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Li L, Li D, Zhu J, Wang Y, Zhao F, Cheng J, Tuan RS, Hu X, Ao Y. Downregulation of TGF-β1 in fibro-adipogenic progenitors initiates muscle ectopic mineralization. J Bone Miner Res 2024; 39:1147-1161. [PMID: 38896028 DOI: 10.1093/jbmr/zjae097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
In previous studies, we have demonstrated that stress response-induced high glucocorticoid levels could be the underlying cause of traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO), and we have developed a glucocorticoid-induced ectopic mineralization (EM) mouse model by systemic administration of a high dose of dexamethasone (DEX) to animals with muscle injury induced by cardiotoxin injection. In this model, dystrophic calcification (DC) developed into HO in a cell autonomous manner. However, it is not clear how DC is formed after DEX treatment. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore how glucocorticoids initiate muscle EM at a cellular and molecular level. We showed that DEX treatment inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration into injured muscle but inflammatory cytokine production in the muscle was significantly increased, suggesting that other non-inflammatory muscle cell types may regulate the inflammatory response and the muscle repair process. Accompanying this phenotype, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression in fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) was greatly downregulated. Since TGF-β1 is a strong immune suppressor and FAP's regulatory role has a large impact on muscle repair, we hypothesized that downregulation of TGF-β1 in FAPs after DEX treatment resulted in this hyperinflammatory state and subsequent failed muscle repair and EM formation. To test our hypothesis, we utilized a transgenic mouse model to specifically knockout Tgfb1 gene in PDGFRα-positive FAPs to investigate if the transgenic mice could recapitulate the phenotype that was induced by DEX treatment. Our results showed that the transgenic mice completely phenocopied this hyperinflammatory state and spontaneously developed EM following muscle injury. On the contrary, therapeutics that enhanced TGF-β1 signaling in FAPs inhibited the inflammatory response and attenuated muscle EM. In summary, these results indicate that FAPs-derived TGF-β1 is a key molecule in regulating muscle inflammatory response and subsequent EM, and that glucocorticoids exert their effect via downregulating TGF-β1 in FAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Li
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jingxian Zhu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yiqun Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Xiaoqing Hu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yingfang Ao
- Department of Sports Medicine, Institute of Sports Medicine of Peking University, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Sports Injuries, Beijing 100191, China
- Engineering Research Center of Sports Trauma Treatment Technology and Devices, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
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Bentin JM, Heegaard S, Jørgensen NR, Grahnemo L, Hamann S. Optic disc drusen: Dystrophic calcification, a potential target for treatment. Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:2359-2364. [PMID: 38778137 PMCID: PMC11306397 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03138-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Optic disc drusen (ODD) are calcified, acellular bodies, seen in the optic nerve head of up to 2% of the population. Although seldomly affecting visual acuity, visual field defects are common, and severe, ischemic complications causing irreversible vision loss are known to occur. Different treatment strategies for ODD have been explored, but so far without success. This review focuses on the unique, calcified property of ODD, describing what we know about ODD pathogenesis and previously tried treatment strategies. In this context, we discuss current knowledge about calcium and pathological calcifications, including intracranial and ocular calcifications. We also explore some of the obstacles that must be addressed to develop a therapy centred on the concept of calcification, should calcification be identified as a pathogenic factor contributing to vision loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Mejdahl Bentin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niklas Rye Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Translational Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Grahnemo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steffen Hamann
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Impaired muscle stem cell function and abnormal myogenesis in acquired myopathies. Biosci Rep 2023; 43:232343. [PMID: 36538023 PMCID: PMC9829652 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20220284] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle possesses a high plasticity and a remarkable regenerative capacity that relies mainly on muscle stem cells (MuSCs). Molecular and cellular components of the MuSC niche, such as immune cells, play key roles to coordinate MuSC function and to orchestrate muscle regeneration. An abnormal infiltration of immune cells and/or imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines could lead to MuSC dysfunctions that could have long lasting effects on muscle function. Different genetic variants were shown to cause muscular dystrophies that intrinsically compromise MuSC function and/or disturb their microenvironment leading to impaired muscle regeneration that contributes to disease progression. Alternatively, many acquired myopathies caused by comorbidities (e.g., cardiopulmonary or kidney diseases), chronic inflammation/infection, or side effects of different drugs can also perturb MuSC function and their microenvironment. The goal of this review is to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on acquired myopathies and their impact on MuSC function. We further describe potential therapeutic strategies to restore MuSC regenerative capacity.
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Cao G, Li L, Xiang S, Lin H, Pei F, Tuan RSC, Alexander PG. The development of a mouse model to investigate the formation of heterotopic ossification. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2023; 31:10225536231163466. [PMID: 36943428 DOI: 10.1177/10225536231163466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle injury and concomitant bone injury are important drivers to induce heterotopic ossification (HO). However, the related roles of muscle and concomitant bone injury in HO formation are still unclear. This study aims to develop a mouse model through the combination of hindlimb amputation (Am) and cardiotoxin (CTX) injection to investigate the mechanism of HO formation. METHOD The mice were randomly divided into Am group (Am of right hindlimb, n = 12), CTX group (CTX injection in the calf muscle of left hindlimb, n = 12) and Am + CTX group (the combination of Am of right hindlimb and CTX injection of left hindlimb, n = 18). MicroCT was used to evaluate the incidence of HO. Histology was used to investigate the progression of HO. RESULTS The MicroCT showed that only Am or CTX injection failed to induce HO while the combination of Am and CTX injection successfully induced HO. The incidence of HO was significant in Am + CTX group on day 7 (0% vs 0% vs 83.3%, p = 0.001) and day 14 (0% vs 0% vs 83.3%, p = 0.048). HO was located on the left hindlimb where CTX was injected. Moreover, the bone volume and bone density on day 14 were higher than those on day 7 in Am + CTX group. Histology revealed the evidence of calcification and expression of osteogenic markers in calcification sites in Am + CTX group. CONCLUSION In summary, the combination of Am and CTX injection could successfully induce dystrophic calcification/HO, which occurs in the location of muscle injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guorui Cao
- Department of Knee Surgery, 523047Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Orthopedic Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, China
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 12317University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - La Li
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 12317University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shiqi Xiang
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 12317University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hang Lin
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 12317University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Fuxing Pei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 34753West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rocky Sung Chi Tuan
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 12317University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, China
| | - Peter G Alexander
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 12317University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Galunisertib attenuates progression of trauma-induced heterotopic ossification via blockage of Smad2/3 signaling in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 928:175109. [PMID: 35738451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of bony tissues in the extraskeletal system. To date, no effective therapy has been developed for the treatment of HO, although increasing evidences have shown that inhibition of TGF-β signaling has potential as a new therapeutic approach for attenuating HO progression. Results from previous clinical trials have demonstrated that patients with malignant tumors exhibit excellent tolerability to Galunisertib, a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor. However, its therapeutic potential in preventing HO and inhibitory effect on osteogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that intragastrical administration of Galunisertib, at a concentration as low as 10 mg/kg, was not only fairly effective in preventing HO development in a dose-dependent manner, but also generated a non-toxic response in a novel Achilles tendon puncture-induced traumatic HO model in mice. Moreover, Galunisertib treatment in the early phases of HO development, including the inflammatory and chondrogenic period, resulted in better therapeutic effects instead of eliminating already formed bony tissues. Mechanistically, Galunisertib suppressed the osteogenic differentiation capacity of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) by interfering with the Smad2/3 signaling pathway, blocking the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 translocated from cytoplasm into the nucleus to regulate the expression of both osteogenesis-related transcription factors and related proteins. Results from in vivo experiments further validated Galunisertib's effect on HO attenuation, by intercepting the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated Galunisertib's potential as a prophylactic drug for the treatment of traumatic HO or other related diseases triggered by over-expressed TGF-β.
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Li L, Xiang S, Wang B, Lin H, Cao G, Alexander PG, Tuan RS. Dead muscle tissue promotes dystrophic calcification by lowering circulating TGF-β1 level. Bone Joint Res 2020; 9:742-750. [PMID: 33135464 PMCID: PMC7649510 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.911.bjr-2020-0148.r2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Dystrophic calcification (DC) is the abnormal appearance of calcified deposits in degenerating tissue, often associated with injury. Extensive DC can lead to heterotopic ossification (HO), a pathological condition of ectopic bone formation. The highest rate of HO was found in combat-related blast injuries, a polytrauma condition with severe muscle injury. It has been noted that the incidence of HO significantly increased in the residual limbs of combat-injured patients if the final amputation was performed within the zone of injury compared to that which was proximal to the zone of injury. While aggressive limb salvage strategies may maximize the function of the residual limb, they may increase the possibility of retaining non-viable muscle tissue inside the body. In this study, we hypothesized that residual dead muscle tissue at the zone of injury could promote HO formation. Methods We tested the hypothesis by investigating the cellular and molecular consequences of implanting devitalized muscle tissue into mouse muscle pouch in the presence of muscle injury induced by cardiotoxin. Results Our findings showed that the presence of devitalized muscle tissue could cause a systemic decrease in circulating transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), which promoted DC formation following muscle injury. We further demonstrated that suppression of TGF-β signalling promoted DC in vivo, and potentiated osteogenic differentiation of muscle-derived stromal cells in vitro. Conclusion Taken together, these findings suggest that TGF-β1 may play a protective role in dead muscle tissue-induced DC, which is relevant to understanding the pathogenesis of post-traumatic HO. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(11):742–750.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pathology, Graduate Program of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shiqi Xiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Molecular Therapeutics Laboratory Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hang Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guorui Cao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Peter G Alexander
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pathology, Graduate Program of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Li L, Tuan RS. Mechanism of traumatic heterotopic ossification: In search of injury-induced osteogenic factors. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:11046-11055. [PMID: 32853465 PMCID: PMC7576286 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological condition of abnormal bone formation in soft tissue. Three factors have been proposed as required to induce HO: (a) osteogenic precursor cells, (b) osteoinductive agents and (c) an osteoconductive environment. Since Urist's landmark discovery of bone induction in skeletal muscle tissue by demineralized bone matrix, it is generally believed that skeletal muscle itself is a conductive environment for osteogenesis and that resident progenitor cells in skeletal muscle are capable of differentiating into osteoblast to form bone. However, little is known about the naturally occurring osteoinductive agents that triggered this osteogenic response in the first place. This article provides a review of the emerging findings regarding distinct types of HO to summarize the current understanding of HO mechanisms, with special attention to the osteogenic factors that are induced following injury. Specifically, we hypothesize that muscle injury‐induced up‐regulation of local bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7) level, combined with glucocorticoid excess‐induced down‐regulation of circulating transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) level, could be an important causative mechanism of traumatic HO formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- La Li
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rocky S Tuan
- Center for Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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