Transforming growth factor-β and nuclear factor E2–related factor 2 regulate antioxidant responses in airway smooth muscle cells: role in asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Aberrant airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) function and overexpression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, which modulates ASMC proliferative and inflammatory function and induces oxidant release, are features of asthma. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activates antioxidant genes conferring protection against oxidative stress.

Objectives

To determine the role of Nrf2 in ASMCs and its modulation by TGF-β, and compare Nrf2 activity in ASMCs from subjects with severe and nonsevere asthma and healthy subjects.

Methods

ASMCs were cultured from airways of subjects without asthma, and from airway biopsies from patients with severe and nonsevere asthma. We studied Nrf2 activation on antioxidant gene expression and proliferation, the effect of TGF-β on Nr

SUBMITTER: Michaeloudes C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3402549 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature