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Zhu B, Liang L, Hui L, Lu Y. Exploring the role of dermal sheath cells in wound healing and fibrosis. Wound Repair Regen 2024. [PMID: 39129718 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex, dynamic process involving the coordinated interaction of diverse cell types, growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix components. Despite emerging evidence highlighting their importance, dermal sheath cells remain a largely overlooked aspect of wound healing research. This review explores the multifunctional roles of dermal sheath cells in various phases of wound healing, including modulating inflammation, aiding in proliferation, and contributing to extracellular matrix remodelling. Special attention is devoted to the paracrine effects of dermal sheath cells and their role in fibrosis, highlighting their potential in improving healing outcomes, especially in differentiating between hairy and non-hairy skin sites. By drawing connections between dermal sheath cells activity and wound healing outcomes, this work proposes new insights into the mechanisms of tissue regeneration and repair, marking a step forward in our understanding of wound healing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhu
- Translational Medicine Engineering Research Center of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, affiliated with Baotou Central Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Lu Liang
- Translational Medicine Engineering Research Center of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, affiliated with Baotou Central Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Lihua Hui
- Burn Research Institute of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, affiliated with Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, China
| | - Yaojun Lu
- Translational Medicine Engineering Research Center of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, affiliated with Baotou Central Hospital, Baotou, China
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2
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Flaxman HA, Chrysovergi MA, Han H, Kabir F, Lister RT, Chang CF, Yvon R, Black KE, Weigert A, Savai R, Egea-Zorrilla A, Pardo-Saganta A, Lagares D, Woo CM. Sanglifehrin A mitigates multiorgan fibrosis by targeting the collagen chaperone cyclophilin B. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e171162. [PMID: 38900587 PMCID: PMC11383833 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.171162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological deposition and crosslinking of collagen type I by activated myofibroblasts drives progressive tissue fibrosis. Therapies that inhibit collagen synthesis have potential as antifibrotic agents. We identify the collagen chaperone cyclophilin B as a major cellular target of the natural product sanglifehrin A (SfA) using photoaffinity labeling and chemical proteomics. Mechanistically, SfA inhibits and induces the secretion of cyclophilin B from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and prevents TGF-β1-activated myofibroblasts from synthesizing and secreting collagen type I in vitro, without inducing ER stress or affecting collagen type I mRNA transcription, myofibroblast migration, contractility, or TGF-β1 signaling. In vivo, SfA induced cyclophilin B secretion in preclinical models of fibrosis, thereby inhibiting collagen synthesis from fibrotic fibroblasts and mitigating the development of lung and skin fibrosis in mice. Ex vivo, SfA induces cyclophilin B secretion and inhibits collagen type I secretion from fibrotic human lung fibroblasts and samples from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Taken together, we provide chemical, molecular, functional, and translational evidence for demonstrating direct antifibrotic activities of SfA in preclinical and human ex vivo fibrotic models. Our results identify the cellular target of SfA, the collagen chaperone cyclophilin B, as a mechanistic target for the treatment of organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope A Flaxman
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria-Anna Chrysovergi
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Farah Kabir
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachael T Lister
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chia-Fu Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Yvon
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katharine E Black
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andreas Weigert
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry I, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), DZL, Giessen, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Department of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alejandro Egea-Zorrilla
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), DZL, Giessen, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Department of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ana Pardo-Saganta
- Institute for Lung Health (ILH), Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), DZL, Giessen, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Department of Internal Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christina M Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Bhatt HN, Diwan R, Estevao IL, Dong R, Smith J, Xiao C, Agarwal SK, Nurunnabi M. Cadherin-11 targeted cell-specific liposomes enabled skin fibrosis treatment by inducing apoptosis. J Control Release 2024; 370:110-123. [PMID: 38648957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Continuous and aberrant activation of myofibroblasts is the hallmark of pathological fibrosis (e.g., abnormal wound healing). The deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components alters or increases the stiffness of tissue and primarily accounts for multiple organ dysfunctions. Among various proteins, Cadherin-11 (CDH11) has been reported to be overexpressed on myofibroblasts in fibrotic tissues. Anti-apoptotic proteins such as (B cell lymphoma-2) (BCL-2) are also upregulated on myofibroblasts. Therefore, we hypothesize that CDH11 could be a targeted domain for cell-specific drug delivery and targeted inhibition of BCL-2 to ameliorate the development of fibrosis in the skin. To prove our hypothesis, we have developed liposomes (LPS) conjugated with CDH11 neutralizing antibody (antiCDH11) to target cell surface CDH11 and loaded these LPS with a BCL-2 inhibitor, Navitoclax (NAVI), to induce apoptosis of CDH11 expressing fibroblasts. The developed LPS were evaluated for physicochemical characterization, stability, in vitro therapeutic efficacy using dermal fibroblasts, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model in mice. The findings from in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that selectivity of LPS was improved towards CDH11 expressing myofibroblasts, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy with no indication of adverse effects. Hence, this novel research work represents a versatile LPS strategy that exhibits promising potential for treating skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Igor L Estevao
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Jennifer Smith
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Chuan Xiao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Sandeep K Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
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Pan Z, Zhang X, Xie W, Cui J, Wang Y, Zhang B, Du L, Zhai W, Sun H, Li Y, Li D. Revisited and innovative perspectives of oral ulcer: from biological specificity to local treatment. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1335377. [PMID: 38456005 PMCID: PMC10917957 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1335377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mouth ulcers, a highly prevalent ailment affecting the oral mucosa, leading to pain and discomfort, significantly impacting the patient's daily life. The development of innovative approaches for oral ulcer treatment is of great importance. Moreover, a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of mouth ulcers will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The oral environment possesses distinct traits as it serves as the gateway to the digestive and respiratory systems. The permeability of various epithelial layers can influence drug absorption. Moreover, oral mucosal injuries exhibit distinct healing patterns compared to cutaneous lesions, influenced by various inherent and extrinsic factors. Furthermore, the moist and dynamic oral environment, influenced by saliva and daily physiological functions like chewing and speaking, presents additional challenges in local therapy. Also, suitable mucosal adhesion materials are crucial to alleviate pain and promote healing process. To this end, the review comprehensively examines the anatomical and structural aspects of the oral cavity, elucidates the healing mechanisms of oral ulcers, explores the factors contributing to scar-free healing in the oral mucosa, and investigates the application of mucosal adhesive materials as drug delivery systems. This endeavor seeks to offer novel insights and perspectives for the treatment of oral ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Pan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wangni Xie
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Cui
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Boya Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liuyi Du
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenhao Zhai
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongchen Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Daowei Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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da Silva CN, Miot HA, Grassi TF, Dias-Melício LA, Santos L, Espósito ACC. Expression of Endothelin-1, Endothelin Receptor-A, and Endothelin Receptor-B in facial melasma compared to adjacent skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:2847-2853. [PMID: 37850109 PMCID: PMC10578179 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s402168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objectives Although melasma is highly prevalent, its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. In the skin, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is primarily produced by keratinocytes in response to UVB exposure, which is mediated by an increase in IL-1α or reactive oxygen species. ET-1 plays a role in melanogenesis by binding to specific receptor B (ERB) or receptor A (ERA). However, the expression of ET-1, ERA, and ERB in melasma has not been systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of ET-1, ERA, and ERB in facial melasma compared to the adjacent unaffected skin. Methods Cross-sectional study, with 40 skin samples (20: facial melasma; 20: adjacent unaffected skin) from women with facial melasma without treatment for 30 days except for sunscreen. A triple staining immunofluorescence technique was performed for anti-vimentin, DAPI, plus one of the following antibodies: (a) anti-ET1, (b) anti-ERA; (c) anti-ERB. Interfollicular areas on the slides of each topography (melasma; unaffected skin) were photographed in triplicate under confocal laser microscopy. The mean staining intensities of the image histograms (0-255 pixels intensity) were estimated for different types of cells (suprabasal keratinocytes, basal layer, and upper dermis) and were blindly compared between topographies. Results The mean (SD) age of the participants was 44.9 (9.2). The expression of ET-1 was increased in the whole epidermis with melasma when compared to the adjacent skin, being 32.8% (CI95% 14.7%-52.6%) higher in the spinous layer (p=0.013), 30.4% (CI95% 13.7%-47.9%) higher in the basal layer (p=0.014), and 29.7% (CI95% 11.4%-49.7%) higher in the melanocytes (p=0.006). There was no noticeable expression of ET-1 within the cells on the upper dermis. Neither ERA nor ERB resulted in differential epidermal expression between melasma and unaffected skin (p≥0.1). Conclusion ET-1 is expressed more intensely on the epidermis from the skin with facial melasma compared to the unaffected adjacent skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nunhez da Silva
- Department of Dermatology, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Hélio Amante Miot
- Department of Dermatology, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Tony Fernando Grassi
- UNIPEX - Experimental Research Unit, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Luciane Alarcão Dias-Melício
- UNIPEX - Experimental Research Unit, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Infectious Agents – LIAI, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Leandro Santos
- UNIPEX - Experimental Research Unit, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunopathology and Infectious Agents – LIAI, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Ana Cláudia Cavalcante Espósito
- Department of Dermatology, São Paulo State University (UNESP) - Medical School of Botucatu, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
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Ma F, Plazyo O, Billi AC, Tsoi LC, Xing X, Wasikowski R, Gharaee-Kermani M, Hile G, Jiang Y, Harms PW, Xing E, Kirma J, Xi J, Hsu JE, Sarkar MK, Chung Y, Di Domizio J, Gilliet M, Ward NL, Maverakis E, Klechevsky E, Voorhees JJ, Elder JT, Lee JH, Kahlenberg JM, Pellegrini M, Modlin RL, Gudjonsson JE. Single cell and spatial sequencing define processes by which keratinocytes and fibroblasts amplify inflammatory responses in psoriasis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3455. [PMID: 37308489 PMCID: PMC10261041 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunopathogenesis of psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, is incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate, using a combination of single cell and spatial RNA sequencing, IL-36 dependent amplification of IL-17A and TNF inflammatory responses in the absence of neutrophil proteases, which primarily occur within the supraspinous layer of the psoriatic epidermis. We further show that a subset of SFRP2+ fibroblasts in psoriasis contribute to amplification of the immune network through transition to a pro-inflammatory state. The SFRP2+ fibroblast communication network involves production of CCL13, CCL19 and CXCL12, connected by ligand-receptor interactions to other spatially proximate cell types: CCR2+ myeloid cells, CCR7+ LAMP3+ dendritic cells, and CXCR4 expressed on both CD8+ Tc17 cells and keratinocytes, respectively. The SFRP2+ fibroblasts also express cathepsin S, further amplifying inflammatory responses by activating IL-36G in keratinocytes. These data provide an in-depth view of psoriasis pathogenesis, which expands our understanding of the critical cellular participants to include inflammatory fibroblasts and their cellular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyang Ma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Olesya Plazyo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Allison C Billi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xianying Xing
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rachael Wasikowski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Grace Hile
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yanyun Jiang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Paul W Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Enze Xing
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Joseph Kirma
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jingyue Xi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jer-En Hsu
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mrinal K Sarkar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Yutein Chung
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jeremy Di Domizio
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Lausanne, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Gilliet
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Lausanne, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicole L Ward
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Eynav Klechevsky
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - John J Voorhees
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James T Elder
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - J Michelle Kahlenberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Robert L Modlin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Johann E Gudjonsson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Kawai K, Ishise H, Kubo T, Larson B, Fujiwara T, Nishimoto S, Kakibuchi M. Stretching Promotes Wound Contraction Through Enhanced Expression of Endothelin Receptor B and TRPC3 in Fibroblasts. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e4954. [PMID: 37113309 PMCID: PMC10129113 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000004954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
One factor that can contribute to the development of hypertrophic scar contracture is mechanical stress. Mechanical cyclic stretch stimuli enhance the secretion of endothelin-1 (ET-1) from keratinocyte. Cyclical stretching of fibroblasts also increases the expression level of the transient receptor potential ion channel (TRPC3), which is known to couple with the endothelin receptor and induce intracellular Ca2+ signaling via the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between keratinocytes and fibroblasts when they are stretched. Methods The conditioned medium from stretched keratinocyte was added to the fibroblast populated collagen lattice. Then, we analyzed the levels of endothelin receptor in the human hypertrophic scar tissue and stretched fibroblasts. To address the function of TRPC3, we have used an overexpression system with the collagen lattice. Finally, the TRPC3 overexpressing fibroblasts were transplanted to mouse dorsal skin, and the rate of skin wound contraction was assessed. Results Conditioned medium from stretched keratinocytes increased the rate of contraction of fibroblast populated collagen lattice. In human hypertrophic scar and stretched fibroblasts, endothelin receptor type B was increased. Cyclic stretching of TRPC3 overexpressing fibroblasts activated NFATc4, and stretched human fibroblasts showed more activation of NFATc4 in response to ET-1. The wound treated with TRPC3 overexpressing fibroblasts showed more contraction than control wound. Conclusion These findings suggest that cyclical stretching of wounds have an effect on both keratinocytes and fibroblasts, where keratinocytes secret more ET-1, and fibroblasts develop more sensitivity to ET-1 by expressing more endothelin receptors and TRPC3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Kawai
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hisako Ishise
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Tateki Kubo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Barrett Larson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif
| | - Toshihiro Fujiwara
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Soh Nishimoto
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masao Kakibuchi
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, Japan
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8
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Flaxman HA, Chrysovergi MA, Han H, Kabir F, Lister RT, Chang CF, Black KE, Lagares D, Woo CM. Sanglifehrin A mitigates multi-organ fibrosis in vivo by inducing secretion of the collagen chaperone cyclophilin B. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.09.531890. [PMID: 36945535 PMCID: PMC10028952 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.09.531890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pathological deposition and crosslinking of collagen type I by activated myofibroblasts drives progressive tissue fibrosis. Therapies that inhibit collagen synthesis by myofibroblasts have clinical potential as anti-fibrotic agents. Lysine hydroxylation by the prolyl-3-hydroxylase complex, comprised of cartilage associated protein, prolyl 3-hydroxylase 1, and cyclophilin B, is essential for collagen type I crosslinking and formation of stable fibers. Here, we identify the collagen chaperone cyclophilin B as a major cellular target of the macrocyclic natural product sanglifehrin A (SfA) using photo-affinity labeling and chemical proteomics. Our studies reveal a unique mechanism of action in which SfA binding to cyclophilin B in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) induces the secretion of cyclophilin B to the extracellular space, preventing TGF-β1-activated myofibroblasts from synthesizing collagen type I in vitro without inhibiting collagen type I mRNA transcription or inducing ER stress. In addition, SfA prevents collagen type I secretion without affecting myofibroblast contractility or TGF-β1 signaling. In vivo, we provide chemical, molecular, functional, and translational evidence that SfA mitigates the development of lung and skin fibrosis in mouse models by inducing cyclophilin B secretion, thereby inhibiting collagen synthesis from fibrotic fibroblasts in vivo . Consistent with these findings in preclinical models, SfA reduces collagen type I secretion from fibrotic human lung fibroblasts and precision cut lung slices from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal fibrotic lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Our results identify the primary liganded target of SfA in cells, the collagen chaperone cyclophilin B, as a new mechanistic target for the treatment of organ fibrosis.
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9
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Angiogenic gene characterization and vessel permeability of dermal microvascular endothelial cells isolated from burn hypertrophic scar. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12222. [PMID: 35851095 PMCID: PMC9293893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16376-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation is a common challenge for patients after burn injury. Dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMVECs) are an understudied cell type in HTS. An increase in angiogenesis and microvessel density can be observed in HTS. Endothelial dysfunction may play a role in scar development. This study aims to generate a functional and expression profile of HTS DMVECs. We hypothesize that transcript and protein-level responses in HTS DMVECs differ from those in normal skin (NS). HTSs were created in red Duroc pigs. DMVECs were isolated using magnetic-activated cell sorting with ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA-1) lectin. Separate transwell inserts were used to form monolayers of HTS DMVECs and NS DMVECs. Cell injury was induced and permeability was assessed. Gene expression in HTS DMVECS versus NS DMVECs was measured. Select differentially expressed genes were further investigated. HTS had an increased area density of dermal microvasculature compared to NS. HTS DMVECs were 17.59% less permeable than normal DMVECs (p < 0.05). After injury, NS DMVECs were 28.4% and HTS DMVECs were 18.8% more permeable than uninjured controls (28.4 ± 4.8 vs 18.8 ± 2.8; p = 0.11). PCR array identified 31 differentially expressed genes between HTS and NS DMVECs, of which 10 were upregulated and 21 were downregulated. qRT-PCR and ELISA studies were in accordance with the array. DMVECs expressed a mixed profile of factors that can contribute to and inhibit scar formation. HTS DMVECs have both a discordant response to cellular insults and baseline differences in function, supporting their proposed role in scar pathology. Further investigation of DMVECs is warranted to elucidate their contribution to HTS pathogenesis.
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10
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Rokni M, Sadeghi Shaker M, Kavosi H, Shokoofi S, Mahmoudi M, Farhadi E. The role of endothelin and RAS/ERK signaling in immunopathogenesis-related fibrosis in patients with systemic sclerosis: an updated review with therapeutic implications. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:108. [PMID: 35562771 PMCID: PMC9102675 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02787-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease of connective tissue with high rate of morbidity and mortality highlighted by extreme fibrosis affecting various organs such as the dermis, lungs, and heart. Until now, there is no specific cure for the fibrosis occurred in SSc disease. The SSc pathogenesis is yet unknown, but transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and Ras-ERK1/2 cascade are the main factors contributing to the tissue fibrosis through extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Several studies have hallmarked the association of ET-1 with or without TGF-β and Ras-ERK1/2 signaling in the development of SSc disease, vasculopathy, and fibrosis of the dermis, lungs, and several organs. Accordingly, different clinical and experimental studies have indicated the potential therapeutic role of ET-1 and Ras antagonists in these situations in SSc. In addition, ET-1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) as a cofactor of the TGF-β cascade play a substantial initiative role in inducing fibrosis. Once initiated, TGF-β alone or in combination with ET-1 and CTGF can activate several kinase proteins such as the Ras-ERK1/2 pathway that serve as the fundamental factor for developing fibrosis. Furthermore, Salirasib is a synthetic small molecule that is able to inhibit all Ras forms. Therefore, it can be used as a potent therapeutic factor for fibrotic disorders. So, this review discusses the role of TGF-β/ET-1/Ras signaling and their involvement in SSc pathogenesis, particularly in its fibrotic situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Rokni
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Sadeghi Shaker
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoda Kavosi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Shokoofi
- Rheumatology Department, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Elham Farhadi
- Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Inflammation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Choi S, Yoon M, Choi KY. Approaches for Regenerative Healing of Cutaneous Wound with an Emphasis on Strategies Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2022; 11:70-86. [PMID: 33573472 PMCID: PMC9831250 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2020.1284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance: In adult mammals, spontaneous repair of a cutaneous wound occurs slowly and leaves a scar with skin adnexa deficiencies. To accelerate cutaneous wound-healing rates and avoid scar formation, current studies have focused on regenerative therapies. Recent Advances: Emerging therapeutics for regenerative wound healing often focus on the use of growth factors and stem cells. However, these therapeutic approaches have limited routine clinical use due to high costs and technical requirements. Critical Issue: Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the signaling pathways for cutaneous wound healing and neogenic synthesis of the skin components is important for identification of novel targets for the development of regenerative wound-healing agents. Future Directions: The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a well-known key player for enhancement of the overall healing process involving tissue regeneration via crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Strategies that activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via modulation of the pathway-controlling regulatory factors could provide effective therapeutic approaches for regenerative wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehee Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minguen Yoon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang-Yell Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.,CK Biotech, Inc., Seodaemun-Gu, Korea.,Correspondence: CK Biotech, Inc., Room 417, Engineering Research Park, 50 Yonsei Ro, Seodaemun-Gu 03722, Korea
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12
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Grunwald H, Hunker KL, Birt I, Aviram R, Zaffryar-Eilot S, Ganesh SK, Hasson P. Lysyl oxidase interactions with transforming growth factor-β during angiogenesis are mediated by endothelin 1. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21824. [PMID: 34370353 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001860rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Crosstalk between multiple components underlies the formation of mature vessels. Although the players involved in angiogenesis have been identified, mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between them are still unclear. Using the ex vivo aortic ring assay, we set out to dissect the interactions between two key angiogenic signaling pathways, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), with members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of matrix modifying enzymes. We find an interplay between VEGF, TGFβ, and the LOXs is essential for the formation of mature vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC)-coated vessels. RNA sequencing analysis further identified an interaction with the endothelin-1 pathway. Our work implicates endothelin-1 downstream of TGFβ in vascular maturation and demonstrate the complexity of processes involved in generating vSMC-coated vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Grunwald
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kristina L Hunker
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Isabelle Birt
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rohtem Aviram
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shelly Zaffryar-Eilot
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Santhi K Ganesh
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Peleg Hasson
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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13
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Dolivo D, Rodrigues A, Sun L, Li Y, Hou C, Galiano R, Hong SJ, Mustoe T. The Na x (SCN7A) channel: an atypical regulator of tissue homeostasis and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5469-5488. [PMID: 34100980 PMCID: PMC11072345 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03854-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Within an articulately characterized family of ion channels, the voltage-gated sodium channels, exists a black sheep, SCN7A (Nax). Nax, in contrast to members of its molecular family, has lost its voltage-gated character and instead rapidly evolved a new function as a concentration-dependent sensor of extracellular sodium ions and subsequent signal transducer. As it deviates fundamentally in function from the rest of its family, and since the bulk of the impressive body of literature elucidating the pathology and biochemistry of voltage-gated sodium channels has been performed in nervous tissue, reports of Nax expression and function have been sparse. Here, we investigate available reports surrounding expression and potential roles for Nax activity outside of nervous tissue. With these studies as justification, we propose that Nax likely acts as an early sensor that detects loss of tissue homeostasis through the pathological accumulation of extracellular sodium and/or through endothelin signaling. Sensation of homeostatic aberration via Nax then proceeds to induce pathological tissue phenotypes via promotion of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses, induced through direct regulation of gene expression or through the generation of secondary signaling molecules, such as lactate, that can operate in an autocrine or paracrine fashion. We hope that our synthesis of much of the literature investigating this understudied protein will inspire more research into Nax not simply as a biochemical oddity, but also as a potential pathophysiological regulator and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dolivo
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Adrian Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Lauren Sun
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Yingxing Li
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Chun Hou
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Robert Galiano
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Seok Jong Hong
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
- , 300 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Thomas Mustoe
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
- , 737 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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14
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Merkt W, Zhou Y, Han H, Lagares D. Myofibroblast fate plasticity in tissue repair and fibrosis: Deactivation, apoptosis, senescence and reprogramming. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:678-691. [PMID: 34117675 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to tissue injury, fibroblasts differentiate into professional repair cells called myofibroblasts, which orchestrate many aspects of the normal tissue repair programme including synthesis, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to wound closure. Successful tissue repair responses involve termination of myofibroblast activities in order to prevent pathologic fibrotic scarring. Here, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms limiting myofibroblast activities during physiological tissue repair, including myofibroblast deactivation, apoptosis, reprogramming and immune clearance of senescent myofibroblasts. In addition, we summarize pathological mechanisms leading to myofibroblast persistence and survival, a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Finally, we discuss emerging anti-fibrotic therapies aimed at targeting myofibroblast fate such as senolytics, gene therapy, cellular immunotherapy and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Merkt
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Internal Medicine V, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yan Zhou
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Physiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center, Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Vomero M, Navarini L, Dolo V, Cipriani P, Giacomelli R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:12-27. [PMID: 33772754 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Di Benedetto
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Ruscitti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - O Berardicurti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - V Dolo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cipriani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Giacomelli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
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16
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Haak AJ, Kostallari E, Sicard D, Ligresti G, Choi KM, Caporarello N, Jones DL, Tan Q, Meridew J, Diaz Espinosa AM, Aravamudhan A, Maiers JL, Britt RD, Roden AC, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS, Nouraie SM, Li X, Zhang Y, Kass DJ, Lagares D, Tager AM, Varelas X, Shah VH, Tschumperlin DJ. Selective YAP/TAZ inhibition in fibroblasts via dopamine receptor D1 agonism reverses fibrosis. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/516/eaau6296. [PMID: 31666402 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau6296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by uncontrolled deposition and diminished clearance of fibrous connective tissue proteins, ultimately leading to organ scarring. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) have recently emerged as pivotal drivers of mesenchymal cell activation in human fibrosis. Therapeutic strategies inhibiting YAP and TAZ have been hindered by the critical role that these proteins play in regeneration and homeostasis in different cell types. Here, we find that the Gαs-coupled dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) is preferentially expressed in lung and liver mesenchymal cells relative to other resident cells of these organs. Agonism of DRD1 selectively inhibits YAP/TAZ function in mesenchymal cells and shifts their phenotype from profibrotic to fibrosis resolving, reversing in vitro extracellular matrix stiffening and in vivo tissue fibrosis in mouse models. Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase [DOPA decarboxylase (DDC)], the enzyme responsible for the final step in biosynthesis of dopamine, is decreased in the lungs of subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and its expression inversely correlates with disease severity, consistent with an endogenous protective role for dopamine signaling that is lost in pulmonary fibrosis. Together, these findings establish a pharmacologically tractable and cell-selective approach to targeting YAP/TAZ via DRD1 that reverses fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Haak
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Delphine Sicard
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kyoung Moo Choi
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Dakota L Jones
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Qi Tan
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jeffrey Meridew
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ana M Diaz Espinosa
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Aja Aravamudhan
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Jessica L Maiers
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rodney D Britt
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN 55905, USA.,Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
| | - Anja C Roden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN 55905, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN 55905, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN 55905, USA
| | - Seyed Mehdi Nouraie
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Daniel J Kass
- Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Fibrosis Research Center, and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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17
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Arfian N, Suzuki Y, Hartopo AB, Anggorowati N, Nugrahaningsih DAA, Emoto N. Endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) deletion in association with Endothelin-1 downregulation ameliorates kidney fibrosis in mice. Life Sci 2020; 258:118223. [PMID: 32768584 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is a common final pathway of chronic kidney diseases, which are characterized by renal architecture damage, inflammation, fibroblast expansion and myofibroblast formation. Endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) contributes to activation of Endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor and pro-fibrotic substance. This study elucidated the effect of ECE-1 knockout in kidney fibrosis model in mice in association of ET-1 downregulation. Kidney fibrosis was performed in ECE-1 knockout (ECE-1 KO) and vascular endothelial derived ET-1 KO (VEETKO) mice (2 months, 20-30 g, n = 30) and their wild type (WT) littermates using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) procedure. Mice were euthanized on day-7 and day-14 after UUO. Histopathological analysis was conducted for fibrosis and tubular injury. Immunostainings were done to quantify macrophages (F4/80), fibroblasts (FSP-1) and myofibroblasts (α-SMA). Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), ECE-1 and preproET-1 (ppET-1) mRNA expression were quantified with qRT-PCR, while Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-SMA protein level were quantified with Western blot. ECE-1 KO mice demonstrated reduction of ECE-1 and ppET-1 mRNA expression, attenuation of kidney fibrosis, tubular injury, MCP-1 mRNA expression and macrophage number compared to WT. Double immunostaining revealed fibroblast to myofibroblast formation after UUO, while ECE-1 KO mice had significantly lower fibroblast number and myofibroblast formation compared to WT, which were associated with significantly lower TGF-β1 and α-SMA protein levels in day-14 of UUO. VEETKO mice also demonstrated attenuation of ET-1 protein level, fibrosis and myofibroblast formation. In conclusion, ECE-1 knockout and ET-1 downregulation attenuated kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Arfian
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Yoko Suzuki
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutical Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Anggoro Budi Hartopo
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Nungki Anggorowati
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Dwi Aris Agung Nugrahaningsih
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Noriaki Emoto
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmaceutical Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
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18
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Hreha TN, Collins CA, Daugherty AL, Twentyman J, Paluri N, Hunstad DA. TGFβ1 orchestrates renal fibrosis following Escherichia coli pyelonephritis. Physiol Rep 2020; 8:e14401. [PMID: 32227630 PMCID: PMC7104652 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal scarring after pyelonephritis is linked to long-term health risks for hypertension and chronic kidney disease. Androgen exposure increases susceptibility to, and severity of, uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) pyelonephritis and resultant scarring in both male and female mice, while anti-androgen therapy is protective against severe urinary tract infection (UTI) in these models. This work employed androgenized female C57BL/6 mice to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of post-infectious renal fibrosis and to determine how these pathways are altered by the presence of androgens. We found that elevated circulating testosterone levels primed the kidney for fibrosis by increasing local production of TGFβ1 before the initiation of UTI, altering the ratio of transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3 and increasing the presence of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like cells and Gli1 + activated myofibroblasts, the cells primarily responsible for deposition of scar components. Increased production of TGFβ1 and aberrations in Smad2:Smad3 were maintained throughout the course of infection in the presence of androgen, correlating with renal scarring that was not observed in non-androgenized female mice. Pharmacologic inhibition of TGFβ1 signaling blunted myofibroblast activation. We conclude that renal fibrosis after pyelonephritis is exacerbated by the presence of androgens and involves activation of the TGFβ1 signaling cascade, leading to increases in cortical populations of MSC-like cells and the Gli1 + activated myofibroblasts that are responsible for scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri N. Hreha
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | | | | | - Joy Twentyman
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
- Present address:
Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWAUSA
| | - Nitin Paluri
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
| | - David A. Hunstad
- Department of PediatricsWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
- Department of Molecular MicrobiologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisMOUSA
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19
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Adams DC, Szabari MV, Lagares D, McCrossan AF, Hariri LP, Tager AM, Suter MJ. Assessing the progression of systemic sclerosis by monitoring the tissue optic axis using PS-OCT. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2561. [PMID: 32054932 PMCID: PMC7018967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical assessment of fibrosis is critical to the diagnosis and management of patients with systemic sclerosis. Current clinical standards for patient assessment is to use skin fibrosis as an indicator of organ involvement, though this approach is highly subjective and relies on manual palpation. The development of a new method for accurately quantifying collagen content may therefore significantly improve the accuracy of the traditional skin score in patients with systemic sclerosis and may additionally aid in the monitoring of anti-fibrotic therapies in clinical practice. Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a high-speed volumetric imaging modality that can be used to assess birefringent tissues including collagen. In this work we demonstrate a novel computational approach using PS-OCT for the assessment of fibrosis. This approach, based on the measured distribution of optic axis values associated with a given volume of collagen orientation, characterizes fibrotic changes independently from the depth of the region of interest in the tissue. This approach has the potential to accurately quantify collagen content and orientation faster and more robustly compared to traditional PS-OCT metrics. We investigate the viability of this approach for assessing the development of fibrosis in a bleomycin induced skin fibrosis mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Adams
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Margit V Szabari
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - David Lagares
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Andrew F McCrossan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Lida P Hariri
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Melissa J Suter
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 40 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA. .,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
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20
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Nikoloudaki G, Brooks S, Peidl AP, Tinney D, Hamilton DW. JNK Signaling as a Key Modulator of Soft Connective Tissue Physiology, Pathology, and Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1015. [PMID: 32033060 PMCID: PMC7037145 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In healthy individuals, the healing of soft tissues such as skin after pathological insult or post injury follows a relatively predictable and defined series of cell and molecular processes to restore tissue architecture and function(s). Healing progresses through the phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodeling, and concomitant with re-epithelialization restores barrier function. Soft tissue healing is achieved through the spatiotemporal interplay of multiple different cell types including neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells/pericytes, and keratinocytes. Expressed in most cell types, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) are signaling molecules associated with the regulation of several cellular processes involved in soft tissue wound healing and in response to cellular stress. A member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family (MAPK), JNKs have been implicated in the regulation of inflammatory cell phenotype, as well as fibroblast, stem/progenitor cell, and epithelial cell biology. In this review, we discuss our understanding of JNKs in the regulation of cell behaviors related to tissue injury, pathology, and wound healing of soft tissues. Using models as diverse as Drosophila, mice, rats, as well as human tissues, research is now defining important, but sometimes conflicting roles for JNKs in the regulation of multiple molecular processes in multiple different cell types central to wound healing processes. In this review, we focus specifically on the role of JNKs in the regulation of cell behavior in the healing of skin, cornea, tendon, gingiva, and dental pulp tissues. We conclude that while parallels can be drawn between some JNK activities and the control of cell behavior in healing, the roles of JNK can also be very specific modes of action depending on the tissue and the phase of healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Nikoloudaki
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Sarah Brooks
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Alexander P. Peidl
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
| | - Dylan Tinney
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.B.); (D.T.)
| | - Douglas W. Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada;
- Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (S.B.); (D.T.)
- Division of Oral Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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21
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Hinz B, Lagares D. Evasion of apoptosis by myofibroblasts: a hallmark of fibrotic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:11-31. [PMID: 31792399 PMCID: PMC7913072 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-019-0324-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is a lethal outcome of autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as systemic sclerosis. Myofibroblasts are scar-forming cells that are ultimately responsible for the excessive synthesis, deposition and remodelling of extracellular matrix proteins in fibrosis. Advances have been made in our understanding of the mechanisms that keep myofibroblasts in an activated state and control myofibroblast functions. However, the mechanisms that help myofibroblasts to persist in fibrotic tissues remain poorly understood. Myofibroblasts evade apoptosis by activating molecular mechanisms in response to pro-survival biomechanical and growth factor signals from the fibrotic microenvironment, which can ultimately lead to the acquisition of a senescent phenotype. Growing evidence suggests that myofibroblasts and senescent myofibroblasts, rather than being resistant to apoptosis, are actually primed for apoptosis owing to concomitant activation of cell death signalling pathways; these cells are poised to apoptose when survival pathways are inhibited. This knowledge of apoptotic priming has paved the way for new therapies that trigger apoptosis in myofibroblasts by blocking pro-survival mechanisms, target senescent myofibroblast for apoptosis or promote the reprogramming of myofibroblasts into scar-resolving cells. These novel strategies are not only poised to prevent progressive tissue scarring, but also have the potential to reverse established fibrosis and to regenerate chronically injured tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Hinz
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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van Caam A, Vonk M, van den Hoogen F, van Lent P, van der Kraan P. Unraveling SSc Pathophysiology; The Myofibroblast. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2452. [PMID: 30483246 PMCID: PMC6242950 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe auto-immune disease, characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of connective tissues. SSc has a high morbidity and mortality and unfortunately no disease modifying therapy is currently available. A key cell in the pathophysiology of SSc is the myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are fibroblasts with contractile properties that produce a large amount of pro-fibrotic extracellular matrix molecules such as collagen type I. In this narrative review we will discuss the presence, formation, and role of myofibroblasts in SSc, and how these processes are stimulated and mediated by cells of the (innate) immune system such as mast cells and T helper 2 lymphocytes. Furthermore, current novel therapeutic approaches to target myofibroblasts will be highlighted for future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan van Caam
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Madelon Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Peter van Lent
- Experimental Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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23
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Lagares D, Santos A, Grasberger PE, Liu F, Probst CK, Rahimi RA, Sakai N, Kuehl T, Ryan J, Bhola P, Montero J, Kapoor M, Baron M, Varelas X, Tschumperlin DJ, Letai A, Tager AM. Targeted apoptosis of myofibroblasts with the BH3 mimetic ABT-263 reverses established fibrosis. Sci Transl Med 2017; 9:eaal3765. [PMID: 29237758 PMCID: PMC8520471 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal3765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Persistent myofibroblast activation distinguishes pathological fibrosis from physiological wound healing, suggesting that therapies selectively inducing myofibroblast apoptosis could prevent progression and potentially reverse established fibrosis in diseases such as scleroderma, a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by multiorgan fibrosis. We demonstrate that fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation driven by matrix stiffness increases the mitochondrial priming (proximity to the apoptotic threshold) of these activated cells. Mitochondria in activated myofibroblasts, but not quiescent fibroblasts, are primed by death signals such as the proapoptotic BH3-only protein BIM, which creates a requirement for tonic expression of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-XL to sequester BIM and ensure myofibroblast survival. Myofibroblasts become particularly susceptible to apoptosis induced by "BH3 mimetic" drugs inhibiting BCL-XL such as ABT-263. ABT-263 displaces BCL-XL binding to BIM, allowing BIM to activate apoptosis on stiffness-primed myofibroblasts. Therapeutic blockade of BCL-XL with ABT-263 (navitoclax) effectively treats established fibrosis in a mouse model of scleroderma dermal fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis. Using a BH3 profiling assay to assess mitochondrial priming in dermal fibroblasts derived from patients with scleroderma, we demonstrate that the extent of apoptosis induced by BH3 mimetic drugs correlates with the extent of their mitochondrial priming, indicating that BH3 profiling could predict apoptotic responses of fibroblasts to BH3 mimetic drugs in patients with scleroderma. Together, our findings elucidate the potential efficacy of targeting myofibroblast antiapoptotic proteins with BH3 mimetic drugs in scleroderma and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lagares
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Alba Santos
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Paula E Grasberger
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Clemens K Probst
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rod A Rahimi
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Norihiko Sakai
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of Nephrology and Division of Blood Purification, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tobias Kuehl
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeremy Ryan
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Patrick Bhola
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joan Montero
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network and Department of Surgery and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Daniel J Tschumperlin
- Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences Program, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Anthony Letai
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew M Tager
- Fibrosis Research Center and Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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24
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ADAM10-mediated ephrin-B2 shedding promotes myofibroblast activation and organ fibrosis. Nat Med 2017; 23:1405-1415. [PMID: 29058717 PMCID: PMC5720906 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Maladaptive wound healing responses to chronic tissue injury result in organ fibrosis. Fibrosis, which entails excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and tissue remodeling by activated myofibroblasts, leads to loss of proper tissue architecture and organ function; however, the molecular mediators of myofibroblast activation have yet to be fully identified. Here we identify soluble ephrin-B2 (sEphrin-B2) as a new profibrotic mediator in lung and skin fibrosis. We provide molecular, functional and translational evidence that the ectodomain of membrane-bound ephrin-B2 is shed from fibroblasts into the alveolar airspace after lung injury. Shedding of sEphrin-B2 promotes fibroblast chemotaxis and activation via EphB3 and/or EphB4 receptor signaling. We found that mice lacking ephrin-B2 in fibroblasts are protected from skin and lung fibrosis and that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) is the major ephrin-B2 sheddase in fibroblasts. ADAM10 expression is increased by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and ADAM10-mediated sEphrin-B2 generation is required for TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast activation. Pharmacological inhibition of ADAM10 reduces sEphrin-B2 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage and prevents lung fibrosis in mice. Consistent with the mouse data, ADAM10-sEphrin-B2 signaling is upregulated in fibroblasts from human subjects with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. These results uncover a new molecular mechanism of tissue fibrogenesis and identify sEphrin-B2, its receptors EphB3 and EphB4 and ADAM10 as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Hirabayashi M, Asano Y, Yamashita T, Miura S, Nakamura K, Taniguchi T, Saigusa R, Takahashi T, Ichimura Y, Miyagawa T, Yoshizaki A, Miyagaki T, Sugaya M, Sato S. Possible pro-inflammatory role of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor in the active phase of systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2017; 45:182-188. [PMID: 29044628 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the EGF family growth factors, which affects multiple aspects of the wound healing process such as epithelialization, wound contraction and angiogenesis. In our study, we measured the serum HB-EGF levels of 51 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, which showed a significant increase compared with those of 20 normal subjects. Further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the HB-EGF level and pulmonary ground-glass score but no correlation between the former and pulmonary fibrosis score. Other findings include: a significant increase of serum sialylated carbohydrate antigen KL-6 levels and significant shortness of disease duration in the diffuse cutaneous SSc patients with elevated HB-EGF levels; and significantly higher HB-EGF levels in the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, in that of telangiectasia, and in the absence of contracture of phalanges in all SSc patients. We then evaluated HB-EGF mRNA levels of fibroblasts harvested from skin samples of the SSc patients and those of foreskin-derived fibroblasts treated with transforming growth factor-β, both of which were significantly higher than each control. In conclusion, we speculate that HB-EGF plays a pro-inflammatory role in the active skin and lung lesions of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Saigusa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomitsu Miyagaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugaya
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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26
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Toyama T, Looney AP, Baker BM, Stawski L, Haines P, Simms R, Szymaniak AD, Varelas X, Trojanowska M. Therapeutic Targeting of TAZ and YAP by Dimethyl Fumarate in Systemic Sclerosis Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 138:78-88. [PMID: 28870693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is a devastating fibrotic disease with few treatment options. Fumaric acid esters, including dimethyl fumarate (DMF, Tecfidera; Biogen, Cambridge, MA), have shown therapeutic effects in several disease models, prompting us to determine whether DMF is effective as a treatment for SSc dermal fibrosis. We found that DMF blocks the profibrotic effects of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in SSc skin fibroblasts. Mechanistically, we found that DMF treatment reduced nuclear localization of transcriptional coactivator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) proteins via inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. In addition, DMF abrogated TGFβ/Akt1 mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of glycogen kinase 3β (GSK3β) and a subsequent β-transducin repeat-containing proteins (βTRCP) mediated proteasomal degradation of TAZ, as well as a corresponding decrease of TAZ/YAP transcriptional targets. Depletion of TAZ/YAP recapitulated the antifibrotic effects of DMF. We also confirmed the increase of TAZ/YAP in skin biopsies from patients with diffuse SSc. We further showed that DMF significantly diminished nuclear TAZ/YAP localization in fibroblasts cultured on a stiff surface. Importantly, DMF prevented bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in mice. Together, our work demonstrates a mechanism of the antifibrotic effect of DMF via inhibition of Akt1/GSK3β/TAZ/YAP signaling and confirms a critical role of TAZ/YAP in mediating the profibrotic responses in dermal fibroblasts. This study supports the use of DMF as a treatment for SSc dermal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Toyama
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Agnieszka P Looney
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brendon M Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lukasz Stawski
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul Haines
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Simms
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aleksander D Szymaniak
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xaralabos Varelas
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Trojanowska
- Arthritis Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: recent insights of molecular and cellular mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.5301/jsrd.5000249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease characterized by early microvascular abnormalities, immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation, and subsequent fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Excessive fibrosis, distinguishing hallmark of SSc, is the end result of a complex series of interlinked vascular injury and immune activation, and represents a maladaptive repair process. Activated vascular, epithelial, and immune cells generate pro-fibrotic cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, lipid mediators, autoantibodies, and reactive oxygen species. These paracrine and autocrine cues in turn induce activation, differentiation, and survival of mesenchymal cells, ensuing tissue fibrosis through increased collagen synthesis, matrix deposition, tissue rigidity and remodeling, and vascular rarefaction. This review features recent insights of the pathogenic process of SSc, highlighting three major characteristics of SSc, microvasculopathy, excessive fibrosis, and immune dysregulation, and sheds new light on the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of SSc and providing novel avenues for targeted therapies.
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28
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Planas-Rigol E, Terrades-Garcia N, Corbera-Bellalta M, Lozano E, Alba MA, Segarra M, Espígol-Frigolé G, Prieto-González S, Hernández-Rodríguez J, Preciado S, Lavilla R, Cid MC. Endothelin-1 promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration across the artery wall: a mechanism contributing to vascular remodelling and intimal hyperplasia in giant-cell arteritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1624-1634. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundGiant-cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammatory disease of large/medium-sized arteries, frequently involving the temporal arteries (TA). Inflammation-induced vascular remodelling leads to vaso-occlusive events. Circulating endothelin-1 (ET-1) is increased in patients with GCA with ischaemic complications suggesting a role for ET-1 in vascular occlusion beyond its vasoactive function.ObjectiveTo investigate whether ET-1 induces a migratory myofibroblastic phenotype in human TA-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) leading to intimal hyperplasia and vascular occlusion in GCA.Methods and resultsImmunofluorescence/confocal microscopy showed increased ET-1 expression in GCA lesions compared with control arteries. In inflamed arteries, ET-1 was predominantly expressed by infiltrating mononuclear cells whereas ET receptors, particularly ET-1 receptor B (ETBR), were expressed by both mononuclear cells and VSMC. ET-1 increased TA-derived VSMC migration in vitro and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression and migration from the media to the intima in cultured TA explants. ET-1 promoted VSMC motility by increasing activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a crucial molecule in the turnover of focal adhesions during cell migration. FAK activation resulted in Y397 autophosphorylation creating binding sites for Src kinases and the p85 subunit of PI3kinases which, upon ET-1 exposure, colocalised with FAK at the focal adhesions of migrating VSMC. Accordingly, FAK or PI3K inhibition abrogated ET-1-induced migration in vitro. Consistently, ET-1 receptor A and ETBR antagonists reduced αSMA expression and delayed VSMC outgrowth from cultured GCA-involved artery explants.ConclusionsET-1 is upregulated in GCA lesions and, by promoting VSMC migration towards the intimal layer, may contribute to intimal hyperplasia and vascular occlusion in GCA.
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29
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Corallo C, Cutolo M, Kahaleh B, Pecetti G, Montella A, Chirico C, Soldano S, Nuti R, Giordano N. Bosentan and macitentan prevent the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in systemic sclerosis: in vitro study. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:228. [PMID: 27716320 PMCID: PMC5053154 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1122-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by early vascular abnormalities and subsequent fibroblast activation to myofibroblasts, leading to fibrosis. Recently, endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a complex biological process in which endothelial cells lose their specific markers and acquire a mesenchymal or myofibroblastic phenotype, has been reported in SSc. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of endothelin-1 (ET-1) dual receptor antagonists bosentan (BOS) and macitentan (MAC) to antagonize EndoMT in vitro. METHODS Ten women with limited SSc were enrolled. They underwent double skin biopsy (affected and nonaffected skin). Fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) were isolated from biopsies. We performed mono- or coculture of MVECs (isolated from nonaffected skin) with fibroblasts (isolated from affected skin and stimulated with ET-1 and transforming growth factor beta [TGF-β]). In cocultures, the MVEC layer was left undisturbed or was preincubated with BOS or MAC. After 48 h of coculture, MVECs were analyzed for their tube formation ability and for messenger RNA and protein expression of different vascular (CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor-A [VEGF-A], VEGF-A165b) and profibrotic (alpha-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA], collagen type I [Col I], TGF-β) molecules. RESULTS After 48 h, MVECs showed a reduced tube formation ability when cocultured with SSc fibroblasts. CD31 and VEGF-A resulted in downregulation, while VEGF-A165b, the antiangiogenic isoform, resulted in upregulation. At the same time, mesenchymal markers α-SMA, Col I, and TGF-β resulted in overexpression in MVECs. Tube formation ability was restored when MVECs were preincubated with BOS or MAC, also reducing the expression of mesenchymal markers and restoring CD31 expression and the imbalance between VEGF-A and VEGF-A165b. CONCLUSIONS With this innovative EndoMT in vitro model realized by coculturing nonaffected MVECs with affected SSc fibroblasts, we show that the presence of a myofibroblast phenotype in the fibroblast layer, coupled with an ET-1-TGF-β synergic effect, is responsible for EndoMT. BOS and MAC seem able to antagonize this phenomenon in vitro, confirming previous evidence of endothelium-derived fibrosis in SSc and possible pharmacological interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Corallo
- Scleroderma Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Research and Health Care (IRCCS), University of Genoa, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bashar Kahaleh
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Gianluca Pecetti
- Medical and Scientific Direction, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Italy, Imola, Italy
| | - Antonio Montella
- Scleroderma Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Chirico
- Scleroderma Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Research and Health Care (IRCCS), University of Genoa, San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ranuccio Nuti
- Scleroderma Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Giordano
- Scleroderma Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, 53100, Siena, Italy
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Wermuth PJ, Li Z, Mendoza FA, Jimenez SA. Stimulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Endothelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition and Tissue Fibrosis by Endothelin-1 (ET-1): A Novel Profibrotic Effect of ET-1. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161988. [PMID: 27583804 PMCID: PMC5008786 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a newly recognized source of profibrotic activated myofibroblasts and has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of various fibrotic processes. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in the development of tissue fibrosis but its participation in TGF-β-induced EndoMT has not been studied. Here we evaluated the role of ET-1 on TGF-β1-induced EndoMT in immunopurified CD31+/CD102+ murine lung microvascular endothelial cells. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), of relevant profibrotic genes, and of various transcription factors involved in the EndoMT process were assessed employing quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence histology and Western blot analysis. TGF-β1 caused potent induction of EndoMT whereas ET-1 alone had a minimal effect. However, ET-1 potentiated TGF-β1-induced EndoMT and TGF-β1-stimulated expression of mesenchymal cell specific and profibrotic genes and proteins. ET-1 also induced expression of the TGF-β receptor 1 and 2 genes, suggesting a plausible autocrine mechanism to potentiate TGF-β-mediated EndoMT and fibrosis. Stimulation of TGF-β1-induced skin and lung fibrosis by ET-1 was confirmed in vivo in an animal model of TGF-β1-induced tissue fibrosis. These results suggest a novel role for ET-1 in the establishment and progression of tissue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Wermuth
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Zhaodong Li
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Fabian A. Mendoza
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Sergio A. Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Yang Y, Liu Z, Wang J, Chai Y, Su J, Shi F, Wang J, Che SM. The effect of interferon gamma on conventional fractionated radiation-induced damage and fibrosis in the pelvic tissue of rabbits. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2016; 9:755-62. [PMID: 27274263 PMCID: PMC4868868 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s101346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to investigate the effect of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) on conventional fractionated radiation–induced damage and fibrosis in ureter and colorectal mucosa. Fifty-two rabbits were randomly divided into three groups comprising a conventional radiation group, an IFN-γ group, and a control group. X-rays were used to irradiate the pelvic tissues of the rabbits in the IFN-γ and conventional radiation groups. Five days after radiation exposure, the rabbits in the IFN-γ group were administered 250,000 U/kg IFN-γ intramuscularly once a week for 5 weeks. The rabbits in the conventional radiation group received 5.0 mL/kg saline. The rabbits were sacrificed at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks postradiation, and the rectal and ureteral tissues within the radiation areas were collected. The results showed that the morphology of rectal and ureteral tissues was changed by X-ray radiation. The degree of damage at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, but not at 16 weeks, postradiation was significantly different between the IFN-γ and conventional radiation groups. The expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA in the ureter and colorectal mucosa of the IFN-γ group was significantly lower than that in the conventional radiation group at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks postradiation, but it was still higher than that in the control group. There were significant differences in the expression of collagen III among the three groups. IFN-γ can inhibit the radiation-induced upregulation of transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA and collagen III protein in the ureter and colorectal mucosa and attenuate radiation-induced damage and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanlan Chai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiquan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao Min Che
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
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Akashi K, Saegusa J, Sendo S, Nishimura K, Okano T, Yagi K, Yanagisawa M, Emoto N, Morinobu A. Knockout of endothelin type B receptor signaling attenuates bleomycin-induced skin sclerosis in mice. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:113. [PMID: 27209208 PMCID: PMC4875589 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is important in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). ET-1 binds two receptors, endothelin type A (ETA) and endothelin type B (ETB). Dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonists and a selective ETA receptor antagonist are used clinically to treat SSc, and the effect of these antagonists on fibroblast activation has been described. However, the role of ETB receptor signaling in fibrogenesis is less clear. This study was conducted to evaluate the profibrotic function of ETB receptor signaling in a murine model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma. Methods We used ETB receptor–knockout (ETBKO) mice, which are genetically rescued from lethal intestinal aganglionosis by an ETB receptor transgene driven by the human dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH)-gene promoter, and wild-type mice with DβH-ETB (WT). BLM or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was administered subcutaneously by osmotic minipump, and skin fibrosis was assessed by dermal thickness, subcutaneous fat atrophy, and myofibroblast count in the dermis. Dermal fibroblasts isolated from ETBKO and WT mice were cultured in vitro, stimulated with BLM or ET-1, and the expression of profibrotic genes was compared by quantitative PCR. Results Dermal thickness, subcutaneous fat atrophy, and myofibroblast counts in the dermis were significantly reduced in ETBKO mice compared to WT mice, after BLM treatment. Compared with wild-type, dermal fibroblasts isolated from ETBKO mice showed lower gene expressions of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen 1α1 in response to BLM or ET-1 stimulation in vitro. Conclusions ET-1–ETB receptor signaling is involved in skin sclerosis and in collagen synthesis by dermal fibroblasts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-016-1011-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Akashi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Jun Saegusa
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Sho Sendo
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nishimura
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takuya Okano
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Keiko Yagi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Noriaki Emoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Japan.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akio Morinobu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1, Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
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Muñoz-Félix JM, González-Núñez M, Martínez-Salgado C, López-Novoa JM. TGF-β/BMP proteins as therapeutic targets in renal fibrosis. Where have we arrived after 25 years of trials and tribulations? Pharmacol Ther 2015; 156:44-58. [PMID: 26493350 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains as a challenge. More than 10% of the population of developed countries suffer from CKD. Proliferation and activation of myofibroblasts and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins are the main features of kidney fibrosis, a process in which a large number of cytokines are involved. Targeting cytokines responsible for kidney fibrosis development might be an important strategy to face the problem of CKD. The increasing knowledge of the signaling pathway network of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily members, such as the profibrotic cytokine TGF-β1 or the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and their involvement in the regulation of kidney fibrosis, has stimulated numerous research teams to look for potential strategies to inhibit profibrotic cytokines or to enhance the anti-fibrotic actions of other cytokines. The consequence of all these studies is a better understanding of all these canonical (Smad-mediated) and non-canonical signaling pathways. In addition, the different receptors involved for signaling of each cytokine, the different combinations of type I-type II receptors, and the presence and function of co-receptors that can influence the biological response have been also described. However, are these studies leading to suitable strategies to block the appearance and progression of kidney fibrosis? In this review, we offer a critical perspective analyzing the achievements using the most important strategies developed up till now: TGF-β antibodies, chemical inhibitors of TGF-β receptors, miRNAs and signaling pathways and BMP agonists with a potential role as therapeutic molecules against kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Muñoz-Félix
- Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - María González-Núñez
- Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Salgado
- Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León (IECSCYL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M López-Novoa
- Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain.
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Cipriani P, Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Verzella D, Fischietti M, Zazzeroni F, Liakouli V, Carubbi F, Berardicurti O, Alesse E, Giacomelli R. Macitentan inhibits the transforming growth factor-β profibrotic action, blocking the signaling mediated by the ETR/TβRI complex in systemic sclerosis dermal fibroblasts. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:247. [PMID: 26357964 PMCID: PMC4566861 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex and not fully understood autoimmune disease associated with fibrosis of multiple organs. The main effector cells, the myofibroblasts, are collagen-producing cells derived from the activation of resting fibroblasts. This process is regulated by a complex repertoire of profibrotic cytokines, and among them transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) play a major role. In this paper we show that TGF-β and ET-1 receptors co-operate in myofibroblast activation, and macitentan, an ET-1 receptor antagonist binding ET-1 receptors, might interfere with both TGF-β and ET-1 pathways, preventing myofibroblast differentiation. METHODS Fibroblasts isolated from healthy controls and SSc patients were treated with TGF-β and ET-1 and successively analyzed for alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen (Col1A1) expression and for the Sma and Mad Related (SMAD) phosphorylation. We further tested the ability of macitentan to interfere with these process. Furthermore, we silenced ET-1 and endothelin-1 receptor A expression and evaluated the formation of an ET-1/TGF-β receptor complex by immunoprecitation assay. RESULTS We showed myofibroblast activation in SSc fibroblasts assessing the expression of α-SMA and Col1A1, after stimulation with TGF-β and ET-1. Macitentan interfered with both ET-1- and TGF-β-induced fibroblast activation. To explain this unexpected inhibitory effect of macitentan on TGF-β activity, we silenced ET-1 expression on SSc fibroblasts and co-immunoprecipitated these two receptors, showing the formation of an ET-1/TGF-β receptor complex. CONCLUSIONS During SSc, ET-1 produced by activated endothelia contributes to myofibroblast activation using TGF-β machinery via an ET-1/TGF-β receptor complex. Macitentan interferes with the profibrotic action of TGF-β, blocking the ET-1 receptor portion of the ET-1/TGF-β receptor complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Cipriani
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Paola Di Benedetto
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Piero Ruscitti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Mariafausta Fischietti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Francesca Zazzeroni
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Vasiliki Liakouli
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Francesco Carubbi
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Onorina Berardicurti
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Edoardo Alesse
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, Coppito 2, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Roberto Giacomelli
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, Rheumatology Unit, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Delta 6 Building, Via dell'Ospedale, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Ramming A, Dees C, Distler JHW. From pathogenesis to therapy--Perspective on treatment strategies in fibrotic diseases. Pharmacol Res 2015; 100:93-100. [PMID: 26188266 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although fibrosis is becoming increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in modern societies, there are very few treatment strategies available that specifically target the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Early in disease, inflammation and vascular changes and an increase in reactive oxygen species play pivotal roles. After inflammation has subsided, fibrosis and scarring are predominant in later phases. Fibrosis is driven by a complex, not-yet fully understood interplay between inflammatory cells on one hand and endothelium and fibroblasts on the other hand. The latter are regarded as the key players due to their extensive synthesis of extracellular matrix components which results in skin and organ fibrosis. Various cytokines orchestrate altered functions of the mentioned cell types. There are promising targets with therapeutic potential that have been extensively characterized in recent years connected with the hope to translate these preclinical results into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Sun F, Duan W, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Qile M, Liu Z, Qiu F, Zhao D, Lu Y, Chu W. Simvastatin alleviates cardiac fibrosis induced by infarction via up-regulation of TGF-β receptor III expression. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3779-92. [PMID: 25884615 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Statins decrease heart disease risk, but their mechanisms are not completely understood. We examined the role of the TGF-β receptor III (TGFBR3) in the inhibition of cardiac fibrosis by simvastatin. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in mice given simvastatin orally for 7 days. Cardiac fibrosis was measured by Masson staining and electron microscopy. Heart function was evaluated by echocardiography. Signalling through TGFBR3, ERK1/2, JNK and p38 pathways was measured using Western blotting. Collagen content and cell viability were measured in cultures of neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts (NMCFs). Interactions between TGFBR3 and the scaffolding protein, GAIP-interacting protein C-terminus (GIPC) were detected using co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP). In vivo, hearts were injected with lentivirus carrying shRNA for TGFBR3. KEY RESULTS Simvastatin prevented fibrosis following MI, improved heart ultrastructure and function, up-regulated TGFBR3 and decreased ERK1/2 and JNK phosphorylation. Simvastatin up-regulated TGFBR3 in NMCFs, whereas silencing TGFBR3 reversed inhibitory effects of simvastatin on cell proliferation and collagen production. Simvastatin inhibited ERK1/2 and JNK signalling while silencing TGFBR3 opposed this effect. Co-IP demonstrated TGFBR3 binding to GIPC. Overexpressing TGFBR3 inhibited ERK1/2 and JNK signalling which was abolished by knock-down of GIPC. In vivo, suppression of cardiac TGFBR3 abolished anti-fibrotic effects, improvement of cardiac function and changes in related proteins after simvastatin. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS TGFBR3 mediated the decreased cardiac fibrosis, collagen deposition and fibroblast activity, induced by simvastatin, following MI. These effects involved GIPC inhibition of the ERK1/2/JNK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Sun
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenqi Duan
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Muge Qile
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zengyan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dan Zhao
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacy and Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratories of Education Ministry for Myocardial Ischemia Mechanism and Treatment, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanjie Lu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wenfeng Chu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Sin A, Tang W, Wen CY, Chung SK, Chiu KY. The emerging role of endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of subchondral bone disturbance and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2015; 23:516-24. [PMID: 25463446 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests reconceptualizing osteoarthritis (OA) as an inflammatory disorder. Trauma and obesity, the common risk factors of OA, could trigger the local or systemic inflammatory cytokines cascade. Inflammatory bone loss has been well documented; yet it remains largely unknown about the link between the inflammation and hypertrophic changes of subchondral bone seen in OA, such as osteophytosis and sclerosis. Amid a cohort of inflammatory cytokines, endothelin-1 (ET-1) could stimulate the osteoblast-mediated bone formation in both physiological (postnatal growth of trabecular bone) and pathological conditions (bone metastasis of prostate or breast cancer). Also, ET-1 is known as a mitogen and contributes to fibrosis in various organs, e.g., skin, liver, lung, kidney heart and etc., as a result of inflammatory or metabolic disorders. Subchondral bone sclerosis shared the similarity with fibrosis in terms of the overproduction of collagen type I. We postulated that ET-1 might have a hand in the subchondral bone sclerosis of OA. Meanwhile, ET-1 was also able to stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and 13 by articular chondrocytes and synoviocytes, by which it might trigger the enzymatic degradation of articular cartilage. Taken together, ET-1 signaling may play a role in destruction of bone-cartilage unit in the pathogenesis of OA; it warrants further investigations to potentiate ET-1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for rescue of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - W Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - C Y Wen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
| | - S K Chung
- Department of Anatomy, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; Heart, Brain, Hormone and Healthy Aging Center, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - K Y Chiu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Cutolo M, Montagna P, Brizzolara R, Smith V, Alessandri E, Villaggio B, Sulli A, Tavilla PP, Pizzorni C, Soldano S. Effects of macitentan and its active metabolite on cultured human systemic sclerosis and control skin fibroblasts. J Rheumatol 2015; 42:456-63. [PMID: 25593238 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.141070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of the endothelin 1 (ET-1) receptor antagonists (ETRA) macitentan, its active metabolite ACT-132577, and bosentan on myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix production induced by ET-1 in cultured systemic sclerosis (SSc) and control skin fibroblasts. METHODS Fibroblasts were obtained from skin biopsies of 6 patients with SSc and 5 healthy subjects. Some cultured cells were untreated or treated with macitentan, ACT-132577, or bosentan alone (10 μM). Other cultured cells were treated with ET-1 alone (100 nM) or with ETRA, and after 1 h, also with ET-1. After 48 h of treatment, myofibroblast activation was investigated to evaluate the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression by immunofluorescence; type I collagen (COL-1) and fibronectin (FN) were investigated by immunocytochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed by the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS In cultured SSc skin fibroblasts, only the treatment with macitentan significantly reduced the basal level of α-SMA expression (p = 0.03 vs untreated cells). Macitentan also significantly reduced the basal level of COL-1 synthesis, similarly to bosentan (p < 0.05 vs untreated cells). Macitentan or ACT-132577 antagonized the ability of ET-1 to further induce α-SMA expression (p = 0.03), COL-1, and FN synthesis (p = 0.03, p = 0.005); bosentan showed similar effects. These results obtained by immunofluorescence and immunocytochemistry were confirmed by Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The downregulatory effects exerted by ETRA were observed also in cultured human control skin fibroblasts. CONCLUSION Macitentan and ACT-132577 seem to downregulate in vitro the profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype induced by ET-1 in cultured human SSc skin fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital.
| | - Paola Montagna
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Renata Brizzolara
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Vanessa Smith
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Elisa Alessandri
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Barbara Villaggio
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Alberto Sulli
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Pietro Paolo Tavilla
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
| | - Stefano Soldano
- From Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; and the Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.M. Cutolo, MD, Full Professor, Director; P. Montagna, BS, PhD; R. Brizzolara, BS, PhD; E. Alessandri, MD; A. Sulli, MD, Assistant Professor; C. Pizzorni, MD, Assistant Professor; S. Soldano, BS, PhD, Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology; B. Villaggio, BS, Research Laboratory of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine; P.P. Tavilla, MD, Department of Health Science, Unit of Dermatology, University of Genoa; V. Smith, MD, PhD, Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital
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Busnadiego O, Loureiro-Álvarez J, Sandoval P, Lagares D, Dotor J, Pérez-Lozano ML, López-Armada MJ, Lamas S, López-Cabrera M, Rodríguez-Pascual F. A pathogenetic role for endothelin-1 in peritoneal dialysis-associated fibrosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 26:173-82. [PMID: 25012164 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2013070799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), chronic exposure to nonphysiologic PD fluids elicits low-grade peritoneal inflammation, leading to fibrosis and angiogenesis. Phenotype conversion of mesothelial cells into myofibroblasts, the so-called mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), significantly contributes to the peritoneal dysfunction related to PD. A number of factors have been described to induce MMT in vitro and in vivo, of which TGF-β1 is probably the most important. The vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a transcriptional target of TGF-β1 and mediates excessive scarring and fibrosis in several tissues. This work studied the contribution of ET-1 to the development of peritoneal damage and failure in a mouse model of PD. ET-1 and its receptors were expressed in the peritoneal membrane and upregulated on PD fluid exposure. Administration of an ET receptor antagonist, either bosentan or macitentan, markedly attenuated PD-induced MMT, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and peritoneal functional decline. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of ET-1 induced MMT in human mesothelial cells in vitro and promoted the early cellular events associated with peritoneal dysfunction in vivo. Notably, TGF-β1-blocking peptides prevented these actions of ET-1. Furthermore, a positive reciprocal relationship was observed between ET-1 expression and TGF-β1 expression in human mesothelial cells. These results strongly support a role for an ET-1/TGF-β1 axis as an inducer of MMT and subsequent peritoneal damage and fibrosis, and they highlight ET-1 as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of PD-associated dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Busnadiego
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Loureiro-Álvarez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Laboratorio de Envejecimiento e Inflamación, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain; and
| | - Pilar Sandoval
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Lagares
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María Luisa Pérez-Lozano
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J López-Armada
- Laboratorio de Envejecimiento e Inflamación, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica, A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain; and
| | - Santiago Lamas
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel López-Cabrera
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Pascual
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain;
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Tsou PS, Haak AJ, Khanna D, Neubig RR. Cellular mechanisms of tissue fibrosis. 8. Current and future drug targets in fibrosis: focus on Rho GTPase-regulated gene transcription. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 307:C2-13. [PMID: 24740541 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00060.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis occurs with excessive extracellular matrix deposition from myofibroblasts, resulting in tissue scarring and inflammation. It is driven by multiple mediators, such as the G protein-coupled receptor ligands lysophosphatidic acid and endothelin, as well as signaling by transforming growth factor-β, connective tissue growth factor, and integrins. Fibrosis contributes to 45% of deaths in the developed world. As current therapeutic options for tissue fibrosis are limited and organ transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage disease, there is an imminent need for efficacious antifibrotic therapies. This review discusses the various molecular pathways involved in fibrosis. It highlights the Rho GTPase signaling pathway and its downstream gene transcription output through myocardin-related transcription factor and serum response factor as a convergence point for targeting this complex set of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew J Haak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Richard R Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Akamata K, Asano Y, Aozasa N, Noda S, Taniguchi T, Takahashi T, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Sato S. Bosentan reverses the pro-fibrotic phenotype of systemic sclerosis dermal fibroblasts via increasing DNA binding ability of transcription factor Fli1. Arthritis Res Ther 2014; 16:R86. [PMID: 24708674 PMCID: PMC4060196 DOI: 10.1186/ar4529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) still remains unknown, recent studies have demonstrated that endothelins are deeply involved in the developmental process of fibrosis and vasculopathy associated with SSc, and a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan, has a potential to serve as a disease modifying drug for this disorder. Importantly, endothelin-1 (ET-1) exerts a pro-fibrotic effect on normal dermal fibroblasts and bosentan reverses the pro-fibrotic phenotype of SSc dermal fibroblasts. The purpose of this study was to clarify the details of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ET-1 and bosentan on dermal fibroblasts, which have not been well studied. Methods The mRNA levels of target genes and the expression and phosphorylation levels of target proteins were determined by reverse transcription real-time PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Promoter assays were performed using a sequential deletion of human α2 (I) collagen (COL1A2) promoter. DNA affinity precipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation were employed to evaluate the DNA binding ability of Fli1. Fli1 protein levels in murine skin were evaluated by immunostaining. Results In normal fibroblasts, ET-1 activated c-Abl and protein kinase C (PKC)-δ and induced Fli1 phosphorylation at threonine 312, leading to the decreased DNA binding of Fli1, a potent repressor of the COL1A2 gene, and the increase in type I collagen expression. On the other hand, bosentan reduced the expression of c-Abl and PKC-δ, the nuclear localization of PKC-δ, and Fli1 phosphorylation, resulting in the increased DNA binding of Fli1 and the suppression of type I collagen expression in SSc fibroblasts. In bleomycin-treated mice, bosentan prevented dermal fibrosis and increased Fli1 expression in lesional dermal fibroblasts. Conclusions ET-1 exerts a potent pro-fibrotic effect on normal fibroblasts by activating “c-Abl - PKC-δ - Fli1” pathway. Bosentan reverses the pro-fibrotic phenotype of SSc fibroblasts and prevents the development of dermal fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice by blocking this signaling pathway. Although the efficacy of bosentan for dermal and pulmonary fibrosis is limited in SSc, the present observation definitely provides us with a useful clue to further explore the potential of the upcoming new dual endothelin receptor antagonists as disease modifying drugs for SSc.
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Weng CM, Yu CC, Kuo ML, Chen BC, Lin CH. Endothelin-1 induces connective tissue growth factor expression in human lung fibroblasts by ETAR-dependent JNK/AP-1 pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 88:402-11. [PMID: 24486572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) acts as a key mediator of vasoconstriction and tissue repair. Overproduction of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) underlies the development of lung fibrosis. ET-1 induces expression of matrix-associated genes in lung fibroblasts, however, little is known about the signaling pathway of CTGF expression caused by ET-1. In this study, we found that ET-1 caused concentration- and time-dependently increases in CTGF expression in human embryonic lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38). ET-1-induced CTGF expression was inhibited by BQ123 (ETAR antagonist), but not BQ788 (ETBR antagonist). Moreover, ET-1-induced CTGF expression was significantly reduced by JNK inhibitor (SP600125), the dominant-negative mutants of JNK1/2 (JNK1/2 DN), and AP-1 inhibitor (curcumin). ET-1 induced phosphorylations of JNK and c-Jun in time-dependent manners. AP-1 luciferase activity was concentration-dependently increased by ET-1, and this effect was attenuated by SP600125. We also found that ET-1-induced CTGF expression was most controlled by the AP-1 binding region of CTGF promoter. ET-1-indiced CTGF luciferase activity was predominately controlled by the sequence -747 to -408 bp upstream of the transcription start site on the human CTGF promoter. Furthermore, ET-1 caused the formation of AP-1-specific DNA-protein complex and the recruitment of c-Jun to the CTGF promoter. Moreover, we found that ET-1 induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, which was inhibited by BQ123, SP600125, curcumin, and anti-CTGF antibody. These results suggest that ET-1 stimulates expressions of CTGF and α-SMA through ETAR/JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway, and CTGF is required for ET-1-induced α-SMA expression in human lung fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ming Weng
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Chi Yu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Min-Liang Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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The profibrotic role of endothelin-1: is the door still open for the treatment of fibrotic diseases? Life Sci 2013; 118:156-64. [PMID: 24378671 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The endothelin (ET) system consists of two G-protein-coupled receptors (ETA and ETB), three peptide ligands (ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3), and two activating peptidases (endothelin-converting enzyme-, ECE-1 and ECE-2). While initially described as a vasoregulatory factor, shown to influence several cardiovascular diseases, from hypertension to heart failure, ET-1, the predominant form in most cells and tissues, has expanded its pathophysiological relevance by recent evidences implicating this factor in the regulation of fibrosis. In this article, we review the current knowledge of the role of ET-1 in the development of fibrosis, with particular focus on the regulation of its biosynthesis and the molecular mechanisms involved in its profibrotic actions. We summarize also the contribution of ET-1 to fibrotic disorders in several organs and tissues. The development and availability of specific ET receptor antagonists have greatly stimulated a number of clinical trials in these pathologies that unfortunately have so far given negative or inconclusive results. This review finally discusses the circumstances underlying these disappointing results, as well as provides basic and clinical researchers with arguments to keep exploring the complex physiology of ET-1 and its therapeutic potential in the process of fibrosis.
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Shakespear MR, Hohenhaus DM, Kelly GM, Kamal NA, Gupta P, Labzin LI, Schroder K, Garceau V, Barbero S, Iyer A, Hume DA, Reid RC, Irvine KM, Fairlie DP, Sweet MJ. Histone deacetylase 7 promotes Toll-like receptor 4-dependent proinflammatory gene expression in macrophages. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:25362-25374. [PMID: 23853092 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.496281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad-spectrum inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs) constrain Toll-like receptor (TLR)-inducible production of key proinflammatory mediators. Here we investigated HDAC-dependent inflammatory responses in mouse macrophages. Of the classical Hdacs, Hdac7 was expressed at elevated levels in inflammatory macrophages (thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages) as compared with bone marrow-derived macrophages and the RAW264 cell line. Overexpression of a specific, alternatively spliced isoform of Hdac7 lacking the N-terminal 22 amino acids (Hdac7-u), but not the Refseq Hdac7 (Hdac7-s), promoted LPS-inducible expression of Hdac-dependent genes (Edn1, Il-12p40, and Il-6) in RAW264 cells. A novel class IIa-selective HDAC inhibitor reduced recombinant human HDAC7 enzyme activity as well as TLR-induced production of inflammatory mediators in thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. Both LPS and Hdac7-u up-regulated the activity of the Edn1 promoter in an HDAC-dependent fashion in RAW264 cells. A hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1 binding site in this promoter was required for HDAC-dependent TLR-inducible promoter activity and for Hdac7- and HIF-1α-mediated trans-activation. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that both Hdac7-u and Hdac7-s interacted with HIF-1α, whereas only Hdac7-s interacted with the transcriptional repressor CtBP1. Thus, Hdac7-u positively regulates HIF-1α-dependent TLR signaling in macrophages, whereas an interaction with CtBP1 likely prevents Hdac7-s from exerting this effect. Hdac7 may represent a potential inflammatory disease target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Shakespear
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Daniel M Hohenhaus
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Greg M Kelly
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Nabilah A Kamal
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Praveer Gupta
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Larisa I Labzin
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Kate Schroder
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Valerie Garceau
- the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9PS Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Barbero
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Abishek Iyer
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - David A Hume
- the Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin EH25 9PS Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C Reid
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - David P Fairlie
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and
| | - Matthew J Sweet
- From the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia and.
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Hou-dong L, Bin S, Ying-bin X, Yan S, Shao-hai Q, Tian-zeng L, Xu-sheng L, Jin-ming T, Ju-lin X. Differentiation of rat dermal papilla cells into fibroblast-like cells induced by transforming growth factor β1. J Cutan Med Surg 2013; 16:400-6. [PMID: 23149195 DOI: 10.1177/120347541201600608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The origin of wound-healing fibroblasts is still debated. Dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which are an important population of stem cells for the regeneration of hair follicles, play a considerable role in cutaneous wound healing. Based on the plasticity of DPCs in wound healing, we hypothesized that DPCs may contribute to the fibroblast population of wound repair. OBJECTIVE To explore the possibility of differentiation of DPCs into fibroblasts induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). METHODS The fourth passage DPCs were treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) for 4 days, and a series of methods was used to observe morphologic changes under an inverted phase contrast microscope, to validate the messenger ribonucleic acid expression change in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR), to analyze the expression of α-SMA and vimentin protein by flow cytometry, and to semiquantitatively measure the expression of fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1) by Western blot. RESULTS DPCs treated with TGF-β1 presented fibroblast-like changes in morphology and immunocytochemistry. The effects of TGF-β1 on α-SMA and vimentin in DPCs were detected on both the transcriptional and the posttranscriptional levels. The results showed that TGF-β1 significantly downregulated α-SMA expression and enhanced the expression of vimentin at all times tested. Further study revealed that TGF-β1 could gradually promote the expression of FSP1 in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION DPCs experienced the changes in molecular marker expression in response to TGF-β1, which may be a key source of fibroblasts in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Hou-dong
- Department of Burns,Yichang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, Three Gorges Univerity, Yichang
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Peters AS, Brunner G, Blumbach K, Abraham DJ, Krieg T, Eckes B. Cyclic mechanical stress downregulates endothelin-1 and its responsive genes independently of TGFβ1 in dermal fibroblasts. Exp Dermatol 2013; 21:765-70. [PMID: 23078398 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical forces are highly variable ranging from the ubiquitous gravity force to compression, fluid shear, torsion, tension and other forms. Mechanical forces act on cells and modulate their biological responses by regulating gene transcription, enzyme and growth factor activity. In soft connective tissues, formation of myofibroblasts strictly requires a mechanically loaded environment in addition to local transforming growth factor (TGF)-β activity, which itself can be modulated by the mechanical status of the environment. The aim of this study was to monitor the adaptive responses of primary dermal fibroblasts towards cyclic mechanical stress under conditions of high force to better understand the regulation of gene expression in normal skin and mechanisms of gene regulation in mechanically altered fibrotic skin. Primary murine dermal fibroblasts were exposed to equi-biaxial tensile strain. Cyclic mechanical tension was applied at a frequency of 0.1 Hz (6× /min) for 24 h with a maximal increase in surface area of 15%. This treatment resulted in downregulation of alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) but not of TGFβ1 expression. Cyclic strain also strongly reduced endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression and supplementing strained cultures with exogenous ET-1 rescued αSMA and CTGF levels. Of note, no biologically significant levels of TGFβ1 activity were detected in strained cultures. We provide evidence for a novel, TGFβ1-independent mechanism regulating ET-1 expression in dermal fibroblasts by biomechanical forces. Modulation of ET-1-dependent activities regulates downstream fibrotic marker genes; this pathway might therefore provide an approach to attenuate myofibroblast differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas S Peters
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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48
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Abrão J, Fernandes CR, White PF, Shimano AC, Okubo R, Lima GB, Bachur JA, Garcia SB. Effect of local anaesthetic infiltration with bupivacaine and ropivacaine on wound healing: a placebo-controlled study. Int Wound J 2012; 11:379-85. [PMID: 23095130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2012.01101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infiltration of surgical wounds with long-acting local anaesthetics (LA) is used to reduce postoperative incisional pain. We hypothesised that infiltration with LA interferes with wound healing in rats. Seventy-two rats were allocated into nine groups. After intraperitoneal anaesthesia, the interscapular dorsal region was infiltrated with equivolumes of saline, 0·5% bupivacaine or ropivacaine, in a randomised double-blind fashion. A standardised incision was performed in the infiltrated area and sutured closed. The rats were euthanised on the 3rd or 14th day after the operation and tissue from the incision site was subjected to histochemical analyses and mechanical testing (MT). Compared with the control group, bupivacaine displayed a significant increase in the macrophage number on day 3 (+63% versus +27% for ropivacaine). The transforming growth factor β-1 expression had a significant increase in the LA (versus saline) groups, +63% in ropivacaine group and +115% in bupivacaine group on day 3 (P < 0·05). The collagen fibres as measured by dyed area were significantly higher in the bupivacaine group on day 3 (+56%, P < 0·01 versus +15% for ropivacaine). CD34 was reduced in bupivacaine group (-51%, P < 0·05 versus +3% for ropivacaine). On day 14, no statistical differences were observed in either LA group (versus saline) with respect to histopathologic or inflammatory mediators. MT on day 14 showed no differences between the LA and saline groups. The LA-induced increases in histological markers did not extend beyond the third day, suggesting that wound infiltration with long-acting LA does not impair the wound healing process in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Abrão
- Department of Biomechanics, Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, BrazilDepartment of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, BrazilDepartment of Anesthesiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Instituto Ortopédico, Rizzoli, University of Bologna, ItalyDepartment of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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49
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Abstract
Endothelial cells are essential regulators of vascular tone. They accomplish this by sensing humoral mediators and transducing their effects to the underlying vascular smooth muscle as well as by synthesizing vasoactive molecules that act in a paracrine fashion. In the kidney, the local release of these endothelial mediators, together with the concourse of specialized endothelial cells in the glomerulus, contribute to regulate renal blood flow, glomerular filtration, and tubular function that are intimately linked to sodium balance because they mutually influence each other. Ultimately, renal circulation and tubular function have a profound influence in systemic blood pressure as a result of the overall regulation of volume homeostasis.
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50
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Lagares D, Busnadiego O, García-Fernández RA, Lamas S, Rodríguez-Pascual F. Adenoviral gene transfer of endothelin-1 in the lung induces pulmonary fibrosis through the activation of focal adhesion kinase. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2012; 47:834-42. [PMID: 22962065 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2011-0446oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in the development of pulmonary fibrosis, based on its capacity in vitro to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) production and contraction, and on studies showing elevated expression of ET-1 and its receptors in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. However, the in vivo fibrogenic effect of ET-1 is not well characterized. We used the adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of ET-1 to overexpress ET-1 transiently in murine lungs by intratracheal administration. An increased expression of ET-1 for 3 to 10 days after injection resulted in a moderate but reversible fibrotic response, peaking on Day 14 after infection and characterized by the deposition of ECM components, myofibroblast formation, and a significant inflammatory infiltrate, mainly in the peribronchiolar/perivascular region. Adenoviral-mediated ET-1 overexpression activated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) both in vitro, using primary murine lung fibroblasts, and in vivo, intratracheally administered in the lungs of mice. The inhibition of FAK with the compound PF-562,271 prevented ET-1-mediated collagen deposition and myofibroblast formation, thereby preventing the development of lung fibrosis. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the overexpression of ET-1 directly in the lungs of mice can initiate a fibrogenic response characterized by increased ECM deposition and myofibroblast formation, and that this effect of ET-1 can be prevented by inhibition of FAK. Our data suggest that the ET-1/FAK axis may contribute importantly to the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders, and highlight FAK as a potential therapeutic target in these devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lagares
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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