Smad3 ELISA Kit

Dysferlinopathies are a non-lethal group of late-onset muscular dystrophies. Here, we evaluated the fusion ability of primary myoblasts from young dysf(-/-) mice and the muscle histopathology prior to, and during early stages of disease onset. The ability of primary myoblasts of 5-week-old dysf(-/-) mice to form large myotubes was delayed compared to their wild-type counterparts, as evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. However, their fusion activity, as reflected by the presence of actin filaments connecting several cells, was enhanced by the antifibrotic drug halofuginone. Early dystrophic signs were already apparent in 4-week-old dysf(-/-) mice; their collagen level was double that in wild-type mice and continued to rise until 5 months of age. Continuous treatment with halofuginone from 4 weeks to 5 months of age reduced muscle fibrosis in a phosphorylated-Smad3 inhibition-related manner. Halofuginone also enhanced myofiber hypertrophy, reduced the percentage of centrally nucleated myofibers, and increased muscle performance. Together, the data suggest an inhibitory effect of halofuginone on the muscle histopathology at very early stages of dysferlinopathy, and enhancement of muscle performance. These results offer new opportunities for early pharmaceutical treatment in dysferlinopathies with favorable outcomes at later stages of life. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

BackgroundLiver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injury is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Stem cell-secreted secretome has been evaluated for overcoming the limitations of cell-based therapy in hepatic disease, while maintaining its advantages.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the effect of human fetal skin-derived stem cell (hFSSC) secretome in the treatment of liver fibrosis. To determine the therapeutic potential of the hFSSC secretome in liver fibrosis, we established the CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model and administered hFSSC secretome in vivo. Moreover, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hFSSC secretome in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).ResultsOur results showed that hFSSC secretome effectively reduced collagen content in liver, improved the liver function and promoted liver regeneration. Interestingly, we also found that hFSSC secretome reduced liver fibrosis through suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In addition, we found that hFSSC secretome inhibited the TGF-beta 1, Smad2, Smad3, and Collagen I expression, however, increased the Smad7 expression.ConclusionsIn conclusions, our results suggest that hFSSC secretome treatment could reduce CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating the TGF-beta /Smad signal pathway.