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Kong X, Jiang S, He Q, Shi X, Pu W, Huang Y, Ma Y, Liu Q, Sun D, Huang D, Wu F, Li P, Tu W, Zhao Y, Wang L, Chen Y, Wu W, Tang Y, Zhao X, Zhu Q, Gao J, Xu W, Shui X, Qian F, Wang J. TLR8 aggravates skin inflammation and fibrosis by activating skin fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1710-1719. [PMID: 37665747 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead456] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Innate immunity significantly contributes to SSc pathogenesis. TLR8 is an important innate immune mediator that is implicated in autoimmunity and fibrosis. However, the expression, mechanism of action, and pathogenic role of TLR8 in SSc remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the roles and underlying mechanisms of TLR8 in SSc. METHODS The expression of TLR8 was analysed, based on a public dataset, and then verified in skin tissues and skin fibroblasts of SSc patients. The role of TLR8 in inflammation and fibrosis was investigated using a TLR8-overexpression vector, activator (VTX-2337), inhibitor (cu-cpt-8m), and TLR8 siRNA in skin fibroblasts. The pathogenic role of TLR8 in skin inflammation and fibrosis was further validated in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse skin inflammation and fibrosis model. RESULTS TLR8 levels were significantly elevated in SSc skin tissues and myofibroblasts, along with significant activation of the TLR8 pathway. In vitro studies showed that overexpression or activation of TLR8 by a recombinant plasmid or VTX-2337 upregulated IL-6, IL-1β, COL I, COL III and α-SMA in skin fibroblasts. Consistently, both TLR8-siRNA and cu-cpt-8m reversed the phenotypes observed in TLR8-activating fibroblasts. Mechanistically, TLR8 induces skin fibrosis and inflammation in a manner dependent on the MAPK, NF-κB and SMAD2/3 pathways. Subcutaneous injection of cu-cpt-8m significantly alleviated BLM-induced skin inflammation and fibrosis in vivo. CONCLUSION TLR8 might be a promising therapeutic target for improving the treatment strategy for skin inflammation and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhen Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions Regulation and Remodeling, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuyu He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangguang Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilin Pu
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- Institute for Six-sector Economy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingmei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dayan Sun
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Delin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Cancer Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhen Tu
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinhuan Zhao
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yulong Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiansheng Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihong Xu
- Laboratory Department of Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochuan Shui
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Feng Qian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Dissecting the Population Genetics and Developing New Technologies for Treatment and Prevention of Skin Phenotypes and Dermatological Diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Swain HN, Boyce PD, Bromet BA, Barozinksy K, Hance L, Shields D, Olbricht GR, Semon JA. Mesenchymal stem cells in autoimmune disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical studies. Biochimie 2024; 223:54-73. [PMID: 38657832 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.04.009] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are of interest in the clinic because of their immunomodulation capabilities, capacity to act upstream of inflammation, and ability to sense metabolic environments. In standard physiologic conditions, they play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of tissues and organs; however, there is evidence that they can contribute to some autoimmune diseases. Gaining a deeper understanding of the factors that transition MSCs from their physiological function to a pathological role in their native environment, and elucidating mechanisms that reduce their therapeutic relevance in regenerative medicine, is essential. We conducted a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of human MSCs in preclinical studies of autoimmune disease, evaluating 60 studies that included 845 patient samples and 571 control samples. MSCs from any tissue source were included, and the study was limited to four autoimmune diseases: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and lupus. We developed a novel Risk of Bias tool to determine study quality for in vitro studies. Using the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy's criteria to define an MSC, most studies reported no difference in morphology, adhesion, cell surface markers, or differentiation into bone, fat, or cartilage when comparing control and autoimmune MSCs. However, there were reported differences in proliferation. Additionally, 308 biomolecules were differentially expressed, and the abilities to migrate, invade, and form capillaries were decreased. The findings from this study could help to explain the pathogenic mechanisms of autoimmune disease and potentially lead to improved MSC-based therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey N Swain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Parker D Boyce
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Bradley A Bromet
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Kaiden Barozinksy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Lacy Hance
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Dakota Shields
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Gayla R Olbricht
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
| | - Julie A Semon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA.
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Roy T, Boateng ST, Uddin MB, Banang-Mbeumi S, Yadav RK, Bock CR, Folahan JT, Siwe-Noundou X, Walker AL, King JA, Buerger C, Huang S, Chamcheu JC. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds. Cells 2023; 12:1671. [PMID: 37371141 PMCID: PMC10297376 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in various immune-mediated inflammatory and hyperproliferative dermatoses such as acne, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, psoriasis, wounds, and vitiligo, and is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Improved comprehension of the consequences of the dysregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in patients with inflammatory dermatoses has resulted in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Nonetheless, more studies are necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and to create more effective preventive and treatment methods for a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. Several studies have revealed that certain natural products and synthetic compounds can obstruct the expression/activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, underscoring their potential in managing common and persistent skin inflammatory disorders. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of the activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and associated components in immune-mediated inflammatory dermatoses and discusses the potential of bioactive natural products, synthetic scaffolds, and biologic agents in their prevention and treatment. However, further research is necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and develop more effective therapies for inflammatory skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tithi Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Samuel T. Boateng
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Mohammad B. Uddin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Center for Research on Environmental Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
| | - Sergette Banang-Mbeumi
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
- Division for Research and Innovation, POHOFI Inc., Madison, WI 53744, USA
- School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Louisiana Delta Community College, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Rajesh K. Yadav
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Chelsea R. Bock
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Joy T. Folahan
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Xavier Siwe-Noundou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, P.O. Box 218, Pretoria 0208, South Africa;
| | - Anthony L. Walker
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
| | - Judy A. King
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
- College of Medicine, Belmont University, 900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Claudia Buerger
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Clinic of the Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Shile Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA;
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Jean Christopher Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA; (T.R.); (S.T.B.); (S.B.-M.); (R.K.Y.); (C.R.B.); (J.T.F.); (A.L.W.)
- Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, LSU Health Shreveport, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
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4
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Ly TD, Sambale M, Klösener L, Traut P, Fischer B, Hendig D, Kuhn J, Knabbe C, Faust-Hinse I. Understanding of arthrofibrosis: New explorative insights into extracellular matrix remodeling of synovial fibroblasts. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286334. [PMID: 37235555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty is a fibroproliferative joint disorder marked by dysregulated biosynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagens and proteoglycans. The underlying cellular events remain incompletely understood. Myofibroblasts are highly contractile matrix-producing cells characterized by increased alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and xylosyltransferase-I (XT-I) secretion. Human XT-I has been identified as a key mediator of arthrofibrotic remodeling. Primary fibroblasts from patients with arthrofibrosis provide a useful in vitro model to identify and characterize disease regulators and potential therapeutic targets. This study aims at characterizing primary synovial fibroblasts from arthrofibrotic tissues (AFib) regarding their molecular and cellular phenotype by utilizing myofibroblast cell culture models. Compared to synovial control fibroblasts (CF), AFib are marked by enhanced cell contractility and a higher XT secretion rate, demonstrating an increased fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition rate during arthrofibrosis. Histochemical assays and quantitative gene expression analysis confirmed higher collagen and proteoglycan expression and accumulation in AFib compared to CF. Furthermore, fibrosis-based gene expression profiling identified novel modifier genes in the context of arthrofibrosis remodeling. In summary, this study revealed a unique profibrotic phenotype in AFib that resembles some traits of other fibroproliferative diseases and can be used for the future development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh-Diep Ly
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Meike Sambale
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Lara Klösener
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Philipp Traut
- Orthopädische Beratung und Begutachtung, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Bastian Fischer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Doris Hendig
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Joachim Kuhn
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Isabel Faust-Hinse
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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5
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Takamura N, Yamaguchi Y. Involvement of caveolin-1 in skin diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1035451. [PMID: 36532050 PMCID: PMC9748611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1035451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin is the outermost layer and largest organ in the human body. Since the skin interfaces with the environment, it has a variety of roles, including providing a protective barrier against external factors, regulating body temperature, and retaining water in the body. It is also involved in the immune system, interacting with immune cells residing in the dermis. Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) is essential for caveolae formation and has multiple functions including endocytosis, lipid homeostasis, and signal transduction. CAV-1 is known to interact with a variety of signaling molecules and receptors and may influence cell proliferation and migration. Several skin-related disorders, especially those of the inflammatory or hyperproliferative type such as skin cancers, psoriasis, fibrosis, and wound healing, are reported to be associated with aberrant CAV-1 expression. In this review, we have explored CAV-1 involvement in skin physiology and skin diseases.
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6
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Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate systemic sclerosis by inhibiting the recruitment of pathogenic macrophages. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:466. [DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a recalcitrant autoimmune disease for which there is no cure. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based treatment has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for several autoimmune diseases. Previously, we found that the immunoregulatory potential of MSCs can be greatly enhanced by IFN-γ and TNF-α. Here, we found that IFN-γ- and TNF-α-pretreated MSCs significantly alleviated skin fibrosis in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc model. Macrophages were found to be the predominant profibrotic immune cell population in the pathogenesis of SSc. The accumulation of macrophages was significantly decreased by MSC treatment. Importantly, MSCs primarily reduced the population of maturing macrophages with high CCR2 expression by inhibiting the generation of CCL2 from fibroblasts and macrophages. This finding may help to improve MSC-based clinical treatments for SSc patients.
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Sawamura S, Makino K, Ide M, Shimada S, Kajihara I, Makino T, Jinnin M, Fukushima S. Elevated Alpha 1(I) to Alpha 2(I) Collagen Ratio in Dermal Fibroblasts Possibly Contributes to Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126811. [PMID: 35743254 PMCID: PMC9224560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the skin and internal organs. Activated fibroblasts are the key effector cells for the overproduction of type I collagen, which comprises the α1(I) and α2(I) chains encoded by COL1A1 and COL1A2, respectively. In this study, we examined the expression patterns of α1(I) and α2(I) collagen in SSc fibroblasts, as well as their co-regulation with each other. The relative expression ratio of COL1A1 to COL1A2 in SSc fibroblasts was significantly higher than that in control fibroblasts. The same result was observed for type I collagen protein levels, indicating that α2(I) collagen is more elevated than α2(I) collagen. Inhibition or overexpression of α1(I) collagen in control fibroblasts affected the α2(I) collagen levels, suggesting that α1(I) collagen might act as an upstream regulator of α2(I) collagen. The local injection of COL1A1 small interfering RNA in a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model was found to attenuate skin fibrosis. Overall, our data indicate that α2(I) collagen is a potent regulator of type I collagen in SSc; further investigations of the overall regulatory mechanisms of type I collagen may help understand the aberrant collagen metabolism in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Sawamura
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Katsunari Makino
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maho Ide
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Shuichi Shimada
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Ikko Kajihara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Takamitsu Makino
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of Dermatology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Fukushima
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan; (S.S.); (M.I.); (S.S.); (I.K.); (T.M.); (S.F.)
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8
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Takamura N, Renaud L, da Silveira WA, Feghali-Bostwick C. PDGF Promotes Dermal Fibroblast Activation via a Novel Mechanism Mediated by Signaling Through MCHR1. Front Immunol 2021; 12:745308. [PMID: 34912333 PMCID: PMC8667318 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.745308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and excessive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. To this day, no effective treatments to prevent the progression of fibrosis exist, and SSc patients have disabilities and reduced life expectancy. The need to better understand pathways that drive SSc and to find therapeutic targets is urgent. RNA sequencing data from SSc dermal fibroblasts suggested that melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1), one of the G protein-coupled receptors regulating emotion and energy metabolism, is abnormally deregulated in SSc. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB stimulation upregulated MCHR1 mRNA and protein levels in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), and MCHR1 silencing prevented the PDGF-BB-induced expression of the profibrotic factors transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). PDGF-BB bound MCHR1 in membrane fractions of NHDF, and the binding was confirmed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). MCHR1 inhibition blocked PDGF-BB modulation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). MCHR1 silencing in NHDF reduced PDGF-BB signaling. In summary, MCHR1 promoted the fibrotic response in NHDF through modulation of TGFβ1 and CTGF production, intracellular cAMP levels, and PDGF-BB-induced signaling pathways, suggesting that MCHR1 plays an important role in mediating the response to PDGF-BB and in the pathogenesis of SSc. Inhibition of MCHR1 should be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy in SSc-associated fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Takamura
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Willian Abraham da Silveira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Feghali-Bostwick
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Han Y, Jiang M, He R, Lv X, Liao X, He Y, Zhang F, Long L, Jiang G, Peng Z, Tao L, Hu G, Meng J. Mefunidone Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713572. [PMID: 34630088 PMCID: PMC8499630 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most common and devastating interstitial lung diseases with poor prognosis. Currently, few effective drugs are available for IPF. Hence, we sought to explore the role of mefunidone (MFD), a newly synthesized drug developed by our team, in lung fibrosis. In this study, MFD was found to attenuate bleomycin (BLM) -induced lung fibrosis and inflammation in mice according to Ashcroft and alveolitis scoring. The protein contents and total cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids of BLM-treated mice were also lowered by MFD. Moreover, the elevation of TGF-β/Smad2 and phosphorylation of MAPK pathways was repressed by MFD. Additionally, MFD attenuated the swelling and vacuolization of mitochondria, lowered the ratio of apoptotic cells, restored the mitochondrial membrane potential, and reversed the expression of cleaved-caspase 3, Bcl-2 and Bax. Meanwhile, the level of epithelial marker, E-cadherin, was restored by MFD, while the levels of mesenchymal markers such as Snail and vimentin were down-regulated by MFD. Besides, MFD inhibited the expression of fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin in TGF-β treated normal human lung fibroblasts. Thus, our findings suggested that MFD could ameliorate lung fibrosis, cell apoptosis and EMT potentially via suppression of TGF-β/Smad2 and MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mao Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Rongling He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohua Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijun He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingzhi Long
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Guoliang Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
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10
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Li M, Zhang HP, Wang XY, Chen ZG, Lin XF, Zhu W. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Ameliorate Dermal Fibrosis in a Murine Model of Bleomycin-Induced Scleroderma. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:981-990. [PMID: 34428952 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0112] [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] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising therapeutic strategy for scleroderma. Exosomes derived from MSCs (MSC-exosomes) possess functional properties similar to those of their source cells. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of MSC-exosomes in the treatment of scleroderma. MSC-exosomes were isolated from human umbilical cords through ultracentrifugation and characterized. An experimental fibrosis model was established in BALB/c mice by a subcutaneous injection of bleomycin, followed by treatment with MSC-exosomes or MSC infusions once a week for a total of four doses. Using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry, hydroxyproline content, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses, we investigated the effects of MSC-exosomes on dermal fibrosis and explored the underlying mechanism. MSC-exosome treatment restored the dermal architecture, reduced dermal thickness, and partially increased subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. In addition, MSC-exosomes inhibited the expression of collagen (COL)-I, COL-III, and α-smooth muscle actin. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling pathway was also suppressed in MSC-exosome-treated mice. Taken together, our results suggest that MSC-exosomes can attenuate myofibroblast activation and collagen deposition in dermal fibrosis by downregulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Therefore, the use of MSC-exosomes may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Ping Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Yao Wang
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Fei Lin
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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11
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Koçak A, Köken Avşar A, Harmancı D, Akdoğan G, Birlik AM. A preliminary study of possible fibrotic role of meprin metalloproteases in scleroderma patients. Arch Rheumatol 2021; 36:510-517. [PMID: 35382369 PMCID: PMC8957771 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2021.8581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the possible fibrotic role of meprin metalloproteases and possible fibrotic effects of activator protein-1 (AP-1) in scleroderma patients. Patients and methods
Between April 2018 and April 2019, a total of 85 scleroderma patients (9 males, 76 females; mean age: 54.9 years; range, 22 to 80 years) who met the 2013 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria and 80 healthy control individuals (10 males, 70 females; mean age 42.9 years; range, 19 to 65 years) were included. Patients’ data and blood samples were collected. Messenger ribonucleic acid expressions of interleukin (IL)-6, AP-1 subunits, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Serum meprin alpha and beta protein levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results
Meprin alpha and meprin beta protein levels increased in scleroderma patients. The AP-1 subunits (c-Fos, c-Jun), IL-6, and TNF-α increased in scleroderma patients, compared to controls. Conclusion
Our results provide evidence showing that increased meprins levels may be related to AP-1 levels and increased meprins levels may responsible for increased inflammatory TNF-α and IL-6 levels. All these data suggest meprins as promising therapeutic targets to restore the balance between inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition in scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Koçak
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aydan Köken Avşar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Duygu Harmancı
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gül Akdoğan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Izmir University of Economics, Izmir, Turkey
| | - A. Merih Birlik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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12
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DiNicolantonio JJ, McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Assanga S, Lujan LML, O'Keefe JH. A nutraceutical strategy for downregulating TGFβ signalling: prospects for prevention of fibrotic disorders, including post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Open Heart 2021; 8:openhrt-2021-001663. [PMID: 33879509 PMCID: PMC8061562 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James J DiNicolantonio
- Preventive Cardiology, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Assanga
- Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies in Food, University of Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
| | | | - James H O'Keefe
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Saint Lukes Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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13
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Chen TT, Xiao F, Li N, Shan S, Qi M, Wang ZY, Zhang SN, Wei W, Sun WY. Inflammasome as an Effective Platform for Fibrosis Therapy. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:1575-1590. [PMID: 33907438 PMCID: PMC8069677 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s304180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final stage of the development of chronic inflammation. It is characterized by excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix, leading to tissue structure damage and organ dysfunction, which is a serious threat to human health and life. However, the molecular mechanism of fibrosis is still unclear. Inflammasome is a molecular complex of proteins that has been becoming a key innate sensor for host immunity and is involved in pyroptosis, pathogen infection, metabolic syndrome, cellular stress, and tumor metastasis. Inflammasome signaling and downstream cytokine responses mediated by the inflammasome have been found to play an important role in fibrosis. The inflammasome regulates the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18, which are both critical for the process of fibrosis. Recently, researches on the function of inflammasome have attracted extensive attention, and data derived from these researches have increased our understanding of the effects and regulation of inflammasome during fibrosis. In this review, we emphasize the growing evidence for both indirect and direct effects of inflammasomes in triggering fibrosis as well as potential novel targets for antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Chen
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xiao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Li
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Shan
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Qi
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Nan Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu-Yi Sun
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, People's Republic of China
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14
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Fukui Y, Nakamura K, Hirabayashi M, Miyagawa T, Toyama S, Omatsu J, Awaji K, Ikawa T, Norimatsu Y, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. Serum vasohibin-1 levels: A potential marker of dermal and pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:951-958. [PMID: 33682189 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vasohibin-1 (VASH-1) is a potent anti-angiogenic factor mainly produced by endothelial cells. In addition, VASH-1 prevents TGF-β-dependent activation of renal fibroblasts. Since systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and fibrosis of multiple organs, VASH-1 may be involved in the development of this disease. In this study, we investigated the potential role of VASH-1 in SSc by evaluating the clinical correlation between serum VASH-1 levels and the expression of VASH-1 in SSc-involved skin. Serum VASH-1 levels were higher in SSc patients, especially those with diffuse cutaneous involvement, than in healthy controls and positively correlated with skin score. Furthermore, SSc patients with interstitial lung disease had significantly elevated levels of serum VASH-1 as compared to those without. Importantly, serum VASH-1 levels correlated inversely with both the percentage of predicted vital capacity and the percentage of predicted diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide and positively with serum KL-6 levels, but not serum surfactant protein D levels. In SSc-involved skin, VASH1 mRNA was remarkably upregulated compared with healthy control skin, but the major source of VASH-1 was not clear. Fli1 deficiency, a predisposing factor inducing SSc-like endothelial properties, did not affect VASH-1 expression in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. Collectively, these results suggest that VASH-1 upregulation in the skin and sera is linked to dermal and pulmonary fibrotic changes in SSc, while the contribution of VASH-1 to SSc vasculopathy seems to be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Fukui
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Hirabayashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Miyagawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Omatsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Awaji
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ikawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Norimatsu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Ou SC, Bai KJ, Cheng WH, Chen JY, Lin CH, Wen HC, Chen BC. TGF-β Induced CTGF Expression in Human Lung Epithelial Cells through ERK, ADAM17, RSK1, and C/EBPβ Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239084. [PMID: 33260349 PMCID: PMC7731197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung epithelial cells play critical roles in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: In the present study, we investigated whether transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was regulated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17)/ribosomal S6 kinases 1 (RSK1)/CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) signaling pathway in human lung epithelial cells (A549). Results: Our results revealed that TGF-β-induced CTGF expression was weakened by ADAM17 small interfering RNA (ADAM17 siRNA), TNF-α processing inhibitor-0 (TAPI-0, an ADAM17 inhibitor), U0126 (an ERK inhibitor), RSK1 siRNA, and C/EBPβ siRNA. TGF-β-induced ERK phosphorylation as well as ADAM17 phosphorylation was attenuated by U0126. The TGF-β-induced increase in RSK1 phosphorylation was inhibited by TAPI-0 and U0126. TGF-β-induced C/EBPβ phosphorylation was weakened by U0126, ADAM17 siRNA, and RSK1 siRNA. In addition, TGF-β increased the recruitment of C/EBPβ to the CTGF promoter. Furthermore, TGF-β enhanced fibronectin (FN), an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, and CTGF mRNA levels and reduced E-cadherin mRNA levels. Moreover, TGF-β-stimulated FN protein expression was reduced by ADAM17 siRNA and CTGF siRNA. Conclusion: The results suggested that TGF-β induces CTGF expression through the ERK/ADAM17/RSK1/C/EBPβ signaling pathway. Moreover, ADAM17 and CTGF participate in TGF-β-induced FN expression in human lung epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ching Ou
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (K.-J.B.); (H.-C.W.)
| | - Kuan-Jen Bai
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (K.-J.B.); (H.-C.W.)
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Wun-Hao Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (W.-H.C.); (J.-Y.C.); (C.-H.L.)
- Respiratory Therapy, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yun Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (W.-H.C.); (J.-Y.C.); (C.-H.L.)
| | - Chien-Huang Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (W.-H.C.); (J.-Y.C.); (C.-H.L.)
| | - Heng-Ching Wen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (K.-J.B.); (H.-C.W.)
| | - Bing-Chang Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (S.-C.O.); (K.-J.B.); (H.-C.W.)
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; (W.-H.C.); (J.-Y.C.); (C.-H.L.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-27361661; Fax: +886-2-27391143
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16
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Aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling activation in systemic sclerosis attenuates collagen production and is a potential antifibrotic target. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106886. [PMID: 32799115 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease that often leads to fibrosis of multiple organs, and there are no effective treatments. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a highly evolutionarily conserved transcription factor activated by endogenous and exogenous ligands and that regulate cell proliferation, tumorigenesis and immune balance. Recently, it have reported AhR signaling may participate in fibrosis process, usually consider as a negative regulator of TGF-β. However, the detailed relationship between AhR and SSc has not been reported yet. Here we firstly found that AhR and CYP1A1 downregulated in SSc fibroblast(n = 6). The AhR ligand-Ficz negatively regulates TGF-β1, COL1A1 and α-SMA expression, also enhances the MMP-1 expression via the AhR signaling activation. Conversely the AhR antagonist CH223191 could inhibit this effect. Furthermore, the antifibrosis effect of AhR signaling activation was also confirmed in bleomycin induced scleroderma mouse model. In conclusion, AhR signaling activation balances the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and deposition, which may provide a new sight to the pathogenesis of SSc and AhR signaling activation may be a potential therapy for SSc.
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17
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Doskaliuk B, Zaiats L, Yatsyshyn R, Gerych P, Cherniuk N, Zimba O. Pulmonary involvement in systemic sclerosis: exploring cellular, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1555-1569. [PMID: 32715342 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04658-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic progressive autoimmune disease characterized by immune inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. There are still numerous uncertainties in the understanding of disease initiation and progression. Pulmonary involvement in SSc, and particularly pulmonary fibrosis, is critical for all organ systems affections in this disease. This review is aimed to describe and analyze new findings in the pathophysiology of SSc-associated pulmonary involvement and to explore perspective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. A myriad of cellular interactions is explored in the dynamics of progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in SSc. The role of exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies is examined and the impact of micro and long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification in SSc is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdana Doskaliuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. .,Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine.
| | - Liubomyr Zaiats
- Department of Pathophysiology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Halytska Str. 2, Ivano-Frankivsk, 76000, Ukraine
| | - Roman Yatsyshyn
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Petro Gerych
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Nataliia Cherniuk
- Academician Ye. M. Neiko Department of Internal Medicine #1, Clinical Immunology and Allergology, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Internal Medicine #2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
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18
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Ly TD, Plümers R, Fischer B, Schmidt V, Hendig D, Kuhn J, Knabbe C, Faust I. Activin A-Mediated Regulation of XT-I in Human Skin Fibroblasts. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E609. [PMID: 32295230 PMCID: PMC7226200 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a fundamental feature of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components like proteoglycans (PG) or collagens in skin and internal organs. Serum analysis from SSc patients showed an increase in the enzyme activity of xylosyltransferase (XT), the initial enzyme in PG biosynthesis. There are two distinct XT isoforms-XT-I and XT-II-in humans, but until now only XT-I is associated with fibrotic remodelling for an unknown reason. The aim of this study was to identify new XT mediators and clarify the underlying mechanisms, in view of developing putative therapeutic anti-fibrotic interventions in the future. Therefore, we used different cytokines and growth factors, small molecule inhibitors as well as small interfering RNAs, and assessed the cellular XT activity and XYLT1 expression in primary human dermal fibroblasts by radiochemical activity assays and qRT-PCR. We identified a new function of activin A as a regulator of XYLT1 mRNA expression and XT activity. While the activin A-induced XT-I increase was found to be mediated by activin A receptor type 1B, MAPK and Smad pathways, the activin A treatment did not alter the XYLT2 expression. Furthermore, we observed a reciprocal regulation of XYLT1 and XYLT2 transcription after inhibition of the activin A pathway components. These results improve the understanding of the differential expression regulation of XYLT isoforms under pathological fibroproliferative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Isabel Faust
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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19
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Liu H, Gao F, Liang X, Chen X, Qu Y, Wang L. Pathogenesis and Development of Patellar Tendon Fibrosis in a Rabbit Overuse Model. Am J Sports Med 2020; 48:1141-1150. [PMID: 32074471 DOI: 10.1177/0363546520902447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of patellar tendon fibrosis caused by overuse remains unclear. In an effort to further investigate effective treatments for patellar tendon fibrosis attributed to overuse, it is necessary to construct a reliable animal model. PURPOSE A rabbit patellar tendon fibrosis model was developed with the use of electrical stimulation to induce jumping. The pathogenesis and development of patellar tendon fibrosis were subsequently investigated with this model. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS A total of 32 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into a jumping group and a control group. Rabbits in the control group did not receive any treatment, while those in the jumping group jumped 150 times daily, 5 days per week. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the initiation of treatment, the patellar tendons of 4 rabbits from each group were harvested and subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The influence of jumping training on the expressions of histology- and fibrosis-related factors in the patellar tendon was assessed. RESULTS The histological changes of patellar tendon fibrosis in the jumping group were most pronounced at 4 weeks. When compared with the control group at corresponding time points, the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1, CTGF, COL-I, and COL-III were upregulated significantly in the patellar tendon after jumping training for 4 weeks (P < .05). Intragroup comparison at different time points indicated that the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-β1, COL-I, and COL-III were the highest at 4 weeks in the jumping group (P < .01). CONCLUSION It was found that patellar tendon fibrosis occurred because of overuse and the peak changes occurred at 4 weeks. Jumping load increased the secretions of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in the patellar tendon, with CTGF upregulation and higher synthesis of COL-I and COL-III, which were considered the pathogenesis of fibrosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study simulated the effects of jumping load on tendon fibrosis at different time points. Moreover, the time course relationship between jumping training and patellar tendon fibrosis in the rabbit model was determined, which provided a new animal model for the study of patellar tendon fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Liu
- School of Physical Education, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,School of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- National Institute of Sports Medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xiaolan Chen
- School of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Nanjing Tiyi Sports Health Management Co, Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China
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20
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Ly TD, Riedel L, Fischer B, Schmidt V, Hendig D, Distler J, Kuhn J, Knabbe C, Faust I. microRNA-145 mediates xylosyltransferase-I induction in myofibroblasts via suppression of transcription factor KLF4. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 523:1001-1006. [PMID: 31973816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Remodelling of the extracellular matrix by myofibroblasts is crucial for wound repair, but if deregulated, it might contribute to the development of fibrosis. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation is promoted by aberrant microRNA-145-5p (miR-145) expression in response to transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). One of several myofibroblast markers is human xylosyltransferase-I (XT-I), which is the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of proteoglycan biosynthesis. Increased serum XT activity was quantified in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), but the underlying cellular mechanism of this disease remains unknown. This study aims to determine the underlying molecular basis of XT-I induction by considering the miR-mediated regulation of XT-I. We found that miR-145 is upregulated in TGFβ1-treated dermal fibroblasts and correlates with an increased cellular XYLT1 expression and XT activity. Overexpression of miR-145 in dermal fibroblasts induced XYLT1 expression and XT activity and enhanced TGFβ1-promoted XT activity increase. Since direct XYLT1 3'-UTR targeting by miR-145 could be experimentally excluded, an indirect effect of miR-145 on XT-I regulation was indicated. We identified six transcription factor-binding sites for Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a zinc-finger transcription regulator and putative miR-145 target, in the XYLT1 promoter in silico. A suppressive role of KLF4 on XYLT1 expression was confirmed by targeted gene silencing in dermal fibroblasts and the quantification of KLF4 expression in SSc fibroblasts. Taken together, this study improves the mechanistic understanding of fibrotic remodelling in SSc by identifying a hitherto unknown miR-145/KLF4 pathway mediating the fibrogenic XT-I induction. This knowledge on XYLT1 may lead to the development of novel approaches in the therapy of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh-Diep Ly
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Lara Riedel
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Bastian Fischer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Schmidt
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Doris Hendig
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Jörg Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joachim Kuhn
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Isabel Faust
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Georgstraße 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
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21
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Qiu Y, Gao Y, Yu D, Zhong L, Cai W, Ji J, Geng F, Tang G, Zhang H, Cao J, Zhang J, Zhang S. Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals Zinc Transporter ZIP9 Regulated by DNA Methylation Promotes Radiation-Induced Skin Fibrosis via the TGF-β Signaling Pathway. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:94-102.e7. [PMID: 31254515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced skin fibrosis is a detrimental and chronic disorder that occurs after radiation exposure. DNA methylation has been characterized as an important regulatory mechanism of multiple pathological processes. In this study, we compared the genome-wide DNA methylation status in radiation-induced fibrotic skin and adjacent normal tissues of rats by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing. Radiation-induced fibrotic skin showed differentially methylated regions associated with 3,650 protein-coding genes, 72 microRNAs, 5,836 long noncoding RNAs and 3 piwi-interacting RNAs. By integrating the mRNA and methylation profiles, the zinc transporter SLC39A9/ZIP9 was investigated in greater detail. The protein level of ZIP9 was increased in irradiated skin tissues of humans, monkeys, and rats, especially in radiogenic fibrotic skin tissues. Radiation induced the demethylation of a CpG dinucleotide in exon 1 of ZIP9 that resulted in recruitment of the transcriptional factor Sp1 and increased ZIP9 expression. Overexpression of ZIP9 resulted in activation of the profibrotic transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway through protein kinase B in human fibroblasts. In addition, radiation-induced skin fibrosis was associated with increased zinc accumulation. The zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,2-ethylenediamine abrogated ZIP9-induced activation of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway and attenuated radiation-induced skin fibrosis in a rat model. In summary, our findings illustrate epigenetic regulation of ZIP9 and its critical role in promoting radiation-induced skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyou Qiu
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiying Gao
- State Key Lab of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Daojiang Yu
- State Key Lab of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li Zhong
- State Key Lab of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Weichao Cai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiang Ji
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fenghao Geng
- Radiation Medicine Department of Institute of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guangyu Tang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huojun Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Cao
- State Key Lab of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Radiation Medicine Department of Institute of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- State Key Lab of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, China; West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China.
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22
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Kanemaru M, Asai J, Jo JI, Arita T, Kawai-Ohnishi M, Tsutsumi M, Wada M, Tabata Y, Katoh N. Nanoparticle-mediated local delivery of pioglitazone attenuates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. J Dermatol Sci 2018; 93:41-49. [PMID: 30655107 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoparticle-loaded delivery systems have attracted much attention recently. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most successful biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications. There are only a few studies on the treatment of dermal fibrosis with sustained-release drugs. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) plays an important role in endogenous anti-fibrotic defense mechanisms. Recent studies have suggested that pioglitazone, a synthetic PPAR-γ activator, has effects beyond reducing blood sugar and it can reduce fibrosis and inflammation when used systemically. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the effects of local injections of pioglitazone-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (PGN-NP) on an experimental sclerosis and to demonstrate the in vivo pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered PLGA nanoparticles. METHODS Locally injectable PGN-NP were prepared and subcutaneously administered to bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma model mice. The effect of pioglitazone was also evaluated with cultured fibroblasts. Coumarin-6-loaded fluorescent PLGA nanoparticles (FL-NP) and silicon naphthalocyanine-loaded near-infrared PLGA nanoparticles (NIR-NP) were used to demonstrate in vitro cellular uptake by cultured fibroblasts and the in vivo pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered nanoparticles. RESULTS Weekly subcutaneous injections of PGN-NP attenuated skin fibrosis in BLM-induced scleroderma model mice. Pioglitazone significantly suppressed migration ability and TGF-β-mediated myofibroblast differentiation in cultured fibroblasts. FL-NP were internalized into cultured fibroblasts within 60 min, and PGN-NP-primed fibroblasts expressed anti-fibrotic phenotypes. Subcutaneously injected NIR-NP remained in the vicinity of the injection site more than non-particulate silicon naphthalocyanine. CONCLUSION These results provide a basis for the development of new treatments for dermal fibrosis and a better understanding of the potential of PLGA nanoparticles in dermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Kanemaru
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan; Laboratory of Biomaterials, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jun Asai
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Jun-Ichiro Jo
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arita
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Minako Kawai-Ohnishi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Miho Tsutsumi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Wada
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tabata
- Laboratory of Biomaterials, Department of Regeneration Science and Engineering, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Norito Katoh
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
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23
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Zhong L, Hao H, Chen D, Hou Q, Zhu Z, He W, Sun S, Sun M, Li M, Fu X. Arsenic trioxide inhibits the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts through nuclear factor erythroid 2‐like 2 (NFE2L2) protein and the Smad2/3 pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:2606-2617. [PMID: 30317545 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Zhong
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Haojie Hao
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Deyun Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Qian Hou
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Ziying Zhu
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Wenjun He
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Sujing Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Mengli Sun
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
| | - Meirong Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
- Central Laboratory, Trauma Treatment Center, Central Laboratory, Chinese PLA General Hospital Hainan BranchSanya China
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Science, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijing China
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24
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Sawamura S, Jinnin M, Inoue K, Yamane K, Honda N, Kajihara I, Makino T, Masuguchi S, Fukushima S, Ihn H. Regulatory mechanisms of collagen expression by interleukin-22 signaling in scleroderma fibroblasts. J Dermatol Sci 2018; 90:52-59. [PMID: 29336866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various cytokines have been indicated to be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). IL-22 is one of the member of IL-10 cytokine family, and several studies have implicated IL-22 signaling in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. OBJECTIVES To clarify the role of IL-22 in the regulatory mechanism of ECM expression and to determine the contribution of IL-22 to the phenotype of SSc. METHODS The effect of IL-22 on ECM expression in normal fibroblasts was determined by using PCR array, real-time PCR and immunoblotting. microRNA expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. The expression levels of IL-22 in the skin and sera were determined by using immunohistochemical staining and ELISA. RESULTS IL-22 significantly increased the expression of type I collagen protein without changing its mRNA levels in cultured normal human dermal fibroblast. The expression of let-7a, one of the microRNAs which have negative effect on type I collagen expression, was significantly decreased by the treatment with IL-22 in dermal fibroblasts. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of IL-22 between SSc patients and control subjects. However, the expression of IL-22 was detected in the infiltrated lymphocytes in the SSc dermis, but not in normal dermis. IL-22 receptors were expressed in both normal and SSc dermal fibroblasts to the similar extent. CONCLUSION IL-22 expressed in infiltrated lymphocytes may stimulate the up-regulation of type I collagen protein in dermal fibroblasts via let-7a down-regulation in SSc skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Sawamura
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Kuniko Inoue
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Keitaro Yamane
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Honda
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ikko Kajihara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Makino
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinichi Masuguchi
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukushima
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ihn
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, Japan
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Hong HN, Shim JH, Won YJ, Yoo JY, Hwang CH. Therapeutic time window for the effects of erythropoietin on astrogliosis and neurite outgrowth in an in vitro model of spinal cord injury. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e9913. [PMID: 29489692 PMCID: PMC5851719 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000009913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms and the therapeutic time window for preventing astrogliosis with erythropoietin (EPO) treatment after in vitro modeled spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS Cultured rat spinal cord astrocytes were treated with kainate and scratching to generate an in vitro model of SCI. EPO (100U/mL or 300U/mL) was added immediately or 2, 4, or 8 hours after injury. Some cultures were also treated with AG490, an inhibitor of the EPO-EPO receptor (EpoR) pathway mediator Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). To evaluate neurite extension, rat embryonic spinal cord neurons were seeded onto astrocyte cultures and treated with EPO immediately after injury in the presence or absence of anti-EpoR antibody. RESULTS EPO treatment at up to 8 hours after injury reduced the expression of axonal growth inhibiting molecules (glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan), cytoskeletal regulatory proteins (Rho-associated protein kinase and ephephrin A4), and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, and phosphorylated-Smad3) in a dosedependent manner (P < .001). Most effects peaked with EPO treatment 2-4hours after injury. Additionally, EPO treatment up to 4 hours after injury promoted expression of the EpoR (>2-fold) and JAK2 (>3-fold) in a dose-dependent manner (P < .001), whereas co-treatment with AG490 precluded these effects (P < .001). EPO treatment up to 4hours after injury also enhanced axonal b-III tubulin-immunoreactivity (>12-fold), and this effect was precluded by co-treatment with an anti-EpoR antibody (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS EPO treatment within 8 hours after injury reduced astrogliosis, and EPO treatment within 4 hours promoted neurite outgrowth. EPO therapy immediately after spinal cord injury may regulate glia to generate an environment permissive of axonal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jong Yoon Yoo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Asan Medical Center
| | - Chang Ho Hwang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
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Koh EK, Kim JE, Song SH, Sung JE, Lee HA, Kim KS, Hong JT, Hwang DY. Ethanol extracts collected from the Styela clava tunic alleviate hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) through inhibition of hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. J Toxicol Pathol 2017; 30:291-306. [PMID: 29097839 PMCID: PMC5660951 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2017-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Styela clava tunic (SCT) is known as a good raw material for preparing anti-inflammatory compounds, wound healing films, guided bone regeneration, and food additives. To investigate whether ethanol extracts of the SCT (EtSCT) could protect against hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in ICR mice, alterations in serum biochemical indicators, histopathology, hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were observed in ICR mice pretreated with EtSCT for 5 days before CCl4 injection. EtSCT contained 15.6 mg/g of flavonoid and 37.5 mg/g phenolic contents with high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (93.3%) and metal chelation activity (46.5%). The EtSCT+CCl4-treated groups showed decreased levels of ALT, LDH, and AST, indicating toxicity and a necrotic area in the liver, while the level of ALP remained constant. The formation of active caspase-3 and enhancement of Bax/Bcl-2 expression was effectively inhibited in the EtSCT+CCl4-treated groups. Furthermore, the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the phosphorylation of p38 in the TNF-α downstream signaling pathway rapidly recovered in the EtSCT+CCl4-treated groups. The EtSCT+CCl4-treated groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic fibrosis markers including collagen accumulation, MMP-2 expression, TGF-β1 concentration, and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Moreover, a significant decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression were observed in the EtSCT+CCl4-treated groups. Taken together, these results indicate that EtSCT can protect against hepatic injury induced by CCl4-derived reactive intermediates through the suppression of hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyoung Koh
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Hwa Song
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Sung
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ah Lee
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50463, Republic of Korea
| | - Kil Soo Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Youn Hwang
- College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, 1268-50 Samnangjin-ro, Samnangjin-eup, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 50463, Republic of Korea
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27
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Celik A, Birer MN, Kilinc M. Serum prolidase activity in systemic sclerosis. Clin Rheumatol 2017; 36:1827-1832. [PMID: 28534076 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-017-3677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a complex systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that targets the vasculature and connective tissue-producing cells and components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The disease is characterized by a hardening of the skin and an increased synthesis of collagen . Prolidase is a specific imidodipeptidase involved in collagen degradation. The aim of this study was to search the serum prolidase activity (SPA) in the two subtypes of systemic sclerosis: diffuse and limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. For this purpose, 35 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (24 diffuse and 11 limited) and 41 healthy control subjects were included in the study. SPA was determined using Myara's method, which is a modification of Chinard's method. SPA did not differ between the scleroderma patients and controls (p = 0.467). However, SPA was significantly lower in diffuse form than in both limited form and control subjects (p = 0.021 and p = 0.024, respectively). SPA also did not differ between the limited form and control subjects (p = 0.145). Scleroderma is characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and tissue fibrosis due to the reduced collagen degradation. SPA is reduced in scleroderma patients, especially in diffuse form. Circulating autoantibodies, oxidative stress, and decreased physical activity may contribute to this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Celik
- Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
| | - Muhammed Nur Birer
- Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
| | - Metin Kilinc
- Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey
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Sawamura S, Jinnin M, Shimbara M, Nakamura K, Kudo H, Inoue K, Nakayama W, Kajihara I, Fukushima S, Ihn H. Serum levels of genomic DNA of α1(I) collagen are elevated in scleroderma patients. J Dermatol 2017; 44:927-931. [PMID: 28370352 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.13838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that various nucleic acids are present in human sera, and attracted attention for their potential as novel disease markers in many human diseases. In this study, we tried to evaluate the possibility that DNA and RNA of collagens exist in human sera, and determined whether their serum levels can be useful biomarkers in scleroderma patients. The RNA or DNA of collagens were purified from sera, and detected by polymerase chain reaction or quantitated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Among approximately 18 360 bases of full-length α1(I) collagen DNA, various regions were detected by polymerase chain reaction in human sera. However, α2(I) collagen DNA, α1(I) collagen RNA or α2(I) collagen RNA were not detectable. α1(I) Collagen DNA in sera was quantitative using our method. The levels of serum α1(I) collagen DNA were significantly increased in scleroderma patients compared with healthy control subjects or systemic lupus erythematosus patients. According to the receiver-operator curve analysis, serum α1(I) collagen DNA levels were shown to be effective as a diagnostic marker of scleroderma. Furthermore, when we determined the association of serum α1(I) collagen DNA levels with clinical/laboratory features in scleroderma patients, those with elevated α1(I) collagen DNA levels showed significantly higher prevalence of pitting scars/ulcers. In summary, elevation of serum α1(I) collagen DNA levels in scleroderma patients may be useful as the diagnostic marker, reflecting the presence of vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soichiro Sawamura
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Miki Shimbara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kayo Nakamura
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Kudo
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kuniko Inoue
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Wakana Nakayama
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ikko Kajihara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukushima
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ihn
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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Song SH, Seong KY, Kim JE, Go J, Koh EK, Sung JE, Son HJ, Jung YJ, Kim HS, Hong JT, Hwang DY. Effects of different cellulose membranes regenerated from Styela clava tunics on wound healing. Int J Mol Med 2017; 39:1173-1187. [PMID: 28339010 PMCID: PMC5403385 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of three different cellulose membranes (CMs) manufactured from Styela clava tunics (SCTs) on the healing of cutaneous wounds. We examined the physical properties and therapeutic effects of three CMs regenerated from SCTs (referred to as SCT- CMs), including normal CM (SCT-CM), freeze-dried SCT-CM (FSCT-CM) and sodium alginate-supplemented SCT-CM (ASCT-CM) on skin regeneration and angiogenesis using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. FSCT-CM exhibited an outstanding interlayered structure, a high tensile strength (1.64 MPa), low elongation (28.59%) and a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) compared with the other SCT-CMs, although the fluid uptake rate was maintained at a medium level. In the SD rats with surgically wounded skin, the wound area and score of wound edge were lower in the FSCT-CM-treated group than in the gauze (GZ)-treated group on days 3–6 and 12–14. In addition, a significant attenuation in the histopathological changes was observed in the FSCT-CM-treated group. Furthermore, the expression level of collagen-1 and the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were significantly stimulated by the topical application of FSCT-CM. However, no signs of toxicity were detected in the livers or kidneys of the three SCT-CM-treated groups. Overall, our data indicate that the FSCT-CM may accelerate the process of wound healing in the surgically wounded skin of SD rats through the regulation of angiogenesis and connective tissue formation without inducing any specific toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hwa Song
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Keum Yong Seong
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Go
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Koh
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Sung
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Joo Son
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jin Jung
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- College of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Tae Hong
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Youn Hwang
- Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Natural Resources and Life Science/Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute, Pusan National University, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam‑do 627‑706, Republic of Korea
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Wei S, Xu C, Rychak JJ, Luong A, Sun Y, Yang Z, Li M, Liu C, Fu N, Yang B. Short Hairpin RNA Knockdown of Connective Tissue Growth Factor by Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction Improves Renal Fibrosis. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2016; 42:2926-2937. [PMID: 27597128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction transfer of interfering RNA against connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the kidney would ameliorate renal fibrosis in vivo. A short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting CTGF was cloned into a tool plasmid and loaded onto the surface of a cationic microbubble product. A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model in mice was used to evaluate the effect of CTGF knockdown. Mice were administered the plasmid-carrying microbubble intravenously, and ultrasound was applied locally to the obstructed kidney. Mice undergoing a sham UUO surgery and untreated UUO mice were used as disease controls, and mice administered plasmid alone, plasmid with ultrasound treatment and microbubbles and plasmid without ultrasound were used as treatment controls. Mice were treated once and then evaluated at day 14. CTGF in the kidney was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Expression of CTGF, transforming growth factor β1, α smooth muscle actin and type I collagen in the obstructed kidney was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The cohort treated with plasmid-carrying microbubbles and ultrasound exhibited reduced mRNA and protein expression of CTGF (p < 0.01). Furthermore, CTGF gene silencing decreased the interstitial deposition of transforming growth factor β1, α smooth muscle actin and type I collagen as assessed in immunohistochemistry, as well as reduced renal fibrosis in pathologic alterations (p < 0.01). No significant changes in target mRNA, protein expression or disease pathology were observed in the control cohorts. A single treatment of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction is able to deliver sufficient shRNA to inhibit the expression of CTGF and provide a meaningful reduction in disease severity. This technique may be a potential therapy for treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Wei
- Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chaoli Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | | | - Yu Sun
- Department of Pharmacological Study, Origin Biosciences, Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhijian Yang
- Department of Pharmacological Study, Origin Biosciences, Inc., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mingxia Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chunrui Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ninghua Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Yan H, Chen Y, Li L, Jiang J, Wu G, Zuo Y, Zhang JH, Feng H, Yan X, Liu F. Decorin alleviated chronic hydrocephalus via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF pathway after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats. Brain Res 2015; 1630:241-53. [PMID: 26556770 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hydrocephalus is one of the severe complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, there is no efficient treatment for the prevention of chronic hydrocephalus, partially due to poor understanding of underlying pathogenesis, subarachnoid fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) is a potent fibrogenic factor implicated in wide range of fibrotic diseases. To investigate whether decorin, a natural antagonist for TGF-β1, protects against subarachnoid fibrosis and chronic hydrocephalus after SAH, two-hemorrhage-injection SAH model was conducted in 6-week-old rats. Recombinant human decorin(rhDecorin) (30ug/2ul) was administered before blood injection and on the 10th day after SAH. TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I and pro-collagen I c-terminal propeptide were assessed via western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, radioimmunoassay and immunofluorescence. And neurobehavioral tests and Morris water maze were employed to evaluate long-term neurological functions after SAH. We found that SAH induced heightened activation of TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF axis, presenting as a two peak response of TGF-β1 in cerebrospinal fluid, elevation of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, CTGF, collagen I in brain parenchyma and pro-collagen I c-terminal propeptide in cerebrospinal fluid, and increased lateral ventricle index. rhDecorin treatment effectively inhibited up-regulation of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, CTGF, collagen I and pro-collagen I c-terminal propeptide after SAH. Moreover, rhDecorin treatment significantly reduced lateral ventricular index and incidence of chronic hydrocephalus after SAH. Importantly, rhDecorin improved neurocognitive deficits after SAH. In conclusion, rhDecorin suppresses extracellular matrix accumulation and following subarachnoid fibrosis via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF pathway, preventing development of hydrocephalus and attenuating long-term neurocognitive defects after SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingyong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiaode Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guangyong Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuchun Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Hua Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Fluorofenidone attenuates TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast activation via restoring the expression of caveolin-1. Shock 2015; 43:201-7. [PMID: 25394239 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000000273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Caveolin-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We previously showed that fluorofenidone (FD), a novel pyridine agent, can attenuate bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis and restore the production of caveolin-1. In this study, we explore mainly whether caveolin-1 plays a critical role in the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of FD in vitro. The normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) were cultured with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and then were treated with FD. Subsequently, NHLFs transfected with cav-1-siRNA were treated with TGF-β1 and/or FD. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen I, caveolin-1, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and phosphorylated P38 were measured by Western blot and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction. Fluorofenidone attenuated TGF-β1-induced expressions of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen I; inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38; and restored caveolin-1 protein expression but cannot increase caveolin-1 mRNA level in vitro. After caveolin-1 was silenced, FD could not downregulate TGF-β1-induced expressions of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen I or phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38. These studies demonstrate that FD, a potential antifibrotic agent, may attenuate TGF-β1-induced activation of NHLFs by restoring the expression of caveolin-1.
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Pharmacological Suppression of CNS Scarring by Deferoxamine Reduces Lesion Volume and Increases Regeneration in an In Vitro Model for Astroglial-Fibrotic Scarring and in Rat Spinal Cord Injury In Vivo. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26222542 PMCID: PMC4519270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lesion-induced scarring is a major impediment for regeneration of injured axons in the central nervous system (CNS). The collagen-rich glial-fibrous scar contains numerous axon growth inhibitory factors forming a regeneration-barrier for axons. We demonstrated previously that the combination of the iron chelator 2,2’-bipyridine-5,5’-decarboxylic acid (BPY-DCA) and 8-Br-cyclic AMP (cAMP) inhibits scar formation and collagen deposition, leading to enhanced axon regeneration and partial functional recovery after spinal cord injury. While BPY-DCA is not a clinical drug, the clinically approved iron chelator deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) may be a suitable alternative for anti-scarring treatment (AST). In order to prove the scar-suppressing efficacy of DFO we modified a recently published in vitro model for CNS scarring. The model comprises a co-culture system of cerebral astrocytes and meningeal fibroblasts, which form scar-like clusters when stimulated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We studied the mechanisms of TGF-β-induced CNS scarring and compared the efficiency of different putative pharmacological scar-reducing treatments, including BPY-DCA, DFO and cAMP as well as combinations thereof. We observed modulation of TGF-β-induced scarring at the level of fibroblast proliferation and contraction as well as specific changes in the expression of extracellular matrix molecules and axon growth inhibitory proteins. The individual and combinatorial pharmacological treatments had distinct effects on the cellular and molecular aspects of in vitro scarring. DFO could be identified as a putative anti-scarring treatment for CNS trauma. We subsequently validated this by local application of DFO to a dorsal hemisection in the rat thoracic spinal cord. DFO treatment led to significant reduction of scarring, slightly increased regeneration of corticospinal tract as well as ascending CGRP-positive axons and moderately improved locomotion. We conclude that the in vitro model for CNS scarring is suitable for efficient pre-screening and identification of putative scar-suppressing agents prior to in vivo application and validation, thus saving costs, time and laboratory animals.
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Altorok N, Kahaleh B. Epigenetics and systemic sclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 37:453-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disorder featured by vascular injury and fibrosis of the skin and various internal organs with autoimmune background. Although the pathogenesis of SSc still remains elusive, it is generally accepted that initial vascular injury due to autoimmunity and/or environmental factors causes structural and functional abnormalities of vasculature which eventually result in the constitutive activation of fibroblasts in various organs. Structural alterations consist of destructive vasculopathy (loss of small vessels) and proliferative obliterative vasculopathy (occlusion of arterioles and small arteries with fibro-proliferative change) caused by impaired compensatory vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Impaired function of SSc vasculature includes the altered expression of cell adhesion molecules predominantly inducing Th2 and Th17 cell infiltration, endothelial dysfunction primarily due to the low availability of nitric oxide, the activated endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition leading to fibro-proliferative vascular change and tissue fibrosis, and the impaired coagulation/fibrinolysis system promoting the formation of intravascular fibrin deposits. Recent new insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse and bosentan and the establishment of a new SSc animal model (Klf5 (+/-);Fli1 (+/-) mice) provide us useful clues to further understand the development of vascular alterations characteristic of SSc. This article overviewed the present understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc vasculopathy.
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Aspidin PB, a novel natural anti-fibrotic compound, inhibited fibrogenesis in TGF-β1-stimulated keloid fibroblasts via PI-3K/Akt and Smad signaling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2015; 238:66-73. [PMID: 26054450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that develops around a wound. The mechanisms of keloid formation and development still remain unknown, and no effective treatment is available. Searching for active natural resources may develop better prevention and treatment approaches for keloids. Aspidin PB is a natural resource with lower toxicity. We explored its effect on the regulation of TGF-β1-induced expression of type I collagen, CTGF, and α-SMA in keloid fibroblasts (KFs). Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of type I collagen, CTGF, α-SMA, PI-3K/Akt and Smad-dependent and Smad-independent signaling pathway. The effect of aspidin PB on cell viability in human keloid fibroblasts was measured by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide). The percentage of the apoptotic cells was studied by flow cytometry. Based on our results, we revealed that aspidin PB inhibited the production of type I collagen, CTGF, and α-SMA in TGF-β1-induced KFs by blocking PI-3K/Akt signaling pathway. The TGF-β1-mediated phosphorylated levels of Smad2/3 were inhibited by aspidin PB pretreatment. Conclusively, our study suggests that aspidin PB has an inhibitory effect on fibrogenesis in TGF-β1-induced KFs. Our findings imply that aspidin PB has a therapeutic potential to intervene and prevent keloids and other fibrotic diseases.
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Shafieian M, Chen S, Wu S. Integrin-linked kinase mediates CTGF-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in alveolar type II epithelial cells. Pediatr Res 2015; 77:520-7. [PMID: 25580742 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in alveolar type II epithelial (AT II) cells disrupts alveolar structure, causes interstitial fibrosis, and upregulates integrin-linked kinase (ILK). Whether CTGF-ILK signaling induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in AT II cells is unknown. METHODS Transgenic mice with targeted overexpression of CTGF in AT II cells were generated utilizing the surfactant protein C (SP-C) gene promoter and doxycycline-inducible system. AT II cells were isolated from 4-wk-old CTGF-overexpressing (CTGF+) mice and control littermates, and cultured on Matrigel. Cells were transfected with ILK siRNA, and cell morphology and expression of cell differentiation markers were analyzed. RESULTS The AT II cells from the control lungs grew in clusters and formed alveolar-like cysts and expressed SP-C. In contrast, the cells from CTGF+ lungs were spread and failed to form alveolar-like cysts. These cells expressed higher levels of CTGF, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin and vimentin, the mesenchymal markers, suggesting EMT-like changes. Transfection with ILK siRNA not only dramatically attenuated ILK expression, but also decreased α-SMA expression as well as reversed cell morphological changes in CTGF+ AT II cells. CONCLUSION Overexpression of CTGF induces EMT in mouse primary AT II cells and this is mediated by ILK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Shafieian
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Shaoyi Chen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Shu Wu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms in the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 63:61-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) functions as an immune suppressor by influencing immune cells' development, differentiation, tolerance induction and homeostasis. In human diseases, TGF-β has been revealed as an essential regulator of both innate and adaptive functions in autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in cancer by inhibiting immunosurveillance in the tumor-bearing host. A variety of TGF-β neutralizing anti-cancer therapies have been investigated based on the role of TGF-β in immunosuppression. New studies are focusing on combining TGF-β blockade with tumor vaccinations and immunogene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Sheng
- Department of Surgery (RMH), The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria , Australia and
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Increased CCN2, substance P and tissue fibrosis are associated with sensorimotor declines in a rat model of repetitive overuse injury. J Cell Commun Signal 2015; 9:37-54. [PMID: 25617052 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-015-0263-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Key clinical features of cumulative trauma disorders include pain, muscle weakness, and tissue fibrosis, although the etiology is still under investigation. Here, we characterized the temporal pattern of altered sensorimotor behaviors and inflammatory and fibrogenic processes occurring in forearm muscles and serum of young adult, female rats performing an operant, high repetition high force (HRHF) reaching and grasping task for 6, 12, or 18 weeks. Palmar mechanical sensitivity, cold temperature avoidance and spontaneous behavioral changes increased, while grip strength declined, in 18-week HRHF rats, compared to controls. Flexor digitorum muscles had increased MCP-1 levels after training and increased TNFalpha in 6-week HRHF rats. Serum had increased IL-1beta, IL-10 and IP-10 after training. Yet both muscle and serum inflammation resolved by week 18. In contrast, IFNγ increased at week 18 in both muscle and serum. Given the anti-fibrotic role of IFNγ, and to identify a mechanism for the continued grip strength losses and behavioral sensitivities, we evaluated the fibrogenic proteins CCN2, collagen type I and TGFB1, as well as the nociceptive/fibrogenic peptide substance P. Each increased in and around flexor digitorum muscles and extracellular matrix in the mid-forearm, and in nerves of the forepaw at 18 weeks. CCN2 was also increased in serum at week 18. At a time when inflammation had subsided, increases in fibrogenic proteins correlated with sensorimotor declines. Thus, muscle and nerve fibrosis may be critical components of chronic work-related musculoskeletal disorders. CCN2 and substance P may serve as potential targets for therapeutic intervention, and CCN2 as a serum biomarker of fibrosis progression.
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Zhang L, Fu XH, Yu Y, Shui RH, Li C, Zeng HY, Qiao YL, Ni LY, Wang Q. Treatment with CA-074Me, a Cathepsin B inhibitor, reduces lung interstitial inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of polymyositis. J Transl Med 2015; 95:65-77. [PMID: 25384123 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2014.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin B (CB) is involved in the turnover of proteins and has various roles in maintaining the normal metabolism of cells. In our recent study, CB is increased in the muscles of polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). However, the role of CB in interstitial lung disease (ILD) has not been reported. ILD is a frequent complication of PM/DM, which is the leading cause of death in PM/DM. It carries high morbidity and mortality in connective tissue diseases, characterized by an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and induced fibrosis, resulting in respiratory failure. The etiology and pathogenesis of ILD remain incompletely understood. This study investigated whether treatment with CA-074Me, a specific inhibitor of CB, attenuates ILD in PM. CB expression, inflammation, and fibrosis were analyzed in the lung tissues from patients with PM/DM. The animal model of PM was induced in guinea pigs with Coxsackie virus B1 (CVB1). CA-074Me was given 24 h after CVB1 injection for 7 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were killed and lung tissues were collected for the following analysis. Inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis cells, and cytokines were assessed by histological examinations and immunohistochemical analyses, western blot analysis and transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay. In patients with PM/DM, the protein levels of CB were significantly elevated in lung tissues compared with healthy controls, which correlated with increases in inflammation and fibrosis. Similarly, the expression of CB, inflammation and fibrosis, CD8(+) T cell, CD68(+) cell, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta1 infiltrations, and apoptotic cell death were significantly increased in lung tissues of the guinea-pig model of CVB1-induced PM. These changes were attenuated by the administration of CA-074Me. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PM/DM increases CB expression in lung tissues and inhibition of CB reduces ILD in a guinea-pig model of CVB1-induced PM. This finding suggests that CB may be a potential therapeutic target for ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hong Fu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shanghai Pudong Gongli Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Viral Heart Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ruo-Hong Shui
- Department of Pathology, Tumor Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chun Li
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hai-Ying Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yu-Lei Qiao
- Department of thoracic surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Li-Yan Ni
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Diseases Hospital, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
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Ciechomska M, O’Reilly S, Suwara M, Bogunia-Kubik K, van Laar JM. MiR-29a reduces TIMP-1 production by dermal fibroblasts via targeting TGF-β activated kinase 1 binding protein 1, implications for systemic sclerosis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115596. [PMID: 25549087 PMCID: PMC4280195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by skin and internal organs fibrosis due to accumulation of extra cellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) plays a key role in ECM deposition. Aim To investigate the role of miR-29a in regulation of TAB1-mediated TIMP-1 production in dermal fibroblasts in systemic sclerosis. Methods Healthy control (HC) and SSc fibroblasts were cultured from skin biopsies. The expression of TIMP-1, MMP-1 and TGF-β activated kinase 1 binding protein 1 (TAB1) was measured following miR-29a transfection using ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western Blotting. The functional effect of miR-29a on dermal fibroblasts was assessed in collagen gel assay. In addition, HeLa cells were transfected with 3′UTR of TAB1 plasmid cloned downstream of firefly luciferase gene to assess TAB1 activity. HC fibroblasts and HeLa cells were also transfected with Target protectors in order to block the endogenous miR-29a activity. Results We found that TAB1 is a novel target gene of miR-29a, also regulating downstream TIMP-1 production. TAB1 is involved in TGF-β signal transduction, a key cytokine triggering TIMP-1 production. To confirm that TAB1 is a bona fide target gene of miR-29a, we used a TAB1 3′UTR luciferase assay and Target protector system. We showed that miR-29a not only reduced TIMP-1 secretion via TAB1 repression, but also increased functional MMP-1 production resulting in collagen degradation. Blocking TAB1 activity by pharmacological inhibition or TAB1 knockdown resulted in TIMP-1 reduction, confirming TAB1-dependent TIMP-1 regulation. Enhanced expression of miR-29a was able to reverse the profibrotic phenotype of SSc fibroblasts via downregulation of collagen and TIMP-1. Conclusions miR-29a repressed TAB1-mediated TIMP-1 production in dermal fibroblasts, demonstrating that miR-29a may be a therapeutic target in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Ciechomska
- Newcastle University, Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- L. Hirszferd Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Science, Wroclaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Steven O’Reilly
- Newcastle University, Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Suwara
- Newcastle University, Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- L. Hirszferd Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Science, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacob M. van Laar
- Newcastle University, Musculoskeletal Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Hou Q, He WJ, Hao HJ, Han QW, Chen L, Dong L, Liu JJ, Li X, Zhang YJ, Ma YZ, Han WD, Fu XB. The four-herb Chinese medicine ANBP enhances wound healing and inhibits scar formation via bidirectional regulation of transformation growth factor pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112274. [PMID: 25489732 PMCID: PMC4260828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The four-herb Chinese medicine ANBP is a pulverized mixture of four herbs including Agrimonia Eupatoria (A), Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn (N), Boswellia Carteri (B) and Pollen Typhae Angustifoliae (P). The combination of the four herbs was first described in Chinese canonical medicine about 2000 years ago for treatment of various trauma disorders, such as hemostasis, antiinflammatory, analgesia, and wound healing, etc. However, the precise mechanisms of ANBP are still unclear. In our study, using rabbit ear hypertrophic scar models of full-thickness skin defect, we showed that local ANBP treatment not only significantly enhanced wound healing by relieving inflammation, increasing formation of granulation tissue and accelerating re-epithelialization, but also reduced scar formation by decreasing collagen production, protuberant height and volume of scars, and increasing collagen maturity. We demonstrated that these effects of ANBP are associated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-mediated signalling pathways through Smad-dependent pathways. ANBP treatment significantly increased expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 mRNA at the early stage of wound healing, and led to markedly decrease expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 compared with the control group after 14 days post-wounding. Taken together, our results defined a bidirectional regulation role of ANBP for TGF-β1/Smad pathway in promoting wound healing and alleviating scar formation, which may be an effective therapy for human wounds at the earliest stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Hou
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chinese PLA 148th Hospital, Zibo, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Jun He
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Jie Hao
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Wang Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Liang Dong
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Jie-Jie Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ya-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Zhi Ma
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Dong Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P. R. China
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Liang M, Lv J, Chu H, Wang J, Chen X, Zhu X, Xue Y, Guan M, Zou H. Vertical inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling demonstrates in vitro and in vivo anti-fibrotic activity. J Dermatol Sci 2014; 76:104-11. [PMID: 25258031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cellular activity in many diseases, but the complex interplay with PI3K/Akt pathway may hampers its function. OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to determine the activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in the fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and compare the effects of vertical inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR by BEZ235 and inhibiting mTOR alone by rapamycin in fibroblast activation and in two complementary established mouse model of SSc. METHODS Pharmaceutical specific inhibitors BEZ235 and rapamycin were used to vertical inhibit PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and mTOR signaling alone in cultured fibroblasts and in mice. SSc mouse model was established by daily injecting bleomycin subcutaneously or by overexpression of constitutively active type I TGF-β receptor (TβRI(ca)). To delineate the mechanisms underlying the antifibrotic effects of BEZ235 and rapamycin, activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling was analyzed by determining the expressions of phosphorylated Akt, GSK-3β, mTOR and S6 ribosomal protein (S6). RESULTS Primary dermal fibroblasts demonstrated hyperactivity of PI3K/Akt and mTOR signaling. mTOR inhibitor rapamycin failed to inhibit dermal fibrosis in an established SSc mouse model. However, administration of a dual inhibitor for PI3K/Akt and mTOR signaling BEZ235 attenuated dermal fibrosis by reversing increased dermal thickness and collagen deposition in two SSc mouse models. Furthermore, BEZ235 showed superior inhibitory effect on fibroblast activation relative to rapamycin in vitro. Also both BEZ235 and rapamycin could prevent the phosphorylation of mTOR and S6 completely. BEZ235 also blocked the activation of Akt and GSK-3β dramatically, whereas rapamycin has been shown to increase further upregulation of phosphorylated Akt on Ser473 both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION These data show that blocking PI3K/Akt/mTOR with BEZ235 leads to superior inhibitory effect for dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vertical inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling may have therapeutic potential for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minrui Liang
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jiaoyan Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haiyan Chu
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology and State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yu Xue
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ming Guan
- Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai 200040, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
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Wu T, Chu H, Tu W, Song M, Chen D, Yuan J, Yu L, Ma Y, Liu Q, Jin L, Zhou X, Zou H, Wu W, Wang J. Dissection of the mechanism of traditional Chinese medical prescription-Yiqihuoxue formula as an effective anti-fibrotic treatment for systemic sclerosis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:224. [PMID: 24998426 PMCID: PMC4226964 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue fibrotic disease for which there is no effective treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as the Yiqihuoxue formula used in Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, has shown the efficacy of anti-fibrosis in clinical applications. This study was aiming to dissect the anti-fibrotic mechanism of Yiqihuoxue treatment for SSc. Methods Bleomycin-induced mice and SSc dermal fibroblasts were treated with Yiqihuoxue decoction; NIH-3T3 fibroblasts were exposed to exogenous TGF-β1, and then cultured with or without Yiqihuoxue decoction. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to determine the activity of Smad binding element (SBE). Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine the mRNA levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes. The protein levels of type I collagen, Smad3 and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3) were detected by western blotting. Student’s t-tests were used to determine the significance of the results. Results Bleomycin-induced mice, SSc dermal fibroblasts and TGF-β1-induced NIH/3T3 fibroblasts showed higher levels of ECM gene transcriptions and collagen production. In addition, the phosphorylation level of Smad3 and activity of SBE were significantly increased after exogenous TGF-β1 induction. Whereas, Yiqihuoxue treatment could obviously attenuate fibrosis in bleomycin-induced mice, down regulate ECM gene expressions and collagen production in SSc dermal fibroblasts and TGF-β1-induced NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. Furthermore, the aberrantly high phosphorylation level of Smad3 and activity of SBE in the TGF-β1-induced NIH/3T3 fibroblasts were also dramatically decreased by Yiqihuoxue treatment. Conclusions Yiqihuoxue treatment could effectively reduce collagen production via down-regulating the phosphorylation of Smad3 and then the activity of SBE, which are involved in the TGF-β pathway and constitutively activated in the progression of SSc.
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Bhattacharyya S, Tamaki Z, Wang W, Hinchcliff M, Hoover P, Getsios S, White ES, Varga J. FibronectinEDA promotes chronic cutaneous fibrosis through Toll-like receptor signaling. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:232ra50. [PMID: 24739758 PMCID: PMC4414050 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3008264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Scleroderma is a progressive autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs. Fibrosis, the hallmark of scleroderma, represents transformation of self-limited wound healing into a deregulated self-sustaining process. The factors responsible for maintaining persistent fibroblast activation in scleroderma and other conditions with chronic fibrosis are not well understood. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its damage-associated endogenous ligands are implicated in immune and fibrotic responses. We now show that fibronectin extra domain A (Fn(EDA)) is an endogenous TLR4 ligand markedly elevated in the circulation and lesional skin biopsies from patients with scleroderma, as well as in mice with experimentally induced cutaneous fibrosis. Synthesis of Fn(EDA) was preferentially stimulated by transforming growth factor-β in normal fibroblasts and was constitutively up-regulated in scleroderma fibroblasts. Exogenous Fn(EDA) was a potent stimulus for collagen production, myofibroblast differentiation, and wound healing in vitro and increased the mechanical stiffness of human organotypic skin equivalents. Each of these profibrotic Fn(EDA) responses was abrogated by genetic, RNA interference, or pharmacological disruption of TLR4 signaling. Moreover, either genetic loss of Fn(EDA) or TLR4 blockade using a small molecule mitigated experimentally induced cutaneous fibrosis in mice. These observations implicate the Fn(EDA)-TLR4 axis in cutaneous fibrosis and suggest a paradigm in which aberrant Fn(EDA) accumulation in the fibrotic milieu drives sustained fibroblast activation via TLR4. This model explains how a damage-associated endogenous TLR4 ligand might contribute to converting self-limited tissue repair responses into intractable fibrogenesis in chronic conditions such as scleroderma. Disrupting sustained TLR4 signaling therefore represents a potential strategy for the treatment of fibrosis in scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zenshiro Tamaki
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Monique Hinchcliff
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Paul Hoover
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Spiro Getsios
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eric S. White
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109–5642, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Hayashi K, Piras V, Tabata S, Tomita M, Selvarajoo K. A systems biology approach to suppress TNF-induced proinflammatory gene expressions. Cell Commun Signal 2013; 11:84. [PMID: 24199619 PMCID: PMC3832246 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-11-84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a widely studied cytokine (ligand) that induces proinflammatory signaling and regulates myriad cellular processes. In major illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers, the expression of TNF is elevated. Despite much progress in the field, the targeted regulation of TNF response for therapeutic benefits remains suboptimal. Here, to effectively regulate the proinflammatory response induced by TNF, a systems biology approach was adopted. Results We developed a computational model to investigate the temporal activations of MAP kinase (p38), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and the kinetics of 3 groups of genes, defined by early, intermediate and late phases, in murine embryonic fibroblast (MEF) and 3T3 cells. To identify a crucial target that suppresses, and not abolishes, proinflammatory genes, the model was tested in several in silico knock out (KO) conditions. Among the candidate molecules tested, in silico RIP1 KO effectively regulated all groups of proinflammatory genes (early, middle and late). To validate this result, we experimentally inhibited TNF signaling in MEF and 3T3 cells with RIP1 inhibitor, Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1), and investigated 10 genes (Il6, Nfkbia, Jun, Tnfaip3, Ccl7, Vcam1, Cxcl10, Mmp3, Mmp13, Enpp2) belonging to the 3 major groups of upregulated genes. As predicted by the model, all measured genes were significantly impaired. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that Nec-1 modulates TNF-induced proinflammatory response, and may potentially be used as a therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kumar Selvarajoo
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 14-1 Baba-cho, Tsuruoka, Japan.
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Aydoğdu E, Pamuk ÖN, Dönmez S, Pamuk GE. Decreased interleukin-20 level in patients with systemic sclerosis: are they related with angiogenesis? Clin Rheumatol 2013; 32:1599-603. [PMID: 23812620 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-013-2317-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relation between angiogenesis indicators and T helper 17 cytokine group in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) which is a disease characterized by impaired angiogenesis and autoimmune response. In our study, patients with SSc are compared with patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and healthy controls. Forty SSc patients, 18 primary RP cases, and 20 healthy controls were included in our study. The demographic and clinical features of patients with SSc were recorded. The serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, interleukin (IL)-20, IL-22, and IL-23 were assessed. In the SSc group, IL-20 level was significantly lower than in both primary RP group and controls (p values <0.001). VE-cadherin level in SSc was significantly higher than in primary RP (p = 0.016). The IL-22 and IL-23 and VEGF levels of SSc, primary RP, and control groups were similar (p values >0.05). In SSc patients, IL-23 correlated negatively with VEGF (r = -0.36, p = 0.025) and positively with VE-cadherin (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). IL-20 levels in SSc patients correlated with disease duration (r = 0.32, p = 0.044). SSc patients with limited involvement had significantly higher VE-cadherin levels than SSc patients with diffuse involvement (p = 0.044). We observed that IL-20 which is an IL-10 group angiogenesis indicator was observed to be suppressed in SSc, suggesting abnormal angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Aydoğdu
- Department of Rheumatology, Trakya University Medical Faculty, Edirne, Turkey
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Liu Y, Li W, Liu H, Peng Y, Yang Q, Xiao L, Liu Y, Liu F. Inhibition effect of small interfering RNA of connective tissue growth factor on the expression of extracellular matrix molecules in cultured human renal proximal tubular cells. Ren Fail 2013; 36:278-84. [DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2013.846866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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