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Yang DR, Wang MY, Zhang CL, Wang Y. Endothelial dysfunction in vascular complications of diabetes: a comprehensive review of mechanisms and implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1359255. [PMID: 38645427 PMCID: PMC11026568 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1359255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic vascular complications are prevalent and severe among diabetic patients, profoundly affecting both their quality of life and long-term prospects. These complications can be classified into macrovascular and microvascular complications. Under the impact of risk factors such as elevated blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol lipids, the vascular endothelium undergoes endothelial dysfunction, characterized by increased inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased NO biosynthesis, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, senescence, and even cell death. These processes will ultimately lead to macrovascular and microvascular diseases, with macrovascular diseases mainly characterized by atherosclerosis (AS) and microvascular diseases mainly characterized by thickening of the basement membrane. It further indicates a primary contributor to the elevated morbidity and mortality observed in individuals with diabetes. In this review, we will delve into the intricate mechanisms that drive endothelial dysfunction during diabetes progression and its associated vascular complications. Furthermore, we will outline various pharmacotherapies targeting diabetic endothelial dysfunction in the hope of accelerating effective therapeutic drug discovery for early control of diabetes and its vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Rong Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Yan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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2
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Magrì B, Lombardo C, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro P, Giunta S, Bucolo C, D'Agata V. PACAP-ADNP axis prevents outer retinal barrier breakdown and choroidal neovascularization by interfering with VEGF secreted from retinal pigmented epitelium cells. Peptides 2023; 168:171065. [PMID: 37495040 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
During diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression, the retina undergoes various metabolic changes, including hypoxia-signalling cascade induction in the cells of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). The overexpression of hypoxic inducible factors causes transcription of many target genes including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The RPE cells form the outer blood retinal barrier (oBRB), a specialized structure that regulates ions and metabolites flux into the retina to maintain a suitable quality of its extracellular microenvironment. VEGF worsens retinal condition since its secretion from the basolateral compartment of RPE cells compromises the barrier's integrity and induces choroidal neovascularization. In this work, we hypothesized that PACAP prevents the damage to oBRB and controls choroidal neovascularization through the induction of ADNP. Firstly, we demonstrated that ADNP is expressed in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animals. To validate our hypothesis, we cultured endothelial cells (H5V) forming vessels-like structures, in a conditioned medium (CM) derived from ARPE-19 cells exposed to hyperglycaemic/hypoxic insult, containing a known VEGF concentration. The involvement of PACAP-ADNP axis on oBRB integrity was evaluated through the measurement of trans-epithelial-electrical resistance and permeability assay performed on ARPE cell monolayer cultured in CM and by analysing the expression of two tight junction forming proteins, ZO1 and occludin. By culturing H5V in CM, we demonstrated that PACAP-ADNP axis counteracted vessels-like structures formation promoted by VEGF. In conclusion, the results suggested a primary role of PACAP/ADNP axis in preventing oBRB damage and in controlling aberrant choroidal neovascularization induced by VEGF secreted from RPE cells exposed to hyperglycaemia/hypoxic insult in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Section of System Biology, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Benedetta Magrì
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Cavallaro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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3
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Magrì B, Giunta S, Musumeci G, Saccone S, Federico C, Scollo D, Longo A, Avitabile T, D'Agata V. Regulation of UV-B-Induced Inflammatory Mediators by Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP)-Derived Peptide (NAP) in Corneal Epithelium. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086895. [PMID: 37108060 PMCID: PMC10139171 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086895] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium, representing the outermost layer of the cornea, acts as a barrier to protect the eye against external insults such as ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiations. The inflammatory response induced by these adverse events can alter the corneal structure, leading to visual impairment. In a previous study, we demonstrated the positive effects of NAP, the active fragment of activity-dependent protein (ADNP), against oxidative stress induced by UV-B radiations. Here, we investigated its role to counteract the inflammatory event triggered by this insult contributing to the disruption of the corneal epithelial barrier. The results indicated that NAP treatment prevents UV-B-induced inflammatory processes by affecting IL-1β cytokine expression and NF-κB activation, as well as maintaining corneal epithelial barrier integrity. These findings may be useful for the future development of an NAP-based therapy for corneal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Section of System Biology, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Benedetta Magrì
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Scollo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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4
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Specific RNA m6A modification sites in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from the jawbone marrow of type 2 diabetes patients with dental implant failure. Int J Oral Sci 2023; 15:6. [PMID: 36631441 PMCID: PMC9834262 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-022-00202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure rate of dental implantation in patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is higher than that in non-diabetic patients. This due, in part, to the impaired function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from the jawbone marrow of T2DM patients (DM-BMSCs), limiting implant osseointegration. RNA N6-methyladenine (m6A) is important for BMSC function and diabetes regulation. However, it remains unclear how to best regulate m6A modifications in DM-BMSCs to enhance function. Based on the "m6A site methylation stoichiometry" of m6A single nucleotide arrays, we identified 834 differential m6A-methylated genes in DM-BMSCs compared with normal-BMSCs (N-BMSCs), including 43 and 790 m6A hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes, respectively, and 1 gene containing hyper- and hypomethylated m6A sites. Differential m6A hypermethylated sites were primarily distributed in the coding sequence, while hypomethylated sites were mainly in the 3'-untranslated region. The largest and smallest proportions of m6A-methylated genes were on chromosome 1 and 21, respectively. MazF-PCR and real-time RT-PCR results for the validation of erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 like 3, activity-dependent neuroprotector homeobox (ADNP), growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), and regulator of G protein signalling 2 agree with m6A single nucleotide array results; ADNP and GDF11 mRNA expression decreased in DM-BMSCs. Furthermore, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses suggested that most of these genes were enriched in metabolic processes. This study reveals the differential m6A sites of DM-BMSCs compared with N-BMSCs and identifies candidate target genes to enhance BMSC function and improve implantation success in T2DM patients.
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Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP): An Overview of Its Role in the Eye. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113654. [PMID: 36362439 PMCID: PMC9658893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision is one of the dominant senses in humans and eye health is essential to ensure a good quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent necessity to identify effective therapeutic candidates to reverse the progression of different ocular pathologies. Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is a protein involved in the physio-pathological processes of the eye. Noteworthy, is the small peptide derived from ADNP, known as NAP, which shows protective, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties. Herein, we review the current state of knowledge concerning the role of ADNP in ocular pathologies, while providing an overview of eye anatomy.
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Taheri SL, Rezazadeh M, Hassanzadeh F, Akbari V, Dehghani A, Talebi A, Mostafavi SA. Preparation, physicochemical, and retinal anti-angiogenic evaluation of poloxamer hydrogel containing dexamethasone/avastin-loaded chitosan-N-acetyl-L-cysteine nanoparticles. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 220:1605-1618. [PMID: 36116595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study was meant to describe a Poloxamer hydrogel combining Chitosan-N-acetyl-L-cysteine (CNAC) nanoparticles to increase loading and sustained intravitreal administration of Avastin macromolecule. To increase the drug's efficacy and reduce the interfacial fluid pressure in a formulation, dexamethasone was used. To do so, CNAC was synthesized. Then, Avastin- loaded CNAC nanoparticles were prepared and optimized. The resulting hydrogel's sol-gel transition time and viscosity were determined using poloxamer and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). In vitro and in vivo investigations of Avastin-loaded CNAC nanoparticles and hydrogel comprising dexamethasone/Avastin-loaded CNAC nanoparticles were determined. In vitro, the drug release profile of optimized hydrogel containing Avastin-loaded CNAC nanoparticles was sustained and controlled over 256 h. The obtained results point to poloxamer/HPMC (18 %/0.5 %) as the best formulations for this hydrogel to develop a sol-gel transition. About 97 % of dexamethasone was released from the hydrogel within 18 h. In vivo results indicated that the optimized formulation compared with free Avastin could improve Diabetic retinopathy (DR). Consequently, we infer that this new drug delivery method may enhance Avastin intravitreal administration, lowering the frequency, danger, and expense of heavy intravitreal injections and resulting in improved treatment of posterior eye segment neovascularization and concomitant vitreoretinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Latif Taheri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Rezazadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farshid Hassanzadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Vajihe Akbari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Alireza Dehghani
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Talebi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sayed Abolfazl Mostafavi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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7
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Liu K, Gao X, Hu C, Gui Y, Gui S, Ni Q, Tao L, Jiang Z. Capsaicin ameliorates diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting poldip2-induced oxidative stress. Redox Biol 2022; 56:102460. [PMID: 36088760 PMCID: PMC9468458 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress and the resultant hyperpermeability play a vital role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Poldip2 has been implicated in H2O2 production, but the effects of capsaicin on poldip2 have not been reported. Methods Diabetic Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats induced with STZ were treated with capsaicin or AAV9-poldip2-shRNA, and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were treated with capsaicin or poldip2 siRNA. Results Current data indicated that the expression of PPARγ, poldip2, Nox4, VCAM-1, HIF-1α, and VEGF increased in rat retinas with DR and in HRMECs treated with high glucose. The production of ROS or H2O2 in the tissues, serum, and cells increased, and the paracellular permeability of cultured HRMECs with high glucose significantly increased. In addition, overt hyperpermeability of retinal microvessels and increased retinal neovascularization in diabetic rats were observed. However, capsaicin treatment inhibited these increases and suppressed the expression of PPARγ by enhancing its phosphorylation and ubiquitination in the retinas of DR rats. Poldip2 knockdown in HRMECs or its silencing in the retina of DR rats concomitantly led to reduced levels of Nox4, VCAM-1, HIF-1α, VEGF, ROS, and H2O2, and the paracellular permeability of HRMECs or the hyperpermeability of retinal microvessels in diabetic rat retinas decreased. Similarly, after PPARγ knockdown in HRMECs, poldip2, Nox4, HIF-1α, VEGF, ROS, and H2O2 decreased, and the monolayer paracellular permeability was reduced accordingly. Conclusion Capsaicin may ameliorate diabetic retinopathy by activating TRPV1 and suppressing the PPARγ-poldip2-Nox4 pathway.
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8
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A Broad Overview on Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Role in the Eye: Focus on Its Repairing Effect in Cornea. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution throughout the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in many other peripheral organs. It plays cytoprotective effects mediated mainly through the activation of specific receptors. PACAP is known to play pleiotropic effects on the eye, including the cornea, protecting it against different types of insult. This review firstly provides an overview of the anatomy of the cornea and summarizes data present in literature about PACAP’s role in the eye and, in particular, in the cornea, either in physiological or pathological conditions.
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9
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Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP)-Derived Peptide (NAP) Counteracts UV-B Radiation-Induced ROS Formation in Corneal Epithelium. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11010128. [PMID: 35052632 PMCID: PMC8773440 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11010128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, acts as a dynamic barrier preventing access to harmful agents into the intraocular space. It is subjected daily to different insults, and ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation represents one of the main causes of injury. In our previous study, we demonstrated the beneficial effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) against UV-B radiation damage in the human corneal endothelium. Some of its effects are mediated through the activation of the intracellular factor, known as the activity-dependent protein (ADNP). In the present paper, we have investigated the role of ADNP and the small peptide derived from ADNP, known as NAP, in the corneal epithelium. Here, we have demonstrated, for the first time, ADNP expression in human and rabbit corneal epithelium as well as its protective effect by treating the corneal epithelial cells exposed to UV-B radiations with NAP. Our results showed that NAP treatment prevents ROS formation by reducing UV-B-irradiation-induced apoptotic cell death and JNK signalling pathway activation. Further investigations are needed to deeply investigate the possible therapeutic use of NAP to counteract corneal UV-B damage.
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Rasà DM, Reitano R, Saccone S, Federico C, Magro G, D'Agata V. Modulatory role of PACAP and VIP on HIFs expression in lung adenocarcinoma. Peptides 2021; 146:170672. [PMID: 34627957 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma is the most frequent form of non-small cell lung cancer. Inside the tumor mass, uncontrolled cell proliferation generates hypoxic areas leading to activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) responsible for neovascularization and tumor metastasis. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are two neuropeptides widely distributed in respiratory organs. Previous studies have demonstrated that these peptides interfere with hypoxic pathways in various diseases, including tumors. However, their modulatory role in HIFs expression in lung adenocarcinomas has not yet been evaluated. In the present paper, we detected the expression profile of PACAP, VIP and related receptors in healthy and adenocarcinoma human lung tissue. To characterize peptides' modulatory effects on HIFs expression, we also exposed A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and human normal bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells to microenvironmental hypoxia by treating them with deferoxamine (DFX). The results showed that PACAP and VIP significantly reduced HIF-1α and HIF-2α levels in both cell lines following hypoxic stress. The HIF-3α expression profile was related to cellular phenotype as it was lower in BEAS-2B and higher in A549 cells under low oxygen tension. In lung adenocarcinoma cells, peptide treatment restored HIF-3 α expression to control levels. These results suggest that endogenous PACAP and VIP exert controversial roles in cellular hypoxic microenvironments depending on the pathophysiological conditions of the lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Maria Rasà
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Univer-sity of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita Reitano
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, Universi-ty of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, Universi-ty of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Section of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, G.F. Ingrassia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100, Catania, Italy.
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Vähätupa M, Salonen N, Uusitalo-Järvinen H, Järvinen TAH. Selective Targeting and Tissue Penetration to the Retina by a Systemically Administered Vascular Homing Peptide in Oxygen Induced Retinopathy (OIR). Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111932. [PMID: 34834347 PMCID: PMC8618640 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis is the hallmark of ischemic retinal diseases among them retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) is a pure hypoxia-driven angiogenesis model and a widely used model for ischemic retinopathies. We explored whether the vascular homing peptide CAR (CARSKNKDC) which recognizes angiogenic blood vessels can be used to target the retina in OIR. We were able to demonstrate that the systemically administered CAR vascular homing peptide homed selectively to the preretinal neovessels in OIR. As a cell and tissue-penetrating peptide, CAR also penetrated into the retina. Hyperoxia used to induce OIR in the retina also causes bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the lungs. We showed that the CAR peptide is not targeted to the lungs in normal mice but is targeted to the lungs after hyperoxia-/hypoxia-treatment of the animals. The site-specific delivery of the CAR peptide to the pathologic retinal vasculature and the penetration of the retinal tissue may offer new opportunities for treating retinopathies more selectively and with less side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vähätupa
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; (M.V.); (N.S.); (H.U.-J.)
| | - Niklas Salonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; (M.V.); (N.S.); (H.U.-J.)
| | - Hannele Uusitalo-Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; (M.V.); (N.S.); (H.U.-J.)
- Eye Centre & Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero A. H. Järvinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520 Tampere, Finland; (M.V.); (N.S.); (H.U.-J.)
- Eye Centre & Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Tampere University Hospital, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Correspondence:
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12
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Fallica A, Sorrenti V, D’Amico AG, Salerno L, Romeo G, Intagliata S, Consoli V, Floresta G, Rescifina A, D’Agata V, Vanella L, Pittalà V. Discovery of Novel Acetamide-Based Heme Oxygenase-1 Inhibitors with Potent In Vitro Antiproliferative Activity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13373-13393. [PMID: 34472337 PMCID: PMC8474116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) promotes heme catabolism exercising cytoprotective roles in normal and cancer cells. Herein, we report the design, synthesis, molecular modeling, and biological evaluation of novel HO-1 inhibitors. Specifically, an amide linker in the central spacer and an imidazole were fixed, and the hydrophobic moiety required by the pharmacophore was largely modified. In many tumors, overexpression of HO-1 correlates with poor prognosis and chemoresistance, suggesting the inhibition of HO-1 as a possible antitumor strategy. Accordingly, compounds 7i and 7l-p emerged for their potency against HO-1 and were investigated for their anticancer activity against prostate (DU145), lung (A549), and glioblastoma (U87MG, A172) cancer cells. The selected compounds showed the best activity toward U87MG cells. Compound 7l was further investigated for its in-cell enzymatic HO-1 activity, expression levels, and effects on cell invasion and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) extracellular release. The obtained data suggest that 7l can reduce cell invasivity acting through modulation of HO-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino
N. Fallica
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Sorrenti
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agata G. D’Amico
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Loredana Salerno
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Romeo
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Consoli
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Department
of Analytics, Environmental & Forensics, King’s College London, Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, U.K.
| | - Antonio Rescifina
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Sections
of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological
Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Valeria Pittalà
- Department
of Drug and Health Sciences, University
of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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13
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Maugeri G, D’Amico AG, Saccone S, Federico C, Rasà DM, Caltabiano R, Broggi G, Giunta S, Musumeci G, D’Agata V. Effect of PACAP on Hypoxia-Induced Angiogenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080965. [PMID: 34440169 PMCID: PMC8392618 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts different effects in various human cancer. In glioblastoma (GBM), PACAP has been shown to interfere with the hypoxic micro-environment through the modulation of hypoxia-inducible factors via PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways inhibition. Considering that hypoxic tumor micro-environment is strictly linked to angiogenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition (EMT), in the present study, we have investigated the ability of PACAP to regulate these events. Results have demonstrated that PACAP and its related receptor, PAC1R, are expressed in hypoxic area of human GBM colocalizing either in epithelial or mesenchymal cells. By using an in vitro model of GBM cells, we have observed that PACAP interferes with hypoxic/angiogenic pathway by reducing vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and inhibiting formation of vessel-like structures in H5V endothelial cells cultured with GBM-conditioned medium. Moreover, PACAP treatment decreased the expression of mesenchymal markers such as vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) as well as CD44 in GBM cells by affecting their invasiveness. In conclusion, our study provides new insights regarding the multimodal role of PACAP in GBM malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
| | | | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.F.)
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (S.S.); (C.F.)
| | - Daniela Maria Rasà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
| | - Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Broggi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.C.); (G.B.)
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
| | - Velia D’Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy; (G.M.); (D.M.R.); (S.G.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782147; Fax: +39-095-3782046
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14
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Kvarik T, Reglodi D, Werling D, Vaczy A, Kovari P, Szabo E, Kovacs K, Hashimoto H, Ertl T, Gyarmati J, Atlasz T. The Protective Effects of Endogenous PACAP in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:2546-2557. [PMID: 33895966 PMCID: PMC8602170 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide having trophic and protective functions in neural tissues, including the retina. Previously, we have shown that intravitreal PACAP administration can maintain retinal structure in the animal model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The purpose of this study is to examine the development of ROP in PACAP-deficient and wild-type mice to reveal the function of endogenous PACAP. Wild-type and PACAP-knockout (KO) mouse pups at postnatal day (PD) 7 were maintained at 75% oxygen for 5 consecutive days then returned to room air on PD12 to develop oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). On PD15, animals underwent electroretinography (ERG) to assess visual function. On PD16, eyes were harvested for either immunohistochemistry to determine the percentage of the central avascular retinal area or molecular analysis to assess angiogenesis proteins by array kit and anti-apoptotic protein kinase B (Akt) change by western blot. Retinas of PACAP-deficient OIR mice showed a greater central avascular area than that of the wild types. ERG revealed significantly decreased b-wave amplitude in PACAP KO compared to their controls. Several angiogenic proteins were upregulated due to OIR, and 11 different proteins markedly increased in PACAP-deficient mice, whereas western blot analysis revealed a reduction in Akt phosphorylation, suggesting an advanced cell death in the lack of PACAP. This is the first study to examine the endogenous effect of PACAP in the OIR model. Previously, we have shown the beneficial effect of exogenous local PACAP treatment in the rat OIR model. Together with the present findings, we suggest that PACAP could be a novel retinoprotective agent in ROP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timea Kvarik
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Werling
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Petra Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kovacs
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tibor Ertl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Judit Gyarmati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
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15
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Hu H, Song X, Li Y, Ma T, Bai H, Zhao M, Wang X, Liu L, Gao L. Emodin protects knee joint cartilage in rats through anti-matrix degradation pathway: An in vitro and in vivo study. Life Sci 2021; 269:119001. [PMID: 33421527 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.119001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease and the main cause of disability. We sought to determine the effective concentration of emodin on chondrocytes and to identify the dosage of emodin that induces a comparable therapeutic effect with the COX-2 inhibitor drug, celecoxib that is currently used to treat OA. MATERIAL AND METHODS In vitro experiments induced inflammation of chondrocytes by IL-1β, and an osteoarthritis model was established in vivo by cutting rat anterior cruciate ligament. Western Blot, Real-time PCR, HE staining, Safranin O-green staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, iNOS and COL2A1 on the chondrocytes or the tibial plateau. The cytokine activity and content in serum of six groups of rats were measured by kit. RESULTS It was found that the surface layer of the cartilage was thicker and smoother after the administration of emodin. Tissue expression of MMP-3, MMP-13, ADAMTS-4 and iNOS were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in chondrocytes and cartilage treated with different doses of emodin, and the content of COL2A1 was reversed. Emodin also significantly decreased the blood levels of COX-2 and PGE2. The effective emodin in vitro was 5 μmol/L, whereas emodin at 80 mg/kg was equivalent to celecoxib in vivo. CONCLUSION Emodin reduces the expression of cartilage matrix degradation biomarkers, thereby reducing the degradation of cartilage matrix and protecting the knee joint cartilage. Emodin at 5 μmol/L shows the best concentration to treat chondrocytes, and the protective effect of emodin at 80 mg/kg is comparable to that of celecoxib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xiaopeng Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Tianwen Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Hui Bai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Mingchao Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Li Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin 150030, China.
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16
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Dai J, Zhang Y, Chen D, Chen D, Li X, Wang J, Sun Y. Glabridin inhibits osteoarthritis development by protecting chondrocytes against oxidative stress, apoptosis and promoting mTOR mediated autophagy. Life Sci 2021; 268:118992. [PMID: 33417956 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative disease that affects the elderly. Thus far, no pharmacological therapy approved by regulators has shown a convincing effect on OA. Glabridin, a small molecule, is a well-known and powerful natural antioxidant, which has a strong scavenging effect on free radicals. This study attempted to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of Glabridin on OA both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, Glabridin was found to increase the expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes, Collagen II, Aggrecan (ACAN), SRY-box 9 (SOX9) and proteoglycan 4 (PRG4). Moreover, Glabridin was observed to significantly reduce the level of oxidative stress in OA chondrocytes while effectively reducing the apoptosis of chondrocytes. Glabridin was also found to significantly increase the autophagy of human OA chondrocytes. During the in vivo study, intraarticular injection of Glabridin was observed to alleviate OA progression and protect chondrocytes against apoptosis following anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) in rats. Furthermore, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) mediated autophagy was identified as one of the potential mediators of Glabridin activity. Overall, Glabridin protects articular cartilage from damage in rats with OA by protecting chondrocytes against oxidative stress, apoptosis and promoting mTOR mediated autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihang Dai
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning, China; Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Deng Chen
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Duoyun Chen
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingcheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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17
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D’Amico AG, Maugeri G, Musumeci G, Reglodi D, D’Agata V. PACAP and NAP: Effect of Two Functionally Related Peptides in Diabetic Retinopathy. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1525-1535. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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18
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Lazzara F, Trotta MC, Platania CBM, D'Amico M, Petrillo F, Galdiero M, Gesualdo C, Rossi S, Drago F, Bucolo C. Stabilization of HIF-1α in Human Retinal Endothelial Cells Modulates Expression of miRNAs and Proangiogenic Growth Factors. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1063. [PMID: 32848728 PMCID: PMC7396674 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal hypoxia is one of the causative factors of diabetic retinopathy and is also one of the triggers of VEGF release. We hypothesized that specific dysregulated miRNAs in diabetic retinopathy could be linked to hypoxia-induced damage in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). We investigated in HRECs the effects of chemical (CoCl2) hypoxia on the expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, PlGF, and of a focused set of miRNAs. We found that miR-20a-5p, miR-20b-5p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-206-3p, miR-381-3p correlated also with expression of TGFβ signaling pathway genes in HRECs, challenged with chemical hypoxic stimuli. In conclusion, our data suggest that retinal angiogenesis would be promoted, at least under HIF-1α activation, by upregulation of PlGF and other factors such as miRNAs, VEGFA, and TGFβ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele D'Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marilena Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Gesualdo
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Settimio Rossi
- Eye Clinic, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology-CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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19
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Liu F, Saul AB, Pichavaram P, Xu Z, Rudraraju M, Somanath PR, Smith SB, Caldwell RB, Narayanan SP. Pharmacological Inhibition of Spermine Oxidase Reduces Neurodegeneration and Improves Retinal Function in Diabetic Mice. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E340. [PMID: 31991839 PMCID: PMC7074464 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant cause of blindness in working-age adults worldwide. Lack of effective strategies to prevent or reduce vision loss is a major problem. Since the degeneration of retinal neurons is an early event in the diabetic retina, studies to characterize the molecular mechanisms of diabetes-induced retinal neuronal damage and dysfunction are of high significance. We have demonstrated that spermine oxidase (SMOX), a mediator of polyamine oxidation is critically involved in causing neurovascular damage in the retina. The involvement of SMOX in diabetes-induced retinal neuronal damage is completely unknown. Utilizing the streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes, the impact of the SMOX inhibitor, MDL 72527, on neuronal damage and dysfunction in the diabetic retina was investigated. Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG) and retinal architecture was evaluated using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography. Retinal cryosections were prepared for immunolabeling of inner retinal neurons and retinal lysates were used for Western blotting. We observed a marked decrease in retinal function in diabetic mice compared to the non-diabetic controls. Treatment with MDL 72527 significantly improved the ERG responses in diabetic retinas. Diabetes-induced retinal thinning was also inhibited by the MDL 72527 treatment. Our analysis further showed that diabetes-induced retinal ganglion cell damage and neurodegeneration were markedly attenuated by MDL 72527 treatment. These results strongly implicate SMOX in diabetes-induced retinal neurodegeneration and visual dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (F.L.); (M.R.); (P.R.S.)
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Alan B. Saul
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Prahalathan Pichavaram
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Madhuri Rudraraju
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (F.L.); (M.R.); (P.R.S.)
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Payaningal R. Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (F.L.); (M.R.); (P.R.S.)
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
| | - Sylvia B. Smith
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Ruth B. Caldwell
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (F.L.); (M.R.); (P.R.S.)
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (A.B.S.); (P.P.); (Z.X.); (S.B.S.); (R.B.C.)
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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20
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Rossino MG, Dal Monte M, Casini G. Relationships Between Neurodegeneration and Vascular Damage in Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1172. [PMID: 31787868 PMCID: PMC6856056 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes and constitutes a major cause of vision impairment and blindness in the world. DR has long been described exclusively as a microvascular disease of the eye. However, in recent years, a growing interest has been focused on the contribution of neuroretinal degeneration to the pathogenesis of the disease, and there are observations suggesting that neuronal death in the early phases of DR may favor the development of microvascular abnormalities, followed by the full manifestation of the disease. However, the mediators that are involved in the crosslink between neurodegeneration and vascular changes have not yet been identified. According to our hypothesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) could probably be the most important connecting link between the death of retinal neurons and the occurrence of microvascular lesions. Indeed, VEGF is known to play important neuroprotective actions; therefore, in the early phases of DR, it may be released in response to neuronal suffering, and it would act as a double-edged weapon inducing both neuroprotective and vasoactive effects. If this hypothesis is correct, then any retinal stress causing neuronal damage should be accompanied by VEGF upregulation and by vascular changes. Similarly, any compound with neuroprotective properties should also induce VEGF downregulation and amelioration of the vascular lesions. In this review, we searched for a correlation between neurodegeneration and vasculopathy in animal models of retinal diseases, examining the effects of different neuroprotective substances, ranging from nutraceuticals to antioxidants to neuropeptides and others and showing that reducing neuronal suffering also prevents overexpression of VEGF and vascular complications. Taken together, the reviewed evidence highlights the crucial role played by mediators such as VEGF in the relationship between retinal neuronal damage and vascular alterations and suggests that the use of neuroprotective substances could be an efficient strategy to prevent the onset or to retard the development of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimo Dal Monte
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood "Nutraceuticals and Food for Health", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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21
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Bucolo C, D'Agata V. Protective effect of PACAP-38 on retinal pigmented epithelium in an in vitro and in vivo model of diabetic retinopathy through EGFR-dependent mechanism. Peptides 2019; 119:170108. [PMID: 31247223 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.170108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. In the last years, several in vivo studies have demonstrated the protective role of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP-38) to counteract several alterations occurring during DR. Recently, different studies have demonstrated that some PACAP-38 effects are mediated by EGFR trans-activation, although no data exist regarding the link between this peptide and EGFR in DR. The aim of the present study has been to investigate whether retinal effect of PACAP-38 against high glucose damage is mediated by EGFR phosphorylation. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. After 1 week, a group of animals was treated with a single intravitreal injection of 100 μM PACAP-38 or saline solution. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis have demonstrated that intravitreal injection of PACAP-38 induced p-EGFR over-expression in retina of diabetic rats. Several pathogenic mechanisms may contribute to diabetic retinopathy including BRB alteration. To better clarify the relationship between PACAP-38 and EGFR, we have also carried out a study on ARPE-19 cells, representing a model in vitro of outer BRB. Our results have shown that PACAP-38 treatment improved cell viability in ARPE-19 cells exposed to hyperglycemic/hypoxic insult mimicking tissue microenvironment occurring in DR. Binding to PAC1R, peptide induces EGFR phosphorylation via PKA-signaling cascade stimulation. EGFR trans-activation triggers MAPK/ERK signaling pathway involved in cell survival and proliferation. In conclusion, data have suggested that PACAP-38 acts through EGFR phosphorylation in DR and this effect particularly occurs on RPE layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Department of Human Science and Promotion of quality of Life, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy.
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22
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Neuroprotective Peptides in Retinal Disease. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081146. [PMID: 31374938 PMCID: PMC6722704 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the pathogenesis of many disorders, neuronal death plays a key role. It is now assumed that neurodegeneration is caused by multiple and somewhat converging/overlapping death mechanisms, and that neurons are sensitive to unique death styles. In this respect, major advances in the knowledge of different types, mechanisms, and roles of neurodegeneration are crucial to restore the neuronal functions involved in neuroprotection. Several novel concepts have emerged recently, suggesting that the modulation of the neuropeptide system may provide an entirely new set of pharmacological approaches. Neuropeptides and their receptors are expressed widely in mammalian retinas, where they exert neuromodulatory functions including the processing of visual information. In multiple models of retinal diseases, different peptidergic substances play neuroprotective actions. Herein, we describe the novel advances on the protective roles of neuropeptides in the retina. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms by which peptides affect neuronal death/survival and the vascular lesions commonly associated with retinal neurodegenerative pathologies. The goal is to highlight the therapeutic potential of neuropeptide systems as neuroprotectants in retinal diseases.
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Atlasz T, Werling D, Song S, Szabo E, Vaczy A, Kovari P, Tamas A, Reglodi D, Yu R. Retinoprotective Effects of TAT-Bound Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide. J Mol Neurosci 2019. [PMID: 30542799 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1229-5/figures/7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) belong to the same peptide family and exert a variety of biological functions. Both PACAP and VIP have protective effects in several tissues. While PACAP is known to be a stronger retinoprotective peptide, VIP has very potent anti-inflammatory effects. The need for a non-invasive therapeutic approach has emerged and PACAP has been shown to be retinoprotective when administered in the form of eye drops as well. The cell penetrating peptide TAT is composed of 11 amino acids and tagging of TAT at the C-terminus of neuropeptides PACAP/VIP can enhance the traversing ability of the peptides through the biological barriers. We hypothesized that TAT-bound PACAP and VIP could be more effective in exerting retinoprotective effects when given in eye drops, by increasing the traversing efficacy and enhancing the activation of the PAC1 receptor. Rats were subjected to bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), and retinas were processed for histological analysis 14 days later. The efficiency of the TAT-bound peptides to reach the retina was assessed as well as their cAMP increasing ability. Our present study provides evidence, for the first time, that topically administered PACAP and VIP derivatives (PACAP-TAT and VIP-TAT) attenuate ischemic retinal degeneration via the PAC1 receptor presumably due to a multifactorial protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
- Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - D Werling
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - S Song
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - E Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - D Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Rongjie Yu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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24
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Federico C, Saccone S, Giunta S, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. Involvement of A 3 Adenosine Receptor in Neuroblastoma Progression via Modulation of the Hypoxic/Angiogenic Pathway. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:166-176. [PMID: 31166001 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01346-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. The clinical course may range from spontaneous regression towards ganglioneuroblastoma/ganglioneuroma or maturation to a very aggressive form characterized by an extensive hypoxic area. In solid tumors, extracellular microenvironment hypoxia induces the transcription of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) leading to synthesis of pro-angiogenic factor, VEGF; also, it increases extracellular adenosine production from ATP breakdown. To date, the role of this nucleoside in the hypoxic/angiogenic pathway characterizing the core of cancer mass has not been investigated yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the adenosine effect on modulation of the HIF-1α/2α/VEGF pathway mediated through A3 AR binding. To this end, we have used a selective A3 AR agonist IB-MECA or antagonist VUF 5574 in an in vitro model of malignant undifferentiated and all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, representing the benign form of NB. Our results have shown that specific A3 AR stimulation induces HIF and VEGF expression through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase/Erk kinase signaling cascade. In conclusion, the data suggest that A3 AR may represent a marker of NB malignancy as well as a drug target for treatment of this solid tumor. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 87, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 87, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia, 87, 95123, Catania, Italy.
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25
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Rasà D, Federico C, Saccone S, Lazzara F, Fidilio A, Drago F, Bucolo C, D'Agata V. NAP modulates hyperglycemic-inflammatory event of diabetic retina by counteracting outer blood retinal barrier damage. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:5230-5240. [PMID: 30374973 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular complication of diabetes. Prolonged hyperglycemia stimulates inflammatory pathway characterized by the release of some cytokines leading to the impairment of blood retinal barrier (BRB). NAP exerts a protective effect in various eye diseases, including DR. So far, the role of NAP in the modulation of inflammatory event during early phase of this pathology has not been investigated yet. In the current study, we have studied the retinal protective effect of NAP, injected into the eye, in diabetic rats. NAP treatment exerts a dual effect downregulating interleukin (IL)-1β and its related receptors and upregulating IL-1Ra expression. We have also tested the role of this peptide in human retinal epithelial cells (ARPE19) cultured on a semipermeable support and exposed to hyperglycemic-inflammatory insult, representing a in vitro model of diabetic macular edema, a clinical manifestation of DR. The results have shown that NAP prevents outer BRB impairment by upregulating the tight junctions. In conclusion, deepened characterization of NAP action mechanism on hyperglycemic-inflammatory damage may be useful to develop a new strategy to prevent retinal damage during DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Rasà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Lazzara
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Annamaria Fidilio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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26
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Bucolo C, Drago F, Maisto R, Romano GL, D'Agata V, Maugeri G, Giunta S. Curcumin prevents high glucose damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells through ERK1/2-mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:17295-17304. [PMID: 30770549 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To study the effects of curcumin on human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to high glucose (HG) insult, we performed in vitro studies on RPE cells cultured both in normal and HG conditions to assess the effects of curcumin on the cell viability, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, HO-1 activity, and ERK1/2 expression. RPE cells exposed to HG insult were treated with curcumin. The cell viability, apoptosis, HO-1 activity, ERK, and Nrf2 expression were evaluated. The data indicated that treatment with curcumin caused a significant decrease in terms of apoptosis. Further, curcumin was able to induce HO-1 expression via Nrf2 activation and counteracts the damage elicited by HG. The present study demonstrated that curcumin provides protection against HG-induced damage in RPE cells through the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling that involves the ERK pathway, suggesting that curcumin may have therapeutic value in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO-, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO-, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Maisto
- Facultad de Medicina y Odontologìa Universidad Católica de Valencia "San Vicente Mártir", Valencia, Spain
| | - Giovanni Luca Romano
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Giunta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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27
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Atlasz T, Werling D, Song S, Szabo E, Vaczy A, Kovari P, Tamas A, Reglodi D, Yu R. Retinoprotective Effects of TAT-Bound Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 68:397-407. [PMID: 30542799 PMCID: PMC6581923 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1229-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) belong to the same peptide family and exert a variety of biological functions. Both PACAP and VIP have protective effects in several tissues. While PACAP is known to be a stronger retinoprotective peptide, VIP has very potent anti-inflammatory effects. The need for a non-invasive therapeutic approach has emerged and PACAP has been shown to be retinoprotective when administered in the form of eye drops as well. The cell penetrating peptide TAT is composed of 11 amino acids and tagging of TAT at the C-terminus of neuropeptides PACAP/VIP can enhance the traversing ability of the peptides through the biological barriers. We hypothesized that TAT-bound PACAP and VIP could be more effective in exerting retinoprotective effects when given in eye drops, by increasing the traversing efficacy and enhancing the activation of the PAC1 receptor. Rats were subjected to bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO), and retinas were processed for histological analysis 14 days later. The efficiency of the TAT-bound peptides to reach the retina was assessed as well as their cAMP increasing ability. Our present study provides evidence, for the first time, that topically administered PACAP and VIP derivatives (PACAP-TAT and VIP-TAT) attenuate ischemic retinal degeneration via the PAC1 receptor presumably due to a multifactorial protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary. .,Janos Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary.
| | - D Werling
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - S Song
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - E Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - P Kovari
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - A Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - D Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Group, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Rongjie Yu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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28
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Castrogiovanni P, Saccone S, Federico C, Reibaldi M, Russo A, Bonfiglio V, Avitabile T, Longo A, D'Agata V. PACAP through EGFR transactivation preserves human corneal endothelial integrity. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:10097-10105. [PMID: 30548314 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The corneal endothelium is composed of a single hexagonal-shaped cells layer adherent to the Descemet's membrane. The primary function of these cells is maintaining of tissue clarity by regulating its hydration. Trauma, aging or other pathologies cause their loss, counterbalanced by enlargement of survived cells unable to guarantee an efficient fluid pumping to and from the stroma. Regenerative medicine using human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) isolated from peripheral corneal-scleral tissue of a donor could be an attractive solution, overcoming transplantation problems. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that HCECs treatment with pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) following growth factors deprivation prevents their degeneration. However, the molecular mechanism mediating this effect has not been clarified, yet. Here, we have shown for the first time the expression of PACAP and its receptor (PAC1R) in human corneal endothelium and demonstrated that this peptide, selectively binding to PAC1R, induces epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation and the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway activation. In conclusion, our data have suggested that PACAP could represent an important trophic factor in maintaining human corneal endothelial integrity through EGFR transactivation. Therefore, PACAP, as well as epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor, could co-operate to guarantee tissue physiological functioning by supporting corneal endothelial barrier integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenza Bonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresio Avitabile
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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29
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Maugeri G, D'Amico AG, Rasà DM, Federico C, Saccone S, Morello G, La Cognata V, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. Molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in an in vitro model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:5203-5214. [PMID: 30238989 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons. Based on transcriptional profiles of motor cortex samples, in a previous work, we were able to classify two subgroups of sporadic ALS (SALS) patients, named SALS1 and SALS2. A further meta-analysis study has revealed sixteen drug targets commonly deregulated in SALS2 and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) G93A mice. The identified candidate drug targets included pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2). By using a motor neuron-like hybrid cell line (NSC-34) expressing human SOD1 G93A as an in vitro model of ALS, here we investigated the functional correlation among these three genes. Our results have shown that PACAP increases cell viability following serum deprivation. This effect is induced through EGFR transactivation mediated by protein kinase A stimulation. Furthermore, EGFR phosphorylation activates mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 survival signaling pathway and increases MMP-2 expression, significantly reduced by serum starvation. These results suggest that a deeper characterization of mechanisms involved in PACAP/EGFR/MMP-2 axis activation in G93A SOD1 mutated neurons may allow identifying new targets for ALS therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Maugeri
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata G D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela M Rasà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanna Morello
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Velia D'Agata
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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30
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Adenosine A1 receptor: A neuroprotective target in light induced retinal degeneration. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198838. [PMID: 29912966 PMCID: PMC6005487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Light induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) is a useful model that resembles human retinal degenerative diseases. The modulation of adenosine A1 receptor is neuroprotective in different models of retinal injury. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of the modulation of A1 receptor in LIRD. The eyes of rats intravitreally injected with N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), an A1 agonist, which were later subjected to continuous illumination (CI) for 24 h, showed retinas with a lower number of apoptotic nuclei and a decrease of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) immunoreactive area than controls. Lower levels of activated Caspase 3 and GFAP were demonstrated by Western Blot (WB) in treated animals. Also a decrease of iNOS, TNFα and GFAP mRNA was demonstrated by RT-PCR. A decrease of Iba 1+/MHC-II+ reactive microglial cells was shown by immunohistochemistry. Electroretinograms (ERG) showed higher amplitudes of a-wave, b-wave and oscillatory potentials after CI compared to controls. Conversely, the eyes of rats intravitreally injected with dipropylcyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), an A1 antagonist, and subjected to CI for 24 h, showed retinas with a higher number of apoptotic nuclei and an increase of GFAP immunoreactive area compared to controls. Also, higher levels of activated Caspase 3 and GFAP were demonstrated by Western Blot. The mRNA levels of iNOS, nNOS and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNFα) were not modified by DPCPX treatment. An increase of Iba 1+/MHC-II+ reactive microglial cells was shown by immunohistochemistry. ERG showed that the amplitudes of a-wave, b-wave, and oscillatory potentials after CI were similar to control values. A single pharmacological intervention prior illumination stress was able to swing retinal fate in opposite directions: CPA was neuroprotective, while DPCPX worsened retinal damage. In summary, A1 receptor agonism is a plausible neuroprotective strategy in LIRD.
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31
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Rasà DM, Bucolo C, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. Modulation of IL-1β and VEGF expression in rat diabetic retinopathy after PACAP administration. Peptides 2017; 97:64-69. [PMID: 28964802 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes. Hyperglycemic/hypoxic microenvironment concurs to aberrant angiogenesis characterizing the pathology and activates many downstream target genes including inflammatory cytokines and vasoactive peptides, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It has been largely demonstrated that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) plays a protective effect in DR. In the present study, we investigated the role of PACAP to protect retinal tissue through IL-1β and VEGF expression. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) injection, and one week later a single intravitreal injection of 100μM PACAP was administrated. Analyses of IL-1β and VEGF levels were performed three weeks after diabetes induction. The results demonstrated that a single intraocular administration of PACAP significantly reduced the expression of IL-1β in diabetic animals. Moreover, it affects VEGF and its receptors (VEGFRs) levels and interferes with their retinal layers distribution as showed by confocal microscopy analysis. In particular, PACAP treatment downregulates VEGF and VEGFRs that are increasingly expressed in STZ-treated animals as compared to controls. These results indicate that PACAP plays an important role to attenuate the early phase of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Grazia D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of Life, San Raffaele Open University of Rome, Italy; Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Daniela Maria Rasà
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Federico
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, Italian National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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32
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D'Amico AG, Maugeri G, Rasà DM, La Cognata V, Saccone S, Federico C, Cavallaro S, D'Agata V. NAP counteracts hyperglycemia/hypoxia induced retinal pigment epithelial barrier breakdown through modulation of HIFs and VEGF expression. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:1120-1128. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Agata G. D'Amico
- Department of Human Science and Promotion of Quality of LifeSan Raffaele Open University of RomeItaly
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | - Grazia Maugeri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | - Daniela M. Rasà
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | | | - Salvatore Saccone
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | - Concetta Federico
- Section of Animal Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
| | | | - Velia D'Agata
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological SciencesUniversity of CataniaItaly
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Feng L, Gu C, Li Y, Huang J. High Glucose Promotes CD36 Expression by Upregulating Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ Levels to Exacerbate Lipid Deposition in Renal Tubular Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:1414070. [PMID: 28497039 PMCID: PMC5405368 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1414070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) appears to be closely related to lipid deposition in kidney. The aim of this study was to determine whether high glucose (HG) exacerbated lipid deposition by increasing CD36 expression via AKT-PPARγ signaling pathway. Our results showed that HG activated AKT signaling pathway, followed by an increase in PPARγ that induced CD36 overexpression, ultimately causing lipid deposition in HK-2 cells. We also found that inhibition of AKT-PPARγ signaling pathway or knockdown of CD36 could reduce HG-induced lipid accumulation in HK-2 cells. These results indicated that AKT-PPARγ signaling pathway mediated HG-induced lipid deposition by upregulating CD36 expression in HK-2 cells and that inhibition of AKT-PPARγ signaling pathway had the potential beneficial effects of reducing lipid deposition in diabetic kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Feng
- Graduate School, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Chengwu Gu
- Hospital Infection Control Department, The Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000, China
| | - Yanxia Li
- Hospital Infection Control Department, The Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000, China
| | - Jiasui Huang
- Hospital Infection Control Department, The Suining Central Hospital, Suining 629000, China
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