Wnt5a: a player in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory disorders

Clinical impact of Wnt5a expression on persistence of acute kidney injury in patients with urosepsis

Abnormal Wnt5a expression is associated with dysregulated inflammation and organ dysfunction. However, the effect of Wnt5a activation on the duration of organ dysfunction remains unclear. This prospective study investigated the association between Wnt5a levels and persistent acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with urosepsis. Serum creatinine and Wnt5a levels were measured on days 1 and 5 and at discharge in 87 patients diagnosed with urosepsis. Patients with urosepsis were classified into an improving acute kidney injury (AKI) group and a persistent or worsening AKI group according to the AKI stage on days 1 and 5. AKI recovery was defined as a discharge-to-baseline serum creatinine ratio of <1.5. Twenty-eight patients with urosepsis (32.2%) had persistent or worsening AKI, and their Wnt5a levels were higher on days 1 and 5 and at discharge than those with improving AKI. The association between Wnt5a levels and persistent or worsening AKI was maintained after adjusting for age, sex, baseline serum creatinine levels, and disease severity. Moreover, elevated Wnt5a levels were associated with an increased risk of major adverse kidney events. High Wnt5a levels at discharge were associated with unrecovered AKI and participants with AKI recovery had a steeper Wnt5a slope over time than those without recovery, irrespective of age, sex, baseline serum creatinine level, or disease severity. Assessment of Wnt5a expression was helpful in predicting AKI persistence and adverse outcomes in patients with urosepsis. Therefore, Wnt5a may serve as a valuable bio-marker for identifying the risk of persistence of AKI.

CYTOR-NFAT1 feedback loop regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition of retinal pigment epithelial cells

Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) is a crucial mechanism that contributes to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a pivotal factor leading to permanent vision impairment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators orchestrating EMT in RPE cells. In this study, we explored the function of the lncRNA CYTOR (cytoskeleton regulator RNA) in EMT of RPE cells and its underlying mechanisms. Through weighted correlation network analysis, we identified CYTOR as an EMT-related lncRNA associated with AMD. Experimental validation revealed that CYTOR orchestrates TGF-β1-induced EMT, as well as proliferation and migration of ARPE-19 cells. Further investigation demonstrated the involvement of CYTOR in regulating the WNT5A/NFAT1 pathway and NFAT1 intranuclear translocation in the ARPE-19 cell EMT model. Mechanistically, CHIP, EMSA and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed NFAT1's direct binding to CYTOR's promoter, promoting transcription. Reciprocally, CYTOR overexpression promoted NFAT1 expression, while NFAT1 overexpression increased CYTOR transcription. These findings highlight a mutual promotion between CYTOR and NFAT1, forming a positive feedback loop that triggers the EMT phenotype in ARPE-19 cells. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of EMT and its association with AMD, offering potential avenues for targeted therapies in EMT-related conditions, including AMD.

Differential expression of WNT5A long and short isoforms in non-muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma

Wnt ligands belong to a family of secreted glycoproteins in which binding to a range of receptors/co-receptors activates several intracellular pathways. WNT5A, a member of the Wnt family, is classified as a non-canonical Wnt whose activation triggers planar cell polarity (PCP) and Ca+2 downstream pathways. Aberrant expression of WNT5A has been shown to play both protective and harmful roles in an array of conditions, such as inflammatory disease and cancer. In the present study, using histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods, we investigated the expression of two isoforms of WNT5A, WNT5A-Short (WNT5A-S) and WNT5A-Long (WNT5A-L) in bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC). Three UC cell lines (RT4, J82, and T24), as well as a normal urothelial cell line, and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) transurethral resection (TUR) tissue samples from 17 patients diagnosed with UC were included in the study. WNT5A-L was the predominantly expressed isoform in urothelial cells, although WNT5A-S was also detectable. Further, although no statistically significant difference was found between the percentage of WNT5A-S transcripts in low-grade versus high-grade tumors, we did find a difference between the percentage of WNT5A-S transcripts found in non-invasion versus invasion of the lamina propria, subgroups of non-muscle-invasive tumors. In conclusion, both WNT5A-S and WNT5A-L isoforms are expressed in UC, and the percentage of their expression levels suggests that a higher proportion of WNT5A-S transcription may be associated with lamina propria invasion, a process preceding muscle invasion.

Single-cell analysis of a progressive Rosai-Dorfman disease affecting the cerebral parenchyma: a case report

Neurologic Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare type of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that affects the central nervous system. Most neurologic RDDs grow like meningiomas, have clear boundaries, and can be completely resected. However, a few RDDs are invasive and aggressive, and no effective treatment options are available because the molecular mechanisms involved remain unknown. Here, we report a case of deadly and glucocorticoid-resistant neurologic RDD and explore its possible pathogenic mechanisms via single-cell RNA sequencing. First, we identified two distinct but evolutionarily related histiocyte subpopulations (the C1Q+ and SPP1+ histiocytes) that accumulated in the biopsy sample. The expression of genes in the KRAS signaling pathway was upregulated, indicating gain-of-function of KRAS mutations. The C1Q+ and SPP1+ histiocytes were highly differentiated and arrested in the G1 phase, excluding the idea that RDD is a lympho-histio-proliferative disorder. Second, although C1Q+ histiocytes were the primary RDD cell type, SPP1+ histiocytes highly expressed several severe inflammation-related and invasive factors, such as WNT5A, IL-6, and MMP12, suggesting that SPP1+ histiocytes plays a central role in driving the progression of this disease. Third, oligodendrocytes were found to be the prominent cell type that initiates RDD via MIF and may resist glucocorticoid treatment via the MDK and PTN signaling pathways. In summary, in this case, we report a rare presentation of neurologic RDD and provided new insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of progressive neurologic RDD. This study will also offer evidence for developing precision therapies targeting this complex disease.

Role of the Ror family receptors in Wnt5a signaling

Ror-family receptors, Ror1 and Ror2, are type I transmembrane proteins that possess an extracellular cysteine-rich domain, which is conserved throughout the Frizzled-family receptors and is a binding site for Wnt ligands. Both Ror1 and Ror2 function primarily as receptors or co-receptors for Wnt5a to activate the β-catenin-independent, non-canonical Wnt signaling, thereby regulating cell polarity, migration, proliferation, and differentiation depending on the context. Ror1 and Ror2 are expressed highly in many tissues during embryogenesis but minimally or scarcely in adult tissues, with some exceptions. In contrast, Ror1 and Ror2 are expressed in many types of cancers, and their high expression often contributes to the progression of the disease. Therefore, Ror1 and Ror2 have been proposed as potential targets for the treatment of the malignancies. In this review, we provide an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of Ror1/Ror2 expression and discuss how Wnt5a-Ror1/Ror2 signaling is mediated and regulated by their interacting proteins.

A novel microglia-targeting strategy based on nanoparticle-mediated delivery of miR-26a-5p for long-lasting analgesia in chronic pain

Accumulating evidence supports the notion that microglia play versatile roles in different chronic pain conditions. However, therapeutic strategies of chronic pain by targeting microglia remain largely overlooked. This study seeks to develop a miRNA-loaded nano-delivery system by targeting microglia, which could provide a decent and long-lasting analgesia for chronic pain. Surface aminated mesoporous silica nanoparticles were adopted to load miR-26a-5p, a potent analgesic miRNA, by electrostatic adsorption, which can avoid miR-26a-5p is rapidly released and degraded. Then, targeting peptide MG1 was modified on the surface of aminated mesoporous silica particles for microglia targeting. In peripheral nerve injury induced neuropathic pain model, a satisfactory anti-allodynia effect with about 6 weeks pain-relief duration were achieved through targeting microglia strategy, which decreased microglia activation and inflammation by Wnt5a, a non-canonical Wnt pathway. In inflammatory pain and chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathic pain, microglia targeting strategy also exhibited more efficient analgesia and longer pain-relief duration than others. Overall, we developed a microglia-targeting nano-delivery system, which facilitates precisely miR-26a-5p delivery to enhance analgesic effect and duration for several chronic pain conditions.

Wnt Signaling in Atherosclerosis: Mechanisms to Therapeutic Implications

Atherosclerosis is a vascular disease in which inflammation plays a pivotal role. Receptor-mediated signaling pathways regulate vascular inflammation and the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Emerging evidence has revealed the role of the Wnt pathway in atherosclerosis progression. The Wnt pathway influences almost all stages of atherosclerosis progression, including endothelial dysfunction, monocyte infiltration, smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, and plaque formation. Targeting the Wnt pathway to treat atherosclerosis represents a promising therapeutic approach that remains understudied. Blocking Wnt signaling utilizing small molecule inhibitors, recombinant proteins, and/or neutralizing antibodies ameliorates atherosclerosis in preclinical models. The Wnt pathway can be potentially manipulated through targeting Wnt ligands, receptors, co-receptors, and downstream signaling molecules. However, there are challenges associated with developing a real world therapeutic compound that targets the Wnt pathway. This review focuses on the role of Wnt signaling in atherosclerosis development, and the rationale for targeting this pathway for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Tanshinone IIA: a Chinese herbal ingredient for the treatment of atherosclerosis

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a fat-soluble compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has a protective effect against atherosclerosis (AS). Tan IIA can inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory damage of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and improve endothelial cell dysfunction. Tan IIA also has a good protective effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). It can reduce vascular stenosis by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and improve the stability of the fibrous cap of atherosclerotic plaque by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation of VSMCs. In addition, Tan IIA inhibits the inflammatory response of macrophages and the formation of foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. In summary, Tan IIA improves AS through a complex pathway. We propose to further study the specific molecular targets of Tan IIA using systems biology methods, so as to fundamentally elucidate the mechanism of Tan IIA. It is worth mentioning that there is a lack of high-quality evidence-based medical data on Tan IIA treatment of AS. We recommend that a randomized controlled clinical trial be conducted to evaluate the exact efficacy of Tan IIA in improving AS. Finally, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) can cause adverse drug reactions in some patients, which needs our attention.

Wnt5a: A promising therapeutic target for inflammation, especially rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Wnt5a is a member of the Wnt protein family, which acts on classical or multiple non-classical Wnt signaling pathways by binding to different receptors. The expression regulation and signal transduction of Wnt5a is closely related to the inflammatory response. Abnormal activation of Wnt5a signaling is an important part of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

OBJECTIVES

This paper mainly focuses on Wnt5a protein and its mediated signaling pathway, summarizes the latest research progress of Wnt5a in the pathological process of inflammation and RA, and looks forward to the main directions of Wnt5a in RA research, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RA diseases by targeting Wnt5a.

RESULTS

Wnt5a is highly expressed in activated blood vessels, histocytes and synoviocytes in inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, sepsis, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It mediates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, regulates the migration and recruitment of various immune effector cells, and thus participates in the inflammatory response. Wnt5a plays a pathological role in synovial inflammation and bone destruction of RA, and may be an important clinical therapeutic target for RA.

CONCLUSION

Wnt5a is involved in the pathological process of inflammation and interacts with inflammatory factors. Wnt5a may be a new target for regulating the progression of RA disease and intervening therapy because of its multi-modal effects on the etiology of RA, especially as a regulator of osteoclast activity and inflammation.

Patient-specific iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes reveal aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in SCN5A-related Brugada syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A cause Brugada syndrome (BrS), an arrhythmic disorder that is a leading cause of sudden death and lacks effective treatment. An association between SCN5A and Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been recently established. However, the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in BrS and underlying mechanisms remains unknown.

METHODS

Three healthy control subjects and one BrS patient carrying a novel frameshift mutation (T1788fs) in the SCN5A gene were recruited in this study. Control and BrS patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from skin fibroblasts using nonintegrated Sendai virus. All iPSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocytes using monolayer-based differentiation protocol. Action potentials and sodium currents were recorded from control and BrS iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) by single-cell patch clamp.

RESULTS

BrS iPSC-CMs exhibited increased burden of arrhythmias and abnormal action potential profile featured by slower depolarization, decreased action potential amplitude, and increased beating interval variation. Moreover, BrS iPSC-CMs showed cardiac sodium channel (Nav1.5) loss-of-function as compared to control iPSC-CMs. Interestingly, the electrophysiological abnormalities and Nav1.5 loss-of-function observed in BrS iPSC-CMs were accompanied by aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Notably, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin significantly rescued Nav1.5 defects and arrhythmic phenotype in BrS iPSC-CMs. Mechanistically, SCN5A-encoded Nav1.5 interacts with β-catenin, and reduced expression of Nav1.5 leads to re-localization of β-catenin in BrS iPSC-CMs, which aberrantly activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling to suppress SCN5A transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of SCN5A-related BrS and point to Wnt/β-catenin as a potential therapeutic target.

Mechanisms of the Wnt Pathways as a Potential Target Pathway in Atherosclerosis

The proteins of the Wnt family are involved in a variety of physiological processes by means of several canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways. Wnt signaling has been recently identified as a major player in atherogenesis. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge on the influence of various components of the Wnt signaling pathways on the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis and associated conditions. We used the PubMed database to search for recent papers on the involvement of the Wnt pathways in atherosclerosis. We used the combination of "Wnt" and "atherosclerosis" keywords to find the initial papers, and chose papers published after 2018. In the first section of the paper, we describe the general mechanisms of the Wnt signaling pathways and their components. The next section is dedicated to existing studies assessing the implication of Wnt signaling elements in different atherogenic processes, such as cholesterol retention, endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and atherosclerotic calcification of the vessels. Lastly, various therapeutic strategies based on interference with the Wnt signaling pathways are considered. We also compare the efficacy and availability of the proposed treatment methods. Wnt signaling can be considered a potential target in the treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis. Therefore, in this review, we reviewed evidences showing that wnt signaling is an important signal for developing appropriate treatment strategies for atherosclerosis.

Cumulative effects of exercise training and consumption of propolis on managing diabetic dyslipidemia in adult women: a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial with pre-post-intervention assessments

Dyslipidemia is an imbalance of various lipids, and propolis, as a natural resinous viscos mixture made by Apis mellifera L. could improve in this condition. In this single-blind, randomized trial, 60 women with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia were divided into four groups: (1) the patients who did not apply the combined training and 500 mg propolis capsules supplement (Control group); (2) subjects performed combined training, including aerobic and resistance training (EXR); (3) subjects received the 500 mg propolis supplement capsules (SUPP); (4) Subjects performed combined training along with receiving the 500 mg propolis supplement capsules (EXR + SUPP). We evaluated the concentration of CTRP12, SFRP5, interleukin-6 (IL6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), adiponectin, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) before and after the intervention. MDA, TAC, IL6, CTRP12, SFRP5 IL6, adiponectin, and lipid profile levels ameliorated in the EXR + SUPP group. We found that 8 weeks of treatment by combined exercise training and propolis supplement decreased inflammation activity and increased antioxidant defense in women with diabetic dyslipidemia.Trial registration This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials; IRCT code: IRCT20211229053561N1.

The inhibition of Wnt signaling attenuates RANKL-induced osteoclastogenic macrophage activation

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have been linked to the activation of osteoclastogenic macrophages. Reports have suggested that Wnt signaling has a dual effect of proliferation and differentiation during osteoclastogenesis. The Wnt/β-Catenin pathway is a critical regulator of cell pluripotency, cell survival, and cell fate decisions. It regulates cell proliferation and differentiation through transcriptional co-activators, CBP, and p300, respectively. The inhibition of β-catenin suppresses proliferation but induces differentiation of osteoclast precursor cells. This study aimed to examine the effect of ICG-001, a β-catenin/CBP-specific Wnt signaling inhibitor, on osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting proliferation without inducing differentiation. To induce osteoclastogenesis, RAW 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with a soluble receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). The effect of Wnt signaling inhibition was examined by treating macrophages with or without ICG-001 during RANKL stimulation. The activation and differentiation of macrophages were examined through western blotting, quantitative PCR, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP) staining in vitro. The relative expression level of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 protein was significantly suppressed by ICG-001 treatment. The relative expression levels of mRNA of TRAP, cathepsin K, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were significantly lower in the ICG-001-treated group. The number of TRAP-positive cells decreased in the ICG-001-treated group relative to the non-treated group. The inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway via ICG-001 suppressed osteoclastogenic macrophage activation. Our previous studies have shown the importance of osteoclastogenic macrophage activation in AAA. Further research to examine the therapeutic potential of ICG-001 on AAA is warranted.

Prospects of potential adipokines as therapeutic agents in obesity-linked atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance

BACKGROUND

In normal circumstances, AT secretes anti-inflammatory adipokines (AAKs) which regulates lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, vascular hemostasis, and angiogenesis. However, during obesity AT dysfunction occurs and leads to microvascular imbalance and secretes several pro-inflammatory adipokines (PAKs), thereby favoring atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Literature suggests decreased levels of circulating AAKs and increased levels of PAKs in obesity-linked disorders. Importantly, AAKs have been reported to play a vital role in obesity-linked metabolic disorders mainly insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart diseases. Interestingly, AAKs counteract the microvascular imbalance in AT and exert cardioprotection via several signaling pathways such as PI3-AKT/PKB pathway. Although literature reviews have presented a number of investigations detailing specific pathways involved in obesity-linked disorders, literature concerning AT dysfunction and AAKs remains sketchy. In view of the above, in the present contribution an effort has been made to provide an insight on the AT dysfunction and role of AAKs in modulating the obesity and obesity-linked atherogenesis and insulin resistance.

MAIN BODY

"Obesity-linked insulin resistance", "obesity-linked cardiometabolic disease", "anti-inflammatory adipokines", "pro-inflammatory adipokines", "adipose tissue dysfunction" and "obesity-linked microvascular dysfunction" are the keywords used for searching article. Google scholar, Google, Pubmed and Scopus were used as search engines for the articles.

CONCLUSIONS

This review offers an overview on the pathophysiology of obesity, management of obesity-linked disorders, and areas in need of attention such as novel therapeutic adipokines and their possible future perspectives as therapeutic agents.

Non-canonical WNT signalling in cardiovascular disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications

WNT signalling comprises a diverse spectrum of receptor-mediated pathways activated by a large family of WNT ligands and influencing fundamental biological processes. WNT signalling includes the β-catenin canonical pathway and the non-canonical pathways, namely the planar cell polarity and the calcium-dependent pathways. Advances over the past decade have linked non-canonical WNT signalling with key mechanisms of atherosclerosis, including oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, macrophage activation and vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype regulation. In addition, non-canonical WNT signalling is involved in crucial aspects of myocardial biology, from fibrosis to hypertrophy and oxidative stress. Importantly, non-canonical WNT signalling activation has complex effects in adipose tissue in the context of obesity, thereby potentially linking metabolic and vascular diseases. Tissue-specific targeting of non-canonical WNT signalling might be associated with substantial risks of off-target tumorigenesis, challenging its therapeutic potential. However, novel technologies, such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant decoy receptors, tissue-specific gene silencing with small interfering RNAs and gene editing with CRISPR-Cas9, might enable more efficient therapeutic targeting of WNT signalling in the cardiovascular system. In this Review, we summarize the components of non-canonical WNT signalling, their links with the main mechanisms of atherosclerosis, heart failure and arrhythmias, and the rationale for targeting individual components of non-canonical WNT signalling for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The IGSF1, Wnt5a, FGF14, and ITPR1 Gene Expression and Prognosis Hallmark of Prostate Cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is considered as the second leading cause of cancer related death in men worldwide and the third frequent cancer among Iranian men. Despite the use of PSA as the only biomarker for early diagnosis of prostate cancer, its application in clinical settings is under debate. Therefore, the introduction of new molecular markers for early detection of prostate cancer is needed.

Methods

In the present study we intended to evaluate the expression of IGSF1, Wnt5a, FGF14, and ITPR1 in prostate cancer specimens by real time PCR. Biopsy samples of 40 prostate cancer cases and 41 healthy Iranian men were compared to determine the relative gene expression of IGSF1, Wnt5a, FGF14, and ITPR1 by real time PCR.

Results

Our results showed that Wnt5a, FGF14, and IGSF1 were significantly overexpressed in the prostate cancer patients while the mean relative expression of ITPR1 showed a significant decrease in PCa samples compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

According to results of the present study, the combination panel of IGSF1, Wnt5a, FGF14, and ITPR1 genes could be considered as potential genetic markers for prostate cancer diagnosis. However further studies on larger populations and investigating the clinicopathological relevance of these genes is needed.

Wnt5a Promotes Lysosomal Cholesterol Egress and Protects Against Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Impairment of cellular cholesterol trafficking is at the heart of atherosclerotic lesions formation. This involves egress of cholesterol from the lysosomes and 2 lysosomal proteins, the NPC1 (Niemann-Pick C1) and NPC2 that promotes cholesterol trafficking. However, movement of cholesterol out the lysosome and how disrupted cholesterol trafficking leads to atherosclerosis is unclear. As the Wnt ligand, Wnt5a inhibits the intracellular accumulation of cholesterol in multiple cell types, we tested whether Wnt5a interacts with the lysosomal cholesterol export machinery and studied its role in atherosclerotic lesions formation.

METHODS

We generated mice deleted for the Wnt5a gene in vascular smooth muscle cells. To establish whether Wnt5a also protects against cholesterol accumulation in human vascular smooth muscle cells, we used a CRISPR/Cas9 guided nuclease approach to generate human vascular smooth muscle cells knockout for Wnt5a.

RESULTS

We show that Wnt5a is a crucial component of the lysosomal cholesterol export machinery. By increasing lysosomal acid lipase expression, decreasing metabolic signaling by the mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) kinase, and through binding to NPC1 and NPC2, Wnt5a senses changes in dietary cholesterol supply and promotes lysosomal cholesterol egress to the endoplasmic reticulum. Consequently, loss of Wnt5a decoupled mTORC1 from variations in lysosomal sterol levels, disrupted lysosomal function, decreased cholesterol content in the endoplasmic reticulum, and promoted atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal an unexpected function of the Wnt5a pathway as essential for maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in vivo.

Correlation of plasma and urine Wnt5A with the disease activity and cutaneous lesion severity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Reliable noninvasive biomarkers are needed to accurately assess disease activity and prognosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of Wnt5A with disease activity and severity with cutaneous involvement in particular in SLE patients; its concentrations in plasma and urine were examined and analyzed. In the cross-sectional study, the clinical relevance of Wnt5A protein was evaluated in both plasma and urine of SLE patients and healthy cohorts using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Significantly, more abundances of Wnt5A protein were determined in both of plasmas and urines of SLE patients compared to healthy cohorts (p < 0.0001), which were even higher in active disease (AD) SLE patients relative to low disease activity (LDA) SLE patients (p < 0.0001). Meanwhile, the ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the plasma and urine Wnt5A were potential candidate biomarkers for identifying the disease activity and severity in SLE patients. The discriminant function analysis further revealed that the plasma and urine Wnt5A were separated and distinct for AD SLE patients and healthy controls. In consistence, the disease severity was correlated with the plasma and urine Wnt5A as ascertained by CLASI activity score and the prevalence of serositis in SLE patients. These results suggest that Wnt5A, as a summary measure for different inflammatory processes, could be a potential biomarker for accessing the disease activity, and a noninvasive biomarker for evaluating the disease severity in terms of cutaneous involvement in SLE patients.

WNT5a in Colorectal Cancer: Research Progress and Challenges

Despite the clinical development of new adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy drugs, colorectal cancer is still one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in human beings. WNT5a, an autocrine and paracrine β-catenin independent ligand, has been shown to induce tumor inhibition and carcinogenic signals, depending on the type of cancer. In patients with colorectal cancer, WNT5a triggers a variety of downstream signaling pathways, which mainly affect the migration and invasion of tumor cells. This article reviews the mechanism and therapeutic potential of WNT5a in colorectal cancer. In short, an in-depth understanding of the role of WNT5a in colorectal cancer is very helpful to better deal with this disease.

Wnt5a promotes renal tubular inflammation in diabetic nephropathy by binding to CD146 through noncanonical Wnt signaling

Immune and inflammatory factors have emerged as key pathophysiological mechanisms in the progression of diabetic renal injury. Noncanonical Wnt5a signaling plays an essential role in obesity- or diabetes-induced metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, but its explicit molecular mechanisms and biological function in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remain unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of Wnt5a and CD146 in the kidney and the level of soluble form of CD146 (sCD146) in serum and urine samples were upregulated in DN patients compared to controls, and this alteration was correlated with the inflammatory process and progression of renal impairment. Blocking the activation of Wnt5a signaling with the Wnt5a antagonist Box5 prevented JNK phosphorylation and high glucose-induced inflammatory responses in db/db mice and high glucose-treated HK-2 cells. Similar effects were observed by silencing Wnt5a with small-interfering RNA (siRNA) in cultured HK-2 cells. Knockdown of CD146 blocked Wnt5a-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of JNK, which suggests that CD146 is essential for the activation of the Wnt5a pathway. Finally, we confirmed that Wnt5a directly interacted with CD146 to activate noncanonical Wnt signaling in HK-2 cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that by directly binding to CD146, Wnt5a-induced noncanonical signaling is a contributing mechanism for renal tubular inflammation in diabetic nephropathy. The concentration of sCD146 in serum and urine could be a potential biomarker to predict renal outcomes in DN patients.

The role of Wnt signalling in development of coronary artery disease and its risk factors

The Wnt signalling pathways are composed of a highly conserved cascade of events that govern cell differentiation, apoptosis and cell orientation. Three major and distinct Wnt signalling pathways have been characterized: the canonical Wnt pathway (or Wnt/β-catenin pathway), the non-canonical planar cell polarity pathway and the non-canonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway. Altered Wnt signalling pathway has been associated with diverse diseases such as disorders of bone density, different malignancies, cardiac malformations and heart failure. Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. Atherosclerosis is a multi-step pathological process, which starts with lipid deposition and endothelial cell dysfunction, triggering inflammatory reactions, followed by recruitment and aggregation of monocytes. Subsequently, monocytes differentiate into tissue-resident macrophages and transform into foam cells by the uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein. Meanwhile, further accumulations of lipids, infiltration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, and deposition of the extracellular matrix occur under the intima. An atheromatous plaque or hyperplasia of the intima and media is eventually formed, resulting in luminal narrowing and reduced blood flow to the myocardium, leading to chest pain, angina and even myocardial infarction. The Wnt pathway participates in all different stages of this process, from endothelial dysfunction to lipid deposit, and from initial inflammation to plaque formation. Here, we focus on the role of Wnt cascade in pathophysiological mechanisms that take part in coronary artery disease from both clinical and experimental perspectives.

Low-dose hydralazine improves endotoxin-induced coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative/nitrosative properties

Coagulopathy is the major cause of organ injury as well as a strong predictor of mortality in septic patients. Systemic inflammatory response and redox imbalance are regarded as the major causes of sepsis-induced coagulopathy. There is growing evidence that a vasodilator hydralazine has beneficial effects on heart failure, hypertension, and ischemia/reperfusion injury via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effects of hydralazine on sepsis have not been examined. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of low-dose hydralazine on coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction in septic rats induced by endotoxin. Sepsis-induced coagulopathy was established by intravenous injection of rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The changes of blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, hemostatic variables, prothrombin time, organ function indices, interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration, and nitric oxide (NO) level were assessed during the experimental period. In addition, the aortas, lungs, livers, and kidneys were dissected to analyze superoxide levels and protein expressions. LPS induced (i) coagulopathy, multiple organ dysfunction, and circulatory failure successfully, and (ii) excessive superoxide, NO, and IL-6 production, accompanied by the overexpression of iNOS and Wnt5a in animals. Treatment of LPS-induced septic rats with low-dose hydralazine not only improved coagulopathy but also ameliorated multiple organ dysfunction. These could be due to attenuation of the overproduction of superoxide, NO, and IL-6, which were attributed to reduction of the overexpression of iNOS and Wnt5a. Thus, these findings indicate that low-dose hydralazine could be a potential therapy for sepsis-induced coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative/nitrosative properties.

Low fluid shear stress promoted ciliogenesis via Dvl2 in hUVECs

This study aims to explore the mechanism of fluid shear stress in regulating the primary cilia assembly or disassembly in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) using microfluidic chamber experiments. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that primary cilia assembled under disturbed fluid shear stress (DF) of 1 dyne/cm², while disassembled under unidirectional shear stress (USS) of 15 dynes/cm². Disheveled (Dvl2) in Wnt signaling pathway was effectively co-immunoprecipitated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins 8 (Bbs8) and γ-tubulin. Compared with those in the control group, the percentages of ciliated cells with Dvl2 overexpression were found to be 67% and 59.667%, respectively, under USS and DF (an increment of 21-38.7%); while, those with Dvl2 silencing were 16% and 32.667%, respectively, under USS and DF (a decrement of 23-30%). Further, the expression of Bbs8 and γ-tubulin was decreased by RNA interference of Dvl2 but increased with Dvl2 overexpression. The results indicated that Dvl2 played a pivotal role during DF-induced primary cilia assembly, and was important for apical docking of basal bodies through Bbs8 and γ-tubulin.

Sclerostin and Vascular Pathophysiology

There is cumulating evidence for a contribution of Wnt signaling pathways in multiple processes involved in atherosclerosis and vascular aging. Wnt signaling plays a role in endothelial dysfunction, in the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and intimal thickening. Moreover, it interferes with inflammation processes, monocyte adhesion and migration, as well as with foam cell formation and vascular calcification progression. Sclerostin is a negative regulator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and, accordingly, the consequence of increased sclerostin availability can be disruption of the Wnt signalling cascade. Sclerostin is becoming a marker for clinical and subclinical vascular diseases and several lines of evidence illustrate its role in the pathophysiology of the vascular system. Sclerostin levels increase with aging and persist higher in some diseases (e.g., diabetes, chronic kidney disease) that are known to precipitate atherosclerosis and enhance cardiovascular risk. Current knowledge on the association between sclerostin and vascular diseases is summarized in this review.

An oriented-collagen scaffold including Wnt5a promotes osteochondral regeneration and cartilage interface integration in a rabbit model

Articular cartilage regeneration remains a major challenge in orthopedics. Noncanonical Wnt5a is a particularly attractive growth factor in this context; Wnt5a inhibits chondrocyte hypertrophy but maintains chondrogenesis. We designed a novel, vertically oriented-collagen scaffold. The effect of Wnt5a on MSCs and chondrocytes and the therapeutic effects of the Wnt5a/oriented-collagen scaffold in terms of osteochondral repair and cartilage integration were evaluated. In vitro, the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of MSCs and chondrocytes treated with Wnt5a, and the mechanisms thereof, were assessed. mRNA microarray analysis was performed to compare the expression profiles of MSCs before and after Wnt5a treatment. In vivo, full-thickness cylindrical osteochondral defects (4 mm in diameter, 3 mm in depth) were created in the patellar grooves of 24 New Zealand white rabbits and implanted with oriented-collagen scaffolds (n = 8), Wnt5a/oriented-collagen scaffolds (n = 8), or nothing (n = 8). After 6 and 12 weeks, integration and tissue responses were evaluated. The proliferation, migration, chondrogenic differentiation, and extracellular matrix formation of/by MSCs and chondrocytes improved greatly after treatment with Wnt5a. Western blotting showed that the PI3K/AKT/JNK signaling pathway was activated. Microarray analysis revealed that the Wnt5a group exhibited a significant upregulation of the PI3K pathway. Reactome GSEA pathway interaction analysis revealed that such upregulation was associated with collagen and extracellular matrix formation. In vivo, the Wnt5a/oriented-collagen scaffold group exhibited optimal interface integration, cartilage regeneration, and collagenous fiber arrangement, accompanied by significantly increased glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulations in the zones of regeneration and integration, compared to the other groups. Gene expression analysis showed that the levels of mRNAs encoding genes involved in cartilage formation were significantly increased in the Wnt5a/oriented, collagen scaffold group (all P < .05). Wnt5a promoted the proliferation, migration, and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs and chondrocytes via the activation of the PI3K/AKT/JNK signaling pathway. The Wnt5a/oriented-collagen constructs enhanced the structure-specific regeneration of hyaline cartilage in a rabbit model and may be a promising treatment for the repair of human cartilage defects.

Deciphering the Proteome Dynamics during Development of Neurons Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Neuronal development is a complex multistep process that shapes neurons by progressing though several typical stages, including axon outgrowth, dendrite formation, and synaptogenesis. Knowledge of the mechanisms of neuronal development is mostly derived from the study of animal models. Advances in stem cell technology now enable us to generate neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Here we provide a mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic signature of human iPSC-derived neurons, i.e., iPSC-derived induced glutamatergic neurons and iPSC-derived motor neurons, throughout neuronal differentiation. Tandem mass tag 10-plex labeling was carried out to perform proteomic profiling of cells at different time points. Our analysis reveals significant expression changes (FDR < 0.001) of several key proteins during the differentiation process, e.g., proteins involved in the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. Overall, our data provide a rich resource of information on protein expression during human iPSC neuron differentiation.

Circulating microRNAs in extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers for psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) develops in ~30% of patients with psoriasis. The diagnosis of PsA is challenging, and there are no reliable molecular markers in clinical use. MicroRNAs are short non-coding regulatory RNAs, which can be actively packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs) and secreted to the circulation.

OBJECTIVES

To explore whether plasma-derived EV microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for PsA in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

Plasma samples were obtained from patients with cutaneous-only psoriasis (PsC) and patients with psoriasis and PsA. Plasma EVs were isolated using miRCURY™ Exosome Isolation Kit. RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed EV miRNAs in the discovery phase (PsC, n = 15; PsA, n = 14). In the validation phase (PsC, n = 29; PsA, n = 28), 41 selected miRNAs were analysed in plasma EVs by qPCR. The association of the identified miRNAs with PsA was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing identified 19 plasma EV miRNAs with significantly different levels between PsA and PsC in the discovery cohort. Significantly lower levels of plasma EV let-7b-5p and miR-30e-5p in PsA vs. PsC were confirmed in the validation cohort, and their decreased levels were found to be associated with the presence of PsA. ROC analysis revealed an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI 0.53-0.83) for let-7b-5p and 0.69 (95% CI 0.55-0.84) for miR-30e-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating EV microRNA levels are altered in patients with PsA as compared with PsC. Findings of this exploratory study suggest that circulating EV microRNAs may serve as biomarkers for arthritis in psoriasis patients.

Research update on the association between SFRP5, an anti-inflammatory adipokine, with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease

Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5), an anti-inflammatory adipokine secreted by adipocytes, has been demonstrated to exert its anti-inflammatory effect via antagonizing the non-canonical wingless-type family member 5A (WNT5A) signalling pathways. The WNT5A protein, as a potent pro-inflammatory signalling molecule, is strongly involved in a variety of inflammatory disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerosis. In this review, we systematically outlined the current understanding on the roles of SFRP5 in the pathogenesis of three inflammatory diseases including obesity, T2DM and coronary heart disease (CHD). Our review might stimulate future research using SFRP5 as a promising novel therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity, T2DM and CHD.

Islet Stellate Cells Regulate Insulin Secretion via Wnt5a in Min6 Cells

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious public health problem worldwide. Accumulating evidence has shown that β-cell dysfunction is an important mechanism underlying diabetes mellitus. The changes in the physiological state of islet stellate cells (ISCs) and the effects of these cells on β-cell dysfunction is an important mechanism underlying diabetes mellitus. The changes in the physiological state of islet stellate cells (ISCs) and the effects of these cells on.

METHODS

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from Min6 cells was examined by estimating the insulin levels in response to high glucose challenge after culture with ISC supernatant or exogenous Wnt5a. Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses were used to observe changes in the β-cell dysfunction is an important mechanism underlying diabetes mellitus. The changes in the physiological state of islet stellate cells (ISCs) and the effects of these cells on.

RESULTS

We observed a significant increase in insulin secretion from Min6 cells cocultured in vitro with supernatant from db/m mouse ISCs compared to that from Min6 cells cocultured with supernatant from db/db mouse ISCs; The intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration in Min6 cells increased in cultured in vitro with supernatant from db/m mouse ISCs and exogenous Wnt5a compared to that from control Min6 cells. Culture of Min6 cells with exogenous Wnt5a caused a significant increase in pCamKII, pFoxO1, PDX-1, and Glut2 levels compared to those in Min6 cells cultured alone; this treatment further decreased Ror2 and Cask expression but did not affect β-cell dysfunction is an important mechanism underlying diabetes mellitus. The changes in the physiological state of islet stellate cells (ISCs) and the effects of these cells on.

CONCLUSION

ISCs regulate insulin secretion from Min6 cells through the Wnt5a protein-induced Wnt-calcium and FoxO1-PDX1-GLUT2-insulin signalling cascades.

Intrauterine Inflammation Damages Placental Angiogenesis via Wnt5a-Flt1 Activation

Intrauterine inflammation is the main reason for neonatal adverse outcomes and normal placenta perfusion plays an important role in fetal development. However, whether inflammation will affect placental angiogenesis and the underlying mechanism are still poorly understood. To investigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intrauterine inflammation on placenta angiogenesis and Wnt5a-Flt1 expression. LPS-induced intrauterine inflammation rat model was established. Preterm rat outcomes were analyzed and angiogenesis of placenta villi was calculated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of CD34 staining, and placenta Wnt5a-Flt1 expression was detected by western blot and IHC. Compared to control group, neonatal rats in LPS group showed higher death rate (1.4% vs 10.1%, p < 0.05) and lower birth weight (6.36 ± 0.48 vs 5.70 ± 0.67, p < 0.01); the villi vessel area and mean diameter in the placenta were significantly reduced in the LPS group (total area %, 16.7% ± 0.6% vs 8.7% ± 0.4%, p < 0.01, n = 9; mean diameter (pixel), 15.6 ± 0.5 vs 12.9 ± 0.3, p < 0.01, n = 9). Placenta Wnt5a-Flt1 expression was upregulated significantly (integrated optical density (IOD) in IHC: Wnt5a, 1667 ± 1204 vs 11,076 ± 4046, p < 0.05; Flt1, 2554 ± 466.2 vs 7998 ± 1613, p < 0.05; western blot: Wnt5a, 0.33 ± 0.05 vs 0.96 ± 0.06, p < 0.05; Flt1, 0.36 ± 0.15 vs 1.08 ± 0.08, p < 0.05). Intrauterine inflammation gave rise to offspring death rate and low birth weight; the mechanism might be disordered placental angiogenesis via Wnt5a-Flt1 activation triggered by inflammation.

Wnt signaling mediates TLR pathway and promote unrestrained adipogenesis and metaflammation: Therapeutic targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes

Diabesity is the combination of type 2 diabetes and obesity characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. The Wnt signaling act as an evolutionary pathway playing crucial role in regulating cellular homeostasis and energy balance from hypothalamus to metabolic organs. Aberrant activity of certain appendages in the canonical and non-canonical Wnt system deregulates metabolism and leads to adipose tissue expansion, this key event initiates metabolic stress causing metaflammation and obesity. Metaflammation induced obesity initiates abnormal development of adipocytes mediating through the non-canonical Wnt signaling inhibition of canonical Wnt pathway to fan the flames of adipogenesis. Moreover, activation of toll like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling in metabolic stress invites immune cells to release pro-inflammatory cytokines for recruitment of macrophages in adipose tissues, further causes polarization of macrophages into M1(classically activated) and M2 (alternatively activated) subtypes. These events end with chronic low-grade inflammation which interferes with insulin signaling in metabolic tissues to develop type 2 diabetes. However, there is a dearth in understanding the exact mechanism of Wnt-TLR axis during diabesity. This review dissects the molecular facets of Wnt and TLRs that modulates cellular components during diabesity and provides current progress, challenges and alternative therapeutic strategies at preclinical and clinical level.

Functions of the WNT Signaling Network in Shaping Host Responses to Infection

It is well-established that aberrant WNT expression and signaling is associated with developmental defects, malignant transformation and carcinogenesis. More recently, WNT ligands have emerged as integral components of host responses to infection but their functions in the context of immune responses are incompletely understood. Roles in the modulation of inflammatory cytokine production, host cell intrinsic innate defense mechanisms, as well as the bridging of innate and adaptive immunity have been described. To what degree WNT responses are defined by the nature of the invading pathogen or are specific for subsets of host cells is currently not well-understood. Here we provide an overview of WNT responses during infection with phylogenetically diverse pathogens and highlight functions of WNT ligands in the host defense against infection. Detailed understanding of how the WNT network orchestrates immune cell functions will not only improve our understanding of the fundamental principles underlying complex immune response, but also help identify therapeutic opportunities or potential risks associated with the pharmacological targeting of the WNT network, as currently pursued for novel therapeutics in cancer and bone disorders.

WNT Signaling in Disease

Developmental signaling pathways control a vast array of biological processes during embryogenesis and in adult life. The WNT pathway was discovered simultaneously in cancer and development. Recent advances have expanded the role of WNT to a wide range of pathologies in humans. Here, we discuss the WNT pathway and its role in human disease and some of the advances in WNT-related treatments.

The pathological role of Wnt5a in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with both local and systemic components. PsO‐associated arthritis, known as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), develops in approximately 13%‐25% of PsO patients. Various factors associated with both PsO and PsA indicate that these conditions are part of a single disease. Identification of novel targets for the development of drugs to treat both PsO and PsA is desirable to provide more patient‐friendly treatment regimens. Such targets will likely represent ‘common checkpoints’ of inflammation, for example key components or transduction cascades of the signalling pathways involved. Emerging evidence supports involvement of the non‐canonical Wnt signalling pathways in the development of both PsO and PsA, especially the Wnt5a‐activated signalling cascades. These, together with interlinked factors, are crucial in the interactions among keratinocytes, immune cells and inflammatory factors in PsO, as well as among chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts that trigger both subchondral bone remodelling and cartilage catabolism in PsA. This review focuses on the pathological role of Wnt5a signalling and its interaction with other interlinked pathways in both PsO and PsA, and also on the main challenges for future research, particularly with respect to molecules targeting Wnt signalling pathways for the treatment of PsO and PsA.

Simvastatin Attenuates H2O2-Induced Endothelial Cell Dysfunction by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis of cardiovascular disease, whilst endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a primary role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. Simvastatin has been shown to possess significant anti-atherosclerosis activity. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of simvastatin on endothelial cells under oxidative stress and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Simvastatin was found to attenuate H₂O₂-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) dysfunction and inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway; however, when this pathway was activated by lithium chloride, endothelial dysfunction was clearly enhanced. Further investigation revealed that simvastatin did not alter the expression or phosphorylation of LRP6, but reduced intracellular cholesterol deposition and inhibited endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Inducing ER stress with tunicamycin activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, whereas reducing ER stress with 4-phenylbutyric acid inhibited it. We hypothesize that simvastatin does not affect transmembrane signal transduction in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, but inhibits ER stress by reducing intracellular cholesterol accumulation, which blocks intracellular signal transduction in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction.

Cinnamon extract combined with high-intensity endurance training alleviates metabolic syndrome via non-canonical WNT signaling

OBJECTIVES

The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in menopausal women is one of the main health care concerns. MetS clusters are related to an imbalance in pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines such as secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) and wingless-type mammary tumor virus integration site family, member 5A (WNT5A). WNT5A induces an inflammatory state to induce insulin resistance and further pathologic consequences. Recent strategies to prevent progression of MetS to diabetes have focused on conservative treatments such as exercise and herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanistic effects of cotreatment with cinnamon extract and 12-wk high-intensity endurance training on MetS components considering the non-canonical WNT5A signaling.

METHOD

Thirty-two female ovariectomized Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups (n = 8/group): exercise (Ova+Exe), cinnamon extract (Ova+Cin), exercise with cinnamon extract (Ova+Exe+Cin) and saline (Ova+Sal). One group of rats undergoing surgery without removal of the ovaries was considered as a sham. After 3 mo of experimental intervention, waist circumference, serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor-α, WNT5A, and SFRP5 were measured.

RESULTS

Data showed a significant reduction in serum glucose, low-density lipoprotein, homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance, and tumor necrosis factor-α, but an increase in SFRP5 level in Ova+Exe, Ova+Cin and Ova +Exe+Cin groups compared with Ova+Sal group (P < 0.05). Serum WNT5A significantly was reduced only in Ova+Exe+Cin group (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The present study indicated that high-endurance training combined with aqueous cinnamon extract supplementation for 12 wk more efficiently alleviated insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunctions via reduction in noncanonical WNT signaling in ovariectomized rats.

Anti-angiogenic isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A in cardiovascular and renal disease

Accumulating evidence suggests that pathologic interactions between the heart and the kidney can contribute to the progressive dysfunction of both organs. Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to increasing obesity rates. It has been reported that obesity causes various heart and renal disorders and appears to accelerate their progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a major regulator of angiogenesis and vessel permeability, and is associated with CVD and CKD. It is now recognized that alternative VEGF-A gene splicing generates VEGF-A isoforms that differ in their biological actions. Proximal splicing that includes an exon 8a sequence results in pro-angiogenic VEGF-A₁₆₅a, whereas distal splicing inclusive of exon 8b yields the anti-angiogenic isoform of VEGF-A (VEGF-A₁₆₅b). This review highlights several recent preclinical and clinical studies on the role of VEGF-A₁₆₅b in CVD and CKD as a novel function of VEGF-A. This review also discusses potential therapeutic approaches of the use of VEGF-A in clinical settings as a potential circulating biomarker for CVD and CKD.

Inflammation and Vascular Calcification Causing Effects of Oxidized HDL are Attenuated by Adiponectin in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The role of oxidized high- density lipoprotein (oxHDL) and the protective effects of adiponectin in terms of vascular calcification is not well-established. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of oxHDL with regard to inflammation and vascular calcification and to determine the protective role of adiponectin in attenuating the detrimental effects of oxHDL. Cell viability, mineralization, and calcification assays were conducted to optimize the concentration of oxHDL. Then, human vascular smooth muscle cells (HAoVSMCs) were incubated with β-glycerophosphate, HDL, oxHDL, adiponectin, or the combination of oxHDL with adiponectin for 24 h. Protein expression of IL-6, TNF-α, osterix, RUNX2, ALP, type 1 collagen, osteopontin, osteocalcin, WNT-5a, NF-ĸβ(p65), cAMP and STAT-3 were measured by ELISA kits. OxHDL induced vascular calcification by promoting the formation of mineralization nodules and calcium deposits in HAoVSMCs. This was accompanied by an increased secretion of IL-6, osterix, WNT-5a and NF-ĸβ (p65). Interestingly, these detrimental effects of oxHDL were suppressed by adiponectin. Besides, incubation of adiponectin alone on HAoVSMCs showed a reduction of inflammatory cytokines, osteoblastic markers (RUNX2, osterix and osteopontin), WNT-5a and NF-ĸβ (p65). This study exhibits the ability of oxHDL in inducing inflammation and vascular calcification and these detrimental effects of oxHDL can be attenuated by adiponectin.

Endothelial-Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Interactions in Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive inflammatory process that can eventually lead to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite available treatment, the prevalence of atherosclerotic CVD, which has become the leading cause of death worldwide, persists. Identification of new mechanisms of atherogenesis are highly needed in order to develop an effective therapeutic treatment. The blood vessels contain two primary major cell types: endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Each of these performs an essential function in sustaining vascular homeostasis. EC-VSMC communication is essential not only to development, but also to the homeostasis of mature blood vessels. Aberrant EC-VSMC interaction could promote atherogenesis. Identification of the mode of EC-VSMC crosstalk that regulates vascular functionality and sustains homeostasis may offer strategic insights for prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic CVD. Here we will review the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between EC and VSMC that could contribute to atherosclerosis. We also highlight open questions for future research directions.

Effect of Polarization and Chronic Inflammation on Macrophage Expression of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans and Biosynthesis Enzymes

Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans on immune cells have the ability to bind to and regulate the bioactivity more than 400 bioactive protein ligands, including many chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors. This makes them important regulators of the phenotype and behavior of immune cells. Here we review how HS biosynthesis in macrophages is regulated during polarization and in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity, by analyzing published micro-array data and mechanistic studies in this area. We describe that macrophage expression of many HS biosynthesis and core proteins is strongly regulated by macrophage polarization, and that these expression patterns are recapitulated in chronic inflammation. Such changes in HS biosynthetic enzyme expression are likely to have a significant impact on the phenotype of macrophages in chronic inflammatory diseases by altering their interactions with chemokines, cytokines, and growth factors.

Endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperactivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus: molecular insights and therapeutic strategies

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing worldwide at an alarming rate. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent form of diabetes, accounting for approximately 90-95% of the total diabetes cases worldwide. Besides affecting the ability of body to use glucose, it is associated with micro-vascular and macro-vascular complications. Augmented atherosclerosis is documented to be the key factor leading to vascular complications in T2DM patients. The metabolic milieu of T2DM, including insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and release of excess free fatty acids, along with other metabolic abnormalities affects vascular wall by a series of events including endothelial dysfunction, platelet hyperactivity, oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation. Activation of these events further enhances vasoconstriction and promotes thrombus formation, ultimately resulting in the development of atherosclerosis. All these evidences are supported by the clinical trials reporting the importance of endothelial dysfunction and platelet hyperactivity in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular complications. In this review, an attempt has been made to comprehensively compile updated information available in context of endothelial and platelet dysfunction in T2DM.

Wnt5a suppresses inflammation-driven intervertebral disc degeneration via a TNF-α/NF-κB-Wnt5a negative-feedback loop

OBJECTIVE

This study was to investigate the molecular role of Wnt5a on inflammation-driven intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

METHODS

The expression of Wnt5a was analyzed in human nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues with immunohistochemical staining. The effects of Wnt5a on matrix production were assessed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), promoter deletion assay, and promoter binding site mutant were used to reveal the molecular role of Wnt5a in TNF-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. The regulatory effects of TNF-α on Wnt5a were investigated with pharmachemical inhibitors and siRNA experiment.

RESULTS

The expression of Wnt5a was elevated in moderately degenerated human NP tissue with similar expression pattern of TNF-α. In NP cells, Wnt5a significantly increased aggrecan and collagen II expression. Inhibition of JNK or interfering Sox9 gene expression significantly suppressed Wnt5a-induced matrix production. AP-1(JunB) binding sites were located in Sox9 promoter and mutation of these sites sabotaged Wnt5a-induced Sox9 up-regulation and subsequent matrix genes expression. Notably, Wnt5a, which was induced by TNF-α, on the other way round suppressed TNF-α-NF-κB (p65) signaling and subsequent MMPs expression. In vivo studies with MR imaging confirmed the protective role of Wnt5a in IVDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Wnt5a, which can be induced by TNF-α, increased matrix production in a Sox9-dependent manner through the activation of JNK-AP1 (JunB) signaling, and antagonized TNF-α-induced up-regulation of MMPs through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling. It indicates that Wnt5a suppresses IVDD through a TNF-α/NF-κB-Wnt5a negative-feedback loop.

Effect of SFRP5 (Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 5) on the WNT5A (Wingless-Type Family Member 5A)-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Relevance With Arterial Stiffness in Human Subjects

OBJECTIVE

SFRP5 (secreted frizzled-related protein 5) is an endogenous inhibitor of WNT5A (wingless-type family member 5a), which has been implicated in atherosclerosis. However, contradictory results have been reported about the role of SFRP5 in atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether SFRP5 could restore WNT5A-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, we sought to determine whether the serum concentration of SFRP5 is associated with atherosclerosis in humans.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We measured endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the isolated thoracic aorta of Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, we measured intracellular nitric oxide (NO) in human endothelial cells. The protein abundance of total and phosphorylated JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), AKT (protein kinase B), and endothelial NO synthase was analyzed in human endothelial cells. Circulating SFRP5 and WNT5A levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were measured in 282 human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. SFRP5 dose dependently restored Wnt5-induced impaired vasorelaxation in rat thoracic aorta by an endothelial NO synthase-dependent mechanism. SFRP5 treatment restored the WNT5A-induced reduction of NO production via endothelial NO synthase in human endothelial cells. WNT5A-induced changes in the phosphorylation of JNK, AKT, and endothelial NO synthase were ameliorated with SFRP5 administration. In humans with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the serum SFRP5 concentration positively correlated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (r=0.146; P=0.024). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that the serum SFRP5 concentration was independently associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity after adjustment for potential confounders [B (SE)=7.40 (3.35); P=0.028].

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest the possible compensatory action of SFRP5 against atherosclerosis under conditions of metabolic dysfunction.

Quercetin attenuates AZT-induced neuroinflammation in the CNS

Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is very effective in suppressing HIV-1 replication in patients. However, continuous HAART is required to prevent viral rebound, which may have detrimental effects in various tissues, including persistent neuroinflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Here, we show that quercetin (3,5,7,3’,4’-pentahydroxy flavones), a natural antioxidant used in Chinese traditional medicines, suppresses the neuroinflammation that is induced by chronic exposure to Zidovudine (azidothymidine, AZT), a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is commonly part of HAART regimens. We found that the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial and astrocytic markers induced by AZT (100 mg/kg/day; 8 days) was significantly inhibited by co-administration of quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) in the mouse cortex, hippocampus and spinal cord. We further showed that quercetin attenuated AZT-induced up-regulation of Wnt5a, a key regulator of neuroinflammation. These results suggest that quercetin has an inhibitory effect on AZT-induced neuroinflammation in the CNS, and Wnt5a signaling may play an important role in this process. Our results may further our understanding of the mechanisms of HAART-related neurotoxicity and help in the development of effective adjuvant therapy.