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Qiu Y, Que Y, Ding Z, Zhang S, Wei R, Xia J, Lin Y. Drugs targeting CTGF in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18448. [PMID: 38774993 PMCID: PMC11109635 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis represents the final alteration seen in a wide variety of lung disorders characterized by increased fibroblast activity and the accumulation of substantial amounts of extracellular matrix, along with inflammatory damage and the breakdown of tissue architecture. This condition is marked by a significant mortality rate and a lack of effective treatments. The depositing of an excessive quantity of extracellular matrix protein follows the damage to lung capillaries and alveolar epithelial cells, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and irreversible damage to lung function. It has been proposed that the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in the advancement of pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and exacerbating fibrosis. In this context, the significance of CTGF in pulmonary fibrosis is examined, and a summary of the development of drugs targeting CTGF for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Qiu
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yueyue Que
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Zheyu Ding
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Rong Wei
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jianing Xia
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yingying Lin
- School of PharmacyHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti‐Cancer Chinese Medicines; Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines; Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
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Wang D, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Yang S, Xiao X, Feng L. Angiogenesis-An Emerging Role in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14123. [PMID: 37762426 PMCID: PMC10532049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the study of lymphangiogenesis and fibrotic diseases has made considerable achievements, and accumulating evidence indicates that lymphangiogenesis plays a key role in the process of fibrosis in various organs. Although the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis disease have not been conclusively determined due to different disease models and pathological stages of organ fibrosis, its importance in the development of fibrosis is unquestionable. Therefore, we expounded on the characteristics of lymphangiogenesis in fibrotic diseases from the effects of lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis, the source of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), the mechanism of fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis, and the therapeutic effect of intervening lymphangiogenesis on fibrosis. We found that expansion of LECs or lymphatic networks occurs through original endothelial cell budding or macrophage differentiation into LECs, and the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC)/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR3) pathway is central in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis. Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1), as a receptor of LECs, is also involved in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis. Intervention with lymphangiogenesis improves fibrosis to some extent. In the complex organ fibrosis microenvironment, a variety of functional cells, inflammatory factors and chemokines synergistically or antagonistically form the complex network involved in fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis and regulate the progression of fibrosis disease. Further clarifying the formation of a new fibrosis-related lymphangiogenesis network may potentially provide new strategies for the treatment of fibrosis disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Li Feng
- Division of Liver Surgery, Department of General Surgery and Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (D.W.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Z.); (S.Y.); (X.X.)
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3
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Zheng L, Qin R, Rao Z, Xiao W. High-intensity interval training induces renal injury and fibrosis in type 2 diabetic mice. Life Sci 2023; 324:121740. [PMID: 37120014 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121740] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Previous studies showed that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improved fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. However, the effect of HIIT on the kidneys of mice with T2DM has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate the impact of HIIT on the kidneys of T2DM mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS T2DM mice were induced with a high-fat diet (HFD) and one-time 100 mg/kg streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection, and then T2DM mice were treated with 8 weeks of HIIT. Renal function and glycogen deposition were observed by serum creatinine levels and PAS staining, respectively. Sirius red staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Oil red O staining were used to detect fibrosis and lipid deposition. Western blotting was performed to detect the protein levels. KEY FINDINGS HIIT significantly ameliorated the body composition, fasting blood glucose, and serum insulin of the T2DM mice. HIIT also improved glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, and renal lipid deposition of T2DM mice. However, we found that HIIT increased serum creatinine and glycogen accumulation in the kidneys of T2DM mice. Western blot analysis showed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was activated after HIIT. The expression of fibrosis-related proteins (TGF-β1, CTGF, collagen-III, α-SMA) increased, while the expression of klotho (sklotho) and MMP13 decreased in the kidneys of HIIT mice. SIGNIFICANCE This study concluded that HIIT induced renal injury and fibrosis, although it also improved glucose homeostasis in T2DM mice. The current study reminds us that patients with T2DM should be cautious when participating in HIIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Zheng
- College of Physical Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ruiting Qin
- College of Physical Education, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zhijian Rao
- College of Physical Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; Exercise Biological Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of sport, Shanghai 200438, China.
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Chung YH, Huang GK, Kang CH, Cheng YT, Kao YH, Chien YS. MicroRNA-26a-5p Restoration Ameliorates Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction-Induced Renal Fibrosis In Mice Through Modulating TGF-β Signaling. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100131. [PMID: 36948295 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic and progressive renal diseases characterized by excessive fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix accumulation, and loss of renal function, eventually leading to end-stage renal diseases. MicroRNA-26a-5p downregulation has been previously noted in the sera of unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO)-injured mice, and exosome-mediated miR-26a-5p reportedly attenuated experimental pulmonary and cardiac fibrosis. This study evaluated the expression patterns of miR-26a in human tissue microarray with kidney fibrosis and in tissues from a mouse model of UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Histological analyses showed that miR-26a-5p was downregulated in human and mouse tissues with renal interstitial nephritis and fibrosis. Moreover, miR-26a-5p restoration by intravenous injection of a mimic agent prominently suppressed the expression of TGF-β1 and its cognate receptors, the inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and inflammatory markers in UUO-injured kidney tissues. In vitro miR-26a-5p mimic delivery significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced activation of cultured rat kidney NRK-49F cells, in terms of downregulation of TGF-β1 receptors, restoration of epithelial marker E-cadherin, and suppression of mesenchymal markers, including vimentin, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin, as well as TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling activity. Our findings identified miR-26a-5p downregulation in kidney tissues from human interstitial nephritis and UUO-induced mouse kidney fibrosis. MiR-26a-5p restoration may exhibit an anti-fibrotic effect through the blockade of both TGF-β and NF-κB signaling axes and is considered a novel therapeutic target for treating obstruction-induced renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Hua Chung
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Gong-Kai Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsiung Kang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Tso Cheng
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Shu Chien
- Division of Nephrology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan.
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5
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Increased Levels of Phosphorylated ERK Induce CTGF Expression in Autophagy-Deficient Mouse Hepatocytes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11172704. [PMID: 36078110 PMCID: PMC9454551 DOI: 10.3390/cells11172704] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy performs essential cell functions in the liver through an intracellular lysosomal degradation process. Several studies have reported that autophagy deficiency can lead to liver injury, including hepatic fibrosis; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between autophagy deficiency and liver pathology are unclear. In this study, we examined the expression levels of fibrosis-associated genes in hepatocyte-specific ATG7-deficient mice. The expression levels of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and phosphorylated ERK (phospho-ERK) proteins were increased significantly in primary hepatocytes isolated from hepatocyte-specific ATG7-deficient mice compared to those isolated from control mice. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy in cultured mammalian hepatic AML12 and LX2 cells increased CTGF and phospho-ERK protein levels without altering CTGF mRNA expression. In addition, the autophagy deficiency-mediated enhancement of CTGF expression was attenuated when ERK was inhibited. Overall, these results suggest that the inhibition of autophagy in hepatocytes increases phospho-ERK expression, which in turn increases the expression of CTGF, a biomarker of fibrosis.
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Sang Q, Dai W, Yu J, Chen Y, Fan Z, Liu J, Li F, Li J, Wu X, Hou J, Yu B, Feng H, Zhu ZG, Su L, Li YY, Liu B. Identification of prognostic gene expression signatures based on the tumor microenvironment characterization of gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:983632. [PMID: 36032070 PMCID: PMC9411533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.983632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has elucidated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) shows a strong association with tumor progression and therapeutic outcome. We comprehensively estimated the TME infiltration patterns of 111 gastric cancer (GC) and 21 normal stomach mucosa samples based on bulk transcriptomic profiles based on which GC could be clustered as three subtypes, TME-Stromal, TME-Mix, and TME-Immune. The expression data of TME-relevant genes were utilized to build a GC prognostic model—GC_Score. Among the three GC TME subtypes, TME-Stomal displayed the worst prognosis and the highest GC_Score, while TME-Immune had the best prognosis and the lowest GC_Score. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), the highest weighted gene in the GC_Score, was found to be overexpressed in GC. In addition, CTGF exhibited a significant correlation with the abundance of fibroblasts. CTGF has the potential to induce transdifferentiation of peritumoral fibroblasts (PTFs) to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Beyond characterizing TME subtypes associated with clinical outcomes, we correlated TME infiltration to molecular features and explored their functional relevance, which helps to get a better understanding of carcinogenesis and therapeutic response and provide novel strategies for tumor treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Sang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Dai
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Translation, Shanghai, China
| | - Junxian Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunqin Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jixiang Liu
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongyan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Beiqin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Gang Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liping Su
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical Translation, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Bingya Liu, ; Yuan-Yuan Li,
| | - Bingya Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Bingya Liu, ; Yuan-Yuan Li,
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7
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Liu WC, Chuang HC, Chou CL, Lee YH, Chiu YJ, Wang YL, Chiu HW. Cigarette Smoke Exposure Increases Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase, Autophagy, Fibrosis, and Senescence in Kidney Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5696686. [PMID: 35387262 PMCID: PMC8977288 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5696686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cigarette smoke (CS) is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We attempted to investigate fully the possible effects of CS on kidney cells. We found that the viability of a human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) was decreased after treatment with CS extract (CSE). In particular, the effects of CSE at low concentrations did not change the expression of apoptosis and necrosis. Furthermore, CSE increased autophagy- and fibrosis-related proteins in HK-2 cells. Senescence-related proteins and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) increased after HK-2 cells were treated with CSE. In addition, both RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis data revealed that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway is responsible for the changes in CSE-treated HK-2 cells. CSE increased G6PD expression and its activity. Moreover, the inhibition of G6PD activity increased senescence in HK-2 cells. The inhibition of autophagy reinforced senescence in the CSE-treated cells. In a mouse model of CS exposure, CS caused kidney damage, including tubular injury and glomerulosclerosis. CS increased fibrosis, autophagy, and G6PD expression in kidney tissue sections. In conclusion, CS induced G6PD expression, autophagy, fibrosis, and senescence in kidney cells. G6PD has a protective role in CS-induced nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chih Liu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Chi Chuang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Lin Chou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hsin Kuo Min Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lee
- Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jhe Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Li Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Wen Chiu
- TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
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Chen YY, Chen XG, Zhang S. Druggability of lipid metabolism modulation against renal fibrosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:505-519. [PMID: 33990764 PMCID: PMC8888625 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00660-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis contributes to progressive damage to renal structure and function. It is a common pathological process as chronic kidney disease develops into kidney failure, irrespective of diverse etiologies, and eventually leads to death. However, there are no effective drugs for renal fibrosis treatment at present. Lipid aggregation in the kidney and consequent lipotoxicity always accompany chronic kidney disease and fibrosis. Numerous studies have revealed that restoring the defective fatty acid oxidation in the kidney cells can mitigate renal fibrosis. Thus, it is an important strategy to reverse the dysfunctional lipid metabolism in the kidney, by targeting critical regulators of lipid metabolism. In this review, we highlight the potential "druggability" of lipid metabolism to ameliorate renal fibrosis and provide current pre-clinical evidence, exemplified by some representative druggable targets and several other metabolic regulators with anti-renal fibrosis roles. Then, we introduce the preliminary progress of noncoding RNAs as promising anti-renal fibrosis drug targets from the perspective of lipid metabolism. Finally, we discuss the prospects and deficiencies of drug targeting lipid reprogramming in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-yuan Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Xiao-guang Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, 100050 China
| | - Sen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union medical college, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Park JS, Jung IA, Choi HS, Kim DH, Choi HI, Bae EH, Ma SK, Kim SW. Anti-fibrotic effect of 6-bromo-indirubin-3'-oxime (6-BIO) via regulation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) and specificity protein-1 (SP-1) transcription factors in kidney cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112402. [PMID: 34773763 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PAI-1 and CTGF are overexpressed in kidney diseases and cause fibrosis of the lungs, liver, and kidneys. We used a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) to investigate whether 6-BIO, a glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor, attenuated fibrosis by inhibiting PAI-1 and CTGF in vivo. Additionally, TGFβ-induced cellular fibrosis was observed in vitro using the human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), and rat interstitial fibroblasts (NRK49F). Expression of fibrosis-related proteins and signaling molecules such as PAI-1, CTGF, TGFβ, αSMA, SMAD, and MAPK were determined in HK-2 and NRK49F cells using immunoblotting. To identify the transcription factors that regulate the expression of PAI-1 and CTGF the promoter activities of AP-1 and SP-1 were analyzed using luciferase assays. Confocal microscopy was used to observe the co-localization of AP-1 and SP-1 to PAI-1 and CTGF. Expression of PAI-1, CTGF, TGFβ, and α-SMA increased in UUO model as well as in TGFβ-treated HK-2 and NRK49F cells. Furthermore, UUO and TGFβ treatment induced the activation of P-SMAD2/3, SMAD4, P-ERK 1/2, P-P38, and P-JNK MAPK signaling pathways. PAI-1, CTGF, AP-1 and SP-1 promoter activity increased in response to TGFβ treatment. However, treatment with 6-BIO decreased the expression of proteins and signaling pathways associated with fibrosis in UUO model as well as in TGFβ-treated HK-2 and NRK49F cells. Moreover, 6-BIO treatment attenuated the expression of PAI-1 and CTGF as well as the promoter activities of AP-1 and SP-1, thereby regulating the SMAD and MAPK signaling pathways, and subsequently exerting anti-fibrotic effects on kidney cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Sun Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - In Ae Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - Hong Sang Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - Hoon In Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - Eun Hui Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - Seong Kwon Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea
| | - Soo Wan Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, South Korea.
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10
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Zhang SM, Wei CY, Wang Q, Wang L, Lu L, Qi FZ. M2-polarized macrophages mediate wound healing by regulating connective tissue growth factor via AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 signaling pathways. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6443-6456. [PMID: 34398425 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06646-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely and sufficient M1 recruitment and M2 polarization are necessary for fibrosis during wound healing. The mechanism of how M2 mediates wound healing is worth exploring. Abnormally up-regulated connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) influences multiple organ fibrosis, including cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and cutaneous fibrosis. Previous studies reported that M2 contributed to hepatic and renal fibrosis by secreting CTGF. It is worth discussing if M2 regulates fibrosis through secreting CTGF in wound healing. METHODS AND RESULTS We established the murine wound model and inhibited macrophages during proliferation phase with clodronate liposomes in vivo. Macrophages depletion led to down-regulation of wound healing rates, collagen deposition, as well as expression of collagen 1/3 and Ki67. M2 was induced by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and measured by flow cytometry in vitro. Secreted pro-fibrotic and anti-fibrotic factors were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). M2 was polarized, which producing more CTGF, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), and IL-6, as well as less tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10. M2 CTGF gene was blocked using siCTGF. Effects of M2 on fibroblasts activities were detected by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) and cellular wound healing assay. Expressions of related signaling pathway were assessed by western blotting. Blockade of CTGF in M2 deactivated fibroblasts proliferation and migration by regulating AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 pathway. Recombinant CTGF restored these effects. CONCLUSIONS Our research, for the first time, indicated that M2 promoted wound healing by secreting CTGF, which further mediating proliferation and migration of fibroblasts via AKT, ERK1/2, and STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Min Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Yuan Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Fa-Zhi Qi
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Ren Z, Li J, Zhao S, Qiao Q, Li R. Knockdown of MCM8 functions as a strategy to inhibit the development and progression of osteosarcoma through regulating CTGF. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:376. [PMID: 33828075 PMCID: PMC8027380 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03621-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone derived from osteoblasts, which is a noteworthy threat to the health of children and adolescents. In this study, we found that MCM8 has significantly higher expression level in osteosarcoma tissues in comparison with normal tissues, which was also correlated with more advanced tumor grade and pathological stage. In agreement with the role of MCM proteins as indicators of cell proliferation, knockdown/overexpression of MCM8 inhibited/promoted osteosarcoma cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Also, MCM8 knockdown/overexpression was also significantly associated with the promotion/inhibition of cell apoptosis and suppression/promotion of cell migration. More importantly, mechanistic study identified CTGF as a potential downstream target of MCM8, silencing of which could enhance the regulatory effects of MCM8 knockdown and alleviate the effects of MCM8 overexpression on osteosarcoma development. In summary, MCM8/CTGF axis was revealed as critical participant in the development and progression of osteosarcoma and MCM8 may be a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhinan Ren
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong, Hefei, 230601, China
| | - Shanwen Zhao
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Center for Orthopaedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510610, China.,Orthopaedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Academy of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qi Qiao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Runguang Li
- Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Center for Orthopaedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510610, China. .,Orthopaedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Academy of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Department of Orthopedics, Linzhi People's Hospital, Linzhi, 860000, China.
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12
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Zhang Y, Zhang GX, Che LS, Shi SH, Li YT. miR‑212 promotes renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting hypoxia‑inducible factor 1‑α inhibitor. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:189. [PMID: 33495813 PMCID: PMC7809912 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is one of the common causes, and a major pathological basis for the development of various types of chronic progressive renal to end-stage renal diseases. Therefore, it is important to clarify the underlying mechanisms of disease progression in order to develop effective strategies for the treatment and prevention of these pathologies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between microRNA (miR)-212 expression and the development of renal interstitial fibrosis, as well as analyzing the role of miR-212 in the disease. The expression of miR-212 was significantly increased in the peripheral blood of patients with renal interstitial fibrosis and in the kidney tissues of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Angiotensin (Ang) II, TGF-β1 and hypoxia were found to increase the expression of miR-212 and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in NRK49F cells. Ang II stimulation induced the expression of miR-212 and α-SMA in NRK49F cells, while transfection of miR-212 mimics further upregulated the expression of α-SMA. miR-212 was also revealed to target hypoxia-inducible factor 1α inhibitor (HIF1AN) and to upregulate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, α-SMA, connective tissue growth factor, collagen α-1(I) chain and collagen α-1(III) chain, whereas HIF1AN overexpression reversed the regulatory effects of miR-212. In UUO mice, miR-212 overexpression promoted the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis, whereas inhibiting miR-212 resulted in the opposite effect. These results indicated that high expression of miR-212 was closely associated with the occurrence of renal interstitial fibrosis, and that miR-212 may promote its development by targeting HIF1AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Renal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Xin Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Li-Shuang Che
- Department of Renal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Han Shi
- Department of Renal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Ting Li
- Department of Renal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
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13
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Huang Y, Qian C, Zhou J, Xue J. Investigation of expression and influence of CTGF and HO-1 in rats with diabetic retinopathy. Exp Ther Med 2019; 19:2291-2295. [PMID: 32104296 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression and influence mechanism of CTGF and HO-1 in rats with diabetic retinopathy (DR) was investigated. One hundred and thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected and randomly divided into the control group and DR group, with 65 rats in each group. DR was caused by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in rats in the DR group. There were 55 successful models and 10 failed in the modelling. The successful models were sacrificed at the 2nd, 4th and 6th month, respectively. RT-qPCR technology was used for detection of the expression of CTGF and HO-1 in rat retina in each group, H&E staining for observation of the gradation structure in rat retina and TUNEL method for detection of apoptosis of retinal cells. In the DR group, the retina layers were disordered and a few blood vessels dilated at the 2nd month. In the DR group, the inner membrane of the retina swelled, and the ganglion cells were irregularly arranged at the 4th month. In the DR group, dilatation of the blood vessels was more obvious, the inner membrane edema was more severe, and the arrangement was more irregular at the 6th month. The retinal apoptosis rate of DR rats gradually increased at the 2nd, 4th and 6th month, after which, the CTGF expression gradually increased, but the HO-1 expression gradually decreased in retina in the DR group. However, the mRNA expression of CTGF and HO-1 in the rats at the 2nd, 4th and 6th month in the DR group was higher than that in the control group at the same period. Therefore, CTGF and HO-1 are associated with the occurrence and development of DR in rats and can be considered as targets for the treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 231001, P.R. China
| | - Chaoxu Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 231001, P.R. China
| | - Jilin Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 231001, P.R. China
| | - Jinsong Xue
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
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14
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Qiu Q, Cao J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Wei Y, Hao X, Mu Y, Lin Y. Time Course of the Effects of Buxin Yishen Decoction in Promoting Heart Function and Inhibiting the Progression of Renal Fibrosis in Myocardial Infarction Caused Type 2 Cardiorenal Syndrome Rats. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1267. [PMID: 31708787 PMCID: PMC6819435 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine-Buxin Yishen decoction (BXYS) on type 2 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) caused by myocardial infarction and explore the possible mechanism BXYS works. A chronic heart failure (CHF) rat model induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation was used and five groups were created that included a sham group, a CHF model group, a fosinopril group, a BXYS (0.4 g/kg) group and a BXYS (0.8 g/kg) group. Heart function, renal hemodynamics, neuroendocrine factors, serum, and urine concentration of soluble form connective tissue growth factor (sCTGF), expression of CTGF mRNA, CTGF, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) in renal tissues were evaluated after 28 days and 60 days of drug administration. Histological analysis of kidney tissues was also performed. In vitro experiments were designed to verify the results of in vivo experiments by detecting factors including CTGF, α-SMA, in NRK-52E cells. Rats with CHF showed obvious pathophysiological changes including: altered renal hemodynamic parameters; dysregulated heart function; changes to serum concentrations of angiotensin II (AngII), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), C-reactive protein (CRP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP); high serum and urine sCTGF concentration; high CTGF mRNA, CTGF, α-SMA and LRP expression in renal tissues; increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and fibrosis in renal tissues. Treatment of BXYS was correlated with a restoration of heart function and improvement of renal hemodynamics, lower serum and urine sCTGF, lower CTGF mRNA, CTGF, α-SMA and LRP expression in renal tissues and lower ECM deposition. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that treatment with BXYS reduced the α-SMA and LRP concentration in NRK-52E cells, which were similar in vivo experiments. In conclusion, the current study provided evidences that BXYS played a role in improving heart function and delaying the progress of renal fibrosis. Meanwhile, the CTGF-LRP pathway might be one of the therapeutic targets for myocardial infarction caused type 2 CRS which showed a positive change after BXYS treatment and is worthy of further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinglin Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Lifescience School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yunnan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wei
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hao
- Department of Echocardiography, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Mu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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15
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Black LM, Lever JM, Agarwal A. Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis: A Double-edged Sword. J Histochem Cytochem 2019; 67:663-681. [PMID: 31116067 PMCID: PMC6713973 DOI: 10.1369/0022155419852932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal tissue injury initiates inflammatory and fibrotic processes that occur to promote regeneration and repair. After renal injury, damaged tissue releases cytokines and chemokines, which stimulate activation and infiltration of inflammatory cells to the kidney. Normal tissue repair processes occur simultaneously with activation of myofibroblasts, collagen deposition, and wound healing responses; however, prolonged activation of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cell types causes excess extracellular matrix deposition. This review focuses on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of specialized cell types, cytokines/chemokines, and growth factors, and their implications in recovery or exacerbation of acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M Black
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Jeremie M Lever
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Anupam Agarwal
- Nephrology Research and Training Center, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Department of Veterans Affairs, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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16
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Effects of intravitreal connective tissue growth factor neutralizing antibody on choroidal neovascular membrane-associated subretinal fibrosis. Exp Eye Res 2019; 184:286-295. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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17
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Chen J, Guo Y, Chen Q, Cheng X, Xiang G, Chen M, Wu H, Huang Q, Zhu P, Zhang J. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts and are involved in atrial remodelling in patients with rheumatic heart disease. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3032-3039. [PMID: 30697920 PMCID: PMC6433664 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human atrial fibroblasts, and to explore the relationship of these factors in atrial fibrosis and atrial anatomical remodelling (AAR) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Fresh right auricular appendix tissue of 20 patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery was collected during surgeries, 10 patients had sinus rhythm(SR), and 10 patients had chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). Atrial fibroblasts were then cultured from the tissues with differential attachment technique and treated with either TGFβ1 (10 ng/mL) or HGF (100 ng/mL). CTGF mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR, and CTGF protein content was determined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays. RESULTS CAF group had higher left atrial diameters (LADs) and higher CTGF mRNA expression in atrial fibroblasts compared with SR group. The CTGF protein content in CAF group was higher than that of SR group and positively correlated with LAD and AF duration. After CAF group was treated with TGFβ1, CTGF mRNA and protein expression were significantly down-regulated, whereas when treated with HGF, expression was up-regulated compared with SR group. CONCLUSIONS Increased CTGF expression was associated with enlarged LAD, atrial fibrosis and AAR in patients with AF. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts with up-regulation of mRNA and down-regulation of protein, therefore, either promote or inhibit atrial fibrosis, which could be related to the incidence and persistence of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian‐Quan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Yan‐Song Guo
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qian Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Critical Care Medicine Division FourFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Xian‐Lu Cheng
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Guo‐Jian Xiang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Mei‐Yan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Anesthesiology Division TwoFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Hong‐Lin Wu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qi‐Lei Huang
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Peng‐Li Zhu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of Geriatric MedicineFujian Provincial HospitalFujian Provincial Center for GeriatricsFuzhouPR China
| | - Jian‐Cheng Zhang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
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18
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Chen W, Zhou ZQ, Ren YQ, Zhang L, Sun LN, Man YL, Wang ZK. Effects of long non-coding RNA LINC00667 on renal tubular epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis and renal fibrosis via the miR-19b-3p/LINC00667/CTGF signaling pathway in chronic renal failure. Cell Signal 2019; 54:102-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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19
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Yin Q, Liu H. Connective Tissue Growth Factor and Renal Fibrosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1165:365-380. [PMID: 31399974 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is one of important members of the CCN family. Generally, CTGF expresses at low levels in normal adult kidney, while increases significantly in various kidney diseases, playing an important role in the development of glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in progressive kidney diseases. CTGF is involved in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation and can promote the progression of fibrosis directly or act as a downstream factor of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). CTGF also regulates the expression and activity of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), thereby playing an important role in the process of kidney repair. In patients with chronic kidney disease, elevated plasma CTGF is an independent risk factor for progression to end-stage renal disease and is closely related to glomerular filtration rate. Therefore, CTGF may be a potential biological marker of kidney fibrosis, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm this view. This section briefly describes the role and molecular mechanisms of CTGF in renal fibrosis and also discusses the potential value of targeting CCN2 for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yin
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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20
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Ramazani Y, Knops N, Elmonem MA, Nguyen TQ, Arcolino FO, van den Heuvel L, Levtchenko E, Kuypers D, Goldschmeding R. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from basics to clinics. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:44-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Zhang M, Yan Z, Bu L, An C, Wang D, Liu X, Zhang J, Yang W, Deng B, Xie J, Zhang B. Rapeseed protein-derived antioxidant peptide RAP alleviates renal fibrosis through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:1255-1268. [PMID: 29795979 PMCID: PMC5958891 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s162288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Kidney fibrosis is the main pathologic change in diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is the major cause of end-stage renal disease. Current therapeutic strategies slow down but cannot reverse the progression of renal dysfunction in DN. Plant-derived bioactive peptides in foodstuffs are widely used in many fields because of their potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical benefits. However, this type of peptide has not yet been studied in renal fibrosis of DN. Previous studies have indicated that the peptide YWDHNNPQIR (named RAP), a natural peptide derived from rapeseed protein, has an antioxidative stress effect. The oxidative stress is believed to be associated with DN. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacologic effects of RAP against renal fibrosis of DN and high glucose (HG)-induced mesangial dysfunction. Materials and methods Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin and high-fat diet in C57BL/6 mice and these mice were treated by subcutaneous injection of different doses of RAP (0.1 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, every other day) or PBS for 12 weeks. Later, functional and histopathologic analyses were performed. Parallel experiments verifying the molecular mechanism by which RAP alleviates DN were carried out in HG-induced mesangial cells (MCs). Results RAP improved the renal function indices, including 24-h albuminuria, triglyceride, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels, but did not lower blood glucose levels in DN mice. RAP also simultaneously attenuated extracellular matrix accumulation in DN mice and HG-induced MCs. Furthermore, RAP reduced HG-induced cell proliferation, but it showed no toxicity in MCs. Additionally, RAP inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Conclusion RAP can attenuate fibrosis in vivo and in vitro by antagonizing the MAPK and NF-κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Yan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lili Bu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chunmei An
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenle Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bochuan Deng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bangzhi Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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22
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Schaefer L. Decoding fibrosis: Mechanisms and translational aspects. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:1-7. [PMID: 29679639 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a complex process of abnormal tissue healing which inevitably leads to loss of physiological organ structure and function, is a worldwide leading cause of death. Despite a large body of research over the last two decades, antifibrotic approaches are mainly limited to organ replacement therapy generating high costs of medical care. In this translational issue, a unique group of basic and clinical researchers provide meaningful answers to a desperate call of society for effective antifibrotic treatments. Fortunately, a plethora of novel fibrogenic factors and biomarkers has been identified. Noninvasive diagnostic methods and drug delivery systems have been recently developed for the management of fibrosis. Consequently, a large number of exciting clinical trials addressing comprehensive, organ and stage-specific mechanisms of fibrogenesis are ongoing. By critically addressing previously unsuccessful and novel promising therapeutic strategies, we aim to spread hope for future treatments of the various forms of organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Schaefer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
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