1
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Zhang Q, Yan X, Han H, Wang Y, Sun J. Pericyte in retinal vascular diseases: A multifunctional regulator and potential therapeutic target. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23679. [PMID: 38780117 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302624r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Retinal vascular diseases (RVDs), in particular diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and retinopathy of prematurity, are leading contributors to blindness. The pathogenesis of RVD involves vessel dilatation, leakage, and occlusion; however, the specific underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent findings have indicated that pericytes (PCs), as critical members of the vascular mural cells, significantly contribute to the progression of RVDs, including detachment from microvessels, alteration of contractile and secretory properties, and excessive production of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, PCs are believed to have mesenchymal stem properties and, therefore, might contribute to regenerative therapy. Here, we review novel ideas concerning PC characteristics and functions in RVDs and discuss potential therapeutic strategies based on PCs, including the targeting of pathological signals and cell-based regenerative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xianchun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yusheng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaxing Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute of Chinese PLA, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurobiology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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2
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Zhou Y, Xu M, Shen W, Xu Y, Shao A, Xu P, Yao K, Han H, Ye J. Recent Advances in Nanomedicine for Ocular Fundus Neovascularization Disease Management. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304626. [PMID: 38406994 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
As an indispensable part of the human sensory system, visual acuity may be impaired and even develop into irreversible blindness due to various ocular pathologies. Among ocular diseases, fundus neovascularization diseases (FNDs) are prominent etiologies of visual impairment worldwide. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs remains the primary therapy but is hurdled by common complications and incomplete potency. To renovate the current therapeutic modalities, nanomedicine emerged as the times required, which is endowed with advanced capabilities, able to fulfill the effective ocular fundus drug delivery and achieve precise drug release control, thus further improving the therapeutic effect. This review provides a comprehensive summary of advances in nanomedicine for FND management from state-of-the-art studies. First, the current therapeutic modalities for FNDs are thoroughly introduced, focusing on the key challenges of ocular fundus drug delivery. Second, nanocarriers are comprehensively reviewed for ocular posterior drug delivery based on the nanostructures: polymer-based nanocarriers, lipid-based nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles. Thirdly, the characteristics of the fundus microenvironment, their pathological changes during FNDs, and corresponding strategies for constructing smart nanocarriers are elaborated. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects of nanomedicine for FND management are thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhou
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Mingyu Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Wenyue Shen
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - An Shao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Peifang Xu
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Haijie Han
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
| | - Juan Ye
- Eye Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Institute on Eye Diseases, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, P. R. China
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3
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Li Y, Acosta FM, Jiang JX. Gap Junctions or Hemichannel-Dependent and Independent Roles of Connexins in Fibrosis, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions, and Wound Healing. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1796. [PMID: 38136665 PMCID: PMC10742173 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121796] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis initially appears as a normal response to damage, where activated fibroblasts produce large amounts of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the wound healing process to assist in the repair of injured tissue. However, the excessive accumulation of the ECM, unresolved by remodeling mechanisms, leads to organ dysfunction. Connexins, a family of transmembrane channel proteins, are widely recognized for their major roles in fibrosis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and wound healing. Efforts have been made in recent years to identify novel mediators and targets for this regulation. Connexins form gap junctions and hemichannels, mediating communications between neighboring cells and inside and outside of cells, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that connexins, beyond forming channels, possess channel-independent functions in fibrosis, the EMT, and wound healing. One crucial channel-independent function is their role as the primary functional component for cell adhesion. Other channel-independent functions of connexins involve their roles in mitochondria and exosomes. This review summarizes the latest advances in the channel-dependent and independent roles of connexins in fibrosis, the EMT, and wound healing, with a particular focus on eye diseases, emphasizing their potential as novel, promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.L.); (F.M.A.)
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Francisca M. Acosta
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.L.); (F.M.A.)
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.L.); (F.M.A.)
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Liu G, Feng L, Liu X, Gao P, Wang F. O-GlcNAcylation Inhibition Upregulates Connexin43 Expression in the Endothelium to Protect the Tight Junction Barrier in Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:30. [PMID: 37982762 PMCID: PMC10668625 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.14.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effects of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation) on connexin43 (Cx43) expression and its subsequent effects on tight junction properties in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods O-GlcNAcylation levels in primary human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs) and retinas from rats with diabetes were regulated by treatment with Thiamet G or alloxan. Immunoprecipitation was used to examine the relationship between O-GlcNAcylation and Cx43 expression. Stable overexpression and knockdown of Cx43 in HRVECs were achieved using lentivirus constructs; further, their effects on occludin and zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) expression and tight junction barrier function were determined. Results O-GlcNAcylation level increased significantly, whereas Cx43 expression decreased in retinas from rats with diabetes and HRVECs cultured under high-glucose conditions. Immunoprecipitation revealed that Cx43 was modified by O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation simultaneously. O-GlcNAcylation inhibition negatively regulated both total Cx43 and phosphorylated Cx43 expression, subsequently disrupting tight junction properties. Conversely, Cx43 overexpression reversed the disruption of tight junction properties and downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Consistently, Cx43 overexpression increased transendothelial electrical resistance values in HRVEC layers. Conclusions O-GlcNAcylation negatively regulated Cx43 expression, contributing to the disruption of the blood retinal barrier. However, O-GlcNAcylation inhibition and Cx43 overexpression could reverse the tight junction disruption. Therefore, O-GlcNAcylation inhibition is a potential target for avoiding tight junction disruption through the Cx43 pathway in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Tongji Eye Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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5
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Liu H, Zhang X, Shi P, Yuan J, Jia Q, Pi C, Chen T, Xiong L, Chen J, Tang J, Yue R, Liu Z, Shen H, Zuo Y, Wei Y, Zhao L. α7 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: a key receptor in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway exerting an antidepressant effect. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:84. [PMID: 36973813 PMCID: PMC10041767 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a common mental illness, which is related to monoamine neurotransmitters and the dysfunction of the cholinergic, immune, glutamatergic, and neuroendocrine systems. The hypothesis of monoamine neurotransmitters is one of the commonly recognized pathogenic mechanisms of depression; however, the drugs designed based on this hypothesis have not achieved good clinical results. A recent study demonstrated that depression and inflammation were strongly correlated, and the activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR)-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) in the cholinergic system exhibited good therapeutic effects against depression. Therefore, anti-inflammation might be a potential direction for the treatment of depression. Moreover, it is also necessary to further reveal the key role of inflammation and α7 nAChR in the pathogenesis of depression. This review focused on the correlations between inflammation and depression as well-discussed the crucial role of α7 nAChR in the CAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyang Liu
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- grid.469520.c0000 0004 1757 8917Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, Institute of Medicinal Chemistry of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, 400065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Shi
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiyuan Yuan
- grid.488387.8Clinical Trial Center, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Jia
- grid.488387.8Ethics Committee Office, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan China
| | - Chao Pi
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Chen
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Linjin Xiong
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Chen
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Tang
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruxu Yue
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Zerong Liu
- Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Credit Pharmaceutical CO., Ltd., Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan China
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030 China
| | - Hongping Shen
- grid.488387.8Clinical Trial Center, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Zuo
- grid.488387.8Department of Comprehensive Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan China
| | - Yumeng Wei
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhao
- grid.488387.8Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 182, Chunhui Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.410578.f0000 0001 1114 4286Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Pharmacy of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
- grid.488387.8Luzhou Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Chronic Diseases Jointly Built by Sichuan and Chongqing, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 Sichuan People’s Republic of China
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Kolibabka M, Dannehl M, Oezer K, Murillo K, Huang H, Riemann S, Hoffmann S, Gretz N, Schlotterer A, Feng Y, Hammes HP. Differences in junction-associated gene expression changes in three rat models of diabetic retinopathy with similar neurovascular phenotype. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 176:105961. [PMID: 36526091 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy, also defined as microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, affects the entire neurovascular unit with specific aberrations in every compartment. Neurodegeneration, glial activation and vasoregression are observed consistently in models of diabetic retinopathy. However, the order and the severity of these aberrations varies in different models, which is also true in patients. In this study, we analysed rat models of diabetic retinopathy with similar phenotypes to identify key differences in the pathogenesis. For this, we focussed on intercellular junction-associated gene expression, which are important for the communication and homeostasis within the neurovascular unit. Streptozotocin-injected diabetic Wistar rats, methylglyoxal supplemented Wistar rats and polycystin-2 transgenic (PKD) rats were analysed for neuroretinal function, vasoregression and retinal expression of junction-associated proteins. In all three models, neuroretinal impairment and vasoregression were observed, but gene expression profiling of junction-associated proteins demonstrated nearly no overlap between the three models. However, the differently expressed genes were from the main classes of claudins, connexins and integrins in all models. Changes in Rcor1 expression in diabetic rats and Egr1 expression in PKD rats confirmed the differences in upstream transcription factor level between the models. In PKD rats, a possible role for miRNA regulation was observed, indicated by an upregulation of miR-26b-5p, miR-122-5p and miR-300-3p, which was not observed in the other models. In silico allocation of connexins revealed not only differences in regulated subtypes, but also in affected retinal cell types, as well as connexin specific upstream regulators Sox7 and miR-92a-3p. In this study, we demonstrate that, despite their similar phenotype, models for diabetic retinopathy exhibit significant differences in their pathogenic pathways and primarily affected cell types. These results underline the importance for more sensitive diagnostic tools to identify pathogenic clusters in patients as the next step towards a desperately needed personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kolibabka
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Marcus Dannehl
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kübra Oezer
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katharina Murillo
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hongpeng Huang
- Experimental Pharmacology, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Manheim, Germany
| | - Sarah Riemann
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sigrid Hoffmann
- Medical Research Center, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Norbert Gretz
- Medical Research Center, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andrea Schlotterer
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuxi Feng
- Experimental Pharmacology, European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Manheim, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hammes
- 5th Medical Department, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; European Center for Angioscience, Ludolf-Krehl-Strasse 13 - 17, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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7
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Yue T, Shi Y, Luo S, Weng J, Wu Y, Zheng X. The role of inflammation in immune system of diabetic retinopathy: Molecular mechanisms, pathogenetic role and therapeutic implications. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055087. [PMID: 36582230 PMCID: PMC9792618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of low vision and blindness worldwide. Mounting evidence demonstrates that inflammation is a key mechanism driving diabetes-associated retinal disturbance, yet the pathophysiological process and molecular mechanisms of inflammation underlying diabetic retinopathy are not fully understood. Cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules interact with each other to form a complex molecular network that propagates the inflammatory and pathological cascade of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, it is important to understand and elucidate inflammation-related mechanisms behind diabetic retinopathy progression. Here, we review the current understanding of the pathology and pathogenesis of inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. In addition, we also summarize the relevant clinical trials to further suggest inflammation-targeted therapeutics for prevention and management of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Yue
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Sihui Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yali Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Yali Wu, ; Xueying Zheng,
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Yali Wu, ; Xueying Zheng,
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8
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Zhou Z, Chai W, Liu Y, Zhou M, Zhang X. Connexins and angiogenesis: Functional aspects, pathogenesis, and emerging therapies (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:110. [PMID: 35762312 PMCID: PMC9256078 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) play key roles in cellular communication. By facilitating metabolite exchange or interfering with distinct signaling pathways, Cxs affect cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Variations in the activity and expression of Cxs have been linked to numerous clinical conditions including carcinomas, cardiac disorders, and wound healing. Recent discoveries on the association between Cxs and angiogenesis have sparked interest in Cx-mediated angiogenesis due to its essential functions in tissue formation, wound repair, tumor growth, and metastasis. It is now widely recognized that understanding the association between Cxs and angiogenesis may aid in the development of new targeted therapies for angiogenic diseases. The aim of the present review was to provide a comprehensive overview of Cxs and Cx-mediated angiogenesis, with a focus on therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizi Zhou
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Wenxiang Chai
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
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9
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Zhao H, Kong H, Wang W, Chen T, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Feng D, Cui Y. High Glucose Aggravates Retinal Endothelial Cell Dysfunction by Activating the RhoA/ROCK1/pMLC/Connexin43 Signaling Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:22. [PMID: 35881407 PMCID: PMC9339693 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.8.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This research aims to explore the mechanism underlying the relationship between RhoA/ROCK signaling and Connexin43 (Cx43) in retinal endothelial cell dysfunction and to evaluate the protective effect of ROCK inhibitors against retinal endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy (DR) models. Methods TUNEL staining, hematoxylin and eosin staining, a retinal digestion assay, and Evans blue assay were conducted to explore the effect of fasudil in alleviating retinal dysfunction induced by DR. ELISA, the CCK-8 assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to study inflammation, viability, and apoptosis of mouse retinal microvascular endothelial cells treated with high glucose and ROCK inhibitors. The qRT–PCR and Western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, MLC, pMLC, and Cx43. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to verify the interaction between pMLC and Cx43. Immunofluorescence and scrape-loading and dye transfer were used to evaluate the expression and function of Cx43. Results Marked endothelial cell dysfunction resulting from the activation of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling was found in in vivo and in vitro models of DR. Via interaction with pMLC, which is downstream of RhoA/ROCK1, a significant downregulation of Cx43 was observed in retinal endothelial cells. Treatment with ROCK inhibitors ameliorated retinal endothelial dysfunction in vitro. The ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, significantly alleviated retinal dysfunction as shown by a decrease of retinal acellular capillaries, an improvement of vascular permeability, and a reduction of cell apoptosis in vivo. Conclusions Our study highlights a novel mechanism that high glucose could activate RhoA/ROCK1/pMLC signaling, which targets the expression and localization of Cx43 and is responsible for cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation, resulting in retinal endothelial cell injury. ROCK inhibitors markedly ameliorate endothelial cell dysfunction, suggesting their therapeutic potential for diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongran Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.,School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.,Laboratory of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hui Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.,Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tianran Chen
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dandan Feng
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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10
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Zhou Z, Chai W, Liu Y, Liu Y, Pan H, Wu Q, Zhang X. Connexin 43 overexpression induces lung cancer angiogenesis in vitro following phosphorylation at Ser279 in its C‑terminus. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:293. [PMID: 35949588 PMCID: PMC9353244 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13413] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Blocking angiogenesis can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. However, the mechanism underlying regulation of lung cancer angiogenesis remains unclear. The gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) is implicated in angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of Cx43 in angiogenesis in vitro and its signaling pathways. Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were transfected with Cx43-targeting siRNA or Cx43-overexpressing recombinant plasmid vector. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to determine Cx43, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), E-cadherin, β-catenin, von Willebrand factor (vWF), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. Tyr265, Ser279, Ser368, and Ser373 phosphorylation levels in the C-terminus of Cx43 and intracellular and membranal Cx43 contents were determined using western blotting. Additionally, immunofluorescence, tube formation, Cell Counting Kit-8, and Transwell migration assays were performed. The results revealed that compared with that in the control samples, Cx43, ZO-1, E-cadherin, β-catenin, vWF, and PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in the Cx43 overexpression group and significantly decreased in the Cx43-knockdown group. Moreover, the phosphorylation level of Ser279 as well as cell proliferation and migration rates were markedly increased in the Cx43 overexpression group, and tube formation revealed that the potential of angiogenesis was also increased. Conversely, in the Cx43-knockdown group, the phosphorylation level of Ser279 and cell proliferation and migration rates were reduced, and the potential of angiogenesis was greatly impaired. Under Cx43 overexpression, membranal Cx43 content was significantly increased, whereas under Cx43 knockdown, it was significantly reduced. Therefore, Cx43 overexpression could induce pulmonary angiogenesis in vitro by promoting cell proliferation and migration and activating ZO-1, E-cadherin, β-catenin, vWF, and PAI-1. This may be achieved by promoting phosphorylation and activation of the intracellular signal site Ser279 at the C-terminus of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizi Zhou
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Wenxiang Chai
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Huiyu Pan
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
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11
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The Role of Connexin in Ophthalmic Neovascularization and the Interaction between Connexin and Proangiogenic Factors. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:8105229. [PMID: 35783340 PMCID: PMC9242797 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8105229] [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: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels is an important physiological process that occurs during development. When the body is injured, new blood vessel formation helps the body recuperate by supplying more oxygen and nutrients. However, this mechanism can have a negative effect. In ophthalmologic diseases, such as corneal new blood vessels, neonatal vascular glaucoma, and diabetes retinopathy, the formation of new blood vessels has become a critical component in patient survival. Connexin is a protein that regulates the cellular and molecular material carried by cells. It has been demonstrated that it is widely expressed in vascular endothelial cells, where it forms a slit connection between adjacent cells to promote cell-cell communication via hemichannels, as well as substance exchange into intracellular environments. Numerous studies have demonstrated that connexin in vascular endothelial cells plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect between the angiogenesis-associated factor and the connexin. It also reveals the effect of connexin on ophthalmic neovascularization.
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12
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Carpi-Santos R, de Melo Reis RA, Gomes FCA, Calaza KC. Contribution of Müller Cells in the Diabetic Retinopathy Development: Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040617. [PMID: 35453302 PMCID: PMC9027671 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a neurovascular complication of diabetes and the main cause of vision loss in adults. Glial cells have a key role in maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis. In the retina, the predominant element is the Müller cell, a specialized cell with radial morphology that spans all retinal layers and influences the function of the entire retinal circuitry. Müller cells provide metabolic support, regulation of extracellular composition, synaptic activity control, structural organization of the blood–retina barrier, antioxidant activity, and trophic support, among other roles. Therefore, impairments of Müller actions lead to retinal malfunctions. Accordingly, increasing evidence indicates that Müller cells are affected in diabetic retinopathy and may contribute to the severity of the disease. Here, we will survey recently described alterations in Müller cell functions and cellular events that contribute to diabetic retinopathy, especially related to oxidative stress and inflammation. This review sheds light on Müller cells as potential therapeutic targets of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Carpi-Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (R.C.-S.); (F.C.A.G.)
| | - Ricardo A. de Melo Reis
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Flávia Carvalho Alcantara Gomes
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (R.C.-S.); (F.C.A.G.)
| | - Karin C. Calaza
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Neurobiologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi 24210-201, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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13
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Cliff CL, Williams BM, Chadjichristos CE, Mouritzen U, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin 43: A Target for the Treatment of Inflammation in Secondary Complications of the Kidney and Eye in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:600. [PMID: 35054783 PMCID: PMC8776095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Of increasing prevalence, diabetes is characterised by elevated blood glucose and chronic inflammation that precedes the onset of multiple secondary complications, including those of the kidney and the eye. As the leading cause of end stage renal disease and blindness in the working population, more than ever is there a demand to develop clinical interventions which can both delay and prevent disease progression. Connexins are membrane bound proteins that can form pores (hemichannels) in the cell membrane. Gated by cellular stress and injury, they open under pathophysiological conditions and in doing so release 'danger signals' including adenosine triphosphate into the extracellular environment. Linked to sterile inflammation via activation of the nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, targeting aberrant hemichannel activity and the release of these danger signals has met with favourable outcomes in multiple models of disease, including secondary complications of diabetes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on those studies which document a role for aberrant connexin hemichannel activity in the pathogenesis of both diabetic eye and kidney disease, ahead of evaluating the efficacy of blocking connexin-43 specific hemichannels in these target tissues on tissue health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsy L. Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Bethany M. Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Christos E. Chadjichristos
- National Institutes for Health and Medical Research, UMR-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France;
| | - Ulrik Mouritzen
- Ciana Therapeutics, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Paul E. Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Claire E. Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
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14
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Wang HQ, Yang SW, Gao Y, Liu YJ, Li X, Ai QD, Lin MY, Yang YT, Zeng Q, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Novel antidepressant mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1: Regulating biosynthesis and degradation of connexin43. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 278:114212. [PMID: 34087399 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is a valuable medicinal herb and "alternative" remedy for the prevention and treatment of depression. Dysfunction of connexin43 (Cx43)-gap junction in astrocytes is predisposed to the precipitation of depression. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the main bioactive constituent extracted from ginseng, is efficacious in the management of depression by upregulating the content of Cx43. Our previous results indicated that pretreatment with Rg1 significantly improved Cx43-gap junction in corticosterone (CORT)-treated astrocytes. However, the antidepressant mechanism underlying how Rg1 upregulates Cx43-gap junction in astrocytes hasn't been proposed. AIM OF THE STUDY To dissect the mechanisms of Rg1 controlling Cx43 levels in primary astrocytes. METHODS We examined the changes of the level of Cx43 mRNA, the degradation of Cx43, as well as the ubiquitin-proteasomal and autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathways of Cx43 followed by Rg1 prior to CORT in rat primary astrocytes isolated from prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the recognized method of scrape loading/dye transfer was performed to detect Cx43-gap junctional function, an essencial indicator of the antidepressant effect. RESULTS Pretreatment with Rg1 could reverse CORT-induced downregulation of Cx43 biosynthesis, acceleration of Cx43 degradation, and upregulation of two Cx43 degradation pathways in primary astrocytes. CONCLUSION The findings in the present study provide the first evidence highlighting that Rg1 increases Cx43 protein levels through the upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and downregulation of Cx43 degradation, which may be attributed to the effect of Rg1 on the ubiquitin-proteasomal and autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathways of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Qin Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Song-Wei Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ying-Jiao Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Xun Li
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Qi-Di Ai
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Mei-Yu Lin
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yan-Tao Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine & Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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15
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Szarka G, Balogh M, Tengölics ÁJ, Ganczer A, Völgyi B, Kovács-Öller T. The role of gap junctions in cell death and neuromodulation in the retina. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1911-1920. [PMID: 33642359 PMCID: PMC8343308 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.308069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision altering diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, myopia, retinal vascular disease, traumatic brain injuries and others cripple many lives and are projected to continue to cause anguish in the foreseeable future. Gap junctions serve as an emerging target for neuromodulation and possible regeneration as they directly connect healthy and/or diseased cells, thereby playing a crucial role in pathophysiology. Since they are permeable for macromolecules, able to cross the cellular barriers, they show duality in illness as a cause and as a therapeutic target. In this review, we take recent advancements in gap junction neuromodulation (pharmacological blockade, gene therapy, electrical and light stimulation) into account, to show the gap junction's role in neuronal cell death and the possible routes of rescuing neuronal and glial cells in the retina succeeding illness or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Szarka
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márton Balogh
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám J. Tengölics
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alma Ganczer
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Béla Völgyi
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, National Brain Research Program (NAP 2.0), Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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16
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Wang H, Yang Y, Yang S, Ren S, Feng J, Liu Y, Chen H, Chen N. Ginsenoside Rg1 Ameliorates Neuroinflammation via Suppression of Connexin43 Ubiquitination to Attenuate Depression. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:709019. [PMID: 34421601 PMCID: PMC8375438 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.709019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is an inflammation-associated disease that results in major depression as inflammation increases and progresses. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1), the major bioactive ingredient derived from ginseng, possesses remarkable anti-depressant and anti-inflammatory effects. Our previous studies showed that the pathogenesis of depression was concomitant with the acceleration of connexin43 (Cx43) ubiquitin degradation, while Rg1 could upregulate Cx43 expression to attenuate depression. However, whether the ubiquitination of Cx43 is the specific correlation between depression and inflammation, and how Rg1 ameliorates neuroinflammation to attenuate depression, are still under investigation. In in vivo experiments, Rg1 treatment significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Moreover, these CUS rats treated with Rg1 exhibited attenuated neuroinflammation, together with the suppression of Cx43 ubiquitination. In in vitro experiments, Rg1 reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines and the ubiquitination of Cx43 in lipopolysaccharide-induced glial cells. Furthermore, treatment with ubiquitin-proteasome inhibitor MG132 suppressing the ubiquitination of Cx43 ameliorated lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation. The results suggest that Rg1 attenuates depression-like behavioral performances in CUS-exposed rats; and the main mechanism of the antidepressant-like effects of Rg1 appears to involve protection against neuroinflammation via suppression of Cx43 ubiquitination. In conclusion, Rg1 could ameliorate neuroinflammation via suppression of Cx43 ubiquitination to attenuate depression, which represents the perspective of an innovative therapy of Rg1 in the treatment of inflammation-associated depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yantao Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China
| | - Songwei Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China
| | - Siyu Ren
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China
| | - Juling Feng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China
| | - Yangbo Liu
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China
| | - Haodong Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China
| | - Naihong Chen
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, Changsha, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica and Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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17
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Liu G, Wang Y, Keyal K, Feng L, Zhang C, Wang H, Wang F. Identification of connexin43 in diabetic retinopathy and its downregulation by O-GlcNAcylation to inhibit the activation of glial cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129955. [PMID: 34229069 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in the treatments of diabetic complications, proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) still remains a major cause leading to visual loss, mainly because of the lack of pathological mechanisms and complicated protein expressions in vivo. Current study aimed to investigate the patterns of connexin43 (Cx43) changes and the possible interactions with O-GlcNAcylation in DR. METHODS Clinical samples of vitreous and fibrovascular membranes were acquired from PDR patients during pars plana vitrectomy. Brown Norway rats were used to build diabetic animal models; to investigate the effects of O-GlcNAcylation on Cx43 expressions, total retinal O-GlcNAcylation was changed by intravitreal injections. Levels of protein expressions were examined by immunofluorescence staining and western blot. RESULTS Our results revealed increased Cx43 expressions in a vessel-shape pattern followed by the distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in diabetic fibrovascular membranes. Similarly, Cx43 and GFAP expressions were elevated in PDR vitreous and diabetic animal retinas. Retinal O-GlcNAcylation was effectively regulated by intravitreal injections, and the increase of Cx43 and GFAP was significantly suppressed by O-GlcNAcylation inhibition under hyperglycemia conditions. CONCLUSIONS We systemically proved the changes of Cx43 with different retinal cells, and reported the effective methods to regulate retinal O-GlcNAcylation by intravitreal injections, and clearly illustrated the downregulated effects of O-GlcNAcylation inhibition on Cx43 and GFAP expressions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Targeting connexin43 in glial cells reveals a novel mechanism to understand the formation of diabetic fibrovascular membranes and offers a potential therapeutic strategy to interfere the development of PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Yanliang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Khusbu Keyal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Le Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Conghui Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, 301 Middle Yan Chang Road, Shanghai 200072, PR China.
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18
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Nie F, Yan J, Ling Y, Liu Z, Fu C, Li X, Qin Y. Effect of Shuangdan Mingmu capsule, a Chinese herbal formula, on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of pericytes through PARP/GAPDH pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:118. [PMID: 33838689 PMCID: PMC8037833 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03238-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has become a worldwide concern because of the rising prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite much energy has been committed to DR research, it remains a difficulty for diabetic patients all over the world. Since apoptosis of retinal microvascular pericytes (RMPs) is the early characteristic of DR, this study aimed to reveal the mechanism of Shuangdan Mingmu (SDMM) capsule, a Chinese patent medicine, on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of pericytes implicated with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) / glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) pathway. METHODS Network pharmacology approach was performed to predict biofunction of components of SDMM capsule dissolved in plasma on DR. Both PARP1 and GAPDH were found involved in the hub network of protein-protein interaction (PPI) of potential targets and were found to take part in many bioprocesses, including responding to the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolic process, apoptotic signaling pathway, and response to oxygen levels through enrichment analysis. Therefore, in vitro research was carried out to validate the prediction. Human RMPs cultured with media containing 0.5 mM hydrogen oxide (H2O2) for 4 h was performed as an oxidative-damage model. Different concentrations of SDMM capsule, PARP1 inhibitor, PARP1 activation, and GAPDH inhibitor were used to intervene the oxidative-damage model with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) as a contrast. Flow cytometry was performed to determine the apoptosis rate of cells and the expression of ROS. Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) was used to determine the activity of pericytes. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO) concentration of cells supernatant and expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin 1 (ET1), PARP1, and GAPDH were tested through RT-qPCR, western blot (WB), or immunocytochemistry (ICC). RESULTS Overproduction of ROS, high apoptotic rate, and attenuated activity of pericytes were observed after cells were incubated with media containing 0.5 mM H2O2. Moreover, downregulation of SOD, NO, BCL2, and GAPDH, and upregulation of VEGFA, ET1, and PARP1 were discovered after cells were exposed to 0.5 mM H2O2 in this study, which could be improved by PARP1 inhibitor and SDMM capsule in a dose-dependent way, whereas worsened by PARP1 activation and GAPDH inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS SDMM capsule may attenuate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of pericytes through downregulating PARP expression and upregulating GAPDH expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujiao Nie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hanpu Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.,Hunan Engineering Technological Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Otolaryngologic Disease and Protection of Visual Function with Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Jiazhao Yan
- Ophthalmology Department, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Shaoshan Rd., Yuhua District, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, China.,The Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Chinese Medicine of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hanpu Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjun Ling
- Institute of Chinese Medicine of Hunan Province, Lushan Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
| | - Zhengrong Liu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine of Hunan Province, Lushan Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China
| | - Chaojun Fu
- Hunan Engineering Technological Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Otolaryngologic Disease and Protection of Visual Function with Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China.,The Domestic First-class Discipline Construction Project of Chinese Medicine of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hanpu Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hanpu Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China
| | - Yuhui Qin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Diseases with Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hanpu Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410208, Hunan, China. .,Institute of Chinese Medicine of Hunan Province, Lushan Rd., Yuelu District, Changsha, 410006, Hunan, China.
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19
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González-Casanova J, Schmachtenberg O, Martínez AD, Sanchez HA, Harcha PA, Rojas-Gomez D. An Update on Connexin Gap Junction and Hemichannels in Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063194. [PMID: 33801118 PMCID: PMC8004116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main causes of vision loss in the working age population. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the retinal microvasculature, caused by long-term metabolic alterations inherent to diabetes, leading to a progressive loss of retinal integrity and function. The mammalian retina presents an orderly layered structure that executes initial but complex visual processing and analysis. Gap junction channels (GJC) forming electrical synapses are present in each retinal layer and contribute to the communication between different cell types. In addition, connexin hemichannels (HCs) have emerged as relevant players that influence diverse physiological and pathological processes in the retina. This article highlights the impact of diabetic conditions on GJC and HCs physiology and their involvement in DR pathogenesis. Microvascular damage and concomitant loss of endothelial cells and pericytes are related to alterations in gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and decreased connexin 43 (Cx43) expression. On the other hand, it has been shown that the expression and activity of HCs are upregulated in DR, becoming a key element in the establishment of proinflammatory conditions that emerge during hyperglycemia. Hence, novel connexin HCs blockers or drugs to enhance GJIC are promising tools for the development of pharmacological interventions for diabetic retinopathy, and initial in vitro and in vivo studies have shown favorable results in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge González-Casanova
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile;
| | - Agustín D. Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Helmuth A. Sanchez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Paloma A. Harcha
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Diana Rojas-Gomez
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-26618559
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20
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Potter JA, Price GW, Cliff CL, Williams BM, Hills CE, Squires PE. Carboxyfluorescein Dye Uptake to Measure Connexin-mediated Hemichannel Activity in Cultured Cells. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3901. [PMID: 33732788 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are membrane bound proteins that facilitate direct and local paracrine mediated cell-to-cell communication through their ability to oligomerise into hexameric hemichannels. When neighbouring channels align, they form gap-junctions that provide a direct route for information transfer between cells. In contrast to intact gap junctions, which typically open under physiological conditions, undocked hemichannels have a low open probability and mainly open in response to injury. Hemichannels permit the release of small molecules and ions (approximately 1kDa) into the local intercellular environment, and excessive expression/activity has been linked to a number of disease conditions. Carboxyfluorescein dye uptake measures functional expression of hemichannels, where increased hemichannel activity/function reflects increased loading. The technique relies on the uptake of a membrane-impermeable fluorescent tracer through open hemichannels, and can be used to compare channel activity between cell monolayers cultured under different conditions, e.g. control versus disease. Other techniques, such as biotinylation and electrophysiology can measure cell surface expression and hemichannel open probability respectively, however, carboxyfluorescein uptake provides a simple, rapid and cost-effective method to determine hemichannel activity in vitro in multiple cell types. Graphic abstract: Using dye uptake to measure hemichannel activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe A Potter
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth W Price
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Chelsy L Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany M Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Claire E Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Paul E Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
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21
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Wang Q, Zhang X, Wang K, Zhu L, Qiu B, Chen X, Lin X, Nie Y. An In Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinal Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction and Neuroretinal Degeneration. J Diabetes Res 2021; 2021:9765119. [PMID: 34805414 PMCID: PMC8598328 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9765119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of blindness in working-age populations. Proper in vitro DR models are crucial for exploring pathophysiology and identifying novel therapeutic targets. This study establishes a rational in vitro diabetic retinal neuronal-endothelial dysfunction model and a comprehensive downstream validation system. METHODS Human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were treated with different glucose concentrations with mannitol as matched osmotic controls. Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8. Cell migration was measured using a transwell migration assay. Cell sprouting was assessed by a tube formation assay. The VEGF expression was assessed by ELISA. RGCs were labeled by neurons and RGC markers TUJ1 and BRN3A for quantitative and morphological analysis. Apoptosis was detected using PI/Hoechst staining and TUNEL assay and quantified by ImageJ. RESULTS Cell proliferation and migration in HRMECs were significantly higher in the 25 mM glucose-treated group (p < 0.001) but lower in the 50 mM and 100 mM groups (p < 0.001). The permeability and the apoptotic index in HRMECs were statistically higher in the 25 mM, 50 mM, and 100 mM groups (p < 0.05). The tube formation assay found that all the parameters were significantly higher in the 25 mM and 50 mM groups (p < 0.001) concomitant with the elevated VEGFA expression in HRMECs (p = 0.016). Cell viability was significantly lower in the 50 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM groups in RGCs (p 50mM = 0.013, p 100mM = 0.019, and p 150mM = 0.002). Apoptosis was significantly elevated, but the proportion of RGCs with neurite extension was significantly lower in the 50 mM, 100 mM, and 150 mM groups (p 50mM < 0.001, p 100mM < 0.001, and p 150mM < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We have optimized glucose concentrations to model diabetic retinal endothelial (25-50 mM) or neuronal (50-100 mM) dysfunction in vitro, which have a wide range of downstream applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyun Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group, China
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Save Sight Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bingjie Qiu
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group, China
| | - Xiaosi Chen
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Nie
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical Univeristy, Beijing, China
- Beijing Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Diseases Study Group, China
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22
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Kim D, Lewis CS, Sarthy VP, Roy S. High-Glucose-Induced Rab20 Upregulation Disrupts Gap Junction Intercellular Communication and Promotes Apoptosis in Retinal Endothelial and Müller Cells: Implications for Diabetic Retinopathy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113710. [PMID: 33227912 PMCID: PMC7699280 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether high glucose (HG) alters Rab20 expression and compromises gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and cell survival, retinal cells were studied for altered intracellular trafficking of connexin 43 (Cx43). Retinal endothelial cells (RRECs) and retinal Müller cells (rMCs) were grown in normal (N; 5 mM glucose) or HG (30 mM glucose) medium for seven days. In parallel, cells grown in HG medium were transfected with either Rab20 siRNA or scrambled siRNA as a control. Rab20 and Cx43 expression and their localization and distribution were assessed using Western Blot and immunostaining, respectively. Changes in GJIC activity were assessed using scrape load dye transfer, and apoptosis was identified using differential dye staining assay. In RRECs or rMCs grown in HG medium, Rab20 expression was significantly increased concomitant with a decreased number of Cx43 plaques. Importantly, a significant increase in the number of Cx43 plaques and GJIC activity was observed in cells transfected with Rab20 siRNA. Additionally, Rab20 downregulation inhibited HG-induced apoptosis in RRECs and rMCs. Results indicate HG-mediated Rab20 upregulation decreases Cx43 localization at the cell surface, resulting in compromised GJIC activity. Reducing Rab20 expression could be a useful strategy in preventing HG-induced vascular and Müller cell death associated with diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjoon Kim
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.K.); (C.S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Casey Stottrup Lewis
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.K.); (C.S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Vijay P. Sarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Sayon Roy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.K.); (C.S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-358-6801
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23
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Roy S, Kim D. Retinal capillary basement membrane thickening: Role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 82:100903. [PMID: 32950677 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular basement membrane (BM) thickening has been hailed over half a century as the most prominent histological lesion in diabetic microangiopathy, and represents an early ultrastructural change in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Although vascular complications of DR have been clinically well established, specific cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying dysfunction of small vessels are not well understood. In DR, small vessels develop insidiously as BM thickening occurs. Studies examining high resolution imaging data have established BM thickening as one of the foremost structural abnormalities of retinal capillaries. This fundamental structural change develops, at least in part, from excess accumulation of BM components. Although BM thickening is closely associated with the development of DR, its contributory role in the pathogenesis of DR is coming to light recently. DR develops over several years before clinical manifestations appear, and it is during this clinically silent period that hyperglycemia induces excess synthesis of BM components, contributes to vascular BM thickening, and promotes structural and functional lesions including cell death and vascular leakage in the diabetic retina. Studies using animal models show promising results in preventing BM thickening with subsequent beneficial effects. Several gene regulatory approaches are being developed to prevent excess synthesis of vascular BM components in an effort to reduce BM thickening. This review highlights current understanding of capillary BM thickening development, role of BM thickening in retinal vascular lesions, and strategies for preventing vascular BM thickening as a potential therapeutic strategy in alleviating characteristic lesions associated with DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayon Roy
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Dongjoon Kim
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Cao NJ, Liu HN, Dong F, Wang W, Sun W, Wang G. Integrative analysis of competitive endogenous RNA network reveals the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs in high-glucose-induced human retinal endothelial cells. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9452. [PMID: 32655995 PMCID: PMC7331629 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence has suggested that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine latent key genes and to structure a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to discover the potential molecular mechanisms governing the effects of high glucose on human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Methods We obtained microarray data for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA of high-glucose-induced HREC samples from NCBI GEO datasets. The ceRNA network was screened using intersecting prediction results from miRcode, TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and hub genes were obtained using the cytoHubba app. The ClusterProfiler package was applied for performing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The expression of key RNAs was verified using the qRT-PCR method. A key ceRNA subnetwork was constructed based on the criticality of the genes and its binding sites were verified by luciferase reporter assay. The viability and apoptosis of HRECs were tested using the transfection of the miR-449c inhibitor. Results A total of 3,328 lncRNAs and 2,017 mRNAs were screened for differentially expressed (DE) profiles. The newly constructed ceRNA network was composed of 410 lncRNAs, 35 miRNAs and 122 mRNAs. The 10 hub genes were identified through the PPI network. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that DE mRNAs were mainly related to the positive regulation of the mRNA catabolic process, cell polarity, and the G1/S transition of mitotic and cell cycle signaling pathways. QRT-PCR was used to verify RNAs and the most important genes were screened out. A key ceRNA subnetwork OIP5-AS1/miR-449c/MYC was established. The binding site was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and MYC increased after miR-449c inhibitor transfection, miR-449c decreased, HRECs activity increased, and apoptosis decreased, compared with the control group. Conclusion We successfully built the key ceRNA subnetwork, OIP5-AS1/miR-449c/MYC, by applying the GEO database for data analysis and mining. The results from the ceRNA network allow us to better understand the effect of ncRNAs on HRECs under hyperglycemic conditions and the pathogenesis of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Jue Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, Peoples R China
| | - He-Nan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, Peoples R China
| | - Feng Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Peoples R China
| | - Wei Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, Liaoning, Peoples R China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, Peoples R China
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, Peoples R China
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Fan J, Chen Y, Yang D, Shen J, Guo X. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes induce IL-1β secretion by activating hemichannels-mediated ATP release in THP-1 macrophages. Nanotoxicology 2020; 14:929-946. [PMID: 32538272 DOI: 10.1080/17435390.2020.1777476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are known to induce pulmonary inflammatory effects through stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from alveolar macrophages. Despite extensive studies on MWCNTs' pro-inflammatory reactivity, the understanding of molecular mechanisms involved is still incomplete. In this study, we investigated hemichannel's involvement in MWCNTs-induced macrophage IL-1β release. Our results showed that the unmodified and COOH MWCNTs could induce ATP release and ATP-P2X7R axis-dependent IL-1β secretion from THP-1 macrophages. By using various inhibitors, we confirmed that the MWCNTs-induced ATP release was primarily through hemichannels. EtBr dye uptake assay detected significant hemichannels opening in MWCNTs exposed THP-1 macrophages. Inhibition of hemichannels by CBX, 43Gap27, or 10Panx1 pretreatment results in decreased ATP and IL-1β release. The addition of ATP restored the reduced IL-1β secretion level from hemichannel inhibition. We also confirmed with five other types of MWCNTs that the induction of hemichannels by MWCNTs strongly correlates with their capacity to induce IL-1β secretion. Taken together, we conclude that hemichannels-mediated ATP release and subsequent NLRP3 inflammasome activation through P2X7R may be one mechanism by which MWCNTs induce macrophage IL-1β secretion. Our findings may provide a novel molecular mechanism for MWCNTs induced IL-1β secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpu Fan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyong Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xinbiao Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
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Liu W, Cui Y, Wei J, Sun J, Zheng L, Xie J. Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in oral development and oral diseases: a concise review of research progress. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:17. [PMID: 32532966 PMCID: PMC7293327 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Homoeostasis depends on the close connection and intimate molecular exchange between extracellular, intracellular and intercellular networks. Intercellular communication is largely mediated by gap junctions (GJs), a type of specialized membrane contact composed of variable number of channels that enable direct communication between cells by allowing small molecules to pass directly into the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells. Although considerable evidence indicates that gap junctions contribute to the functions of many organs, such as the bone, intestine, kidney, heart, brain and nerve, less is known about their role in oral development and disease. In this review, the current progress in understanding the background of connexins and the functions of gap junctions in oral development and diseases is discussed. The homoeostasis of tooth and periodontal tissues, normal tooth and maxillofacial development, saliva secretion and the integrity of the oral mucosa depend on the proper function of gap junctions. Knowledge of this pattern of cell-cell communication is required for a better understanding of oral diseases. With the ever-increasing understanding of connexins in oral diseases, therapeutic strategies could be developed to target these membrane channels in various oral diseases and maxillofacial dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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27
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Liu X, Zhang Y, Liang H, Zhang Y, Xu Y. microRNA-499-3p inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of retinal cells in diabetic retinopathy through activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway by targeting IFNA2. Gene 2020; 741:144539. [PMID: 32160960 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of diabetes and its microvascular and macrovascular complications. Hence, the aim of the study was to investigate whether miR-499-3p played an important role in diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy was developed in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ), followed by collection of retinal tissues and preparation of retinal cells. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect expression of interferon alpha 2 (IFNA2). RT-qPCR was used to determine the expression of miR-499-3p. Bioinformatics website and dual luciferase reporter gene assay were used to validate the targeting relationship between miR-499-3p and IFNA2. Gain- and loss-of-function assays were performed to explore the functional roles of aberrantly expressed miR-499-3p and IFNA2 in retinal cell proliferation by MTT, and apoptosis by flow cytometry. In retinal tissues and cells of diabetic rats, IFNA2 expression was reduced, and miR-499-3p expression increased to activate the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. IFNA2 was a target gene of miR-499-3p and negatively regulated by miR-499-3p. Further, downregulated miR-499-3p promoted retinal cell proliferation while suppressing apoptosis to alleviate diabetic retinopathy. All in all, miR-499-3p promoted retinopathy by enhancing activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway, which provides a new therapeutic target for diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Liu
- Department of Endocrinology (2(nd) Ward), Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology (2(nd) Ward), Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, PR China
| | - Hongwei Liang
- Department of Healthcare, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, PR China
| | - Yusong Zhang
- Department of Image, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, PR China
| | - Yanchao Xu
- Department of Endocrinology (2(nd) Ward), Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, PR China.
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Rodríguez Villanueva J, Martín Esteban J, Rodríguez Villanueva LJ. Retinal Cell Protection in Ocular Excitotoxicity Diseases. Possible Alternatives Offered by Microparticulate Drug Delivery Systems and Future Prospects. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12020094. [PMID: 31991667 PMCID: PMC7076407 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitotoxicity seems to play a critical role in ocular neurodegeneration. Excess-glutamate-mediated retinal ganglion cells death is the principal cause of cell loss. Uncontrolled glutamate in the synapsis has significant implications in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The exploitation of various approaches of controlled release systems enhances the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activity of drugs. In particular, microparticles are secure, can maintain therapeutic drug concentrations in the eye for prolonged periods, and make intimate contact by improving drug bioavailability. According to the promising results reported, possible new investigations will focus intense attention on microparticulate formulations and can be expected to open the field to new alternatives for doctors, as currently required by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rodríguez Villanueva
- Human resources for I+D+i Department, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology, Ctra. de la Coruña (Autovía A6) Km. 7.5, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-347-4158
| | - Jorge Martín Esteban
- University of Alcalá, Ctra. de Madrid-Barcelona (Autovía A2) Km. 33,600, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; (J.M.E.); (L.J.R.V.)
| | - Laura J. Rodríguez Villanueva
- University of Alcalá, Ctra. de Madrid-Barcelona (Autovía A2) Km. 33,600, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; (J.M.E.); (L.J.R.V.)
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29
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Zhang Q, Tsuji-Hosokawa A, Willson C, Watanabe M, Si R, Lai N, Wang Z, Yuan JXJ, Wang J, Makino A. Chloroquine differentially modulates coronary vasodilation in control and diabetic mice. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:314-327. [PMID: 31503328 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chloroquine is a traditional medicine to treat malaria. There is increasing evidence that chloroquine not only induces phagocytosis but regulates vascular tone. Few reports investigating the effect of chloroquine on vascular responsiveness of coronary arteries have been made. In this study, we examined how chloroquine affected endothelium-dependent relaxation in coronary arteries under normal and diabetic conditions. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We isolated coronary arteries from mice and examined endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR). Human coronary endothelial cells and mouse coronary endothelial cells isolated from control and diabetic mouse (TALLYHO/Jng [TH] mice, a spontaneous type 2 diabetic mouse model) were used for the molecular biological or cytosolic NO and Ca2+ measurements. KEY RESULTS Chloroquine inhibited endothelium-derived NO-dependent relaxation but had negligible effect on endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-dependent relaxation in coronary arteries of control mice. Chloroquine significantly decreased NO production in control human coronary endothelial cells partly by phosphorylating eNOSThr495 (an inhibitory phosphorylation site of eNOS) and attenuating the rise of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration after stimulation. EDR was significantly inhibited in diabetic mice in comparison to control mice. Interestingly, chloroquine enhanced EDR in diabetic coronary arteries by, specifically, increasing EDH-dependent relaxation due partly to its augmenting effect on gap junction activity in diabetic mouse coronary endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data indicate that chloroquine affects vascular relaxation differently under normal and diabetic conditions. Therefore, the patients' health condition such as coronary macrovascular or microvascular disease, with or without diabetes, must be taken account into the consideration when selecting chloroquine for the treatment of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Conor Willson
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Makiko Watanabe
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Rui Si
- Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Ning Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ayako Makino
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Department of Physiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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30
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Shao J, Zhang Y, Fan G, Xin Y, Yao Y. Transcriptome analysis identified a novel 3-LncRNA regulatory network of transthyretin attenuating glucose induced hRECs dysfunction in diabetic retinopathy. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:134. [PMID: 31615521 PMCID: PMC6794807 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working age population. Transthyretin (TTR) showed a significantly decreased concentration in DR patients and exerted a visual protective effect by repressing neovascularization. This work intended to identify long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and explore their potential mechanism underlying the protective role of TTR. Methods Transcriptome of human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs) treated with low glucose (LG), high glucose (HG) or high glucose with 4 μM TTR (HG + TTR) was conducted. Differentially expressed lncRNAs, mRNAs and TTR related lncRNAs and mRNA were acquired. Functional annotation and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were applied to analyse TTR affected pathways and processes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was implemented to obtain hub modules and genes. LncRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were constructed based on cis, trans and competing endogenous RNAs acting mode. QRT-PCR was conducted to validate the expression of lncRNAs in aqueous humor and serum samples from 30 DR patients and 10 normal controls. Results RNA-sequencing of hRECs treated with low glucose (LG), high glucose (HG) or high glucose with 4 μM TTR (HG + TTR) was conducted. 146,783 protein-coding transcripts, 12,403 known lncRNA transcripts and 1184 novel non-coding transcripts were characterized. A total of 11,407 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs), 679 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) in HG group versus LG group, 6206 DE-mRNAs and 194 DE-lncRNAs in HG + TTR versus HG group were obtained, respectively. 853 TTR-mRNAs and 48 TTR-lncRNAs were acquired, and functionally involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, inflammation signalling pathway, response to oxidative stress, neovascularization and autophagy. The WGCNA analysis identified a hub module of 133 genes, with the core function of oxidative stress response, angiogenesis, MAPK pathway, cell proliferation and apoptosis. After qRT-PCR validation, a 3-lncRNA regulatory network was proposed. At last, lncRNAs MSTRG.15047.3 and AC008403.3 showed significantly relative higher expression levels in both aqueous humor and serum samples, compared with normal controls, and FRMD6-AS2 was significantly down-regulated. Conclusions TTR regulated mRNAs and biological processes including oxidative stress, inflammation signalling and autophagy. A 3-lncRNA regulatory network was characterized underlying TTR repressing neovascularization, and showed potential diagnostic performance in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Shao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunbin Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Guangming Fan
- Key Laboratory of Industry Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Xin
- Key Laboratory of Industry Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wuxi People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu, China.
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31
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Shibata M, Nakaizumi A, Puro DG. Electrotonic transmission in the retinal vasculature: inhibitory role of the diabetes/VEGF/aPKC pathway. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e14095. [PMID: 31087517 PMCID: PMC6513771 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.14095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The deleterious impact of diabetes on the retina is a leading cause of vision loss. Ultimately, the hypoxic retinopathy caused by diabetes results in irreversible damage to vascular, neuronal, and glial cells. Less understood is how retinal physiology is altered early in the course of diabetes. We recently found that the electrotonic architecture of the retinovasculature becomes fundamentally altered soon after the onset of this disorder. Namely, the spread of voltage through the vascular endothelium is markedly inhibited. The goal of this study was to elucidate how diabetes inhibits electrotonic transmission. We hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may play a role since its upregulation in hypoxic retinopathy is associated with sight-impairing complications. In this study, we quantified voltage transmission between pairs of perforated-patch pipettes sealed onto abluminal cells located on retinal microvascular complexes freshly isolated from diabetic and nondiabetic rats. We report that exposure of diabetic retinal microvessels to an anti-VEGF antibody or to a small-molecule inhibitor of atypical PKCs (aPKC) near-fully restored the efficacy of electrotonic transmission. Furthermore, exposure of nondiabetic microvessels to VEGF mimicked, via a mechanism sensitive to the aPKC inhibitor, the diabetes-induced inhibition of transmission. Thus, activation of the diabetes/VEGF/aPKC pathway switches the retinovasculature from a highly interactive operational unit to a functionally balkanized complex. By delimiting the dissemination of voltage-changing vasomotor inputs, this organizational fragmentation is likely to compromise effective regulation of retinal perfusion. Future pharmacological targeting of the diabetes/VEGF/aPKC pathway may serve to impede progression of vascular dysfunction to irreversible diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maho Shibata
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichigan
| | - Atsuko Nakaizumi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichigan
| | - Donald G. Puro
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual SciencesUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichigan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative PhysiologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichigan
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32
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Zhao F, Yan J, Zhao J, Shi B, Ye M, Huang X, Yu B, Lv B, Huang W. Effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on gap junction and connexin43 in rat penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13200. [PMID: 30467872 DOI: 10.1111/and.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We explored whether platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB regulates corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cell gap junctions and can ameliorate erectile dysfunction and how it modulates connexin43 (CX43) after bilateral cavernous neurectomy. Primary cultured rat corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells were treated with PDGF-BB with or without a PDGFR inhibitor, Akt siRNA or the depletion or promotion of β-catenin. PDGF-BB improved CCSMCs gap junction coupling and increased CX43 and PDGFRβ expression; inhibition of PDGFR activity down-regulated CX43 and decreased Akt and nuclear β-catenin. Knockdown or promotion of β-catenin down-regulated and up-regulated CX43 expression respectively. Moreover, β-catenin activation induced CX43 nuclear accumulation, which impeded CX43 down-regulation induced by PDGFR inhibition, suggesting that CX43 expression is positively correlated with nuclear β-catenin expression. Furthermore, CX43 promoter luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that β-catenin regulates CX43 transcription by directly interacting with its promoter. Male rats underwent bilateral cavernous neurectomy. After 12 weeks, they were injected with PDGF-BB, CX43 and PDGFRβ expression was significantly lower than in the control group, which was reversed by PDGF-BB injection. These results suggested that PDGF-BB contributed to the improvement of gap junction intracellular communication among corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells, increased CX43 through PDGFRβ/Akt/nuclear β-catenin signalling, and ameliorated cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Yan
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Shi
- Department of Urology, Nantong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Miaoyong Ye
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Technology and Development Center for TCM of China, Beijing, China
| | - Bodong Lv
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,Andrology Laboratory on Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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