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Zhou Y, Li Z, Yu S, Wang X, Xie T, Zhang W. Iguratimod prevents renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction model mice by suppressing M2 macrophage infiltration and macrophage-myofibroblast transition. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2327498. [PMID: 38666363 PMCID: PMC11057400 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2327498] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Iguratimod is a novel synthetic, small-molecule immunosuppressive agent used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Through ongoing exploration of its role and mechanisms of action, iguratimod has been observed to have antifibrotic effects in the lung and skin; however, its effect on renal fibrosis remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether iguratimod could affect renal fibrosis progression. Three different concentrations of iguratimod (30 mg/kg/day, 10 mg/kg/day, and 3 mg/kg/day) were used to intervene in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model mice. Iguratimod at 10 mg/kg/day was observed to be effective in slowing UUO-mediated renal fibrosis. In addition, stimulating bone marrow-derived macrophages with IL-4 and/or iguratimod, or with TGF-β and iguratimod or SRC inhibitors in vitro, suggested that iguratimod mitigates the progression of renal fibrosis in UUO mice, at least in part, by inhibiting the IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway to attenuate renal M2 macrophage infiltration, as well as by impeding SRC activation to reduce macrophage-myofibroblast transition. These findings reveal the potential of iguratimod as a treatment for renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Zhou
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhilan Li
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shenyi Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tingting Xie
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiru Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Zhang Y, Lu YB, Zhu WJ, Gong XX, Qian R, Lu YJ, Li Y, Yao WF, Bao BH, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Cheng FF. Leech extract alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117737. [PMID: 38228229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Leech, as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of blood circulation and blood stasis, was also widely used to cure pulmonary fibrosis in China. In clinical practice, some traditional Chinese medicine preparation such as Shui Zhi Xuan Bi Hua Xian Tang and Shui Zhi Tong Luo Capsule composed of leech, could improve the clinical symptoms and pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the material basis of the leech in the treatment of IPF were not yet clear. AIM OF THE STUDY Screen out the components of leech that have the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects, and further explore the therapeutic mechanism of the active components. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, the different molecular weight components of leech extract samples were prepared using the semi-permeable membranes with different pore sizes. The therapeutic effects of the leech extract groups with molecular weight greater than 10 KDa (>10 KDa group), between 3 KDa and 10 KDa (3-10 KDa group), and less than 3 KDa (<3 KDa group) on pulmonary fibrosis were firstly investigated by cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay (MTT), cell wound healing assay, immunofluorescence staining (IF) and Western blot (WB) assay through the TGF-β1-induced fibroblast cell model. Then bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BML-induced PF) mouse model was constructed to investigate the pharmacological activities of the active component group of leech extract in vivo. Pathological changes of the mouse lung were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining (Masson). The hydroxyproline (HYP) content of lung tissues was quantified by HYP detection kit. The levels of extracellular matrix-related fibronectin (FN) and collagen type Ⅰ (Collagen Ⅰ), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) monomer and Smad7 protein were determined via WB method. PKM2 and Smad7 protein were further characterized by IF assays. RESULTS Using TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cell line as a PF cell model, the in vitro results demonstrated that the >10 KDa group could significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the expression level of cytoskeletal protein vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and reduced the deposition of FN and Collagen Ⅰ. In the BML-induced PF mouse model, the >10 KDa group significantly reduced the content of HYP, downregulated the expression levels of FN and Collagen Ⅰ in lung tissues, and delayed the pathological changes of lung tissue structure. The results of WB and IF assays further indicated that the >10 KDa group could up-regulate the expression level of PKM2 monomer and Smad7 protein in the cellular level, thereby delaying the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that the >10 KDa group was the main material basis of the leech extract that inhibited pulmonary fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Bo Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xi Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Rui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Jing Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Feng Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Bei-Hua Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Fang-Fang Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.
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Long Z, Zeng L, He Q, Yang K, Xiang W, Ren X, Deng Y, Chen H. Research progress on the clinical application and mechanism of iguratimod in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and rheumatic diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1150661. [PMID: 37809072 PMCID: PMC10552782 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are affected by complex pathophysiology involving multiple cell types, cytokines, antibodies and mimicking factors. Different drugs are used to improve these autoimmune responses, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antibodies, and small molecule drugs (DMARDs), which are prevalent clinically in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), etc. However, low cost-effectiveness, reduced efficacy, adverse effects, and patient non-response are unattractive factors driving the development of new drugs such as iguratimod. As a new disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, iguratimod has pharmacological activities such as regulating autoimmune disorders, inflammatory cytokines, regulating immune cell activation, differentiation and proliferation, improving bone metabolism, and inhibiting fibrosis. In recent years, clinical studies have found that iguratimod is effective in the treatment of RA, SLE, IGG4-RD, Sjogren 's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, interstitial lung disease, and other autoimmune diseases and rheumatic diseases. The amount of basic and clinical research on other autoimmune diseases is also increasing. Therefore, this review systematically reviews the latest relevant literature in recent years, reviews the research results in recent years, and summarizes the research progress of iguratimod in the treatment of related diseases. This review highlights the role of iguratimod in the protection of autoimmune and rheumatic bone and related immune diseases. It is believed that iguratimod's unique mode of action and its favorable patient response compared to other DMARDs make it a suitable antirheumatic and bone protective agent in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Long
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuting Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wang Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Deng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Farina N, Campochiaro C, Lescoat A, Benanti G, De Luca G, Khanna D, Dagna L, Matucci-Cerinic M. Drug development and novel therapeutics to ensure a personalized approach in the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1131-1142. [PMID: 37366065 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2230370] [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: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disease encompassing autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. SSc is still burdened by high mortality and morbidity rates. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of SSc have identified novel potential therapeutic targets. Several clinical trials have been subsequently designed to evaluate the efficacy of a number of new drugs. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with useful information about these novel molecules. AREA COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the available evidence regarding the most promising targeted therapies currently under investigation for the treatment of SSc. These medications include kinase inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents, and interleukin inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Over the next five years, several new, targeted drugs will be introduced in clinical practice for the treatment of SSc. Such pharmacological agents will expand the existing pharmacopoeia and enable a more personalized and effective approach to patients with SSc. Thus, it will not only possible to target a specific disease domain, but also different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - G Benanti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G De Luca
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - D Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - L Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - M Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Liu J, Gao D, Ding Q, Zhang B, Zhu W, Shi Y. Sparganii Rhizoma alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblasts differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by TGF-β1/ Smad2/3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 309:116305. [PMID: 36878395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a lethal lung disease, can lead to structural destruction of the alveoli until death. Sparganii Rhizoma (SR), primarily distributed in East Asia, has been used clinically for hundreds of years against organ fibrosis and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY We intended to verify the effect of SR alleviate PF and further explore mechanisms. METHODS Murine model of PF was established by endotracheal infusion of bleomycin. We detected the anti-PF effect of SR through lung coefficient, hydroxyproline content, lung function and pathological staining. Then, we used Western Blot and RT-PCR to verify the mechanism. In vitro experiments, MRC-5 and BEAS-2B were induced to phenotypic transformation by TGF-β1 and then RT-PCR, WB and IF were conducted to verify the effect of SR. RESULTS SR significantly reduced BLM-induced PF in mice, improved lung function, slowed the degree of lung tissue lesions, and reduced collagen deposition. SR alleviated PF by inhibiting fibroblasts differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vivo studies explored the mechanism and found that it was related to TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our research proved SR could effectively treat PF, providing a fresh idea and approach for the treatment of PF with traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Dongyang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Qi Ding
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
| | - Binbin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Wenxiang Zhu
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
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Hao B, Zhang Z, Lu Z, Xiong J, Fan T, Song C, He R, Zhang L, Pan S, Li D, Meng H, Lin W, Luo B, Yang J, Li N, Geng Q. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed cellular and molecular immune profiles in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 27:101568. [PMID: 36270103 PMCID: PMC9586982 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, there are only a few choices for advanced-stage or recurrent lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients. In our study, we identified 7 major cell types in thedepicted the immunolandscape of LUSC microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing. We found that an immunosuppressive receptor, T cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT), was highly expressed by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and exhausted CD8+T cells, suggesting that upregulation of TIGIT might promote an immunosuppressive microenvironment and inhibit the cytotoxic ability of CD8+T cells. We also identified tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN), characterized by CXCR2, CSF3R and CXCL8, in the tumor region, and TANs upregulated the expression of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) which suggested that TAN might exert an immunosuppressive role via expressing IL1RN. Furthermore, the number of SPP1+ macrophages(SPP1+M) significantly increased in tumor microenvirnment, which was correlated with the poor survival of patients. Additionally, regulatory networks based on SPP1+M revealed that the disparities of several ligand-receptor pairs existed between tumor and normal tissues. Among these pairs, SPP1-CD44 showed the most interactions between SPP1+M and other cell types. Our results provided deep insight into the immune landscape of LUSC and an essential resource for drug discovery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ziyao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zilong Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Congkuan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ruyuan He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shize Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Donghang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Heng Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Weichen Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Bin Luo
- Department of Pathology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China,Corresponding author.
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Liu W, Han X, Li Q, Sun L, Wang J. Iguratimod ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the EMT process and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113460. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Xie X, Gan H, Tian J, Li F, Chen J, Wang J, Liao J, Li S. Iguratimod inhibits skin fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway in systemic sclerosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13791. [PMID: 35441708 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iguratimod (T-614), exerting a powerful anti-inflammatory ability, has therapeutic efficacy in multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the effect of T-614 on systemic sclerosis (SSc) is unclear. Here, we investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of T-614 in experimental SSc models. METHODS In vitro, cultured dermal fibroblasts from four SSc patients were subjected to different doses of T-614 in the presence or absence of TGF-β1 stimulation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were determined by CCK-8, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. Fibrosis markers and smad signalling pathway-related proteins were detected by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. In vivo, a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of T-614 on skin fibrosis. Pathological changes in skin tissues were evaluated by HE, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In the study, we found T-614 inhibited TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation, migration and promoted apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner (all p < 0.01). T-614 partially reversed TGF-β1-induced upregulation of fibrosis markers and phosphorylation of smad2 and smad3 and blocked p-Smad3 nuclear translocation (all p < 0.05), suggesting T-614 may inhibit dermal fibroblasts activation by regulating TGF-β1/smad pathway. In vivo experiments, T-614 alleviated skin thickness in bleomycin-induced SSc mice (all p < 0.05). The expression of fibrosis markers and the infiltration of macrophages in skin tissue were significantly decreased after T-614 treatment (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our preliminary data indicated T-614 inhibited dermal fibroblasts activation and skin fibrosis at least partly by regulating TGF-β1/smad pathway in experimental SSc models and may be a promising therapeutic agent for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haina Gan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinwei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiafeng Liao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Xu H, Yang J, Tu M, Weng J, Xie M, Zhou Z, Zhou P, Wang L, Chen C, Wang Z. Vincristine Promotes Transdifferentiation of Fibroblasts Into Myofibroblasts via P38 and ERK Signal Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:901000. [PMID: 35614948 PMCID: PMC9124770 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.901000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Vincristine (VCR) is used in the clinic as an anti-tumor drug. VCR can cause pulmonary fibrosis (PF), leading to respiratory failure. The transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts may play a key role in PF. The present study attempted to reveal the molecular mechanism of VCR-induced PF and the possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.Methods: Human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELFs) were treated with different concentrations of VCR. Inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK were added to HELFs. Cell proliferation state was assessed using cell counting kit-8 and by directly counting the number of cells. The expressions of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Activation of ERK and P38 was estimated by the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and ERK1/2 using western blot analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the level of collagen I in cell culture supernatants.Results: Results showed that VCR promoted cellular proliferation, secretion of collagen I and the expression of vimentin and α-SMA. High expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 was associated with the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. MAPK inhibitors SB203580 and PD98059 suppressed the expression of the above proteins.Conclusion: Our study revealed that VCR could promote the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by regulating the MAPK signal pathway, which may be a promising way to treat VCR-induced PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Tu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Weng
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mengying Xie
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiliang Zhou
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peisen Zhou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Public Health, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Bioscaffold Transplantation and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiyi Wang, ; Chan Chen,
| | - Zhiyi Wang
- Department of General Practice, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiyi Wang, ; Chan Chen,
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Wang Y, Yang H, Su X, Cao A, Chen F, Chen P, Yan F, Hu H. TGF-β1/SMOC2/AKT and ERK axis regulates proliferation, migration, and fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation in lung fibroblast, contributing with the asthma progression. Hereditas 2021; 158:47. [PMID: 34876240 PMCID: PMC8653533 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-021-00213-w] [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: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that influences 300 million people all over the world. However, the pathogenesis of asthma has not been fully elucidated. It has been reported that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) can activate myofibroblasts. Moreover, the fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation (FMT) can be triggered by TGF-β, which is a major mediator of subepithelial fibrosis. Secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) is a member of cysteine (SPARC) family and is involved in the progression of multiple diseases. However, its role in asthma remains poorly understood. RT-qPCR evaluated the expression of SMOC2. Bromodeoxyuridine assay and wound-healing assay detected the proliferation and migration of lung fibroblasts, respectively. IF staining was performed to assess the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot analysis detected the levels of proteins. Flow cytometry was utilized for determination of the number of myofibroblasts. Results We found the expression of SMOC2 was upregulated by the treatment of TGF-β1 in lung fibroblasts. In addition, SMOC2 promoted the proliferation and migration of lung fibroblasts. More importantly, SMOC2 accelerated FMT of lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, SMOC2 was verified to control the activation of AKT and ERK. Rescue assays showed that the inhibition of AKT and ERK pathway reversed the promoting effect of SMOC2 overexpression on proliferation, migration and FMT in lung fibroblasts. Conclusions This work demonstrated that SMOC2 modulated TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration and FMT in lung fibroblasts and may promote asthma, which potentially provided a novel therapeutic target for the management of asthma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41065-021-00213-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Chengdu City, 610031, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huike Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xian Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Chengdu City, 610031, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Anqiang Cao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fangtao Yan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huirong Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
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11
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Shao S, Qu Z, Liang Y, Xu Y, Zhou D, Li D, Zhang Y, Yin S. Iguratimod decreases bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in association with inhibition of TNF-α in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107936. [PMID: 34284287 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Severe interstitial lung disease secondary to connective tissue diseases, characterized by pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, often have very poor prognosis due to lack of effective treatments. Iguratimod (IGU) shows encouraging efficacy in treating connective tissue diseases, however, the underlying mechanism is still to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the impact of IGU on bleomycin-induced interstitial lung disease and the related tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) signaling pathway in mice and in the alveolar epithelial cell A549. We found IGU decreased pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and expression of fibrosis-related genes such as Collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) induced by bleomycin. IGU inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition as evidenced by decreased E-cadherin expression but increased vimentin expression. IGU reduced TNF-α production in the pulmonary fibrosis murine model and in the in vitro cultured A549 cells. Furthermore, IGU ameliorated TNF-α-induced severe pulmonary fibrosis and inhibited TNF-α-induced activation of NF-κB. In addition, IGU decreased IL-6 production and phosphorylation of STAT3. In conclusion, the IGU-mediated anti-fibrogenesis effect was associated with the inhibition of TNF-α and NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Shao
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China; The First Clinical Medicine School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Ziye Qu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China; The First Clinical Medicine School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yiwen Liang
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Dongmei Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China; The First Clinical Medicine School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Danhua Li
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
| | - Songlou Yin
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China; The First Clinical Medicine School, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China.
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12
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Wang F, Younis M, Luo Y, Zhang L, Yuan L. Iguratimod-encapsulating PLGA-NPs induce human multiple myeloma cell death via reactive oxygen species and Caspase-dependent signalling. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107532. [PMID: 33756230 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human multiple myeloma (MM) is a currently incurable haematopoietic malignancies. Our research investigate the anti-tumour effect of iguratimod (IGU) encapsulated in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA nanoparticles (IGU-PLGA-NPs) on MM cells in vitro and in vivo. A significant inhibitory effect of IGU-PLGA-NPs on MM cancer cells and MM CSCs was demonstrated by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Treatment with IGU-PLGA-NPs induced significant cell cycle arrest at G1 in MM cells and reduced tumour colony formation in MM CSCs. Mechanistically, IGU-PLGA-NPs increase apoptosis in MM cells by activating Caspase-dependent signalling pathway to increase the levels of bax, cytochrome c (cyt-c), caspase-9 and caspase-3 proteins. Moreover, IGU-PLGA-NPs effectively increase ROS production assayed using a DCFH-DA fluorescent probe in MM cells. The data indicate that IGU-PLGA-NPs induce a significant reduction in the tumour volume and a marked increase in the survival rate in a mouse model of multiple myeloma. Overall, our findings indicate that IGU-PLGA-NPs are a potential therapeutic strategy that may contribute to the therapy of MM and elimination of MM CSCs in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faming Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, # 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Muhammad Younis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, # 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yao Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, # 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, # 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Liudi Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical School of Southeast University, # 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory for Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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