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Pasta A, Calabrese F, Djahandideh Sheijani S, Furnari M, Giannini EG, Grillo F, Marabotto E, Mastracci L, Murdaca G, Negrini S, Savarino EV, Savarino V, Zentilin P. Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in systemic sclerosis patients (SSc) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Immunol Lett 2024; 265:31-36. [PMID: 38171474 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.106834] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects the connective tissue and leads to an abnormal fibrotic process in the skin and internal organs. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is able to induce cell proliferation and differentiation, and its expression is increased in SSc patients with pulmonary artery hypertension and in skin biopsies in patients with scleroderma. To date, no data on esophageal expression of EGFR are available in SSc patients. We aimed to evaluate whether the pro-fibrogenic pathways of SSc may affect EGFR expression in the esophagus. METHODS A retrospective analysis included patients with SSc and control subjects suffering from gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Endoscopic assessment and histopathologic analyses were performed in all subjects and the presence of microscopic esophagitis was used to distinguish patients with normal esophageal mucosa and subjects with non-erosive reflux disease. EGFR expression was measured in all subjects. RESULTS A total of 35 patients with SSc were included, while the control group included 67 non-SSc patients. EGFR expression at the Z-line was higher in SSc patients than non-SSc patients in absence of microscopic esophagitis (median 65 %, IQR 56-71 % vs 42 %, IQR 37-54 %, p < 0.001). Microscopic esophagitis was found in 60 % of patients with SSc and 62.7 % of control patients, and EGFR expression was significantly higher in patients presenting microscopic esophagitis both in SSc and non-SSc patients. CONCLUSION The EGFR hyperexpression may be due to SSc and/or reflux-related damage in patients with microscopic esophagitis. Further studies are warranted to answer open questions and provide a possible role of EGFR in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pasta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Calabrese
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Manuele Furnari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo G Giannini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, Pathological Anatomy Unit, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Marabotto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, Pathological Anatomy Unit, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Translational Medicine Unit, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vincenzo Savarino
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Savarino
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zentilin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of our body and plays a protective role against the external environment. The skin functions as a mechanical and water permeability barrier, assisting with thermoregulation and defending our body against a variety of stresses such as ultraviolet radiation, microbial infection, physical injuries, and chemical hazards. The structure of the skin consists of three main layers: the hypodermis, the dermis, and the epidermis. Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of integral membrane proteins whose function is to regulate intracellular fluid hemostasis by facilitating the transportation of water, and in some cases small molecules, across the cell membranes. Up to six different AQPs (AQP1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10) are expressed in a variety of cell types in the skin. The AQP family plays an important role in these various locations, contributing to many key functions of the skin including hydration, wound healing, and immune responses. The involvement of different aquaporin family members in skin is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuming Yin
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Sino-Russian Joint Research Center for Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiwen Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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He X, Shi Y, Zeng Z, Tang B, Xiao X, Yu J, Zou P, Liu J, Xiao Y, Luo Y, Xiao R. Intimate intertwining of the pathogenesis of hypoxia and systemic sclerosis: A transcriptome integration analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:929289. [PMID: 36389675 PMCID: PMC9660309 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.929289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 03/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease caused by various pathogenic factors, including hypoxia. Hypoxia stimulates the production of the extracellular matrix to promote fibrosis. However, the integrated function and the underlying mechanism of hypoxia in SSc are unclear. METHODS In the present study, we used Agilent SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression v3 for the transcriptional sequencing of fibroblasts with and without hypoxia to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hypoxia. We analyzed the results with the transcriptome data of SSc lesions (GSE95065) to select the co-DEGs. Then, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed on the basis of the co-DEGs using the R package ClusterProfiler, which showed that hypoxia and cross talk of hypoxia with other pathogenic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furthermore, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of co-DEGs and screened two significant functional expression modules. RESULTS We identified nine hub genes (ALDH1A1, EGF, NOX4, LYN, DNTT, PTGS2, TKT, ACAA2, and ALDH3A1). These genes affect the pentose phosphate pathway, oxidative stress, and lipolysis. CONCLUSION Our study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying the effects of hypoxia on SSc pathogenesis, which will help to better understand SSc pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic strategies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglan He
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Xiao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Puyu Zou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiani Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yangyang Luo
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Bergamaschi D. Autophagy protects from photoageing in skin fibroblasts. Br J Dermatol 2021; 186:211-212. [PMID: 34780065 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.20822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Bergamaschi
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 2AT, UK
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Kleiser S, Nyström A. Interplay between Cell-Surface Receptors and Extracellular Matrix in Skin. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1170. [PMID: 32796709 PMCID: PMC7465455 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin consists of the epidermis and dermis, which are connected by a specialized basement membrane-the epidermal basement membrane. Both the epidermal basement membrane and the underlying interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) created by dermal fibroblasts contain distinct network-forming macromolecules. These matrices play various roles in order to maintain skin homeostasis and integrity. Within this complex interplay of cells and matrices, cell surface receptors play essential roles not only for inside-out and outside-in signaling, but also for establishing mechanical and biochemical properties of skin. Already minor modulations of this multifactorial cross-talk can lead to severe and systemic diseases. In this review, major epidermal and dermal cell surface receptors will be addressed with respect to their interactions with matrix components as well as their roles in fibrotic, inflammatory or tumorigenic skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Kleiser
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 7, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Hauptstraße 7, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Bollag WB, Aitkens L, White J, Hyndman KA. Aquaporin-3 in the epidermis: more than skin deep. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1144-C1153. [PMID: 32267715 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00075.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The skin is essential for terrestrial life. It is responsible for regulating water permeability and functions as a mechanical barrier that protects against environmental insults such as microbial infection, ultraviolet light, injury, and heat and cold, which could damage the cells of the body and compromise survival of the organism. This barrier is provided by the outer layer, the epidermis, which is composed predominantly of keratinocytes; keratinocytes undergo a program of differentiation to form the stratum corneum comprising the cornified squame "bricks" and lipid "mortar." Dysregulation of this differentiation program can result in skin diseases, including psoriasis and nonmelanoma skin cancers, among others. Accumulating evidence in the literature indicates that the water-, glycerol-, and hydrogen peroxide-transporting channel aquaporin-3 (AQP3) plays a key role in various processes involved in keratinocyte function, and abnormalities in this channel have been observed in several human skin diseases. Here, we discuss the data linking AQP3 to keratinocyte proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival as well as its role in skin properties and functions like hydration, water retention, wound healing, and barrier repair. We also discuss the mechanisms regulating AQP3 levels, localization, and function and the anomalies in AQP3 that are associated with various skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy B Bollag
- Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia.,Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Lorry Aitkens
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Joseph White
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Kelly A Hyndman
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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