Protective effects of intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) on gastric mucosal epithelium through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)

• DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2386-2
• Publication Date: 2015-03-16T12:26:50Z
• Authors: Jinfeng Lin; Zhaorui Sun; Wei Zhang; Hongmei Liu; Danbing Shao; Yi Ren; Yanfang Wen; Liping Cao; Joy Wolfram; Zhizhou Yang; Shinan Nie
• Keywords: Cytoprotection; Intestinal epithelium

The rapid repair of gastric mucosa is critical upon exposure to injurious agents. Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) is a member of the trefoil factor family domain peptides, which play an important role in the cytoprotection of gastric epithelium. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that are responsible for ITF-induced gastric epithelial repair remain unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate that ITF enhances the proliferation and migration of GES-1 gastric endothelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Furthermore, the ITF-mediated protection of GES-1 cells from a NS398 (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) was dependent on the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Taken together, the results provide a mechanistic explanation for ITF-mediated protection of gastric epithelial mucosa cells, suggesting that activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway may provide a new therapeutic strategy for repairing gastric injury.