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Geiduschek EK, Bricco EK, McDowell CM. DAMPs Drive Fibroinflammatory Changes in the Glaucomatous ONH. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:13. [PMID: 39382882 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.12.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The optic nerve head (ONH) is well known to be the initial site of glaucomatous damage; however, the molecular mechanisms initiating this pathology are not fully understood. To further understand the initiating factors in glaucomatous damage we utilized a novel mouse model of glaucoma, B6.EDA+/+ mice, which constitutively express fibronectin containing the extra domain A (FN+EDA). FN+EDA is a known damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that activates Toll-like receptor 4 and elicits a fibro-inflammatory response. Methods Eyes from B6.EDA+/+ and C57BL/6J mice were evaluated for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and optic nerve (ON) damage at 12 months and 22 months of age. ONH sections were isolated using laser capture microdissection for subsequent RNA-sequencing and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). GSEA results were confirmed using immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results B6.EDA+/+ mice exhibit significantly higher intraocular pressure, loss of RGCs, thinning of the RNFL, and progressive levels of ON damage at 12 months and 22 months of age compared to C57BL/6J controls. Protein expression of DAMPs FN+EDA and biglycan was significantly increased in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6J controls. GSEA analysis identified significantly up- and downregulated gene groupings at both 12 months and 22 months of age, and IHC staining at 12 and 18 months of age demonstrated significant increases of IFNα, IFNβ, and pSTAT1 expression in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6J controls. Conclusions Our study characterizes glaucomatous changes to the retina, ON, and ONH over the course of 2 years and identifies novel molecular pathways associated with these pathophysiological changes. These data illustrate the effects of FN+EDA on the fibro-inflammatory response in the aging ONH in a novel mouse model of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma K Bricco
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
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2
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Tezcan G, Yakar N, Hasturk H, Van Dyke TE, Kantarci A. Resolution of chronic inflammation and cancer. Periodontol 2000 2024. [PMID: 39177291 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation poses challenges to effective cancer treatment. Although anti-inflammatory therapies have shown short-term benefits, their long-term implications may be unfavorable because they fail to initiate the necessary inflammatory responses. Recent research underscores the promise of specialized pro-resolving mediators, which play a role in modulating the cancer microenvironment by promoting the resolution of initiated inflammatory processes and restoring tissue hemostasis. This review addresses current insights into how inflammation contributes to cancer pathogenesis and explores recent strategies to resolve inflammation associated with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulcin Tezcan
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Nil Yakar
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hatice Hasturk
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Infection, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas E Van Dyke
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Infection, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alpdogan Kantarci
- ADA Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Infection, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Trinh-Minh T, Györfi AH, Tomcik M, Tran-Manh C, Zhou X, Dickel N, Tümerdem BS, Kreuter A, Burmann SN, Borchert SV, Hussain RI, Hallén J, Klingelhöfer J, Kunz M, Distler JHW. Effect of Anti-S100A4 Monoclonal Antibody Treatment on Experimental Skin Fibrosis and Systemic Sclerosis-Specific Transcriptional Signatures in Human Skin. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:783-795. [PMID: 38108109 DOI: 10.1002/art.42781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE S100A4 is a DAMP protein. S100A4 is overexpressed in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and levels correlate with organ involvement and disease activity. S100A4-/- mice are protected from fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the antifibrotic effects of anti-S100A4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in murine models of SSc and in precision cut skin slices of patients with SSc. METHODS The effects of anti-S100A4 mAbs were evaluated in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model and in Tsk-1 mice with a therapeutic dosing regimen. In addition, the effects of anti-S100A4 mAbs on precision cut SSc skin slices were analyzed by RNA sequencing. RESULTS Inhibition of S100A4 was effective in the treatment of pre-established bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and in regression of pre-established fibrosis with reduced dermal thickening, myofibroblast counts, and collagen accumulation. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated targeting of multiple profibrotic and proinflammatory processes relevant to the pathogenesis of SSc on targeted S100A4 inhibition in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model. Moreover, targeted S100A4 inhibition also modulated inflammation- and fibrosis-relevant gene sets in precision cut SSc skin slices in an ex vivo trial approach. Selected downstream targets of S100A4, such as AMP-activated protein kinase, calsequestrin-1, and phosphorylated STAT3, were validated on the protein level, and STAT3 inhibition was shown to prevent the profibrotic effects of S100A4 on fibroblasts in human skin. CONCLUSION Inhibition of S100A4 confers dual targeting of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways in complementary mouse models of fibrosis and in SSc skin. These effects support the further development of anti-S100A4 mAbs as disease-modifying targeted therapies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuong Trinh-Minh
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Cuong Tran-Manh
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Xiang Zhou
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicholas Dickel
- Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Kreuter
- Helios St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten-Herdecke, Oberhausen, and Helios St. Johannes Klinik Duisburg, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Sven-Niklas Burmann
- Helios St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten-Herdecke, Oberhausen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Meik Kunz
- Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- University Hospital Düsseldorf and Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Cicchinelli S, Gemma S, Pignataro G, Piccioni A, Ojetti V, Gasbarrini A, Franceschi F, Candelli M. Intestinal Fibrogenesis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Exploring the Potential Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites as Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:490. [PMID: 38675450 PMCID: PMC11053610 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, sustained by the transformation of intestinal epithelial cells into fibroblasts (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EMT), has been extensively studied in recent decades, with the molecular basis well-documented in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the factors influencing these pathways remain unclear. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease has garnered significant attention. Evidence suggests that an imbalanced or dysregulated microbiota, along with environmental and genetic factors, may contribute to the development of IBDs. Notably, microbes produce various metabolites that interact with host receptors and associated signaling pathways, influencing physiological and pathological changes. This review aims to present recent evidence highlighting the emerging role of the most studied metabolites as potential modulators of molecular pathways implicated in intestinal fibrosis and EMT in IBDs. These studies provide a deeper understanding of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, elucidating the molecular basis of the microbiota role in IBDs, paving the way for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cicchinelli
- Department of Emergency, S.S. Filippo e Nicola Hospital, 67051 Avezzano, Italy;
| | - Stefania Gemma
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pignataro
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ojetti
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Franceschi
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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O'Reilly S. S100A4 a classical DAMP as a therapeutic target in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2024; 127:1-7. [PMID: 38219976 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis regardless of aetiology is characterised by persistently activated myofibroblasts that are contractile and secrete excessive amounts of extracellular matrix molecules that leads to loss of organ function. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous host-derived molecules that are released from cells dying or under stress that can be triggered by a variety of insults, either chemical or physical, leading to an inflammatory response. Among these DAMPs is S100A4, part of the S100 family of calcium binding proteins that participate in a variety of cellular processes. S100A4 was first described in context of cancer as a pro-metastatic factor. It is now appreciated that aside from its role in cancer promotion, S100A4 is intimately involved in tissue fibrosis. The extracellular form of S100A4 exerts its effects through multiple receptors including Toll-Like Receptor 4 and RAGE to evoke signalling cascades involving downstream mediators facilitating extracellular matrix deposition and myofibroblast generation and can play a role in persistent activation of myofibroblasts. S100A4 may be best understood as an amplifier of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. S100A4 appears critical in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis and blocking the extracellular form of S100A4 in vivo in various animal models of disease mitigates fibrosis and may even reverse established disease. This review appraises S100A4's position as a DAMP and its role in fibrotic conditions and highlight therapeutically targeting this protein to halt fibrosis, suggesting that it is a tractable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, United Kingdom.
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Lee JU, Kim MK, Kim MS, Lee SJ, Park SL, Chang HS, Park JS, Park CS. S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A9, a Potential Novel Diagnostic Biomarker for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e13. [PMID: 38193329 PMCID: PMC10782039 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neutrophilic inflammation is a characteristic feature of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) is a neutrophil-derived protein involved in the development of neutrophil-related chronic inflammatory disorders. However, the role of S100A9 in IPF remains unclear. METHODS We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure S100A9 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum obtained from healthy controls (HCs) and patients with IPF, non-specific interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and sarcoidosis. RESULTS Compared with HCs, BALF S100A9 levels were significantly higher in IPF patients (P < 0.001), patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (P = 0.043), and patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (P < 0.001). The S100A9 level in BALF of 0.093 ng/mL could distinguish IPF patients from HCs, with a specificity of 78.8% and a sensitivity of 81.6%. Similarly, the S100A9 level in BALF of 0.239 ng/mL had a specificity of 64.7% and a sensitivity of 66.7% for distinguishing IPF patients from patients with other interstitial lung diseases. Additionally, BALF S100A9 levels were significantly correlated with neutrophil counts (r = 0.356, P < 0.001) in BALF. IPF patients with S100A9 levels in BALF > 0.533 ng/mL had lower survival rates, compared with patients who had levels ≤ 0.553 ng/mL (n = 49; hazard ratio [HR], 3.62; P = 0.021). Combination analysis revealed that IPF patients with S100A9 levels in BALF> 0.553 ng/mL or neutrophil percentages > 49.1% (n = 43) had significantly lower survival rates than patients with S100A9 levels in BALF ≤ 0.553 ng/mL and neutrophil percentages ≤ 49.1% (n = 41) (HR, 3.91; P = 0.014). Additionally, patients with serum S100A9 levels > 0.077 ng/mL (n = 29) had significantly lower survival rates than patients with levels ≤ 0.077 ng/mL (n = 53, HR, 2.52; P = 0.013). S100A9 was expressed on neutrophils and macrophages in BALF from IPF patients as well as α-smooth muscle actin positive cells in the lung tissues. CONCLUSION S100A9 is involved in the development and progression of IPF. Moreover, S100A9 levels in BALF and serum may be surrogate markers for IPF diagnosis and survival prediction, particularly when analyzed in combination with neutrophil percentages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Uk Lee
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Min Kyung Kim
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Myung-Shin Kim
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Disease, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Sun Ju Lee
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Seung-Lee Park
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Science Major, Soonchunhyang Graduate School, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hun Soo Chang
- Department of Microbiology and BK21 Four Project, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jong-Sook Park
- Genome Research Center and Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
| | - Choon-Sik Park
- Genome Research Center and Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea.
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P. D. D, M. S, K.K. J, R. U, T.V. A, G. R, V.B. SK, Asaf M, Sebastian R. Role of microRNA, bta-miR-375 in Immune Sturdiness of Vechur: The Native Cattle Breed of Kerala, India. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22683. [PMID: 38213581 PMCID: PMC10782154 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, next generation sequencing was employed to identify and explore the differential expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of crossbred (B. taurus x B. indicus) and Vechur (B. indicus) cattle in response to the bacterial endotoxin-lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The PBMCs from adult apparently healthy female crossbred cows and Vechur cattle, a native cattle breed of Kerala, India were stimulated with 10 μg/mL of LPS for 6 h. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, the expression of 13 miRNAs showed statistically significant up regulation while, significant decrease in the expression of 15 miRNAs was noticed in LPS treated PBMCs of Vechur cattle compared to crossbred cows. The expression profiling of miRNA, bta-miR-375, expression of which was found to be significantly down regulated in LPS treated PBMCs of Vechur cattle with respect to crossbred cattle by the NGS studies, is presented in the present manuscript. The decrease in expression of bta-miR-375 noticed by NGS was in accordance with the results of quantitative real time PCR assay. Functional gene enrichment analysis and pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of predicted targets of bta-miR-375 in many immune related and cell signalling mechanisms. In addition, over representation of targets of bta-miR-375 was also noticed in pathogenesis of many of the bovine diseases. The study could also identify differences in the expression of cytokines, viz. Tumour Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFα), Interleukin 4 (IL-4) and Interferon-γ (IFNγ) between LPS treated and untreated PBMCs of crossbred and Vechur cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya P. D.
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, CVAS, Pookode, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Shynu M.
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, CVAS, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Jayavardhanan K.K.
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, CVAS, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Uma R.
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, CVAS, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Aravindakshan T.V.
- CASAGB, CVAS, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Radhika G.
- CASAGB, CVAS, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Sameer kumar V.B.
- Department of Genomic Science, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, India
| | - Muhasin Asaf
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, CVAS, Pookode, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
| | - Renjith Sebastian
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, CVAS, Pookode, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India
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Knights AJ, Farrell EC, Ellis OM, Song MJ, Appleton CT, Maerz T. Synovial macrophage diversity and activation of M-CSF signaling in post-traumatic osteoarthritis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.559514. [PMID: 37873464 PMCID: PMC10592932 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.559514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective Synovium is home to immune and stromal cell types that orchestrate inflammation following a joint injury; in particular, macrophages are central protagonists in this process. We sought to define the cellular and temporal dynamics of the synovial immune niche in a mouse model of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), and to identify stromal-immune crosstalk mechanisms that coordinate macrophage function and phenotype. Design We induced PTOA in mice using a non-invasive tibial compression model of anterior cruciate ligament rupture (ACLR). Single cell RNA-seq and flow cytometry were used to assess immune cell populations in healthy (Sham) and injured (7d and 28d post-ACLR) synovium. Characterization of synovial macrophage polarization states was performed, alongside computational modeling of macrophage differentiation, as well as implicated transcriptional regulators and stromal-immune communication axes. Results Immune cell types are broadly represented in healthy synovium, but experience drastic expansion and speciation in PTOA, most notably in the macrophage portion. We identified several polarization states of macrophages in synovium following joint injury, underpinned by distinct transcriptomic signatures, and regulated in part by stromal-derived macrophage colony-stimulating factor signaling. The transcription factors Pu.1, Cebpα, Cebpβ, and Jun were predicted to control differentiation of systemically derived monocytes into pro-inflammatory synovial macrophages. Conclusions We defined different synovial macrophage subpopulations present in healthy and injured mouse synovium. Nuanced characterization of the distinct functions, origins, and disease kinetics of macrophage subtypes in PTOA will be critical for targeting these highly versatile cells for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Easton C. Farrell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Olivia M. Ellis
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michelle J. Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - C. Thomas Appleton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London ON, Canada
- Bone and Joint Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tristan Maerz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine – Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Li Y, Xu M, Zhai H, Yang C, Yang J, Ke Z, Chen W, Ou J, Sha Z, Xiao Q. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extracted from Bacteroides vulgatus effectively prevents LPS extracted from Escherichia coli from inducing epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. Mol Med Rep 2023; 28:195. [PMID: 37681466 PMCID: PMC10502948 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.13082] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to fulfill a key role in the development and progression of a variety of lung diseases. It has been demonstrated that the inflammatory microenvironment is a decisive factor in inducing pathological EMT. Hexacylated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) [or proacylated lipopolysaccharide (P‑LPS), which functions as proinflammatory lipopolysaccharide] is one of the most effective Toll‑like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonists. Furthermore, the pentacylated and tetracylated form of lipopolysaccharide (or A‑LPS, which functions as anti‑inflammatory lipopolysaccharide) has been shown to elicit competitive antagonistic effects against the pro‑inflammatory activity of P‑LPS. At present, it remains unclear whether LPS extracted from Bacteroides vulgatus (BV‑LPS) can prevent LPS extracted from Escherichia coli (EC‑LPS) from inducing pathological EMT. In the present study, A549 cells and C57BL/6 mice lung tissue were both induced by EC‑LPS (P‑LPS) and BV‑LPS (A‑LPS), either alone or in combination. The anticipated anti‑inflammatory effects of BV‑LPS were analyzed by examining the lung coefficient, lung pathology, A549 cell morphology and expression levels both of the inflammatory cytokines, IL‑1β, IL‑6 and TNF‑α and of the EMT signature proteins, epithelial cadherin (E‑cadherin), α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) and vimentin. In addition, the expression levels of TLR4, bone morphogenic protein and activin membrane‑bound inhibitor (BAMBI) and Snail were detected and the possible mechanism underlying how BV‑LPS may prevent EC‑LPS‑induced EMT was analyzed. The results obtained showed that the morphology of the A549 cells was significantly polarized, the lung index was significantly increased, the alveolar structure was collapsed and the expression levels of IL‑1β, IL‑6, TNF‑α, α‑SMA, vimentin, TLR4 and Snail in both lung tissue and A549 cells were significantly increased, whereas those of E‑cadherin and BAMBI were significantly decreased. Treatment with BV‑LPS in combination with EC‑LPS was found to reverse these changes. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that BV‑LPS is able to effectively prevent EC‑LPS‑induced EMT in A549 cells and in mouse lung tissue and furthermore, the underlying mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the TLR4/BAMBI/Snail signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Li
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Mengdan Xu
- Shizhen College, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550200, P.R. China
| | - Haiying Zhai
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, P.R. China
| | - Changfu Yang
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Jiaotong Yang
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Zunli Ke
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Wanhao Chen
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Jiangqin Ou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550000, P.R. China
| | - Zongge Sha
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoqiao Xiao
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, P.R. China
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Berkowitz JS, Tabib T, Xiao H, Sadej GM, Khanna D, Fuschiotti P, Lafyatis RA, Das J. Cell Type-Specific Biomarkers of Systemic Sclerosis Disease Severity Capture Cell-Intrinsic and Cell-Extrinsic Circuits. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:1819-1830. [PMID: 37096444 PMCID: PMC10543405 DOI: 10.1002/art.42536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multifactorial autoimmune fibrotic disorder involving complex rewiring of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic signaling coexpression networks involving a range of cell types. However, the rewired circuits as well as corresponding cell-cell interactions remain poorly understood. To address this, we used a predictive machine learning framework to analyze single-cell RNA-sequencing data from 24 SSc patients across the severity spectrum as quantified by the modified Rodnan skin score (MRSS). METHODS We used a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based predictive machine learning approach on the single-cell RNA-sequencing data set to identify predictive biomarkers of SSc severity, both across and within cell types. The use of L1 regularization helps prevent overfitting on high-dimensional data. Correlation network analyses were coupled to the LASSO model to identify cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic co-correlates of the identified biomarkers of SSc severity. RESULTS We found that the uncovered cell type-specific predictive biomarkers of MRSS included previously implicated genes in fibroblast and myeloid cell subsets (e.g., SFPR2+ fibroblasts and monocytes), as well as novel gene biomarkers of MRSS, especially in keratinocytes. Correlation network analyses revealed novel cross-talk between immune pathways and implicated keratinocytes in addition to fibroblast and myeloid cells as key cell types involved in SSc pathogenesis. We then validated the uncovered association of key gene expression and protein markers in keratinocytes, KRT6A and S100A8, with SSc skin disease severity. CONCLUSION Our global systems analyses reveal previously uncharacterized cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic signaling coexpression networks underlying SSc severity that involve keratinocytes, myeloid cells, and fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Berkowitz
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hanxi Xiao
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielle M. Sadej
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrizia Fuschiotti
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert A. Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Center for Systems Immunology, Departments of Immunology and Computational & Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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11
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Geiduschek EK, McDowell CM. The Fibro-Inflammatory Response in the Glaucomatous Optic Nerve Head. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13240. [PMID: 37686046 PMCID: PMC10487997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive disease and the leading cause of irreversible blindness. The limited therapeutics available are only able to manage the common risk factor of glaucoma, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), indicating a great need for understanding the cellular mechanisms behind optic nerve head (ONH) damage during disease progression. Here we review the known inflammatory and fibrotic changes occurring in the ONH. In addition, we describe a novel mechanism of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFβ2) signaling crosstalk in the cells of the ONH that contribute to glaucomatous damage. Understanding molecular signaling within and between the cells of the ONH can help identify new drug targets and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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12
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Zhu L, Liu L, Wang A, Liu J, Huang X, Zan T. Positive feedback loops between fibroblasts and the mechanical environment contribute to dermal fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2023; 121:1-21. [PMID: 37164179 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Dermal fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the dermis and affects millions of people worldwide and causes limited movement, disfigurement and psychological distress in patients. Fibroblast dysfunction of plays a central role in the pathogenesis of dermal fibrosis and is controlled by distinct factors. Recent studies support the hypothesis that fibroblasts can drive matrix deposition and stiffening, which in turn can exacerbate the functional dysregulation of fibroblasts. Ultimately, through a positive feedback loop, uncontrolled pathological fibrosis develops. This review aims to summarize the phenomenon and mechanism of the positive feedback loop in dermal fibrosis, and discuss potential therapeutic targets to help further elucidate the pathogenesis of dermal fibrosis and develop therapeutic strategies. In this review, fibroblast-derived compositional and structural changes in the ECM that lead to altered mechanical properties are briefly discussed. We focus on the mechanisms by which mechanical cues participate in dermal fibrosis progression. The mechanosensors discussed in the review include integrins, DDRs, proteoglycans, and mechanosensitive ion channels. The FAK, ERK, Akt, and Rho pathways, as well as transcription factors, including MRTF and YAP/TAZ, are also discussed. In addition, we describe stiffness-induced biological changes in the ECM on fibroblasts that contribute to the formation of a positive feedback loop. Finally, we discuss therapeutic strategies to treat the vicious cycle and present important suggestions for researchers conducting in-depth research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lechen Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aoli Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwen Liu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tao Zan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Bale S, Verma P, Yalavarthi B, Scarneo SA, Hughes P, Amin MA, Tsou PS, Khanna D, Haystead TA, Bhattacharyya S, Varga J. Pharmacological inhibition of TAK1 prevents and induces regression of experimental organ fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e165358. [PMID: 37306632 PMCID: PMC10443806 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiorgan fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) accounts for substantial mortality and lacks effective therapies. Lying at the crossroad of TGF-β and TLR signaling, TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) might have a pathogenic role in SSc. We therefore sought to evaluate the TAK1 signaling axis in patients with SSc and to investigate pharmacological TAK1 blockade using a potentially novel drug-like selective TAK1 inhibitor, HS-276. Inhibiting TAK1 abrogated TGF-β1 stimulation of collagen synthesis and myofibroblasts differentiation in healthy skin fibroblasts, and it ameliorated constitutive activation of SSc skin fibroblasts. Moreover, treatment with HS-276 prevented dermal and pulmonary fibrosis and reduced the expression of profibrotic mediators in bleomycin-treated mice. Importantly, initiating HS-276 treatment even after fibrosis was already established prevented its progression in affected organs. Together, these findings implicate TAK1 in the pathogenesis of SSc and identify targeted TAK1 inhibition using a small molecule as a potential strategy for the treatment of SSc and other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swarna Bale
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Priyanka Verma
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bharath Yalavarthi
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Philip Hughes
- EydisBio Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M. Asif Amin
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Timothy A.J. Haystead
- EydisBio Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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14
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Stec A, Maciejewska M, Zaremba M, Paralusz-Stec K, Michalska M, Rudnicka L, Sikora M. The Clinical Significance of Serum Biomarkers of the Intestinal Barrier in Systemic Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040678. [PMID: 37109064 PMCID: PMC10141873 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune-mediated connective tissue disease. Recent studies reported differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) in patients with SSc compared to nonsclerodermic subjects. Dysbiosis may disrupt the intestinal barrier, which leads to immunological activation via microbial antigen and metabolite translocation. The study aimed to assess the differences in intestinal permeability between SSc patients and controls and to examine the correlation between intestinal permeability and complications of SSc. The study comprised 50 patients with SSc and 30 matched subjects. Serum intestinal permeability markers: intestinal fatty acid binding protein, claudin-3, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SSc patients had a significantly increased concentration of LPS compared to control subjects (232.30 [149.00-347.70] versus 161.00 [83.92-252.20] pg/mL, p < 0.05). The patients with shorter SSc duration (≤6 years) had an increased concentration of LPS and claudin-3 compared to the subgroup with longer disease length: LPS (280.75 [167.30-403.40] versus 186.00 [98.12-275.90] pg/mL, p < 0.05), and claudin-3 (16.99 [12.41-39.59] versus 13.54 [10.29-15.47] ng/mL, p < 0.05). The patients with esophageal dysmotility had a decreased LPS level compared to those without this complication (188.05 [102.31-264.40] versus 283.95 [203.20-356.30] pg/mL, p < 0.05). Increased intestinal permeability in SSc may exacerbate the course of the disease and increase the risk of developing complications. Lower LPS levels in SSc might be a hallmark of esophageal dysmotility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stec
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Maciejewska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Paralusz-Stec
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Milena Michalska
- Department of General, Vascular and Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1a, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Sikora
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Spartańska 1, 02-637 Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Omori I, Sumida H, Sugimori A, Sakakibara M, Urano-Takaoka M, Iwasawa O, Saito H, Matsuno A, Sato S. Serum cold-inducible RNA-binding protein levels as a potential biomarker for systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5017. [PMID: 36977758 PMCID: PMC10050418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32231-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrotic, inflammatory, and vascular dysfunction. Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)-mediated inflammasome activation has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) is newly identified as a DAMP. Here we examined the clinical significance of serum levels of CIRP in 60 patients with SSc and 20 healthy control patients (HCs) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum CIRP levels in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients were significantly increased compared with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) patients or HCs. When examining the relationship with SSc-specific parameters, serum CIRP levels with the presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) were higher than those without ILD. In detail, serum CIRP levels correlated negatively with the percent predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with levels of Krebs von den Lungen-6. In addition, elevated serum CIRP levels declined along with decreased SSc-ILD activity in patients who received immunosuppressive therapy. These results suggest that CIRP may play a role in the development of ILD in SSc. Moreover, CIRP could serve as a useful serological marker of SSc-ILD in terms of disease activity and therapeutic effects.
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16
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Deguchi A, Watanabe-Takahashi M, Mishima T, Omori T, Ohto U, Arashiki N, Nakamura F, Nishikawa K, Maru Y. Novel multivalent S100A8 inhibitory peptides attenuate tumor progression and metastasis by inhibiting the TLR4-dependent pathway. Cancer Gene Ther 2023:10.1038/s41417-023-00604-3. [PMID: 36932197 PMCID: PMC10021052 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The tumor-elicited inflammation is closely related to tumor microenvironment during tumor progression. S100A8, an endogenous ligand of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), is known as a key molecule in the tumor microenvironment and premetastatic niche formation. We firstly generated a novel multivalent S100A8 competitive inhibitory peptide (divalent peptide3A5) against TLR4/MD-2, using the alanine scanning. Divalent peptide3A5 suppressed S100A8-mediated interleukin-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor production in human colorectal tumor SW480 cells. Using SW480-transplanted xenograft models, divalent peptide3A5 suppressed tumor progression in a dose-dependent manner. We demonstrated that combination therapy with divalent peptide3A5 and bevacizumab synergistically suppressed tumor growth in SW480 xenograft models. Using syngeneic mouse models, we found that divalent peptide3A5 improved the efficacy of anti-programmed death (PD)1 antibody, and lung metastasis. In addition, by using multivalent peptide library screening based on peptide3A5, we then isolated two more candidates; divalent ILVIK, and tetravalent ILVIK. Of note, multivalent ILVIK, but not monovalent ILVIK showed competitive inhibitory activity against TLR4/MD-2 complex, and anti-tumoral activity in SW480 xenograft models. As most tumor cells including SW480 cells also express TLR4, S100A8 inhibitory peptides would target both the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells. Thus, multivalent S100A8 inhibitory peptides would provide new pharmaceutical options for aggressive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Deguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
| | - Miho Watanabe-Takahashi
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakotani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan
| | - Taishi Mishima
- Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Omori
- Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Umeharu Ohto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Nobuto Arashiki
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Fumio Nakamura
- Department of Biochemistry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nishikawa
- Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Miyakotani, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610-0321, Japan.
| | - Yoshiro Maru
- Department of Pharmacology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8666, Japan.
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17
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Renaud L, Waldrep KM, da Silveira WA, Pilewski JM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. First Characterization of the Transcriptome of Lung Fibroblasts of SSc Patients and Healthy Donors of African Ancestry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3645. [PMID: 36835058 PMCID: PMC9966000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043645] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder that results in fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death amongst SSc patients. Racial disparity is noted in SSc as African Americans (AA) have a higher frequency and severity of disease than European Americans (EA). Using RNAseq, we determined differentially expressed genes (DEGs; q < 0.1, log2FC > |0.6|) in primary pulmonary fibroblasts from SSc lungs (SScL) and normal lungs (NL) of AA and EA patients to characterize the unique transcriptomic signatures of AA-NL and AA-SScL fibroblasts using systems-level analysis. We identified 69 DEGs in "AA-NL vs. EA-NL" and 384 DEGs in "AA-SScL vs. EA-SScL" analyses, and a comparison of disease mechanisms revealed that only 7.5% of DEGs were commonly deregulated in AA and EA patients. Surprisingly, we also identified an SSc-like signature in AA-NL fibroblasts. Our data highlight differences in disease mechanisms between AA and EA SScL fibroblasts and suggest that AA-NL fibroblasts are in a "pre-fibrosis" state, poised to respond to potential fibrotic triggers. The DEGs and pathways identified in our study provide a wealth of novel targets to better understand disease mechanisms leading to racial disparity in SSc-PF and develop more effective and personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Kristy M. Waldrep
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Willian A. da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Joseph M. Pilewski
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Carol A. Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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18
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O'Reilly S. Toll-like receptor triggering in systemic sclerosis: time to target. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI12-SI19. [PMID: 35863054 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SSc is an autoimmune disease that has features of vascular abnormalities, inflammation and skin and lung fibrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are sentinel receptors that serve to recognize pathogens or internal danger signals leading to downstream signalling pathways that ultimately lead to inflammation and modification of adaptive immunity. Inflammation and fibrosis appear intricately connected in this disease and TLR ligation on fibroblasts can directly activate these cells to produce copious amounts of collagen, a hallmark of disease. The presence of damage-associated molecular patterns in association with fibrosis has been highlighted. Given their prominent role in disease, this review discusses the evidence of their expression and role in disease pathogenesis and possible therapeutic intervention to mitigate fibrosis.
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19
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Qiu ZK, Zhang MZ, Zhang WC, Li ZJ, Si LB, Long X, Yu NZ, Wang XJ. Role of HIF-1α in pathogenic mechanisms of keloids. J Cosmet Dermatol 2023; 22:1436-1448. [PMID: 36718786 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.15601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUDS AND OBJECTIVE Keloids are defined as overrepairing products that develop after skin lesions. Keloids are characterized by the proliferation of fibroblasts and the overaccumulation of extracellular matrix components (mainly collagen), leading to a locally hypoxic microenvironment. Hence, this article was aimed to review hypoxia in pathogenesis of keloids. METHODS We reviewed and summarized the relevant published studies. RESULTS Hypoxia results in the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in keloids, contributing to overactivation of the fibrotic signaling pathway, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and changes in metabolism, eventually leading to aggravated fibrosis, infiltrative growth, and radiotherapy resistance. CONCLUSION It is, therefore, essential to understand the role of HIF-1α in the pathogenic mechanisms of keloids in order to develop new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Kai Qiu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Zi Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Jin Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lou-Bin Si
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Long
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nan-Ze Yu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Peking Union Medical college Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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20
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Ramos-Martinez E, Vega-Sánchez AE, Pérez-Rubio G, Mejia M, Buendía-Roldán I, González-Pérez MI, Mateos-Toledo HN, Andrade WA, Falfán-Valencia R, Rojas-Serrano J. Enhanced Activity of NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Lung of Patients with Anti-Synthetase Syndrome. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010060. [PMID: 36611853 PMCID: PMC9818379 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-synthetase syndrome (ASSD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammatory interstitial lung disease (ILD). The main objective of this work was to quantify the concentrations of cytokines and molecules associated with inflammasome activation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of patients with ASSD and a comparison group of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Cytokines and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined using the concentrated BAL protein. The activity of caspase-1 and concentration of NLRP3 with the protein purified from the cell pellet in each group of patients. We found higher caspase-1 levels in ASSD vs. SSc, 1.25 RFU vs. 0.75 RFU p = 0.003, and LDH levels at 0.15 OD vs. 0.09 OD p < 0.001. A significant difference was observed in molecules associated with inflammasome activation, IL-18: 1.42 pg/mL vs. 0.87 pg/mL p = 0.02 and IFN-γ: 0.9 pg/mL vs. 0.86 pg/mL, p = 0.01. A positive correlation was found between caspase-1 and LDH in the patients with ASSD Rho 0.58 (p = 0.008) but not in the SSc group. In patients with ASSD, greater caspase-1 and higher LDH activity were observed in BAL, suggesting cell death due to pyroptosis and activation of the inflammasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Espiridión Ramos-Martinez
- Experimental Medicine Research Unit, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Angel E. Vega-Sánchez
- Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Gloria Pérez-Rubio
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Mayra Mejia
- Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Ivette Buendía-Roldán
- Translational Research Laboratory on Aging and Pulmonary Fibrosis, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Montserrat I. González-Pérez
- Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Heidegger N. Mateos-Toledo
- Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Warrison A. Andrade
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Ramcés Falfán-Valencia
- HLA Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.F.-V.); (J.R.-S.)
| | - Jorge Rojas-Serrano
- Interstitial Lung Disease and Rheumatology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias Ismael Cosío Villegas, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.F.-V.); (J.R.-S.)
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21
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Muntyanu A, Le M, Ridha Z, O’Brien E, Litvinov IV, Lefrançois P, Netchiporouk E. Novel role of long non-coding RNAs in autoimmune cutaneous disease. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:487-504. [PMID: 34346026 PMCID: PMC9733767 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00639-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) are a heterogeneous group of chronic multisystem inflammatory disorders that are thought to have a complex pathophysiology, which is not yet fully understood. Recently, the role of non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), has been of particular interest in the pathogenesis of SARDs. We aimed to summarize the potential roles of lncRNA in SARDs affecting the skin including, systemic sclerosis (SSc), dermatomyositis (DM) and cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). We conducted a narrative review summarizing original articles published until July 19, 2021, regarding lncRNA associated with SSc, DM, and CLE. Several lncRNAs were hypothesized to play an important role in disease pathogenesis of SSc, DM and CLE. In SSc, Negative Regulator of IFN Response (NRIR) was thought to modulate Interferon (IFN) response in monocytes, anti-sense gene to X-inactivation specific transcript (TSIX) to regulate increased collagen stability, HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) to increase numbers of myofibroblasts, OTUD6B-Anti-Sense RNA 1 to decrease fibroblast apoptosis, ncRNA00201 to regulate pathways in SSc pathogenesis and carcinogenesis, H19X potentiating TGF-β-driven extracellular matrix production, and finally PSMB8-AS1 potentiates IFN response. In DM, linc-DGCR6-1 expression was hypothesized to target the USP18 protein, a type 1 IFN-inducible protein that is considered a key regulator of IFN signaling. Additionally, AL136018.1 is suggested to regulate the expression Cathepsin G, which increases the permeability of vascular endothelial cells and the chemotaxis of inflammatory cells in peripheral blood and muscle tissue in DM. Lastly, lnc-MIPOL1-6 and lnc-DDX47-3 in discoid CLE were thought to be associated with the expression of chemokines, which are significant in Th1 mediated disease. In this review, we summarize the key lncRNAs that may drive pathogenesis of these connective tissue diseases and could potentially serve as therapeutic targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Muntyanu
- Division Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
| | - Michelle Le
- Division Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
| | - Zainab Ridha
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Laval, Québec, QC Canada
| | - Elizabeth O’Brien
- Division Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
| | - Ivan V. Litvinov
- Division Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
| | - Philippe Lefrançois
- Division Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
| | - Elena Netchiporouk
- Division Dermatology, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
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22
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Aung WW, Hamaguchi Y, Matsushita T. Targeting cytokines and potentiality of
JAK–STAT
inhibition in systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS IMMUNOLOGY AND ALLERGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cia2.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wah Wah Aung
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan
| | - Yasuhito Hamaguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Kanazawa University Kanazawa Ishikawa Japan
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23
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Endotoxin contamination alters macrophage-cancer cell interaction and therapeutic efficacy in pre-clinical 3D in vitro models. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 144:213220. [PMID: 36476713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The rapid developments in biofabrication, in particular 3D bioprinting, in the recent years have facilitated the need for novel biomaterials that aim to replicate the target tissue in great detail. The presence of endotoxins in these biomaterials is often an overlooked problem. In pre-clinical 3D in vitro models, endotoxins can have significant influence on cell behavior and credibility of the model. In this study we demonstrate the effects of high levels of endotoxins in commercially-available gelatin on the macrophage-cancer cell crosstalk in a 3D bioprinted co-culture model. First, it is demonstrated that, while presenting the same mechanical and structural stimuli, high levels of endotoxin can have significant influence on the metabolic activity of macrophages and cancer cells. Furthermore, this study shows that high endotoxin contamination causes a strong inflammatory reaction in macrophages and significantly inhibits the effects of a paracrine macrophage-cancer cell co-culture. At last, it is demonstrated that the differences in endotoxin levels can drastically alter the efficacy of novel macrophage modulating immunotherapies, AS1517499 and 3-methyladenine. Altogether, this study shows that endotoxin contamination in biomaterials can significantly alter intra- and intercellular communication and thereby drug efficacy, which might lead to misinterpretation of the potency and safety of the tested compounds.
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24
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Fang D, Chen B, Lescoat A, Khanna D, Mu R. Immune cell dysregulation as a mediator of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:683-693. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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25
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Wang W, Bale S, Yalavarthi B, Verma P, Tsou PS, Calderone KM, Bhattacharyya D, Fisher GJ, Varga J, Bhattacharyya S. Deficiency of inhibitory TLR4 homolog RP105 exacerbates fibrosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e160684. [PMID: 36136452 PMCID: PMC9675479 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.160684] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of TLR4 by its cognate damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) elicits potent profibrotic effects and myofibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis (SSc), while genetic targeting of TLR4 or its DAMPs in mice accelerates fibrosis resolution. To prevent aberrant DAMP/TLR4 activity, a variety of negative regulators evolved to dampen the magnitude and duration of the signaling. These include radioprotective 105 kDa (RP105), a transmembrane TLR4 homolog that competitively inhibits DAMP recognition of TLR4, blocking TLR4 signaling in immune cells. The role of RP105 in TLR4-dependent fibrotic responses in SSc is unknown. Using unbiased transcriptome analysis of skin biopsies, we found that levels of both TLR4 and its adaptor protein MD2 were elevated in SSc skin and significantly correlated with each other. Expression of RP105 was negatively associated with myofibroblast differentiation in SSc. Importantly, RP105-TLR4 association was reduced, whereas TLR4-TLR4 showed strong association in fibroblasts from patients with SSc, as evidenced by PLA assays. Moreover, RP105 adaptor MD1 expression was significantly reduced in SSc skin biopsies and explanted SSc skin fibroblasts. Exogenous RP105-MD1 abrogated, while loss of RP105 exaggerated, fibrotic cellular responses. Importantly, ablation of RP105 in mice was associated with augmented TLR4 signaling and aggravated skin fibrosis in complementary disease models. Thus, we believe RP105-MD1 to be a novel cell-intrinsic negative regulator of TLR4-MD2-driven sustained fibroblast activation, representing a critical regulatory network governing the fibrotic process. Impaired RP105 function in SSc might contribute to persistence of progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Wang
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Swarna Bale
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Bharath Yalavarthi
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Priyanka Verma
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Ken M. Calderone
- Derpartment of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dibyendu Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Gary J. Fisher
- Derpartment of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
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26
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Wang W, Bale S, Wei J, Yalavarthi B, Bhattacharyya D, Yan JJ, Abdala-Valencia H, Xu D, Sun H, Marangoni RG, Herzog E, Berdnikovs S, Miller SD, Sawalha AH, Tsou PS, Awaji K, Yamashita T, Sato S, Asano Y, Tiruppathi C, Yeldandi A, Schock BC, Bhattacharyya S, Varga J. Fibroblast A20 governs fibrosis susceptibility and its repression by DREAM promotes fibrosis in multiple organs. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6358. [PMID: 36289219 PMCID: PMC9606375 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, variants of the TNFAIP3 gene encoding the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 are also associated with fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, it remains unclear how genetic factors contribute to SSc pathogenesis, and which cell types drive the disease due to SSc-specific genetic alterations. We therefore characterize the expression, function, and role of A20, and its negative transcriptional regulator DREAM, in patients with SSc and disease models. Levels of A20 are significantly reduced in SSc skin and lungs, while DREAM is elevated. In isolated fibroblasts, A20 mitigates ex vivo profibrotic responses. Mice haploinsufficient for A20, or harboring fibroblasts-specific A20 deletion, recapitulate major pathological features of SSc, whereas DREAM-null mice with elevated A20 expression are protected. In DREAM-null fibroblasts, TGF-β induces the expression of A20, compared to wild-type fibroblasts. An anti-fibrotic small molecule targeting cellular adiponectin receptors stimulates A20 expression in vitro in wild-type but not A20-deficient fibroblasts and in bleomycin-treated mice. Thus, A20 has a novel cell-intrinsic function in restraining fibroblast activation, and together with DREAM, constitutes a critical regulatory network governing the fibrotic process in SSc. A20 and DREAM represent novel druggable targets for fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxia Wang
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Swarna Bale
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jun Wei
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bharath Yalavarthi
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dibyendu Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jing Jing Yan
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Hanshi Sun
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Roberta G Marangoni
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erica Herzog
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sergejs Berdnikovs
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stephen D Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pei-Suen Tsou
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kentaro Awaji
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamashita
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Chinnaswamy Tiruppathi
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Lung and Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Bettina C Schock
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - John Varga
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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27
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Wu J, Jian Y, Wang H, Huang H, Gong L, Liu G, Yang Y, Wang W. A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle): A Traditional Chinese Medicinal Food. Molecules 2022; 27:6618. [PMID: 36235155 PMCID: PMC9572582 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey ex Lu et Z. Y. Zhang is a unique economic and medicinal plant of Cucurbitaceae in Southern China. For hundreds of years, Chinese people have used the fruit of S. grosvenorii as an excellent natural sweetener and traditional medicine for lung congestion, sore throat, and constipation. It is one of the first species in China to be classified as a medicinal food homology, which has received considerable attention as a natural product with high development potential. Various natural products, such as triterpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, and lignans, have been released from this plant by previous phytochemical studies. Phar- macological research of the fruits of S. grosvenorii has attracted extensive attention, and an increasing number of extracts and compounds have been demonstrated to have antitussive, expectorant, antiasthmatic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immunologic, hepatoprotective, antibacte- rial, and other activities. In this review, based on a large number of previous studies, we summarized the related research progress of the chemical components and pharmacological effects of S. grosvenorii, which provides theoretical support for further investigation of its biological functions and potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjiang Wu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yuqing Jian
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Huizhen Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Huaxue Huang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
- Hunan Huacheng Biotech, Inc., High-Tech Zone, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Liming Gong
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Genggui Liu
- Hunan Huacheng Biotech, Inc., High-Tech Zone, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Yupei Yang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, Innovative Materia Medica Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
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28
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Fibrotic Scar in CNS Injuries: From the Cellular Origins of Fibroblasts to the Molecular Processes of Fibrotic Scar Formation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152371. [PMID: 35954214 PMCID: PMC9367779 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) trauma activates a persistent repair response that leads to fibrotic scar formation within the lesion. This scarring is similar to other organ fibrosis in many ways; however, the unique features of the CNS differentiate it from other organs. In this review, we discuss fibrotic scar formation in CNS trauma, including the cellular origins of fibroblasts, the mechanism of fibrotic scar formation following an injury, as well as the implication of the fibrotic scar in CNS tissue remodeling and regeneration. While discussing the shared features of CNS fibrotic scar and fibrosis outside the CNS, we highlight their differences and discuss therapeutic targets that may enhance regeneration in the CNS.
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29
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Ju N, Hayashi H, Shimamura M, Baba S, Yoshida S, Morishita R, Rakugi H, Nakagami H. Prevention of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by a RANKL peptide in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12474. [PMID: 35864207 PMCID: PMC9304352 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16843-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent therapeutic developments for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, its prognosis is still not well controlled, and a novel therapeutic agent is needed. Recently, the critical role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in the pathophysiology of pulmonary fibrosis has been reported; however, the effects of multiple TLR signaling inhibition are still unknown. Here, we examined how the inhibition of multiple TLRs affects pulmonary fibrosis using a novel synthetic receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) partial peptide, MHP1-AcN, which could suppress TLR2, 3, 4, 7, and 9 signaling through CD14 and RANK. When MHP1-AcN was administered in the bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model, reduced collagen deposition was observed, with suppressed fibrosis-related gene expression including Col1a1, Col1a2, Acta2, Tgfb1 and Tgfbr2. MHP1-AcN also decreased proinflammatory M1 and profibrotic M2 macrophage marker expression. Furthermore, MHP1-AcN treatment inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF-β)-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and myofibroblast differentiation in human fetal lung fibroblast (MRC-5) cells. This effect was associated with decreased TGF-β receptor levels and the upregulated Bmp7 and Smad7 expression. These findings suggest that MHP1-AcN protects mice against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. MHP1-AcN might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ju
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hayashi
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shimamura
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. .,Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan. .,Department of Health Development and Medicine and Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Centre of Medical Innovation and Translational Research (6Th Floor, Room 0612B), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Baba
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Shota Yoshida
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.,Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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30
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Mzyk P, Hernandez H, Le T, Ramirez JR, McDowell CM. Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling in the Trabecular Meshwork. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:936115. [PMID: 35912101 PMCID: PMC9335276 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.936115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. With limited therapeutics targeting the pathogenesis at the trabecular meshwork (TM), there is a great need for identifying potential new targets. Recent evidence has implicated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and it is signaling pathway in augmenting the effects of transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGFβ2) and downstream extracellular matrix production. In this review, we examine the role of TLR4 signaling in the trabecular meshwork and the interplay between endogenous activators of TLR4 (damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)), extracellular matrix (ECM), and the effect on intraocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Mzyk
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Thanh Le
- University of Houston-Victoria, Victoria, TX, United States
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31
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Mavlyutov TA, Myrah JJ, Chauhan AK, Liu Y, McDowell CM. Fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) causes glaucomatous trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve damage in mice. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:72. [PMID: 35619185 PMCID: PMC9137085 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00800-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of primary open angle glaucoma and is due to trabecular meshwork (TM) damage. Here, we investigate the role of an endogenous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand, FN-EDA, in the development of glaucoma utilizing a transgenic mouse strain (B6.EDA+/+) that constitutively expresses only FN containing the EDA isoform. METHODS Eyes from C57BL6/J (wild-type), B6.EDA+/+ (constitutively active EDA), B6.EDA-/- (EDA null) mice were processed for electron microscopy and consecutive images of the entire length of the TM and Schlemm's canal (SC) from anterior to posterior were collected and montaged into a single image. ECM accumulation, basement membrane length, and size and number of giant vacuoles were quantified by ImageJ analysis. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression in the TM and ONH cells was conducted using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry protocols. IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer, ON damage assessed by PPD stain, and RGC loss quantified in RBPMS labeled retina flat mounts. RESULTS Ultrastructure analyses show the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice have significantly increased accumulation of ECM between TM beams with few empty spaces compared to C57BL/6 J mice (p < 0.05). SC basement membrane is thicker and more continuous in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J. No significant structural differences are detected in the TM of EDA null mice. Tlr4 and Iba1 expression is increased in the TM of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.05). IOP is significantly higher in B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J eyes (p < 0.001), and significant ON damage (p < 0.001) and RGC loss (p < 0.05) detected at 1 year of age. Tlr4 mRNA is expressed in mouse ONH cells, and is present in ganglion cell axons, microglia, and astrocytes. There is a significant increase in the area occupied by Iba-1 positive microglia cells in the ONH of B6.EDA+/+ mice compared to C57BL/6 J control eyes (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS B6.EDA+/+ mice have increased ECM accumulation in the TM, elevated IOP, enhanced proinflammatory changes in the ONH, loss of RGCs, and ONH damage. These data suggest B6.EDA+/+ mice recapitulate many aspects of glaucomatous damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur A. Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Justin J. Myrah
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Anil K. Chauhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX USA
| | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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32
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Bolourani S, Sari E, Brenner M, Wang P. The role of eCIRP in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266163. [PMID: 35377906 PMCID: PMC8979429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN We examined the role of eCIRP in the pathogenesis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). MATERIAL AND METHODS Publicly available gene expression omnibus datasets were analyzed for the expression of CIRP in lung samples from patients with PF. Wild type (WT) or CIRP-/- mice received daily injections of 10 μg/g bleomycin for 10 days. A subset of bleomycin-injected WT mice was treated with the eCIRP antagonist C23 (8 μg/g/day) from day 10 to day 19. At three weeks, transthoracic echocardiography was performed to measure the degree of pulmonary hypertension, and lung tissues were collected and analyzed for markers of fibrosis. RESULTS Analysis of the mRNA data of human lung samples showed a significant positive correlation between CIRP and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), an important marker of fibrosis. Moreover, the expression of CIRP was higher in patients with acute exacerbation of PF than in patients with stable PF. CIRP-/- mice showed attenuated induction of α-SMA and collagens (Col1a1, Col3a1), reduced hydroxyproline content, decreased histological fibrosis scores, and improved pulmonary hypertension as compared to WT mice. WT mice treated with C23 also had significant attenuation of the above endpoint measure. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that eCIRP plays a key role in promoting the development of PF, and blocking eCIRP with C23 can significantly attenuate this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Bolourani
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Ezgi Sari
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Max Brenner
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States of America
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33
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Mzyk P, Zalog EG, McDowell CM. A20 Attenuates the Fibrotic Response in the Trabecular Meshwork. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:1928. [PMID: 35216043 PMCID: PMC8875798 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the extracellular matrix (ECM) in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells is known to be important in intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation, the molecular mechanisms involved in generating a glaucomatous environment in the TM are not completely understood. Recently we identified a molecular pathway, transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2)-toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling crosstalk, as an important regulator of glaucomatous damage in the TM, which contributes to fibrosis. Here we evaluate a novel molecular target, A20, also known as tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), which may help to block pathological TGFβ2-TLR4 signaling. Primary human TM cells were analyzed for A20 message and for A20 and fibronectin protein expression after treatment with TGFβ2. A20 message increased when the TLR4 pathway was inhibited in TM cells. In addition, TGFβ2, a known inducer of fibrosis, increased fibronectin expression, while at the same time decreasing the expression of A20. We then overexpressed A20 in TM cells in order to test the effect on treatment with TGFβ2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or cellular fibronectin extra domain A (cFN-EDA). Importantly, overexpression of A20 rescued the fibrotic response when TM cells were treated with TGFβ2, LPS, or cFN-EDA. In situ hybridization was used to probe for A20 RNA expression in age-matched control (C57BL/6J) mice and mice that constitutively express the EDA isoform of fibronectin (B6.EDA+/+). In this novel mouse model of glaucoma, A20 RNA was increased versus age-matched control mice in a cyclic manner at 6 weeks and 1 year of age, but not at 8 months. Overall, these data suggest that A20 may work through a negative feedback mechanism attenuating the ability of TGFβ2-TLR4 signaling to induce fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Colleen M. McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (P.M.); (E.G.Z.)
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34
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Afroz R, Kumarapperuma H, Nguyen QVN, Mohamed R, Little PJ, Kamato D. Lipopolysaccharide acting via toll-like receptor 4 transactivates the TGF-β receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:121. [PMID: 35122536 PMCID: PMC8817999 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04159-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise pathogen‑associated molecular patterns, which allow the detection of microbial infection by host cells. Bacterial-derived toxin lipopolysaccharide activates TLR4 and leads to the activation of the Smad2 transcription factor. The phosphorylation of the Smad2 transcription factor is the result of the activation of the transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1). Therefore, we sought to investigate LPS via TLR4-mediated Smad2 carboxy terminal phosphorylation dependent on the transactivation of the TGFBR1. The in vitro model used human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells to assess the implications of TLR4 transactivation of the TGFBR1 in vascular pathophysiology. We show that LPS-mediated Smad2 carboxy terminal phosphorylation is inhibited in the presence of TGFBR1 inhibitor, SB431542. Treatment with MyD88 and TRIF pathway antagonists does not affect LPS-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2 carboxy terminal; however, LPS-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of MMP inhibitor, GM6001, and unaffected in the presence of ROCK inhibitor Y27632 or ROS/NOX inhibitor DPI. LPS via transactivation of the TGFBR1 stimulates PAI-1 mRNA expression. TLRs are first in line to respond to exogenous invading substances and endogenous molecules; our findings characterise a novel signalling pathway in the context of cell biology. Identifying TLR transactivation of the TGFBR1 may provide future insight into the detrimental implications of pathogens in pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Quang V N Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
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35
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Xu D, Bhattacharyya S, Wang W, Ifergan I, Chiang Wong MYA, Procissi D, Yeldandi A, Bale S, Marangoni RG, Horbinski C, Miller SD, Varga J. PLG nanoparticles target fibroblasts and MARCO+ monocytes to reverse multi-organ fibrosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:151037. [PMID: 35104243 PMCID: PMC8983146 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.151037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem orphan disease with a highly variable clinical course, high mortality rate, and a poorly understood complex pathogenesis. We have identified an important role for a subpopulation of monocytes and macrophages characterized by surface expression of the scavenger receptor macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) in chronic inflammation and fibrosis in SSc and in preclinical disease models. We show that MARCO+ monocytes and macrophages accumulate in lesional skin and lung in topographic proximity to activated myofibroblasts in patients with SSc and in the bleomycin-induced mouse model of SSc. Short-term treatment of mice with a potentially novel nanoparticle, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLG), which is composed of a carboxylated, FDA-approved, biodegradable polymer and modulates activation and trafficking of MARCO+ inflammatory monocytes, markedly attenuated bleomycin-induced skin and lung inflammation and fibrosis. Mechanistically, in isolated cells in culture, PLG nanoparticles inhibited TGF-dependent fibrotic responses in vitro. Thus, MARCO+ monocytes are potent effector cells of skin and lung fibrosis and can be therapeutically targeted in SSc using PLG nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Ming-Yi Alice Chiang Wong
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Daniele Procissi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Anjana Yeldandi
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Swarna Bale
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
| | - Roberta G Marangoni
- Northwestern Scleroderma Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Craig Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - Stephen D Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, United States of America
| | - John Varga
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States of America
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36
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Benfaremo D, Svegliati S, Paolini C, Agarbati S, Moroncini G. Systemic Sclerosis: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010163. [PMID: 35052842 PMCID: PMC8773282 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic, immune-mediated chronic disorder characterized by small vessel alterations and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The combination of a predisposing genetic background and triggering factors that causes a persistent activation of immune system at microvascular and tissue level is thought to be the pathogenetic driver of SSc. Endothelial alterations with subsequent myofibroblast activation, excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and unrestrained tissue fibrosis are the pathogenetic steps responsible for the clinical manifestations of this disease, which can be highly heterogeneous according to the different entity of each pathogenic step in individual subjects. Although substantial progress has been made in the management of SSc in recent years, disease-modifying therapies are still lacking. Several molecular pathways involved in SSc pathogenesis are currently under evaluation as possible therapeutic targets in clinical trials. These include drugs targeting fibrotic and metabolic pathways (e.g., TGF-β, autotaxin/LPA, melanocortin, and mTOR), as well as molecules and cells involved in the persistent activation of the immune system (e.g., IL4/IL13, IL23, JAK/STAT, B cells, and plasma cells). In this review, we provide an overview of the most promising therapeutic targets that could improve the future clinical management of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devis Benfaremo
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedali Riuniti “Umberto I-G.M. Lancisi-G. Salesi”, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Silvia Svegliati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.); (S.A.)
| | - Chiara Paolini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.); (S.A.)
| | - Silvia Agarbati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.); (S.A.)
| | - Gianluca Moroncini
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedali Riuniti “Umberto I-G.M. Lancisi-G. Salesi”, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (C.P.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence:
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37
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Geiduschek EK, Milne PD, Mzyk P, Mavlyutov TA, McDowell CM. TLR4 signaling modulates extracellular matrix production in the lamina cribrosa. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:968381. [PMID: 36911656 PMCID: PMC9997209 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.968381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The optic nerve head (ONH) is a place of vulnerability during glaucoma progression due to increased intraocular pressure damaging the retinal ganglion cell axons. The molecular signaling pathways involved in generating glaucomatous ONH damage has not been fully elucidated. There is a great deal of evidence that pro-fibrotic TGFβ2 signaling is involved in modulating the ECM environment within the lamina cribrosa (LC) region of the ONH. Here we investigated the role of signaling crosstalk between the TGFβ2 pathway and the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway within the LC. ECM deposition was examined between healthy and glaucomatous human ONH sections, finding increases in fibronectin and fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) an isoform of fibronectin known to be a damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that can activate TLR4 signaling. In human LC cell cultures derived from healthy donor eyes, inhibition of TLR4 signaling blocked TGFβ2 induced FN and FN-EDA expression. Activation of TLR4 by cellular FN (cFN) containing the EDA isoform increased both total FN production and Collagen-1 production and this effect was dependent on TLR4 signaling. These studies identify TGFβ2-TLR4 signaling crosstalk in LC cells of the ONH as a novel pathway regulating ECM and DAMP production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Geiduschek
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Paige D Milne
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Philip Mzyk
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Timur A Mavlyutov
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Colleen M McDowell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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38
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Zhang D, Liu B, Jie X, Deng J, Lu Z, Lu F, Liu X. Uncovering Bupi Yishen Formula Pharmacological Mechanisms Against Chronic Kidney Disease by Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:761572. [PMID: 34867380 PMCID: PMC8634166 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.761572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading public health problem with high morbidity and mortality, but the therapies remain limited. Bupi Yishen Formula (BYF) - a patent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula - has been proved to be effective for CKD treatment in a high-quality clinical trial. However, BYF’s underlying mechanism is unclear. Thus, we aimed to reveal BYF pharmacological mechanism against CKD by network pharmacology and experimental studies. Network pharmacology-based analysis of the drug-compound-target interaction was used to predict the potential pharmacological mechanism and biological basis of BYF. We performed a comprehensive study by detecting the expression levels of fibrotic and inflammatory markers and main molecules of candidate signal pathway in adenine-induced CKD rats and TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells with the treatment of BYF by western blotting and RT-qPCR analyses. Using small interfering RNA, we assessed the effect of BYF on the TLR4-mediated NF-κB mechanism for CKD renal fibrosis and inflammation. Network pharmacology analysis results identified 369 common targets from BYF and CKD. Based on these common targets, the BYF intervention pathway was analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. We found that Toll-like receptor (TLR) and NF-κB signaling pathways were enriched. Then, we demonstrated that BYF significantly improved the adenine-induced CKD rat model condition by kidney dysfunction improvement and reversing renal fibrosis and inflammation. Subsequently, we investigated BYF’s effect on the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. We found that TLR4 and phospho-NF-κB (p-p65 and p-IKβα) expression was significantly upregulated in adenine-induced CKD rats, then partially downregulated by BYF. Furthermore, BYF inhibited fibrotic and inflammatory responses, as well as TLR4, p-p65, and p-IKβα in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. Additionally, the BYF inhibitory effect on fibrosis and inflammation, and NF-κB pathway activation were significantly reduced in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells transfected with TLR4 siRNA. Altogether, these findings demonstrated that the suppression of TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling was an important anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory mechanism for BYF against CKD. It also provided a molecular basis for new CKD treatment drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Difei Zhang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingran Liu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xina Jie
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiankun Deng
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyu Lu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuhua Lu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xusheng Liu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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39
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Wenzel D, Haddadi N, Afshari K, Richmond JM, Rashighi M. Upcoming treatments for morphea. Immun Inflamm Dis 2021; 9:1101-1145. [PMID: 34272836 PMCID: PMC8589364 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with variable clinical presentations, with an annual incidence of 0.4-2.7 cases per 100,000. Morphea occurs most frequently in children aged 2-14 years, and the disease exhibits a female predominance. Insights into morphea pathogenesis are often extrapolated from studies of systemic sclerosis due to their similar skin histopathologic features; however, clinically they are two distinct diseases as evidenced by different demographics, clinical features, disease course and prognosis. An interplay between genetic factors, epigenetic modifications, immune and vascular dysfunction, along with environmental hits are considered as the main contributors to morphea pathogenesis. In this review, we describe potential new therapies for morphea based on both preclinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials. We focus on different classes of therapeutics, including antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, cellular and gene therapy, and antisenolytic approaches, and how these target different aspects of disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wenzel
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Nazgol‐Sadat Haddadi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Khashayar Afshari
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jillian M. Richmond
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mehdi Rashighi
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
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40
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Kasetti RB, Maddineni P, Kodati B, Nagarajan B, Yacoub S. Astragaloside IV Attenuates Ocular Hypertension in a Mouse Model of TGFβ2 Induced Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212508. [PMID: 34830390 PMCID: PMC8619727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor in developing primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), which is the most common form of glaucoma. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGFβ2) is a pro-fibrotic cytokine that plays an important role in POAG pathogenesis. TGFβ2 induced extracellular matrix (ECM) production, deposition and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the trabecular meshwork (TM) contribute to increased aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance and IOP elevation. Drugs which alter the glaucomatous fibrotic changes and ER stress in the TM may be effective in reducing ocular hypertension. Astragaloside IV (AS.IV), a novel saponin isolated from the roots of Astragalus membranaceus, has demonstrated antifibrotic and ER stress lowering effects in various tissues during disease conditions. However, the effect of AS.IV on glaucomatous TM fibrosis, ER stress and ocular hypertension has not been studied. Primary human TM cells treated with AS.IV decreased TGFβ2 induced ECM (FN, Col-I) deposition and ER stress (KDEL, ATF4 and CHOP). Moreover, AS.IV treatment reduced TGFβ2 induced NF-κB activation and αSMA expression in TM cells. We found that AS.IV treatment significantly increased levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMP9 and MMP2) and MMP2 enzymatic activity, indicating that the antifibrotic effects of AS.IV are mediated via inhibition of NF-κB and activation of MMPs. AS.IV treatment also reduced ER stress in TM3 cells stably expressing mutant myocilin. Interestingly, the topical ocular AS.IV eye drops (1 mM) significantly decreased TGFβ2 induced ocular hypertension in mice, and this was associated with a decrease in FN, Col-1 (ECM), KDEL (ER stress) and αSMA in mouse TM tissues. Taken together, the results suggest that AS.IV prevents TGFβ2 induced ocular hypertension by modulating ECM deposition and ER stress in the TM.
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41
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Veltman D, Wu M, Pokreisz P, Claus P, Gillijns H, Caluwé E, Vanhaverbeke M, Gsell W, Himmelreich U, Sinnaeve PR, Janssens SP. Clec4e-Receptor Signaling in Myocardial Repair After Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2021; 6:631-646. [PMID: 34466750 PMCID: PMC8385568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The role of the CLEC4E during myocardial healing after ischemia-reperfusion injury is unknown. CLEC4E deletion is associated with reduced cardiac injury, inflammation, and left ventricular structural and functional remodeling. CLEC4E is a promising target to modulate myocardial inflammation and enhance repair after ischemia-reperfusion injury.
The bacterial C-type lectin domain family 4 member E (CLEC4E) has an important role in sterile inflammation, but its role in myocardial repair is unknown. Using complementary approaches in porcine, murine, and human samples, we show that CLEC4E expression levels in the myocardium and in blood correlate with the extent of myocardial injury and left ventricular (LV) functional impairment. CLEC4E expression is markedly increased in the vasculature, cardiac myocytes, and infiltrating leukocytes in the ischemic heart. Loss of Clec4e signaling is associated with reduced acute cardiac injury, neutrophil infiltration, and infarct size. Reduced myocardial injury in Clec4e–/– translates into significantly improved LV structural and functional remodeling at 4 weeks’ follow-up. The early transcriptome of LV tissue from Clec4e–/– mice versus wild-type mice reveals significant upregulation of transcripts involved in myocardial metabolism, radical scavenging, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix organization. Therefore, targeting CLEC4E in the early phase of ischemia-reperfusion injury is a promising therapeutic strategy to modulate myocardial inflammation and enhance repair after ischemia-reperfusion injury.
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Key Words
- ACS, acute coronary syndrome
- AMI, acute myocardial infarction
- ANOVA, analysis of variance
- CAD, coronary artery disease
- CLEC4E
- CLEC4E, C-type lectin domain family 4 member E
- CMC, cardiac myocyte
- Car3, carbonic anhydrase 3
- Cxcl2, CXC chemokine ligand 2
- Cxcr2, CXC chemokine receptor 2
- DAMP, damage-associated molecular pattern
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- ESV, end-systolic volume
- Efna2, ephrin A2
- Grk2, G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2
- I/R, ischemia-reperfusion
- LAD, left anterior descending coronary artery
- LV, left ventricular
- MPO, myeloperoxidase
- MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
- NS, not significant
- PRR, pattern recognition receptor
- RNA, ribonucleic acid
- SMC, smooth muscle cell
- STEMI, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
- TnT, troponin T
- WT, wild-type
- hs-TnI, high-sensitivity troponin I
- inflammation
- ischemia-reperfusion injury
- magnetic resonance imaging
- myocardial remodeling
- qRT-PCR, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Veltman
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ming Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Pokreisz
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Piet Claus
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Gillijns
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Caluwé
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Vanhaverbeke
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willy Gsell
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter R. Sinnaeve
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan P. Janssens
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Address for correspondence: Dr Stefan P. Janssens, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Li Z, Yu S, Hu X, Li Y, You X, Tian D, Cheng L, Zheng M, Jing J. Fibrotic Scar After Spinal Cord Injury: Crosstalk With Other Cells, Cellular Origin, Function, and Mechanism. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:720938. [PMID: 34539350 PMCID: PMC8441597 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.720938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The failure of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI) results in permanent loss of sensorimotor function. The persistent presence of scar tissue, mainly fibrotic scar and astrocytic scar, is a critical cause of axonal regeneration failure and is widely accepted as a treatment target for SCI. Astrocytic scar has been widely investigated, while fibrotic scar has received less attention. Here, we review recent advances in fibrotic scar formation and its crosstalk with other main cellular components in the injured core after SCI, as well as its cellular origin, function, and mechanism. This study is expected to provide an important basis and novel insights into fibrotic scar as a treatment target for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Li Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meige Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Juehua Jing
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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The Cell-Permeable Derivative of the Immunoregulatory Metabolite Itaconate, 4-Octyl Itaconate, Is Anti-Fibrotic in Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082053. [PMID: 34440821 PMCID: PMC8393335 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease that leads to skin fibrosis. Altered metabolism has recently been described in autoimmune diseases and SSc. Itaconate is a product of the Krebs cycle intermediate cis-aconitate and is an immunomodulator. This work examines the role of the cell-permeable derivative of itaconate, 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), in SSc. SSc and healthy dermal fibroblasts were exposed to 4-OI. The levels of collagen Nrf2-target genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) were determined. Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as the gene expression of collagen and Cellular Communication Network Factor 2 (CCN2) were measured after transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) stimulation in the presence or absence of 4-OI. Wild-type or Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2-KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were also treated with 4-OI to determine the role of Nrf2 in 4-OI-mediated effects. 4-OI reduced the levels of collagen in SSc dermal fibroblasts. Incubation with 4-OI led to activation of Nrf2 and its target genes heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). 4-OI activated antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent gene expression, reduced inflammatory cytokine release and reduced TGF-β1-induced collagen and ROS production in dermal fibroblasts. The effects of 4-OI are dependent on Nrf2. The cell-permeable derivative of itaconate 4-OI is anti-fibrotic through upregulation of Nrf2 and could be a potential therapeutic option in an intractable disease.
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Isshiki T, Koyama K, Homma S, Sakamoto S, Yamasaki A, Shimizu H, Miyoshi S, Nakamura Y, Kishi K. Association of rs3750920 polymorphism in TOLLIP with clinical characteristics of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases in Japanese. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16250. [PMID: 34376770 PMCID: PMC8355271 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
TOLLIP polymorphism has been implicated in the development and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mainly in whites. However, ethnic differences in the characteristics of other interstitial pneumonia (non-IPF) subtypes are unclear. We evaluated the association between the rs3750920 genotype and the clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We genotyped 102 patients with fibrosing ILD (75 IPF and 27 non-IPF patients) and analyzed the interaction between the rs3750920 genotype distribution and their clinical characteristics. The overall frequencies of the C/C, C/T, and T/T genotypes were 69%, 25%, and 6%, respectively. The proportion of minor T allele carriers was larger in IPF patients than in non-IPF patients (37% vs. 15%, P = 0.031). In addition, survival at 3 years was significantly better for carriers than for non-carriers of the T allele. There was no significant association between genotype distribution and change in pulmonary function after introduction of antifibrotic agents. The frequency of the minor T allele of rs3750920 was low in Japanese patients with fibrosing ILD, particularly in non-IPF patients. Carriers of the minor T allele had better survival than non-carriers. Presence of the T allele might thus be an indicator of better outcomes for fibrosing ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Isshiki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan.
| | - Kazuya Koyama
- Department of Advanced and Integrated Interstitial Lung Diseases Research, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Sakae Homma
- Department of Advanced and Integrated Interstitial Lung Diseases Research, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Susumu Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Akira Yamasaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Hiroshige Shimizu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Shion Miyoshi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Nakamura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
| | - Kazuma Kishi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Ota-ku Omori nisi 6-11-1, Tokyo, 143-8541, Japan
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Danggui Buxue Tang Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Suppressing the TLR4/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8030143. [PMID: 34349830 PMCID: PMC8328708 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8030143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) on rats with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and the underlying mechanism. Methods Sixty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, PF, prednisone treatment, and DBT treatment. Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM) was performed to establish a PF rat model. DBT was administered to PF rats concurrently for 2 weeks. Lung samples were then collected for HE and Masson staining after pulmonary function testing, and semiquantitative analysis for the degree of alveolitis and fibrosis was performed using the Szapiel and Ashcroft score systems. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline (HYP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and inflammatory cytokine content were measured. Western blotting was performed to detect fibrotic marker and TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway changes. Results Oral administration of DBT attenuated weight loss, survival rate, and pulmonary index. Lung histopathologic lesions were also reduced. DBT inhibited PF by decreasing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and collagen deposition. Specifically, DBT reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, HYP, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and collagen III levels. Corollary experiments identified a potential mechanism involving suppression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation and the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 axis, the downstream regulatory pathway. Conclusion DBT exhibited a potent effect on BLM-induced PF rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Thus, DBT alleviates pulmonary inflammation to inhibit fibrotic pathology and should be considered as a candidate for the clinical treatment of PF.
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Bolourani S, Sari E, Brenner M, Wang P. Extracellular CIRP Induces an Inflammatory Phenotype in Pulmonary Fibroblasts via TLR4. Front Immunol 2021; 12:721970. [PMID: 34367191 PMCID: PMC8342891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.721970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP), a new damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), has been recently shown to play a critical role in promoting the development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Although fibroblast activation is a critical component of the fibrotic process, the direct effects of eCIRP on fibroblasts have never been examined. We studied eCIRP’s role in the induction of inflammatory phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts and its connection to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. We found that eCIRP causes the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and differentially expression-related pathways in a TLR4-dependent manner in pulmonary fibroblasts. Our analysis further showed that the accessory pathways MD2 and Myd88 are involved in the induction of inflammatory phenotype. In order to study the connection of the enrichment of these pathways in priming the microenvironment for pulmonary fibrosis, we investigated the gene expression profile of lung tissues from mice subjected to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis collected at various time points. We found that at day 14, which corresponds to the inflammatory-to-fibrotic transition phase after bleomycin injection, TLR4, MD2, and Myd88 were induced, and the transcriptome was differentially enriched for genes in those pathways. Furthermore, we also found that inflammatory cytokines gene expressions were induced, and the cellular responses to these inflammatory cytokines were differentially enriched on day 14. Overall, our results show that eCIRP induces inflammatory phenotype in pulmonary fibroblasts in a TLR4 dependent manner. This study sheds light on the mechanism by which eCIRP induced inflammatory fibroblasts, contributing to pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Bolourani
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Ezgi Sari
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Max Brenner
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, United States
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The interplay of DAMPs, TLR4, and proinflammatory cytokines in pulmonary fibrosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1373-1384. [PMID: 34258628 PMCID: PMC8277227 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02113-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic debilitating condition characterized by progressive deposition of connective tissue, leading to a steady restriction of lung elasticity, a decline in lung function, and a median survival of 4.5 years. The leading causes of pulmonary fibrosis are inhalation of foreign particles (such as silicosis and pneumoconiosis), infections (such as post COVID-19), autoimmune diseases (such as systemic autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue), and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The therapeutics currently available for pulmonary fibrosis only modestly slow the progression of the disease. This review is centered on the interplay of damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17) as they contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, and the possible avenues to develop effective therapeutics that disrupt this interplay.
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Lee CS, Kim SH. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-osteoporotic Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum A41 and L. fermentum SRK414 as Probiotics. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 12:623-634. [PMID: 31372901 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-019-09577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study involves an investigation on the probiotic properties of lactic acid bacteria and their potential applications in an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammation and dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis. Nine strains were pre-screened from 485 lactic acid bacteria based on their survival at a low pH and in a solution containing bile salts. All candidates were capable of surviving in an environment with low pH and with bile salts and could successfully colonize the intestine. Furthermore, their functional properties, such as anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation, were evaluated. Of the nine probiotic candidates, Lactobacillus plantarum A41 and L. fermentum SRK414 exhibited the highest anti-oxidative capacity. Moreover, only L. plantarum A41 and L. fermentum SRK414 could increase gut barrier function by upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators induced by LPS-stimulated inflammation. Interestingly, these two strains were also capable of regulating several bone metabolism-related markers playing a role in bone homeostasis and osteoblast differentiation. In brief, L. plantarum A41 and L. fermentum SRK414 exhibited high probiotic potential and potentially impact immune-related bone health by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and bone metabolism-related markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul Sang Lee
- College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae Hun Kim
- College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Life Science and Natural Resources, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Nguyen TH, Conotte S, Belayew A, Declèves AE, Legrand A, Tassin A. Hypoxia and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Signaling in Muscular Dystrophies: Cause and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7220. [PMID: 34281273 PMCID: PMC8269128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of inherited degenerative muscle disorders characterized by a progressive skeletal muscle wasting. Respiratory impairments and subsequent hypoxemia are encountered in a significant subgroup of patients in almost all MD forms. In response to hypoxic stress, compensatory mechanisms are activated especially through Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 α (HIF-1α). In healthy muscle, hypoxia and HIF-1α activation are known to affect oxidative stress balance and metabolism. Recent evidence has also highlighted HIF-1α as a regulator of myogenesis and satellite cell function. However, the impact of HIF-1α pathway modifications in MDs remains to be investigated. Multifactorial pathological mechanisms could lead to HIF-1α activation in patient skeletal muscles. In addition to the genetic defect per se, respiratory failure or blood vessel alterations could modify hypoxia response pathways. Here, we will discuss the current knowledge about the hypoxia response pathway alterations in MDs and address whether such changes could influence MD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Hang Nguyen
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Stephanie Conotte
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexandra Belayew
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Anne-Emilie Declèves
- Department of Metabolic and Molecular Biochemistry, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium;
| | - Alexandre Legrand
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alexandra Tassin
- Laboratory of Respiratory Physiology, Pathophysiology and Rehabilitation, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium; (T.-H.N.); (S.C.); (A.B.); (A.L.)
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lncRNA PAPPA-AS1 Induces the Development of Hypertrophic Scar by Upregulating TLR4 through Interacting with TAF15. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:3170261. [PMID: 34285657 PMCID: PMC8275406 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3170261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a complicated pathological process induced mainly by burns and wounds, with abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. PAPPA-AS1, a differentially expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the HTS tissues, attracted our interests in its potential role and mechanism in the development and process of HTS. In the present study, the regulatory effect of lncRNA PAPPA-AS1 on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal pathway, as well as the molecular mechanism, was investigated. Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs in HTS tissues. PAPPA-AS1 was significantly upregulated in both HTS tissues and hypertrophic scar fibroblast (HTsFb) cells. The expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, and α-SMA were greatly elevated in HTsFb cells. By knocking down PAPPA-AS1, the proliferation of HTsFb cells, TLR4, and TGF-β1 signal pathway and the expression of fibrosis markers both in HTsFb cells and HTS tissues were suppressed. It was accompanied by the alleviated pathological state in the HTS tissues, which were significantly reversed by cotransfecting with the pcDNA3.1-TLR4 vector. Positive correlation and interaction were observed between PAPPA-AS1 and TAF15 and between TAF15 and the promoter of TLR4, respectively. In conclusion, lncRNA PAPPA-AS1 might induce the development of HTS by upregulating TLR4 through interacting with TAF15.
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