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Han H, Kim JE, Lee HJ. Effect of apigetrin in pseudo-SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammatory and pulmonary fibrosis in vitro model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14545. [PMID: 38914619 PMCID: PMC11196261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65447-w] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has become a global public health problem. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the leading cause of death due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe and frequently reported COVID-19 sequela. In this study, an in vitro model of ARDS and PF caused by SARS-CoV-2 was established in MH-S, THP-1, and MRC-5 cells using pseudo-SARS-CoV-2 (PSCV). Expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and HIF-1α was increased in PSCV-infected MH-S and THP-1 cells, ARDS model, consistent with other profiling data in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have been reported. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) siRNA and cobalt chloride were tested using this in vitro model. HIF-1α knockdown reduces inflammation caused by PSCV infection in MH-S and THP-1 cells and lowers elevated levels of CTGF, COLA1, and α-SMA in MRC-5 cells exposed to CPMSCV. Furthermore, apigetrin, a glycoside bioactive dietary flavonoid derived from several plants, including Crataegus pinnatifida, which is reported to be a HIF-1α inhibitor, was tested in this in vitro model. Apigetrin significantly reduced the increased inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) expression and secretion by PSCV in MH-S and THP-1 cells. Apigetrin inhibited the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD to the ACE2 protein. An in vitro model of PF induced by SARS-CoV-2 was produced using a conditioned medium of THP-1 and MH-S cells that were PSCV-infected (CMPSCV) into MRC-5 cells. In a PF model, CMPSCV treatment of THP-1 and MH-S cells increased cell growth, migration, and collagen synthesis in MRC-5 cells. In contrast, apigetrin suppressed the increase in cell growth, migration, and collagen synthesis induced by CMPSCV in THP-1 and MH-S MRC-5 cells. Also, compared to control, fibrosis-related proteins (CTGF, COLA1, α-SMA, and HIF-1α) levels were over two-fold higher in CMPSV-treated MRC-5 cells. Apigetrin decreased protein levels in CMPSCV-treated MRC-5 cells. Thus, our data suggest that hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) might be a novel target for SARS-CoV-2 sequela therapies and apigetrin, representative of HIF-1alpha inhibitor, exerts anti-inflammatory and PF effects in PSCV-treated MH-S, THP-1, and CMPVSC-treated MRC-5 cells. These findings indicate that HIF-1α inhibition and apigetrin would have a potential value in controlling SARS-CoV-2-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengmin Han
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Cancer Preventive Material Development, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
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Zheng Z, Peng F, Zhou Y. Biomarkers in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Current insight and future direction. CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 2024; 2:72-79. [PMID: 38962100 PMCID: PMC11221783 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive interstitial lung disease with a dismal prognosis. Early diagnosis, accurate prognosis, and personalized therapeutic interventions are essential for improving patient outcomes. Biomarkers, as measurable indicators of biological processes or disease states, hold significant promise in IPF management. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying and validating biomarkers for IPF, encompassing various molecular, imaging, and clinical approaches. This review provides an in-depth examination of the current landscape of IPF biomarker research, highlighting their potential applications in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives of biomarker integration into clinical practice for precision medicine in IPF are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zheng
- Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Fei Peng
- Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care and Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Peng H, Zhang Y, Min J, Tan Y, Liu S. Loss of ZNF451 mediates fibroblast activation and promotes lung fibrosis. Respir Res 2024; 25:160. [PMID: 38600524 PMCID: PMC11008011 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02781-7] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No effective therapies for pulmonary fibrosis (PF) exist because of the unclear molecular pathogenesis and the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Zinc finger protein 451 (ZNF451), a transcriptional regulator, plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of several diseases. However, its expression pattern and function in PF remain unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of ZNF451 in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. METHODS GEO dataset analysis, RT‒PCR, and immunoblot assays were used to examine the expression of ZNF451 in PF; ZNF451 knockout mice and ZNF451-overexpressing lentivirus were used to determine the importance of ZNF451 in PF progression; and migration assays, immunofluorescence staining, and RNA-seq analysis were used for mechanistic studies. RESULTS ZNF451 is downregulated and negatively associated with disease severity in PF. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, ZNF451 knockout mice exhibited much more serious PF changes. However, ZNF451 overexpression protects mice from BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Mechanistically, ZNF451 downregulation triggers fibroblast activation by increasing the expression of PDGFB and subsequently activating PI3K/Akt signaling. CONCLUSION These findings uncover a critical role of ZNF451 in PF progression and introduce a novel regulatory mechanism of ZNF451 in fibroblast activation. Our study suggests that ZNF451 serves as a potential therapeutic target for PF and that strategies aimed at increasing ZNF451 expression may be promising therapeutic approaches for PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiali Min
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yuexin Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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Taleb SJ, Ye Q, Baoyinna B, Dedad M, Pisini D, Parinandi NL, Cantley LC, Zhao J, Zhao Y. Molecular Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor-β1-induced Thioredoxin-interacting Protein Ubiquitination and Proteasomal Degradation in Lung Fibroblasts: Implication in Pulmonary Fibrosis. JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2024; 1:10002. [PMID: 38529321 PMCID: PMC10962057 DOI: 10.35534/jrbtm.2024.10002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) plays a critical role in regulation of cellular redox reactions and inflammatory responses by interacting with thioredoxin (TRX) or the inflammasome. The role of TXNIP in lung fibrosis and molecular regulation of its stability have not been well studied. Therefore, here we investigated the molecular regulation of TXNIP stability and its role in TGF-β1-mediated signaling in lung fibroblasts. TXNIP protein levels were significantly decreased in lung tissues from bleomycin-challenged mice. Overexpression of TXNIP attenuated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and fibronectin expression in lung fibroblasts, suggesting that decrease in TXNIP may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. Further, we observed that TGF-β1 lowered TXNIP protein levels, while TXNIP mRNA levels were unaltered by TGF-β1 exposure. TGF-β1 induced TXNIP degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. A serine residue mutant (TNXIP-S308A) was resistant to TGF-β1-induced degradation. Furthermore, downregulationof ubiquitin-specific protease-13 (USP13) promoted the TGF-β1-induced TXNIP ubiquitination and degradation. Mechanistic studies revealed that USP13 targeted and deubiquitinated TXNIP. The results of this study revealed that the decrease of TXNIP in lungs apparently contributes to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and that USP13 can target TXNP for deubiquitination and regulate its stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Taleb
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Qinmao Ye
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Boina Baoyinna
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael Dedad
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dakshin Pisini
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Lewis C Cantley
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yutong Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Sideratou CM, Papaneophytou C. Persisting Shadows: Unraveling the Impact of Long COVID-19 on Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Nervous Systems. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:806-830. [PMID: 38131885 PMCID: PMC10742861 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), instigated by the zoonotic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly transformed from an outbreak in Wuhan, China, into a widespread global pandemic. A significant post-infection condition, known as 'long- COVID-19' (or simply 'long- COVID'), emerges in a substantial subset of patients, manifesting with a constellation of over 200 reported symptoms that span multiple organ systems. This condition, also known as 'post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection' (PASC), presents a perplexing clinical picture with far-reaching implications, often persisting long after the acute phase. While initial research focused on the immediate pulmonary impact of the virus, the recognition of COVID-19 as a multiorgan disruptor has unveiled a gamut of protracted and severe health issues. This review summarizes the primary effects of long COVID on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. It also delves into the mechanisms underlying these impacts and underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of long COVID's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus;
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Suppini N, Fira-Mladinescu O, Traila D, Motofelea AC, Marc MS, Manolescu D, Vastag E, Maganti RK, Oancea C. Longitudinal Analysis of Pulmonary Function Impairment One Year Post-COVID-19: A Single-Center Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1190. [PMID: 37623441 PMCID: PMC10455572 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13081190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent pulmonary impairment post-COVID-19 has been reported, albeit variably. This single-center observational study aims to longitudinally evaluate pulmonary function in 140 COVID-19 survivors one year after recovery, assessing associations with disease severity and pre-existing lung conditions. Participants aged 18 and older, with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, were evaluated using spirometry and Diffusion Capacity of Lungs for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO) tests. Pulmonary function parameters like Forced Expiratory Volume at 1 s (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), and Total Lung Capacity (TLC) were measured. Participants were stratified by age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, and lung damage severity via computed tomography (CT). The cohort consisted of mostly males (58.6%), with a mean age of 53.8 years and body mass index of 24.9 kg/m2. Post-COVID fibrosis was seen in 22.7%, 27.3%, and 51.9% of mild, moderate, and severe disease patients, respectively (p = 0.003). FVC significantly reduced with disease severity (p < 0.001), while FEV1, FEF25-75, and DLCO showed a non-significant downward trend. FEV1/FVC ratio increased with disease severity (p = 0.033), and TLC and RV significantly declined (p = 0.023 and p = 0.003, respectively). A one-year follow-up indicated a non-significant change in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75, and RV compared with the 40-day measurement, but it revealed significant improvements in DLCO and TLC (p = 0.010). There were significant mean increases in FVC, FEV1, DLCO, TLC, and RV across all disease severities over one year. They were most pronounced in the patients with a history of severe COVID-19, who had a better recovery over one year, compared with the mild and moderate COVID-19 patients whose lung function almost normalized. One year after the SARS-CoV-2 infection, we observed a significant association between disease severity and post-COVID fibrotic changes. Though some lung function parameters remained stable over the year, significant improvements were noted in DLCO and TLC. Particularly, individuals with severe disease showed substantial recovery in lung function, indicating the potential reversibility of COVID-19-related pulmonary damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Suppini
- Discipline of Pulmonology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (N.S.); (D.T.); (M.S.M.); (E.V.); (C.O.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Fira-Mladinescu
- Discipline of Pulmonology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (N.S.); (D.T.); (M.S.M.); (E.V.); (C.O.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniel Traila
- Discipline of Pulmonology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (N.S.); (D.T.); (M.S.M.); (E.V.); (C.O.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Alexandru Catalin Motofelea
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Monica Steluta Marc
- Discipline of Pulmonology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (N.S.); (D.T.); (M.S.M.); (E.V.); (C.O.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Diana Manolescu
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emanuela Vastag
- Discipline of Pulmonology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (N.S.); (D.T.); (M.S.M.); (E.V.); (C.O.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Ram Kiran Maganti
- School of General Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Karnataka 563103, India;
| | - Cristian Oancea
- Discipline of Pulmonology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (N.S.); (D.T.); (M.S.M.); (E.V.); (C.O.)
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.C.M.); (D.M.)
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Lassan S, Tesar T, Tisonova J, Lassanova M. Pharmacological approaches to pulmonary fibrosis following COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1143158. [PMID: 37397477 PMCID: PMC10308083 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1143158] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In the past few years, COVID-19 became the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the World Health Organization has declared an end to COVID-19 as a public health emergency, it can be expected, that the emerging new cases at the top of previous ones will result in an increasing number of patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. Despite the fact that the majority of patients recover, severe acute lung tissue injury can in susceptible individuals progress to interstitial pulmonary involvement. Our goal is to provide an overview of various aspects associated with the Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis with a focus on its potential pharmacological treatment options. Areas covered: We discuss epidemiology, underlying pathobiological mechanisms, and possible risk and predictive factors that were found to be associated with the development of fibrotic lung tissue remodelling. Several pharmacotherapeutic approaches are currently being applied and include anti-fibrotic drugs, prolonged use or pulses of systemic corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. In addition, several repurposed or novel compounds are being investigated. Fortunately, clinical trials focused on pharmacological treatment regimens for post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis have been either designed, completed or are already in progress. However, the results are contrasting so far. High quality randomised clinical trials are urgently needed with respect to the heterogeneity of disease behaviour, patient characteristics and treatable traits. Conclusion: The Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis contributes to the burden of chronic respiratory consequences among survivors. Currently available pharmacotherapeutic approaches mostly comprise repurposed drugs with a proven efficacy and safety profile, namely, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and antifibrotics. The role of nintedanib and pirfenidone is promising in this area. However, we still need to verify conditions under which the potential to prevent, slow or stop progression of lung damage will be fulfilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Lassan
- Department of Pneumology, Phthisiology and Functional Diagnostics, Slovak Medical University and Bratislava University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Tesar
- Department of Organisation and Management of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jana Tisonova
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Lassanova
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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