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Chulkina M, Rohmer C, McAninch S, Panganiban RP, Villéger R, Portolese A, Ciocirlan J, Yang W, Cohen C, Koltun W, Valentine JF, Cong Y, Yochum G, Beswick EJ, Pinchuk IV. Increased Activity of MAPKAPK2 within Mesenchymal Cells as a Target for Inflammation-Associated Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease. J Crohns Colitis 2024; 18:1147-1161. [PMID: 38224550 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stromal cells are suggested to play a critical role in Crohn's disease [CD]-associated fibrosis. MAPKAPK2 [MK2] has emerged as a potential therapeutic target to reduce inflammation in CD. However, the cell-specific pattern of phospho-MK2 activation and its role in CD-associated fibrosis are unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cell-specific changes in MK2 activity between predominantly inflammatory CD vs CD with fibrotic complications and define the role of stromal cell-specific MK2 activation in CD-associated fibrosis. METHODS CD tissue, CD tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells known as myo-/fibroblasts [CD-MFs], and fibroblast-specific MK2 conditional knockout [KO] mice were used. RESULTS In the inflamed area of predominantly inflammatory CD, high MK2 activity was equally distributed between mesenchymal and haematopoietic cells. By contrast, in CD with fibrotic complications, high MK2 activity was mostly associated with mesenchymal stromal cells. Using ex vivo CD tissue explants and an IL-10KO murine colitis model, we demonstrated that pro-fibrotic responses are significantly reduced by treatment with the MK2 inhibitor PF-3644022. Inhibition of MK2 activity in primary cultures of CD-MFs significantly reduced basal and TGF-β1-induced profibrotic responses. Using fibroblast-specific MK2 knockout mice in chronic dextran saline sulphate colitis, we demonstrated that fibroblast intrinsic MK2 signalling is among the key processes involved in the chronic inflammation-induced profibrotic responses. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that activation of MK2 within fibroblasts contributes to the chronic inflammation-induced fibrosis in CD and that targeting MK2 has potential for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for fibrosis in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Chulkina
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Christina Rohmer
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Steven McAninch
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Austin Portolese
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Justin Ciocirlan
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claire Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Walter Koltun
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - John F Valentine
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gregory Yochum
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ellen J Beswick
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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2
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Steiner CA, Colgan SP. Authors' Reply. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:1156-1157. [PMID: 38749611 PMCID: PMC11156156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Calen A Steiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Sean P Colgan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
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3
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Yang C, Merlin D. Unveiling Colitis: A Journey through the Dextran Sodium Sulfate-induced Model. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:844-853. [PMID: 38280217 PMCID: PMC11063560 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are valuable tools for investigating the factors involved in IBD pathogenesis and evaluating new therapeutic options. The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced model of colitis is arguably the most widely used animal model for studying the pathogenesis of and potential treatments for ulcerative colitis (UC), which is a primary form of IBD. This model offers several advantages as a research tool: it is highly reproducible, relatively easy to generate and maintain, and mimics many critical features of human IBD. Recently, it has also been used to study the role of gut microbiota in the development and progression of IBD and to investigate the effects of other factors, such as diet and genetics, on colitis severity. However, although DSS-induced colitis is the most popular and flexible model for preclinical IBD research, it is not an exact replica of human colitis, and some results obtained from this model cannot be directly applied to humans. This review aims to comprehensively discuss different factors that may be involved in the pathogenesis of DSS-induced colitis and the issues that should be considered when using this model for translational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Digestive Disease Research Group, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Didier Merlin
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Digestive Disease Research Group, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
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Rieder F, Mukherjee PK, Massey WJ, Wang Y, Fiocchi C. Fibrosis in IBD: from pathogenesis to therapeutic targets. Gut 2024; 73:854-866. [PMID: 38233198 PMCID: PMC10997492 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis resulting in stricture formation and obstruction in Crohn's disease (CD) and increased wall stiffness leading to symptoms in ulcerative colitis (UC) is among the largest unmet needs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fibrosis is caused by a multifactorial and complex process involving immune and non-immune cells, their soluble mediators and exposure to luminal contents, such as microbiota and environmental factors. To date, no antifibrotic therapy is available. Some progress has been made in creating consensus definitions and measurements to quantify stricture morphology for clinical practice and trials, but approaches to determine the degree of fibrosis within a stricture are still lacking. OBJECTIVE We herein describe the current state of stricture pathogenesis, measuring tools and clinical trial endpoints development. DESIGN Data presented and discussed in this review derive from the past and recent literature and the authors' own research and experience. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Significant progress has been made in better understanding the pathogenesis of fibrosis, but additional studies and preclinical developments are needed to define specific therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Pranab K Mukherjee
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - William J Massey
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Claudio Fiocchi
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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5
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Lenti MV, Santacroce G, Broglio G, Rossi CM, Di Sabatino A. Recent advances in intestinal fibrosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101251. [PMID: 38359700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101251] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Despite many progresses have been made in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, especially due to the increasing number of effective therapies, the development of tissue fibrosis is a very common occurrence along the natural history of this condition. To a certain extent, fibrogenesis is a physiological and necessary process in all those conditions characterised by chronic inflammation. However, the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix within the bowel wall will end up in the formation of strictures, with the consequent need for surgery. A number of mechanisms have been described in this process, but some of them are not yet clear. For sure, the main trigger is the presence of a persistent inflammatory status within the mucosa, which in turn favours the occurrence of a pro-fibrogenic environment. Among the main key players, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, immune cells, growth factors and cytokines must be mentioned. Although there are no available therapies able to target fibrosis, the only way to prevent it is by controlling inflammation. In this review, we summarize the state of art of the mechanisms involved in gut fibrogenesis, how to diagnose it, and which potential targets could be druggable to tackle fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vincenzo Lenti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Santacroce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Broglio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
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Zeng W, Wu J, Xie H, Xu H, Liang D, He Q, Yang X, Liu C, Gong J, Zhang Q, Luo Z, Chen Y, He Z, Lan P. Enteral nutrition promotes the remission of colitis by gut bacteria-mediated histidine biosynthesis. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104959. [PMID: 38215690 PMCID: PMC10827402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104959] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is an important alternative strategy for patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and during this process, microbiota alterations have been observed. However, the underlying mechanisms by which EEN reduces intestinal inflammation are currently unclear. METHODS The therapeutic potential of enteral nutrition (EN) was assessed using various mouse models. Fecal full-length 16S rDNA sequencing analysis and several CD metagenome datasets were used to identify the candidate therapeutic bacteria Faecalibaculum rodentium (F. rodentium). Whole genome sequencing of F. rodentium and widely-targeted metabolome analysis of the supernatant showed that EN-induced F. rodentium accumulation protected against colitis via histidine biosynthesis. FINDINGS The therapeutic potential of EN therapy was observed in both dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and Il10-/- spontaneous colitis mouse models. Accumulation of F. rodentium after EN therapy was determined using full-length 16S rDNA sequencing and verified with several metagenome datasets from patients with CD. Colonization of an isolated F. rodentium could reduce colitis in Il10-/- mice. Significant histidine enrichment was observed in the F. rodentium culture supernatant, and a series of histidine biosynthesis genes were observed in the F. rodentium genome. Engineered Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), encoding the heterologous hisG of F. rodentium (EcN-hisG), which was a key driver of histidine biosynthesis in F. rodentium, was found to protect against colitis. INTERPRETATION This study suggests that EN-induced F. rodentium accumulation protects against colitis in mice via gut bacteria-mediated histidine biosynthesis. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyi Zeng
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Jinjie Wu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Hongyu Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Haoyang Xu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Dayi Liang
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Qilang He
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Xiaoya Yang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Junli Gong
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Zhanhao Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 66, Gongchang Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, China
| | - Zhen He
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Key Laboratory of Human Microbiome and Chronic Diseases (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China.
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of General Surgery (Colorectal Surgery), The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China.
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Flores E, Dutta S, Bosserman R, van Hoof A, Krachler AM. Colonization of larval zebrafish ( Danio rerio) with adherent-invasive Escherichia coli prevents recovery of the intestinal mucosa from drug-induced enterocolitis. mSphere 2023; 8:e0051223. [PMID: 37971273 PMCID: PMC10732064 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00512-23] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although inflammatory bowel diseases are on the rise, what factors influence IBD risk and severity, and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Although host genetics, microbiome, and environmental factors have all been shown to correlate with the development of IBD, cause and effect are difficult to disentangle in this context. For example, AIEC is a known pathobiont found in IBD patients, but it remains unclear if gut inflammation during IBD facilitates colonization with AIEC, or if AIEC colonization makes the host more susceptible to pro-inflammatory stimuli. It is critical to understand the mechanisms that contribute to AIEC infections in a susceptible host in order to develop successful therapeutics. Here, we show that the larval zebrafish model recapitulates key features of AIEC infections in other animal models and can be utilized to address these gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Flores
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Soumita Dutta
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Bosserman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ambro van Hoof
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Krachler
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Macias-Ceja DC, Mendoza-Ballesteros MT, Ortega-Albiach M, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D. Role of the epithelial barrier in intestinal fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease: relevance of the epithelial-to mesenchymal transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258843. [PMID: 37822869 PMCID: PMC10562728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to tissue damage and remodelling, which can ultimately result in fibrosis. Prolonged injury and inflammation can trigger the activation of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. As fibrosis progresses, the tissue becomes increasingly stiff and less functional, which can lead to complications such as intestinal strictures, obstructive symptoms, and eventually, organ dysfunction. Epithelial cells play a key role in fibrosis, as they secrete cytokines and growth factors that promote fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Additionally, epithelial cells can undergo a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in which they acquire a more mesenchymal-like phenotype and contribute directly to fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Overall, the interactions between epithelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts play a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in IBD. Understanding these complex interactions may provide new targets for therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat fibrosis in IBD. In this review, we have collected and discussed the recent literature highlighting the contribution of epithelial cells to the pathogenesis of the fibrotic complications of IBD, including evidence of EMT, the epigenetic control of the EMT, the potential influence of the intestinal microbiome in EMT, and the possible therapeutic strategies to target EMT. Finally we discuss the pro-fibrotic interactions epithelial-immune cells and epithelial-fibroblasts cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C. Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - M. Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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9
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Lis-López L, Bauset C, Seco-Cervera M, Macias-Ceja D, Navarro F, Álvarez Á, Esplugues JV, Calatayud S, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D, Cosín-Roger J. P2X7 Receptor Regulates Collagen Expression in Human Intestinal Fibroblasts: Relevance in Intestinal Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12936. [PMID: 37629116 PMCID: PMC10454509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612936] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication that affects more than 50% of Crohn´s Disease (CD) patients. There is no pharmacological treatment against this complication, with surgery being the only option. Due to the unknown role of P2X7 in intestinal fibrosis, we aim to analyze the relevance of this receptor in CD complications. Surgical resections from CD and non-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients were obtained. Intestinal fibrosis was induced with two different murine models: heterotopic transplant model and chronic-DSS colitis in wild-type and P2X7-/- mice. Human small intestine fibroblasts (HSIFs) were transfected with an siRNA against P2X7 and treated with TGF-β. A gene and protein expression of P2X7 receptor was significantly increased in CD compared to non-IBD patients. The lack of P2X7 in mice provoked an enhanced collagen deposition and increased expression of several profibrotic markers in both murine models of intestinal fibrosis. Furthermore, P2X7-/- mice exhibited a higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines and a lower expression of M2 macrophage markers. Moreover, the transient silencing of the P2X7 receptor in HSIFs significantly induced the expression of Col1a1 and potentiated the expression of Col4 and Col5a1 after TGF-β treatment. P2X7 regulates collagen expression in human intestinal fibroblasts, while the lack of this receptor aggravates intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluis Lis-López
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Cristina Bauset
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Marta Seco-Cervera
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica), Hospital Dr. Peset, 46017 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Dulce Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Francisco Navarro
- Servicio Cirugía y Coloproctología, Hospital de Manises, 46940 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ángeles Álvarez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Vicente Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Calatayud
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Jesús Cosín-Roger
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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10
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Wu J, Tian Z, Zhuang X, Chen Y, Fan T, Li J, Wang X. Dynamic alterations in metabolomics and transcriptomics associated with intestinal fibrosis in a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced murine model. J Transl Med 2023; 21:554. [PMID: 37592304 PMCID: PMC10436422 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04392-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Intestinal fibrosis is a common and severe complication of inflammatory bowel disease without clear pathogenesis. Abnormal expression of host genes and metabolic perturbations might associate with the onset of intestinal fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the development of intestinal fibrosis and the dynamic alterations in both fecal metabolites and host gene expression. METHODS We induced intestinal fibrosis in a murine model using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS-treated or control mice were sacrificed after 4 and 6 weeks of intervention; alterations in colonic genes and fecal metabolites were determined by transcriptomics and metabolomics, respectively. Differential, tendency, enrichment, and correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between host genes and fecal metabolites. RESULTS RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that 679 differential genes with enduring changes were mainly enriched in immune response-related signaling pathways and metabolism-related biological processes. Among them, 15 lipid metabolism-related genes were closely related to the development of intestinal fibrosis. Moreover, the fecal metabolic profile was significantly altered during intestinal fibrosis development, especially the lipid metabolites. Particularly, dynamic perturbations in lipids were strongly associated with alterations in lipid metabolism-related genes expression. Additionally, six dynamically altered metabolites might serve as biomarkers to identify colitis-related intestinal fibrosis in the murine model. CONCLUSIONS Intestinal fibrosis in colitis mice might be related to dynamic changes in gene expression and metabolites. These findings could provide new insights into the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyi Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoduan Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiru Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.253, Industrial Avenue, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Steiner CA, Cartwright IM, Taylor CT, Colgan SP. Hypoxia-inducible factor as a bridge between healthy barrier function, wound healing, and fibrosis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C866-C878. [PMID: 35912990 PMCID: PMC9467472 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00227.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The healthy mammalian intestine is lined by a single layer of epithelial cells. These cells provide a selectively permeable barrier to luminal contents and normally do so in an efficient and effective manner. Barrier function in the healthy mucosa is provided via several mechanisms including epithelial junctional complexes, mucus production, as well as mucosal-derived antimicrobial proteins. As tissue metabolism is central to the maintenance of homeostasis in the mucosa, intestinal [Formula: see text] levels are uniquely low due to counter-current blood flow and the presence of the microbiota, resulting in the stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). Ongoing studies have revealed that HIF molds normal intestinal metabolism and is central to the coordination of barrier regulation during both homeostasis and active disease. During acute inflammation, HIF is central to controlling the rapid restitution of the epithelium consistent with normal wound healing responses. In contrast, HIF may also contribute to the fibrostenotic response associated with chronic, nonresolving inflammation. As such, HIF may function as a double-edged sword in the overall course of the inflammatory response. Here, we review recent literature on the contribution of HIF to mucosal barrier function, wound healing, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calen A Steiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Medicine and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ian M Cartwright
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Medicine and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cormac T Taylor
- School of Medicine, Conway Institute and Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean P Colgan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
- Department of Medicine and the Mucosal Inflammation Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
- Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
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12
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Lin X, Wang Y, Liu Z, Lin S, Tan J, He J, Hu F, Wu X, Ghosh S, Chen M, Liu F, Mao R. Intestinal strictures in Crohn's disease: a 2021 update. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2022; 15:17562848221104951. [PMID: 35757383 PMCID: PMC9218441 DOI: 10.1177/17562848221104951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal strictures remain one of the most intractable and common complications of Crohn's disease (CD). Approximately 70% of CD patients will develop fibrotic strictures after 10 years of CD diagnosis. Since specific antifibrotic therapies are unavailable, endoscopic balloon dilation and surgery remain the mainstay treatments despite a high recurrence rate. Besides, there are no reliable methods for accurately evaluating intestinal fibrosis. This is largely due to the fact that the mechanisms of initiation and propagation of intestinal fibrosis are poorly understood. There is growing evidence implying that the pathogenesis of stricturing CD involves the intricate interplay of factors including aberrant immune and nonimmune responses, host-microbiome dysbiosis, and genetic susceptibility. Currently, the progress on intestinal strictures has been fueled by the advent of novel techniques, such as single-cell sequencing, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence. Here, we perform a timely and comprehensive review of the substantial advances in intestinal strictures in 2021, aiming to provide prompt information regarding fibrosis and set the stage for the improvement of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of intestinal strictures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zishan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sinan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinshen He
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Subrata Ghosh
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road 2nd, Guangzhou 510080, People’s Republic of China
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