)on migration,proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Methods:MSCs were obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats by a combination of gradient centrifugation and cell culture techniques and treated with IGF-1 at concentrations of 5-20 ng/ml.Proliferation of MSCs was determined as the mean doubling time.Expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)and migration property were determined by flow cytometry and transwell migration essay,respectively.mRNA expression of GATA-4 and collagen II was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results:The mean doubling time of MSC proliferation was decreased,and the expression of CXCR4 on MSCs and migration of MSCs were increased by IGF-1,all in a dose-dependent manner,while the optimal concentration of IGF-1 on proliferation and migration was different.IGF-1 did not affect the expression of GATA-4 or collagen II mRNA.Conclusions:IGF-1 dose-dependently stimulated the proliferation of MSCs,upregulated the expression of CXCR4,and accelerated migration.There was no apparent differentiation of MSCs to cardiomyocytes or chondrocytes after culturing with IGF-1 alone.展开更多
Objective:To explore the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP-4) in hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs).Methods:The effect of BMP-4 on rat hepatic oval cells was examined by using the WB-F344 rat hepatocytic epithelial...Objective:To explore the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP-4) in hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs).Methods:The effect of BMP-4 on rat hepatic oval cells was examined by using the WB-F344 rat hepatocytic epithelial stem-cell-like cell line.This hepatocytic cell line could exert various hepatocytc functions including the secretion of albumin and urea.Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of BMP-4 and its antagonist,Noggin,on the proliferation and differentiation of these cells,cellular uptake and excretion of indocyanine green,the periodic acid-schiff(PAS) assay for glycogen storage and the expression of hepatic markers.Results:Our results showed for the first time that BMP-4 may acted as a potential inducer of hepatic differentiation in rat hepatic oval cells.Conclusions:This cell source offers a much-needed attractive and expandable source for future investigations of drug screening,stem cell technologies and cellular transplantation,in a society with increasing levels of liver disease and damage.展开更多
Background Cell source is one of the most important constructions for tissue engineered blood vessels(TEBV). As human adult vascular cells are limited by the replicative life spans and poor collagen secretion, stem ce...Background Cell source is one of the most important constructions for tissue engineered blood vessels(TEBV). As human adult vascular cells are limited by the replicative life spans and poor collagen secretion, stem cell has become a promising cell source. Hence, we investigated the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSC) into functional smooth-muscle-like cells(SMLCs) by embryoid bodies method and explored whether transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) can promote the differentiation. Methods HiPSCs were cultured in smooth muscle cell medium with or without TGF-β1 after forming embryoid bodies. The cell morphology, cell characteristics and contractility were compared after 7 days of differentiation. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA, Calponin, SM22α, Collagen I and Collagen III. Functional contraction study was performed using carbachol. Results HiPSC could successfully differentiate into cells that were similar to typical smooth muscle cells in morphology. The expression of α-SMA, Calponin and SM22α up-regulated after induction. TGF-β1 could further up-regulated α-SMA expression.Immunofluorescence images showed that more than 80% of the hiPSC-derived SMLCs by TGF-β1 stained with smooth muscle cell markers α-SMA, SMMHC, SM22α and Calponin. Analyses of expression in collagen showed that hiPSC-derived SMLCs exhibited higher levels of Collagen I and Collagen III after induction by TGF-β1. Conclusion The hiPSC could successfully differentiate into smooth-muscle-like cells using embryoid bodies method. TGF-β1 can promote the differentiation and enhance collagen synthesis[.S Chin J Cardiol 2019;20(1):44-53]展开更多
Objective：To investigate the effect of the gap junction blocker 1-heptanol on the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs） following induction by GDF-5. Methods：MSCs ...Objective：To investigate the effect of the gap junction blocker 1-heptanol on the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs） following induction by GDF-5. Methods：MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and cultured in vitro. After 3 passages cells were induced to undergo chondrogenic differentiation with recombinant human GDF-5（100 ng/ml）, with or without 1-heptanol（2.5 la mol/L）. The effect of 1-heptanol on MSCs proliferation was investigated using the MTT assay. Type II collagen mRNA and protein were examined by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry respectively, and the sulfate glycosaminoglycan was assessed by Alcian blue dye staining. Connexin43（Cx43） protein was examined by western blotting. Results：GDF-5 induced proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. While 1-heptanol treatment had no effect on this proliferation, it inhibited the expression of both type II collagen mRNA and protein. The Alcian blue staining revealed that 1-heptanol also inhibited the deposition of the typical cartilage extracellular matrix promoted by recombinant GDF-5. Western blotting demonstrated that 1-heptanol had no effect on the expression of Cx43. Conclusion：These results suggest that mouse bone marrow MSCs can be differentiated into a chondrogenic phenotype by GDF- 5 administration in vitro. While the gap junction blocker, 1-heptanol, did not reduce gap junction Cx43, these intercellular communication pathways clearly played an important functional role in GDF-5-induced cartilage differentiation.展开更多
文摘Mice preantral follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days to achieve metaphase Ⅱ （M Ⅱ ） oocytes. Oocyte growth differentiation factor-9 （GDF-9） gene expression was measured during different growth stages to explore the relationship between oocyte maturation and GDF-9 gene expression. Preantral follicles of lO-day old mice were isolated from the ovaries and were cultured for 12 days. Oocytes from day 2 （D2）, D4, D6, D8, DIO, D12 cultured in vitro were named the in vitro group and oocytes of day 12 （D12）, D14, D16, D18, D20, D22 grown in vivo were named the in vivo group. Follicle survival, antrum formation and maturation rate were 89.5%, 51.8% and 56.6% respectively in follicles cultured in vitro. After RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, relative mRNA abundance of GDF-9 was measured in each group of oocytes. At day 8 - 12, the GDF-9 gene expression level of oocytes in vitro was significantly lower than that in vivo （P 〈 0.05）. We conclude that M Ⅱ oocytes can be obtained from in vitro culture of preantral follicles. The GDF- 9 gene expression of oocytes varies at different growth stages in vivo. The low expression of GDF-9 in oocytes cuhured in vitro may be the cause of their low developmental capacity.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81173294)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Soothing liver therapy on infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:Fifty-eight women with tubal infertility were randomized into two groups:30 in an experimental group treated with Xiaoyao powder(Shugan)plus gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog(GnRHa)/follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)/human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)and 28 in the control group who were treated with GnRHa/FSH/hCG only.The total gonadotropin(Gn)doses required,endometrial thickness,oocyte numbers,high quality embryo production rate and pregnancy rate of the two groups were compared.The concentration of growth differentiation factor-9(GDF-9)in follicular fluid was detected by western blotting and the expression of GDF-9 mRNA in granulosa cells was measured using reverse tran-scription-polymerase chain reaction amplification.RESULTS:In the experimental group,the Gn dose was significantly lower than that in the control group;the endometrial thickness,high quality embryo production and pregnancy rates were significantly higher and the expression of GDF-9 mRNA was also significantly higher than in the control group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Shugan treatment can improve the pregnancy rate of women with tubal infertility;its mechanism is possibly related to the increased expression of GDF-9 in granulosa cells.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82171552 and 82170479)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Ctiy(No.21ZR1457500)the Science and Technology Bureau of Shanghai Putuo District(No.ptkwws202102).
文摘Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticoagulant,and anti-diabetic effects.Growth/differentiation factor-15(GDF-15),a member of the transforming growth factorβsuperfamily,is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism.The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo,and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress signaling in this process.Luciferase reporter assays,chromatin immunoprecipitation,and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),CCAAT enhancer binding proteinγ(CEBPG),and CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF).The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene,as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity.Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells(ECs),hepatoma cell line G2(HepG2)and hepatoma cell line 3B(Hep3B)cell lines,and primary mouse hepatocytes.The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene.SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15.In high-fat diet ApoE^(-/-)mice,administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15.These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity,indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
基金All authors have no conflict of interest regarding this paper. This work was supported by Grant National Natural Science Foundation of China （81400262） ＆ Backbone Fund of Peking University Third Hospital.
文摘BackgroundGrowth differentiation factor （GDF）-15, a divergent member of the transforming growth factor beta super-family does appear to be up-regulated in response to experimental pressure overload and progression of heart failure （HF）. HF frequently develops after myocardial infarction （MI）, contributing to worse outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between GDF-15 levels and markers related to collagen turnover in different stages of HF.MethodsThe study consists of a cohort of 179 patients, including stable angina pectoris patients （AP group,n= 50）, old MI patients without HF （OMI group,n = 56）, old MI patients with HF （OMI-HF group,n= 38） and normal Control group （n = 35）. Both indicators reflecting the synthesis and degradation rates of collagen including precollagen I N-terminal peptide （PINP）, type I collagen carboxy-terminal peptide （ICTP）, precollagen III N-terminal peptide （PIIINP） and GDF-15 were measured using an enzyme-linked inmunosorbent assay.ResultsThe plasma GDF-15 level was higher in OMI-HF group （1373.4 ± 275.4 ng/L） than OMI group （1036.1 ± 248.6 ng/L）, AP group （784.6 ± 222.4 ng/L） and Control group （483.8 ± 186.4 ng/L） （P〈 0.001）. The indi-cators of collagen turnover （ICTP, PINP, PIIINP） all increased in the OMI-HF group compared with Control group （3.03 ± 1.02μg/Lvs. 2.08 ± 0.95μg/L, 22.2 ± 6.6μg/Lvs. 16.7 ± 5.1μg/L and 13.2 ± 7.9μg/Lvs. 6.4 ± 2.1μg/L, respectively;P〈 0.01）. GDF-15 positively cor-related with ICTP and PIIINP （r = 0.302,P〈 0.001 andr= 0.206,P= 0.006, respectively）. GDF-15 positively correlated to the echocardio-graphic diastolic indicators E/Em and left atrial pressure （r= 0.349 and r= 0.358, respectively;P〈 0.01）, and inversely correlated to the systolic indicators left ventricular ejection fraction and the average of peak systolic myocardial velocities （Sm） （r=-0.623 and r=-0.365, respectively;P〈 0.01）.ConclusionPlasma GDF-15 is associated with the indicators of type I and III collagen turnover.
文摘Growth differentiation factor 9 （GDF9） is expressed in oocytes and is thought to be required for ovarian folliculogenesis. Given this function, GDF9 may be considered as a candidate gene controlling pig ovulate rate. In this study, the complete coding sequence was cloned （encoding a 444 amino acid）, intron sequence and partial 5＇-UTR of pig GDF9. RT-PCR results showed that GDF9 mRNA is expressed in a wide range of tissues of the ruttish Erhualian pig. The expression levels of GDF9 mRNA in pituitary, ovary, uterus and oviduct are higher in the Erhualian pigs than those in Duroc pigs, especially in pituitary with a significant difference （P 〈 0.05）. Comparative sequencing revealed 12 polymorphisms, including 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） and one 314 bp indel in noncoding regions, and the other 3 SNPs in coding regions. Four polymorphisms, G359C, C1801T, T1806C and 314 bp indel, were developed as markers for further use in population variation and association studies. The G359C polymorphism segregates only in Chinese native pigs, Erhualian and Dahuabai, on the contrary, 314 bp indel segregates only in Duroc and Landrace. C1801T and T1806C sites seem to be completely linked and segregate in Erhualian, Dahuabai and Landrace. In a word, GDF9 may be not associated with pig litter size in extensive populations as per the studies of allele distributions of the four polymorphisms and pilot association in four breeds.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81201407)the Bureau of Science&Technology and Intellectual Property Nanchong City(Nos.NSMC20170203 and NSMC20170310)+1 种基金the Health and Family Planning Commission of Sichuan Province(No.17JP496)the Research Projects of North Sichuan Medical College(No.CBY13-A-ZD09),China
文摘Objective:To construct a novel non-viral vector loaded with growth and differentiation factor-5(GDF-5) plasmid using chitosan,hyaluronic acid,and chondroitin sulfate for osteoarthritis (OA)gene therapy.Methods: Nano-microspheres (NMPs)were prepared by mixing chitosan,hyaluronic acid,and chondreitin sulfate.GDF-5 plasmid was encapsulated in the NMPs through electrostatic adsorption.The basic characteristics of the NMPs were observed,and then they were co-cultured with chondrocytes to observe their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression.Finally,NMPs loaded with GDF-5were inje.cted into the articular cavities of rabbits to observe their therapeutic effects on OA in vivo.Results:NMPs exhibited good physicochemical properties and low cytotoxicity.Their average diameter was (0.61±0.20)μm,and encapsulation efficiency was (38.19±0.36)%.According to Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,relative cell viability was 75%-99%when the total weight of NMPs was less than 560μg. Transfection efficiency was (62.0±2.1)% in a liposome group,and (60.0±1.8)% in the NMP group.There was no sig- nificant difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Immunohistochemical staining results suggested that NMPs can successfully transfect chondrocytes and stimulate ECM protein expression in vitro.Compared with the control groups, the NMP group significantly promoted the expression of chondrocyte ECM in vivo (P<0.05),as shown by analysis of the biochemical composition of chondrocyte ECM.When NMPs were injected into OA model rabbits,the expression of ECM proteins in chondrocytes was significantly promoted and the progression of OA was slowed down.Conclusions: Based on these data,we think that these NMPs with excellent physicochemical and biological properties could be promising non-viral vectors for OA gene therapy.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82021002,31771164,and 31930042)the National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFB0403803)+1 种基金the Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai,Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2018SHZDZX01)Zhang Jiang Laboratory.
文摘Growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15)is a member of the transforming growth factor-βsuperfamily.It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Whether and how GDF-15 modulates nociceptive signaling remains unclear.Behaviorally,we found that peripheral GDF-15 significantly elevated nociceptive response thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli in naïve and arthritic rats.Electrophysiologically,we demonstrated that GDF-15 decreased the excitability of small-diameter dorsal root ganglia(DRG)neurons.Furthermore,GDF-15 concentration-dependently suppressed tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channel Nav1.8 currents,and shifted the steady-state inactivation curves of Nav1.8 in a hyperpolarizing direction.GDF-15 also reduced window currents and slowed down the recovery rate of Nav1.8 channels,suggesting that GDF-15 accelerated inactivation and slowed recovery of the channel.Immunohistochemistry results showed that activin receptor-like kinase-2(ALK2)was widely expressed in DRG medium-and small-diameter neurons,and some of them were Nav1.8-positive.Blockade of ALK2 prevented the GDF-15-induced inhibition of Nav1.8 currents and nociceptive behaviors.Inhibition of PKA and ERK,but not PKC,blocked the inhibitory effect of GDF-15 on Nav1.8 currents.These results suggest a functional link between GDF-15 and Nav1.8 in DRG neurons via ALK2 receptors and PKA associated with MEK/ERK,which mediate the peripheral analgesia of GDF-15.
基金supported by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Committee(D0906006000091)the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China,State Science and Technology Support Program(No.2011BAI11B05).
文摘Background Growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)is involved in multiple processes that are associated with coronary artery disease(CAD).However,little is known about the association between GDF-15 and the future ischemic events in patients with intermediate CAD.This study was conducted to investigate whether plasma GDF-15 constituted risk biomarkers for future cardiovascular events in patients with intermediate CAD.Methods A prospective study was performed based on 541 patients with intermediate CAD(20%–70%).GDF-15 of each patient was determined in a blinded manner.The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac event(MACE),which was defined as a composite of all-cause death,nonfatal myocardial infarction,revascularization and readmission due to angina pectoris.Results After a median follow-up of 64 months,504 patients(93.2%)completed the follow-up.Overall,the combined endpoint of MACE appeared in 134 patients(26.6%)in the overall population:26 patients died,11 patients suffered a nonfatal myocardial infarction,51 patients underwent revascularization,and 46 patients were readmitted for angina pectoris.The plasma levels of GDF-15(median:1172.02 vs.965.25 pg/m L,P=0.014)were higher in patients with ischemic events than those without events.After adjusting for traditional risk factors,higher GDF-15 levels were significantly associated with higher incidence of the composite endpoint of MACE(HR=1.244,95%CI:1.048–1.478,Quartile 4 vs.Quartile 1,P=0.013).Conclusions The higher level of GDF-15 was an independent predictor of long-term adverse cardiovascular events in patients with intermediate CAD.
文摘Objective To observe the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) on the growth and anabolic metabolism of articular chondrocytes. Methods The articular chondrocytes isolated from rats were treated with various concentrations of rmGDF-5, and the growth of chondrocytes measured by MTT assay, the cellular cartilage matrices formation detected sulfated glycosaminoglycan by Alcian blue staining and type Ⅱcollagen by RT-PCR. Results After 7 days culture, MTT assay showed that GDF-5 enhanced the growth of chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, RT-PCR showed that GDF-5 clearly induced the synthesis of type Ⅱ collagen because of the col2a1 mRNA band more and more strong in a dose-dependent. Chondrocytes were cultured with GDF-5 for 14 days, the intensity of Alcian blue staining was greatly enhanced, especially, at a high concentration of 1000ng/mL, and GDF-5 enhanced the accumulation of the Alcian blue-stainable material in a concentration-dependent manner and in a does-dependent manner. Conclusion GDF-5 enhanced the growth of mature articular chondrocytes, and stimulated the cellular cartilage matrices formation in mono-layer culture.
文摘AIM:To explore the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptorα(IGF-1Rα)on the differentiation fate of optic-cupderived retinal stem cells(OC-RSCs)into retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)in vitro.METHODS:OC-RSCs were isolated from optic cups of rats on embryonic day 12.5,and high-purity OC-RSCs were obtained by conditioned culture and passage.Differentiation of OC-RSCs into RGCs under different serum concentrations was examined using flow cytometry,and the serum concentration with high interference with differentiation ratio was selected.Furthermore,the effect of blocking IGF-1Rαon the differentiation of OC-RSCs into RGCs was analyzed through immunocytochemistry and Western blotting.RESULTS:Immunohistochemical analysis revealed IGF-1Rαwas highly expressed in rat embryos at day 12.5.OC-RSCs were isolated and purified,and high-purity OCRSCs were obtained.When 2.5%serum was administered,the ratio of differentiated RGCs(Thy-1.1 positive)decreased significantly,and the results of immunoblotting also confirmed the blockade of IGF-1Rαreduced Thy-1.1 protein expression.CONCLUSION:IGF-1Rαblocking can reduce the differentiation of OC-RSCs into RGCs.
基金Supported by The Grant of Medicine and Health Key Projects of Zhejiang Province, Science and Technology Fund of Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China, No. WKJ2007-2-037Shaoxing Key Project for Science and Technology, No. 2007A23008the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province, China, No. Y2090337
文摘AIM: To identify the key cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs) under liver-injury conditions. METHODS: Abdominal injection of CCl4 was adopted to duplicate a mouse acute liver injury model. Global gene expression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential genes involved in hepatic commitment under liver-injury conditions. The cytokines involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs was function-ally examined by depletion experiment using specifi c antibodies, followed by rescue experiment and direct inducing assay. The hepatic differentiation was characterized by the expression of hepatic lineage genes and proteins, as well as functional features. RESULTS: Cytokines potentially participating in hepatic fate commitment under liver-injury conditions were initially measured by microarray. Among the up-regulated genes determined, 18 cytokines known to closely relate to liver growth, repair and development, were selected for further identif ication. The f ibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF-4), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and oncostatin M (OSM) were fi nally found to be involved in hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs under liver-injury conditions. Hepatic differentiation could be dramatically decreased after removing FGF-4, HGF and OSM from the liver-injury conditioned medium, and could be rescued by supplementing these cytokines. The FGF-4, HGF and OSM play different roles in the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs, in which FGF-4 and HGF are essential for the initiation of hepatic differentiation, while OSM is critical for the maturation of hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: FGF-4, HGF and OSM are the key cytokines involved in the liver-injury conditioned medium for the hepatic differentiation of mBM-MSCs.
基金Project supported by the Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.8151008901000157)the Scientific Research Fund of Guangdong Province,China(Nos.2008B030301045 and 2011B031800021)the Medical Scientific Research Grant of the Health Ministry of Guangdong Province,China(No.B2011310)
文摘Objective:To explore the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)on migration,proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Methods:MSCs were obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats by a combination of gradient centrifugation and cell culture techniques and treated with IGF-1 at concentrations of 5-20 ng/ml.Proliferation of MSCs was determined as the mean doubling time.Expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)and migration property were determined by flow cytometry and transwell migration essay,respectively.mRNA expression of GATA-4 and collagen II was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results:The mean doubling time of MSC proliferation was decreased,and the expression of CXCR4 on MSCs and migration of MSCs were increased by IGF-1,all in a dose-dependent manner,while the optimal concentration of IGF-1 on proliferation and migration was different.IGF-1 did not affect the expression of GATA-4 or collagen II mRNA.Conclusions:IGF-1 dose-dependently stimulated the proliferation of MSCs,upregulated the expression of CXCR4,and accelerated migration.There was no apparent differentiation of MSCs to cardiomyocytes or chondrocytes after culturing with IGF-1 alone.
文摘Objective:To explore the role of bone morphogenetic protein 4(BMP-4) in hepatic progenitor cells(HPCs).Methods:The effect of BMP-4 on rat hepatic oval cells was examined by using the WB-F344 rat hepatocytic epithelial stem-cell-like cell line.This hepatocytic cell line could exert various hepatocytc functions including the secretion of albumin and urea.Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of BMP-4 and its antagonist,Noggin,on the proliferation and differentiation of these cells,cellular uptake and excretion of indocyanine green,the periodic acid-schiff(PAS) assay for glycogen storage and the expression of hepatic markers.Results:Our results showed for the first time that BMP-4 may acted as a potential inducer of hepatic differentiation in rat hepatic oval cells.Conclusions:This cell source offers a much-needed attractive and expandable source for future investigations of drug screening,stem cell technologies and cellular transplantation,in a society with increasing levels of liver disease and damage.
基金supported by Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province,China(No.2016B070701007)
文摘Background Cell source is one of the most important constructions for tissue engineered blood vessels(TEBV). As human adult vascular cells are limited by the replicative life spans and poor collagen secretion, stem cell has become a promising cell source. Hence, we investigated the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells(hiPSC) into functional smooth-muscle-like cells(SMLCs) by embryoid bodies method and explored whether transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) can promote the differentiation. Methods HiPSCs were cultured in smooth muscle cell medium with or without TGF-β1 after forming embryoid bodies. The cell morphology, cell characteristics and contractility were compared after 7 days of differentiation. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA, Calponin, SM22α, Collagen I and Collagen III. Functional contraction study was performed using carbachol. Results HiPSC could successfully differentiate into cells that were similar to typical smooth muscle cells in morphology. The expression of α-SMA, Calponin and SM22α up-regulated after induction. TGF-β1 could further up-regulated α-SMA expression.Immunofluorescence images showed that more than 80% of the hiPSC-derived SMLCs by TGF-β1 stained with smooth muscle cell markers α-SMA, SMMHC, SM22α and Calponin. Analyses of expression in collagen showed that hiPSC-derived SMLCs exhibited higher levels of Collagen I and Collagen III after induction by TGF-β1. Conclusion The hiPSC could successfully differentiate into smooth-muscle-like cells using embryoid bodies method. TGF-β1 can promote the differentiation and enhance collagen synthesis[.S Chin J Cardiol 2019;20(1):44-53]
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30471753)
文摘Objective：To investigate the effect of the gap junction blocker 1-heptanol on the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells（MSCs） following induction by GDF-5. Methods：MSCs were isolated from mouse bone marrow and cultured in vitro. After 3 passages cells were induced to undergo chondrogenic differentiation with recombinant human GDF-5（100 ng/ml）, with or without 1-heptanol（2.5 la mol/L）. The effect of 1-heptanol on MSCs proliferation was investigated using the MTT assay. Type II collagen mRNA and protein were examined by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry respectively, and the sulfate glycosaminoglycan was assessed by Alcian blue dye staining. Connexin43（Cx43） protein was examined by western blotting. Results：GDF-5 induced proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. While 1-heptanol treatment had no effect on this proliferation, it inhibited the expression of both type II collagen mRNA and protein. The Alcian blue staining revealed that 1-heptanol also inhibited the deposition of the typical cartilage extracellular matrix promoted by recombinant GDF-5. Western blotting demonstrated that 1-heptanol had no effect on the expression of Cx43. Conclusion：These results suggest that mouse bone marrow MSCs can be differentiated into a chondrogenic phenotype by GDF- 5 administration in vitro. While the gap junction blocker, 1-heptanol, did not reduce gap junction Cx43, these intercellular communication pathways clearly played an important functional role in GDF-5-induced cartilage differentiation.
