1
|
d'Amati A, Ronca R, Maccarinelli F, Turati M, Lorusso L, De Giorgis M, Tamma R, Ribatti D, Annese T. PTX3 shapes profibrotic immune cells and epithelial/fibroblast repair and regeneration in a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154901. [PMID: 37922722 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is protective in different pathologies but was not analyzed in-depth in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Here, we have explored the influence of PTX3 in the bleomycin (BLM)-induced murine model of IPF by looking at immune cells (macrophages, mast cells, T cells) and stemness/regenerative markers of lung epithelium (SOX2) and fibro-blasts/myofibroblasts (CD44) at different time points that retrace the progression of the disease from onset at day 14, to full-blown disease at day 21, to incomplete regression at day 28. We took advantage of transgenic PTX3 overexpressing mice (Tie2-PTX3) and Ptx3 null ones (PTX3-KO) in which pulmonary fibrosis was induced. Our data have shown that PTX3 overexpression in Tie2-PTX3 compared to WT or PTX3-KO: reduced CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages and the Tryptase+ mast cells during the whole experimental time; on the contrary, CD4+ T cells are consistently present on day 14 and dramatically decreased on day 21; CD8+ T cells do not show significant differences on day 14, but are significantly reduced on day 21; SOX2 is reduced on days 14 and 21; CD44 is reduced on day 21. Therefore, PTX3 could act on the proimmune and fibrogenic microenvironment to prevent fibrosis in BLM-treated mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio d'Amati
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy; Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Ronca
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Turati
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Loredana Lorusso
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Michelina De Giorgis
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Tiziana Annese
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, Casamassima, 70010 Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The role of Glabridin in antifungal and anti-inflammation effects in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2021; 214:108883. [PMID: 34896107 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of Glabridin (GLD) in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis and its associated mechanisms. METHODS Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) conidia was inoculated in 96-well plate, and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and biofilm formation ability were evaluated after GLD treatment. Spore adhesion ability was evaluated in conidia infected human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Keratitis mouse model was created by corneal intrastromal injection with A. fumigatus conidia, and GLD treatment started at the day after infection. The number of fungal colonies was calculated by plate count, and degree of corneal inflammation was assessed by clinical score. Flow cytometry, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and immunofluorescence staining (IFS) experiments were used to assess neutrophil infiltrations. PCR, ELISA and Western blot were conducted to determine levels of TLR4, Dectin-1 as well as downstream inflammatory factors. RESULTS GLD treatment suppressed the proliferation, biofilm formation abilities and adhesive capability of A. fumigatus. In mice upon A. fumigatus infection, treatment of GLD showed significantly decreased severity of corneal inflammation, reduced number of A. fumigatus in cornea, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration in cornea. GLD treatment obviously inhibited mRNA and protein levels of Dectin-1, TLR4 and proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, HMGB1, and TNF-α in mice corneas compared to the control group. CONCLUSION GLD has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects in fungal keratitis through suppressing A. fumigatus proliferation and alleviating neutrophil infiltration, and repressing the expression of TLR4, Dectin-1 and proinflammatory mediators.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Q, Zhang J, Gong M, Pan R, Liu Y, Tao L, He K. Transcriptome Analysis of the Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Fungal Keratitis in Mice Based on RNA-Seq. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:32. [PMID: 32539135 PMCID: PMC7415296 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.6.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fungal keratitis (FK) is an eye disease that can lead to blindness and has a high incidence worldwide. At present, there is no effective treatment for this disease. There are innate immune response mechanisms that protect against fungal infections. One example is C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), which can identify fungal invaders and trigger signal transduction pathways and cellular responses to eliminate pathogens. However, previous studies have focused mostly on single-receptor factors, and a systematic analysis of the genetic factors underlying the pathogenesis of FK has not been conducted. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of FK in terms of genomics and to further elucidate its pathogenesis. Methods We performed a transcriptome analysis of a mouse model of FK using RNA sequencing to obtain the relevant gene expression profiles and to identify differentially expressed genes, signaling pathways, and regulatory networks of the key genetic factors in the pathogenesis of murine FK. Results Several genes that are significantly associated with FK and serve as markers of FK, such as the inflammatory cytokine genes IL1B, IL6, IL10, IL23, and TNF, were identified. The mRNA and protein expression patterns of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the corneas of mice with FK were validated by quantitative RT-PCR and Luminex multiplex assay technology. The Wnt, cGMP–PKG, and Hippo signaling pathways were significantly enriched during fungal infection of mouse corneas. Conclusions Our study may help to elucidate the mechanisms of FK pathogenesis and to identify additional candidate drug targets for the treatment of FK.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mills B, Radhakrishnan N, Karthikeyan Rajapandian SG, Rameshkumar G, Lalitha P, Prajna NV. The role of fungi in fungal keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108372. [PMID: 33249061 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) accounts for approximately half of the microbial keratitis encountered in low middle income countries (LMICs) and predominantly affect the working rural-poor. FK causes significant morbidity with the majority of patients left with moderate or worse visual impairment and approximately 25% requiring expensive and often unsuccessful surgical interventions. The severity of FK and the resultant corneal damage or resolution can be attributed to i) the virulence and bioburden of the fungal pathogen, ii) the host defense mechanism and immune response and iii) sub-optimal diagnostics and anti-fungal treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted components that drive FK progression and resolution, highlighting where knowledge gaps exist and areas that warrant further research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Mills
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveen Radhakrishnan
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | | | | | - Prajna Lalitha
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | - N Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Implications for glycosylated compounds and their anti-cancer effects. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 163:1323-1332. [PMID: 32622770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycosylated compounds are major secondary metabolites of plants, which have various therapeutic effects on human diseases, by acting as anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents. Glycosylation increases stability, bioactivity, and solubility of compounds and improves their pharmacological properties. Two well-known examples of glycosylated compounds include cardiac and flavonoid, the anti-tumor activities of which have been emphasized by several studies. However, little is known about their role in the treatment or prevention of cancer. In this review, recent studies on anti-tumor properties of cardiac and flavonoid glycosides, and their mechanisms of action, have been investigated. More specifically, this review is aimed at focusing on the multifactorial properties of cardiac and flavonoid compounds as well as their correlation with signaling pathways in the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
|
6
|
Parente R, Doni A, Bottazzi B, Garlanda C, Inforzato A. The complement system in Aspergillus fumigatus infections and its crosstalk with pentraxins. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:2480-2501. [PMID: 31994174 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillosis is a life-threatening infection mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals and primarily caused by the saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. At the host-pathogen interface, both cellular and humoral components of the innate immune system are increasingly acknowledged as essential players in the recognition and disposal of this opportunistic mold. Fundamental hereof is the contribution of the complement system, which deploys all three activation pathways in the battle against A. fumigatus, and functionally cooperates with other soluble pattern recognition molecules, including pentraxins. In particular, preclinical and clinical observations point to the long pentraxin PTX3 as a nonredundant and complement-dependent effector with protective functions against A. fumigatus. Based on past and current literature, here we discuss how the complement participates in the immune response to this fungal pathogen, and illustrate its crosstalk with the pentraxins, with a focus on PTX3. Emphasis is placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying such processes, the genetic evidence from human epidemiology, and the translational potential of the currently available knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Parente
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Doni
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Bottazzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Inforzato
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute - IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
You J, Lin J, Zhou YF, Peng XD, He H, Li C, Zhu GQ, Zhao XQ, Zhao GQ. Role of the IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling pathway in the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Int J Ophthalmol 2019; 12:549-556. [PMID: 31024805 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2019.04.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the expression of interleukin (IL)-33 in the cornea and human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus), and to determine the function of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling pathway in the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to A. fumigatus infection. METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of IL-33 in HCECs and mice corneas were examined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, respectively. IL-33 expression was also detected in cornea samples from healthy donors and patients with fungal keratitis with immunohistochemistry. The cultured HCECs were treated with inactive A. fumigatus hyphae at various concentrations with or without recombinant human IL-33 protein, soluble recombinant ST2 protein, specific ST2 neutralizing antibody, or the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 inhibitor SB203580 for evaluation of the expression and activation of IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling in the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. The production levels of IL-6 and IL-1β were determined by qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proliferation of HCECs was determined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and cell count. RESULTS IL-33 expression levels increased in the corneal tissues of patients with fungal keratitis and in mice corneas of experimental A. fumigatus infection, as well as in HCECs with infection of A. fumigatus. A. fumigatus strongly stimulated HCECs-generated proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-1β) production at both the mRNA and protein levels. This production of pro-inflammatory mediators stimulated by A. fumigatus was further stimulated by IL-33 and was prevented by soluble ST2 protein or ST2 neutralizing antibody. Moreover, IL-33 naturally promoted the p38 phosphorylation induced by A. fumigatus, which was suppressed by soluble ST2 protein. The MAPK p38 inhibitor SB203580 also inhibited the A. fumigatus-induced proinflammatory cytokine production. IL-33 administration for 48h and 72h promoted the proliferation of HCECs, which was attenuated by treatment with soluble recombinant human ST2 protein. CONCLUSION A. fumigatus elevates IL-33 expression in human and mice corneas and HCECs. Thus, IL-33/ST2/p38 signaling may play an important role in amplifying the immune response of corneal epithelial cells to A. fumigatus infection. Besides, IL-33 promotes the cell proliferation of HCECs via its receptor ST2. These findings suggest a novel autocrine mechanism of amplification of the fungal-induced inflammatory response in the corneal epithelium, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for fungal keratitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia You
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yi-Fan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xu-Dong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guo-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue-Qi Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Gui-Qiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Colafella C. Figure reuse in Exp Eye Res. (2018); 167: 152–162. Exp Eye Res 2019; 181:374. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
9
|
Zhang J, Zhao GQ, Qu J, Lin J, Che CY, Yang XJ. Early expression of PTX3 in Aspergillus fumigatus infected rat cornea. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:1084-1089. [PMID: 30046521 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.07.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the expression of pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in rat corneal epithelium at the early stage of Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) infection. METHODS A total of 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, Sham group and experimental group (fungal keratitis group, FK group). The right eye was chosen as the experiment one and infected by A. fumigatus. Rats were executed at 8, 16 and 24h after the experimental models being established. Corneal epithelia were collected to assess the expression of PTX3 by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Corneal inflammation scores increased as infection prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.001). PTX3 mRNA expression was low in normal and Sham group rats' corneas. Level of PTX3 mRNA in infected rat cornea was elevated at 8h and peaked at 16h. The difference was significant compared with control group (P<0.001). Western blot analysis also showed a significant increase of PTX3 protein in experimental group at 8h and peaked at 16h (P<0.001). The synchronous expression of control group and experimental group were also in significant difference (P<0.001). CONCLUSION PTX3 exists in cornea epithelium and is significantly increased after A. fumigatus infection. PTX3 plays an important role in the early stage of cornea innate immunity against A. fumigatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Gui-Qiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Qu
- Department of Administrative Office, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Cheng-Ye Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Qin S, Chen X, Gao M, Zhou J, Li X. Prenatal Exposure to Lipopolysaccharide Induces PTX3 Expression and Results in Obesity in Mouse Offspring. Inflammation 2018; 40:1847-1861. [PMID: 28770376 PMCID: PMC5656716 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-017-0626-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis whether inflammation will directly lead to obesity. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between inflammation and obesity by intraperitoneally injecting pregnant mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (75 μg kg-1). The results showed that inflammation during pregnancy could lead to a significant increase in the levels of the inflammatory factor PTX3. The offspring of the LPS-treated mice displayed abnormal levels of fat development, blood lipids, and glucose metabolism, and fat differentiation markers were significantly increased. Our study also confirmed that PTX3 can increase the susceptibility to obesity by regulating the expression of adipogenic markers; this regulatory role of PTX3 is most likely caused by MAPK pathway hyperactivation. Our study is the first to find strong evidence of inflammation as a cause of obesity. We determined that PTX3 was an important moderator of obesity, and we elucidated its mechanism, thus providing new targets and theories for obesity therapy. Moreover, our study provides new ideas and directions for the early intervention of anti-inflammation in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Institute of Materia Medical, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Institute of Materia Medical, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Institute of Materia Medical, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianzhi Zhou
- Institute of Materia Medical, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Materia Medical, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| |
Collapse
|