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Soldano S, Smith V, Montagna P, Gotelli E, Campitiello R, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Sulli A, Cere A, Cutolo M. Nintedanib downregulates the profibrotic M2 phenotype in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages obtained from systemic sclerosis patients affected by interstitial lung disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:74. [PMID: 38509595 PMCID: PMC10953168 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03308-7] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by vasculopathy and progressive fibrosis of skin and several internal organs, including lungs. Macrophages are the main cells involved in the immune-inflammatory damage of skin and lungs, and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages seem to have a profibrotic role through the release of profibrotic cytokines (IL10) and growth factors (TGFβ1). Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting several fibrotic mediators and it is approved for the treatment of SSc-related interstitial lung disease (ILD). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nintedanib in downregulating the profibrotic M2 phenotype in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) obtained from SSc-ILD patients. METHODS Fourteen SSc patients, fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for SSc, 10 SSc patients affected by ILD (SSc-ILD pts), 4 SSc patients non affected by ILD (SSc pts no-ILD), and 5 voluntary healthy subjects (HSs), were recruited at the Division of Clinical Rheumatology-University of Genova, after obtaining Ethical Committee approval and patients' informed consent. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood, differentiated into MDMs, and then maintained in growth medium without any treatment (untreated cells), or treated with nintedanib (0.1 and 1µM) for 3, 16, and 24 h. Gene expression of macrophage scavenger receptors (CD204, CD163), mannose receptor-1 (CD206), Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK), identifying M2 macrophages, together with TGFβ1 and IL10, were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein synthesis was investigated by Western blotting and the level of active TGFβ1 was evaluated by ELISA. Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric Wilcoxon test. RESULTS Cultured untreated SSc-ILD MDMs showed a significant increased protein synthesis of CD206 (p < 0.05), CD204, and MerTK (p < 0.01), together with a significant upregulation of the gene expression of MerTK and TGFβ1 (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) compared to HS-MDMs. Moreover, the protein synthesis of CD206 and MerTK and the gene expression of TGFβ1 were significantly higher in cultured untreated MDMs from SSc-ILD pts compared to MDMs without ILD (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). In cultured SSc-ILD MDMs, nintedanib 0.1 and 1µM significantly downregulated the gene expression and protein synthesis of CD204, CD206, CD163 (p < 0.05), and MerTK (p < 0.01) compared to untreated cells after 24 h of treatment. Limited to MerTK and IL10, both nintedanib concentrations significantly downregulated their gene expression already after 16 h of treatment (p < 0.05). In cultured SSc-ILD MDMs, nintedanib 0.1 and 1µM significantly reduced the release of active TGFβ1 after 24 h of treatment (p < 0.05 vs. untreated cells). CONCLUSIONS In cultured MDMs from SSc-ILD pts, nintedanib seems to downregulate the profibrotic M2 phenotype through the significant reduction of gene expression and protein synthesis of M2 cell surface markers, together with the significant reduction of TGFβ1 release, and notably MerTK, a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paola Montagna
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cere
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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Hua R, Gao H, He C, Xin S, Wang B, Zhang S, Gao L, Tao Q, Wu W, Sun F, Xu J. An emerging view on vascular fibrosis molecular mediators and relevant disorders: from bench to bed. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1273502. [PMID: 38179503 PMCID: PMC10764515 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1273502] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Vascular fibrosis is a widespread pathologic condition that arises during vascular remodeling in cardiovascular dysfunctions. According to previous studies, vascular fibrosis is characterized by endothelial matrix deposition and vascular wall thickening. The RAAS and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways have been frequently highlighted. It is, however, far from explicit in terms of understanding the cause and progression of vascular fibrosis. In this review, we collected and categorized a large number of molecules which influence the fibrosing process, in order to acquire a better understanding of vascular fibrosis, particularly of pathologic dysfunction. Furthermore, several mediators that prevent vascular fibrosis are discussed in depth in this review, with the aim that this will contribute to the future prevention and treatment of related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxuan Hua
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengwei He
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuzi Xin
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Boya Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Sitian Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Tao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Biomedical Engineering, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Experimental Center for Morphological Research Platform, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangling Sun
- Department of Experimental Animal Laboratory, Xuan-Wu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingdong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Di Maggio G, Confalonieri P, Salton F, Trotta L, Ruggero L, Kodric M, Geri P, Hughes M, Bellan M, Gilio M, Lerda S, Baratella E, Confalonieri M, Mondini L, Ruaro B. Biomarkers in Systemic Sclerosis: An Overview. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7775-7802. [PMID: 37886934 PMCID: PMC10604992 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by significant fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, with the main involvement of the lungs, kidneys, heart, esophagus, and intestines. SSc is also characterized by macro- and microvascular damage with reduced peripheral blood perfusion. Several studies have reported more than 240 pathways and numerous dysregulation proteins, giving insight into how the field of biomarkers in SSc is still extremely complex and evolving. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in more than 90% of SSc patients, and anti-centromere and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies are considered classic biomarkers with precise clinical features. Recent studies have reported that trans-forming growth factor β (TGF-β) plays a central role in the fibrotic process. In addition, interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), interleukin receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK-1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transducer and activator of transcription signal 4 (STAT4), pyrin-containing domain 1 (NLRP1), as well as genetic factors, including DRB1 alleles, are implicated in SSc damage. Several interleukins (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-35) and chemokines (e.g., CCL 2, 5, 23, and CXC 9, 10, 16) are elevated in SSc. While adiponectin and maresin 1 are reduced in patients with SSc, biomarkers are important in research but will be increasingly so in the diagnosis and therapeutic approach to SSc. This review aims to present and highlight the various biomarker molecules, pathways, and receptors involved in the pathology of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Di Maggio
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Paola Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Francesco Salton
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Liliana Trotta
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Luca Ruggero
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Metka Kodric
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Pietro Geri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Michael Hughes
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester & Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M6 8HD, UK;
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Center for Autoimmune and Allergic Disease (CAAD), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria, Maggiore della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Michele Gilio
- Infectious Disease Unit, San Carlo Hospital, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Selene Lerda
- Graduate School, University of Milan, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Baratella
- Department of Radiology, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucrezia Mondini
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Healt Sciencies, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (G.D.M.); (M.K.); (P.G.); (L.M.)
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Zhu J, Fan J, Xia Y, Wang H, Li Y, Feng Z, Fu C. Potential therapeutic targets of macrophages in inhibiting immune damage and fibrotic processes in musculoskeletal diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219487. [PMID: 37545490 PMCID: PMC10400722 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are a heterogeneous cell type with high plasticity, exhibiting unique activation characteristics that modulate the progression and resolution of diseases, serving as a key mediator in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Macrophages display a variety of activation states in response to stimuli in the local environment, with their subpopulations and biological functions being dependent on the local microenvironment. Resident tissue macrophages exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles and functions, all of which are essential for maintaining internal homeostasis. Dysfunctional macrophage subpopulations, or an imbalance in the M1/M2 subpopulation ratio, contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases. In skeletal muscle disorders, immune and inflammatory damage, as well as fibrosis induced by macrophages, are prominent pathological features. Therefore, targeting macrophages is of great significance for maintaining tissue homeostasis and treating skeletal muscle disorders. In this review, we discuss the receptor-ligand interactions regulating macrophages and identify potential targets for inhibiting collateral damage and fibrosis in skeletal muscle disorders. Furthermore, we explore strategies for modulating macrophages to maintain tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshu Zhu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiawei Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanliang Xia
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hengyi Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zijia Feng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Changfeng Fu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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