1
|
Azeredo PDS, Fan D, Murphy EA, Carver WE. Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds in Preventing and Reversing Organ Fibrosis and the Underlying Mechanisms. Cells 2024; 13:421. [PMID: 38474385 PMCID: PMC10930795 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased production of extracellular matrix is a necessary response to tissue damage and stress. In a normal healing process, the increase in extracellular matrix is transient. In some instances; however, the increase in extracellular matrix can persist as fibrosis, leading to deleterious alterations in organ structure, biomechanical properties, and function. Indeed, fibrosis is now appreciated to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Extensive research has illustrated that fibrosis can be slowed, arrested or even reversed; however, few drugs have been approved specifically for anti-fibrotic treatment. This is in part due to the complex pathways responsible for fibrogenesis and the undesirable side effects of drugs targeting these pathways. Natural products have been utilized for thousands of years as a major component of traditional medicine and currently account for almost one-third of drugs used clinically worldwide. A variety of plant-derived compounds have been demonstrated to have preventative or even reversal effects on fibrosis. This review will discuss the effects and the underlying mechanisms of some of the major plant-derived compounds that have been identified to impact fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia dos Santos Azeredo
- Laboratory of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Cell Therapy, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil;
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA;
| | - E. Angela Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA;
| | - Wayne E. Carver
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ginsenoside Re inhibits myocardial fibrosis by regulating miR-489/myd88/NF-κB pathway. J Ginseng Res 2023; 47:218-227. [PMID: 36926602 PMCID: PMC10014187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an advanced pathological manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases, which can induce heart failure and malignant arrhythmias. However, the current treatment of MF lacks specific drugs. Ginsenoside Re has anti-MF effect in rat, but its mechanism is still not clear. Therefore, we investigated the anti-MF effect of ginsenoside Re by constructing mouse acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model and AngⅡ induced cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) model. Methods The anti-MF effect of miR-489 was investigated by transfection of miR-489 mimic and inhibitor in CFs. Effect of ginsenoside Re on MF and its related mechanisms were investigated by ultrasonographic, ELISA, histopathologic staining, transwell test, immunofluorescence, Western blot and qPCR in the mouse model of AMI and the AngⅡ-induced CFs model. Results MiR-489 decreased the expression of α-SMA, collagenⅠ, collagen Ⅲ and myd88, and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in normal CFs and CFs treated with AngⅡ. Ginsenoside Re could improve cardiac function, inhibit collagen deposition and CFs migration, promote the transcription of miR-489, and reduce the expression of myd88 and the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. Conclusion MiR-489 can effectively inhibit the pathological process of MF, and the mechanism is at least partly related to the regulation of myd88/NF-κB pathway. Ginsenoside Re can ameliorate AMI and AngⅡ induced MF, and the mechanism is at least partially related to the regulation of miR-489/myd88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, miR-489 may be a potential target of anti-MF and ginsenoside Re may be an effective drug for the treatment of MF.
Collapse
|
3
|
Robbertse PPS, Doubell AF, Lombard CJ, Talle MA, Herbst PG. Evolution of myocardial oedema and fibrosis in HIV infected persons after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy: a prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance study. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2022; 24:72. [PMID: 36529806 PMCID: PMC9760320 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-022-00901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been shown to have functionally and structurally altered ventricles and may be related to cardiovascular inflammation. Mounting evidence suggests that the myocardium of HIV infected individuals may be abnormal before ART is initiated and may represent subclinical HIV-associated cardiomyopathy (HIVAC). The influence of ART on subclinical HIVAC is not known. METHODS Newly diagnosed, ART naïve persons with HIV infection were enrolled along with HIV uninfected, age- and sex-matched controls. All participants underwent comprehensive cardiovascular assessment, including contrasted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with multiparametric mapping on a 1.5T CMR system. The HIV group was started on ART (tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir) and prospectively evaluated 9 months later. Cardiac tissue characterisation was compared in, and between groups using the appropriate statistical tests for the cross sectional data and the paired, prospective data respectively. RESULTS Seventy-three ART naïve HIV infected individuals (32 ± 7 years, 45% female) and 22 healthy non-HIV subjects (33 ± 7 years, 50% female) were enrolled. Compared with non-HIV healthy subjects, the global native T1 (1008 ± 31 ms vs 1032 ± 44 ms, p = 0.02), global T2 (46 ± 2 vs 48 ± 3 ms, p = 0.006), and the prevalence of pericardial effusion (18% vs 67%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the HIV infected group at diagnosis. Global native T1 (1032 ± 44 to 1014 ± 34 ms, p < 0.001) and extracellular volume (ECV) (26 ± 4% to 25 ± 3%, p = 0.001) decreased significantly after 9 months on ART and were significantly associated with a decrease in the HIV viral load, decreased high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and improvement in the CD4 count (p < 0.001). Replacement fibrosis was significantly higher in the HIV infected group than controls (49% vs 10%, p = 0.02). The prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement did not change significantly over the 9-month study period (49% vs 55%, p = 0.4). CONCLUSION Subclinical HIVAC may already be present at the time of HIV diagnosis, as suggested by the combination of subclinical myocardial oedema and fibrosis found to be present before administration of ART. Markers of myocardial oedema on tissue characterization improved on ART in the short term, however, it is unclear if the underlying pathological mechanism is halted, or merely slowed by ART. Mid- to long term prospective studies are needed to evaluate subtle myocardial changes over time and to assess the significance of subclinical myocardial fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pieter-Paul S Robbertse
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
- University of Pittsburgh HIV-Comorbidities Research Training Programme in South Africa, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Anton F Doubell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl J Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mohammed A Talle
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Philip G Herbst
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
D’Elia JA, Bayliss GP, Weinrauch LA. The Diabetic Cardiorenal Nexus. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137351. [PMID: 35806355 PMCID: PMC9266839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The end-stage of the clinical combination of heart failure and kidney disease has become known as cardiorenal syndrome. Adverse consequences related to diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension and renal impairment on cardiovascular function, morbidity and mortality are well known. Guidelines for the treatment of these risk factors have led to the improved prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease and reduced ejection fraction. Heart failure hospital admissions and readmission often occur, however, in the presence of metabolic, renal dysfunction and relatively preserved systolic function. In this domain, few advances have been described. Diabetes, kidney and cardiac dysfunction act synergistically to magnify healthcare costs. Current therapy relies on improving hemodynamic factors destructive to both the heart and kidney. We consider that additional hemodynamic solutions may be limited without the use of animal models focusing on the cardiomyocyte, nephron and extracellular matrices. We review herein potential common pathophysiologic targets for treatment to prevent and ameliorate this syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A. D’Elia
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, E P Joslin Research Laboratory, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - George P. Bayliss
- Division of Organ Transplantation, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | - Larry A. Weinrauch
- Kidney and Hypertension Section, E P Joslin Research Laboratory, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +617-923-0800; Fax: +617-926-5665
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Carver W, Fix E, Fix C, Fan D, Chakrabarti M, Azhar M. Effects of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, on TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast activation and function. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7440-7449. [PMID: 34041746 PMCID: PMC8530838 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis accompanies a number of pathological conditions and results in altered myocardial structure, biomechanical properties and function. The signaling networks leading to fibrosis are complex, contributing to the general lack of progress in identifying effective therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse this condition. Several studies have shown protective effects of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, in animal models of fibrosis. A number of questions remain regarding the mechanisms whereby emodin impacts fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a potent stimulus of fibrosis and fibroblast activation. In the present study, experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of emodin on activation and function of cardiac fibroblasts following treatment with TGF-β1. We demonstrate that emodin attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and collagen accumulation in vitro. Emodin also inhibits activation of several canonical (SMAD2/3) and noncanonical (Erk1/2) TGF-β signaling pathways, while activating the p38 pathway. These results suggest that emodin may provide an effective therapeutic agent for fibrosis that functions via specific TGF-β signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Carver
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Ethan Fix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Charity Fix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mrinmay Chakrabarti
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mohamad Azhar
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Roles of Exosomes in Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112933. [PMID: 34831158 PMCID: PMC8616203 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the accumulation and composition of the extracellular matrix are part of the normal tissue repair process. During fibrosis, this process becomes dysregulated and excessive extracellular matrix alters the biomechanical properties and function of tissues involved. Historically fibrosis was thought to be progressive and irreversible; however, studies suggest that fibrosis is a dynamic process whose progression can be stopped and even reversed. This realization has led to an enhanced pursuit of therapeutic agents targeting fibrosis and extracellular matrix-producing cells. In many organs, fibroblasts are the primary cells that produce the extracellular matrix. In response to diverse mechanical and biochemical stimuli, these cells are activated or transdifferentiate into specialized cells termed myofibroblasts that have an enhanced capacity to produce extracellular matrix. It is clear that interactions between diverse cells of the heart are able to modulate fibroblast activation and fibrosis. Exosomes are a form of extracellular vesicle that play an important role in intercellular communication via the cargo that they deliver to target cells. While relatively recently discovered, exosomes have been demonstrated to play important positive and negative roles in the regulation of fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. These roles as well as efforts to engineer exosomes as therapeutic tools will be discussed.
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Yang W, Ma W, Zhou X, Quan Z, Li G, Liu D, Zhang Q, Han D, Gao B, Li C, Wang J, Kang F. 18F-FDG PET imaging-monitored anti-inflammatory therapy for acute myocardial infarction: Exploring the role of MCC950 in murine model. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2346-2357. [PMID: 32016690 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02044-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MCC950 is a novel NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor that possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the lack of noninvasive monitoring methods limits its potential clinical translation. Thus, we sought to investigate whether 18F-FDG PET imaging can monitor the therapeutic effects of MCC950 in an AMI murine model. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were used to generate an AMI model. MCC950 or sterile saline was intraperitoneally administered 1 hour after surgery and then daily for 7 consecutive days. 18F-FDG PET (inflammation) imaging was used to monitor inflammatory changes on days 3 and 5. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect inflammatory markers and to confirm the PET imaging results. 18F-FDG PET (viability) imaging was used to quantitate the viability defect expansion on days 7 and 28. Cardiac ultrasound and survival analyses were performed to evaluate the cardiac function and survival rate. Adverse remodeling was determined by Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) and Masson trichrome staining. RESULTS The FDG-PET (inflammation) imaging revealed that MCC950 treatment led to lower 18F-FDG inflammatory uptakes, at the infarct region, on days 3 and 5 when compared to the MI group. The decreased M1 macrophages and neutrophils infiltration and the remission of the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway, confirmed the FDG-PET (inflammation) imaging results. The FDG-PET (viability) imaging revealed that MCC950 significantly decreased the expansion of the viability defect, demonstrating its myocardial preservation effects. The acute FDG-PET (inflammation) signal positively correlated with the late viability defect and with the reduction in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Additionally, the alleviated adverse remodeling and the improved survival rate further support the anti-inflammatory efficiency of MCC950 in AMI. CONCLUSION Using 18F-FDG PET imaging, we noninvasively demonstrated the therapeutic effects of MCC950 in AMI and showed that 18F-FDG PET imaging holds promising application potentials in MCC950's clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Weidong Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenhui Ma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhiyong Quan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guoquan Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Daliang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingju Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dong Han
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Beilei Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 210032, China
| | - Congye Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Fei Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jong J, Packard RRS. 18F-FDG PET imaging of myocardial inflammation and viability following experimental infarction and anti-inflammatory treatment with compound MCC950. J Nucl Cardiol 2021; 28:2358-2360. [PMID: 32333277 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-020-02104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Jong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Ave., CHS Building Room 17-054A, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - René R Sevag Packard
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, 10833 Le Conte Ave., CHS Building Room 17-054A, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang A, Yan X, Xu H, Fan X, Zhang M, Huang T, Li W, Chen W, Jia J, You H. Selective depletion of hepatic stellate cells-specific LOXL1 alleviates liver fibrosis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21918. [PMID: 34569648 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100374r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of LOXL1 in fibrosis via mediating ECM crosslinking and stabilization is well established; however, the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)-specific LOXL1 in the development of fibrosis remains unknown. We generated HSCs-specific Loxl1-depleted mice (Loxl1Gfap-cre mice) to investigate the HSCs-specific contribution of LOXL1 in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Loxl1fl/fl mice were used as the control. Furthermore, we used RNA sequencing to explore the underlying changes in the transcriptome. Results of the sirius red staining, type I collagen immunolabeling, and hydroxyproline content analysis, coupled with the reduced expression of profibrogenic genes revealed that Loxl1Gfap-cre mice with CCl4 -induced fibrosis exhibited decreased hepatic fibrosis. In addition, Loxl1Gfap-cre mice exhibited reduced macrophage tissue infiltration by CD68-positive cells and decreased expression of inflammatory genes compared with the controls. RNA sequencing identified integrin α8 (ITGA8) as a key modulator of LOXL1-mediated liver fibrosis. Functional analyses showed that siRNA silencing of Itga8 in cultured fibroblasts led to a decline in the LOXL1 expression and inhibition of fibroblast activation. Mechanistic analyses indicated that LOXL1 activated the FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a signaling pathway, and the addition of inhibitors of FAK or PI3K reversed these results via downregulation of LOXL1. Furthermore, HIF1a directly interacted with LOXL1 and upregulated its expression, indicating that LOXL1 can positively self-regulate by forming a positive feedback loop with the FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a pathway. We demonstrated that HSCs-specific Loxl1 deficiency prevented fibrosis, inflammation and that ITGA8/FAK/PI3K/AKT/HIF1a was essential for the function and expression of LOXL1. Knowledge of this approach can provide novel mechanisms and targets to treat fibrosis in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aiting Yang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hufeng Xu
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xu Fan
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengyang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tao Huang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Weiyu Li
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hong You
- Beijing Clinical Medicine Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China.,Liver Research Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
MARSH SPENCER, RAUDAT MADELINE, LEFEBER BETHANY, HERNDON LAURABETH, HERBERT HOWARD, MCCALLUM LAURA, SIMIONESCU AGNETA. DYNAMIC BIOREACTOR MODEL TO MIMIC EARLY CARDIAC FIBROSIS IN DIABETES. J MECH MED BIOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219519421500470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In clinical diabetic cardiomyopathy, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia induce tissue injury, activation of cardiac fibroblasts and interstitial and perivascular fibrosis. Myofibroblasts repair the injured tissue by increasing collagen deposition in the cardiac interstitium and suppressing the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. The goal of this study was to find an ideal model to mimic the effect of high glucose concentration on human cardiac fibroblast activation. The profibrotic role of the transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text] (TGF-[Formula: see text]) and the protective modulation of nitric oxide were examined in two-dimensional and three-dimensional cell culture models, as well as tissue engineering models, that involved the use of cardiac fibroblasts cultured within myocardial matrix scaffolds mounted in a bioreactor that delivered biochemical and mechanical stimuli. Results showed that high glucose levels were potent pro-fibrotic stimuli. In addition, high glucose levels in concert with TGF-[Formula: see text] constituted very strong signals that induced human cardiac fibroblast activation. Cardiac fibroblasts cultured within decellularized myocardial scaffolds and exposed to biochemical and mechanical stimuli represented an adequate model for this pathology. In conclusion, the bioreactor platform was instrumental in establishing an in vitro model of early fibrosis; this platform could be used to test the effects of various agents targeted to mitigate the fibrotic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- SPENCER MARSH
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - MADELINE RAUDAT
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - BETHANY LEFEBER
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - LAURA BETH HERNDON
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - HOWARD HERBERT
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - LAURA MCCALLUM
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - AGNETA SIMIONESCU
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, 507 Rhodes Research Center, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li X, Yang Y, Chen S, Zhou J, Li J, Cheng Y. Epigenetics-based therapeutics for myocardial fibrosis. Life Sci 2021; 271:119186. [PMID: 33577852 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a reactive remodeling process in response to myocardial injury. It is mainly manifested by the proliferation of cardiac muscle fibroblasts and secreting extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to replace damaged tissue. However, the excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix, and the rising proportion of type I and type III collagen lead to pathological fibrotic remodeling, thereby facilitating the development of cardiac dysfunction and eventually causing heart failure with heightened mortality. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of MF are still not fully understood. With the development of epigenetics, it is found that epigenetics controls the transcription of pro-fibrotic genes in MF by DNA methylation, histone modification and noncoding RNAs. In this review, we summarize and discuss the research progress of the mechanisms underlying MF from the perspective of epigenetics, including the newest m6A modification and crosstalk between different epigenetics in MF. We also offer a succinct overview of promising molecules targeting epigenetic regulators, which may provide novel therapeutic strategies against MF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Ying Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Sixuan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jiuyao Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jingyan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
de Lucia C, Wallner M, Corradi D, Pironti G. Editorial: Cardiac Fibrosis, From Lineage Tracing to Therapeutic Application. Front Physiol 2021; 11:641771. [PMID: 33551854 PMCID: PMC7855971 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.641771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio de Lucia
- Center for Translational Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Markus Wallner
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine, CBmed GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | - Domenico Corradi
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pironti
- Cardiology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute Stockholm, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, is a common pathophysiologic companion of many different myocardial conditions. Fibrosis may reflect activation of reparative or maladaptive processes. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the main source of matrix proteins. Immune cells, vascular cells and cardiomyocytes may also acquire a fibrogenic phenotype under conditions of stress, activating fibroblast populations. Fibrogenic growth factors (such as transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factors), cytokines [including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4], and neurohumoral pathways trigger fibrogenic signalling cascades through binding to surface receptors, and activation of downstream signalling cascades. In addition, matricellular macromolecules are deposited in the remodelling myocardium and regulate matrix assembly, while modulating signal transduction cascades and protease or growth factor activity. Cardiac fibroblasts can also sense mechanical stress through mechanosensitive receptors, ion channels and integrins, activating intracellular fibrogenic cascades that contribute to fibrosis in response to pressure overload. Although subpopulations of fibroblast-like cells may exert important protective actions in both reparative and interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, ultimately fibrotic changes perturb systolic and diastolic function, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. This review article discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis in various myocardial diseases, including myocardial infarction, heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, genetic cardiomyopathies, and diabetic heart disease. Development of fibrosis-targeting therapies for patients with myocardial diseases will require not only understanding of the functional pluralism of cardiac fibroblasts and dissection of the molecular basis for fibrotic remodelling, but also appreciation of the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of fibrosis-associated myocardial disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Forchheimer G46B, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gilles G, McCulloch AD, Brakebusch CH, Herum KM. Maintaining resting cardiac fibroblasts in vitro by disrupting mechanotransduction. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241390. [PMID: 33104742 PMCID: PMC7588109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical cues activate cardiac fibroblasts and induce differentiation into myofibroblasts, which are key steps for development of cardiac fibrosis. In vitro, the high stiffness of plastic culturing conditions will also induce these changes. It is therefore challenging to study resting cardiac fibroblasts and their activation in vitro. Here we investigate the extent to which disrupting mechanotransduction by culturing cardiac fibroblasts on soft hydrogels or in the presence of biochemical inhibitors can be used to maintain resting cardiac fibroblasts in vitro. Primary cardiac fibroblasts were isolated from adult mice and cultured on plastic or soft (4.5 kPa) polyacrylamide hydrogels. Myofibroblast marker gene expression and smooth muscle α-actin (SMA) fibers were quantified by real-time PCR and immunostaining, respectively. Myofibroblast differentiation was prevented on soft hydrogels for 9 days, but had occurred after 15 days on hydrogels. Transferring myofibroblasts to soft hydrogels reduced expression of myofibroblast-associated genes, albeit SMA fibers remained present. Inhibitors of transforming growth factor β receptor I (TGFβRI) and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) were effective in preventing and reversing myofibroblast gene expression. SMA fibers were also reduced by blocker treatment although cell morphology did not change. Reversed cardiac fibroblasts maintained the ability to re-differentiate after the removal of blockers, suggesting that these are functionally similar to resting cardiac fibroblasts. However, actin alpha 2 smooth muscle (Acta2), lysyl oxidase (Lox) and periostin (Postn) were no longer sensitive to substrate stiffness, suggesting that transient treatment with mechanotransduction inhibitors changes the mechanosensitivity of some fibrosis-related genes. In summary, our results bring novel insight regarding the relative importance of specific mechanical signaling pathways in regulating different myofibroblast-associated genes. Furthermore, combining blocker treatment with the use of soft hydrogels has not been tested previously and revealed that only some genes remain mechano-sensitive after phenotypic reversion. This is important information for researchers using inhibitors to maintain a "resting" cardiac fibroblast phenotype in vitro as well as for our current understanding of mechanosensitive gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Gilles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. McCulloch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Cord H. Brakebusch
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kate M. Herum
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sweeney M, Corden B, Cook SA. Targeting cardiac fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mirage or miracle? EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e10865. [PMID: 32955172 PMCID: PMC7539225 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is central to the pathology of heart failure, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Irrespective of the underlying profibrotic condition (e.g. ageing, diabetes, hypertension), maladaptive cardiac fibrosis is defined by the transformation of resident fibroblasts to matrix-secreting myofibroblasts. Numerous profibrotic factors have been identified at the molecular level (e.g. TGFβ, IL11, AngII), which activate gene expression programs for myofibroblast activation. A number of existing HF therapies indirectly target fibrotic pathways; however, despite multiple clinical trials in HFpEF, a specific clinically effective antifibrotic therapy remains elusive. Therapeutic inhibition of TGFβ, the master-regulator of fibrosis, has unfortunately proven toxic and ineffective in clinical trials to date, and new approaches are needed. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and clinical implications of interstitial fibrosis in HFpEF. We provide an overview of trials targeting fibrosis in HFpEF to date and discuss the promise of potential new therapeutic approaches and targets in the context of underlying molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sweeney
- MRC‐London Institute of Medical SciencesHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUK
- Wellcome Trust 4i/NIHR Clinical Research FellowImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Ben Corden
- MRC‐London Institute of Medical SciencesHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUK
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders ProgramDuke‐National University of Singapore Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- National Heart and Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Stuart A Cook
- MRC‐London Institute of Medical SciencesHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUK
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders ProgramDuke‐National University of Singapore Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- National Heart and Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Okyere AD, Tilley DG. Leukocyte-Dependent Regulation of Cardiac Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2020; 11:301. [PMID: 32322219 PMCID: PMC7156539 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis begins as an intrinsic response to injury or ageing that functions to preserve the tissue from further damage. Fibrosis results from activated cardiac myofibroblasts, which secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in an effort to replace damaged tissue; however, excessive ECM deposition leads to pathological fibrotic remodeling. At this extent, fibrosis gravely disturbs myocardial compliance, and ultimately leads to adverse outcomes like heart failure with heightened mortality. As such, understanding the complexity behind fibrotic remodeling has been a focal point of cardiac research in recent years. Resident cardiac fibroblasts and activated myofibroblasts have been proven integral to the fibrotic response; however, several findings point to additional cell types that may contribute to the development of pathological fibrosis. For one, leukocytes expand in number after injury and exhibit high plasticity, thus their distinct role(s) in cardiac fibrosis is an ongoing and controversial field of study. This review summarizes current findings, focusing on both direct and indirect leukocyte-mediated mechanisms of fibrosis, which may provide novel targeted strategies against fibrotic remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ama Dedo Okyere
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Douglas G Tilley
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Davidson MD, Burdick JA, Wells RG. Engineered Biomaterial Platforms to Study Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e1901682. [PMID: 32181987 PMCID: PMC7274888 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201901682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many pathologic conditions lead to the development of tissue scarring and fibrosis, which are characterized by the accumulation of abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) and changes in tissue mechanical properties. Cells within fibrotic tissues are exposed to dynamic microenvironments that may promote or prolong fibrosis, which makes it difficult to treat. Biomaterials have proved indispensable to better understand how cells sense their extracellular environment and are now being employed to study fibrosis in many tissues. As mechanical testing of tissues becomes more routine and biomaterial tools become more advanced, the impact of biophysical factors in fibrosis are beginning to be understood. Herein, fibrosis from a materials perspective is reviewed, including the role and mechanical properties of ECM components, the spatiotemporal mechanical changes that occur during fibrosis, current biomaterial systems to study fibrosis, and emerging biomaterial systems and tools that can further the understanding of fibrosis initiation and progression. This review concludes by highlighting considerations in promoting wide-spread use of biomaterials for fibrosis investigations and by suggesting future in vivo studies that it is hoped will inspire the development of even more advanced biomaterial systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca G Wells
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- NSF Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|