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Tang B, Shi Y, Zeng Z, He X, Yu J, Chai K, Liu J, Liu L, Zhan Y, Qiu X, Tang R, Xiao Y, Xiao R. Silica's silent threat: Contributing to skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis by targeting the HDAC4/Smad2/3 pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 355:124194. [PMID: 38782158 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, silica products are widely used in daily life, especially in skin applications, which inevitably increases the risk of silica exposure in general population. However, inadequate awareness of silica's potential hazards and lack of self-protection are of concern. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by progressive tissue fibrosis under environmental and genetic interactions. Silica exposure is considered an important causative factor for SSc, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. Within this study, we showed that lower doses of silica significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and activation of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) within 24 h. Silica injected subcutaneously into mice induced and exacerbated skin fibrosis. Notably, silica increased histone deacetylase-4 (HDAC4) expression by inducing its DNA hypomethylation in normal HSFs. The elevated HDAC4 expression was also confirmed in SSc HSFs. Furthermore, HDAC4 was positively correlated with Smad2/3 phosphorylation and COL1, α-SMA, and CTGF expression. The HDAC4 inhibitor LMK235 mitigated silica-induced upregulation of these factors and alleviated skin fibrosis in SSc mice. Taken together, silica induces and exacerbates skin fibrosis in SSc patients by targeting the HDAC4/Smad2/3 pathway. Our findings provide new insights for evaluating the health hazards of silica exposure and identify HDAC4 as a potential interventional target for silica-induced SSc skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xinglan He
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Ke Chai
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Licong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yi Zhan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xiangning Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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Wang Y, Wu GR, Yue H, Zhou Q, Zhang L, He L, Gu W, Gao R, Dong L, Zhang H, Zhao J, Liu X, Xiong W, Wang CY. Kynurenine acts as a signaling molecule to attenuate pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the AHR-PTEN axis. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00254-6. [PMID: 38906325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.017] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal fibrotic lung disease without any options to halt disease progression. Feasible evidence suggests that aberrant metabolism of amino acids may play a role in the pathoetiology of PF. However, the exact impact of kynurenine (Kyn), a metabolite derived from tryptophan (Trp) on PF is yet to be addressed. OBJECTIVES This study aims to elucidate the role of kynurenine in both the onset and advancement of PF. METHODS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to assess Kyn levels in patients with idiopathic PF and PF associated with Sjögren's syndrome. Additionally, a mouse model of PF induced by bleomycin was utilized to study the impact of Kyn administration. Furthermore, cell models treated with TGF-β1 were used to explore the mechanism by which Kyn inhibits fibroblast functions. RESULTS We demonstrated that high levels of Kyn are a clinical feature in both idiopathic PF patients and primary Sjögren syndrome associated PF patients. Further studies illustrated that Kyn served as a braking molecule to suppress fibroblast functionality, thereby protecting mice from bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. The protective effects depend on AHR, in which Kyn induces AHR nuclear translocation, where it upregulates PTEN expression to blunt TGF-β mediated AKT/mTOR signaling in fibroblasts. However, in fibrotic microenviroment, the expression of AHR is repressed by methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 (MBD2), a reader interpreting the effect of DNA methylation, which results in a significantly reduced sensitivity of Kyn to fibroblasts. Therefore, exogenous administration of Kyn substantially reversed established PF. CONCLUSION Our studies not only highlighted a critical role of Trp metabolism in PF pathogenesis, but also provided compelling evidence suggesting that Kyn could serve as a promising metabolite against PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Guo-Rao Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Huihui Yue
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Long He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Weikuan Gu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and BME-Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Rongfen Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lingli Dong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Huilan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiansheng Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, China.
| | - Weining Xiong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Research, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Lu, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Cong-Yi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, China; Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, the Key Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of Shanxi Province, Taiyuan, China; The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Liao Z, Zeng X, Guo X, Shi Q, Tang Z, Li P, Chen C, Chen M, Chen J, Xu J, Cai Y. Targeting the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with FICZ regulates IL-2 and immune infiltration to alleviate Hashimoto's thyroiditis in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 973:176588. [PMID: 38621508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176588] [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] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the most frequent autoimmune disorder. Growing work points to the involvement of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, in the regulation of immune homeostasis. However, the roles of AhR and its ligands in HT remains unclear. In this study, we leveraged public human database analyses to postulate that the AhR expression was predominantly in thyroid follicular cells, correlating significantly with the thyroid infiltration levels of multiple immune cells in HT patients. Using a thyroglobulin-induced HT mouse model and in vitro thyroid follicular epithelial cell cultures, we found a significant downregulation of AhR expression in thyrocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Conversely, activating AhR by FICZ, a natural AhR ligand, mitigated inflammation and apoptosis in thyrocytes in vitro and conferred protection against HT in mice. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of thyroid tissues indicated that AhR activation moderated HT-associated immune or inflammatory signatures. Further, immunoinfiltration analysis indicated that AhR activation regulated immune cell infiltration in the thyroid of HT mice, such as suppressing cytotoxic CD8+ T cell infiltration and promoting anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage polarization. Concomitantly, the expression levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a lymphokine that downregulates immune responses, were typically decreased in HT but restored upon AhR activation. In silico validation substantiated the binding interaction between AhR and IL-2. In conclusion, targeting the AhR with FICZ regulates IL-2 and immune infiltration to alleviate experimental HT, shedding new light on the therapeutic intervention of this prevalent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhong Zeng
- Department of Endocrinology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyun Tang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiyun Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxia Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianrong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Jixiong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaojun Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China; Jiangxi Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Turska-Kozłowska M, Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Paluszkiewicz P, Parada-Turska J. Different Kynurenine Pathway Dysregulation in Systemic Sclerosis in Men and Women. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3842. [PMID: 38612652 PMCID: PMC11011858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073842] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), a predominantly female-affected systemic autoimmune disease, requires tailored treatment strategies contingent on organ involvement and symptom severity. Given SSc's inflammatory nature, the involvement of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in its pathophysiology is underexplored. Our study aimed to investigate sex-related differences in KP activation among SSc patients and assess the impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on KP metabolite concentrations. We enrolled 48 SSc patients and 53 healthy controls, quantifying KP metabolites (tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), and kynurenic acid (KYNA)) in serum via high-performance liquid chromatography. Separate multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) for women and men were performed to ascertain mean differences between patients and healthy controls while correcting for age. For our secondary objective, we conducted a MANCOVA to explore disparities in ACE inhibitor users and non-users among patients, with BMI correction. Our findings revealed decreased TRP concentrations but increased KYNA/TRP ratio and KYN/TRP ratio in both male and female SSc patients compared to their respective controls. Unlike women, SSc males exhibited higher KYN concentrations and decreased KYNA/KYN ratio relative to their controls. Additionally, SSc patients using ACE inhibitors had higher serum KYNA levels than non-users. Notably, we established a significant correlation between eGFR and KYNA in SSc patients. These results indicate differential KP activation in male and female SSc patients, with males demonstrating heightened KP activation. While ACE inhibitors may influence the KP in SSc patients, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their impact on symptoms and prognosis in the context of these KP alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Turska-Kozłowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Konstantynow 1H, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Piotr Paluszkiewicz
- Department of General, Oncological and Metabolic Surgery, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Indiry Gandhi 14, 02-778 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Parada-Turska
- Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
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Shi Y, Xiao Y, Yu J, Liu J, Liu L, Ding Y, Qiu X, Zhan Y, Tang R, Zeng Z, Xiao R. UVA1 irradiation attenuates collagen production via Ficz/AhR/MAPK signaling activation in scleroderma. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109764. [PMID: 36706594 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109764] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease mainly characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin. There are two types of scleroderma, namely localized scleroderma (LS) and systemic sclerosis (SSc); skin lesions in both types of scleroderma are histologically identical. Progressive skin sclerosis induces psychological and ecological burden for scleroderma patients. However, there is no effective treatment for scleroderma due to its unclear etiology. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is recognized as an environmental chemical effector that can respond to ultraviolet radiation, which has been demonstrated to participate in the pathogenesis of SSc in our previous study. In this study, we verify whether the anti-fibrosis effect of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy could be partially induced through Ficz/AhR/MAPK signaling activation for fibrotic lesions in both SSc and LS patients. This is the first study to show the association between the AhR pathway and the anti-fibrotic mechanism of UVA1 phototherapy, which provides additional evidence of the role of AhR in the fibrotic mechanism of systemic scleroderma from different perspectives. Ficz and other AhR agonists may replace UVA1 phototherapy as anti-fibrotic agents in scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Licong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Dermatology, Hainan Provincial Hospital of Skin Disease, Haikou, Hainan 570100, China
| | - Xiangning Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yi Zhan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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Tian S, Yan S, Meng Z, Sun W, Yan J, Huang S, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Diao J, Li L, Zhu W. Widening the Lens on Prothioconazole and Its Metabolite Prothioconazole-Desthio: Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Reproductive Disorders through in Vivo, in Vitro, and in Silico Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17890-17901. [PMID: 36332113 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive disorders are a serious public health problem worldwide. Epidemiological data suggest that exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with the onset of reproductive disorders. However, the effects in reproductive health and exact mechanism of action of representative agricultural compounds prothioconazole (PTC) and its metabolite prothioconazole-desthio (dPTC) on mammals remain unclear. Here, we studied the physiological effects of the exposure to environmentally relevant doses of PTC and dPTC in mice reproductive systems. Combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies, we observed that PTC and dPTC disrupt reproductive health by inducing metabolic perturbation, induction of apoptosis, and inflammation in gonadal tissue, which are achieved via activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Convincingly, the addition of alternate-day injections of CH223191 (an AhR inhibitor) to the 30-day exposure regimen ameliorated ovarian tissue damage, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL-positive cells and partially restored the inflammation and apoptotic factor levels. This study comprehensively reports the toxic effects of low-dose PTC and dPTC in the reproductive system in vivo and identifies AhR as a potential therapeutic target for the amelioration of reproductive disorders caused by similar endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinuo Tian
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhiyuan Meng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jin Yan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Municipal Sewage Resource Utilization Technology, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Shiran Huang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinling Diao
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan 030031, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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An overview of aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands in the Last two decades (2002–2022): A medicinal chemistry perspective. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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8
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Yang CE, Wang YN, Hua MR, Miao H, Zhao YY, Cao G. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: From pathogenesis to therapeutic targets in aging-related tissue fibrosis. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 79:101662. [PMID: 35688331 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aging promotes chronic inflammation, which contributes to fibrosis and decreases organ function. Fibrosis, the excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix components, is the main cause of most chronic diseases including aging-related organ failure. Organ fibrosis in the heart, liver, and kidneys is the final manifestation of many chronic diseases. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytoplasmic receptor and highly conserved transcription factor that is activated by a variety of small-molecule ligands to affect a wide array of tissue homeostasis functions. In recent years, mounting evidence has revealed that AHR plays an important role in multi-organ fibrosis initiation, progression, and therapy. In this review, we summarise the relationship between AHR and the pathogenesis of aging-related tissue fibrosis, and further discuss how AHR modulates tissue fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β signalling, immune response, and mitochondrial function, which may offer novel targets for the prevention and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-E Yang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Meng-Ru Hua
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Hua Miao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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9
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Huang J, Wang Y, Zhou Y. Beneficial roles of the AhR ligand FICZ on the regenerative potentials of BMSCs and primed cartilage templates. RSC Adv 2022; 12:11505-11516. [PMID: 35425032 PMCID: PMC9007154 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00622g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are commonly used seed cells, and BMSC-derived primed cartilage templates have been shown to achieve bone regeneration in bone tissue engineering. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in various cellular processes such as osteogenesis and immune regulation. This study investigated the effects of the AhR endogenous ligand 6-formyl (3,2-b) carbazole (FICZ) on the behavior of BMSCs and cartilage templates as well as the possible underlying molecular mechanisms. AhR expressions in rat bone marrow and isolated BMSCs were detected via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescent staining. Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining showed that FICZ treatment enhanced the osteogenic potential of BMSCs without influencing their proliferation. FICZ was shown to alleviate the LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, 6 and TNF-α via the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In the chondrogenic process from BMSCs to primed cartilage templates, the expressions of AhR and its target gene cytochrome P450 subfamily B member 1 (CYP1B1) were inhibited. However, IHC staining demonstrated that AhR was still involved in the subcutaneous ossification of cartilage templates. Then, the effects of FICZ on cartilage templates were investigated. The osteogenic markers were upregulated by FICZ administration. The RAW 264.7 treated by condition medium of FICZ-treated cartilage templates exhibited an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Finally, high-throughput sequencing was applied to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the FICZ-treated cartilage templates. The upregulation of cytochrome P450 subfamily A member 1 (CYP1A1) and sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3 (Smpd3) were verified by qPCR, which might be the downstream targets of AhR in the cartilage templates promoting osteogenesis and macrophage polarization. These data implied a beneficial role of FICZ in the regenerative potentials of both BMSCs and primed cartilage templates. The FICZ/AhR axis might be a practical target to achieve optimal bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST), Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University 237 Luoyu Road Wuhan 430079 China +86 27 87873260 +86 27 87686318
| | - Yining Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST), Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University 237 Luoyu Road Wuhan 430079 China +86 27 87873260 +86 27 87686318
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Yi Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST), Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University 237 Luoyu Road Wuhan 430079 China +86 27 87873260 +86 27 87686318
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University Wuhan 430079 China
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10
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Curran CS, Kopp JB. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Mechanisms Affecting Chronic Kidney Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:782199. [PMID: 35237156 PMCID: PMC8882872 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.782199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that binds diverse endogenous and xenobiotic ligands, which regulate AHR stability, transcriptional activity, and cell signaling. AHR activity is strongly implicated throughout the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many diverse organic molecules bind and activate AHR and these ligands are reported to either promote glomerular and tubular damage or protect against kidney injury. AHR crosstalk with estrogen, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and NF-κB pathways may contribute to the diversity of AHR responses during the various forms and stages of CKD. The roles of AHR in kidney fibrosis, metabolism and the renin angiotensin system are described to offer insight into CKD pathogenesis and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S. Curran
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Colleen S. Curran,
| | - Jeffrey B. Kopp
- Kidney Disease Section, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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11
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Liu J, Pi Z, Xiao Y, Zeng Z, Yu J, Zou P, Tang B, Qiu X, Tang R, Shi Y, Xiao R. Esomeprazole alleviates fibrosis in systemic sclerosis by modulating AhR/Smad2/3 signaling. Pharmacol Res 2022; 176:106057. [PMID: 34995795 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease with the involvement of complex signaling pathways, such as TGF-β/Smad2/3. SSc can lead to severe multiple organ fibrosis, but no effective therapy is currently available because of its unclear pathogenesis. Exploring new treatments is the focus of recent research on SSc. Recent studies have implied a potential antifibrotic role of esomeprazole (ESO), but with currently unidentified mechanisms. Signaling of AhR, a ligand-dependent transcription factor, has been described as a key controller of fibrosis, tumorigenesis, and immune balance. Recently, it has been reported that ESO may be an exogenous agonist of AhR signaling, while no previous study has revealed the effects of ESO on SSc and its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrate that ESO suppresses the migration of SSc dermal fibroblasts, downregulates profibrotic markers, including COLIA1, α-SMA CTGF and MMP1, and limits collagen production potentially via the activation of AhR signaling. More importantly, ESO could block Smad2/3 phosphorylation concurrently with the reduction in collagen via AhR signaling. Moreover, our results from the bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc model in skin and lung shows that ESO ameliorates fibrosis in vivo, which in keeping with our in vitro results. We conclude that ESO is a potential therapeutic drug for SSc fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/genetics
- Animals
- Bleomycin
- Cells, Cultured
- Collagen Type I, alpha 1 Chain/genetics
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor/genetics
- Cytokines/genetics
- Esomeprazole/pharmacology
- Esomeprazole/therapeutic use
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/pathology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/genetics
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Scleroderma, Systemic/drug therapy
- Scleroderma, Systemic/genetics
- Scleroderma, Systemic/metabolism
- Scleroderma, Systemic/pathology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Skin/drug effects
- Skin/metabolism
- Skin/pathology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yangfan Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiangning Qiu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410000, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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12
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Hinchcliff M, Garcia-Milian R, Di Donato S, Dill K, Bundschuh E, Galdo FD. Cellular and Molecular Diversity in Scleroderma. Semin Immunol 2021; 58:101648. [PMID: 35940960 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing armamentarium of high-throughput tools available at manageable cost, it is attractive and informative to determine the molecular underpinnings of patient heterogeneity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Given the highly variable clinical outcomes of patients labelled with the same diagnosis, unravelling the cellular and molecular basis of disease heterogeneity will be crucial to predicting disease risk, stratifying management and ultimately informing a patient-centered precision medicine approach. Herein, we summarise the findings of the past several years in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics that contribute to unraveling the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of SSc. Expansion of these findings and their routine integration with quantitative analysis of histopathology and imaging studies into clinical care promise to inform a scientifically driven patient-centred personalized medicine approach to SSc in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Hinchcliff
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, USA.
| | | | - Stefano Di Donato
- Raynaud's and Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, UK
| | | | - Elizabeth Bundschuh
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, USA
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Raynaud's and Scleroderma Programme, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, UK.
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13
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Coelho NR, Pimpão AB, Correia MJ, Rodrigues TC, Monteiro EC, Morello J, Pereira SA. Pharmacological blockage of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis: a call for in vivo evidence. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:215-243. [PMID: 34800164 PMCID: PMC8605459 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02163-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that can be activated by structurally diverse compounds arising from the environment and the microbiota and host metabolism. Expanding evidence has been shown that the modulation of the canonical pathway of AHR occurs during several chronic diseases and that its abrogation might be of clinical interest for metabolic and inflammatory pathological processes. However, most of the evidence on the pharmacological abrogation of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis has been reported in vitro, and therefore, guidance for in vivo studies is needed. In this review, we cover the state-of-the-art of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of AHR antagonists and CYP1A1 inhibitors in different in vivo rodent (mouse or rat) models of disease. This review will serve as a road map for those researchers embracing this emerging therapeutic area targeting the AHR. Moreover, it is a timely opportunity as the first AHR antagonists have recently entered the clinical stage of drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N R Coelho
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A B Pimpão
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - M J Correia
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - T C Rodrigues
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - E C Monteiro
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Morello
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - S A Pereira
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056, Lisboa, Portugal.
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14
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Wu Q, Liu Y, Xie Y, Wei S, Liu Y. Identification of Potential ceRNA Network and Patterns of Immune Cell Infiltration in Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:622021. [PMID: 34222222 PMCID: PMC8248550 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.622021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is one of the most severe complications of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is the leading cause of SSc-related deaths. However, the precise pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis in SSc-ILD remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network and immune cell infiltration patterns in SSc-ILD. Methods One microRNA (miRNA) and three messenger RNA (mRNA) microarray datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and mRNAs (DEMs) between SSc-ILD patients and normal controls were identified, respectively, followed by the prediction of the target genes and target lncRNAs of DEmiRs. The overlapping genes between DEmiRs target genes and DEMs were identified as core mRNAs to construct the ceRNA network. In addition, the “Cell Type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of Known RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT)” algorithm was used to analyze the composition of infiltrating immune cells in lung tissues of SSc-ILD patients and controls, and differentially expressed immune cells were recognized. The correlation between immune cells and core mRNAs was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Results Totally, 42 SSc-ILD lung tissues and 18 normal lung tissues were included in this study. We identified 35 DEmiRs and 142 DEMs and predicted 1,265 target genes of DEmiRs. Then, 9 core mRNAs related to SSc-ILD were recognized, which were the overlapping genes between DEmiRs target genes and DEMs. Meanwhile, 9 DEmiRs related to core mRNAs were identified reversely, and their target lncRNAs were predicted. In total, 9 DEmiRs, 9 core mRNAs, and 51 predicted lncRNAs were integrated to construct the ceRNA regulatory network of SSc-ILD. In addition, 9 types of immune cells were differentially expressed in lung tissues between SSc-ILD patients and controls. Some core mRNAs, such as COL1A1, FOS, and EDN1, were positively or negatively correlated with the number of infiltrating immune cells. Conclusion This is the first comprehensive study to construct the potential ceRNA regulatory network and analyze the composition of infiltrating immune cells in lung tissues of SSc-ILD patients, which improves our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc-ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixiong Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Rare Diseases Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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15
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Shi Y, Zeng Z, Liu J, Pi Z, Zou P, Deng Q, Ma X, Qiao F, Xiong W, Zhou C, Zeng Q, Xiao R. Particulate matter promotes hyperpigmentation via AhR/MAPK signaling activation and by increasing α-MSH paracrine levels in keratinocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 278:116850. [PMID: 33711628 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of 2.5 μm or less in ambient air (PM2.5) has become a global public and environmental problem, and the control of the PM2.5 concentration in air is an urgent problem. PM2.5 can easily penetrate the skin, activating the inflammatory response in skin, unbalancing the skin barrier function, and inducing skin aging. Hyperpigmentation is the main manifestation of skin aging and has a considerable impact on quality of life worldwide. To date, no research on the influence of PM2.5 on hyperpigmentation has been conducted. Here, we illustrate that PM2.5 can induce melanogenesis in vivo and in vitro by regulating TYR, TYRP1, TYRP2, and MITF expression via AhR/MAPK signaling activation. Furthermore, PM2.5 increased α-MSH paracrine levels, which in turn promote hyperpigmentation. Our results provide a deeper understanding of how PM2.5 disrupts skin homeostasis and function. Treatment with AhR antagonists may be a potential therapeutic strategy for hyperpigmentation induced by PM2.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiani Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zixin Pi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Puyu Zou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Qiancheng Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Fan Qiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Qinghai Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410000, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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16
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Shi Y, Zeng Z, Yu J, Tang B, Tang R, Xiao R. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor: An environmental effector in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105180. [PMID: 32877693 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly conserved transcription factor that can be activated by small molecules provided by dietary, plant, or microbial metabolites, and environmental pollutants. AhR is expressed in many cell types and engages in crosstalk with other signaling pathways, and therefore provides a molecular pathway that integrates environmental cues and metabolic processes. Fibrosis, which is defined as an aberrant extracellular matrix formation, is a reparative process in the terminal stage of chronic diseases. Both environmental and internal factors have been shown to participate in the pathogenesis of fibrosis; however, the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. In this review, the potential role of AhR in the process of fibrosis, as well as potential opportunities and challenges in the development of AhR targeting therapeutics, are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhuotong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Bingsi Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.
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