Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41388516›Full record

ArticleBMC gastroenterology2025

Fibulin-5 promotes fibroblast activation through LTBP-4 to improve the pathogenesis of hemorrhoids.

Yongchang Zhao, Kaihua Xiao, Yuning Wu, Danqing Li, Ruijun Xie, Muchun Liao, Feng Sun

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC gastroenterology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Yongchang Zhao *Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Kaihua Xiao *Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Yuning WuGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Danqing LiGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Ruijun XieGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Muchun LiaoGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China.
Feng SunGuangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou City, 510000, Guangdong Province, China. fengsun2025@163.com.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China 82074442
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHemorrhoid disease is a widespread gastrointestinal ailment caused by the degeneration of supporting tissues within the anal cushions. Despite its high incidence, the pathogenic processes involved remain poorly elucidated.

objectiveThis study sought to clarify the functions of Fibulin-5 (FBLN5) and latent transforming growth factor beta binding protein 4 (LTBP-4) in activating fibroblasts and their combined impact on hemorrhoid pathogenesis, while exploring their potential as therapeutic targets.

methodsA rat model of hemorrhoid was created by injecting glacial acetic acid into the region surrounding the anus. Fibroblast migration was assessed using a scratch test, while cell viability was assessed with CCK-8. Protein and gene expression levels of FBLN5, LTBP-4, COL1A2, Elastin, and fibronectin were measured by Western blotting and RT-PCR. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were employed to localize and visualize protein localization and expression. Plasmid transfection experiments assessed the effects of FBLN5 and LTBP-4 overexpression or knockdown on fibroblast behavior.

resultsHemorrhoidal tissues in the experimental group exhibited significant structural alterations, with notable reductions in the expression of FBLN5, LTBP-4, α-SMA, COL1A2, Elastin, and Fibronectin compared to controls. Primary fibroblasts derived from hemorrhoid tissues exhibited reduced migratory ability and downregulated key fibrotic markers. Overexpression of FBLN5 or LTBP-4 restored fibroblasts' viability and migration, while LTBP-4 knockdown attenuated the beneficial effects of FBLN5, highlighting their synergistic role in extracellular matrix remodeling.

conclusionFBLN5 and LTBP-4 play significant roles in activating fibroblasts and contributing to the pathogenesis of hemorrhoid disease. Targeting these proteins could provide novel therapeutic approaches to enhance the outcomes of hemorrhoid treatment.

Indexed as

Extracellular Matrix ProteinsFibroblastsHemorrhoidsLatent TGF-beta Binding ProteinsAnimalsCell MovementCells, CulturedCell SurvivalCollagen Type IDisease Models, AnimalElastinFibronectinsMaleRatsRats, Sprague-DawleyCollagen Type IElastinExtracellular Matrix ProteinsFibronectinsLatent TGF-beta Binding ProteinsExtracellular matrixFibroblast activationFibulin-5Hemorrhoid diseaseLTBP-4Therapeutic targets

Identifiers

PMID41388516
PMCPMC12809937

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.