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Bao A, Qadri A, Gadre A, Will E, Collins D, Ahima R, Bordone LA, Aguh C. Low-Dose Metformin and Profibrotic Signature in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia. JAMA Dermatol 2024:2822779. [PMID: 39230880 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Importance Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a scarring alopecia predominantly affecting Black female individuals. Current conventional treatments target inflammation but not the underlying fibrotic processes, often leading to permanent hair loss. Objective To investigate the associations of low-dose oral metformin, an antidiabetic medication with antifibrotic properties, with clinical symptoms and scalp gene expression patterns in patients with CCCA. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective clinical case series and transcriptomic analysis included patients treated at a single tertiary academic medical center between January 2023 and March 2024. All patients had biopsy-confirmed CCCA refractory to standard treatments. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on patients with previously banked, paired scalp biopsies before and after treatment with adjuvant metformin for at least 6 weeks. Exposure Extended-release metformin, 500 mg, once daily was added to participants' baseline CCCA treatment regimens. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical assessments included pruritus, inflammation, scalp resistance, and hair regrowth. Gene expression profiling via bulk RNA sequencing analysis evaluated differential gene expression and pathway enrichment. Results A total of 12 Black female participants were included in the study, and transcriptomic analysis was performed in 4 participants. After at least 6 months of metformin treatment, 9 participants experienced improvement in disease, including scalp pain, inflammation, and/or pruritus, and 6 demonstrated clinical evidence of hair regrowth. The addition of metformin led to reversal of many prominent gene pathways previously identified in CCCA. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of pathways and genes (keratin-associated proteins [KRTAPs]) involved in keratinization, epidermis development, and the hair cycle (absolute log2-fold change > 4), with concomitant downregulation of fibrosis-related pathways and genes (eg, MMP7, COL6A1) (fold change >1.5; all false discovery rate <.05). Gene set analysis showed reduced expression of helper T cell 17 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways and elevated adenosine monophosphate kinase signaling and KRTAPs after metformin treatment. Conclusions and Relevance In this case series of patients with treatment-refractory CCCA, low-dose oral metformin was associated with symptomatic improvement and dual modulation of gene expression, stimulating hair growth pathways while suppressing fibrosis and inflammation markers. These findings provide a rationale for future clinical trials studying metformin as a targeted therapy for CCCA and other cicatricial alopecias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bao
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aasheen Qadri
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aditi Gadre
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Elizabeth Will
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dina Collins
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rexford Ahima
- Division of Endocrinology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lindsey A Bordone
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Crystal Aguh
- Department of Dermatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Hu W, Wang Y, Yang H, Zhang L, Liu B, Ji Y, Song X, Lv C, Zhang S. C-phycocyanin reinforces autophagy to block pulmonary fibrogenesis by inhibiting lncIAPF biogenesis. Arch Pharm Res 2024; 47:659-674. [PMID: 39039254 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-024-01508-y] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and irreversible progressive lung disease caused by various factors, such as age and environmental pollution. With countries stepping into an aging society and the seriousness of environmental pollution caused by global industrialization, the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis is annually increasing. However, no effective drug is available for pulmonary fibrosis treatment. C-phycocyanin (C-PC), extracted from blue-green algae, has good water solubility and antioxidation. This study elucidated that C-PC reinforces autophagy to block pulmonary fibrogenesis by inhibiting long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) biogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Cleavage under targets and release using nuclease (CUT & RUN)-PCR, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and nuclear-cytoplasmic separation experiments clarified that C-PC blocked the nuclear translocation of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) to prevent the binding between ATF3 and transcription factor Smad3, thereby hindering lncIAPF transcription. Human antigen R (HuR) truncation experiment and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were then performed to identify the binding domain with lncIAPF in the 244-322 aa of HuR. lncIAPF exerted its profibrogenic function through the binding protein HuR, a negative regulator of autophagy. In summary, C-PC promoted autophagy via down-regulating the lncIAPF-HuR-mediated signal pathway to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis, showing its potential as a drug for treating pulmonary fibrosis. Exploring how C-PC interacts with biological molecules will help us understand the mechanism of this drug and provide valuable target genes to design new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Hu
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Huiling Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, China
| | - Leiming Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, China
| | - Yunxia Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, China
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, China.
| | - Changjun Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, 256603, China.
| | - Songzi Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China.
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences, CHA University, Songnam, 13496, Korea.
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Huang Z, Wang J, Qi D, Li X, Wang J, Zhou J, Ruan Y, Laer Y, Baqian Z, Yang C. Uncovering the genetic diversity and adaptability of Butuo Black Sheep through whole-genome re-sequencing. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303419. [PMID: 38857228 PMCID: PMC11164371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Butuo Black Sheep (BBS) is well-known for its ability to thrive at high altitudes, resist diseases, and produce premium-quality meat. Nonetheless, there is insufficient data regarding its genetic diversity and population-specific Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This paper centers on the genetic diversity of (BBS). The investigation conducted a whole-genome resequencing of 33 BBS individuals to recognize distinct SNPs exclusive to BBS. The inquiry utilized bioinformatic analysis to identify and explain SNPs and pinpoint crucial mutation sites. The findings reveal that reproductive-related genes (GHR, FSHR, PGR, BMPR1B, FST, ESR1), lipid-related genes (PPARGC1A, STAT6, DGAT1, ACACA, LPL), and protein-related genes (CSN2, LALBA, CSN1S1, CSN1S2) were identified as hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis showed that genes associated with reproduction, immunity, inflammation, hypoxia, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK signaling pathways were present. This research suggests that the unique ability of BBS to adapt to low oxygen levels in the plateau environment may be owing to mutations in a variety of genes. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup of BBS and its potential implications for breeding and conservation efforts. The genes and SPNs identified in this study could serve as molecular markers for BBS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jinkang Wang
- Butuo County Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Xichang, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Butuo County Forestry and Grassland Bureau, Xichang, China
| | - Yan Ruan
- Butuo County Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Xichang, China
| | - Youse Laer
- Butuo County Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Xichang, China
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Wu Y, Shi W, Li H, Liu C, Shimizu K, Li R, Zhang C. Specneuzhenide improves bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via AMPK-dependent reduction of PD-L1. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155318. [PMID: 38493719 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155318] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an escalating global health issue, characterized by rising rates of morbidity and mortality annually. Consequently, further investigation of potential damage mechanisms and potential preventive strategies for PF are warranted. Specnuezhenide (SPN), a prominent secoiridoid compound derived from Ligustrum lucidum Ait, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative capacities, indicating the potential therapeutic actions on PF. However, the underlying mechanisms of SPN on PF remain unclear. PURPOSE This work was aimed at investigating the protective actions of SPN on PF and the potential mechanism. METHODS In vivo, mice were administrated with bleomycin (BLM) to establish PF model. PF mice were treated with SPN (45/90 mg/kg) by gavage. In vitro, we employed TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL)-induced MLE-12 and PLFs cells, which then were treated with SPN (5, 10, 20 µM). DARTS assay, biofilm interference experiment and molecular docking were performed to investigate the molecular target of SPN. RESULTS In vivo, we found SPN treatment improved survival rate, alleviated pathological changes through reducing BLM-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, as well as BLM-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro, SPN inhibited EMT and lung fibroblast transdifferentiation. Mechanistically, SPN activated the AMPK protein to decrease the abnormally high level of PD-L1. Furthermore, the compound C, known as an AMPK inhibitor, exhibited a significant hindrance to the inhibition of SPN on TGF-β1-caused fibroblast transdifferentiation and proliferation. This outcome could be attributed to the fact that compound C could eliminate the inhibitory effects of SPN on PD-L1 expression. Interestingly, DARTS assay, biofilm interference experiment and molecular docking results all indicated that SPN could bind to AMPK, which suggested that SPN might be a potential agonist targeting AMPK protein. CONCLUSION Altogether, the results in our work illustrated that SPN promoted AMPK-dependent reduction of PD-L1 protein, contributing to the inhibition of fibrosis progression. Thus, SPN may represent a potential AMPK agonist for PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanliang Wu
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haini Li
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kuniyoshi Shimizu
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Forest and Forest Products Sciences, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Renshi Li
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Chaofeng Zhang
- Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Yang C, Rubin L, Yu X, Lazarovici P, Zheng W. Preclinical evidence using synthetic compounds and natural products indicates that AMPK represents a potential pharmacological target for the therapy of pulmonary diseases. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1326-1369. [PMID: 38229486 DOI: 10.1002/med.22014] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved eukaryotic enzyme discovered as a key regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, with anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, anticancer, and antifibrosis beneficial effects. AMPK is dysregulated in human pulmonary diseases such as acute lung injury, nonsmall cell lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. This review provides an overview of the beneficial role of natural, synthetic, and Chinese traditional medicines AMPK modulators in pulmonary diseases, and highlights the role of the AMPK signaling pathway in the lung, emphasizing the importance of finding lead compounds and drugs that can target and modulate AMPK to treat the lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Limor Rubin
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Xiyong Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
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Ma J, Li G, Wang H, Mo C. Comprehensive review of potential drugs with anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116282. [PMID: 38401514 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by the accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs, which leads to impaired lung function and reduced quality of life. The prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is the most common form of pulmonary fibrosis, is generally poor. The median survival for patients with IPF is estimated to be around 3-5 years from the time of diagnosis. Currently, there are two approved drugs (Pirfenidone and Nintedanib) for the treatment of IPF. However, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib are not able to reverse or cure pulmonary fibrosis. There is a need for new pharmacological interventions that can slow or halt disease progression and cure pulmonary fibrosis. This review aims to provide an updated overview of current and future drug interventions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and to summarize possible targets of potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs, providing theoretical support for further clinical combination therapy or the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chunheng Mo
- The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Zhong H, Tang R, Feng JH, Peng YW, Xu QY, Zhou Y, He ZY, Mei SY, Xing SP. METFORMIN MITIGATES SEPSIS-ASSOCIATED PULMONARY FIBROSIS BY PROMOTING AMPK ACTIVATION AND INHIBITING HIF-1α-INDUCED AEROBIC GLYCOLYSIS. Shock 2024; 61:283-293. [PMID: 38010091 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000002275] [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: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent research has revealed that aerobic glycolysis has a strong correlation with sepsis-associated pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, at present, the mechanism and pathogenesis remain unclear. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and suppression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)-induced aerobic glycolysis play a central role in septic pulmonary fibrogenesis. Cellular experiments demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide increased fibroblast activation through AMPK inactivation, HIF-1α induction, alongside an augmentation of aerobic glycolysis. By contrast, the effects were reversed by AMPK activation or HIF-1α inhibition. In addition, pretreatment with metformin, which is an AMPK activator, suppresses HIF-1α expression and alleviates PF associated with sepsis, which is caused by aerobic glycolysis, in mice. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α knockdown demonstrated similar protective effects in vivo . Our research implies that targeting AMPK activation and HIF-1α-induced aerobic glycolysis with metformin might be a practical and useful therapeutic alternative for sepsis-associated PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Geng Y, Wang Z, Xu X, Sun X, Dong X, Luo Y, Sun X. Extensive therapeutic effects, underlying molecular mechanisms and disease treatment prediction of Metformin: a systematic review. Transl Res 2024; 263:73-92. [PMID: 37567440 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Metformin (Met), a first-line management for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has been expansively employed and studied with results indicating its therapeutic potential extending beyond glycemic control. Beyond its established role, this therapeutic drug demonstrates a broad spectrum of action encompassing over 60 disorders, encompassing metabolic conditions, inflammatory disorders, carcinomas, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular pathologies. There is clear evidence of Met's action targeting specific nodes in the molecular pathways of these diseases and, intriguingly, interactions with the intestinal microbiota and epigenetic processes have been explored. Furthermore, novel Met derivatives with structural modifications tailored to diverse diseases have been synthesized and assessed. This manuscript proffers a comprehensive thematic review of the diseases amenable to Met treatment, elucidates their molecular mechanisms, and employs informatics technology to prospect future therapeutic applications of Met. These data and insights gleaned considerably contribute to enriching our understanding and appreciation of Met's far-reaching clinical potential and therapeutic applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Geng
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China
| | - Yun Luo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China.
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Diabetes Research Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Discovery of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Natural Medicine) and Translational Medicine, China.
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Chen XY, Dong YC, Yu YY, Jiang M, Bu WJ, Li P, Sun ZJ, Dong DL. Anthelmintic nitazoxanide protects against experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:3008-3023. [PMID: 37428102 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitazoxanide is a therapeutic anthelmintic drug. Our previous studies found that nitazoxanide and its metabolite tizoxanide activated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signals. As AMPK activation and/or STAT3 inhibition are targets for treating pulmonary fibrosis, we hypothesized that nitazoxanide would be effective in experimental pulmonary fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate of cells was measured by using the high-resolution respirometry system Oxygraph-2K. The mitochondrial membrane potential of cells was evaluated by tetramethyl rhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. The target protein levels were measured by using western blotting. The mice pulmonary fibrosis model was established through intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. The examination of the lung tissues changes were carried out using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and Masson staining. KEY RESULTS Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide activated AMPK and inhibited STAT3 signalling in human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5 cells). Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced proliferation and migration of MRC-5 cells, collagen-I and α-smooth muscle cell actin (α-SMA) expression, and collagen-I secretion from MRC-5 cells. Nitazoxanide and tizoxanide inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2/3 activation in mouse lung epithelial cells (MLE-12 cells). Oral administration of nitazoxanide reduced the bleomycin-induced mice pulmonary fibrosis and, in the established bleomycin-induced mice, pulmonary fibrosis. Delayed nitazoxanide treatment attenuated the fibrosis progression. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Nitazoxanide improves the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, suggesting a potential application of nitazoxanide for pulmonary fibrosis treatment in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Yang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan-Chao Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Man Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wen-Jie Bu
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - De-Li Dong
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Cheng JW, Yu Y, Zong SY, Cai WW, Wang Y, Song YN, Xian H, Wei F. Berberine ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by restoring macrophage polarization via AMPK/mTORC1 pathway switching glycolytic reprogramming. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111024. [PMID: 37827054 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111024] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of macrophage polarization majorly contributes to the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Polarization and functions of activated macrophages are closely associated with the reprogramming of intracellular metabolisms. Previously, we demonstrated that the anti-arthritis effect of berberine (BBR) in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) may be related to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation (a key regulator in the biological energy metabolism), and balanced macrophage polarization. However, the specific molecular mechanism of BBR in macrophage metabolism is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we clarified that BBR ameliorated articular inflammation and restored M1/M2 ratio in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice in an AMPK-dependent manner. Mechanistically, BBR reversed the effects of mTORC1 agonist leucine (Leu) on regulating macrophage polarization through activation of AMPK to switch glycolytic reprogramming. Furthermore, BBR inhibition of mTORC1 rely on activation of AMPK to phosphorylate raptor and TSC2 instead of destroying its structure. Our study revealed that the activation of AMPK is required for the BBR-mediated anti-arthritis effect by downregulating mTORC1/HIF-1α and inhibiting the glycolysis in M1 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yun Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Shi-Ye Zong
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wei-Wei Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Biochemical Engineering Center of Anhui, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Ning Song
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Biochemical Engineering Center of Anhui, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Xian
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Fang Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Biochemical Engineering Center of Anhui, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
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Cheng H, Yuan J, Pei C, Ouyang M, Bu H, Chen Y, Huang X, Zhang Z, Yu L, Tan Y. The development of an anti-cancer peptide M1-21 targeting transcription factor FOXM1. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:114. [PMID: 37344857 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01059-7] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factor FOXM1 is a potential target for anti-cancer drug development. An interfering peptide M1-21, targeting FOXM1 and FOXM1-interacting proteins, is developed and its anti-cancer efficacy is evaluated. METHODS FOXM1 C-terminus-binding peptides are screened by in silico protocols from the peptide library of FOXM1 (1-138aa) and confirmed by cellular experiments. The selected peptide is synthesized into its D-retro-inverso (DRI) form by fusing a TAT cell-penetrating sequence. Anti-cancer activities are evaluated in vitro and in vivo with tumor-grafted nude mice, spontaneous breast cancer mice, and wild-type metastasis-tracing mice. Anti-cancer mechanisms are analyzed. Distribution and safety profiles in mice are evaluated. RESULTS With improved stability and cell inhibitory activity compared to the parent peptide, M1-21 binds to multiple regions of FOXM1 and interferes with protein-protein interactions between FOXM1 and its various known partner proteins, including PLK1, LIN9 and B-MYB of the MuvB complex, and β-catenin. Consequently, M1-21 inhibits FOXM1-related transcriptional activities and FOXM1-mediated nuclear importation of β-catenin and β-catenin transcriptional activities. M1-21 inhibits multiple types of cancer (20 µM in vitro or 30 mg/kg in vivo) by preventing proliferation, migration, and WNT signaling. Distribution and safety profiles of M1-21 are favorable (broad distribution and > 15 h stability in mice) and the tested non-severely toxic dose reaches 200 mg/kg in mice. M1-21 also has low hemolytic toxicity and immunogenicity in mice. CONCLUSIONS M1-21 is a promising interfering peptide targeting FOXM1 for the development of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaozhu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huitong Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenwang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Medicine Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437000, Xianning, Hubei, China.
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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12
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Sun HN, Ren CX, Lee DH, Wang WH, Guo XY, Hao YY, Wang XM, Zhang HN, Xiao WQ, Li N, Cong J, Han YH, Kwon T. PRDX1 negatively regulates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and lung fibroblast proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2023; 28:48. [PMID: 37268886 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-023-00460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis is a major category of end-stage changes in lung diseases, characterized by lung epithelial cell damage, proliferation of fibroblasts, and accumulation of extracellular matrix. Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1), a member of the peroxiredoxin protein family, participates in the regulation of the levels of reactive oxygen species in cells and various other physiological activities, as well as the occurrence and development of diseases by functioning as a chaperonin. METHODS Experimental methods including MTT assay, morphological observation of fibrosis, wound healing assay, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, western blot, transcriptome sequencing, and histopathological analysis were used in this study. RESULTS PRDX1 knockdown increased ROS levels in lung epithelial cells and promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the PI3K/Akt and JNK/Smad signalling pathways. PRDX1 knockout significantly increased TGF-β secretion, ROS production, and cell migration in primary lung fibroblasts. PRDX1 deficiency also increased cell proliferation, cell cycle circulation, and fibrosis progression through the PI3K/Akt and JNK/Smad signalling pathways. BLM treatment induced more severe pulmonary fibrosis in PRDX1-knockout mice, mainly through the PI3K/Akt and JNK/Smad signalling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our findings strongly suggest that PRDX1 is a key molecule in BLM-induced lung fibrosis progression and acts through modulating EMT and lung fibroblast proliferation; therefore, it may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of BLM-induced lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu-Nan Sun
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Chen-Xi Ren
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Dong Hun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Research Center of Ecomimetics, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-Ro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Wei-Hao Wang
- National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Guo
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ying-Ying Hao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- Yabian Academy of Agricultural Science, Longjing, Jilin, 1334000, China
| | - Hui-Na Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wan-Qiu Xiao
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Nan Li
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jie Cong
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ying-Hao Han
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Laboratory, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Xingyang Road #2, Daqing, 163319, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Taeho Kwon
- Primate Resources Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 351-33 Neongme-Gil, Ibam-Myeon, Jeongeup-Si, Jeonbuk, 56216, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Dsouza NN, Alampady V, Baby K, Maity S, Byregowda BH, Nayak Y. Thalidomide interaction with inflammation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:1167-1182. [PMID: 36966238 PMCID: PMC10039777 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01193-1] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The "Thalidomide tragedy" is a landmark in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. Despite limited clinical trials, there is a continuous effort to investigate thalidomide as a drug for cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lepromatous leprosy, and COVID-19. This review focuses on the possibilities of targeting inflammation by repurposing thalidomide for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Articles were searched from the Scopus database, sorted, and selected articles were reviewed. The content includes the proven mechanisms of action of thalidomide relevant to IPF. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic mechanisms are major pathogenic factors in IPF. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the major biomarker of IPF. Thalidomide is an effective anti-inflammatory drug in inhibiting TGF-β, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Thalidomide binds cereblon, a process that is involved in the proposed mechanism in specific cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple myeloma, and lung cancer. Cereblon is involved in activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-TGF-β/Smad signalling, thereby attenuating fibrosis. The past few years have witnessed an improvement in the identification of biomarkers and diagnostic technologies in respiratory diseases, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, investment in clinical trials with a systematic plan can help repurpose thalidomide for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikitha Naomi Dsouza
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Varun Alampady
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnaprasad Baby
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Swastika Maity
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Bharath Harohalli Byregowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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14
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Zhang R, Liang H, Liu G, Jiang W, Tang Z, Fan Q, Nie Z, Hu H, Kang G, Xie S. Nesfatin-1, a novel energy-regulating peptide, alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by blocking TGF-β1/Smad pathway in an AMPKα-dependent manner. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110369. [PMID: 37224650 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110369] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive disease which steadily causes a critical public health concern. Nesfatin-1, a novel energy-regulating peptide discovered in 2006, could increase the level of AMPK phosphorylation. Previous studies have unveiled that Nesfatin-1 possessed many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-fibrosis, and the regulation of lipid metabolism. Here, we investigated the impact of Nesfatin-1 on pulmonary fibrosis. Male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with Nesfatin-1 (10 μg·kg-1·day-1) for 21 days since mice were intratracheally administrated with bleomycin (BLM) (2 U/kg). Primary murine lung fibroblasts were stimulated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) for 48 h. The results showed that Nesfatin-1 treatment significantly improved pulmonary function and decreased the production of collagen in BLM-treated mice. Meantime, Nesfatin-1 treatment also inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation in lung tissues from BLM-treated mice. Mechanically, Nesfatin-1 blocked the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in lung tissues challenged with BLM. In addition, we found that Nesfatin-1 enhanced the phosphorylation of AMPKα during pulmonary fibrosis. However, pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of AMPKα could both offset the pulmonary protection mediated by Nesfatin-1 during pulmonary fibrosis. Our experimental results firstly show Nesfatin-1 might serve as a novel treatment or adjuvant against pulmonary fibrosis by blocking TGF-β1/Smad pathway in an AMPKα-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renquan Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gaoli Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wanli Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zheng Tang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qinglu Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhihao Nie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haifeng Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ganjun Kang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Songping Xie
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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15
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Zhang Z, Li M, Sun T, Zhang Z, Liu C. FOXM1: Functional Roles of FOXM1 in Non-Malignant Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050857. [PMID: 37238726 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are a wing-like helix family of transcription factors in the DNA-binding region. By mediating the activation and inhibition of transcription and interactions with all kinds of transcriptional co-regulators (MuvB complexes, STAT3, β-catenin, etc.), they play significant roles in carbohydrate and fat metabolism, biological aging and immune regulation, development, and diseases in mammals. Recent studies have focused on translating these essential findings into clinical applications in order to improve quality of life, investigating areas such as diabetes, inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis, and increase human lifespan. Early studies have shown that forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) functions as a key gene in pathological processes in multiple diseases by regulating genes related to proliferation, the cell cycle, migration, and apoptosis and genes related to diagnosis, therapy, and injury repair. Although FOXM1 has long been studied in relation to human diseases, its role needs to be elaborated on. FOXM1 expression is involved in the development or repair of multiple diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, diabetes, liver injury repair, adrenal lesions, vascular diseases, brain diseases, arthritis, myasthenia gravis, and psoriasis. The complex mechanisms involve multiple signaling pathways, such as WNT/β-catenin, STAT3/FOXM1/GLUT1, c-Myc/FOXM1, FOXM1/SIRT4/NF-κB, and FOXM1/SEMA3C/NRP2/Hedgehog. This paper reviews the key roles and functions of FOXM1 in kidney, vascular, lung, brain, bone, heart, skin, and blood vessel diseases to elucidate the role of FOXM1 in the development and progression of human non-malignant diseases and makes suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenwang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Mengxi Li
- School of Nuclear Technology and Chemistry & Biology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Medical Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Zhengrong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Medical Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Medical Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
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16
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Liu S, Fu S, Jin Y, Geng R, Li Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Guo W. Tartary buckwheat flavonoids alleviates high-fat diet induced kidney fibrosis in mice by inhibiting MAPK and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 379:110533. [PMID: 37150497 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110533] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Tartary buckwheat flavonoids (TBF) are active components extracted from Tartary buckwheat, which have abundant biological effects. According to this study, we investigated the effect of TBF on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced kidney fibrosis and its related mechanisms. In vivo, we established an HFD-induced kidney fibrosis model in mice and administered TBF. The results showed that TBF was able to alleviate kidney injury and inflammatory response. Subsequently, the mRNA levels between the HFD group and the TBF + HFD group were detected using RNA-seq assay. According to the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results, the differential genes were enriched in lipid metabolism and mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK) signaling pathways. We examined the protein expression of lipid metabolism-related pathways and the level of lipid metabolism. The results showed that TBF significantly activated the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (AMPK/ACC) pathway and effectively reduced kidney total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoproteinc cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in mice. TBF also inhibited transforming growth factor-β1/Smad (TGF-β1/Smad) and MAPK signaling pathways, thus slowing down the kidney fibrosis process. In vitro, using palmitic acid (PA) to stimulate TCMK-1 cells, the in vivo results similarly demonstrated that TBF could alleviate kidney fibrosis in HFD mice by inhibiting TGF1/Smad signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Shoupeng Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yuhang Jin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Ruiqi Geng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yuhang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Yufei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Juxiong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
| | - Wenjin Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China; Chongqing Research Institute, Jilin University, 401120, Chongqing, China.
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17
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Liu J, Zhang M, Deng D, Zhu X. The function, mechanisms, and clinical applications of metformin: potential drug, unlimited potentials. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:389-407. [PMID: 36964307 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01445-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
Metformin has been used clinically for more than 60 years. As time goes by, more and more miraculous effects of metformin beyond the clinic have been discovered and discussed. In addition to the clinically approved hypoglycemic effect, it also has a positive metabolic regulation effect on the human body that cannot be ignored. Such as anti-cancer, anti-aging, brain repair, cardiovascular protection, gastrointestinal regulation, hair growth and inhibition of thyroid nodules, and other nonclinical effects. Metformin affects almost the entire body in the situation taking it over a long period, and the preventive effects of metformin in addition to treating diabetes are also beginning to be recommended in some guidelines. This review is mainly composed of four parts: the development history of metformin, the progress of clinical efficacy, the nonclinical efficacy of metformin, and the consideration and prospect of its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhong Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Dan Deng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology for Urogenital Tumors, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital (Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine), Shenzhen, China.
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18
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Yang J, Liang C, Liu L, Wang L, Yu G. High-Fat Diet Related Lung Fibrosis-Epigenetic Regulation Matters. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030558. [PMID: 36979493 PMCID: PMC10046645 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is an interstitial lung disease characterized by the destruction of the pulmonary parenchyma caused by excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Despite the well-known etiological factors such as senescence, aberrant epithelial cell and fibroblast activation, and chronic inflammation, PF has recently been recognized as a metabolic disease and abnormal lipid signature was observed both in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of PF patients and mice PF model. Clinically, observational studies suggest a significant link between high-fat diet (HFD) and PF as manifested by high intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and meat increases the risk of PF and mice lung fibrosis. However, the possible mechanisms between HFD and PF remain unclear. In the current review we emphasize the diversity effects of the epigenetic dysregulation induced by HFD on the fibrotic factors such as epithelial cell injury, abnormal fibroblast activation and chronic inflammation. Finally, we discuss the potential ways for patients to improve their conditions and emphasize the prospect of targeted therapy based on epigenetic regulation for scientific researchers or drug developers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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19
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Ji H, Dong H, Lan Y, Bi Y, Gu X, Han Y, Yang C, Cheng M, Gao J. Metformin attenuates fibroblast activation during pulmonary fibrosis by targeting S100A4 via AMPK-STAT3 axis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1089812. [PMID: 36817136 PMCID: PMC9936158 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1089812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts activation is a crucial process for development of fibrosis during idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a key regulatory role in fibroblast activation. It has been reported that metformin (MET) alleviated bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) by regulating TGF-β1-induced fibroblasts activation, but the underlying mechanisms still deserve further investigations. In this study, MET blocked α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) accumulation in vivo accompanied with S100A4 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation inhibition, resulting in attenuating the progression of lung fibrosis after BLM administration. We determined that S100A4 plays critical roles in fibroblasts activation in vitro, evidenced by siRNA knockdown of S100A4 expression downregulated TGF-β1 induced α-SMA production in Human fetal lung fibroblast (HFL1) cells. Importantly, we found for the first time that the expression of S100A4 in fibroblasts was regulated by STAT3. Stattic, an effective small molecule inhibitor of STAT3 phosphorylation, reduced S100A4 level in TGF-β1- treated HFL1 cells accompanied with less α-SMA production. We further found that MET, which inhibits STAT3 phosphorylation by AMPK activation, also inhibits fibroblasts activation by targeting S100A4 in vitro. Together all these results, we conclude that S100A4 contributes to TGF-β1- induced pro-fibrogenic function in fibroblasts activation, and MET was able to protect against TGF-β1-induced fibroblasts activation and BLM-induced PF by down-regulating S100A4 expression through AMPK-STAT3 axis. These results provide a useful clue for a clinical strategy to prevent PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Ji
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hongliang Dong
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuejiao Lan
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yuqian Bi
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Gu
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,3201 Hospital, Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongyue Han
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chongyang Yang
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghan Cheng
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jian Gao, ; Minghan Cheng,
| | - Jian Gao
- Pediatric Translational Medicine Institute, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jian Gao, ; Minghan Cheng,
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20
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Gajjala PR, Singh P, Odayar V, Ediga HH, McCormack FX, Madala SK. Wilms Tumor 1-Driven Fibroblast Activation and Subpleural Thickening in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032850. [PMID: 36769178 PMCID: PMC9918078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease that is often fatal due to the formation of irreversible scar tissue in the distal areas of the lung. Although the pathological and radiological features of IPF lungs are well defined, the lack of insight into the fibrogenic role of fibroblasts that accumulate in distinct anatomical regions of the lungs is a critical knowledge gap. Fibrotic lesions have been shown to originate in the subpleural areas and extend into the lung parenchyma through processes of dysregulated fibroproliferation, migration, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation, and extracellular matrix production. Identifying the molecular targets underlying subpleural thickening at the early and late stages of fibrosis could facilitate the development of new therapies to attenuate fibroblast activation and improve the survival of patients with IPF. Here, we discuss the key cellular and molecular events that contribute to (myo)fibroblast activation and subpleural thickening in IPF. In particular, we highlight the transcriptional programs involved in mesothelial to mesenchymal transformation and fibroblast dysfunction that can be targeted to alter the course of the progressive expansion of fibrotic lesions in the distal areas of IPF lungs.
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21
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Jia D, Chen H, Dai J, He S, Liu Y, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Li X, Sun Y, Wang Q. Human Infrapatellar Fat Pad Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Inhibit Fibroblast Proliferation by Regulating MT2A to Reduce Knee Arthrofibrosis. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:9067621. [PMID: 37091533 PMCID: PMC10115539 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9067621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Knee arthrofibrosis is one of the most serious complications of knee surgery; however, its pathogenesis is unclear, and current treatment methods have not achieved satisfactory results. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have good anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, and studies have reported that human infrapatellar fat pad-derived MSCs (IPFSCs) have the advantages of strong proliferative and differentiating ability, ease of acquisition, and minimal harm to the donor. Increasing evidence has shown that MSCs function through their paracrine extracellular vesicles (EVs). Our study is aimed at exploring the effects of human IPFSC-derived EVs (IPFSC-EVs) on knee arthrofibrosis and the underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. In the in vivo study, injecting IPFSC-EVs into the knee joint cavity effectively reduced surgery-induced knee arthrofibrosis in rats. In the in vitro study, IPFSC-EVs were found to inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts in the inflammatory environment. Additionally, we screened a potential IPFSC-EV molecular target, metallothionein 2A (MT2A), using RNA sequencing. We found that silencing MT2A partially reversed the inhibitory effect of IPFSC-EVs on fibroblast proliferation in the inflammatory environment. In conclusion, IPFSC-EVs inhibit the progression of knee arthrofibrosis by regulating MT2A, which inhibits fibroblast proliferation in the inflammatory environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhou Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jihang Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiping He
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhendong Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaxin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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22
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Zhang L, Jiang F, Xie Y, Mo Y, Zhang X, Liu C. Diabetic endothelial microangiopathy and pulmonary dysfunction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1073878. [PMID: 37025413 PMCID: PMC10071002 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1073878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread metabolic condition with a high global morbidity and mortality rate that affects the whole body. Their primary consequences are mostly caused by the macrovascular and microvascular bed degradation brought on by metabolic, hemodynamic, and inflammatory variables. However, research in recent years has expanded the target organ in T2DM to include the lung. Inflammatory lung diseases also impose a severe financial burden on global healthcare. T2DM has long been recognized as a significant comorbidity that influences the course of various respiratory disorders and their disease progress. The pathogenesis of the glycemic metabolic problem and endothelial microangiopathy of the respiratory disorders have garnered more attention lately, indicating that the two ailments have a shared history. This review aims to outline the connection between T2DM related endothelial cell dysfunction and concomitant respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lanlan Zhang, ; Xin Zhang, ; Chuntao Liu,
| | - Faming Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingying Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Mo
- Department of Neurology Medicine, The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) 363 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lanlan Zhang, ; Xin Zhang, ; Chuntao Liu,
| | - Chuntao Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Lanlan Zhang, ; Xin Zhang, ; Chuntao Liu,
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23
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Melatonin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via activating NRF2 and inhibiting galectin-3 expression. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 44:1029-1037. [PMID: 36333557 PMCID: PMC9638373 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01018-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with no effective therapies. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a marker of oxidative stress, plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PF. Fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation (FMD) is an important source of fibrotic cells in PF. Previous studies showed that melatonin (MT) exerted anti-fibrotic effect in many diseases including PF through its antioxidant activity. In the present study we investigated the relationships among Gal-3, NRF2, ROS in FMD and their regulation by MT. We established an in vitro model of FMD in TGF-β1-treated human fetal lung fibroblast1 (HFL1) cells and a PF mouse model via bleomycin (BLM) intratracheal instillation. We found that Gal-3 expression was significantly increased both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of Gal-3 in HFL1 cells markedly attenuated TGF-β1-induced FMD process and ROS accumulation. In TGF-β1-treated HFL1 cells, pretreatment with NRF2-specific inhibitor ML385 (5 μM) significantly increased the levels of Gal-3, α-SMA and ROS, suggesting that the expression of Gal-3 was regulated by NRF2. Treatment with NRF2-activator MT (250 μM) blocked α-SMA and ROS accumulation accompanied by reduced Gal-3 expression. In BLM-induced PF model, administration of MT (5 mg·kg−1·d−1, ip for 14 or 28 days) significantly attenuated the progression of lung fibrosis through up-regulating NRF2 and down-regulating Gal-3 expression in lung tissues. These results suggest that Gal-3 regulates TGF-β1-induced pro-fibrogenic responses and ROS production in FMD, and MT activates NRF2 to block FMD process by down-regulating Gal-3 expression. This study provides a useful clue for a clinical strategy to prevent PF. Graphic abstract of the mechanisms. MT attenuated BLM-induced PF via activating NRF2 and inhibiting Gal-3 expression. ![]()
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24
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Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Cheng H, Li X, Feng D, Yue S, Xu J, Xie H, Luo Z. Therapeutic Effects of Omentin-1 on Pulmonary Fibrosis by Attenuating Fibroblast Activation via AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2715. [PMID: 36359232 PMCID: PMC9687324 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal age-related chronic lung disease, characterized by progressive scarring of the lungs by activated fibroblasts. The effect of omentin-1 against pulmonary fibrosis and fibroblast activation has not been investigated. The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the role of omentin-1 in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis and its mechanism. Our results showed that the loss of omentin-1 exaggerated lung fibrosis induced by BLM. On the contrary, adenoviral-overexpression of omentin-1 significantly alleviated BLM-induced lung fibrosis both in preventive and therapeutic regimens. Moreover, omentin-1 prevented fibroblast activation determined by a decreased number of S100A4+ (fibroblasts marker) α-SMA+ cells in vivo, and a decreased level of α-SMA expression both in mice primary fibroblasts and human primary fibroblasts induced by TGF-β in vitro. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) was significantly lower in the fibrotic foci induced by BLM, and the adenoviral-overexpression of omentin-1 significantly increased the p-AMPK level in vivo. Importantly, Compound C, the inhibitor of AMPK, significantly attenuated the protective effect of omentin-1 on BLM-induced lung fibrosis and reversed the effect of omentin-1 on fibroblast activation by TGF-β. Omentin-1 can be a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yunna Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Haipeng Cheng
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Dandan Feng
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shaojie Yue
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ziqiang Luo
- Department of Physiology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha 410008, China
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25
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Metformin Treatment Modulates Long Non-Coding RNA Isoforms Expression in Human Cells. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8050068. [PMID: 36287120 PMCID: PMC9607547 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8050068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) undergo splicing and have multiple transcribed isoforms. Nevertheless, for lncRNAs, as well as for mRNA, measurements of expression are routinely performed only at the gene level. Metformin is the first-line oral therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains not thoroughly explained. Transcriptomic analyses using metformin in different cell types reveal that only protein-coding genes are considered. We aimed to characterize lncRNA isoforms that were differentially affected by metformin treatment on multiple human cell types (three cancer, two non-cancer) and to provide insights into the lncRNA regulation by this drug. We selected six series to perform a differential expression (DE) isoform analysis. We also inferred the biological roles for lncRNA DE isoforms using in silico tools. We found the same isoform of an lncRNA (AC016831.6-205) highly expressed in all six metformin series, which has a second exon putatively coding for a peptide with relevance to the drug action. Moreover, the other two lncRNA isoforms (ZBED5-AS1-207 and AC125807.2-201) may also behave as cis-regulatory elements to the expression of transcripts in their vicinity. Our results strongly reinforce the importance of considering DE isoforms of lncRNA for understanding metformin mechanisms at the molecular level.
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26
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Wu X, Xiao X, Chen X, Yang M, Hu Z, Shuai S, Fu Q, Yang H, Du Q. Effectiveness and mechanism of metformin in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis: A preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:948101. [PMID: 36147352 PMCID: PMC9485720 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.948101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lung disease with no curative drug, characterized by a progressive decrease in lung function. Metformin (MET) is a hypoglycemic agent with the advantages of high safety and low cost and has been used in several in vivo trials to treat fibrotic diseases. Objective: This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of MET in treating PF and elaborate on its mechanism. Methods: Eight databases were searched for in vivo animal trials of MET for PF from the time of database creation until 1 March 2022. The risk of bias quality assessment of the included studies was conducted using SYRCLE’s risk of bias assessment. Pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis scores were the primary outcomes of this study. Hydroxyproline (HYP), type I collagen (collagen I), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Smad, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) protein expression in lung tissues and animal mortality were secondary outcomes. Effect magnitudes were combined and calculated using Revman 5.3 and Stata 16.0 to assess the efficacy and safety of MET in animal models of PF. Inter-study heterogeneity was examined using the I2 or Q test, and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: A total of 19 studies involving 368 animals were included, with a mean risk of bias of 5.9. The meta-analysis showed that MET significantly suppressed the level of inflammation and degree of PF in the lung tissue of the PF animal model. MET also reduced the content of HYP, collagen I, α-SMA, and TGF-β and phosphorylation levels of Smad2, Smad3, p-smad2/3/smad2/3, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 in lung tissues. MET also elevated AMPK/p-AMPK levels in lung tissues and significantly reduced animal mortality. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that MET has a protective effect on lung tissues in PF animal models and may be a potential therapeutic candidate for PF treatment. Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=327285, identifier CRD42022327285.
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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
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Maoyi Yang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhipeng Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sijia Shuai
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinwei Fu
- 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
- *Correspondence: Han Yang, ; Quanyu Du,
| | - Quanyu Du
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Han Yang, ; Quanyu Du,
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