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Singh G, O-Sullivan I, Natarajan Anbazhagan A, Ranjan K C, Farooqui Z, Ma K, Wang J, Mwale F, Votta-Velis G, Bruce B, Ronald Kahn C, van Wijnen AJ, Im HJ. Loss of PKCδ/Prkcd prevents cartilage degeneration in joints but exacerbates hyperalgesia in an experimental osteoarthritis mouse model. Gene 2024; 893:147920. [PMID: 37890601 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147920] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Pain is the prime symptom of osteoarthritis (OA) that directly affects the quality of life. Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ/Prkcd) plays a critical role in OA pathogenesis; however, its significance in OA-related pain is not entirely understood. The present study investigated the functional role of PKCδ in OA pain sensation. OA was surgically induced in control (Prkcdfl/fl), global- (Prkcdfl/fl; ROSACreERT2), and sensory neuron-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mice (Prkcdfl/fl; NaV1.8/Scn10aCreERT2) followed by comprehensive analysis of longitudinal behavioral pain, histopathology and immunofluorescence studies. GlobalPrkcd cKO mice prevented cartilage deterioration by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) in joint tissues but significantly increased OA pain. Sensory neuron-specificdeletion of Prkcd in mice did not protect cartilage from degeneration but worsened OA-associated pain. Exacerbated pain sensitivity observed in global- and sensory neuron-specific cKO of Prkcd was corroborated with markedly increased specific pain mediators in knee synovium and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). These specific pain markers include nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and their cognate receptors, including tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1). The increased levels of NGF/TrkA and VEGF/VEGFR1 were comparable in both global- and sensory neuron-specific cKO groups. These data suggest that the absence of Prkcd gene expression in the sensory neurons is strongly associated with OA hyperalgesia independent of cartilage protection. Thus, inhibition of PKCδ may be beneficial for cartilage homeostasis but could aggravate OA-related pain symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurjit Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - InSug O-Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | | | | | - Zeba Farooqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Kaige Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Fackson Mwale
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, SMBD-Jewish General Hospital and Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.
| | - Gina Votta-Velis
- Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Benjamin Bruce
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C Ronald Kahn
- Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02215, MA, USA.
| | - Andre J van Wijnen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Hee-Jeong Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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2
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Duan Y, Yu C, Kuang W, Li J, Qiu S, Ni S, Chen Z. Mesenchymal stem cell exosomes inhibit nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis via the miR-125b-5p/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway axis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1938-1949. [PMID: 37964606 PMCID: PMC10753375 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the pathological basis of a range of degenerative spinal diseases and is the primary cause of lower back pain. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation inhibits IVDD progression. However, the specific mechanisms that underlie these effects remain unclear. In this study, candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) are screened using bioinformatics and high-throughput sequencing. TNF-α is used to induce nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) degeneration. MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) are obtained using high-speed centrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blot analysis. Cell viability is determined by CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays are used to detect cell apoptosis. The expression levels of miR-125b-5p are detected by RT-qPCR, and a dual-luciferase gene reporter assay confirms the downstream target genes of miR-125b-5p. Protein expression is determined by western blot analysis. Rat models are used to validate the function of miR-125b-5p in MSC-exosomes. The results show that miR-125b-5p is expressed at low levels in degenerated disc tissues compared with that in normal disc tissues; however, it is highly expressed in MSC-exosomes. Furthermore, MSC-exosomes are efficiently taken up by NPCs while miR-125b-5p is delivered into NPCs; thus, MSC-exosomes act as inhibitors of apoptosis in NPCs. Overexpression of miR-125b-5p downregulates TRAF6 expression and inhibits NF-κB activation. However, TRAF6 overexpression reverses these effects of miR-125b-5p. We demonstrate that MSC-exosomes attenuate IVDD in vivo by delivering miR-125b-5p. MSC-exosomes can deliver miR-125b-5p to target TRAF6, inhibit NF-κB activation, and attenuate the progression of IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Duan
- Department of Spinal SurgeryZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Spinal SurgeryZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
| | - Wenhao Kuang
- Department of Spinal SurgeryZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Spinal SurgeryZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
| | - Sujun Qiu
- Department of Spinal SurgeryZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
| | - Songjia Ni
- Department of Orthopedics and TraumatologyZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Spinal SurgeryZhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510260China
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Jha R, Bernstock JD, Chalif JI, Hoffman SE, Gupta S, Guo H, Lu Y. Updates on Pathophysiology of Discogenic Back Pain. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6907. [PMID: 37959372 PMCID: PMC10647359 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216907] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Discogenic back pain, a subset of chronic back pain, is caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, and imparts a notable socioeconomic health burden on the population. However, degeneration by itself does not necessarily imply discogenic pain. In this review, we highlight the existing literature on the pathophysiology of discogenic back pain, focusing on the biomechanical and biochemical steps that lead to pain in the setting of IVD degeneration. Though the pathophysiology is incompletely characterized, the current evidence favors a framework where degeneration leads to IVD inflammation, and subsequent immune milieu recruitment. Chronic inflammation serves as a basis of penetrating neovascularization and neoinnervation into the IVD. Hence, nociceptive sensitization emerges, which manifests as discogenic back pain. Recent studies also highlight the complimentary roles of low virulence infections and central nervous system (CNS) metabolic state alteration. Targeted therapies that seek to disrupt inflammation, angiogenesis, and neurogenic pathways are being investigated. Regenerative therapy in the form of gene therapy and cell-based therapy are also being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jha
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua D. Bernstock
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua I. Chalif
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Samantha E. Hoffman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Saksham Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hong Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Xu H, Li J, Fei Q, Jiang L. Contribution of immune cells to intervertebral disc degeneration and the potential of immunotherapy. Connect Tissue Res 2023; 64:413-427. [PMID: 37161923 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2023.2212051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Substantial evidence supports that chronic low back pain is associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), which is accompanied by decreased cell activity and matrix degradation. The role of immune cells, especially macrophages, in a variety of diseases has been extensively studied; therefore, their role in IDD has naturally attracted widespread scholarly interest. The IVD is considered to be an immunologically-privileged site given the presence of physical and biological barriers that include an avascular microenvironment, a high proteoglycan concentration, high physical pressure, the presence of apoptosis inducers such as Fas ligand, and the presence of notochordal cells. However, during IDD, immune cells with distinct characteristics appear in the IVD. Some of these immune cells release factors that promote the inflammatory response and angiogenesis in the disc and are, therefore, important drivers of IDD. Although some studies have elucidated the role of immune cells, no specific strategies related to systemic immunotherapy have been proposed. Herein, we summarize current knowledge of the presence and role of immune cells in IDD and consider that immunotherapy targeting immune cells may be a novel strategy for alleviating IDD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinming Fei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libo Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
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Zhang S, Wang P, Hu B, Lv X, Liu W, Chen S, Shao Z. Inhibiting Heat Shock Protein 90 Attenuates Nucleus Pulposus Fibrosis and Pathologic Angiogenesis Induced by Macrophages via Down-Regulating Cell Migration-Inducing Protein. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:960-976. [PMID: 37088454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is usually accompanied by nucleus pulposus (NP) fibrosis and pathologic angiogenesis, which are possibly associated with macrophage infiltration. Previous research indicates a destructive role of macrophages and the protective effect of inhibiting heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in IVDD. Herein, the effects of inhibiting HSP90 on NP fibrosis and pathologic angiogenesis induced by macrophages were investigated further. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis was used to classify fibrotic NP cell (NPC) clusters and healthy NPC clusters in human NP tissues. The fibrotic NPC clusters were possibly associated with angiogenesis-related biological processes. Immunostaining showed the spatial association between blood vessel ingrowth and macrophage infiltration, as well as elevated levels of cell migration-inducing protein (CEMIP) and vascular endothelial growth factor A in severely degenerated human IVD tissues. Particularly, HSP90 inhibitor tanespimycin (17-AAG) ameliorated macrophage-induced fibrotic phenotype of NPCs via inhibiting CEMIP. M2, but not M1, macrophages promoted the pro-angiogenic ability of endothelial cells, which was attenuated by 17-AAG or HSP90 siRNA. Reversing the fibrotic phenotype of NPCs by Cemip siRNA also mitigated the pro-angiogenic effects of M2-conditioned medium-treated NPCs. Moreover, the murine IVDD model supported the 17-AAG-induced amelioration of NP fibrosis and endothelial cell invasion in IVD tissues. In conclusion, inhibiting HSP90 attenuated two interrelated pathologic processes, NP fibrosis and pathologic angiogenesis, induced by macrophages via down-regulating CEMIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Binwu Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijian Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Songfeng Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zengwu Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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6
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A review of vascular endothelial growth factor and its potential to improve functional outcomes following spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:231-237. [PMID: 36879041 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are traumatic events with limited treatment options. Following injury, the lesion site experiences a drastic change to both its structure and vasculature which reduces its ability for tissue regeneration. Despite the lack of clinical options, researchers are investigating therapies to induce neuronal regeneration. Cell-based therapies have long been assessed in the context of SCI to promote neuronal protection and repair. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) not only demonstrates this ability, but also demonstrates angiogenic potential to promote blood vessel formation. While there have been numerous animal studies investigating VEGF, further research is still warranted to pinpoint its role following SCI. This review aims to discuss the literature surrounding the role of VEGF following SCI and its potential in promoting functional recovery.
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Song XX, Jin LY, Li Q, Li XF, Luo Y. Estrogen receptor β/substance P signaling in spinal cord mediates antinociceptive effect in a mouse model of discogenic low back pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 16:1071012. [PMID: 36756381 PMCID: PMC9899865 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1071012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Discogenic low back pain (DLBP) is the most commonly described form of back pain. Our previous studies indicated that estrogen-dependent DLBP mechanism was mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs) in the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue, and the IVD degeneration degree is accompanied by downregulation of ERs, particularly ERβ. However, the neuropathological mechanisms underlying ERs modulation of DLBP are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive effects of selective ERβ agonists on DLBP-related behavior by regulating substance P in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Methods Two weeks after ovariectomies, 18-week-old female mice were randomly separated into four groups: control group; DLBP sham surgery plus vehicle group; DLBP plus vehicle group; DLBP plus ERβ-specific agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) group. Behavioral data was collected including behavioral measures of axial back pain (grip force and tail suspension tests) and radiating hypersensitivity (mechanical sensitivity and cold sensitivity test). Dual label scanning confocal immunofluorescence microscopy was used to observe spatial colocalization of ERβ and substance P in spinal cord. Substance P changes in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were measured by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Results ERβ activation could improve both axial and radiating behavioral disorders of DLBP. DPN facilitated the decrease of the amount of time in immobility 1 week after agonist administration. At the time point of 3 weeks, DPN group spent significantly less time in immobility than the vehicle group. In the grip strength tests, starting from postoperative week 1-week 3, DPN injection DLBP mice showed more resistance to stretch than the vehicle injection DLBP mice. Significant differences of cold withdrawal latency time were observed between the DLBP plus DPN injection and DLBP vehicle injection groups at 2- and 3-week injection time point. DPN significantly reversed the paw withdrawal threshold of DLBP mice at the time point of 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Substance P colocalized with ERβ in spinal dorsal horn, mainly in laminae I and II, a connection site of pain transmission. Substance P levels in dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia of DLBP group were distinctly increased compared with that of control and DLBP sham group. DPN therapy could decrease substance P content in the dorsal horn and the dorsal root ganglia of DLBP mice compared with that of vehicle-treated DLBP mice. Discussion Activation of ERβ is antinociceptive in the DLBP model by controlling substance P in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, which might provide a therapeutic target to manage DLBP in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xing Song
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin-Yu Jin
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Feng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xin-Feng Li,
| | - Yan Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Yan Luo,
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Li M, Li J, Chen H, Zhu M. VEGF-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Safe and Effective Treatment of Pain in Parkinson's Disease. Cell Transplant 2023; 32:9636897221149130. [PMID: 36635947 PMCID: PMC9841873 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221149130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a pro-angiogenic factor that mediates the differentiation and function of vascular endothelial cells. VEGF has been implicated in modulating various pains. However, the effects of VEGF in Parkinson's disease (PD)-related pain have not been studied. The goal of this study was to understand the effects of VEGF-expressing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on PD-related pain and the involved mechanisms. We used two types of MSCs: hAMSC-Vector-GFP and hAMSC-VEGF189-GFP in PD mice. Then, the expression of VEGF and the viability have been compared between two types of MSCs. To demonstrate the therapeutic effect of hAMSC-VEGF189-GFP, we transplanted each cell line in a PD mouse model. Head mechanical withdrawal thresholds were examined. hAMSC-VEGF189-GFP was associated with significantly increased VEGF expression and slightly increased viability, compared with hAMSC-Vector-GFP. The transplanted hAMSC-VEGF189-GFP significantly improved mechanical allodynia and inhibited transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression in site. And such pain relief effects could be partially blocked by TRPV1 agonist. However, we did not observe tumor generation or neuron degeneration in hAMSC-VEGF189-GFP-transplanted animals. Taken together, our data suggest that hAMSC-VEGF189-GFP is safely therapeutically appropriate for treating PD-related pain. VEGF inhibits TRPV1 expression, which may contribute to its analgesic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China,Mingxin Zhu, Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China.
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9
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Ma K, Singh G, Wang J, O-Sullivan I, Votta-Velis G, Bruce B, Anbazhagan AN, van Wijnen AJ, Im HJ. Targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors as a Therapeutic Strategy for Osteoarthritis and Associated Pain. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:675-690. [PMID: 36632459 PMCID: PMC9830519 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.79125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is the major reason that patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) seek medical care. We found that vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) mediate signaling in OA pain pathways. To determine the specific contributions of VEGFs and their receptors (VEGFRs) to joint pathology and pain transmission during OA progression, we studied intra-articular (IA) injections of VEGF ligands into murine knee joints. Only VEGF ligands specific for the activation of VEGFR1, but not VEGFR2, induced allodynia within 30 min. Interventions in OA by inhibitors of VEGFRs were done in vivo using a preclinical murine OA model by IA injections of selective inhibitors of VEGFR1/VEGFR2 kinase (pazopanib) or VEGFR2 kinase (vandetanib). OA phenotypes were evaluated using pain-associated murine behavioral tests and histopathologic analyses. Alterations in VEGF/VEGFR signaling by drugs were determined in knee joints, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord by immunofluorescence microscopy. Pazopanib immediately relieved OA pain by interfering with pain transmission pathways. Pain reduction by vandetanib was mainly due to the inhibition of cartilage degeneration by suppressing VEGFR2 expression. In conclusion, IA administration of pazopanib, which simultaneously inhibits VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, can be developed as an ideal OA disease-modifying drug that rapidly reduces joint pain and simultaneously inhibits cartilage degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaige Ma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - InSug O-Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gina Votta-Velis
- Department of Anesthesiology, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin Bruce
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC) at Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Andre J. van Wijnen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hee-Jeong Im, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 S. Morgan St, Chicago, IL, USA. E-mail: ; Dr. Andre J. van Wijnen, Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. E-mail address:
| | - Hee-Jeong Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC) at Chicago, IL 60612, USA.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hee-Jeong Im, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 S. Morgan St, Chicago, IL, USA. E-mail: ; Dr. Andre J. van Wijnen, Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. E-mail address:
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10
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Peng Z, Yang F, Huang S, Tang Y, Wan L. Targeting Vascular endothelial growth factor A with soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 ameliorates nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221094528. [PMID: 35354377 PMCID: PMC9706061 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221094528] [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] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a distressing medical condition with few effective treatments. The role of Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in inflammation pain has been confirmed in many researches. However, the mechanism of VEGFA affects neuropathic pain remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that VEGFA plays an important role in spare nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain, which is mediated by enhanced expression and colocalized of VEGFA, p-AKT and TRPV1 in SNI-induced neuropathic pain model. Soluble VEGFR1 (sFlt1) not only relieved mechanical hyperalgesia and the expression of inflammatory markers, but ameliorated the expression of VEGFA, VEGFR2, p-AKT, and TRPV1 in spinal cord. However, these effects of sFlt1 can be blocked by rpVEGFA and by 740 Y-P. Therefore, our study indication that targeting VEGFA with sFlt1 reduces neuropathic pain development via the AKT/TRPV1 pathway in SNI-induced nerve injury. This study elucidates a new therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Peng
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China
| | - Siting Huang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China,Li Wan, Department of Pain management, The
Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgang Dong Lu,
Guangzhou 510260, P.R. China.
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11
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Qiao C, Tang Y, Li Q, Zhu X, Peng X, Zhao R. ATP-gated P2X7 receptor as a potential target for prostate cancer. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1346-1354. [PMID: 35657562 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00729-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy of the male genitourinary system and is one of the leading causes of male cancer death. The P2X7 receptor is an important member of purine receptor family. It is a gated ion channel with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the ligand, which exists in a variety of immune tissues and cells and can be involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Studies have shown that the P2X7 receptor is abnormally expressed in prostate cancer, and is related to the level of prostate-specific antigen, P2X7 receptor may be an early biomarker of prostate cancer. The P2X7 receptor is essential in the occurrence and development of prostate cancer. The P2X7 receptor mainly affects the invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer cells through epithelial mesenchymal transition/invasion-related genes and the PI3K/AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. The P2X7 receptor could be a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuicui Qiao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yiqing Tang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaodi Zhu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Peng
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Ronglan Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.
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12
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Arora V, Singh G, O-Sullivan I, Ma K, Natarajan Anbazhagan A, Votta-Velis EG, Bruce B, Richard R, van Wijnen AJ, Im HJ. Gut-microbiota modulation: The impact of thegut-microbiotaon osteoarthritis. Gene 2021; 785:145619. [PMID: 33781857 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common medical conditions affecting > 300 million people globally which represents the formidable public health challenge. Despite its clinical and financial ramifications, there are currently no approved disease modifying OA drugs available and symptom palliation is the only alternative. Currently, the amount of data on the human intestinal microbiome is growing at a high rate, both in health and in various pathological conditions. With an increase in the amount of the accumulated data, there is an expanded understanding that the microbiome provides compelling evidence of a link between thegut microbiomeand development ofOA. The microbiota management tools of probiotics and/or prebiotics or symbiotic have been developed and indeed, commercialized over the past few decades with the expressed purpose of altering the microbiota within the gastrointestinal tract which could be a potentially novel intervention to tackle or prevent OA. However, the mechanisms how intestinal microbiota affects the OA pathogenesis are still not clear and further research targeting specific gut microbiota or its metabolites is still needed to advance OA treatment strategies from symptomatic management to individualized interventions of OA pathogenesis. This article provides an overview of the various preclinical and clinical studies using probiotics and prebiotics as plausible therapeutic options that can restore the gastrointestinal microbiota and its impact on the OA pathogenesis. May be in the near future the targeted alterations of gut microbiota may pave the way for developing new interventions to prevent and treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipin Arora
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Gurjit Singh
- Departments of Bioengineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - InSug O-Sullivan
- Departments of Medicine, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kaige Ma
- Departments of Bioengineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - E Gina Votta-Velis
- Departments of Anesthesiology, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Benjamin Bruce
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ripper Richard
- Departments of Anesthesiology, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Hee-Jeong Im
- Departments of Bioengineering, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC) at Chicago, IL, USA.
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13
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Zhang S, Hu B, Liu W, Wang P, Lv X, Chen S, Shao Z. The role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in intervertebral disc-related low back pain. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021; 29:17-27. [PMID: 33007412 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal symptom, which can be developed in multiple clinical diseases. It is widely recognized that intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD) is one of the leading causes of LBP. However, the pathogenesis of IVD-related LBP is still controversial, and the treatment means are also insufficient to date. In recent decades, the role of structure and function changes of sensory nervous system in the induction and the maintenance of LBP is drawing more and more attention. With the progress of IVDD, IVD cell exhaustion and extracellular matrix degradation result in IVD structural damage, while neovascularization, innervation and inflammatory activation further deteriorate the microenvironment of IVD. New nerve ingrowth into degenerated IVD amplifies the impacts of IVD-derived nociceptive molecules on sensory endings. Moreover, IVDD is usually accompanied with disc herniation, which could injure and inflame affected nerves. Under mechanical and pro-inflammatory stimulation, the pain-transmitting pathway exhibits a sensitized function state and ultimately leads to LBP. Hence, relevant pathogenic factors, such as neurotrophins, ion channels, inflammatory factors, etc., are supposed to serve as promising therapeutic targets for LBP. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively summarize the current evidence on 1) the pathological changes of sensory nervous system during IVDD and their association with LBP, and 2) potential therapeutic strategies for LBP targeting relevant pathogenic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - B Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - W Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - P Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - X Lv
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - S Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Z Shao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Tian Y, Bao Z, Ji Y, Mei X, Yang H. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Protects H 2O 2-Induced Nucleus Pulposus Cell Apoptosis and Inflammation by Inhibiting cGAS/Sting/NLRP3 Activation. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:2113-2122. [PMID: 32546974 PMCID: PMC7266312 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s251623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the most common diagnosis of patients with lower back pain. IDD is the underlying lesion of many spinal degenerative diseases; however, the role of cGAS/Sting/NLRP3 pathway and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the development of IDD remained unclear. Methods The expressions of cGAS, Sting and NLRP3 mRNA of intervertebral disc (IVD) samples from IDD patients and controls were detected by RT-PCR. The nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and used as an in-vitro model. Both 5 μM and 25 μM EGCG treatment were used to detect the effect of EGCG on the in-vitro model. Cell viability was detected by the MTT method, and cell apoptosis and cell cycle would be detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used in the detection of the expression of cGAS/Sting/NLRP3 as well as apoptosis-related protein level. ELISA was used in the detection of pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. Results The expressions of cGAS, Sting and NLRP3 mRNA were significantly increased in the IVD samples from IDD patients and NLRP3 was associated with cGAS and Sting. Advanced in-vitro study showed that H2O2 significantly increased the expression of cGAS, Sting and NLRP3 protein levels. Advanced experiments showed that EGCG treatment demonstrated significant protective effects in cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and inflammatory status through down-regulation of cGAS/Sting/NLRP3 pathway. Conclusion It was shown that the cGAS, Sting and NLRP3 up-regulation was associated with the incidence of IDD. Our findings also suggest that EGCG treatment would provide anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation and promote cell viability in H2O2 treatment-incubated NPCs through inhibiting cGAS/Sting/NLRP3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixing Tian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaohua Bao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Ji
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Mei
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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