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Lee DY, Kwon YN, Lee K, Kim SJ, Sung JJ. Dual effects of TGF-β inhibitor in ALS - inhibit contracture and neurodegeneration. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38515326 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
As persistent elevation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) promotes fibrosis of muscles and joints and accelerates disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we investigated whether inhibition of TGF-β would be effective against both exacerbations. The effects of TGF-β and its inhibitor on myoblasts and fibroblasts were tested in vitro and confirmed in vivo, and the dual action of a TGF-β inhibitor in ameliorating the pathogenic role of TGF-β in ALS mice was identified. In the peripheral neuromuscular system, fibrosis in the muscles and joint cavities induced by excessive TGF-β causes joint contracture and muscular degeneration, which leads to motor dysfunction. In an ALS mouse model, an increase in TGF-β in the central nervous system (CNS), consistent with astrocyte activity, was associated with M1 microglial activity and pro-inflammatory conditions, as well as with neuronal cell death. Treatment with the TGF-β inhibitor halofuginone could prevent musculoskeletal fibrosis, resulting in the alleviation of joint contracture and delay of motor deterioration in ALS mice. Halofuginone could also reduce glial cell-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. These dual therapeutic effects on both the neuromuscular system and the CNS were observed from the beginning to the end stages of ALS; as a result, treatment with a TGF-β inhibitor from the early stage of disease delayed the time of symptom exacerbation in ALS mice, which led to prolonged survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Yeon Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Nam Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Neurology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwangkook Lee
- Research Department, Curamys Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Jeong Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea
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Induction of ATF4-Regulated Atrogenes Is Uncoupled from Muscle Atrophy during Disuse in Halofuginone-Treated Mice and in Hibernating Brown Bears. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010621. [PMID: 36614063 PMCID: PMC9820832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is involved in muscle atrophy through the overexpression of some atrogenes. However, it also controls the transcription of genes involved in muscle homeostasis maintenance. Here, we explored the effect of ATF4 activation by the pharmacological molecule halofuginone during hindlimb suspension (HS)-induced muscle atrophy. Firstly, we reported that periodic activation of ATF4-regulated atrogenes (Gadd45a, Cdkn1a, and Eif4ebp1) by halofuginone was not associated with muscle atrophy in healthy mice. Secondly, halofuginone-treated mice even showed reduced atrophy during HS, although the induction of the ATF4 pathway was identical to that in untreated HS mice. We further showed that halofuginone inhibited transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling, while promoting bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling in healthy mice and slightly preserved protein synthesis during HS. Finally, ATF4-regulated atrogenes were also induced in the atrophy-resistant muscles of hibernating brown bears, in which we previously also reported concurrent TGF-β inhibition and BMP activation. Overall, we show that ATF4-induced atrogenes can be uncoupled from muscle atrophy. In addition, our data also indicate that halofuginone can control the TGF-β/BMP balance towards muscle mass maintenance. Whether halofuginone-induced BMP signalling can counteract the effect of ATF4-induced atrogenes needs to be further investigated and may open a new avenue to fight muscle atrophy. Finally, our study opens the way for further studies to identify well-tolerated chemical compounds in humans that are able to fine-tune the TGF-β/BMP balance and could be used to preserve muscle mass during catabolic situations.
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Ma ZY, Wu YY, Cui HYL, Yao GY, Bian H. Factors Influencing Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Clin Interv Aging 2022; 17:653-664. [PMID: 35520948 PMCID: PMC9063799 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s355242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and ischemic stroke, which are common diseases among older people, are closely related to cognitive impairment. This study aims to investigate the influencing factors of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients with T2DM. Methods We enrolled 161 patients with T2DM who experienced acute ischemic stroke and were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong, China. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale. According to the results, patients were divided into three groups-the cognitively normal group, mild cognitive impairment group, and severe cognitive impairment group. We analyzed general demographic data, laboratory information, imaging data, the results of neuropsychological evaluation, and clinical features as well as influencing factors of PSCI in these patients and established a prediction model. Results The three groups of patients were significantly different in terms of age, education level, course of diabetes mellitus (DM), recurrent cerebral infarction (RCI), and other factors. RCI, course of DM, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were independent risk factors of PSCI in patients with T2DM, with odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 7.17 (2.09, 30.37), 5.39 (2.40, 14.59), and 3.89 (1.66, 10.04), respectively, whereas female, senior high school, serum albumin were protective factors: 0.28 (0.07, 0.95), 0.05 (0.01, 0.21), 0.20 (0.08, 0.42), respectively. Furthermore, we constructed a prediction model using sex, age, education level, RCI, DM course, HbA1c and serum albumin and obtained a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve is 0.966, suggesting the significant association of these influencing factors with PSCI in patients with T2DM. Conclusion In this study, the occurrence of PSCI in patients with T2DM was related to RCI, course of DM, and HbA1c, among other factors. Attention to influencing factors is needed in these patients for early diagnosis and timely intervention of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yin Ma
- Department of Diagnostic, Medical Integration and Practice Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Ya Wu
- Department of Emergency Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yin-Long Cui
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Yan Yao
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Bian
- Department of Neurology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Neurology, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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4
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Differential Effects of Halofuginone Enantiomers on Muscle Fibrosis and Histopathology in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137063. [PMID: 34209117 PMCID: PMC8268105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Progressive loss of muscle and muscle function is associated with significant fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Halofuginone, an analog of febrifugine, prevents fibrosis in various animal models, including those of muscular dystrophies. Effects of (+)/(−)-halofuginone enantiomers on motor coordination and diaphragm histopathology in mdx mice, the mouse model for DMD, were examined. Four-week-old male mice were treated with racemic halofuginone, or its separate enantiomers, for 10 weeks. Controls were treated with saline. Racemic halofuginone-treated mice demonstrated better motor coordination and balance than controls. However, (+)-halofuginone surpassed the racemic form’s effect. No effect was observed for (−)-halofuginone, which behaved like the control. A significant reduction in collagen content and degenerative areas, and an increase in utrophin levels were observed in diaphragms of mice treated with racemic halofuginone. Again, (+)-halofuginone was more effective than the racemic form, whereas (−)-halofuginone had no effect. Both racemic and (+)-halofuginone increased diaphragm myofiber diameters, with no effect for (−)-halofuginone. No effects were observed for any of the compounds tested in an in-vitro cell viability assay. These results, demonstrating a differential effect of the halofuginone enantiomers and superiority of (+)-halofuginone, are of great importance for future use of (+)-halofuginone as a DMD antifibrotic therapy.
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Murphy AP, Greally E, O'Hogain D, Blamire A, Caravan P, Straub V. Use of EP3533-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Measure of Disease Progression in Skeletal Muscle of mdx Mice. Front Neurol 2021; 12:636719. [PMID: 34220666 PMCID: PMC8248789 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.636719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As putative treatments are developed for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), sensitive, non-invasive measures are increasingly important to quantify disease progression. Fibrosis is one of the histological hallmarks of muscular dystrophy and has been directly linked to prognosis. EP3533 is a novel contrast agent with an affinity to collagen 1 that has demonstrated a significant and high correlation to ex vivo fibrosis quantification. Halofuginone is an established anti-fibrotic compound shown to reduce collagen skeletal muscle fibrosis in murine models of DMD. This experiment explored whether EP3533 could be used to detect signal change in skeletal muscle of mdx mice before and after a 12 week course of halofuginone compared to controls. Four age-matched groups of treated and untreated mice were evaluated: 2 groups of mdx (n = 8 and n = 13, respectively), and 2 groups of BL10 mice (n = 5 and n = 3, respectively). Treated mice received an intraperitoneal injection with halofuginone three times per week for 12 weeks, with the remaining mice being given vehicle. Both mdx groups and the untreated BL10 were scanned at baseline, then all groups were scanned on week 13. All subjects were scanned using a 7T Varian scanner before and after administration of EP3533 using a T1 mapping technique. Mice underwent grip testing in week 13 prior to dissection. Skeletal muscle was used for Masson's trichrome quantification, hydroxyproline assay, and immunofluorescent antibody staining. Untreated mdx mice demonstrated a significant increase in R1 signal from pre- to post-treatment scan in three out of four muscles (gastrocnemius p = 0.04, hamstrings p = 0.009, and tibialis anterior p = 0.01), which was not seen in either the treated mdx or the BL10 groups. Histological quantification of fibrosis also demonstrated significantly higher levels in the untreated mdx mice with significant correlation seen between histology and EP3533 signal change. Forelimb weight adjusted-grip strength was significantly lower in the untreated mdx group, compared to the treated group. EP3533 can be used over time as an outcome measure to quantify treatment effect of an established anti-fibrotic drug. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of this contrast agent in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Peter Murphy
- The Institute of Cancer and Genomics, Birmingham University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Greally
- The John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre, Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Dara O'Hogain
- Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Blamire
- Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Caravan
- Department of Radiology, Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Volker Straub
- The Institute of Cancer and Genomics, Birmingham University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.,Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Stantzou A, Relizani K, Morales-Gonzalez S, Gallen C, Grassin A, Ferry A, Schuelke M, Amthor H. Extracellular matrix remodelling is associated with muscle force increase in overloaded mouse plantaris muscle. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 47:218-235. [PMID: 32772401 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling is thought to contribute to the remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM) of skeletal muscle and to functional decline in patients with muscular dystrophies. We wanted to determine the role of TGF-β-induced ECM remodelling in dystrophic muscle. METHODS We experimentally induced the pathological hallmarks of severe muscular dystrophy by mechanically overloading the plantaris muscle in mice. Furthermore, we determined the role of TGF-β signalling on dystrophic tissue modulation and on muscle function by (i) overloading myostatin knockout (Mstn-/- ) mice and (ii) by additional pharmacological TGF-β inhibition via halofuginone. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis of overloaded muscles revealed upregulation predominantly of genes associated with ECM, inflammation and metalloproteinase activity. Histology revealed in wild-type mice signs of severe muscular dystrophy including myofibres with large variation in size and internalized myonuclei, as well as increased ECM deposition. At the same time, muscle weight had increased by 208% and muscle force by 234%. Myostatin deficiency blunted the effect of overload on muscle mass (59% increase) and force (76% increase), while having no effect on ECM deposition. Concomitant treatment with halofuginone blunted overload-induced muscle hypertrophy and muscle force increase, while reducing ECM deposition and increasing myofibre size. CONCLUSIONS ECM remodelling is associated with an increase in muscle mass and force in overload-modelled dystrophic muscle. Lack of myostatin is not advantageous and inhibition of ECM deposition by halofuginone is disadvantageous for muscle plasticity in response to stimuli that induce dystrophic muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stantzou
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France
| | - K Relizani
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France.,NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Morales-Gonzalez
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Gallen
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France
| | - A Grassin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France
| | - A Ferry
- Center for Research in Myology, Pierre et Marie Curie University, Paris Sorbonne, INSERM, UMRS974, CNRS FRE3617, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - M Schuelke
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence and Department of Neuropediatrics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - H Amthor
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France
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Cappellari O, Mantuano P, De Luca A. "The Social Network" and Muscular Dystrophies: The Lesson Learnt about the Niche Environment as a Target for Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071659. [PMID: 32660168 PMCID: PMC7407800 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscle stem cells niche is essential in neuromuscular disorders. Muscle injury and myofiber death are the main triggers of muscle regeneration via satellite cell activation. However, in degenerative diseases such as muscular dystrophy, regeneration still keep elusive. In these pathologies, stem cell loss occurs over time, and missing signals limiting damaged tissue from activating the regenerative process can be envisaged. It is unclear what comes first: the lack of regeneration due to satellite cell defects, their pool exhaustion for degeneration/regeneration cycles, or the inhibitory mechanisms caused by muscle damage and fibrosis mediators. Herein, Duchenne muscular dystrophy has been taken as a paradigm, as several drugs have been tested at the preclinical and clinical levels, targeting secondary events in the complex pathogenesis derived from lack of dystrophin. We focused on the crucial roles that pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines play in triggering muscle necrosis after damage and stimulating satellite cell activation and self-renewal, along with growth and mechanical factors. These processes contribute to regeneration and niche maintenance. We review the main effects of drugs on regeneration biomarkers to assess whether targeting pathogenic events can help to protect niche homeostasis and enhance regeneration efficiency other than protecting newly formed fibers from further damage.
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Barzilai-Tutsch H, Dewulf M, Lamaze C, Butler Browne G, Pines M, Halevy O. A promotive effect for halofuginone on membrane repair and synaptotagmin-7 levels in muscle cells of dysferlin-null mice. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:2817-2829. [PMID: 29771357 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of dysferlin, skeletal muscle cells fail to reseal properly after injury, resulting in slow progress of the dysferlinopathy muscular dystrophy (MD). Halofuginone, a leading agent in preventing fibrosis in MDs, was tested for its effects on membrane resealing post-injury. A hypo-osmotic shock assay on myotubes derived from wild-type (Wt) and dysferlin-null (dysf-/-) mice revealed that pre-treatment with halofuginone reduces the percentage of membrane-ruptured myotubes only in dysf-/- myotubes. In laser-induced injury of isolated myofibers, halofuginone decreased the amount of FM1-43 at the injury site of dysf-/- myofibers while having no effect on Wt myofibers. These results implicate halofuginone in ameliorating muscle-cell membrane integrity in dysf-/- mice. Halofuginone increased lysosome scattering across the cytosol of dysf-/- primary myoblasts, in a protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase and phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt-dependent manner, in agreement with an elevation in lysosomal exocytotic activity in these cells. A spatial- and age-dependent synaptotagmin-7 (Syt-7) expression pattern was shown in dysf-/- versus Wt mice, suggesting that these pattern alterations are related to the disease progress and that sytnaptotagmin-7 may be compensating for the lack of dysferlin at least with regard to membrane resealing post-injury. While halofuginone did not affect patch-repair-complex key proteins, it further enhanced Syt-7 levels and its spread across the cytosol in dysf-/- myofibers and muscle tissue, and increased its co-localization with lysosomes. Together, the data imply a novel role for halofuginone in membrane-resealing events with Syt-7 possibly taking part in these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Barzilai-Tutsch
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Melissa Dewulf
- Membrane Dynamics and Mechanics of Intracellular Signaling Laboratory, Institut Curie-Centre de Recherche, PSL Research University, INSERM U1143, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, UMR 3666, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Lamaze
- Membrane Dynamics and Mechanics of Intracellular Signaling Laboratory, Institut Curie-Centre de Recherche, PSL Research University, INSERM U1143, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, UMR 3666, Paris, France
| | - Gillian Butler Browne
- Center for Research in Myology, CNRS FRE 3617, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UM76, INSERM U974, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Mark Pines
- The Volcani Center, Institute of Animal Science, Bet Dagan 52505, Israel
| | - Orna Halevy
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Platelet-Derived Growth Factor BB Influences Muscle Regeneration in Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:1814-1827. [PMID: 28618254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by a progressive loss of muscle fibers, and their substitution by fibrotic and adipose tissue. Many factors contribute to this process, but the molecular pathways related to regeneration and degeneration of muscle are not completely known. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB belongs to a family of growth factors that regulate proliferation, migration, and differentiation of mesenchymal cells. The role of PDGF-BB in muscle regeneration in humans has not been studied. We analyzed the expression of PDGF-BB in muscle biopsy samples from controls and patients with DMD. We performed in vitro experiments to understand the effects of PDGF-BB on myoblasts involved in the pathophysiology of muscular dystrophies and confirmed our results in vivo by treating the mdx murine model of DMD with repeated i.m. injections of PDGF-BB. We observed that regenerating and necrotic muscle fibers in muscle biopsy samples from DMD patients expressed PDGF-BB. In vitro, PDGF-BB attracted myoblasts and activated their proliferation. Analysis of muscles from the animals treated with PDGF-BB showed an increased population of satellite cells and an increase in the number of regenerative fibers, with a reduction in inflammatory infiltrates, compared with those in vehicle-treated mice. Based on our results, PDGF-BB may play a protective role in muscular dystrophies by enhancing muscle regeneration through activation of satellite cell proliferation and migration.
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10
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Fibrosis development in early-onset muscular dystrophies: Mechanisms and translational implications. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 64:181-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Accorsi A, Kumar A, Rhee Y, Miller A, Girgenrath M. IGF-1/GH axis enhances losartan treatment in Lama2-related muscular dystrophy. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:4624–4634. [PMID: 27798092 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
As the complexities of dystrophic pathology have been elucidated over the last few years, it has become increasingly clear that primary monogenetic defects result in multiple secondary pathologies capable of autonomously driving disease progression. Consequently, single-mode therapies fail to comprehensively ameliorate all aspects of pathology. Lama2-related muscular dystrophy (MDC1A) is a devastating congenital muscular dystrophy caused by mutations in the LAMA2 gene that results in multi-faceted secondary pathologies that include inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and necrosis leading to severe muscle weakness and minimal postnatal growth. This study sought to implement a novel combinatorial treatment utilizing losartan, previously shown to ameliorate fibrosis and inflammation in conjunction with transgenic IGF-1 overexpression to improve postnatal growth. We found that dual-therapy rescued inflammation and fibrosis, improved weight gain, and led to remarkable restoration of muscle architecture and locomotory function in DyW mice (mouse model of MDC1A). We further showed using murine growth hormone that postnatal intervention with both therapies also yielded impressive amelioration of dystrophic pathology. Our results suggest for the first time that a combinatorial anti-fibrotic and pro-myogenic therapy could be the foundation of future therapies to a population of afflicted children in serious need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Accorsi
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Pfizer Inc., 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02319, USA
| | - Younghwa Rhee
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alex Miller
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mahasweta Girgenrath
- Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Pfizer Inc., 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02319, USA
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12
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Spinazzola JM, Kunkel LM. Pharmacological therapeutics targeting the secondary defects and downstream pathology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2016; 4:1179-1194. [PMID: 28670506 DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2016.1240613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the identification of the dystrophin gene in 1986, a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) has yet to be discovered. Presently, there are a number of genetic-based therapies in development aimed at restoration and/or repair of the primary defect. However, growing understanding of the pathophysiological consequences of dystrophin absence has revealed several promising downstream targets for the development of therapeutics. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss various strategies for DMD therapy targeting downstream consequences of dystrophin absence including loss of muscle mass, inflammation, fibrosis, calcium overload, oxidative stress, and ischemia. The rationale of each approach and the efficacy of drugs in preclinical and clinical studies are discussed. EXPERT OPINION For the last 30 years, effective DMD drug therapy has been limited to corticosteroids, which are associated with a number of negative side effects. Our knowledge of the consequences of dystrophin absence that contribute to DMD pathology has revealed several potential therapeutic targets. Some of these approaches may have potential to improve or slow disease progression independently or in combination with genetic-based approaches. The applicability of these pharmacological therapies to DMD patients irrespective of their genetic mutation, as well as the potential benefits even for advanced stage patients warrants their continued investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janelle M Spinazzola
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston, MA 02115.,Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Louis M Kunkel
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston, MA 02115.,Harvard Medical School, Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Boston, MA 02115.,The Stem Cell Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.,The Manton Center for Orphan Diseases, Boston, MA 02115.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138
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13
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Calik M, Yavas G, Calik SG, Yavas C, Celik ZE, Sargon MF, Esme H. Amelioration of radiation-induced lung injury by halofuginone: An experimental study in Wistar-Albino rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2016; 36:638-647. [PMID: 27457799 DOI: 10.1177/0960327116660753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate effects of halofuginone (H) on radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), 60 rats were divided into six groups: Group (G) 1 control, G2 radiotherapy (RT) only, G3 and G4 2. 5 and 5 μg H and G5 and G6 RT + 2.5 and 5 μg H groups, respectively. A single dose of 12 Gy RT was given to both lungs. H was applied intraperitoneally with daily doses, until animals were killed at 6 and 16 weeks after RT. At 6th and 16th weeks of RT, five rats from each group were killed. Lung tissues were dissected for light and electron microscopy. Chronic inflammation, fibrosis and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF)-β scores of all study groups were significantly different at 6th and 16th week ( p < 0.001). Chronic inflammation, fibrosis and TGF-β scores of G2 were higher than G5 and G6 at 6th and 16th weeks of RT. At 16th week, fibrosis and TGF-β scores of G5 were higher than G6 ( p = 0.040 and 0.028, respectively). Electron microscopical findings also supported these results. Therefore, H may ameliorate RILI. The effect of the H was more prominent at higher dose and after long-term follow-up. These findings should be clarified with further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Calik
- 1 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Konya, Turkey
| | - G Yavas
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - S G Calik
- 3 Department of Emergency Medicine, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - C Yavas
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Z E Celik
- 4 Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - M F Sargon
- 5 Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - H Esme
- 1 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Konya Training and Research Hospital, Konya, Turkey
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