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Kotwal A, Simpson R, Whiteman N, Swanson B, Yuil-Valdes A, Fitch M, Nguyen J, Elhag S, Shats O, Goldner W, Bennett R. Relaxin-2 is a novel biomarker for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in humans. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116323. [PMID: 38815632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin's role in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been suggested but its characterization in a large clinical sample remains limited. We performed immunohistochemistry for relaxin-2 (RLN2), CD68 (total macrophages), CD163 (M2 macrophages) on tissue microarrays from 181 subjects with non-distant metastatic DTC, and 185 subjects with benign thyroid tissue. Mean pixels/area for each marker was compared between tumor and adjacent tissue via paired-t test and between DTC and benign subjects via t-test assuming unequal variances. RNA qPCR was performed for expression of RLN2, RLN1, and RXFP1 in cell lines. Amongst 181 cases, the mean age was 46 years, 75 % were females. Tumoral tissue amongst the DTC cases demonstrated higher mean expression of RLN2 (53.04 vs. 9.79; p < 0.0001) compared to tumor-adjacent tissue. DTC tissue also demonstrated higher mean expression of CD68 (14.46 vs. 4.79; p < 0.0001), and CD163 (23.13 vs. -0.73; p < 0.0001) than benign thyroid. These markers did not differ between tumor-adjacent and benign thyroid tissue groups; and amongst cases, did not differ by demographic or clinicopathologic features. RLN1 and RXFP1 expression was detected in a minority of the cell lines, while RLN2 was expressed by 6/7 cell lines. In conclusion, widespread RLN2 expression in DTC tissue and most cell lines demonstrates that RLN2 acts in a paracrine manner, and that RLN1 and RXFP1 are probably not involved in thyroid cancer cell signaling. RLN2 is a biomarker for thyroid carcinogenesis, being associated with but not secreted by immunosuppressive macrophages. These findings will guide further investigations for therapeutic avenues against thyroid cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Relaxin/metabolism
- Relaxin/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Female
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Adult
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Aged
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Kotwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ronda Simpson
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nicholas Whiteman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Benjamin Swanson
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ana Yuil-Valdes
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Madelyn Fitch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joshua Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Salma Elhag
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Oleg Shats
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Whitney Goldner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Robert Bennett
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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2
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Kose H, Sivrikaya A, Menevse E. Maternal Fed Zinc-Deficient Diet: Effects on Relaxin Family Peptides and Oxidant System in the Testis and Liver Tissue of Male Offspring. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04113-8. [PMID: 38407794 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Today, the studies are limited on roles of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), insulin-like peptide 7 (INSL7), and relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) which are synthesized by the testis. It is aimed to investigate the levels of the sex hormone as testosterone and the family of insulin-like proteins (relaxin family peptides), which are important in the puberty transition, in the testicular and liver tissues of male offspring born to female rats fed a zinc-deficient diet during the pregnancy, and in the changes in lipid peroxidation markers. The study was performed on 40 male offspring. In Group I: Control group, both male offspring and mothers were fed with standard rat chow. In Group II: Zinc deficient diet, both male offspring and mothers were fed a zinc-deficient diet (2.8 mg/kg zinc). In Group III: Normal diet, male offspring fed standard rat chow for 45 days (66th day) after being separated from their mothers with a maternal zinc-deficient diet. In Group IV: Zinc-supplemented diet, offspring fed with zinc supplemented (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal zinc sulfate, i.p.) in addition to standard rat chow after being separated from their mothers with maternal zinc deficiency until the termination of the study (66th day). Our study suggests that zinc-supplemented diets play an important role in the changes in INSL3, INSL7, RXFP1, and testosterone levels during spermatogenesis. INSL7, INSL3, and RXFP1 levels were higher in zinc-supplemented group than the zinc-deficient diet group. Liver levels of INSL3, INSL7, and MDA were significantly different in zinc-deficiency diet group than zinc-supplemented group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamiyet Kose
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Sivrikaya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Esma Menevse
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
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3
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Ezhilarasan D. Relaxin in hepatic fibrosis: What is known and where to head? Biochimie 2021; 187:144-151. [PMID: 34102254 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin (RLX) is a heterodimeric, polypeptide hormone that has natural anti-fibrotic activity in many organs. During the chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are phenotypically transformed into myofibroblasts. This process is known as activation of HSCs. Activated HSCs play a central role in hepatic fibrosis. Quiescent HSCs were shown to express low levels of RLX receptors such as RXFP1 and RXFP2. Upon chronic liver injury, HSCs are activated and express high levels of the RLX receptors. ML290, an agonist of RXFP1 has been reported to have antifibrotic effect in vitro as well as in vivo. Serelaxin, a recombinant human RLX-2 treatment has reduced hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension in experimental models due to its vasodilation properties by inducing intrahepatic nitric oxide level. Serelaxin has also produced a neutral effect when studied against human cirrhosis-related portal hypertension in clinical trials. RLX is a potent collagen synthesis inhibitor and it has extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling properties by promoting matrix metalloproteinases and downregulating expression of metalloproteinases inhibitors. Available reports suggest that RLX could induce ECM remodeling and suppress the profibrogenic transforming growth factor-β signaling and thereby regress hepatic fibrosis. Though RLX has natural antifibrotic activity, its antifibrotic molecular mechanisms especially in hepatic fibrosis condition are not reported. This review exclusively focuses antifibrotic effect of RLX on hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India.
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4
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Kimura T, Singh S, Tanaka N, Umemura T. Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Approaches to Anti-Fibrotic Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:773432. [PMID: 34938271 PMCID: PMC8685252 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.773432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally increasing. Gaining control over disease-related events in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, is currently an unmet medical need. Hepatic fibrosis is a critical prognostic factor in NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and the development of related therapies are of great importance. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate the function of a great variety of extracellular ligands. GPCRs represent major drug targets, as indicated by the fact that about 40% of all drugs currently used in clinical practice mediate their therapeutic effects by acting on GPCRs. Like many other organs, various GPCRs play a role in regulating liver function. It is predicted that more than 50 GPCRs are expressed in the liver. However, our knowledge of how GPCRs regulate liver metabolism and fibrosis in the different cell types of the liver is very limited. In particular, a better understanding of the role of GPCRs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary cells that regulate liver fibrosis, may lead to the development of drugs that can improve hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe the functions of multiple GPCRs expressed in HSCs, their roles in liver fibrogenesis, and finally speculate on the development of novel treatments for NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kimura
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Simran Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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5
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Pharmacological Benefits and Risk of Using Hormones in Organ Perfusion and Preservation Solutions in the Aspect of Minimizing Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury during Storage. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6467134. [PMID: 31828112 PMCID: PMC6881579 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6467134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
For several years, research has been carried out on the effectiveness of solutions for perfusion and preservation of organs, including the liver. There is a search for an optimal pharmacological composition of these solutions, allowing to preserve or improve vital functions of the organ for as long as possible until it is transplanted into a recipient. Hormones due to their properties, often resulting from their pleiotropic effects, may be a valuable component for optimizing the composition of liver perfusion and preservation solutions. The paper presents the current state of knowledge on liver perfusion and preservation solutions modified with hormones. It also shows the characteristics of the hormones evaluated, taking into account their physiological functions in the body.
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6
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Kaftanovskaya EM, Ng HH, Soula M, Rivas B, Myhr C, Ho BA, Cervantes BA, Shupe TD, Devarasetty M, Hu X, Xu X, Patnaik S, Wilson KJ, Barnaeva E, Ferrer M, Southall NT, Marugan JJ, Bishop CE, Agoulnik IU, Agoulnik AI. Therapeutic effects of a small molecule agonist of the relaxin receptor ML290 in liver fibrosis. FASEB J 2019; 33:12435-12446. [PMID: 31419161 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901046r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an underlying cause of cirrhosis and hepatic failure resulting in end stage liver disease with limited pharmacological options. The beneficial effects of relaxin peptide treatment were demonstrated in clinically relevant animal models of liver fibrosis. However, the use of relaxin is problematic because of a short half-life. The aim of this study was to test the therapeutic effects of recently identified small molecule agonists of the human relaxin receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1). The lead compound of this series, ML290, was selected based on its effects on the expression of fibrosis-related genes in primary human stellate cells. RNA sequencing analysis of TGF-β1-activated LX-2 cells showed that ML290 treatment primarily affected extracellular matrix remodeling and cytokine signaling, with expression profiles indicating an antifibrotic effect of ML290. ML290 treatment in human liver organoids with LPS-induced fibrotic phenotype resulted in a significant reduction of type I collagen. The pharmacokinetics of ML290 in mice demonstrated its high stability in vivo, as evidenced by the sustained concentrations of compound in the liver. In mice expressing human RXFP1 gene treated with carbon tetrachloride, ML290 significantly reduced collagen content, α-smooth muscle actin expression, and cell proliferation around portal ducts. In conclusion, ML290 demonstrated antifibrotic effects in liver fibrosis.-Kaftanovskaya, E. M., Ng, H. H., Soula, M., Rivas, B., Myhr, C., Ho, B. A., Cervantes, B. A., Shupe, T. D., Devarasetty, M., Hu, X., Xu, X., Patnaik, S., Wilson, K. J., Barnaeva, E., Ferrer, M., Southall, N. T., Marugan, J. J., Bishop, C. E., Agoulnik, I. U., Agoulnik, A. I. Therapeutic effects of a small molecule agonist of the relaxin receptor ML290 in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Kaftanovskaya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hooi Hooi Ng
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mariluz Soula
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bryan Rivas
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brian A Ho
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Briana A Cervantes
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas D Shupe
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mahesh Devarasetty
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xin Hu
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Samarjit Patnaik
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth J Wilson
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elena Barnaeva
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc Ferrer
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Noel T Southall
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Juan J Marugan
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Colin E Bishop
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Irina U Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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7
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Human relaxin-2 attenuates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Transl Med 2019; 99:1203-1216. [PMID: 30918325 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-019-0240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Human relaxin-2 reduces hepatic fibrosis in mice. However, the effects of relaxin-2 on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in animals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain to be elucidated. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet were randomly assigned to receive recombinant human relaxin-2 (25 or 75 μg/kg/day) or vehicle for 4 weeks. In HFD-fed mice, relaxin-2 decreased systemic insulin resistance and reduced body weight, epididymal fat mass and serum leptin and insulin concentrations. In livers of HFD-fed mice, relaxin-2 attenuated steatosis and increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and activated genes that regulate fatty acid oxidation and suppressed acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Relaxin-2 had no direct anti-steatotic effect on primary mouse hepatocytes, but S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine attenuated palmitic acid-induced steatosis and activated genes regulating fatty acid oxidation in hepatocytes. In mice fed an MCD diet, relaxin-2 attenuated steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Relaxin-2 increased eNOS and Akt phosphorylation and transcript levels of cytochrome P450-4a10 and decreased acetyl-CoA carboxylase in MCD-fed mouse livers. Moreover, expression levels of Kupffer cell activation, hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatocyte apoptosis were decreased in MCD diet-fed mice receiving relaxin-2. In conclusion, relaxin-2 reduces hepatic steatosis by activating intrahepatic eNOS in HFD-fed mice and further attenuates liver fibrosis in MCD diet-fed mice. Therefore, human relaxin-2 is a potential therapeutic treatment for NAFLD.
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Nagórniewicz B, Mardhian DF, Booijink R, Storm G, Prakash J, Bansal R. Engineered Relaxin as theranostic nanomedicine to diagnose and ameliorate liver cirrhosis. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 17:106-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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9
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Wilson KJ, Xiao J, Chen CZ, Huang Z, Agoulnik IU, Ferrer M, Southall N, Hu X, Zheng W, Xu X, Wang A, Myhr C, Barnaeva E, George ER, Agoulnik AI, Marugan JJ. Optimization of the first small-molecule relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor (RXFP1) agonists: Activation results in an antifibrotic gene expression profile. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 156:79-92. [PMID: 30006176 PMCID: PMC6102074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A dose responsive quantitative high throughput screen (qHTS) of >350,000 compounds against a human relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor (RXFP1) transfected HEK293 cell line identified 2-acetamido-N-phenylbenzamides 1 and 3 with modest agonist activity. An extensive structure-activity study has been undertaken to optimize the potency, efficacy, and physical properties of the series, resulting in the identification of compound 65 (ML-290), which has excellent in vivo PK properties with high levels of systemic exposure. This series, exemplified by 65, has produced first-in-class small-molecule agonists of RXFP1 and is a potent activator of anti-fibrotic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J. Wilson
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Jingbo Xiao
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Catherine Z. Chen
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Zaohua Huang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Irina U. Agoulnik
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Marc Ferrer
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Noel Southall
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Xin Hu
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Wei Zheng
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Xin Xu
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Amy Wang
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Courtney Myhr
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Elena Barnaeva
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Emmett R. George
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Juan J. Marugan
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
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10
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Jelinic M, Marshall SA, Stewart D, Unemori E, Parry LJ, Leo CH. Peptide hormone relaxin: from bench to bedside. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R753-R760. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00276.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin has numerous roles both within and independent of pregnancy and is often thought of as a “pleiotropic hormone.” Relaxin targets several tissues throughout the body, and has many functions associated with extracellular matrix remodeling and the vasculature. This review considers the potential therapeutic applications of relaxin in cervical ripening, in vitro fertilization, preeclampsia, acute heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion, and cirrhosis. We first outline the animal models used in preclinical studies to progress relaxin into clinical trials and then discuss the findings from these studies. In many cases, the positive outcomes from preclinical animal studies were not replicated in human clinical trials. Therefore, the focus of this review is to evaluate the various animal models used to develop relaxin as a potential therapeutic and consider the limitations that must be addressed in future studies. These include the use of human relaxin in animals, duration of relaxin treatment, and the appropriateness of the clinical conditions being considered for relaxin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jelinic
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Marshall
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Stewart
- Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California
| | | | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Science and Maths Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
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11
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McBride A, Hoy AM, Bamford MJ, Mossakowska DE, Ruediger MP, Griggs J, Desai S, Simpson K, Caballero-Hernandez I, Iredale JP, Pell T, Aucott RL, Holmes DS, Webster SP, Fallowfield JA. In search of a small molecule agonist of the relaxin receptor RXFP1 for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10806. [PMID: 28883402 PMCID: PMC5589886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10521-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone human relaxin-2 (H2-RLX) has emerged as a potential therapy for cardiovascular and fibrotic diseases, but its short in vivo half-life is an obstacle to long-term administration. The discovery of ML290 demonstrated that it is possible to identify small molecule agonists of the cognate G-protein coupled receptor for H2-RLX (relaxin family peptide receptor-1 (RXFP1)). In our efforts to generate a new medicine for liver fibrosis, we sought to identify improved small molecule functional mimetics of H2-RLX with selective, full agonist or positive allosteric modulator activity against RXFP1. First, we confirmed expression of RXFP1 in human diseased liver. We developed a robust cellular cAMP reporter assay of RXFP1 signaling in HEK293 cells transiently expressing RXFP1. A high-throughput screen did not identify further specific agonists or positive allosteric modulators of RXFP1, affirming the low druggability of this receptor. As an alternative approach, we generated novel ML290 analogues and tested their activity in the HEK293-RXFP1 cAMP assay and the human hepatic cell line LX-2. Differences in activity of compounds on cAMP activation compared with changes in expression of fibrotic markers indicate the need to better understand cell- and tissue-specific signaling mechanisms and their disease-relevant phenotypes in order to enable drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew McBride
- BHF/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anna M Hoy
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Mark J Bamford
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia DPU, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Danuta E Mossakowska
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia DPU, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Martin P Ruediger
- Platform Technologies and Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Jeremy Griggs
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia DPU, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Sapna Desai
- Platform Technologies and Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Kate Simpson
- Platform Technologies and Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Ivan Caballero-Hernandez
- GlaxoSmithKline, Parque Tecnológico de Madrid, Calle de Severo Ochoa, 2, 28760, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - John P Iredale
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Theresa Pell
- Platform Technologies and Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Rebecca L Aucott
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Duncan S Holmes
- Discovery Partnerships with Academia DPU, Gunnels Wood Rd, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Scott P Webster
- BHF/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Jonathan A Fallowfield
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Samuel CS, Royce SG, Hewitson TD, Denton KM, Cooney TE, Bennett RG. Anti-fibrotic actions of relaxin. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:962-976. [PMID: 27250825 PMCID: PMC5406285 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the hardening or scarring of tissues that usually results from aberrant wound healing in response to organ injury, and its manifestations in various organs have collectively been estimated to contribute to around 45-50% of deaths in the Western world. Despite this, there is currently no effective cure for the tissue structural and functional damage induced by fibrosis-related disorders. Relaxin meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic based on its specific ability to inhibit pro-fibrotic cytokine and/or growth factor-mediated, but not normal/unstimulated, fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and matrix production. Furthermore, relaxin augments matrix degradation through its ability to up-regulate the release and activation of various matrix-degrading matrix metalloproteinases and/or being able to down-regulate tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase activity. Relaxin can also indirectly suppress fibrosis through its other well-known (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hypertrophic, anti-apoptotic, angiogenic, wound healing and vasodilator) properties. This review will outline the organ-specific and general anti-fibrotic significance of exogenously administered relaxin and its mechanisms of action that have been documented in various non-reproductive organs such as the cardiovascular system, kidney, lung, liver, skin and tendons. In addition, it will outline the influence of sex on relaxin's anti-fibrotic actions, highlighting its potential as an emerging anti-fibrotic therapeutic. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of PharmacologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - S G Royce
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of PharmacologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - T D Hewitson
- Department of NephrologyRoyal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - K M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of PhysiologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - T E Cooney
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) HamotEriePAUSA
| | - R G Bennett
- Research Service 151VA Nebraska‐Western Iowa Health Care SystemOmahaNEUSA
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNEUSA
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Singh S, Simpson RL, Bennett RG. Relaxin activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) through a pathway involving PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC1α). J Biol Chem 2014; 290:950-9. [PMID: 25389293 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.589325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin activation of its receptor RXFP1 triggers multiple signaling pathways. Previously, we have shown that relaxin activates PPARγ transcriptional activity in a ligand-independent manner, but the mechanism for this effect was unknown. In this study, we examined the signaling pathways of downstream of RXFP1 leading to PPARγ activation. Using cells stably expressing RXFP1, we found that relaxin regulation of PPARγ activity requires accumulation of cAMP and subsequent activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). The activated PKA subsequently phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) at Ser-133 to activate it directly, as well as indirectly through mitogen activated protein kinase p38 MAPK. Activated CREB was required for relaxin stimulation of PPARγ activity, while there was no evidence for a role of the nitric oxide or ERK MAPK pathways. Relaxin increased the mRNA and protein levels of the coactivator protein PGC1α, and this effect was dependent on PKA, and was completely abrogated by a dominant-negative form of CREB. This mechanism was confirmed in a hepatic stellate cell line stably that endogenously expresses RXFP1. Reduction of PGC1α levels using siRNA diminished the regulation of PPARγ by relaxin. These results suggest that relaxin activates the cAMP/PKA and p38 MAPK pathways to phosphorylate CREB, resulting in increased PGC1α levels. This provides a mechanism for the ligand-independent activation of PPARγ in response to relaxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Singh
- From the Medical Research Service, The Department of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska 68105 and the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Internal Medicine and Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198
| | - Ronda L Simpson
- From the Medical Research Service, The Department of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska 68105 and the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Internal Medicine and Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198
| | - Robert G Bennett
- From the Medical Research Service, The Department of Veterans Affairs, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, Nebraska 68105 and the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Internal Medicine and Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198
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Ma X, Han S, Zhang W, Fan YJ, Liu MN, Liu AY, Liu BR. Protection of cultured human hepatocytes from hydrogen peroxide‑induced apoptosis by relaxin‑3. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:1228-34. [PMID: 25370004 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that hepatocyte apoptosis may be a fundamental underlying mechanism of liver injury and diseases, such as liver fibrosis. Relaxin‑3 has been reported to have anti‑fibrotic actions in the heart and to attenuate isoproterenol‑induced myocardial injury; however, the beneficial role of relaxin‑3 on hepatocyte apoptosis remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to explore the role and possible mechanisms of relaxin‑3 through hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‑induced apoptosis in primary human hepatocytes. Cells were treated with relaxin‑3 and then cell viability, morphological features, the presence of cleaved caspases as well as the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) protein markers and autophagy markers were evaluated. The H2O2 group showed significantly decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis as well as upregulation of caspases (cleaved caspase‑3, ‑8 and ‑9) and ERS protein markers compared with those of the control group. However, cells treated with relaxin‑3 (10 ng/ml) demonstrated improved cell viability, reduced apoptosis and decreased expression of cleaved caspases and ERS markers. However, the expression of autophagy markers remained unchanged following H2O2‑induced apoptosis and relaxin‑3 treatment. In conclusion, relaxin‑3 was shown to protect hepatocytes from H2O2‑induced apoptosis via downregulation of cleaved caspase‑8 and ‑9, as well as inhibition of the ERS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Su Han
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Immunity and Infection, Pathogenic Biology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150081, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Jing Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Na Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Yun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
| | - Bing-Rong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, P.R. China
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Bennett RG, Heimann DG, Singh S, Simpson RL, Tuma DJ. Relaxin decreases the severity of established hepatic fibrosis in mice. Liver Int 2014; 34:416-26. [PMID: 23870027 PMCID: PMC3843971 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by excess collagen deposition, decreased extracellular matrix degradation and activation of the hepatic stellate cells. The hormone relaxin has shown promise in the treatment of fibrosis in a number of tissues, but the effect of relaxin on established hepatic fibrosis is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of relaxin on an in vivo model after establishing hepatic fibrosis METHODS Male mice were made fibrotic by carbon tetrachloride treatment for 4 weeks, followed by treatment with two doses of relaxin (25 or 75 μg/kg/day) or vehicle for 4 weeks, with continued administration of carbon tetrachloride. RESULTS Relaxin significantly decreased total hepatic collagen and smooth muscle actin content at both doses, and suppressed collagen I expression at the higher dose. Relaxin increased the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP13 and MMP3, decreased the expression of MMP2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) and increased the overall level of collagen-degrading activity. Relaxin decreased TGFβ-induced Smad2 nuclear localization in mouse hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that relaxin reduced collagen deposition and HSC activation in established hepatic fibrosis despite the presence of continued hepatic insult. This reduced fibrosis was associated with increased expression of the fibrillar collagen-degrading enzyme MMP13, decreased expression of TIMP2, and enhanced collagen-degrading activity, and impaired TGFβ signalling, consistent with relaxin's effects on activated fibroblastic cells. The results suggest that relaxin may be an effective treatment for the treatment of established hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G. Bennett
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Dean G. Heimann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Sudhir Singh
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Ronda L. Simpson
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
| | - Dean J. Tuma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA
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Yan XF, Liu P, Sun MY, Wang XL. Mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Huangqi Decoction against dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:2410-2415. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i23.2410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Huangqi Decoction against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of DMN for 4 wk. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: normal group and model group. Fibrotic rats in the model group were further randomly divided into two subgroups: model control subgroup and Huangqi Decoction subgroup. The Huangqi Decoction subgroup was intragastrically administered Huangqi Decoction for 2 wk, while the model control subgroup was administered equal volume of saline. At the end of 2, 4 and 6 wk, hepatic tissue samples were collected to detect the protein expression of Fas, caspase-8, caspase-3, matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) and TIMP-2 by Western blot, mRNA expression of α-SMA by real time-PCR, and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity by gelatin enzymography.
RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of Fas, caspase-8, caspase-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 proteins and α-SMA mRNA as well as MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in liver tissue increased gradually in the model group and peaked at 4 wk. Compared with the model control subgroup, the expression levels of Fas, caspase-8, caspase-3, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 proteins and α-SMA mRNA as well as MMP-2 activity at 6 wk were significantly reduced (1.05 ± 0.02 vs 1.17 ± 0.04, 1.41 ± 0.04 vs 1.98 ± 0.06, 0.86 ± 0.01 vs 1.19±0.04, 1.03 ± 0.03 vs 1.58 ± 0.06, 1.16 ± 0.04 vs 1.53 ± 0.01, 3.12 ± 0.47 vs 8.48 ± 0.45 and 2.15 ± 0.03 vs 2.33 ± 0.05, respectively; all P < 0.05 or 0.01), and MMP-9 protein expression and activity were significantly increased (1.21 ± 0.00 vs 1.12 ± 0.01 and 1.25 ± 0.07 vs 1.10 ± 0.04, respectively; both P < 0.05 or 0.01) in liver tissue in the Huangqi Decoction subgroup.
CONCLUSION: Huangqi Decoction exerts significant anti-fibrotic effects perhaps by inhibiting hepatic cell apoptosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, modulating the MMPs/TIMPs system, and promoting extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation.
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Silvertown JD, Neschadim A, Liu HN, Shannon P, Walia JS, Kao JC, Robertson J, Summerlee AJ, Medin JA. Relaxin-3 and receptors in the human and rhesus brain and reproductive tissues. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 159:44-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2009] [Revised: 08/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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18
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Fernández-Martínez E, Pérez-Hernández N, Muriel P, Pérez-Álvarez V, Shibayama M, Tsutsumi V. The thalidomide analog 3-phthalimido-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-propanoic acid improves the biliary cirrhosis in the rat. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 61:471-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Bennett RG. Relaxin and its role in the development and treatment of fibrosis. Transl Res 2009; 154:1-6. [PMID: 19524867 PMCID: PMC2697124 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2009] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin, which is a peptide hormone of the insulin superfamily, is involved in the promotion of extracellular matrix remodeling. This property is responsible for many well-known reproductive functions of relaxin. Recent important findings, including the identification of the relaxin receptor and the development of the relaxin-null mouse, have identified new targets and mechanisms for relaxin's actions, which resulted in unprecedented advances in the field. Relaxin has emerged as a natural suppressor of age-related fibrosis in many tissues, which include the skin, lung, kidney, and heart. Furthermore, relaxin has shown efficacy in the prevention and treatment of a variety of models of experimentally induced fibrosis. The intention of this review is to present a summary of recent advances in relaxin research, with a focus on areas of potential translational research on fibrosis in nonreproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Bennett
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebr., USA.
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Bennett RG, Heimann DG, Tuma DJ. Relaxin reduces fibrosis in models of progressive and established hepatic fibrosis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:348-9. [PMID: 19416217 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03783.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effect of relaxin administration before (prevention) or after (treatment) the establishment of hepatic fibrosis in a mouse model was examined. In the prevention study, relaxin reduced collagen and smooth muscle actin content and significantly reduced serum levels of the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. In the treatment study, administration of relaxin for 1 week reduced collagen and smooth muscle actin but not liver enzyme levels. Relaxin administered for 2 weeks had no significant effect. In conclusion, the data suggest that relaxin treatment before fibrosis can reduce collagen and improve liver function but that there is little effect of short-term relaxin treatment after fibrosis is established.
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21
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Singh S, Bennett RG. Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 activation stimulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:112-6. [PMID: 19416170 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03808.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin (RLX) has antifibrotic effects in a number of tissues. Many of these effects are similar to those induced by the activators of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), raising the possibility that a mechanism for RLX's antifibrotic effects may involve activation of the PPARgamma pathway. This study investigated the effect of RLX on PPARs and their mechanism of upregulation. It shows that RLX stimulates ligand-independent PPAR activation in a dose-dependent manner. The combined effect of RLX and PPARgamma agonists was superadditive, suggesting that both agents might be used together for an increased antifibrotic effect. RLX caused increased expression of the PPARgamma target genes CD36 and LXRalpha. RLX's effect was mimicked by forskolin and partially blocked by pertussis toxin, suggesting that RLX works through a cAMP/protein kinase A pathway to activate PPARgamma. A better understanding of this pathway might help in the amelioration of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, USA.
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Fang ZX, Li XB, Liu JJ, Geng Z, Tian Q. Therapeutic effects of Lanyuzan granules on hepatic fibrosis in rats. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2009; 17:11-16. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v17.i1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the curative effects of Lanyuzan granules on hepatic fibrosis in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced SD rat model and its mechanism.
METHODS: Forty-five female SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (n = 5), a model group (n = 8), three treatment groups with different dosage of Lanyuzan granules (n = 8), and a positive control group (n = 8). In the following 30 days, an intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) 10 mg/kg was performed in five groups every three days, except in the control group. On the thirty-first day, the five indexes of hepatic function, serum concentrations of ALT, AST and ALB, the expressions of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were measured. Moreover, pathological changes were observed on liver tissue with HE staining.
RESULTS: In liver fibrosis model group, serum concentrations of ALT and AST were significantly higher and concentration of ALB was significantly lower (P < 0.05), while significant increase in a-SMA expression and significant decrease in MMP-2 expression were observed compared with the normal group (182.042 ± 0.658 vs 60.879 ± 0.987; 145.612 ± 4.66 vs 74.824 ± 9.004; 16.078 ± 0.633 vs 28.971 ± 0.443; 161.667 ± 26.766 vs 80.167 ± 10.135; 5.994 ± 1.360 vs 8.270 ± 0.289, all P < 0.05). Decreased ALT and AST serum concentrations, significantly increased ALB concentration, lowered a-SMA expression and elevated MMP-2 expression in liver tissue, were observed in Lanyuzan granules treatment group compared with model control group (87.856 ± 8.526, 106.69 ± 0.987, 136.11 ± 0.329 vs 182.042 ± 0.658; 94.208 ± 2.017, 107.602 ± 20.014, 118.847 ± 5.486 vs 145.612 ± 4.66; 23.412 ± 0.775, 19.653 ± 0.775, 18.635 ± 0.221 vs 16.078 ± 0.633; 109.958 ± 3.607, 117.833 ± 6.600, 119.833 ± 6.167 vs 161.667 ± 26.766; 11.610 ± 0.523, 10.367 ± 0.714 vs 5.994 ± 1.360, all P < 0.05). No notable difference was observed between low dosage group and model control group. The pathological observation showed hepatic fibrosis was alleviated markedly.
CONCLUSION: Lanyuzan granules may play a part in the alleviation of inflammation and the protection of liver by markedly relieving and inhibiting the formation of hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine.
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Abstract
The development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) can be attributed to many factors that cause damage to the liver and alter its functions. Data collected over the last 30 years strongly suggests that an immune component may be involved in the onset of this disease. This is best evidenced by the detection of circulating autoantibodies, infiltration of immune cells in the liver, and the detection of hepatic aldehyde modified proteins in patients with ALD. Experimentally, there are numerous immune responses that occur when proteins are modified with the metabolites of ethanol. These products are formed in response to the high oxidative state of the liver during ethanol metabolism, causing the release of many inflammatory processes and potential of necrosis or apoptosis of liver cells. Should cellular proteins become modified with these reactive alcohol metabolites and be recognized by the immune system, then immune responses may be initiated. Therefore, it was the purpose of this article to shed some insight into how the immune system is involved in the development and/or progression of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Duryee
- Omaha VA Medical Center, Research Service 151, Rm 325, 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
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Filonzi M, Cardoso LC, Pimenta MT, Queiróz DBC, Avellar MCW, Porto CS, Lazari MFM. Relaxin family peptide receptors Rxfp1 and Rxfp2: mapping of the mRNA and protein distribution in the reproductive tract of the male rat. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2007; 5:29. [PMID: 17623071 PMCID: PMC1947996 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-5-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin is the endogenous ligand of the G-protein coupled receptor RXFP1, previously known as LGR7. In humans relaxin can also activate, but with lower affinity, the closely related receptor for the insulin-like peptide from Leydig cells, RXFP2, previously known as LGR8. The lack of relaxin impairs male fertility but the precise distribution and the function of relaxin receptors in the male reproductive tract is not known. We investigated the distribution of Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 in the reproductive tract of the male rat and the function of relaxin in the vas deferens, a tissue with high expression of both receptors. METHODS The presence of mRNA for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 was investigated in testes, cultured Sertoli cells, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle, prostate, and spermatozoa by RT-PCR and Southern blot. Protein expression in the testis, vas deferens, primary culture of Sertoli cells, and spermatozoa was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The role of relaxin in the vas deferens was evaluated by contractility studies and radioimmunoassay of cAMP production. The effect of relaxin on mRNA levels for metalloproteinase-7 was measured by Northern blot. RESULTS Transcripts for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 were present in almost all parts of the male reproductive tract, with high levels in testis and vas deferens. Both receptors were immunolocalized in late stage germ cells but not in mature spermatozoa, although mRNAs for both receptors were also present in mature spermatozoa. Rxfp1 but not Rxfp2 was detected in cultured Sertoli cells. Strong immunostaining for Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 was seen in muscular and epithelial layers of the vas deferens and in arteriolar walls. Relaxin did not affect contractility and cyclic AMP production of the vas deferens, but increased the levels of mRNA for metalloproteinase-7. CONCLUSION Rxfp1 and Rxfp2 are widely and similarly distributed throughout the male reproductive tract. Our results suggest that Rxfp1 on spermatids and Sertoli cells may be important in spermatogenesis. Relaxin in the vas deferens does not affect contractility, but may affect vascular compliance and collagen and matrix remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Filonzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Laís C Cardoso
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maristela T Pimenta
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel BC Queiróz
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria CW Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Catarina S Porto
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria FM Lazari
- Department of Pharmacology, Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Três de Maio, 100, CEP 04044-020, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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