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Miao Z, Lai Y, Zhao Y, Chen L, Zhou J, Li C, Wang Y. Protective Property of Scutellarin Against Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:710692. [PMID: 34421606 PMCID: PMC8374867 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.710692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver injury is a clinical disorder caused by toxins, drugs, and alcohol stimulation without effective therapeutic approaches thus far. Scutellarin (SCU), isolated from the edible herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand. -Mazz. showed potential hepatoprotective effects, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, transcriptomics combined with nontargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed to elucidate the functional mechanisms of SCU in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)–induced liver injury in mice. The results showed that SCU exerted potential hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced liver injury by repressing CYP2E1 and IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathways, modulating the gut microbiota (especially enriching Lactobacillus), and regulating the endogenous metabolites involved in lipid metabolism and bile acid homeostasis. SCU originates from a functional food that appears to be a promising agent to guard against liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Miao
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Yong Lai
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | | | - Lingmin Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Jianeng Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Dali University, Dali, China
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Fukuda K. Corneal fibroblasts: Function and markers. Exp Eye Res 2020; 200:108229. [PMID: 32919991 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Corneal stromal keratocytes contribute to the maintenance of corneal transparency and shape by synthesizing and degrading extracellular matrix. They are quiescent in the healthy cornea, but they become activated in response to insults from the external environment that breach the corneal epithelium, with such activation being associated with phenotypic transformation into fibroblasts. Corneal fibroblasts (activated keratocytes) act as sentinel cells to sense various external stimuli-including damage-associated molecular patterns derived from injured cells, pathogen-associated molecular patterns of infectious microorganisms, and inflammatory mediators such as cytokines-under pathological conditions such as trauma, infection, and allergy. The expression of various chemokines and adhesion molecules by corneal fibroblasts determines the selective recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells in a manner dependent on the type of insult. In infectious keratitis, the interaction of corneal fibroblasts with various components of microbes and with cytokines derived from infiltrated inflammatory cells results in excessive degradation of stromal collagen and consequent corneal ulceration. Corneal fibroblasts distinguish between type 1 and type 2 inflammation through recognition of corresponding cytokines, with their activation by type 2 cytokines contributing to the pathogenesis of corneal lesions in severe ocular allergic diseases. Pharmacological targeting of corneal fibroblast function is thus a potential novel therapeutic approach to prevention of excessive corneal stromal inflammation, damage, and scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Fukuda
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku City, Kochi, 783-8505, Japan.
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Huang X, Wang Y, Zhang P, Zou H. A HGF‑derived peptide suppresses EMT in human lens epithelial cells via the TGF‑β/Smad and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:551-558. [PMID: 32377724 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) as a result of proliferation and fibrogenesis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) is the most frequent long‑term complication of modern cataract surgery. LECs may undergo epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) that resembles the morphological and molecular characteristics of PCO. A pre‑identified novel, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)‑derived peptide H‑RN, was reported to exhibit anti‑angiogenic activity and anti‑inflammatory effects in ocular cells both in vitro and in vivo. However, the role of H‑RN in the promotion of the development of EMT in LECs is unknown. In the present study, the effects of H‑RN on the development of EMT induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β in human LECs, and the possible signaling pathways participating in this process were investigated. The results showed that H‑RN promoted the expression of the EMT‑associated markers, α‑smooth muscle actin and fibronectin, whereas the expression of E‑cadherin and connexin 43 were reduced. The morphological changes typically associated with EMT seen in LECs induced by TGF‑β2 were inhibited by H‑RN, which was consistent with the effects of a TGF‑β2 inhibitor, SB431542. Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation induced by TGF‑β2 were reduced by H‑RN, and phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR and P70S6K induced by TGF‑β2 were also notably reduced by H‑RN in LECs. Therefore, the results of the present study showed that H‑RN treatment significantly suppressed the development of EMT induced by TGF‑β2, at least partially through the TGF‑β/Smad and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in human LECs. The present study highlights that H‑RN, a novel HGF‑derived peptide, may be a novel therapeutic agent for prevention and treatment of PCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yulan Wang
- Department of Preventative Ophthalmology, Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Center, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Gonghui Hospital, Shanghai 200041, P.R. China
| | - Haidong Zou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
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Zhou H, Guoruoluo Y, Tuo Y, Zhou J, Zhang H, Wang W, Xiang M, Aisa HA, Yao G. Cassiabudanols A and B, Immunostimulative Diterpenoids with a Cassiabudane Carbon Skeleton Featuring a 3-Oxatetracyclo[6.6.1.0 2,6.0 10,14]pentadecane Scaffold from Cassia Buds. Org Lett 2019; 21:549-553. [PMID: 30601013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Two novel diterpenoids, cassiabudanols A (1) and B (2), were isolated from cassia buds. Their structures were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 possess an unprecedented 11,14- cyclo-8,14:12,13-di- seco-isoryanodane (cassiabudane) carbon skeleton featuring a unique 3-oxatetracyclo[6.6.1.02,6.010,14]pentadecane bridged system, and their biosynthetic pathways are proposed. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant immunostimulative activity, and the mode of action of 2 involves upregulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and downregulating Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haofeng Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
| | - Yindengzhi Guoruoluo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China.,State Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry of Arid Zone , Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Urumqi 830011 , China
| | - Yali Tuo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
| | - Junfei Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
| | - Hanqi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
| | - Wei Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
| | - Ming Xiang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
| | - Haji Akber Aisa
- State Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Indigenous Medicinal Plants Resource Utilization, Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Chemistry of Arid Zone , Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Urumqi 830011 , China
| | - Guangmin Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science and Technology , Wuhan 430030 , China
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Zhu S, Xu X, Liu K, Gu Q, Wei F, Yang X. PAPep Inhibits Secretion of Poly(I:C)-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and ICAM-1 Expression in Corneal Fibroblasts by Suppressing the NF-κB/p38 Pathway. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2018; 34:395-402. [PMID: 29583060 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2017.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanism of a novel peptide, PAPep, in poly(I:C)-stimulated corneal fibroblasts. METHODS Corneal fibroblasts were treated with poly(I:C) to elicit inflammation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic factor (MCP)-1, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunoblot were performed to determine ICAM-1 expression. Translocation of NF-κB p65 was observed by immunofluorescence. Phosphorylation of IκBα, NF-κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (p38, JNK and ERK) were detected by western blot. RESULTS The results showed that PAPep effectively decreased mRNA and protein expression of IL-6, MCP-1, and IFN-γ in corneal fibroblasts exposed to poly(I:C). In addition, PAPep reduced mRNA and protein levels of ICAM-1. The NF-κB and MAPK(p38) pathway were inhibited by PAPep treatment, as indicated by suppression of p65 nuclear translocation, and IκBα, NF-κB, and p38 activation. PAPep showed no effect on JNK or ERK activity. CONCLUSIONS PAPep attenuates the expression of inflammatory cytokines and ICAM-1 in corneal fibroblasts induced by poly(I:C) through blocking the NF-κB and MAPK(p38) pathway. PAPep may be considered a promising therapeutic agent for treating viral keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopin Zhu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, People's Republic of China .,2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Xu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, People's Republic of China .,2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Liu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, People's Republic of China .,2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Gu
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, People's Republic of China .,2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Wei
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, People's Republic of China .,2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolu Yang
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai, People's Republic of China .,2 Shanghai Key Laboratory of Fundus Disease , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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van Poelgeest EP, Dillingh MR, de Kam M, Malone KE, Kemper M, Stroes ESG, Burggraaf J, Moerland M. Characterization of immune cell, endothelial, and renal responses upon experimental human endotoxemia. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2017; 89:39-46. [PMID: 29056520 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the effects of relatively high concentrations of endotoxin on endothelial activation/dysfunction and kidney markers has been described in literature, detailed insight in the LPS concentration-effect relationship, the magnitude, variability and timing of the response, and potential effects of endotoxemia on the kidneys is lacking. A study was performed to assess the effects of low- to moderate dose (0.5, 1 or 2ng/kg) endotoxemia on the endothelium and kidneys as measured by a panel of novel highly sensitive kidney injury markers. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with single ascending doses of LPS (0.5, 1 or 2ng/kg) administered to healthy male volunteers (3 cohorts of 8 subjects, LPS:placebo 6:2). Endothelial measures included selectins, cell adhesion molecules, and thrombomodulin. Renal measures included novel, sensitive and specific biomarkers of acute kidney injury. RESULTS Endotoxin exposure resulted in consistent LPS dose-dependent responses in inflammatory markers, E- and P- Selectin, VCAM1, ICAM1, and thrombomodulin. The observed biological responses were transient, reaching a level of significance of at least <0.01 in the highest dose group and with an effect size which was dependent on the administered LPS dose. LPS-induced inflammatory and endothelial effects did not translate into a change in renal damage biomarkers, although at 2ng/kg LPS, subtle and transient biomarker changes were observed that may relate to (subclinical) tubular damage. DISCUSSION We demonstrated that administration of a single LPS dose of 2ng/kg to healthy volunteers results in significant inflammatory and endothelial responses, without inducing clinically relevant signs of kidney injury. These findings support the application of the human endotoxemia model in future clinical pharmacology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marlous R Dillingh
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marieke de Kam
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Karen E Malone
- Good Biomarker Sciences, Zernikedreef 8, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marleen Kemper
- Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Erik S G Stroes
- Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacobus Burggraaf
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthijs Moerland
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Zernikedreef 8, 2333, CL, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Liu X, Zhou Z, Cheng Q, Wang H, Cao H, Xu Q, Tuo Y, Jiang L, Zou Y, Ren H, Xiang M. Acceleration of pancreatic tumorigenesis under immunosuppressive microenvironment induced by Reg3g overexpression. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3033. [PMID: 28880262 PMCID: PMC5636971 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reg3g is a potential risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We previously demonstrated that Reg3g promoted pancreatic carcinogenesis via a STAT3 signaling pathway in a murine model of chronic pancreatitis. Whether the immune response is involved in tumorigenesis induced by Reg3g remains unknown. In this study, Reg3g-regulated tumor immunity was evaluated in tumor-implanted murine models, immune cells, and tumor microenvironment. In mice that had been orthotopically or ectopically implanted with Panc02 cells, Reg3g overexpression increased EGFR and Ki67, diminished MHC-I and caspase-3 expression, and accelerated growth of tumors. By interacting with PD-1/PD-L1, Reg3g also promoted differentiation of Tregs and recruitment of MDSC, retarded maturation of DCs and inactivation of CD8+ T cells, and suppressed cross-priming of CD8+ T-cell responses by DCs in tumor-bearing mice. Knockdown of Reg3g delayed tumor development in normal mice, but not in CD8+ T-cell-deficient mice. In vitro, Reg3g upregulated EGFR in DCs, activated heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox1) involved JAK2/STAT3 signaling, raised levels of Th2 cytokines in and suppressed maturation of DCs, and enhanced tumor cell proliferation. These results reveal a novel role of Reg3g as an immunosuppressive promoter that weakens tumor-specific antigenicity and suppresses antitumor effects of CD8+ T cells in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. Reg3g produces these effects by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in DCs, triggering the generation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Section of Neurobiology, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Yali Tuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - You Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Hongyu Ren
- Department of Digestive Disease, Affiliated Xiehe Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ming Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
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Corneal Fibroblasts as Sentinel Cells and Local Immune Modulators in Infectious Keratitis. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18091831. [PMID: 28832498 PMCID: PMC5618480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18091831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea serves as a barrier to protect the eye against external insults including microbial pathogens and antigens. Bacterial infection of the cornea often results in corneal melting and scarring that can lead to severe visual impairment. Not only live bacteria but also their components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Gram-negative bacteria contribute to the development of inflammation and subsequent corneal damage in infectious keratitis. We describe the important role played by corneal stromal fibroblasts (activated keratocytes) as sentinel cells, immune modulators, and effector cells in infectious keratitis. Corneal fibroblasts sense bacterial infection through Toll-like receptor (TLR)–mediated detection of a complex of LPS with soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and LPS binding protein present in tear fluid. The cells then initiate innate immune responses including the expression of chemokines and adhesion molecules that promote the recruitment of inflammatory cells necessary for elimination of the infecting bacteria. Infiltrated neutrophils are activated by corneal stromal collagen and release mediators that stimulate the production of pro–matrix metalloproteinases by corneal fibroblasts. Elastase produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) activates these released metalloproteinases, resulting in the degradation of stromal collagen. The modulation of corneal fibroblast activation and of the interaction of these cells with inflammatory cells and bacteria is thus important to minimize corneal scarring during treatment of infectious keratitis. Pharmacological agents that are able to restrain such activities of corneal fibroblasts without allowing bacterial growth represent a potential novel treatment option for prevention of excessive scarring and tissue destruction in the cornea.
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