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Drobnik M, Smólski J, Grądalski Ł, Niemirka S, Młynarska E, Rysz J, Franczyk B. Mechanosensitive Cation Channel Piezo1 Is Involved in Renal Fibrosis Induction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1718. [PMID: 38338996 PMCID: PMC10855652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, the result of different pathological processes, impairs kidney function and architecture, and usually leads to renal failure development. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel highly expressed in kidneys. Activation of Piezo1 by mechanical stimuli increases cations influx into the cell with slight preference of calcium ions. Two different models of Piezo1 activation are considered: force through lipid and force through filament. Expression of Piezo1 on mRNA and protein levels was confirmed within the kidney. Their capacity is increased in the fibrotic kidney. The pharmacological tools for Piezo1 research comprise selective activators of the channels (Yoda1 and Jedi1/2) as well as non-selective inhibitors (spider peptide toxin) GsMTx4. Piezo1 is hypothesized to be the upstream element responsible for the activation of integrin. This pathway (calcium/calpain2/integrin beta1) is suggested to participate in profibrotic response induced by mechanical stimuli. Administration of the Piezo1 unspecific inhibitor or activators to unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) mice or animals with folic acid-induced fibrosis modulates extracellular matrix deposition and influences kidney function. All in all, according to the recent data Piezo1 plays an important role in kidney fibrosis development. This channel has been selected as the target for pharmacotherapy of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Drobnik
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Jakub Smólski
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Łukasz Grądalski
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Szymon Niemirka
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Ewelina Młynarska
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Franczyk
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
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Hu J, Zhang X, Ma F, Huang C, Jiang Y. LncRNA CASC2 Alleviates Renal Interstitial Inflammation and Fibrosis through MEF2C Downregulation-Induced Hinderance of M1 Macrophage Polarization. Nephron Clin Pract 2023; 148:245-263. [PMID: 38142674 DOI: 10.1159/000531919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) cancer susceptibility candidate 2 (CASC2) alleviates the progression of diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis. This study investigated how CASC2 impacts renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) through regulating M1 macrophage (M1) polarization. METHOD Nine-week-old mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) establishment. Macrophages were induced toward M1 polarization using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and cocultured with fibroblasts to examine how M1 polarization influences RIF. LnCeCell predicted that CASC2 interacted with myocyte enhancer factor 2 C (MEF2C), which was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. CASC2/MEF2C overexpression was achieved by lentivirus-expressing lncRNA CASC2 injection in vivo or CASC2 and MEF2C transfection in vitro. Renal injury was evaluated through biochemical analysis and hematoxylin-eosin/Masson staining. Macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization in the kidney and/or macrophages were detected by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and/or quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expressions of CASC2, MEF2C, and markers related to inflammation/M1/fibrosis in the kidney/macrophages/fibroblasts were analyzed by qRT-PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and/or Western blot. RESULT In the kidneys of mice, CASC2 was downregulated and macrophage infiltration was promoted time-dependently from days 3 to 14 post-UUO induction; CASC2 overexpression alleviated renal histological abnormalities, hindered macrophage infiltration and M1 polarization, downregulated renal function markers serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and inflammation/M1/fibrosis-related makers, and offset UUO-induced MEF2C upregulation. LncRNA CASC2 overexpression inhibited fibroblast fibrosis and M1 polarization in cocultured fibroblasts with LPS-activated macrophages. Also, CASC2 bound to MEF2C and inhibited its expression in LPS-activated macrophages. Furthermore, MEF2C reversed the inhibitory effects of lncRNA CASC2 overexpression. CONCLUSION CASC2 alleviates RIF by inhibiting M1 polarization through directly downregulating MEF2C expression. CASC2 might represent a promising value of future investigations on treatment for RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Hu
- Department of Nephrology, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Ma
- Department of Nephrology, HongHui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yali Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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3
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He S, Yao L, Li J. Role of MCP-1/CCR2 axis in renal fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic targeting. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35613. [PMID: 37861543 PMCID: PMC10589562 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common pathological manifestation in various chronic kidney diseases. Inflammation plays a central role in renal fibrosis development. Owing to their significant participation in inflammation and autoimmunity, chemokines have always been the hot spot and focus of scientific research and clinical intervention. Among the chemokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), also known as C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, together with its main receptor C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) are important chemokines in renal fibrosis. The MCP-1/CCR2 axis is activated when MCP-1 binds to CCR2. Activation of MCP-1/CCR2 axis can induce chemotaxis and activation of inflammatory cells, and initiate a series of signaling cascades in renal fibrosis. It mediates and promotes renal fibrosis by recruiting monocyte, promoting the activation and transdifferentiation of macrophages. This review summarizes the complex physical processes of MCP-1/CCR2 axis in renal fibrosis and addresses its general mechanism in renal fibrosis by using specific examples, together with the progress of targeting MCP-1/CCR2 in renal fibrosis with a view to providing a new direction for renal fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang He
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
- Basic and Applied Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
| | - Lan Yao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
- Blood Purification Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
- Basic and Applied Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zunyi Medical University Zhuhai Campus, Zhuhai, China
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Yuan H, You Y, He Y, Wei Y, Zhang Y, Min H, Li C, Chen J. Crystalline Silica-Induced Proinflammatory Interstitial Macrophage Recruitment through Notch3 Signaling Promotes the Pathogenesis of Silicosis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14502-14514. [PMID: 37721423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Crystalline silica (CS) particles are ubiquitous in the environment, especially in occupational conditions, and exposure to respirable CS causes silicosis. The initial response to CS is mediated by innate immunity, where pulmonary macrophages act as central orchestrators. However, the repercussions of CS on functionally distinct macrophage subsets remain to be inconclusive. Herein, to study the effects of inhaled CS, we divided macrophages into three subsets: circulating monocytes, interstitial macrophages (IMs), and alveolar macrophages (AMs). CS-induced massive IMs increase in the lung, the phenotype and function of which differed from those of tissue-resident AMs and circulating monocytes. The augmented IMs were driven by recruitment of circulating macrophages rather than cell proliferation in situ. Moreover, the IMs predominantly exerted a classic activated (M1) phenotype and expressed proinflammatory cytokines, contributing to CS-induced lung injury. Notably, we demonstrated that IMs augmented Notch3 expression. Mechanistically, using myeloid-specific Notch3-knockout mice, we demonstrated that Notch3 signaling not only promoted IMs recruitment by regulating CCR2 expression but also manipulated the proinflammatory phenotype. Mice with conditional Notch3-knockout exhibited alleviation of CS-induced inflammation and fibrosis in lung. Overall, our study identifies IMs as critical mediators in response to CS and highlights the role of Notch3 in IMs recruitment and activation, providing new insights into CS toxicological effects in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Yichuan You
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Yangyang He
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Yungeng Wei
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Chao Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention, (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, PR China
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Liang SQ, Li PH, Hu YY, Zhao JL, Shao FZ, Kuang F, Ren KX, Wei TX, Fan F, Feng L, Han H, Qin HY. Myeloid-specific blockade of notch signaling alleviates dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease by dominantly regulating resident microglia activation through NF-κB signaling. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1193081. [PMID: 37680624 PMCID: PMC10481959 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1193081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Yolk sac-derived microglia and peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages play a key role during Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. However, the regulatory mechanism of microglia/macrophage activation and function in PD pathogenesis remains unclear. Recombination signal-binding protein Jκ (RBP-J)-mediated Notch signaling regulates macrophage development and activation. In this study, with an 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) hydrochloride-induced acute murine PD model, we found that Notch signaling was activated in amoeboid microglia accompanied by a decrease in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. Furthermore, using myeloid-specific RBP-J knockout (RBP-JcKO) mice combined with a PD model, our results showed that myeloid-specific disruption of RBP-J alleviated dopaminergic neurodegeneration and improved locomotor activity. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that the number of infiltrated inflammatory macrophages and activated major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II+ microglia decreased in RBP-JcKO mice compared with control mice. Moreover, to block monocyte recruitment by using chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 (CCR2) knockout mice, the effect of RBP-J deficiency on dopaminergic neurodegeneration was not affected, indicating that Notch signaling might regulate neuroinflammation independent of CCR2+ monocyte infiltration. Notably, when microglia were depleted with the PLX5622 formulated diet, we found that myeloid-specific RBP-J knockout resulted in more TH+ neurons and fewer activated microglia. Ex vitro experiments demonstrated that RBP-J deficiency in microglia might reduce inflammatory factor secretion, TH+ neuron apoptosis, and p65 nuclear translocation. Collectively, our study first revealed that RBP-J-mediated Notch signaling might participate in PD progression by mainly regulating microglia activation through nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qian Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Peng-Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yi-Yang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jun-Long Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fang-Ze Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fang Kuang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kai-Xi Ren
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tiao-Xia Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Lei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hua Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong-Yan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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6
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Wu Y, Liang M, Huang F, Cheng OH, Xiao X, Lee TH, Truong L, Cheng J. Notch Blockade Specifically in Bone Marrow-Derived FSP-1-Positive Cells Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020214. [PMID: 36672147 PMCID: PMC9856686 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020214] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infiltration of inflammatory cells during a kidney injury stimulates myofibroblast activation leading to kidney fibrosis. Fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1) positive cells have been reported as either myofibroblasts or monocytes during tissue fibrosis. The functions of FSP-1+ cells that are associated with the development of renal fibrosis and the signaling pathways that regulate FSP-1+ cell activation have not been well defined. METHODS In mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), we characterized FSP-1+ cells and determined the role of the Notch signaling pathway in the activation of bone marrow-derived FSP-1+ cells during kidney fibrosis. RESULTS In kidneys from mice with UUO, the FSP-1+ cells accumulated significantly in the tubulointerstitial area. By using immunostaining and FSP-1 reporter mice, we found that FSP-1 was co-stained with inflammatory cell markers, but not myofibroblast markers. Results from mice with bone marrow transplantations showed that FSP-1+ cells in obstructed kidneys represent a bone marrow-derived population of inflammatory cells. In cultured FSP-1+ cells, the inhibition of Notch signaling suppressed the activation and cytokine secretion of FSP-1+ cells that were induced by LPS but not by IL-4. The specific KO or blockade of Notch signaling in bone marrow-derived FSP-1+ cells suppressed UUO-induced ECM deposition, the infiltration of FSP-1+ inflammatory cells, and cytokine production. These responses ameliorated myofibroblast accumulation and renal fibrosis in obstructed kidneys. CONCLUSION Our study reveals that most FSP-1+ cells in obstructed kidneys are activated macrophages that are derived from bone marrow and that Notch signaling activates the production of M1 cytokines in FSP-1+ monocytes/macrophages, which is important for renal inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdong Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (J.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-2698 (J.C.); Fax: +1-713-798-5010 (J.C.)
| | - Fengzhang Huang
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Owen H. Cheng
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoguang Xiao
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Lee
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luan Truong
- Department of Pathology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jizhong Cheng
- Selzman Institute for Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (J.C.); Tel.: +1-713-798-2698 (J.C.); Fax: +1-713-798-5010 (J.C.)
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Jieduquyuzishen Prescription Attenuates Renal Fibrosis in MRL/lpr Mice via Inhibiting EMT and TGF- β1/Smad2/3 Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4987323. [PMID: 35591863 PMCID: PMC9113882 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4987323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Jieduquyuziyin prescription (JP) has been used to treat lupus nephritis (LN) and its effectiveness in the treatment of LN has been clinically proven, but the underlying mechanisms have yet to be completely understood. This aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy of JP on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells and the molecular mechanisms of JP in MRL/lpr mice. In vivo, we observed the therapeutic actions of JP in MRL/lpr mice as well as its antifibrosis effect and potential mechanism. In vitro, we evaluated the role of JP in EMT and its possible mechanism through the EMT of human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) induced by transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and M2c macrophages. HK-2 cells were treated with JP-treated serum, and MRL/lpr mice were treated by JP for 8 weeks. The results showed that JP alleviated disease activity, improved renal function, decreased proteinuria, and improved renal injury and fibrosis in MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, JP suppressed the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, upregulated the E-cadherin levels, and downregulated the Vimentin and mesenchymal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels in the kidney of MRL/lpr mice. JP was further found to prevent the TGF-β1 and M2c macrophages-induced EMT of HK-2 cells. Collectively, JP could alleviate the disease activity of MRL/lpr mice, improve renal function, and attenuate renal fibrosis, and its underlying mechanisms may be related to the inhibition of EMT and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
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8
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Peng D, Fu M, Wang M, Wei Y, Wei X. Targeting TGF-β signal transduction for fibrosis and cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:104. [PMID: 35461253 PMCID: PMC9033932 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has long been identified with its intensive involvement in early embryonic development and organogenesis, immune supervision, tissue repair, and adult homeostasis. The role of TGF-β in fibrosis and cancer is complex and sometimes even contradictory, exhibiting either inhibitory or promoting effects depending on the stage of the disease. Under pathological conditions, overexpressed TGF-β causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation, which leads to fibrotic disease, and cancer. Given the critical role of TGF-β and its downstream molecules in the progression of fibrosis and cancers, therapeutics targeting TGF-β signaling appears to be a promising strategy. However, due to potential systemic cytotoxicity, the development of TGF-β therapeutics has lagged. In this review, we summarized the biological process of TGF-β, with its dual role in fibrosis and tumorigenesis, and the clinical application of TGF-β-targeting therapies.
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9
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Driving role of macrophages in transition from acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:757-766. [PMID: 35671177 PMCID: PMC9276339 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002100] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI), characterized by acute renal dysfunction, is an increasingly common clinical problem and an important risk factor in the subsequent development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Regardless of the initial insults, the progression of CKD after AKI involves multiple types of cells, including renal resident cells and immune cells such as macrophages. Recently, the involvements of macrophages in AKI-to-CKD transition have garnered significant attention. Furthermore, substantial progress has also been made in elucidating the pathophysiological functions of macrophages from the acute kidney to repair or fibrosis. In this review, we highlight current knowledge regarding the roles and mechanisms of macrophage activation and phenotypic polarization, and transdifferentiation in the development of AKI-to-CKD transition. In addition, the potential of macrophage-based therapy for preventing AKI-to-CKD transition is also discussed.
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10
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He Y, Deng B, Liu S, Luo S, Ning Y, Pan X, Wan R, Chen Y, Zhang Z, Jiang J, Xu H, Xia M, Li J. Myeloid
Piezo1
Deletion Protects Renal Fibrosis by Restraining Macrophage Infiltration and Activation. Hypertension 2022; 79:918-931. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Macrophages play important roles in renal fibrosis, partially by sensing mechanical forces, including shear stress and increased stiffness. The mechanically activated cationic channel Piezo1 drives vascular formation and blood pressure regulation to inflammatory responses, or cancer, but its role in macrophages in fibrotic kidney is elusive. Here, we hypothesized that Piezo1 in macrophages may have functions in renal fibrosis.
Methods:
We established a genetically engineered mouse model with Piezo1 specific knockout in myeloid cells and challenged with unilateral ureteric obstruction operation and folic acid treatment to induce the renal fibrosis, aiming to investigate the function of the mechanical-sensitive protein Piezo1 in macrophages in renal fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms.
Results:
Myeloid
Piezo1
was indispensable for renal fibrosis generation.
Piezo1
gene deletion in the myeloid lineage was protective in mice with renal fibrosis. Further analyses revealed that macrophage accumulation in the injured kidney depended on the Piezo1-regulated C-C motif chemokine ligand 2, C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 pathway, and Notch signaling cascade. Moreover,
Piezo1
deletion restrained macrophage inflammation and consequently suppressed kidney fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vitro assays showed that
Piezo1
deficiency blocked lipopolysaccharide and Piezo1 activation-induced inflammatory responses in bone marrow–derived macrophages. Mechanistically, Piezo1 regulated inflammation through the Ca
2+
-dependent intracellular cysteine protease, as the pharmacological inhibition of calpain blocked the proinflammatory role of Piezo1.
Conclusions:
This study characterized the important function of Piezo1 in renal fibrosis. Targeting the Piezo1 channels by genetic or pharmacological manipulations may be a promising strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu He
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Bo Deng
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Silin Liu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Shangfei Luo
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Yile Ning
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Xianmei Pan
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Rentao Wan
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Yuan Chen
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Jintao Jiang
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Honglin Xu
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
| | - Mingfeng Xia
- Medical Research Center, Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China (M.X.)
| | - Jing Li
- Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. (Y.H., B.D., S. Liu, S. Luo, Y.N., X.P., R.W., Y.C., Z.Z., J.J., H.X., J.L.)
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, United Kingdom (J.L.)
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11
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Wu Q, Sun S, Wei L, Liu M, Liu H, Liu T, Zhou Y, Jia Q, Wang D, Yang Z, Duan M, Yang X, Gao P, Ning X. Twist1 regulates macrophage plasticity to promote renal fibrosis through galectin-3. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:137. [PMID: 35182235 PMCID: PMC8858306 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is the pathological basis of end-stage renal disease, in which the heterogeneity of macrophages in renal microenvironment plays an important role. However, the molecular mechanisms of macrophage plasticity during renal fibrosis progression remain unclear. In this study, we found for the first time that increased expression of Twist1 in macrophages was significantly associated with the severity of renal fibrosis in IgA nephropathy patients and mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Ablation of Twist1 in macrophages markedly alleviated renal tubular injury and renal fibrosis in UUO mice, accompanied by a lower extent of macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization in the kidney. The knockdown of Twist1 inhibited the chemotaxis and migration of macrophages, at least partially, through the CCL2/CCR2 axis. Twist1 downregulation inhibited M2 macrophage polarization and reduced the secretion of the profibrotic factors Arg-1, MR (CD206), IL-10, and TGF-β. Galectin-3 was decreased in the macrophages of the conditional Twist1-deficient mice, and Twist1 was shown to directly activate galectin-3 transcription. Up-regulation of galectin-3 recovered Twist1-mediated M2 macrophage polarization. In conclusion, Twist1/galectin-3 signaling regulates macrophage plasticity (M2 phenotype) and promotes renal fibrosis. This study could suggest new strategies for delaying kidney fibrosis in patients with chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Geriatrics, Ninth Hospital of Xi'an City, Xi'an, 710054, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minna Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qing Jia
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhen Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Menglu Duan
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoxia Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 2B. 71B, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.,Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle, Room 3B.71, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Ning
- Department of Geriatrics, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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12
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Li S, Fan H, Liu L, Ling J, Wu Y. Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway reduces angiogenesis in hypertrophic scar. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2021; 46:1195-1202. [PMID: 34911853 PMCID: PMC10929850 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2021.210234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hypertrophic scar (HS) is the most common pathological scar in clinical practice. During its formation, angiogenesis-related factors show dynamic expression. Modern studies have found that Notch signaling pathway has an extremely important role in maintaining the construction and remodeling of vascular endothelial cells and vascular network. The correlation between Notch signaling pathway and angiogenesis in hypertrophic scar has been rarely reported. This study aims to investigate correlation between Notch signaling pathway and the expression of angiogenic factors in a proliferative scar model. METHODS A total of 81 Sprague Dawley rats (SPF grade) were randomly assigned into a blank control group, a model group, and a blocker group. In the blocker group, a 2 cm diameter circular scald head was placed on the back of the rats for 10 s at 75 ℃ by using a constant temperature and pressure electrothermal scalding apparatus to form a rat deep II° burn model, and a hyperplastic scar model rat was obtained after natural healing of the wound skin (21 to 23 day epithelialization). A syringe was used to inject a needle from the normal skin around the scar at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 14th days after modeling. The γ-secretase inhibitor was injected locally at 2 mg/kg in a dilution of 0.1 mL at the base of the scar. The rats in the model group was injected with the same amount of saline after modeling; the rats in the blank control group was injected with the same amount of saline. Nine rats in each group was randomly killed by air embolization at the 21st, 28th, and 35th days, respectively. The protein expressions of collagen type I (COL-I) and collagen type III (COL-III) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin 1 (Ang1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS Immunohistochemical results showed that, at the 21st,28th, and 35th days, the protein expressions of COL-I and COL-III in the model group were up-regulated compared with the blank control group (all P<0.05) and the protein expressions of COL-I and COL-III in the blocker group were decreased compared with the model group (all P<0.05). Western blotting showed that, at the 21st, 28th, and 35th days, the protein expressions of VEGF, Ang1, TGF-β1, and MMP-2 in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group (all P<0.05). Except for the 21st day, the protein expressions of VEGF, Ang1, TGF-β1, and MMP-2 in the blocker group were lower than those in the model group at the 28th and 35th days (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In the Sprague Dawley rat proliferative scar model, inhibition of Notch signaling pathway could attenuate the expressions of COL-I and COL-III, reduce traumatic scar proliferation, down-regulate the expressions of VEGF, Ang1, TGF-β1, and MMP-2, and inhibit angiogenesis. The expressions of angiogenesis-related factors appeare to be up-regulated during the formation of proliferative scar. When the Notch signaling pathway is inhibited, the up-regulated angiogenic factors show a decreasing trend and the proliferative scar is alleviated, which suggests that Notch signaling pathway may affect the formation of hyperplastic scar by regulating the expression of angiogenic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlian Li
- Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208.
| | - Hongqiao Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Lifang Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China.
| | - Jie Ling
- Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
| | - Yuwei Wu
- Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
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13
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Is the Macrophage Phenotype Determinant for Fibrosis Development? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121747. [PMID: 34944564 PMCID: PMC8698841 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathophysiological process of wound repair that leads to the deposit of connective tissue in the extracellular matrix. This complication is mainly associated with different pathologies affecting several organs such as lung, liver, heart, kidney, and intestine. In this fibrotic process, macrophages play an important role since they can modulate fibrosis due to their high plasticity, being able to adopt different phenotypes depending on the microenvironment in which they are found. In this review, we will try to discuss whether the macrophage phenotype exerts a pivotal role in the fibrosis development in the most important fibrotic scenarios.
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14
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Cong S, Liu Y, Li Y, Chen Y, Chen R, Zhang B, Yu L, Hu Y, Zhao X, Mu M, Cheng M, Huang Z. MiR-571 affects the development and progression of liver fibrosis by regulating the Notch3 pathway. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21854. [PMID: 34750395 PMCID: PMC8575893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00638-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploring the expression of miR-571 in patients with liver fibrosis and its role in the progression of liver fibrosis. A total of 74 patients with liver fibrosis in our institution from September to December 2018 were collected for study, and the expression of miR-571, Notch3 and Jagged1 in patients with different progressions of liver fibrosis was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Set up Notch3 up group and Notch3 down regulated group, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the effect of Notch signaling on the expression of fibrogenic factors. CCK-8, cell scratch assays, Transwell assays, flow cytometry were used to determine the effect of miR-571 on LX-2 proliferation, migration, apoptosis in human stem stellate cells, and RT-PCR, Western blot assays were performed to determine the effect of miR-571 on the Notch3 signaling pathway and the expression of profibrogenic factors. miR-571, Notch3 and Jagged1 are up-regulated in patients with liver fibrosis and is associated with the progression of liver fibrosis. Notch3 signaling pathway can promote the expression of fibroblast in human hepatic stellate cells; miR-571 can inhibit the apoptosis of human hepatic stellate cells, promote cell proliferation and migration; up regulation of miR-571 can promote the expression of Notch3 and Jagged1, and up-regulation of miR-571 also promoted the expression of related fibroblasts. MiR-571 can promote the activation of human stem cell stellate cells and the expression of fibroblast related factors through Notch3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Cong
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.,Clinical Laboratory Center, Guizhou Cancer Hospital, 1, Beijing West Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yi Li
- College of Medical Laboratory, Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Baofang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guiyang Province, 63 Ruijin South Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yaxin Hu
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang City, Guizhou, China
| | - Xueke Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Mao Mu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Mingliang Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Zhi Huang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, China. .,Department of interventional radiology, the Affiliated Baiyun Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550005, P. R. China.
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15
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Chen M, Wen X, Gao Y, Liu B, Zhong C, Nie J, Liang H. IRF-4 deficiency reduces inflammation and kidney fibrosis after folic acid-induced acute kidney injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 100:108142. [PMID: 34555644 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The chronic phase following toxin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by robust inflammation and progressive kidney fibrosis. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF-4) is a type of multifunctional transcription factor that has been deeply linked to inflammation and fibrotic diseases. However, the role of IRF-4 in kidney damage and renal fibrosis after toxin-induced AKI remain to be explored. In this work, we examined the effect of IRF-4 deficiency on inflammation and kidney fibrosis in an AKI-chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition model induced by folic acid (FA) injury. We showed that FA treatment resulted in severe acute tubular injury followed by inflammatory reaction and interstitial fibrosis in wild-type mice. A sharp elevation of IRF-4 levels was observed in FA-injured kidneys. IRF-4 knockout led to a substantial reduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins deposition and inhibited myofibroblasts transformation in the kidneys of mice subjected to FA treatment. In addition, IRF-4 ablation impaired F4/80+ macrophages and CD3+ T lymphocytes infiltration into the FA-injured kidneys. Loss of IRF-4 reduced the production of inflammatory molecules such as CXCL16, IL-18, IL-6, and TGF-β1 in the kidneys in response to FA stress. Following FA injury, the kidneys of IRF-4 knockout mice had fewer bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts than wild-type controls. Moreover, IRF-4 disruption inhibited macrophages to myofibroblasts differentiation in the kidneys in response to FA stimuli. In vitro, IL-4 stimulated expression of α-smooth muscle actin and ECM proteins and promoted M2 macrophages to myofibroblasts transition in mouse bone marrow-derived monocytes, which was abolished in the absence of IRF-4. Thus, we identified an important role of IRF-4 in the pathogenesis of progressive CKD following FA-induced AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Foshan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Xianjie Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Benquan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Chaoqun Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Jiayi Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China.
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16
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Jiao B, An C, Tran M, Du H, Wang P, Zhou D, Wang Y. Pharmacological Inhibition of STAT6 Ameliorates Myeloid Fibroblast Activation and Alternative Macrophage Polarization in Renal Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:735014. [PMID: 34512669 PMCID: PMC8426438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.735014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of chronic kidney disease is renal fibrosis, which can result in progressive loss of kidney function. Currently, there is no effective therapy for renal fibrosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify potential drug targets for renal fibrosis. In this study, we examined the effect of a selective STAT6 inhibitor, AS1517499, on myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and development of renal fibrosis in two experimental murine models. To investigate the effect of STAT6 inhibition on myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and kidney fibrosis, wild-type mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction or folic acid administration and treated with AS1517499. Mice treated with vehicle were used as control. At the end of experiments, kidneys were harvested for analysis of myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and renal fibrosis and function. Unilateral ureteral obstruction or folic acid administration induced STAT6 activation in interstitial cells of the kidney, which was significantly abolished by AS1517499 treatment. Mice treated with AS1517499 accumulated fewer myeloid fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the kidney with ureteral obstruction or folic acid nephropathy compared with vehicle-treated mice. Moreover, AS1517499 significantly suppressed M2 macrophage polarization in the injured kidney. Furthermore, AS1517499 markedly reduced the expression levels of extracellular matrix proteins, and development of kidney fibrosis and dysfunction. These findings suggest that AS1517499 inhibits STAT6 activation, suppresses myeloid fibroblast activation, reduces M2 macrophage polarization, attenuates extracellular matrix protein production, and preserves kidney function. Therefore, targeting STAT6 with AS1517499 is a novel therapeutic approach for chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihai Jiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Changlong An
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Melanie Tran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Hao Du
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Dong Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
- Renal Section, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States
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17
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Wang X, Chen J, Xu J, Xie J, Harris DCH, Zheng G. The Role of Macrophages in Kidney Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:705838. [PMID: 34421643 PMCID: PMC8378534 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.705838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity of macrophages confer on them complexed roles in the development and progression of kidney diseases. After kidney injury, bone marrow-derived monocytes are rapidly recruited to the glomerulus and tubulointerstitium. They are activated and differentiated on site into pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, which initiate Th1-type adaptive immune responses and damage normal tissues. In contrast, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages induce Th2-type immune responses, secrete large amounts of TGF-β and anti-inflammatory cytokines, transform into αSMA+ myofibroblasts in injured kidney, inhibit immune responses, and promote wound healing and tissue fibrosis. Previous studies on the role of macrophages in kidney fibrosis were mainly focused on inflammation-associated injury and injury repair. Apart from macrophage-secreted profibrotic cytokines, such as TGF-β, evidence for a direct contribution of macrophages to kidney fibrosis is lacking. However, under inflammatory conditions, Wnt ligands are derived mainly from macrophages and Wnt signaling is central in the network of multiple profibrotic pathways. Largely underinvestigated are the direct contribution of macrophages to profibrotic signaling pathways, macrophage phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity in relation to kidney fibrosis, and on their cross-talk with other cells in profibrotic signaling networks that cause fibrosis. Here we aim to provide an overview on the roles of macrophage phenotypic and functional diversity in their contribution to pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, and on the therapeutic potential of targeting macrophages for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianwei Chen
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun Xie
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Birth Defect and Cell Regeneration, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - David C. H. Harris
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guoping Zheng
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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18
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Feng X, Gao X, Wang S, Huang M, Sun Z, Dong H, Yu H, Wang G. PPAR-α Agonist Fenofibrate Prevented Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting M1 Macrophages via Improving Endothelial Cell Function in db/db Mice. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:652558. [PMID: 34268320 PMCID: PMC8275839 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.652558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major diabetic microvascular complications, and macrophage polarization plays a key role in the development of DN. Endothelial cells regulate macrophage polarization. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α agonists were demonstrated to prevent DN and improve endothelial function. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether PPAR-α agonists prevented DN through regulating macrophage phenotype via improving endothelial cell function. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BLKS/J db/m and db/db mice were given fenofibrate or 1% sodium carboxyl methylcellulose by gavage for 12 weeks. Results: Db/db mice presented higher urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) than db/m mice, and fenofibrate decreased UACR in db/db mice. Fibrosis and collagen I were elevated in db/db mouse kidneys compared with db/m mouse kidneys; however, they were decreased after fenofibrate treatment in db/db mouse kidneys. Apoptosis and cleaved caspase-3 were enhanced in db/db mouse kidneys compared to db/m mouse kidneys, while fenofibrate decreased them in db/db mouse kidneys. Db/db mice had a suppression of p-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)/t-eNOS and nitric oxide (NO), and an increase of angiopoietin-2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in kidneys compared with db/m mice, and fenofibrate increased p-eNOS/t-eNOS and NO, and decreased angiopoietin-2 and ROS in db/db mouse kidneys. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and Notch1 were promoted in db/db mouse kidneys compared with db/m mouse kidneys, and were reduced after fenofibrate treatment in db/db mouse kidneys. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence staining indicated that M1 macrophage recruitment was enhanced in db/db mouse kidneys compared to db/m mouse kidneys, and this was accompanied by a significant increase of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in kidneys and in serum of db/db mice compared with db/m mice. However, fenofibrate inhibited the renal M1 macrophage recruitment and cytokines associated with M1 macrophages in db/db mice. Conclusions: Our study indicated that M1 macrophage recruitment due to the upregulated HIF-1α/Notch1 pathway induced by endothelial cell dysfunction involved in type 2 diabetic mouse renal injury, and PPAR-α agonist fenofibrate prevented DN by reducing M1 macrophage recruitment via inhibiting HIF-1α/Notch1 pathway regulated by endothelial cell function in type 2 diabetic mouse kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxiu Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhencheng Sun
- Department of Osteology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hengbei Dong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haitian Yu
- Education Division, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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19
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Zhang N, Yang K, Bai J, Yi J, Gao C, Zhao J, Liang S, Wei T, Feng L, Song L, Han H, Qin H. Myeloid-specific blockade of Notch signaling alleviates murine pulmonary fibrosis through regulating monocyte-derived Ly6c lo MHCII hi alveolar macrophages recruitment and TGF-β secretion. FASEB J 2020; 34:11168-11184. [PMID: 32638441 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201903086rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages in lung, including resident alveolar macrophages (AMs) and interstitial macrophages (IMs), and monocyte-derived macrophages, play important roles in pulmonary fibrosis (PF), but mechanisms underlying their differential regulation remain unclear. Recombination signal-binding protein Jκ (RBP-J)-mediated Notch signaling regulates macrophage development and phenotype. Here, using bleomycin-induced fibrosis model combined with myeloid-specific RBP-J disruption (RBP-JcKO ) mouse, we investigated the role of Notch signaling in macrophages during PF. Compared with the control, RBP-JcKO mice exhibited alleviated lung fibrosis as manifested by reduced collagen deposition and inflammation, and decreased TGF-β production. FACS analysis suggested that decreased Ly6clo MHCIIhi AMs might make the major contribution to attenuated fibrogenesis in RBP-JcKO mice, probably by reduced inflammatory factor release and enhanced matrix metalloproteinases expression. Using clodronate-mediated macrophage depletion in RBP-JckO mice, we demonstrated that embryonic-derived AMs play negligible role in lung fibrosis, which was further supported by adoptive transfer experiments. Moreover, on CCR2 knockout background, the effect of RBP-J deficiency on fibrogenesis was not elicited, suggesting that Notch regulated monocyte-derived AMs. Co-culture experiment showed that monocyte-derived AMs from RBP-JcKO mice exhibit reduced myofibroblast activation due to decreased TGF-β secretion. In conclusion, monocyte-derived Ly6clo MHCIIhi AMs, which are regulated by RBP-J-mediated Notch signaling, play an essential role in lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Basic Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunchen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shiqian Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tiaoxia Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liqiang Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongyan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Medical Genetics and Developmental Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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20
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Macrophage Phenotype and Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082806. [PMID: 32316547 PMCID: PMC7215738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. The primary initiating mechanism in DN is hyperglycemia-induced vascular dysfunction, but its progression is due to different pathological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, inflammatory cells infiltration, inflammation and fibrosis. Macrophages (Mφ) accumulation in kidneys correlates strongly with serum creatinine, interstitial myofibroblast accumulation and interstitial fibrosis scores. However, whether or not Mφ polarization is involved in the progression of DN has not been adequately defined. The prevalence of the different phenotypes during the course of DN, the existence of hybrid phenotypes and the plasticity of these cells depending of the environment have led to inconclusive results. In the same sense the role of the different macrophage phenotype in fibrosis associated or not to DN warrants additional investigation into Mφ polarization and its role in fibrosis. Due to the association between fibrosis and the progressive decline of renal function in DN, and the role of the different phenotypes of Mφ in fibrosis, in this review we examine the role of macrophage phenotype control in DN and highlight the potential factors contributing to phenotype change and injury or repair in DN.
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21
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He T, Bai X, Jing J, Liu Y, Wang H, Zhang W, Li X, Li Y, Wang L, Xie S, Hu D. Notch signal deficiency alleviates hypertrophic scar formation after wound healing through the inhibition of inflammation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 682:108286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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22
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Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the final pathological process common to any ongoing, chronic kidney injury or maladaptive repair. Renal fibrosis is considered to be closely related to various cell types, such as fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, T cells, and other inflammatory cells. Multiple types of cells regulate renal fibrosis through the recruitment, proliferation, and activation of fibroblasts, and the production of the extracellular matrix. Cell trafficking is orchestrated by a family of small proteins called chemokines. Chemokines are cytokines with chemotactic properties, which are classified into 4 groups: CXCL, CCL, CX3CL, and XCL. Similarly, chemokine receptors are G protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptors classified into 4 groups: XCR, CCR, CXCR, and CX3CR. Chemokine receptors are also implicated in the infiltration, differentiation, and survival of functional cells, triggering inflammation that leads to fibrosis development. In this review, we summarize the different chemokine receptors involved in the processes of fibrosis in different cell types. Further studies are required to identify the molecular mechanisms of chemokine signaling that contribute to renal fibrosis.
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23
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Ge MX, Liu HT, Zhang N, Niu WX, Lu ZN, Bao YY, Huang R, Yu DK, Shao RG, He HW. Costunolide represses hepatic fibrosis through WW domain-containing protein 2-mediated Notch3 degradation. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:372-387. [PMID: 31621893 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study investigates the antifibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of costunolide (COS), a natural sesquiterpene compound. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats subjected to bile duct ligation and mice challenged with CCl4 were used to study the antifibrotic effects of COS in vivo. Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and human HSC line LX-2 also served as an in vitro liver fibrosis models. The expression of fibrogenic genes and signaling proteins in the neurogenic locus notch homologue protein 3 (Notch3)-hairy/enhancer of split-1 (HES1) pathway was examined using western blot and/or real-time PCR. Notch3 degradation was analysed using immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. KEY RESULTS In animals, COS administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and reduced the expression of fibrogenic genes. COS time- and dose-dependently suppressed the levels of fibrotic markers in LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs. Mechanistic studies showed COS destabilized Notch3 and subsequently inhibited the Notch3-HES1 pathway, thus inhibiting HSC activation. Furthermore, COS blocked the WW domain-containing protein 2 (WWP2)/protein phosphatase 1G (PPM1G) interaction and enhanced the effect of WWP2 on Notch3 degradation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS COS exerted potent antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo by disrupting the WWP2/PPM1G complex, promoting Notch3 degradation and inhibiting the Notch3/HES1 pathway. This indicates that COS may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao-Xu Ge
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Tao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Niu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Ning Lu
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Yang Bao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of digestive surgery, Hospital of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Dong-Ke Yu
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong-Guang Shao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Wei He
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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24
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Popper B, Rammer MT, Gasparitsch M, Singer T, Keller U, Döring Y, Lange-Sperandio B. Neonatal obstructive nephropathy induces necroptosis and necroinflammation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18600. [PMID: 31819111 PMCID: PMC6901532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55079-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract obstruction during kidney development causes tubular apoptosis, tubular necrosis, and interstitial inflammation. Necroptosis is a subtype of programmed necrosis mediated by the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) and the pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL). Necrosis induces inflammation and stimulates cell death in an autoamplification loop named necroinflammation. Here, we studied necroptosis and necroinflammation in obstructive nephropathy induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in neonatal C57Bl/6J mice. Ureteral obstruction induced tubular dilatation, tubular basement membrane thickening, cast formation, and increased expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). Morphological investigations showed either apoptotic or necrotic cells in the tubular compartment. Biochemical analysis revealed increased caspase-8 activity and upregulation of RIPK3 as well as phosphorylated-MLKL in UUO-kidneys. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, INF-γ, TNF-α) were upregulated following UUO. Taken together we show that necroptosis and necroinflammation are accompanied phenomena in neonatal kidneys with obstruction. These findings may help to develop novel strategies to treat congenital obstructive nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Popper
- Biomedical Center, Core Faciliy Animal Models, Ludwig-Maximilians university, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Marian Theodor Rammer
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Mojca Gasparitsch
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Teresa Singer
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Ursula Keller
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Yvonne Döring
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336, Munich, Germany.,Division of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bärbel Lange-Sperandio
- Dr. v. Hauner Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80337, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Vascular endothelial growth factor 165 inhibits pro-fibrotic differentiation of stromal cells via the DLL4/Notch4/smad7 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:681. [PMID: 31515487 PMCID: PMC6742656 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1928-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial fibrosis is the main pathological feature of Asherman’s syndrome (AS), which is the leading cause of uterine infertility. Much is known about the expression of VEGF165 in luminal/glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells of the endometrium in normal menstrual cycles; however, less is known about the role and mechanism of VEGF165 in endometrial fibrosis. Herein, we report that VEGF165 is a key regulator in endometrial stromal cells to inhibit α-SMA and collagen 1 expression. Compared to human control subjects, patients with AS exhibited decreased VEGF165 expression in the endometrium along with increased fibrotic marker expression and collagen production. A fibrotic phenotype was shown in both mice with conditional VEGF reduction and VEGF165-deleted endometrial stromal cells. Exogenous VEGF165 could suppress TGFβ1-induced α-SMA and collagen 1 expression in human primary endometrial stromal cells. However, this beneficial effect was hindered when the expression of smad7 or Notch4 was inhibited or when Notch signaling was blocked, suggesting that smad7 and Notch4 are essential downstream molecules for VEGFA functioning. Overall, our results uncover a clinical targeting strategy for VEGF165 to inhibit pro-fibrotic differentiation of stromal cells by inducing DLL4/Notch4/smad7, which paves the way for AS treatment.
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26
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Balakumar P, Sambathkumar R, Mahadevan N, Muhsinah AB, Alsayari A, Venkateswaramurthy N, Jagadeesh G. A potential role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-induced renal abnormalities: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Res 2019; 146:104314. [PMID: 31229564 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an orchestrated event where epithelial cells progressively undergo biochemical changes and transition into mesenchymal-like cells by gradually losing their epithelial characteristics. EMT plays a crucial pathologic role in renal abnormalities, especially renal fibrosis. A number of bench studies suggest the potential involvement of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in renal EMT process and associated renal abnormalities. EMT appears to be an important pathologic mechanism for the deleterious renal effects of angiotensin II and aldosterone, the two major RAAS components. Mechanistically, the renal RAAS-TGF-β-Smad3 signalling pathway plays an important pathologic role in EMT-associated renal abnormalities. Intriguingly, the RAAS antagonists such as losartan, telmisartan, eplerenone, and spironolactone have the potential to prevent renal EMT in bench studies. This review describes the key mechanistic role of RAAS overactivation in EMT-induced renal abnormalities. Moreover, drugs interrupting the RAAS at different levels in the cascade ameliorating the EMT-associated renal abnormalities are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nanjaian Mahadevan
- College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Guraiger, Abha 62529, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdulrhman Alsayari
- College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Guraiger, Abha 62529, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Gowraganahalli Jagadeesh
- Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
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27
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Meng XM, Mak TSK, Lan HY. Macrophages in Renal Fibrosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1165:285-303. [PMID: 31399970 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Monocytes/macrophages are highly involved in the process of renal injury, repair and fibrosis in many aspects of experimental and human renal diseases. Monocyte-derived macrophages, characterized by high heterogeneity and plasticity, are recruited, activated, and polarized in the whole process of renal fibrotic diseases in response to local microenvironment. As classically activated M1 or CD11b+/Ly6Chigh macrophages accelerate renal injury by producing pro-inflammatory factors like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and interleukins, alternatively activated M2 or CD11b+/Ly6Cintermediate macrophages may contribute to kidney repair by exerting anti-inflammation and wound healing functions. However, uncontrolled M2 macrophages or CD11b+/Ly6Clow macrophages promote renal fibrosis via paracrine effects or direct transition to myofibroblast-like cells via the process of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT). In this regard, therapeutic strategies targeting monocyte/macrophage recruitment, activation, and polarization should be emphasized in the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Thomas Shiu-Kwong Mak
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Chi Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Chi Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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