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Chen K, Mou R, Zhu P, Xu X, Wang H, Jiang L, Hu Y, Hu X, Ma L, Xiao Q, Xu Q. The Effect of Lymphangiogenesis in Transplant Arteriosclerosis. Circulation 2023; 147:482-497. [PMID: 36515099 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.060799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transplant arteriosclerosis is a major complication in long-term survivors of heart transplantation. Increased lymph flow from donor heart to host lymph nodes has been reported to play a role in transplant arteriosclerosis, but how lymphangiogenesis affects this process is unknown. METHODS Vascular allografts were transplanted among various combinations of mice, including wild-type, Lyve1-CreERT2;R26-tdTomato, CAG-Cre-tdTomato, severe combined immune deficiency, Ccr2KO, Foxn1KO, and lghm/lghdKO mice. Whole-mount staining and 3-dimensional reconstruction identified lymphatic vessels within the grafted arteries. Lineage tracing strategies delineated the cellular origin of lymphatic endothelial cells. Adeno-associated viral vectors and a selective inhibitor were used to regulate lymphangiogenesis. RESULTS Lymphangiogenesis within allograft vessels began at the anastomotic sites and extended from preexisting lymphatic vessels in the host. Tertiary lymphatic organs were identified in transplanted arteries at the anastomotic site and lymphatic vessels expressing CCL21 (chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 21) were associated with these immune structures. Fibroblasts in the vascular allografts released VEGF-C (vascular endothelial growth factor C), which stimulated lymphangiogenesis into the grafts. Inhibition of VEGF-C signaling inhibited lymphangiogenesis, neointima formation, and adventitial fibrosis of vascular allografts. These studies identified VEGF-C released from fibroblasts as a signal stimulating lymphangiogenesis extending from the host into the vascular allografts. CONCLUSIONS Formation of lymphatic vessels plays a key role in the immune response to vascular transplantation. The inhibition of lymphangiogenesis may be a novel approach to prevent transplant arteriosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rong Mou
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengwei Zhu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Xu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Han Wang
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (H.W., Qingzhong Xiao)
| | - Liujun Jiang
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Hu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosheng Hu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Cardiovascular Surgery (L.M.), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingzhong Xiao
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (H.W., Qingzhong Xiao)
| | - Qingbo Xu
- Departments of Cardiology (K.C., R.M., P.Z., X.X., L.J., Y.H., X.H., Qingbo Xu), the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Yu J, Li P, Li Z, Li Y, Luo J, Su W, Liang D. Topical Administration of 0.3% Tofacitinib Suppresses M1 Macrophage Polarization and Allograft Corneal Rejection by Blocking STAT1 Activation in the Rat Cornea. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:34. [PMID: 35353151 PMCID: PMC8976928 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.3.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose M1 macrophages can promote corneal allograft rejection (CGR). Inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization by the JAK/STAT1 pathway may be a new strategy to prevent CGR. Tofacitinib, a potent pan-JAK inhibitor, can inhibit JAK/STAT activation. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of tofacitinib on M1 macrophage polarization and its therapeutic effect on rat CGR. Methods Corneal allograft transplantation was performed and administrated with 0.3% tofacitinib in rats. The corneal allografts were assessed clinically. The corneas were detected for M1 macrophages, lymphatic vessels, and inflammatory cytokine expression using immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Dendritic cells (DCs) in ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes were detected by flow cytometry. The effect and mechanism of tofacitinib on macrophages were explored by real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunoassay, and western blot analysis in vitro. Results The results showed that topical administration of 0.3% tofacitinib significantly prolonged corneal graft survival. Tofacitinib-treated corneal allografts displayed a proportionate decrease in M1 macrophages and reduced lymphatic vessel density with fewer DCs in rat ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes. Tofacitinib reduced the mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, including iNOS, MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and VEGF-C, and inhibited STAT1 activation in rat corneal grafts. In addition, tofacitinib suppressed M1 macrophage polarization via STAT1 activation after IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide stimulation in vitro. Conclusions Tofacitinib could suppress M1 macrophage polarization and subsequently delay CGR by inhibiting STAT1 activation. The data indicate that tofacitinib is an effective drug for CGR. Translational Relevance This study provided evidence that topical administration of 0.3% tofacitinib may be a novel clinical strategy to prevent CGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Yu
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yingqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiawei Luo
- Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Yu J, Li Y, Li Z, Li H, Chen Y, Chen X, Su W, Liang D. Subconjunctival injections of dimethyl fumarate inhibit lymphangiogenesis and allograft rejection in the rat cornea. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107580. [PMID: 33823430 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Corneal lymphangiogenesis induced by macrophages played a critical role in corneal allograft rejection (CGR). However, there are few Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that target lymphangiogenesis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on corneal allograft survival in rats. Penetrating corneal transplantation was performed in rats. Subconjunctival injections of dimethyl fumarate (20 µg) were administered at the end of the operation and postoperative day 3 to day 11. The clinical signs of corneal allografts were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), flow cytometry and western blot were performed respectively. The effects and mechanism of DMF on RAW264.7 cells were determined by qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blot in vitro. The results showed that subconjunctival injections of DMF could significantly inhibit corneal lymphangiogenesis and CGR with decreased corneal macrophage infiltration compared with the vehicle group. Moreover, DMF could reduce the mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) in the corneal grafts and RAW264.7 macrophages by inhibiting NF-κB activation. Furthermore, compared with the vehicle group, the number of dendritic cells in the ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes of the DMF-treated group was decreased significantly. Collectively, our findings showed that DMF could suppress CGR by inhibiting the macrophage-induced corneal lymphoangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Eye Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yingqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Pharmacological Inhibition of Caspase-8 Suppresses Inflammation-Induced Angiogenesis in the Cornea. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020210. [PMID: 32023953 PMCID: PMC7072631 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation-induced angiogenesis is closely related to many diseases and has been regarded as a therapeutic target. Caspase-8 has attracted increasing attention for its immune properties and therapeutic potential in inflammatory disorders. The aim of our study is to investigate the clinical application of pharmacological inhibition of caspase-8 and the underlying molecular mechanisms in inflammation-induced angiogenesis in the cornea. A model of alkali burn (AB)-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice and toll-like receptor 4 knockout (Tlr4-/-) mice was used. We found that AB increased caspase-8 activity and the pharmacological inhibition of caspase-8 exerted substantial inhibitory effects on CNV, with consistent decreases in caspase-8 activity, inflammatory cell infiltration, macrophage recruitment and activation, VEGF-A, TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-1, and MCP-1 expression in the cornea. In vitro, caspase-8 mediated TLR4–dependent chemokines and VEGF-A production by macrophages. The TLR4 knockout significantly alleviated CNV, suppressed caspase-8 activity and downregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines after AB. Taken together, these findings provide the first demonstration that the pharmacological inhibition of caspase-8 suppresses inflammation-induced angiogenesis and support the use of a pharmacological caspase-8 inhibitor as a novel clinical treatment for CNV and other angiogenic disorders.
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