1
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Yun CX, Huan ML, Zhu X, Wan YH, Zou JB, Zhang BL. Construction of the pulmonary bio-adhesive delivery system of nintedanib nanocrystalline for effective treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Pharm 2024; 660:124302. [PMID: 38844150 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124302] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease with a high mortality rate. Nintedanib, as a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is widely used as the first line drug for PF patients. However, only nintedanib oral formulations are used currently in clinic and show a low drug selectivity, significant first-pass effect and low bioavailability with 4.7%, thus limiting the clinical outcome of nintedanib. In this study, nintedanib was prepared in the form of nintedanib nanocrystalline (Nib-NC) and then encapsulated with hyaluronic acid (HA) to construct a nanocrystalline-in-adhesive delivery system Nib-NC@HA with high drug loading efficacy and pulmonary bio-adhesive properties, which could avoid the first-pass effects, increase the bioavailability and reduce the systemic side effects of nintedanib. After inhalation administration of Nib-NC@HA, due to the bio-adhesive properties of HA, Nib-NC@HA could prolong the retention time of drug in the lungs and inhibit the expression of inflammation associated factors such as IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in lung tissue, reduce the release of pro-fibrotic growth factor, and improve the lung function, thus showing enhanced anti-fibrotic effect than Nib-NC. The results suggested that Nib-NC@HA is an efficient and optimal targeted bio-adhesive delivery system for the lungs to treat pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Xiao Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Meng-Lei Huan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhu
- Shannxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi'an, 710065, China
| | - Yu-Hang Wan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jun-Bo Zou
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China.
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, China; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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2
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Gu M, Wang Y, Yu Y. Ovarian fibrosis: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:139. [PMID: 38970048 PMCID: PMC11225137 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01448-7] [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: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian fibrosis, characterized by the excessive proliferation of ovarian fibroblasts and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), serves as one of the primary causes of ovarian dysfunction. Despite the critical role of ovarian fibrosis in maintaining the normal physiological function of the mammalian ovaries, research on this condition has been greatly underestimated, which leads to a lack of clinical treatment options for ovarian dysfunction caused by fibrosis. This review synthesizes recent research on the molecular mechanisms of ovarian fibrosis, encompassing TGF-β, extracellular matrix, inflammation, and other profibrotic factors contributing to abnormal ovarian fibrosis. Additionally, we summarize current treatment approaches for ovarian dysfunction targeting ovarian fibrosis, including antifibrotic drugs, stem cell transplantation, and exosomal therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarize the research progress on ovarian fibrosis and to propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting ovarian fibrosis for the treatment of ovarian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China.
| | - Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
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3
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Li S, Liu Z, Jiao X, Gu J, Liu Z, Meng L, Li W, Zhang T, Liu J, Chai D, Liu J, Yang Z, Liu Y, Jiao R, Li X, Zhou H, Zhang Y. Selpercatinib attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116282. [PMID: 38762147 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116282] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
IPF is a chronic, progressive, interstitial lung disease with high mortality. Current drugs have limited efficacy in curbing disease progression and improving quality of life. Selpercatinib, a highly selective inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinase RET (rearranged during transfection), was approved in 2020 for the treatment of a variety of solid tumors with RET mutations. In this study, the action and mechanism of Selpercatinib in pulmonary fibrosis were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Selpercatinib significantly ameliorated bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In vitro, Selpercatinib inhibited the proliferation, migration, activation and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad and TGF-β1/non-Smad pathway, and suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) like process of lung epithelial cells via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad pathway. The results of in vivo pharmacological tests corroborated the results obtained from the in vitro experiments. Further studies revealed that Selpercatinib inhibited abnormal phenotypes of lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells in part by regulating its target RET. In short, Selpercatinib inhibited the activation of fibroblasts and EMT-like process of lung epithelial cells by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad and TGF-β1/non-Smad pathways, thus alleviating BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Zhichao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Xiaodan Jiao
- The Second Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Jinying Gu
- Tianjin Jikun Technology Co., Ltd., Tianjin 301700, China
| | - Zhigang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Lingxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Dan Chai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Jiaai Liu
- The Second Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Zhongyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Yuming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Ran Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China.
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Haihe Education Park, 38 Tongyan Road, Tianjin 300353, China.
| | - Yanping Zhang
- The Second Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China.
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Yoshimori T, Kawami M, Kumagai Y, Futatsugi S, Yumoto R, Uchida Y, Takano M. Abemaciclib-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 independent of cell cycle arrest pathway. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 172:106601. [PMID: 38821314 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106601] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Abemaciclib (ABM), a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, shows pharmacological effects in cell cycle arrest. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is an important cellular event associated with pathophysiological states such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. In the present study, we evaluated the contribution of factors associated with cell cycle arrest to ABM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Treatment with 0.6 µM ABM induced both cell cycle arrest and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related phenotypic changes. Interestingly, the knockdown of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, pharmacological targets of ABM or cyclin D1, which forms complexes with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, resulted in cell cycle arrest at the G1-phase and induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, indicating that downregulation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6-cyclin D1 complexes would mimic ABM. In contrast, knockdown of the Rb protein, which is phosphorylated by cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, had no effect on the expression level of α-smooth muscle actin, an epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker. Furthermore, ABM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition was not affected by Rb knockdown, suggesting that Rb is not involved in the transition process. Our study is the first to suggest that cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6-cyclin D1 complexes, as pharmacological targets of ABM, may contribute to ABM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, followed by clinical disorders such as organ fibrosis and cancer progression. This study suggests that blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition might be a promising way to prevent negative side effects caused by a medication (ABM) without affecting its ability to treat the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyo Yoshimori
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Masashi Kawami
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan.
| | - Yuta Kumagai
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Sorahito Futatsugi
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Ryoko Yumoto
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan
| | - Yasuo Uchida
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-0037, Japan.
| | - Mikihisa Takano
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Yasuda Women's University, 6-13-1 Yasuhigashi, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima 731-0153, Japan
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5
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Sabra RT, Bekhit AA, Sabra NT, Abd El-Moeze NA, Fathy M. Nebivolol ameliorates sepsis-evoked kidney dysfunction by targeting oxidative stress and TGF-β/Smad/p53 pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14735. [PMID: 38926458 PMCID: PMC11208533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64577-5] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a potential fetal organ destruction brought on through an overzealous immunologic reaction to infection, causing severe inflammation, septic shock, and damage to different organs. Although there has been progress in the identification and controlling of clinical sepsis, the fatality rates are still significant. This study, for the first time, intended to examine the possible ameliorative impact of Nebivolol, a β1-adrenergic antagonist antihypertensive drug, against nephrotoxicity resulted from cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in rats, on molecular basis. Sixty male Wistar albino rats were chosen. Oxidative stress indicators and biochemical markers of kidney activity were evaluated. Inflammatory mediators, fibrosis- and apoptosis-related proteins and gene expressions were investigated. Moreover, renal histopathological investigation was performed. CLP-induced nephrotoxicity characterized by markedly elevated serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and renal malondialdhyde. On the other hand, it decreased serum total protein level, renal superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione level. Additionally, it significantly elevated the renal inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, ilnerlukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) and Caspase-3 protein, reduced IL-10 level, amplified the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), p-Smad2/3 and alpha-smooth-muscle actin proteins, downregulated the B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene and elevated the transcription of Bcl-2-associated X-protein (Bax), p53 and Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) genes. Furtheremor, kidney tissues exhibited significant histopathological changes with CLP. On the contrary, Nebivolol significantly improved all these biochemical changes and enhanced the histopathological alterations obtained by CLP. This research showed, for the first time, that Nebivolol effectively mitigated the CLP-induced kidney dysfunction via its antioxidant, antifibrotic and anti-apoptotic activity through modulation of oxidative stress, TGF-β/NF-κB and TGF-β/Smad/p53 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahma Tharwat Sabra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt
| | | | - Nourhan Tharwat Sabra
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | | | - Moustafa Fathy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt.
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6
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Taherian M, Bayati P, Mojtabavi N. Stem cell-based therapy for fibrotic diseases: mechanisms and pathways. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:170. [PMID: 38886859 PMCID: PMC11184790 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03782-5] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process, that could result in permanent scarring and impairment of the physiological function of the affected organ; this condition which is categorized under the term organ failure could affect various organs in different situations. The involvement of the major organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality across the world. Fibrotic disorders encompass a broad range of complications and could be traced to various illnesses and impairments; these could range from simple skin scars with beauty issues to severe rheumatologic or inflammatory disorders such as systemic sclerosis as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, the overactivation of immune responses during any inflammatory condition causing tissue damage could contribute to the pathogenic fibrotic events accompanying the healing response; for instance, the inflammation resulting from tissue engraftment could cause the formation of fibrotic scars in the grafted tissue, even in cases where the immune system deals with hard to clear infections, fibrotic scars could follow and cause severe adverse effects. A good example of such a complication is post-Covid19 lung fibrosis which could impair the life of the affected individuals with extensive lung involvement. However, effective therapies that halt or slow down the progression of fibrosis are missing in the current clinical settings. Considering the immunomodulatory and regenerative potential of distinct stem cell types, their application as an anti-fibrotic agent, capable of attenuating tissue fibrosis has been investigated by many researchers. Although the majority of the studies addressing the anti-fibrotic effects of stem cells indicated their potent capabilities, the underlying mechanisms, and pathways by which these cells could impact fibrotic processes remain poorly understood. Here, we first, review the properties of various stem cell types utilized so far as anti-fibrotic treatments and discuss the challenges and limitations associated with their applications in clinical settings; then, we will summarize the general and organ-specific mechanisms and pathways contributing to tissue fibrosis; finally, we will describe the mechanisms and pathways considered to be employed by distinct stem cell types for exerting anti-fibrotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Taherian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Bayati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mojtabavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Zhu M, Yi Y, Jiang K, Liang Y, Li L, Zhang F, Zheng X, Yin H. Single-cell combined with transcriptome sequencing to explore the molecular mechanism of cell communication in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18499. [PMID: 38887981 PMCID: PMC11184282 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18499] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common, chronic, and progressive lung disease that severely impacts human health and survival. However, the intricate molecular underpinnings of IPF remains elusive. This study aims to delve into the nuanced molecular interplay of cellular interactions in IPF, thereby laying the groundwork for innovative therapeutic approaches in the clinical field of IPF. Sophisticated bioinformatics methods were employed to identify crucial biomarkers essential for the progression of IPF. The GSE122960 single-cell dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) compendium, and intercellular communication potentialities were scrutinized via CellChat. The random survival forest paradigm was established using the GSE70866 dataset. Quintessential genes were selected through Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, while immune infiltration examinations, functional enrichment critiques and nomogram paradigms were inaugurated. Analysis of intercellular communication revealed an intimate potential connections between macrophages and various cell types, pinpointing five cardinal genes influencing the trajectory and prognosis of IPF. The nomogram paradigm, sculpted from these seminal genes, exhibits superior predictive prowess. Our research meticulously identified five critical genes, confirming their intimate association with the prognosis, immune infiltration and transcriptional governance of IPF. Interestingly, we discerned these genes' engagement with the EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION signalling pathway, which may enhance our understanding of the molecular complexity of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggao Zhu
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuhu Yi
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Kui Jiang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yongzhi Liang
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Lijun Li
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Feng Zhang
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xinglong Zheng
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Haiyan Yin
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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He Q, Li P, Han L, Yang C, Jiang M, Wang Y, Han X, Cao Y, Liu X, Wu W. Revisiting airway epithelial dysfunction and mechanisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the role of mitochondrial damage. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L754-L769. [PMID: 38625125 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00362.2023] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to environmental hazards causes airway epithelial dysfunction, primarily impaired physical barriers, immune dysfunction, and repair or regeneration. Impairment of airway epithelial function subsequently leads to exaggerated airway inflammation and remodeling, the main features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mitochondrial damage has been identified as one of the mechanisms of airway abnormalities in COPD, which is closely related to airway inflammation and airflow limitation. In this review, we evaluate updated evidence for airway epithelial mitochondrial damage in COPD and focus on the role of mitochondrial damage in airway epithelial dysfunction. In addition, the possible mechanism of airway epithelial dysfunction mediated by mitochondrial damage is discussed in detail, and recent strategies related to airway epithelial-targeted mitochondrial therapy are summarized. Results have shown that dysregulation of mitochondrial quality and oxidative stress may lead to airway epithelial dysfunction in COPD. This may result from mitochondrial damage as a central organelle mediating abnormalities in cellular metabolism. Mitochondrial damage mediates procellular senescence effects due to mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which effectively exacerbate different types of programmed cell death, participate in lipid metabolism abnormalities, and ultimately promote airway epithelial dysfunction and trigger COPD airway abnormalities. These can be prevented by targeting mitochondrial damage factors and mitochondrial transfer. Thus, because mitochondrial damage is involved in COPD progression as a central factor of homeostatic imbalance in airway epithelial cells, it may be a novel target for therapeutic intervention to restore airway epithelial integrity and function in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglan He
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Peijun Li
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Han
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Yang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiling Jiang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqi Wang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodan Liu
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weibing Wu
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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9
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Liao Y, Yang Y, Zhou G, Chen L, Yang Y, Guo S, Zuo Q, Zou J. Anoikis and SPP1 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: integrating bioinformatics, cell, and animal studies to explore prognostic biomarkers and PI3K/AKT signaling regulation. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:679-693. [PMID: 38318669 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2024.2315218] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the relevance of anoikis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and identify associated biomarkers and signaling pathways. METHOD Unsupervised consensus cluster analysis was employed to categorize IPF patients into subtypes. We utilized Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and Protein-Protein Interaction network construction to identify anoikis-related modules and key genes. A prognostic signature was developed using Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Single-cell sequencing assessed hub gene expression in various cell types, and both cell and animal experiments confirmed IPF-related pathways. RESULTS We identified two distinct anoikis-associated subtypes with differing prognoses. WGCNA revealed essential hub genes, with SPP1 being prominent in the anoikis-related signature. The anoikis-related signature is effective in determining the prognosis of patients with IPF. Single-cell sequencing highlighted significant differences in SPP1 expression, notably elevated in fibroblasts derived from IPF patients. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that SPP1 enhances fibrosis in mouse lung fibroblasts by regulating p27 through the PI3K/Akt pathway. CONCLUSION Our research demonstrates a robust prognostic signature associated with anoikis and highlights SPP1 as a pivotal regulator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Guanghong Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shujin Guo
- Department of Health Management & Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiunan Zuo
- Department of Geriatric Respiratory, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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10
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Zhao Z, Yang X. Inhibition of SMYD2 attenuates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the GLIPR2/ERK/p38 axis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 202:105971. [PMID: 38879290 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) poisoning leads to irreversible fibrosis in the lungs with high mortality and no known antidote. In this study, we investigated the effect of the SET and MYND domain containing 2 (SMYD2) on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and its potential mechanisms. We established an in vivo PQ-induced PF mouse model by intraperitoneal injection of PQ (20 mg/kg) and in vitro PQ (25 μM)-injured MLE-12 cell model. On the 15th day of administration, tissue injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice were evaluated using various methods including routine blood counts, blood biochemistry, blood gas analysis, western blotting, H&E staining, ELISA, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence. The findings indicated that AZ505 administration mitigated tissue damage, inflammation, and collagen deposition in PQ-poisoned mice. Mechanistically, both in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that AZ505 treatment suppressed the PQ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by downregulating GLI pathogenesis related 2 (GLIPR2) and ERK/p38 pathway. Further investigations demonstrated that SMYD2 inhibition decreased GLIPR2 methylation and facilitated GLIPR2 ubiquitination, leading to GLIPR2 destabilization in PQ-exposed MLE-12 cells. Moreover, rescue experiments conducted in vitro demonstrated that GLIPR2 overexpression eliminated the inhibitory effect of AZ505 on the ERK/p38 pathway and EMT. Our results reveal that the SMYD2 inhibitor AZ505 may act as a novel therapeutic candidate to suppress the EMT process by modulating the GLIPR2/ERK/p38 axis in PQ-induced PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China.
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11
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Lou Y, Zou X, Pan Z, Huang Z, Zheng S, Zheng X, Yang X, Bao M, Zhang Y, Gu J, Zhang Y. The mechanism of action of Botrychium (Thunb.) Sw. for prevention of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on 1H-NMR-based metabolomics. J Pharm Pharmacol 2024:rgae058. [PMID: 38776436 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to reveal the anti-fibrotic effects of Botrychium ternatum (Thunb.) Sw. (BT) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and to preliminarily analyze its potential mechanism on bleomycin-induced IPF rats. METHODS The inhibition of fibrosis progression in vivo was assessed by histopathology combined with biochemical indicators. In addition, the metabolic regulatory mechanism was investigated using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis. KEY FINDINGS Firstly, biochemical analysis revealed that BT notably suppressed the expression of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor-β1 in the pulmonary tissue. Secondly, Masson's trichrome staining and hematoxylin and eosin showed that BT substantially improved the structure of the damaged lung and significantly inhibited the proliferation of collagen fibers and the deposition of extracellular matrix. Finally, serum metabolomic analysis suggested that BT may exert anti-fibrotic effects by synergistically regulating tyrosine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. CONCLUSIONS Our study not only clarifies the potential anti-fibrotic mechanism of BT against IPF at the metabolic level but also provides a theoretical basis for developing BT as an effective anti-fibrotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Lou
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Xiaozhou Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Zongfu Pan
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Zhongjie Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Shuilian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Xiuli Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Meihua Bao
- Academician Workstation, School of Stomatology, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan 410219, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People' s Hospital Bijie Hospital, Bijie, Guizhou 551799, China
| | - Jinping Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
- Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
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12
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Yao F, Xu M, Dong L, Shen X, Shen Y, Jiang Y, Zhu T, Zhang C, Yu G. Sinomenine attenuates pulmonary fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β1/Smad3, PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:229. [PMID: 38730387 PMCID: PMC11088103 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-03050-5] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since COVID-19 became a global epidemic disease in 2019, pulmonary fibrosis (PF) has become more prevalent among persons with severe infections, with IPF being the most prevalent form. In traditional Chinese medicine, various disorders are treated using Sinomenine (SIN). The SIN's strategy for PF defense is unclear. METHODS Bleomycin (BLM) was used to induce PF, after which inflammatory factors, lung histological alterations, and the TGF-/Smad signaling pathway were assessed. By administering various dosages of SIN and the TGF- receptor inhibitor SB-431,542 to human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HFL-1) and A549 cells, we were able to examine proliferation and migration as well as the signaling molecules implicated in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM). RESULTS In vivo, SIN reduced the pathological changes in the lung tissue induced by BLM, reduced the abnormal expression of inflammatory cytokines, and improved the weight and survival rate of mice. In vitro, SIN inhibited the migration and proliferation by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB pathways, prevented the myofibroblasts (FMT) of HFL-1, reversed the EMT of A549 cells, restored the balance of matrix metalloenzymes, and reduced the expression of ECM proteins. CONCLUSION SIN attenuated PF by down-regulating TGF-β/Smad3, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB signaling pathways, being a potential effective drug in the treatment of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minghao Xu
- School of Medicine, ShaoXing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingjun Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Shen
- School of Medicine, ShaoXing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yujie Shen
- School of Medicine, ShaoXing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yisheng Jiang
- School of Medicine, ShaoXing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chu Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guangmao Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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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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14
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Tong Z, Du X, Zhou Y, Jing F, Ma J, Feng Y, Lou S, Wang Q, Dong Z. Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission promotes pulmonary fibrosis progression through the regulation of lipid metabolic reprogramming by ROS/HIF-1α. Cell Signal 2024; 117:111075. [PMID: 38311302 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111075] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To confirm the mechanism of dynamic-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission through ROS/HIF-1α-mediated regulation of lipid metabolic reprogramming in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). METHODS A mouse model of PF was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM) (2.5 mg/kg). A PF cell model was constructed by stimulating MRC-5 cells with TGF-β (10 ng/mL). Pathological changes in the lung tissue and related protein levels were observed via tissue staining. The indicators related to lipid oxidation were detected by a kit, and lipid production was confirmed through oil red O staining. Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of genes and proteins related to the disease. We used CCK-8 and EdU staining to confirm cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to confirm apoptosis and ROS levels, α-SMA expression was detected by immunofluorescence staining, and mitochondria were observed by MitoTracker staining. RESULTS The BLM induced lung tissue structure and alveolar wall thickening in mice. Mitochondrial fission was observed in MRC-5 cells induced by TGF-β, which led to increased cell proliferation; decreased apoptosis; increased expression of collagen, α-SMA and Drp1; and increased lipid oxidation and inflammation. Treatment with the Drp1 inhibitor mdivi-1 or transfection with si-Drp1 attenuated the induction of BLM and TGF-β. For lipid metabolism, lipid droplets were formed in BLM-induced lung tissue and in TGF-β-induced cells, fatty acid oxidation genes and lipogenesis-related genes were upregulated, ROS levels in cells were increased, and the expression of HIF-1α was upregulated. Mdivi-1 treatment reversed TGF-β induction, while H2O2 treatment or OE-HIF-1α transfection reversed the effect of mdivi-1. CONCLUSION In PF, inhibition of Drp1 can prevent mitochondrial fission in fibroblasts and regulate lipid metabolism reprogramming through ROS/HIF-1α; thus, fibroblast activation was inhibited, alleviating the progression of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongkai Tong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Xuekui Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Fangxue Jing
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - JiangPo Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yingying Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Saiyun Lou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China; Second Clinical Medicine Faculty of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Infection, Zhenhai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningbo 315200, China
| | - Zhaoxing Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China.
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15
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Bhat AA, Afzal M, Goyal A, Gupta G, Thapa R, Almalki WH, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Shahwan M, Paudel KR, Ali H, Sahu D, Prasher P, Singh SK, Dua K. The impact of formaldehyde exposure on lung inflammatory disorders: Insights into asthma, bronchitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:111002. [PMID: 38604395 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111002] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Lung inflammatory disorders are a major global health burden, impacting millions of people and raising rates of morbidity and death across many demographic groups. An industrial chemical and common environmental contaminant, formaldehyde (FA) presents serious health concerns to the respiratory system, including the onset and aggravation of lung inflammatory disorders. Epidemiological studies have shown significant associations between FA exposure levels and the incidence and severity of several respiratory diseases. FA causes inflammation in the respiratory tract via immunological activation, oxidative stress, and airway remodelling, aggravating pre-existing pulmonary inflammation and compromising lung function. Additionally, FA functions as a respiratory sensitizer, causing allergic responses and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in sensitive people. Understanding the complicated processes behind formaldehyde-induced lung inflammation is critical for directing targeted strategies aimed at minimizing environmental exposures and alleviating the burden of formaldehyde-related lung illnesses on global respiratory health. This abstract explores the intricate relationship between FA exposure and lung inflammatory diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, allergic inflammation, lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Ahmad Bhat
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, 302017, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahsas Goyal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, U.P., India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, 248007, India; Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Riya Thapa
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, 302017, Mahal Road, Jaipur, India
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, 21589, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Haider Ali
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; Department of Pharmacology, Kyrgyz State Medical College, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Dipak Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Parteek Prasher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Energy Acres, Dehradun, 248007, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 47500 Sunway City, Malaysia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India.
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16
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Wang Y, Xue F, Cheng W, Zhao Q, Song N, Shi Z, Liu H, Li Y, Tang Q, Liu Q, Wang Y, Zhang F, Jiang X. Design and Synthesis of Novel Ultralong-Acting Peptides as EDP-EBP Interaction Inhibitors for Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6624-6637. [PMID: 38588467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The increased remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in pulmonary fibrosis (PF) generates bioactive ECM fragments called matricryptins, which include elastin-derived peptides (EDPs). The interaction between EDPs and their receptors, including elastin-binding protein (EBP), plays a crucial role in exacerbating fibrosis. Here, we present LXJ-02 for the first time, a novel ultralong-acting inhibitor that disrupts the EDPs/EBP peptide-protein interaction, promoting macrophages to secrete matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12), and showing great promise as a stable peptide. MMP-12 has traditionally been implicated in promoting inflammation and fibrosis in various acute and chronic diseases. However, we reveal a novel role of LXJ-02 that activates the macrophage-MMP-12 axis to increase MMP-12 expression and degrade ECM components like elastin. This leads to the preventing of PF while also improving EDP-EBP interaction. LXJ-02 effectively reverses PF in mouse models with minimal side effects, holding great promise as an excellent therapeutic agent for lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine & The First Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Fanghan Xue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Nazi Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zihan Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Han Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qinglin Tang
- Shenzhen Turier Biotech. Co. Ltd, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Shenzhen Turier Biotech. Co. Ltd, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yiqing Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine & The First Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
- Gansu International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Reproductive Medicine Transformation Application & Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xianxing Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
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17
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Zhou YT, Li S, Du SL, Zhao JH, Cai YQ, Zhang ZQ. The multifaceted role of macrophage mitophagy in SiO 2-induced pulmonary fibrosis: A brief review. J Appl Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38644760 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to environments with high concentrations of crystalline silica (CS) can lead to silicosis. Macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of silicosis. In the process of silicosis, silica (SiO2) invades alveolar macrophages (AMs) and induces mitophagy which usually exists in three states: normal, excessive, and/or deficiency. Different mitophagy states lead to corresponding toxic responses, including successful macrophage repair, injury, necrosis, apoptosis, and even pulmonary fibrosis. This is a complex process accompanied by various cytokines. Unfortunately, the details have not been fully systematically summarized. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the role of macrophage mitophagy in SiO2-induced pulmonary fibrosis by systematic analysis on the literature reports. In this review, we first summarized the current data on the macrophage mitophagy in the development of SiO2-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Then, we introduce the molecular mechanism on how SiO2-induced mitophagy causes pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, we focus on introducing new therapies based on newly developed mitophagy-inducing strategies. We conclude that macrophage mitophagy plays a multifaceted role in the progression of SiO2-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and reprogramming the macrophage mitophagy state accordingly may be a potential means of preventing and treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Zhou
- Department of Public Health, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shu-Ling Du
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Jia-Hui Zhao
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | | | - Zhao-Qiang Zhang
- Department of Public Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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18
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Pan D, Di X, Yan B, Su X. Advances in the Study of Non-Coding RNA in the Signaling Pathway of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1419-1431. [PMID: 38617054 PMCID: PMC11016256 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s455707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of chronic, progressive, and irreversible interstitial lung diseases, which are common to most end-stage lung diseases and are one of the most difficult diseases of the respiratory system. In recent years, due to the frequent occurrence of air pollution and smog, the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in China has increased year by year, the morbidity and mortality rates of pulmonary fibrosis have gradually increased and the age of the disease tends to be younger. However, the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is not yet fully understood and is needed to further explore new drug targets. Studies have shown that non-coding RNAs play an important role in regulating the process of pulmonary fibrosis, non-coding RNAs and their specifically expressed can promote or inhibit the process. Here, we review the role of some in the regulation of pulmonary fibrosis signaling pathways and provide new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyun Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingdi Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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19
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Li Y, Jiang C, Zhu W, Lu S, Yu H, Meng L. Exploring therapeutic targets for molecular therapy of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Sci Prog 2024; 107:368504241247402. [PMID: 38651330 PMCID: PMC11036936 DOI: 10.1177/00368504241247402] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by repeated alveolar epithelial damage leading to abnormal repair. The intercellular microenvironment is disturbed, leading to continuous activation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, deposition of extracellular matrix, and ultimately fibrosis. Moreover, pulmonary fibrosis was also found as a COVID-19 complication. Currently, two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are approved for clinical therapy worldwide. However, they can merely slow the disease's progression rather than rescue it. These two drugs have other limitations, such as lack of efficacy, adverse effects, and poor pharmacokinetics. Consequently, a growing number of molecular therapies have been actively developed. Treatment options for IPF are becoming increasingly available. This article reviews the research platform, including cell and animal models involved in molecular therapy studies of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as the promising therapeutic targets and their development progress during clinical trials. The former includes patient case/control studies, cell models, and animal models. The latter includes transforming growth factor-beta, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, lysophosphatidic acid, interleukin-13, Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase family, and Janus kinases/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway. We mainly focused on the therapeutic targets that have not only entered clinical trials but were publicly published with their clinical outcomes. Moreover, this work provides an outlook on some promising targets for further validation of their possibilities to cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- First Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Congshan Jiang
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenhua Zhu
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shemin Lu
- National Regional Children's Medical Center (Northwest), Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine to Pediatric Diseases of Shaanxi Province, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Children's Health and Diseases, Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchuan Yu
- First Department of Respiratory Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Liesu Meng
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine (IMTM), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Luo L, Zhang W, You S, Cui X, Tu H, Yi Q, Wu J, Liu O. The role of epithelial cells in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107144. [PMID: 38484858 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process that affects multiple organs and is considered one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases, resulting in an enormous disease burden. Current studies have focused on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which directly lead to imbalance in generation and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the role of epithelial cells in fibrosis. In some cases, epithelial cells are first exposed to external physicochemical stimuli that may directly drive collagen accumulation in the mesenchyme. In other cases, the source of stimulation is mainly immune cells and some cytokines, and epithelial cells are similarly altered in the process. In this review, we will focus on the multiple dynamic alterations involved in epithelial cells after injury and during fibrogenesis, discuss the association among them, and summarize some therapies targeting changed epithelial cells. Especially, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key central step, which is closely linked to other biological behaviors. Meanwhile, we think studies on disruption of epithelial barrier, epithelial cell death and altered basal stem cell populations and stemness in fibrosis are not appreciated. We believe that therapies targeted epithelial cells can prevent the progress of fibrosis, but not reverse it. The epithelial cell targeting therapies will provide a wonderful preventive and delaying action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyi Luo
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siyao You
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyan Cui
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hua Tu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Yi
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Ousheng Liu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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21
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Wen J, Wang C, Song LY, Wang YY, Liang PT, Pang WL, Yin W, Zhang Q, Zhao WT, Sun XP, Yan JY, Yang ZS. Ferroptosis Mediates Pulmonary Fibrosis: Implications for the Effect of Astragalus and Panax notoginseng Decoction. Can Respir J 2024; 2024:5554886. [PMID: 38584671 PMCID: PMC10997418 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5554886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the mechanism through which Astragalus and Panax notoginseng decoction (APD) facilitates the treatment of ferroptosis-mediated pulmonary fibrosis. Materials and Methods First, the electromedical measurement systems were used to measure respiratory function in mice; the lungs were then collected for histological staining. Potential pharmacologic targets were predicted via network pharmacology. Finally, tests including immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were used to evaluate the relative expression levels of collagen, transforming growth factor β, α-smooth muscle actin, hydroxyproline, and ferroptosis-related genes (GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, and PTGS2) and candidates involved in the mediation of pathways associated with ferroptosis (Hif-1α and EGFR). Results APD prevented the occurrence of restrictive ventilation dysfunction induced by ferroptosis. Extracellular matrix and collagen fiber deposition were significantly reduced when the APD group compared with the model group; furthermore, ferroptosis was attenuated, expression of PTGS2 and ACSL4 increased, and expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased. In the APD group, the candidates related to the mediation of ferroptosis (Hif-1α and EGFR) decreased compared with the model group. Discussion and Conclusions. APD may ameliorate restrictive ventilatory dysfunction through the inhibition of ferroptosis. This was achieved through the attenuation of collagen deposition and inflammatory recruitment in pulmonary fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms might involve Hif-1α and EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wen
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Cui Wang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Li-yun Song
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yin-ying Wang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng-tao Liang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wen-lin Pang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wen Yin
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Wei-tian Zhao
- Dali Prefectural Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Xue-ping Sun
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jin-yuan Yan
- Central Laboratory, Kunming Medical University Second Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhong-shan Yang
- Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Gan W, Song W, Gao Y, Zheng X, Wang F, Zhang Z, Zen K, Liang H, Yan X. Exosomal circRNAs in the plasma serve as novel biomarkers for IPF diagnosis and progression prediction. J Transl Med 2024; 22:264. [PMID: 38462601 PMCID: PMC10926640 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05034-9] [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: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a type of chronic interstitial pneumonia, often fatal, with elusive causes and a bleak prognosis. Its treatment options are limited and largely ineffective. Early detection and precise diagnosis are pivotal in managing the disease effectively and enhancing patient survival rates. Recently, the quest for trustworthy biomarkers for IPF has gained momentum. Notably, emerging studies indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) found in exosomes may hold significant potential as valuable diagnostic markers. METHODS In this study, we initially explored the expression profile of circRNAs in exosomes sourced from the blood of IPF patients and healthy volunteers, employing a human circRNA microarray. We then utilized RT-qPCR to corroborate the dysregulated circRNAs identified by the microarray during the training phase. Next, the circRNAs that displayed a significant increase during the training phase were selected for further validation in a larger cohort encompassing 113 IPF patients and 76 healthy volunteers. Ultimately, the expression level and function of hsa_circ_0044226 were substantiated through a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS Utilizing a human circRNA microarray, we identified 11 dysregulated circRNAs in the exosomes derived from the blood of IPF patients and control volunteers. Subsequent RT-qPCR analysis revealed significant increases in three circRNAs (hsa_circ_0044226, hsa_circ_0004099, hsa_circ_0008898) within the IPF patients. Notably, hsa_circ_0044226 was markedly elevated in patients experiencing acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) compared to those with stable IPF (S-IPF). Additionally, an upregulation of hsa_circ_0044226 was observed in the blood exosomes derived from a bleomycin-induced IPF mouse model. CONCLUSION The expression levels of hsa_circ_0044226, hsa_circ_0004099, and hsa_circ_0008898 in plasma exosomes introduce a new paradigm of biomarkers for the diagnosis and progression of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Gan
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Wenwen Song
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yujuan Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xuexue Zheng
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fengjuan Wang
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zirui Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical School, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ke Zen
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Department of Emergency, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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23
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Hou T, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhang G, Li S, Fan W, Li R, Sun Q, Liu C. Early Pulmonary Fibrosis-like Changes in the Setting of Heat Exposure: DNA Damage and Cell Senescence. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2992. [PMID: 38474239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
It is well known that extreme heat events happen frequently due to climate change. However, studies examining the direct health impacts of increased temperature and heat waves are lacking. Previous reports revealed that heatstroke induced acute lung injury and pulmonary dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate whether heat exposure induced lung fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to an ambient temperature of 39.5 ± 0.5 °C until their core temperature reached the maximum or heat exhaustion state. Lung fibrosis was observed in the lungs of heat-exposed mice, with extensive collagen deposition and the elevated expression of fibrosis molecules, including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Fibronectin (Fn1) (p < 0.05). Moreover, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurred in response to heat exposure, evidenced by E-cadherin, an epithelial marker, which was downregulated, whereas markers of EMT, such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the zinc finger transcriptional repressor protein Slug, were upregulated in the heat-exposed lung tissues of mice (p < 0.05). Subsequently, cell senescence examination revealed that the levels of both senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and the cell cycle protein kinase inhibitor p21 were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Mechanistically, the cGAS-STING signaling pathway evoked by DNA damage was activated in response to heat exposure (p < 0.05). In summary, we reported a new finding that heat exposure contributed to the development of early pulmonary fibrosis-like changes through the DNA damage-activated cGAS-STING pathway followed by cellular senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Hou
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yindan Wang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Sanduo Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ran Li
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qinghua Sun
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Air Pollution and Health, Hangzhou 310053, China
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24
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Zhang H, Qiu J, Zhao Q, Zhang Y, Zheng H, Dou Z, Yan Y. Tanshinone IIA alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting Zbtb16. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2024; 84:102285. [PMID: 38191069 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2024.102285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disease that can occur in a variety of clinical settings. The Zinc Finger and BTB Domain Containing 16 (Zbtb16) is a transcription factor and has not been studied in pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissues from rats which were treated with bleomycin and Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) were collected for mRNA sequencing. Zbtb16, a differentially expressed gene, was screened. Using adeno-associated virus to knock down Zbtb16 in rats, it was found that the lung index and the content of hydroxyproline in lung tissue were decreased. HE and Masson staining revealed that pathological symptoms of lung histopathology were relieved after Zbtb16 knockdown. Protein expressions of α-SMA, Collagen I and Fibronectin were significantly decreased after Zbtb16 knockdown in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, the protein content of TGF-β1 and the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 were inhibited by Zbtb16 knockdown. Conversely, under the treatment of Tan IIA and TGF-β1, overexpression of Zbtb16 improved cell viability, increased the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, and promoted the phosphorylation of Smad 2/3. All above demonstrates that Zbtb16 inhibition ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis and suppresses the TGF-β/Smad pathway. Furthermore, Zbtb16 mediates the inhibitory process of Tan IIA on pulmonary fibrosis. This study provides a novel candidate therapeutic target for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China.
| | - Jianli Qiu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Qianyi Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Haitao Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Ziying Dou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China
| | - Yongbin Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, PR China.
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25
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Guan Y, Zhang J, Cai X, Cai Y, Song Z, Huang Y, Qian W, Pan Z, Zhang X. Astragaloside IV inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway. Gene 2024; 897:148040. [PMID: 38065426 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148040] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease involving multiple factors and genes. Astragaloside IV (ASV) is one of the main bioactive ingredients extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and improve cardiopulmonary function. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of the process of pulmonary fibrosis, and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) can promote pulmonary fibrosis in an EMT-dependent manner. Here, we found that ASV effectively inhibited the ZEB1 and EMT in both bleomycin (BLM)-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis and TGF-β1-treated A549 cells. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying effects of ASV in IPF, we explored the truth using bioinformatics, plasmid construction, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and other experiments. Dual luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics proved that miR-200c not only acts as an upstream regulatory miRNA of ZEB1 but also has binding sites for the lncRNA-ATB. In A549 cell-based EMT models, ASV reduced the expression of lncRNA-ATB and upregulated miR-200c. Furthermore, overexpression of lncRNA-ATB and silencing of miR-200c reversed the down-regulation of ZEB1 and the inhibition of EMT processes by ASV. In addition, the intervention of ASV prevented lncRNA-ATB as a ceRNA from regulating the expression of ZEB1 through sponging miR-200c. Taken together, the results showed that ASV inhibited the EMT process through the lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway, which provides a novel approach to the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Guan
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Xinrui Cai
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Yanan Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Tai'an 88 Hospital, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Ziqiong Song
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Weibin Qian
- Department of Lung Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China.
| | - Zhifeng Pan
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China.
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.
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26
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Chen D, Zhao HM, Deng XH, Li SP, Zhou MH, Wu YX, Tong Y, Yu RQ, Pang QF. BCL6 attenuates hyperoxia-induced lung injury by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated inflammation in fetal mouse. Exp Lung Res 2024; 50:25-41. [PMID: 38419581 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2024.2320665] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcriptional repressor B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) has been reported to inhibit inflammation. So far, experimental evidence for the role of BCL6 in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is lacking. Our study investigated the roles of BCL6 in the progression of BPD and its downstream mechanisms. METHODS Hyperoxia or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to mimic the BPD mouse model. To investigate the effects of BCL6 on BPD, recombination adeno-associated virus serotype 9 expressing BCL6 (rAAV9-BCL6) and BCL6 inhibitor FX1 were administered in mice. The pulmonary pathological changes, inflammatory chemokines and NLRP3-related protein were observed. Meanwhile, BCL6 overexpression plasmid was used in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and NLRP3-related protein were detected. RESULTS Either hyperoxia or LPS suppressed pulmonary BCL6 mRNA expression. rAAV9-BCL6 administration significantly inhibited hyperoxia-induced NLRP3 upregulation and inflammation, attenuated alveolar simplification and dysregulated angiogenesis in BPD mice, which were characterized by decreased mean linear intercept, increased radical alveolar count and alveoli numbers, and the upregulated CD31 expression. Meanwhile, BCL6 overexpression promoted proliferation and angiogenesis, inhibited apoptosis and inflammation in hyperoxia-stimulated HPMECs. Moreover, administration of BCL6 inhibitor FX1 arrested growth and development. FX1-treated BPD mice exhibited exacerbation of alveolar pathological changes and pulmonary vessel permeability, with upregulated mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-fibrogenic factors. Furthermore, both rAAV9-BCL6 and FX1 administration exerted a long-lasting effect on hyperoxia-induced lung injury (≥4 wk). CONCLUSIONS BCL6 inhibits NLRP3-mediated inflammation, attenuates alveolar simplification and dysregulated pulmonary vessel development in hyperoxia-induced BPD mice. Hence, BCL6 may be a target in treating BPD and neonatal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hui-Min Zhao
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xian-Hui Deng
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Sheng-Peng Li
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mei-Hui Zhou
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ya-Xian Wu
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying Tong
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ren-Qiang Yu
- Department of Neonatology, Affiliated Women's Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Qing-Feng Pang
- Department of Physiopathology, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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Tao H, Lv Q, Zhang J, Chen L, Yang Y, Sun W. Different Levels of Autophagy Activity in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Involved in the Progression of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Stem Cells Int 2024; 2024:3429565. [PMID: 38390035 PMCID: PMC10883747 DOI: 10.1155/2024/3429565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-related lung interstitial disease that occurs predominantly in people over 65 years of age and for which there is a lack of effective therapeutic agents. It has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) including alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) can perform repair functions. However, MSCs lose their repair functions due to their distinctive aging characteristics, eventually leading to the progression of IPF. Recent breakthroughs have revealed that the degree of autophagic activity influences the renewal and aging of MSCs and determines the prognosis of IPF. Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent pathway that mediates the degradation and recycling of intracellular material and is an efficient way to renew the nonnuclear (cytoplasmic) part of eukaryotic cells, which is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and is a potential target for regulating MSCs function. Therefore, this review focuses on the changes in autophagic activity of MSCs, clarifies the relationship between autophagy and health status of MSCs and the effect of autophagic activity on MSCs senescence and IPF, providing a theoretical basis for promoting the clinical application of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Tao
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qin Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Medical College, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, China
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Wu X, Xiao X, Fang H, He C, Wang H, Wang M, Lan P, Wang F, Du Q, Yang H. Elucidating shared biomarkers in gastroesophageal reflux disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: insights into novel therapeutic targets and the role of angelicae sinensis radix. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1348708. [PMID: 38414734 PMCID: PMC10897002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1348708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The etiological underpinnings of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain elusive, coupled with a scarcity of effective therapeutic interventions for IPF. Angelicae sinensis radix (ASR, also named Danggui) is a Chinese herb with potential anti-fibrotic properties, that holds promise as a therapeutic agent for IPF. Objective: This study seeks to elucidate the causal interplay and potential mechanisms underlying the coexistence of GERD and IPF. Furthermore, it aims to investigate the regulatory effect of ASR on this complex relationship. Methods: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) approach was employed to delineate the causal connection between gastroesophageal reflux disease and IPF, with Phennoscanner V2 employed to mitigate confounding factors. Utilizing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and publicly available microarray data, we analyzed potential targets and mechanisms related to IPF in GERD. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to explore the targets and efficacy of ASR in treating GERD-related IPF. External datasets were subsequently utilized to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for GERD-related IPF. Results: The IVW analysis demonstrated a positive causal relationship between GERD and IPF (IVW: OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 1.001, 1.003; p < 0.001). Twenty-five shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. GO functional analysis revealed enrichment in neural, cellular, and brain development processes, concentrated in chromosomes and plasma membranes, with protein binding and activation involvement. KEGG analysis unveiled enrichment in proteoglycan, ERBB, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways in cancer. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis identified seven hub genes. Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that 104 components of ASR targeted five hub genes (PDE4B, DRD2, ERBB4, ESR1, GRM8), with molecular docking confirming their excellent binding efficiency. GRM8 and ESR1 emerged as potential diagnostic biomarkers for GERD-related IPF (ESR1: AUCGERD = 0.762, AUCIPF = 0.725; GRM8: AUCGERD = 0.717, AUCIPF = 0.908). GRM8 and ESR1 emerged as potential diagnostic biomarkers for GERD-related IPF, validated in external datasets. Conclusion: This study establishes a causal link between GERD and IPF, identifying five key targets and two potential diagnostic biomarkers for GERD-related IPF. ASR exhibits intervention efficacy and favorable binding characteristics, positioning it as a promising candidate for treating GERD-related IPF. The potential regulatory mechanisms may involve cell responses to fibroblast growth factor stimulation and steroidal hormone-mediated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Wu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanyu Fang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Pulmonary Diseases, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cuifang He
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanyue Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peishu Lan
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Quanyu Du
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Yang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Ge S, Guo Z, Xiao T, Sun P, Yang B, Ying Y. Qingfei Tongluo Mixture Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis through mTOR-Dependent Autophagy in Rats. Mediators Inflamm 2024; 2024:5573353. [PMID: 38361765 PMCID: PMC10869187 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5573353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
As an interstitial fibrosis disease characterized by diffuse alveolitis and structural alveolar disorders, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has high lethality but lacks limited therapeutic drugs. A hospital preparation used for the treatment of viral pneumonia, Qingfei Tongluo mixture (QFTL), is rumored to have protective effects against inflammatory and respiratory disease. This study aims to confirm whether it has a therapeutic effect on bleomycin-induced IPF in rats and to elucidate its mechanism of action. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control, model, CQ + QFTL (84 mg/kg chloroquine (CQ) + 3.64 g/kg QFTL), QFTL-L, M, H (3.64, 7.28, and 14.56 g/kg, respectively) and pirfenidone (PFD 420 mg/kg). After induction modeling and drug intervention, blood samples and lung tissue were collected for further detection. Body weight and lung coefficient were examined, combined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining to observe lung tissue lesions. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the hydroxyproline (HYP) assay kit were used to detect changes in proinflammatory factors (transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)) and HYP. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were performed to observe changes in proteins related to pulmonary fibrosis (α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12)) and autophagy (P62 and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)). Treatment with QFTL significantly improved the adverse effects of bleomycin on body weight, lung coefficient, and pathological changes. Then, QFTL reduced bleomycin-induced increases in proinflammatory mediators and HYP. The expression changes of pulmonary fibrosis and autophagy marker proteins are attenuated by QFTL. Furthermore, the autophagy inhibitor CQ significantly reversed the downward trend in HYP levels and α-SMA protein expression, which QFTL improved in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis rats. In conclusion, QFTL could effectively attenuate bleomycin-induced inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis through mTOR-dependent autophagy in rats. Therefore, QFTL has the potential to be an alternative treatment for IPF in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Guo
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Ting Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550031, China
| | - Pingping Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yin Ying
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Yin JZ, Li ZQ, Zhang XD, Wan ZJ, Qin HR, Yao LH, Li BL, Gao F, Yang YY. Bufotalin attenuates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176293. [PMID: 38158113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176293] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with no cure. Bufotalin (BT), an active component extracted from Venenum Bufonis, has been prescribed as a treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases. However, whether BT has antifibrotic properties has never been investigated. In this study, we report on the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of BT on IPF. BT was shown to attenuate lung injury, inflammation, and fibrosis as well as preserve pulmonary function in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. We next confirmed BT's ability to inhibit TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and myofibroblast activation (including differentiation, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production) in vitro. Furthermore, transcriptional profile analysis indicated the Wnt signaling pathway as a potential target of BT. Mechanistically, BT effectively prevented β-catenin from translocating into the nucleus to activate transcription of profibrotic genes. This was achieved by blunting TGF-β1-induced increases in phosphorylated Akt Ser437 (p-Akt S437) and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β Ser9 (p-GSK-3β S9), thereby reactivating GSK-3β. Additionally, the antifibrotic effects of BT were further validated in another in vivo model of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, these data demonstrated the potent antifibrotic actions of BT through inhibition of Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin axis downstream of TGF-β1. Thus, BT could be a potential option to be further explored in IPF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Zhong Yin
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu-Qing Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-de Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Wan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Ran Qin
- Department of Nuclear Radiation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, 507, Zhengmin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu-Huan Yao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai-Long Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fu Gao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan-Yong Yang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
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Wang Y, Jiao L, Qiang C, Chen C, Shen Z, Ding F, Lv L, Zhu T, Lu Y, Cui X. The role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in fibrosis diseases and its molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116116. [PMID: 38181715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116116] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a process of tissue repair that results in the slow creation of scar tissue to replace healthy tissue and can affect any tissue or organ. Its primary feature is the massive deposition of extracellular matrix (mainly collagen), eventually leading to tissue dysfunction and organ failure. The progression of fibrotic diseases has put a significant strain on global health and the economy, and as a result, there is an urgent need to find some new therapies. Previous studies have identified that inflammation, oxidative stress, some cytokines, and remodeling play a crucial role in fibrotic diseases and are essential avenues for treating fibrotic diseases. Among them, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are considered the main targets for the treatment of fibrotic diseases since they are the primary driver involved in ECM degradation, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are natural endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. Through previous studies, we found that MMP-9 is an essential target for treating fibrotic diseases. However, it is worth noting that MMP-9 plays a bidirectional regulatory role in different fibrotic diseases or different stages of the same fibrotic disease. Previously identified MMP-9 inhibitors, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, suffer from some rather pronounced side effects, and therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate new drugs. In this review, we explore the mechanism of action and signaling pathways of MMP-9 in different tissues and organs, hoping to provide some ideas for developing safer and more effective biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linke Jiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Caoxia Qiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zihuan Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lifei Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingdong Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangning Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Wei F, Yin Y, Li J, Chang Y, Zhang S, Zhao W, Ma X. Essential oil from Inula japonica Thunb. And its phenolic constituents ameliorate pulmonary injury and fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117169. [PMID: 37704119 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pulmonary injury and fibrosis can be caused by various factors because of their inflammatory nature, both can lead to serious clinical consequences. Inula japonica Thunb. is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of lung diseases. However, the effect and mechanism of action of the essential oil of I. japonica (EOI) on pulmonary injury and fibrosis are not well understood. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the therapeutic effects of EOI on mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced acute pulmonary injury and chronic fibrosis formation, as well as its potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS A short-term mouse model of pulmonary injury was established by intratracheal injection of BLM to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of EOI, and a long-term model of pulmonary fibrosis was used to explore the anti-fibrosis effect of EOI. High-dose EOI (200 mg/kg) was administered intragastrically, and low-dose (50 mg/kg) was administered by intratracheal injection. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the ingredients in EOI, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed for the preparation of EOI compounds. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to verify the effects of EOI and its active composition on inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis signaling pathway. RESULTS Treatment with EOI significantly reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress by reducing the levels of inflammatory and oxidative cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and malondialdehyde in BLM-treated mice with acute pulmonary injury. EOI treatment could also suppress the formation of fibrous tissue in mice with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt pathways. Chromatographic analysis and preparation suggested that fatty acid and phenol derivatives are present in EOI. Based on cellular inflammation and fibrosis models, the phenolic compounds in EOI can represent the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of EOI by regulating pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β1, and α-SMA. CONCLUSION EOI ameliorated BLM-induced pulmonary injury and fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the inflammatory response and regulating the redox equilibrium, as well as by mediating TGFβ/Smad and PI3K/Akt, which suggested that EOI has potential to treat pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wei
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuzhen Yin
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jie Li
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yibo Chang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Pharmaceutical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Shuyuan Zhang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Wenyu Zhao
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Xiaochi Ma
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Perez-Favila A, Garza-Veloz I, Hernandez-Marquez LDS, Gutierrez-Vela EF, Flores-Morales V, Martinez-Fierro ML. Antifibrotic Drugs against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by COVID-19: Therapeutic Approaches and Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1562. [PMID: 38338840 PMCID: PMC10855955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the health and economy of the global population. Even after recovery from the disease, post-COVID-19 symptoms, such as pulmonary fibrosis, continue to be a concern. This narrative review aims to address pulmonary fibrosis (PF) from various perspectives, including the fibrotic mechanisms involved in idiopathic and COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis. On the other hand, we also discuss the current therapeutic drugs in use, as well as those undergoing clinical or preclinical evaluation. Additionally, this article will address various biomarkers with usefulness for PF prediction, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and severity assessment in order to provide better treatment strategies for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Margarita L. Martinez-Fierro
- Doctorado en Ciencias con Orientación en Medicina Molecular, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y CS, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98160, Mexico; (A.P.-F.); (I.G.-V.); (L.d.S.H.-M.); (E.F.G.-V.); (V.F.-M.)
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Summer R, Todd JL, Neely ML, Lobo LJ, Namen A, Newby LK, Shafazand S, Suliman S, Hesslinger C, Keller S, Leonard TB, Palmer SM, Ilkayeva O, Muehlbauer MJ, Newgard CB, Roman J. Circulating metabolic profile in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: data from the IPF-PRO Registry. Respir Res 2024; 25:58. [PMID: 38273290 PMCID: PMC10809477 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02644-7] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The circulating metabolome, reflecting underlying cellular processes and disease biology, has not been fully characterized in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We evaluated whether circulating levels of metabolites correlate with the presence of IPF, with the severity of IPF, or with the risk of clinically relevant outcomes among patients with IPF. METHODS We analyzed enrollment plasma samples from 300 patients with IPF in the IPF-PRO Registry and 100 individuals without known lung disease using a set of targeted metabolomics and clinical analyte modules. Linear regression was used to compare metabolite and clinical analyte levels between patients with IPF and controls and to determine associations between metabolite levels and measures of disease severity in patients with IPF. Unadjusted and adjusted univariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate associations between circulating metabolites and the risk of mortality or disease progression among patients with IPF. RESULTS Levels of 64 metabolites and 5 clinical analytes were significantly different between patients with IPF and controls. Among analytes with greatest differences were non-esterified fatty acids, multiple long-chain acylcarnitines, and select ceramides, levels of which were higher among patients with IPF versus controls. Levels of the branched-chain amino acids valine and leucine/isoleucine were inversely correlated with measures of disease severity. After adjusting for clinical factors known to influence outcomes, higher levels of the acylcarnitine C:16-OH/C:14-DC were associated with all-cause mortality, lower levels of the acylcarnitine C16:1-OH/C14:1DC were associated with all-cause mortality, respiratory death, and respiratory death or lung transplant, and higher levels of the sphingomyelin d43:2 were associated with the risk of respiratory death or lung transplantation. CONCLUSIONS IPF has a distinct circulating metabolic profile characterized by increased levels of non-esterified fatty acids, long-chain acylcarnitines, and ceramides, which may suggest a more catabolic environment that enhances lipid mobilization and metabolism. We identified select metabolites that were highly correlated with measures of disease severity or the risk of disease progression and that may be developed further as biomarkers. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; No: NCT01915511; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS gov .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Summer
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jamie L Todd
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Megan L Neely
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - L Jason Lobo
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Namen
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - L Kristin Newby
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sascha Keller
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | | | - Scott M Palmer
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Olga Ilkayeva
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Jesse Roman
- Jane and Leonard Korman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Wang X, Zhang D, Zhu Y, Li D, Shen L, Wang Q, Gao Y, Li X, Yu M. Protein lysine acetylation played an important role in NH 3-induced AEC2 damage and pulmonary fibrosis in piglets. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168303. [PMID: 37939958 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous ammonia (NH3), as a main air pollutant in pig farms and surrounding areas, directly affects animal and human health. The lung, as an important organ for gas exchange in the respiratory system, is damaged after NH3 exposure, but the underlying mechanism needs to be further explored. In this study, seven weeks old piglets were exposed to 50 ppm NH3 for 30 days, and displayed pulmonary fibrosis. Then, the toxicological mechanism of NH3-induced pulmonary fibrosis was explored from the aspects of whole genome wide protein expression and post-translational modification. Totally, 404 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 136 differentially lysine acetylated proteins (DAPs) were identified. The expression or lysine acetylation levels of proteins involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism including fatty acid oxidation (CPT1A, ACADVL, ACADS, HADHA, and HADHB), TCA cycle (IDH2 and MDH2), and oxidative phosphorylation (NDUFB7, NDUFV1, ATP5PB, ATP5F1A, COX5A, and COX5B) were significantly changed after NH3 exposure, which suggested that NH3 disrupted mitochondrial energy metabolism in the lung of piglets. Next, we found that type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2) damaged after NH3 exposure in vivo and in vitro. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) was enriched in focal adhesion pathway, and showed significantly up-regulated acetylation levels at K191 (FC = 2.99) and K209 sites (FC = 1.52) after NH3 exposure. We illustrated that ILK-K191 hyper-acetylation inhibited AEC2 proliferation and induced AEC2 apoptosis by down-regulating pAKT-S473 in vitro. In conclusion, for the first time, our study revealed that protein acetylation played an important role in the process of NH3-induced pulmonary fibrosis in piglets. Our findings provided valuable insights into toxicological harm of NH3 to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yaxue Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Daojie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Long Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiankun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yun Gao
- College of Engineering, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Key Laboratory of Smart Animal Farming Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Mei Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Center for Advanced Science in Animal Breeding and Health Breeding, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Liu Y, Tang A, Liu M, Xu C, Cao F, Yang C. Tuberostemonine may enhance the function of the SLC7A11/glutamate antiporter to restrain the ferroptosis to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116983. [PMID: 37532076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Stemona is a medicinal plant that has been used in China for thousands of years to treat respiratory diseases such as cough and tuberculosis. The tuberostemonine is the component of the Stemona tuberosa Lour., Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq. or Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq. (The plant name has been checked with http://www.theplantlist.org), of which multiple biological activities has been verified. However, whether it may alleviate pulmonary fibrosis via regulating ferroptosis mechanism has not been confirmed. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to observe whether tuberostemonine alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by enhancing the function of the SLC7A11/glutamate antiporter to restrain the ferroptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We validated the effects of tuberostemonine and ferroptosis on TGF-β1-induced proliferation of human lung fibroblast and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. In vitro, the ferroptosis effect of TGF-β1 on human lung fibroblast were examined and the activity of ɑ-SMA, collagen, hydroxyproline and ferrous ions in cells were also examined. In vivo, ferroptosis impacts respiratory function. Inflammatory manifestations, hydroxyproline, collagen activity and ferrous ions in the lung or blood were subject to evaluation. RESULTS Tuberostemonine significantly improved respiratory function in mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, decreased cellular and lung hydroxyproline content, reduced inflammation and collagen deposition in cells and lung, and promoted an increase in the SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins. Tuberostemonine inhibits the ferroptosis phenomenon, up-regulates SLC7A11, GPX4 and GSH, and down-regulates the accumulation of iron and ROS. CONCLUSIONS Tuberostemonine significantly inhibited ferroptosis and improved pulmonary fibrosis both in vivo and vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Amei Tang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Changjun Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Feng Cao
- School of Health Care, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Changfu Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
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Li S, Hu G, Kuang L, Zhou T, Jiang H, Pang F, Li J, Chen X, Bao J, Li W, Li C, Li M, Wang L, Zhang D, Zhang J, Yang Z, Jin H. Unraveling the mechanism of ethyl acetate extract from Prismatomeris connata Y. Z. Ruan root in treating pulmonary fibrosis: insights from bioinformatics, network pharmacology, and experimental validation. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1330055. [PMID: 38259493 PMCID: PMC10801734 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1330055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary fibrosis is a terminal lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix accumulation, inflammatory damage, and tissue structure destruction. The pathogenesis of this disease, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), remains unknown. Macrophages play major roles in organ fibrosis diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. The phenotype and polarization of macrophages are closely associated with pulmonary fibrosis. A new direction in research on anti-pulmonary fibrosis is focused on developing drugs that maintain the stability of the pulmonary microenvironment. Methods We obtained gene sequencing data and clinical information for patients with IPF from the GEO datasets GSE110147, GSE15197, GSE24988, GSE31934, GSE32537, GSE35145, GSE53845, GSE49072, GSE70864, and GSE90010. We performed GO, KEGG enrichment analysis and GSEA analysis, and conducted weighted gene co-expression network analysis. In addition, we performed proteomic analysis of mouse lung tissue. To verify the results of bioinformatics analysis and proteomic analysis, mice were induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM), and gavaged for 14 days after modeling. Respiratory function of mice in different groups was measured. Lung tissues were retained for histopathological examination, Western Blot and real-time quantitative PCR, etc. In addition, lipopolysaccharide, interferon-γ and interleukin-4 were used to induce RAW264.7 cells for 12h in vitro to establish macrophage inflammation and polarization model. At the same time, HG2 intervention was given. The phenotype transformation and cytokine secretion of macrophages were investigated by Western Blot, RT-qPCR and flow cytometry, etc. Results Through bioinformatics analysis and experiments involving bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, we confirmed the importance of macrophage polarization in IPF. The analysis revealed that macrophage polarization in IPF involves a change in the phenotypic spectrum. Furthermore, experiments demonstrated high expression of M2-type macrophage-associated biomarkers and inducible nitric oxide synthase, thus indicating an imbalance in M1/M2 polarization of pulmonary macrophages in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. Discussion Our investigation revealed that the ethyl acetate extract (HG2) obtained from the roots of Prismatomeris connata Y. Z. Ruan exhibits therapeutic efficacy against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. HG2 modulates macrophage polarization, alterations in the TGF-β/Smad pathway, and downstream protein expression in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. On the basis of our findings, we believe that HG2 has potential as a novel traditional Chinese medicine component for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizheng Li
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Hu
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lian Kuang
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Zhou
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Jiang
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Pang
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Bao
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory of Safety Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- R&D Department, Beijing Union-Genius Pharmaceutical Technology Development Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Wanfang Li
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory of Safety Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- R&D Department, Beijing Union-Genius Pharmaceutical Technology Development Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Chuangjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Menglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dongming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zengyan Yang
- Section of Science & Technology, Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongtao Jin
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory of Safety Research and Evaluation of Innovative Drug, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- R&D Department, Beijing Union-Genius Pharmaceutical Technology Development Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
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Rodriguez LR, Tang SY, Roque Barboza W, Murthy A, Tomer Y, Cai TQ, Iyer S, Chavez K, Das US, Ghosh S, Cooper CH, Dimopoulos TT, Babu A, Connelly C, FitzGerald GA, Beers MF. PGF2α signaling drives fibrotic remodeling and fibroblast population dynamics in mice. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e172977. [PMID: 37934604 PMCID: PMC10807712 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.172977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic parenchymal lung disease characterized by repetitive alveolar cell injury, myofibroblast proliferation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition for which unmet need persists for effective therapeutics. The bioactive eicosanoid, prostaglandin F2α, and its cognate receptor FPr (Ptgfr) are implicated as a TGF-β1-independent signaling hub for IPF. To assess this, we leveraged our published murine PF model (IER-SftpcI73T) expressing a disease-associated missense mutation in the surfactant protein C (Sftpc) gene. Tamoxifen-treated IER-SftpcI73T mice developed an early multiphasic alveolitis and transition to spontaneous fibrotic remodeling by 28 days. IER-SftpcI73T mice crossed to a Ptgfr-null (FPr-/-) line showed attenuated weight loss and gene dosage-dependent rescue of mortality compared with FPr+/+ cohorts. IER-SftpcI73T/FPr-/- mice also showed reductions in multiple fibrotic endpoints for which administration of nintedanib was not additive. Single-cell RNA-Seq, pseudotime analysis, and in vitro assays demonstrated Ptgfr expression predominantly within adventitial fibroblasts, which were reprogrammed to an "inflammatory/transitional" cell state in a PGF2α /FPr-dependent manner. Collectively, the findings provide evidence for a role for PGF2α signaling in IPF, mechanistically identify a susceptible fibroblast subpopulation, and establish a benchmark effect size for disruption of this pathway in mitigating fibrotic lung remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis R. Rodriguez
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Soon Yew Tang
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Willy Roque Barboza
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Aditi Murthy
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Yaniv Tomer
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Tian-Quan Cai
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Swati Iyer
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Katrina Chavez
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Ujjalkumar Subhash Das
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Charlotte H. Cooper
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | - Thalia T. Dimopoulos
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
| | | | | | - Garret A. FitzGerald
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael F. Beers
- Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine
- PENN-CHOP Lung Biology Institute, and
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Vannan A, Lyu R, Williams AL, Negretti NM, Mee ED, Hirsh J, Hirsh S, Nichols DS, Calvi CL, Taylor CJ, Polosukhin VV, Serezani APM, McCall AS, Gokey JJ, Shim H, Ware LB, Bacchetta MJ, Shaver CM, Blackwell TS, Walia R, Sucre JMS, Kropski JA, McCarthy DJ, Banovich NE. Image-based spatial transcriptomics identifies molecular niche dysregulation associated with distal lung remodeling in pulmonary fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.15.571954. [PMID: 38168317 PMCID: PMC10760144 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.15.571954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The human lung is structurally complex, with a diversity of specialized epithelial, stromal and immune cells playing specific functional roles in anatomically distinct locations, and large-scale changes in the structure and cellular makeup of this distal lung is a hallmark of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and other progressive chronic lung diseases. Single-cell transcriptomic studies have revealed numerous disease-emergent/enriched cell types/states in PF lungs, but the spatial contexts wherein these cells contribute to disease pathogenesis has remained uncertain. Using sub-cellular resolution image-based spatial transcriptomics, we analyzed the gene expression of more than 1 million cells from 19 unique lungs. Through complementary cell-based and innovative cell-agnostic analyses, we characterized the localization of PF-emergent cell-types, established the cellular and molecular basis of classical PF histopathologic disease features, and identified a diversity of distinct molecularly-defined spatial niches in control and PF lungs. Using machine-learning and trajectory analysis methods to segment and rank airspaces on a gradient from normal to most severely remodeled, we identified a sequence of compositional and molecular changes that associate with progressive distal lung pathology, beginning with alveolar epithelial dysregulation and culminating with changes in macrophage polarization. Together, these results provide a unique, spatially-resolved characterization of the cellular and molecular programs of PF and control lungs, provide new insights into the heterogeneous pathobiology of PF, and establish analytical approaches which should be broadly applicable to other imaging-based spatial transcriptomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Vannan
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Ruqian Lyu
- St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, AUS
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, AUS
| | | | - Nicholas M. Negretti
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Evan D. Mee
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Joseph Hirsh
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samuel Hirsh
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David S. Nichols
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carla L. Calvi
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Chase J. Taylor
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vasiliy. V. Polosukhin
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ana PM Serezani
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - A. Scott McCall
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jason J. Gokey
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Heejung Shim
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, AUS
| | - Lorraine B. Ware
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Matthew J. Bacchetta
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ciara M. Shaver
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Timothy S. Blackwell
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Rajat Walia
- Department of Thoracic Disease and Transplantation, Norton Thoracic Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jennifer MS Sucre
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jonathan A. Kropski
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Davis J McCarthy
- St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, AUS
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, AUS
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Wang D, Chen J, Pu L, Yu L, Xiong F, Sun L, Yu Q, Cao X, Chen Y, Peng F, Peng C. Galangin: A food-derived flavonoid with therapeutic potential against a wide spectrum of diseases. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5700-5723. [PMID: 37748788 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Galangin is an important flavonoid with natural activity, that is abundant in galangal and propolis. Currently, various biological activities of galangin have been disclosed, including anti-inflammation, antibacterial effect, anti-oxidative stress and aging, anti-fibrosis, and antihypertensive effect. Based on the above bioactivities, more and more attention has been paid to the role of galangin in neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, skin diseases, and cancer. In this paper, the natural sources, pharmacokinetics, bioactivities, and therapeutic potential of galangin against various diseases were systematically reviewed by collecting and summarizing relevant literature. In addition, the molecular mechanism and new preparation of galangin in the treatment of related diseases are also discussed, to broaden the application prospect and provide reference for its clinical application. Furthermore, it should be noted that current toxicity and clinical studies of galangin are insufficient, and more evidence is needed to support its possibility as a functional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daibo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Pu
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Luyao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Cao
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zhou S, Wang Z, Gao L, Chen M, Duan Y, Zhou P, Liu Z, Wu C, Zhang J, Zhu Q. C5a/C5aR1 axis as a key driver promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in airway epithelial cells in silica nanoparticles-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111112. [PMID: 37948857 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111112] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) exposure can affect the respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive and other systems, with the lung being the primary target organ for the direct effect, causing damage with a central feature of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis due to SiNPs are not fully understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of complement anaphylatoxin C5a in SiNPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A mouse model of SiNPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis was established, and pulmonary fibrosis-related indicators, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), C5a/C5aR1 and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) proteins were measured. An in vitro study using the human lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B investigated whether C5a leads to epithelial-to-mesenchymal trans-differentiation. In vivo studies revealed that SiNPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis mainly manifested as EMT trans-differentiation in airway epithelial cells, which subsequently led to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, we found that C5a and C5aR1 proteins were also increased in SiNPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis tissue. In vitro studies also showed that C5a directly activated HMGB1/RAGE signaling and induced EMT in BEAS-2B cells. Finally, treatment of SiNPs-exposed mice with the C5aR1 inhibitor PMX205 effectively reduced C5aR1 levels and inhibited the activation of HMGB1/RAGE signaling and the expression of EMT-related proteins, culminating in a significant alleviation of pulmonary fibrosis. Taken together, our results suggest that C5a/C5aR1 is the main signaling pathway for SiNPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis, which induces EMT in airway epithelial cells via the HMGB1/RAGE axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifan Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhoujian Wang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Muyue Chen
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuansheng Duan
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhibing Liu
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Changhao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Jiaxiang Zhang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Qixing Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Dermatology (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Wang Z, Liu M, Ai Y, Zheng S, Chen Y, Du H, Yuan S, Guo X, Yuan Y, Li G, Song J, Deng C. The compound artemisinin-hydroxychloroquine ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2023; 83:102268. [PMID: 37967761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2023.102268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal disease characterized by a progressive decline in lung function. Currently, lung transplantation remains the only available treatment for PF. However, both artemisinin (ART) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) possess potential antifibrotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of a compound known as Artemisinin-Hydroxychloroquine (AH) in treating PF, specifically by targeting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. To do this, we utilized an animal model of PF induced by a single tracheal drip of bleomycin (BLM) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The PF animal models were administered various doses of AH, and the efficacy and safety of AH were evaluated through pulmonary function testing, blood routine tests, serum biochemistry tests, organ index measurements, and pathological examinations. Additionally, Elisa, western blotting, and qPCR techniques were employed to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of AH in treating PF. Our findings reveal that AH effectively and safely alleviate PF by inhibiting BLM-induced specific inflammation, reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and interfering with the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Notably, the windfall for this study is that the inhibition of ECM may initiate self-healing in the BLM-induced PF animal model. In conclusion, AH shows promise as a potential therapeutic drug for PF, as it inhibits disease progression through the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojia Wang
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Ai
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqin Zheng
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China; Institute of Science and Technology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 26 Chentai Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingyi Chen
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hujun Du
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijia Yuan
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Guo
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueming Yuan
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China; Institute of Science and Technology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 26 Chentai Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoming Li
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Song
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Changsheng Deng
- Artemisinin Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 12 Airport Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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Liang W, Yang H, Pan L, Wei S, Li Z, Zhang P, Li R, Wu Y, Liu M, Liu X. Ginkgo biloba Extract 50 (GBE50) Exerts Antifibrotic and Antioxidant Effects on Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Regulating Nrf2 and TGF-β1/Smad Pathways. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12010-023-04755-9. [PMID: 37971580 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disorder with a poor prognosis. GBE50 is a new standardized Ginkgo biloba extract that has been widely used in cardiovascular diseases. However, the protective mechanism of GBE50 against PF remains to be elucidated. METHODS C57BL/6J mice were treated with bleomycin (Bleo) to induce PF in the presence or absence of GBE50. Protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and wet weight/dry weight ratio were examined for analysis of pulmonary edema. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining were used for histopathological observation of murine lung tissues. Ashcroft score was used for semi-quantitation of lung fibrosis degree. RT-qPCR was utilized for assessing mRNA levels of pro-fibrotic mediators in lung tissues. TUNEL staining was implemented for cell apoptosis assessment. The levels of oxidative stress- and inflammation-related markers were evaluated by corresponding commercial assay kits. Western blotting was used to evaluate levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling- and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/SMAD signaling-related proteins. RESULTS GBE50 alleviated lung injury and severity of fibrosis, reduced collagen deposition and cell apoptosis in lung tissues, and suppressed inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury in Bleo-stimulated PF mice. GBE50 activated Nrf2 signaling pathway and inactivated TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway in the lungs of Bleo-induced PF mice. Inhibition of Nrf2 signaling reversed GBE50-mediated inactivation of TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress in Bleo-induced PF mice. CONCLUSION GBE50 protects against Bleo-induced PF in mice by mitigating fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress via Nrf2 and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 10 Huadong Road, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 10 Huadong Road, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Pan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 10 Huadong Road, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Sizun Wei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 10 Huadong Road, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China.
| | - Zhanhua Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 10 Huadong Road, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Liuzhou Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Liuzhou, 545001, Guangxi, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Nanning530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yangcong Wu
- Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Nanning530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Maohua Liu
- Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, Nanning530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
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Luo W, Gu Y, Fu S, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang Y. Emerging opportunities to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Design, discovery, and optimizations of small-molecule drugs targeting fibrogenic pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115762. [PMID: 37683364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115762] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common fibrotic form of idiopathic diffuse lung disease. Due to limited treatment options, IPF patients suffer from poor survival. About ten years ago, Pirfenidone (Shionogi, 2008; InterMune, 2011) and Nintedanib (Boehringer Ingelheim, 2014) were approved, greatly changing the direction of IPF drug design. However, limited efficacy and side effects indicate that neither can reverse the process of IPF. With insights into the occurrence of IPF, novel targets and agents have been proposed, which have fundamentally changed the treatment of IPF. With the next-generation agents, targeting pro-fibrotic pathways in the epithelial-injury model offers a promising approach. Besides, several next-generation IPF drugs have entered phase II/III clinical trials with encouraging results. Due to the rising IPF treatment requirements, there is an urgent need to completely summarize the mechanisms, targets, problems, and drug design strategies over the past ten years. In this review, we summarize known mechanisms, target types, drug design, and novel technologies of IPF drug discovery, aiming to provide insights into the future development and clinical application of next-generation IPF drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yilin Gu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyu Fu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, Sichuan, China.
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Xiao T, Gao D, Gu X, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, He Y, Wei L, Li H, Zhou H, Yang C. Flavokawain A ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway and CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 958:175981. [PMID: 37579968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175981] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fibrotic lung disease characterized by myofibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition that has a high mortality rate and limited therapeutic options. Flavokawain A(FKA) is the major component of chalcone in kava extract. FKA has been reported to inhibit TGF-β1-induced cardiomyocyte fibrosis by suppressing ROS production in A7r5 cells, but the role and mechanism of FKA in pulmonary fibrosis are unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effect of FKA on pulmonary fibrosis using an animal model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and showed that FKA alleviated the development of pulmonary fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner and improved lung function as well as collagen deposition and extracellular matrix accumulation in mice. In vitro studies showed that FKA inhibited myofibroblast activation and lung fibrosis progression by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad signaling in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we identified CXCL12 as a potential target of FKA through target prediction. Molecular docking, CETSA(cellular thermal displacement assay) and silver staining assays further demonstrated that FKA could interact with CXCL12 and that FKA could inhibit CXCL12 dimerization in vitro. Further analysis revealed that FKA could inhibit fibroblast activation and reduce extracellular matrix (ECM) production and collagen deposition by blocking CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling, and knocking down CXCR4 expression could weaken the inhibitory effect of FKA on CXCL12/CXCR4 signal transduction. In conclusion, our study showed that FKA inhibited CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling by inhibiting CXCL12 dimerization, blocked the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway and inhibited the TGF-β1-mediated signaling pathway to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis, and FKA is a promising therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| | - Dandi Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China.
| | - Xiaoting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| | - Yanping Zhang
- The Second Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Yuxin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Zihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Yiming He
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Luqing Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, No. 7 Beiyi Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Beichen Hospital, No. 7 Beiyi Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China.
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
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Liu H, Lai W, Nie H, Shi Y, Zhu L, Yang L, Tian L, Li K, Bian L, Xi Z, Lin B. PM 2.5 triggers autophagic degradation of Caveolin-1 via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) to enhance the TGF-β1/Smad3 axis promoting pulmonary fibrosis. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 181:108290. [PMID: 37924604 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is highly associated with respiratory diseases. However, the influence and mechanism of particulate matter with aerodynamic equal to or less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in lung homeostasis remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated the induction of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) by PM2.5 exposure. The animal model showed that PM2.5 exposure could activate the oxidative stress and inflammation response, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and accumulation of collagen, high expression of pro-fibrotic factors, and pathological characteristics of fibrosis. The proteomic analysis indicated that PM2.5 exposure decreased the expression of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), and many differential proteins were enriched in the TGF-β1/Smad, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy pathways. Combining in vivo and in vitro experiments, it was found that PM2.5 exposure could reduce Cav-1 protein levels and activate TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathways through ERS and autophagy pathways, thereby inducing cell apoptosis and promoting pulmonary fibrosis. However, inhibiting ERS could alleviate the occurrence of autophagy, and blocking the autophagy system could increase the level of Cav-1 protein and inhibit TGF- β 1/Smad3 signaling pathway to improve pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, we demonstrated that the exposure of PM2.5 could enhance the ERS induced-autophagy-mediated Cav-1 degradation, thus activating the TGF-β1/Smad3 axis to promote pneumonocytes apoptosis and overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM), finally aggravating PF. Moreover, our findings revealed that intermittent exposure to high doses of PM2.5 was more toxic than continuous exposure to low dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanliang Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Wenqing Lai
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Huipeng Nie
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yue Shi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Linhui Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Kang Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Liping Bian
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhuge Xi
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Bencheng Lin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Risk Assessment and Control Technology for Environment & Food Safety, Tianjin 300050, China.
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Zhu L, Chen M, Wang W, Zhu J, Wu H. microRNA-141-3p mediates epithelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and alleviates pulmonary fibrosis in mice via Spred2. Histol Histopathol 2023; 38:1269-1282. [PMID: 36704943 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study probed the mechanism of microRNA (miR)-141-3p in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). METHODS Mice were intratracheally administered with bleomycin (BLM) to establish a PF mouse model. To investigate the effects of miR-141-3p/Spred2 on PF in mice, PF mice received tail vein injections with agomir-141-3p and/or adenovirus vectors overexpressing Spred2 one week after BLM treatment. Then, the pathological changes of lung tissues were analyzed with H&E and Masson's trichrome staining and hydroxyproline contents in lung tissues were measured. For cell experiments, after loss- and gain-of-function assays, the role of miR-141-3p/Spred2 in the apoptosis and viability of TGF-β1-stimulated MLE-12 cells was examined by flow cytometry and CCK-8 assay. miR-141-3p, Spred2, COl 1, and α-SMA expression was determined in cells and mice. Then, the binding of miR-141-3p to Spred2 was tested with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS There were abnormally upregulated Spred2 and downregulated miR-141-3p in lung tissues of PF mice. TGF-β1 decelerated viability and augmented apoptosis and COl 1 and α-SMA expression in MLE-12 cells. Spred2 knockdown diminished apoptosis and α-SMA and COl 1 expression while enhancing proliferation in TGF-β1-treated MLE-12 cells. Mechanistically, Spred2 was a target gene of miR-141-3p. miR-141-3p upregulation accelerated proliferation and repressed apoptosis and α-SMA and COl 1 expression in TGF-β1-treated MLE-12 cells, which was nullified by further overexpressing Spred2. miR-141-3p alleviated PF in mice by targeting Spred2. CONCLUSION miR-141-3p negatively modulates Spred2 to promote proliferation and repress epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis of epithelial cells, as well as ameliorating PF in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jianing Zhu
- Department of Ultrasonic, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Huaxiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.
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Han Y, Wu Y, He B, Wu D, Hua J, Qian H, Zhang J. DNA nanoparticles targeting FOXO4 selectively eliminate cigarette smoke-induced senescent lung fibroblasts. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:5965-5973. [PMID: 37881696 PMCID: PMC10597553 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00547j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are significantly related to cellular senescence. Strategies to eliminate senescent cells have been confirmed to benefit several senescence-related diseases. However, there are few reports of senolytic drugs in COPD management. In this study, we demonstrated elevated FOXO4 expression in cigarette smoke-induced senescent lung fibroblasts both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, self-assembled DNA nanotubes loaded with single-stranded FOXO4 siRNA (siFOXO4-NT) were designed and synthesized to knockdown FOXO4 in senescent fibroblasts. We found that siFOXO4-NT can concentration- and time-dependently enter human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1 cells), thereby reducing FOXO4 levels in vitro. Most importantly, siFOXO4-NT selectively cleared senescent HFL-1 cells by reducing BCLXL expression and the BCL2/BAX ratio, which were increased in CSE-induced senescent HFL-1 cells. The findings from our work present a novel strategy for senolytic drug development for COPD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaopin Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Yixing Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Binfeng He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
- Department of General Practice, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University Chongqing 400037 China
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University Chongqing 400037 China
| | - Jianlan Hua
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
| | - Hang Qian
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University Chongqing 400037 China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai 200032 China
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Liu L, Zhang X, Zhang R, Wang L, Zhi S, Feng X, Liu X, Shen Y, Hao J. Sohlh2 promotes pulmonary fibrosis via repression of p62/Keap1/Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:698. [PMID: 37875506 PMCID: PMC10598036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance in the redox balance of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) was considered as a causal factor for pulmonary fibrosis. The regulatory mechanisms of redox hemostasis in the development of pulmonary fibrosis remain largely unknown. Using a type II AEC-specific Sohlh2 conditional knock-in (CKI) mouse model, we found that Sohlh2, a basic HLH transcription factor, accelerated age-related pulmonary fibrosis. High-fat diet (HFD) resulted in a tremendous increase in lung inflammation and fibrotic changes in the lung tissues of Sohlh2 CKI mice. Sohlh2 overexpression led to a significant rise of intracellular ROS and apoptosis in the lung, mouse primary AECIIs, and human A549 cells, which was attenuated by ROS inhibitor (NAC). Sohlh2 enhanced oxidative stress via repressing p62/Keap1/Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative signaling pathway. p62, a direct target of Sohlh2, mediated Sohlh2 effects on ROS generation and apoptosis in A549 cells. Hence, our findings elucidate a pivotal mechanism underlying oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis, providing a framework for aging-related disorder interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Ruihong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Morphological Experimental Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Sujuan Zhi
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoning Feng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Xuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jing Hao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.
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Zhang Z, Guan Q, Tian Y, Shao X, Zhao P, Huang L, Li J. Integrated bioinformatics analysis for the identification of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis-related genes and potential therapeutic drugs. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:373. [PMID: 37794454 PMCID: PMC10552267 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02678-z] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains unclear. We sought to identify IPF-related genes that may participate in the pathogenesis and predict potential targeted traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). METHODS Using IPF gene-expression data, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, hub genes, and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed or identified by Cytoscape. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments in TGF-β1-induced human fetal lung (HFL) fibroblast cells and a pulmonary fibrosis mouse model verified gene reliability. The SymMap database predicted potential TCMs targeting IPF. The reliability of TCMs was verified in TGF-β1-induced MRC-5 cells. MATERIALS Multiple gene-expression profile data of normal lung and IPF tissues were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. HFL fibroblast cells and MRC-5 cells were purchased from Wuhan Procell Life Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Wuhan, China). C57BL/12 mice were purchased from Beijing Vital River Laboratory Animal Technology Co., Ltd. (Beijing, China). RESULTS In datasets GSE134692 and GSE15197, DEGs were identified using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (both p < 0.05). Among them, 1885 DEGs were commonly identified, and 87% (1640 genes) had identical dysregulation directions (binomial test, p < 1.00E-16). A PPI network with 1623 nodes and 8159 edges was constructed, and 18 hub genes were identified using the Analyze Network plugin in Cytoscape. Of 18 genes, CAV1, PECAM1, BMP4, VEGFA, FYN, SPP1, and COL1A1 were further validated in the GeneCards database and independent dataset GSE24206. ceRNA networks of VEGFA, SPP1, and COL1A1 were constructed. The genes were verified by qPCR in samples of TGF-β1-induced HFL fibroblast cells and pulmonary fibrosis mice. Finally, Sea Buckthorn and Gnaphalium Affine were predicted as potential TCMs for IPF. The TCMs were verified by qPCR in TGF-β1-induced MRC-5 cells. CONCLUSION This analysis strategy may be useful for elucidating novel mechanisms underlying IPF at the transcriptome level. The identified hub genes may play key roles in IPF pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Qingzhou Guan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Yange Tian
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xuejie Shao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lidong Huang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed By Henan Province and Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
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