1
|
Gu G, Zhu B, Ren J, Song X, Fan B, Ding H, Shang J, Wu H, Li J, Wang H, Li J, Wei Z, Feng S. Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury by regulating microglia/macrophage polarization. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:23. [PMID: 36739421 PMCID: PMC9899400 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00967-y] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory response is an essential part of secondary injury after spinal cord injury (SCI). During this period, the injury may be exacerbated through the release of a large number of inflammatory factors and the polarization of infiltrating macrophages and microglia towards M1. Ang-(1-7), mainly generated by Ang II via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), can specifically bind to the G protein-coupled receptor Mas (MasR) and plays an important role in regulating inflammation and alleviating oxidative stress. METHODS We aimed to investigate whether activating the Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis in rats after SCI can regulate local neuroinflammation to achieve functional recovery and obtain its potential mechanism. MasR expression of bone marrow-derived macrophages was determined by Western blot. Immunofluorescence, Western blot, Flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR were applied to evaluate the polarization of Ang-(1-7) on macrophages and the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Previous evaluation of the spinal cord and bladder after SCI was conducted by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score, inclined plate test, electrophysiology, and catwalk were used to evaluate the functional recovery of rats. RESULTS MasR expression increased in macrophages under inflammatory conditions and further elevated after Ang-(1-7) treatment. Both in vivo and in vitro results confirmed that Ang-(1-7) could regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines by down-regulating proinflammatory cytokines and up-regulating anti-inflammatory cytokines, and bias the polarization direction of microglia/macrophages to M2 phenotypic. After SCI, Ang-(1-7) administration in situ led to better histological and functional recovery in rats, and this recovery at least partly involved the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION As shown in our data, activating Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis can effectively improve the inflammatory microenvironment after spinal cord injury, promote the polarization of microglia/macrophages towards the M2 phenotype, and finally support the recovery of motor function. Therefore, we suggest using Ang-(1-7) as a feasible treatment strategy for spinal cord injury to minimize the negative consequences of the inflammatory microenvironment after spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangjin Gu
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Bin Zhu
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Jie Ren
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Xiaomeng Song
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Baoyou Fan
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Han Ding
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Jun Shang
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Heng Wu
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment, Tianjin Lung Cancer Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Junjin Li
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Hongda Wang
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Jinze Li
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China
| | - Zhijian Wei
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China ,Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- grid.412645.00000 0004 1757 9434Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury, Department of Orthopedics, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Anshan Road 154, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052 China ,Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ang-(1-7) Bone-Targeting Conjugate in an Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091157. [PMID: 36145378 PMCID: PMC9502795 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition of synovial joints that causes disability and systemic complications. Ang-(1-7), one of the main peptides in the renin-angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS), imposes its protective effects through Mas receptor (MasR) signaling. It has a short half-life, limiting its feasibility as a therapeutic agent. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of Ang-(1-7)’s novel and stable conjugate (Ang. Conj.) by utilizing its affinity for bone through bisphosphonate (BP) moiety in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. The rats received subcutaneous injections of vehicle, plain Ang-(1-7), or an equivalent dose of Ang. Conj. The rats’ body weights, paws, and joints’ diameters were measured thrice weekly. After 14 days, the rats were euthanized, and the blood and tissue samples were harvested for further analysis of nitric oxide (NO) and RAS components’ gene and protein expression. The administration of Ang. Conj. reduced body weight loss, joint edema, and serum NO. Moreover, the Ang. Conj. treatment significantly reduced the classical arm components at peptide, enzyme, and receptor levels while augmenting them for the protective arm. The results of this study introduce a novel class of bone-targeting natural peptides for RA caused by an inflammation-induced imbalance in the activated RAS. Our results indicate that extending the half-life of Ang-(1-7) augments the RAS protective arm and exerts enhanced therapeutic effects in the AIA model in rats.
Collapse
|
3
|
Lu Z, Wu D, Wang Z, Zhang H, Du Y, Wang G. Diminazene aceturate mitigates cardiomyopathy by interfering with renin-angiotensin system in a septic rat model. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:44. [PMID: 35787308 PMCID: PMC9251020 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00584-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There were limited studies investigating treatments of septic cardiomyopathy (SCM), which is a common complication during sepsis. A septic rat model created by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was used to investigate the effects of diminazene aceturate (DIZE) in SCM. Methods A total of 151 Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the sham, CLP, or CLP + DIZE group. Data evaluated postoperatively at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours included: cardiac function; plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6, angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)], angiotensin II (AngII), troponin I, and brain natriuretic peptide; expression levels of myocardial Ang-(1–7), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, and angiotensin type 1 and Mas receptors; and histological changes. Results We found that the CLP + DIZE group had a lower mortality compared to the CLP group (38.5% versus 61.5%) within 48 h postoperatively, although without statistical significance. In contrast to the sham group, the CLP group had decreased cardiac functions, increased myocardial injuries, and higher TNF-α levels, which were ameliorated in the CLP + DIZE group. Furthermore, administration of DIZE could reverse the decreases of myocardial Ang-(1–7) and ACE2 expressions in the CLP group, which finally minimized the myocardial microstructure disruptions. Conclusions It was concluded that DIZE could mitigate the development of SCM and preserve cardiac function during sepsis possibly by interfering with the renin-angiotensin system through promoting myocardial ACE2 expression and restoring local Ang-(1–7) levels. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-022-00584-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqing Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yufan Du
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guoxing Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Song J, Kim JY, You G, Kang YY, Yang J, Mok H. Formulation of Glycyrrhizic Acid-based Nanocomplexes for Enhanced Anti-cancer and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Curcumin. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2022; 27:163-170. [PMID: 35530367 PMCID: PMC9059693 DOI: 10.1007/s12257-021-0198-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In this study, nanocomplexes composed of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) derived from the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) were formulated for the delivery of curcumin (CUR). Sonication of amphiphilic GA solution with hydrophobic CUR resulted in the production of nanosized complexes with a size of 164.8 ± 51.7 nm, which greatly enhanced the solubility of CUR in aqueous solution. A majority of the CURs were released from these GA/ CUR nanocomplexes within 12 h. GA/CUR nanocomplexes exhibited excellent intracellular uptake in human breast cancer cells (Michigan cancer foundation-7/multi-drug resistant cells), indicating enhanced anti-cancer effects compared to that of free CUR. In addition, GA/CUR nanocomplexes demonstrated high intracellular uptake into macrophages (RAW264.7 cells), consequently reducing the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, GA/CUR nanocomplexes successfully reduced the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and splenomegaly in a rheumatoid arthritis model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihyeon Song
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| | - Jun Yeong Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| | - Gayeon You
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| | - Yoon Young Kang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| | - Jiwon Yang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| | - Hyejung Mok
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029 Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Toxic Effects of Endocrine Disruptor Exposure on Collagen-Induced Arthritis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040564. [PMID: 35454153 PMCID: PMC9025575 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are chemical substances capable of affecting endocrine system functioning and interfering with organ morphogenesis and physiological functions. The development and regeneration of bone tissues have a complex hormonal regulation, and therefore, bone tissue cells can be considered potential targets for endocrine disruptors. In that regard, the aim of this research was to investigate the impact of ED exposure on the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in an experimental model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritis was induced by an emulsion of type II collagen (CII) and complete Freund’s adjuvant, which was administered intradermally on days 0 and 21. Mice from day 21 to day 35 received the following EDs by oral gavage: cypermethrin (CP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), vinclozolin (VCZ), 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and atrazine (ATR). ED exposure caused worsening of clinical signs (erythema and edema in the hind paws), histological and radiographic changes, as well as behavioral deficits, induced by CII injections. Furthermore, ED exposure significantly increased the degree of inflammation and oxidative damage induced by arthritis; this upregulation was more evident after exposure to ATR than to other EDs. The results from our study suggest that exposure to EDs may play a deleterious role in the progression of RA; therefore, exposure to EDs should be limited.
Collapse
|
6
|
Soós B, Fagyas M, Horváth Á, Végh E, Pusztai A, Czókolyová M, Csongrádi A, Hamar A, Pethő Z, Bodnár N, Kerekes G, Hodosi K, Szekanecz É, Szamosi S, Szántó S, Szűcs G, Papp Z, Szekanecz Z. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity in Anti-TNF-Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:785744. [PMID: 35155468 PMCID: PMC8828652 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.785744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 have been implicated in the regulation of vascular physiology. Elevated synovial and decreased or normal ACE or ACE2 levels have been found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Very little is known about the effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibition on ACE or ACE2 homeostasis. In this study, we assessed the effects of one-year anti-TNF therapy on ACE and ACE2 production in RA and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in association with other biomarkers. Patients and Methods Forty patients including 24 RA patients treated with either etanercept (ETN) or certolizumab pegol (CZP) and 16 AS patients treated with ETN were included in a 12-month follow-up study. Serum ACE levels were determined by commercial ELISA, while serum ACE2 activity was assessed using a specific quenched fluorescent substrate. Ultrasonography was performed to determine flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT) and arterial pulse-wave velocity (PWV) in all patients. In addition, CRP, rheumatoid factor (RF) and ACPA were also measured. All assessments were performed at baseline and 6 and 12 months after treatment initiation. Results Anti-TNF therapy increased ACE levels in the full cohort, as well as in the RA and AS subsets. ACE2 activity increased in the full cohort, while the ACE/ACE2 ratio increased in the full cohort and in the RA subset (p < 0.05). Uni- and multivariable regression analyses determined associations between ACE or ACE/ACE2 ratios at different time points and disease duration, CRP, RF, FMD and IMT (p < 0.05). ACE2 activity correlated with CRP. The changes of ACE or ACE2 over 12 months were determined by treatment together with either RF or FMD (p < 0.05). Conclusions Anti-TNF treatment may increase ACE and ACE2 in the sera of RA and AS patients. ACE and ACE2 may be associated with disease duration, markers of inflammation and vascular pathophysiology. The effects of TNF inhibition on ACE and ACE2 may reflect, in part, the effects of these biologics on the cardiovascular system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boglárka Soós
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Fagyas
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Horváth
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Edit Végh
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anita Pusztai
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Monika Czókolyová
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Csongrádi
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Attila Hamar
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Pethő
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nóra Bodnár
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - György Kerekes
- Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katalin Hodosi
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Szekanecz
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Szamosi
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sándor Szántó
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Szűcs
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Papp
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szekanecz
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|