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Porcine Relaxin but Not Serelaxin Shows Residual Bioactivity after In Vitro Simulated Intestinal Digestion-Clues for the Development of New Relaxin Peptide Agonists Suitable for Oral Delivery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010048. [PMID: 36613489 PMCID: PMC9820531 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite human recombinant H2 relaxin or serelaxin holding promise as a cardiovascular drug, its actual efficacy in chronic treatment of heart failure patients was hampered by the need to be administered by multiple daily IV injections for a long time, with obvious drawbacks in terms of patients' compliance. This in vitro study aimed at exploring the molecular background for a possible administration of the peptide hormone relaxin by the oral route. Serelaxin and purified porcine relaxin (pRLX) were subjected to simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) enzymatic digestion in vitro to mimic the behavior of gastroprotective formulations. The digestion time course was studied by HPLC, and the relative bio-potency of the intact molecules and their proteolytic fragments was assessed by second messenger (cAMP) response in RXFP1 relaxin receptor-bearing THP-1 human monocytic cells. Both intact proteins (100 ng/mL) induced a significant cAMP rise in THP-1 cells. Conversely, SIF-treated serelaxin showed a brisk (30 s) bioactivity decay, dropping down to the levels of the unstimulated controls at 120 s, whereas SIF-treated pRLX retained significant bioactivity for up to 120 s. After that, it progressively declined to the levels of the unstimulated controls. HPLC analysis indicates that this bioactivity could be ascribed to a minor component of the pRLX sample more resistant to proteolysis. When identified and better characterized, this peptide could be exploited for the development of synthetic relaxin agonists suitable for oral formulations.
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D'Ercole A, Nistri S, Pacini L, Carotenuto A, Santoro F, Papini AM, Bathgate RAD, Bani D, Rovero P. Synthetic short-chain peptide analogues of H1 relaxin lack affinity for the RXFP1 receptor and relaxin-like bioactivity. Clues to a better understanding of relaxin agonist design. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:942178. [PMID: 36034864 PMCID: PMC9402926 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.942178] [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: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin (RLX), also available as clinical-grade recombinant protein (serelaxin), holds great promise as a cardiovascular and anti-fibrotic agent but is limited by the pharmacokinetic issues common to all peptide drugs. In this study, by a computational modelling chemistry approach, we have synthesized and tested a set of low molecular weight peptides based on the putative receptor-binding domain of the B chain of human H1 RLX isoform, with the objective to obtain RLX analogues with improved pharmacokinetic features. Some of them were stabilized to induce the appropriate 3-D conformation by intra-chain tri-azolic staples, which should theoretically enhance their resistance to digestive enzymes making them suited for oral administration. Despite these favourable premises, none of these H1 peptides, either linear or stapled, revealed a sufficient affinity to the specific RLX receptor RXFP1. Moreover, none of them was endowed with any RLX-like biological effects in RXFP1-expressing THP-1 human monocytic cells and mouse NIH-3T3-derived myofibroblasts in in vitro culture, in terms of significantly relevant cAMP elevation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which represent two major signal transduction events downstream RXFP1 activation. This was at variance with authentic serelaxin, which induced a clear-cut, significant activation of both these classical RLX signaling pathways. Albeit negative, the results of this study offer additional information about the structural requirements that new peptide therapeutics shall possess to effectively behave as RXFP1 agonists and RLX analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D'Ercole
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Pacini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Federica Santoro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Papini
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ross A. D. Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Unviversity of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Daniele Bani, ; Paolo Rovero,
| | - Paolo Rovero
- Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of NeuroFarBa, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- *Correspondence: Daniele Bani, ; Paolo Rovero,
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Samuel CS, Bennett RG. Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114884. [PMID: 34968489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4130, USA.
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Tsai WC, Yu TY, Chang GJ, Chang HN, Lin LP, Lin MS, Pang JHS. Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus Suramin, an Antifibrotic Agent, to Improve Muscle Healing After Injuries. Am J Sports Med 2021; 49:3102-3112. [PMID: 34351815 DOI: 10.1177/03635465211030295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat muscle injuries raises concerns because transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in PRP may promote fibrosis in the injured muscle and thus impair muscle regeneration. PURPOSE To investigate whether suramin (a TGF-β inhibitor) can reduce muscle fibrosis to improve healing of the injured muscle after PRP treatment and identify the underlying molecular mechanism. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS Myoblasts isolated from the gastrocnemius muscle of Sprague Dawley rats were treated with PRP or PRP plus suramin. MTT assays were performed to evaluate cell viability. The expression of fibrosis-associated proteins (such as type I collagen and fibronectin), Smad2, and phosphorylated Smad2 was determined using Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining. An anti-TGF-β antibody was employed to verify the role of TGF-β in fibronectin expression. Gastrocnemius muscles were injured through a partial transverse incision and then treated using PRP or PRP plus suramin. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to evaluate the healing process 7 days after the injury. Immunofluorescent staining was performed to evaluate fibronectin expression. Muscle contractile properties-fast-twitch and tetanic strength-were evaluated through electric stimulation. RESULTS PRP plus 25 μg/mL of suramin promoted myoblast proliferation. PRP induced fibronectin expression in myoblasts, but suramin reduced this upregulation. The anti-TGF-β antibody also reduced the upregulation of fibronectin expression in the presence of PRP. The upregulation of phosphorylated Smad2 by PRP was reduced by either the anti-TGF-β antibody or suramin. In the animal study, no significant difference was discovered in muscle healing between the PRP versus PRP plus suramin groups. However, the PRP plus suramin group had reduced fibronectin expression at the injury site. Fast-twitch strength and tetanic strength were significantly higher in the injured muscle treated using PRP or PRP plus suramin. CONCLUSION Simultaneous PRP and suramin use reduced fibrosis in the injured muscle and promoted healing without negatively affecting the muscle's contractile properties. The underlying molecular mechanism may be associated with the phosphorylated Smad2 pathway. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Simultaneous PRP and suramin use may reduce muscle fibrosis without compromising muscle contractile properties and thus improve muscle healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chung Tsai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Yang Yu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Jyh Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Ning Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ping Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Sui Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jong-Hwei S Pang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
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Recombinant human H2 relaxin (serelaxin) as a cardiovascular drug: aiming at the right target. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1239-1244. [PMID: 32360533 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Serelaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2 hormone; RLX-2) had raised expectations as a new medication for cardiovascular diseases. Evidence from preclinical studies indicated that serelaxin has chronotropic, inotropic, and anti-arrhythmic actions on the myocardium and cardioprotective effects mediated by vasodilation, angiogenesis, and inhibition of inflammation and fibrosis. However, clinical trials with serelaxin in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) gave inconclusive results. A critical reappraisal of the comprehensive cardiovascular actions of serelaxin clearly delineates acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as a feasible therapeutic target. Serelaxin acts at multiple levels on the pathogenic mechanisms of AMI and previous in vivo studies suggest that its administration at reperfusion affords myocardial salvage. Thus, serelaxin could be an effective adjunctive medical therapy to coronary angioplasty.
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Bua S, Lucarini L, Micheli L, Menicatti M, Bartolucci G, Selleri S, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Ghelardini C, Masini E, Carta F, Gratteri P, Nocentini A, Supuran CT. Bioisosteric Development of Multitarget Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Carbonic Anhydrases Inhibitor Hybrids for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Med Chem 2019; 63:2325-2342. [PMID: 31689108 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multitarget nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) agents for the management of rheumatoid arthritis are reported. The evidence of the plasma stability of the amide-linked hybrids previously reported prompted us to investigate their pain-relieving mechanism of action. A bioisosteric amide to ester substitution yielded a series of derivatives showing potent target CAs inhibition and to undergo cleavage in rat or human plasma depending on the NSAID portion. A selection of derivatives were assayed in vitro to indirectly evaluate their effect on COX-1 and COX-2. MD simulations demonstrated that the entire hybrids are also able to efficiently bind the COX active site. In a rat model of RA, the most promising derivative (5c) showed major antihyperalgesic action compared with the equimolar coadministration of the single agents. The gathered data provided new insights on the action mechanism of these multitarget compounds, which induce markedly improved pain relief compared with the parent NSAIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bua
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Lucarini
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Menicatti
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Selleri
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuela Masini
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini 6, 50100 Florence, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carta
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Gratteri
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Nocentini
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudiu T Supuran
- Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
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Blessing WA, Okajima SM, Cubria MB, Villa-Camacho JC, Perez-Viloria M, Williamson PM, Sabogal AN, Suarez S, Ang LH, White S, Flynn E, Rodriguez EK, Grinstaff MW, Nazarian A. Intraarticular injection of relaxin-2 alleviates shoulder arthrofibrosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:12183-12192. [PMID: 31160441 PMCID: PMC6589647 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1900355116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthrofibrosis is a prevalent condition affecting greater than 5% of the general population and leads to a painful decrease in joint range of motion (ROM) and loss of independence due to pathologic accumulation of periarticular scar tissue. Current treatment options are limited in effectiveness and do not address the underlying cause of the condition: accumulation of fibrotic collagenous tissue. Herein, the naturally occurring peptide hormone relaxin-2 is administered for the treatment of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) and to restore glenohumeral ROM in shoulder arthrofibrosis. Recombinant human relaxin-2 down-regulates type I collagen and α smooth muscle actin production and increases intracellular cAMP concentration in human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, consistent with a mechanism of extracellular matrix degradation and remodeling. Pharmacokinetic profiling of a bolus administration into the glenohumeral joint space reveals the brief systemic and intraarticular (IA) half-lives of relaxin-2: 0.96 h and 0.62 h, respectively. Furthermore, using an established, immobilization murine model of shoulder arthrofibrosis, multiple IA injections of human relaxin-2 significantly improve ROM, returning it to baseline measurements collected before limb immobilization. This is in contrast to single IA (sIA) or multiple i.v. (mIV) injections of relaxin-2 with which the ROM remains constrained. The histological hallmarks of contracture (e.g., fibrotic adhesions and reduced joint space) are absent in the animals treated with multiple IA injections of relaxin-2 compared with the untreated control and the sIA- and mIV-treated animals. As these findings show, local delivery of relaxin-2 is an innovative treatment of shoulder arthrofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Blessing
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Stephen M Okajima
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - M Belen Cubria
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Juan C Villa-Camacho
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Miguel Perez-Viloria
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Patrick M Williamson
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Angie N Sabogal
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sebastian Suarez
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Lay-Hong Ang
- Confocal Imaging and IHC Core, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Suzanne White
- Confocal Imaging and IHC Core, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Evelyn Flynn
- Orthopedic Research Laboratories, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Edward K Rodriguez
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115;
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215;
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Ara Nazarian
- Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115;
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yerevan State Medical University, Yerevan 0025, Armenia
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8
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Valkovic AL, Bathgate RA, Samuel CS, Kocan M. Understanding relaxin signalling at the cellular level. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:24-33. [PMID: 30592984 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin mediates many biological actions including anti-fibrotic, vasodilatory, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and organ protective effects across a range of tissues. At the cellular level, relaxin binds to the G protein-coupled receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) to activate a variety of downstream signal transduction pathways. This signalling cascade is complex and also varies in diverse cellular backgrounds. Moreover, RXFP1 signalling shows crosstalk with other receptors to mediate some of its physiological functions. This review summarises known signalling pathways induced by acute versus chronic treatment with relaxin across a range of cell types, it describes RXFP1 crosstalk with other receptors, signalling pathways activated by other ligands targeting RXFP1, and it also outlines physiological relevance of RXFP1 signalling outputs. Comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of relaxin actions in fibrosis, vasodilation, as well as organ protection, will further support relaxin's clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Valkovic
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ross Ad Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Martina Kocan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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9
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Boccalini G, Sassoli C, Bani D, Nistri S. Relaxin induces up-regulation of ADAM10 metalloprotease in RXFP1-expressing cells by PI3K/AKT signaling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 472:80-86. [PMID: 29180109 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
ADAM10 metalloprotease is required for activation of Notch-1, a transmembrane receptor regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, whose intracellular proteolytic fragment NICD mediates some key cardiovascular effects of the hormone relaxin (RLX). This study demonstrates the involvement of ADAM10 and PI3K/Akt signaling in mediating RLX-induced Notch-1 activation. H9c2 cardiomyocytes and NIH3T3 fibroblasts were incubated with human RLX-2 (17 nmol/l, 24 h) in presence or absence of the PI3K or Akt inhibitors wortmannin (WT, 100 nmol/l) and triciribine (TCN, 1 μmol/l). Cyclohexanedione-inactivated RLX (iRLX) served as negative control. RLX significantly increased Akt phosphorylation, ADAM10 and NICD expression, which were abolished by WT or TCN and did not occur with iRLX. These findings highlight a new receptor-specific signal transduction pathway of RLX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Boccalini
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Sassoli
- Section of Anatomy & Histology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Research Unit of Histology & Embryology, Dept. Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale G.Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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10
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Abstract
The hormone relaxin has long been recognized for its involvement in maternal adaptation during pregnancy. However, discoveries during the past two decades on the mechanism of action of relaxin, its family of receptors, and newly described roles in attenuating ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, inflammation, and arrhythmias have prompted vast interest in exploring its therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease. These observations inspired recently concluded clinical trials in patients with acute heart failure. This review discusses our current understanding of the protective signaling pathways elicited by relaxin in the heart, and highlights important new breakthroughs about relaxin signaling that may pave the way to more carefully designed future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teja Devarakonda
- Pauley Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0204, USA
| | - Fadi N Salloum
- Pauley Heart Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0204, USA.
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11
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Boccalini G, Sassoli C, Formigli L, Bani D, Nistri S. Relaxin protects cardiac muscle cells from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury: involvement of the Notch-1 pathway. FASEB J 2014; 29:239-49. [PMID: 25342127 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-254854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In animal models, the cardiotropic hormone relaxin has been shown to protect the heart against ischemia and reperfusion-induced damage, acting by multiple mechanisms that primarily involve the coronary vessels. This in vitro study evaluates whether relaxin also has a direct protective action on cardiac muscle cells. H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts and primary mouse cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia and reoxygenation. In some experiments, relaxin was added preventatively before hypoxia; in others, at reoxygenation. To elucidate its mechanisms of action, we focused on Notch-1, which is involved in heart pre- and postconditioning to ischemia. Inactivated RLX was used as negative control. Relaxin (17 nmol/L, EC50 4.7 nmol/L), added 24 h before hypoxia or at reoxygenation, protected against cardiomyocyte injury. In fact, relaxin significantly increased cell viability (assayed by trypan blue and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), decreased apoptosis (assayed by TUNEL and bax/bcl-2 ratio), and reduced nitroxidative damage (assayed by nitrotyrosine expression and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine levels). These effects were partly attributable to the ability of relaxin to upregulate Notch-1 signaling; indeed, blockade of Notch-1 activation with the specific inhibitor DAPT reduced relaxin-induced cardioprotection during hypoxia and reoxygenation. This study adds new mechanistic insights on the cardioprotective role of relaxin on ischemic and oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Boccalini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Formigli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Research Unit of Histology and Embryology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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12
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Dehghan F, Haerian BS, Muniandy S, Yusof A, Dragoo JL, Salleh N. The effect of relaxin on the musculoskeletal system. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2013; 24:e220-9. [PMID: 24283470 PMCID: PMC4282454 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin is a hormone structurally related to insulin and insulin-like growth factor, which exerts its regulatory effect on the musculoskeletal and other systems through binding to its receptor in various tissues, mediated by different signaling pathways. Relaxin alters the properties of cartilage and tendon by activating collagenase. This hormone is also involved in bone remodeling and healing of injured ligaments and skeletal muscle. In this review, we have summarized the literature on the effect of relaxin in musculoskeletal system to provide a broad perspective for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Dehghan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - B S Haerian
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S Muniandy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - A Yusof
- Department of Physiology, Sports Center, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J L Dragoo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - N Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Collino M, Rogazzo M, Pini A, Benetti E, Rosa AC, Chiazza F, Fantozzi R, Bani D, Masini E. Acute treatment with relaxin protects the kidney against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:1494-505. [PMID: 24079335 PMCID: PMC4117562 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although recent preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that recombinant human relaxin (rhRLX) may have important therapeutic potential in acute heart failure and chronic kidney diseases, the effects of acute rhRLX administration against renal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury have never been investigated. Using a rat model of 1-hr bilateral renal artery occlusion followed by 6-hr reperfusion, we investigated the effects of rhRLX (5 μg/Kg i.v.) given both at the beginning and after 3 hrs of reperfusion. Acute rhRLX administration attenuated the functional renal injury (increase in serum urea and creatinine), glomerular dysfunction (decrease in creatinine clearance) and tubular dysfunction (increase in urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase) evoked by renal I/R. These beneficial effects were accompanied by a significant reduction in local lipid peroxidation, free radical-induced DNA damage and increase in the expression/activity of the endogenous antioxidant enzymes MnSOD and CuZnSOD superoxide dismutases (SOD). Furthermore, rhRLX administration attenuated the increase in leucocyte activation, as suggested by inhibition of myeloperoxidase activity, intercellular-adhesion-molecule-1 expression, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumour necrosis factor-α production as well as increase in IL-10 production. Interestingly, the reduced oxidative stress status and neutrophil activation here reported were associated with rhRLX-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, possibly secondary to activation of Akt and the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2, respectively. Thus, we report herein that rhRLX protects the kidney against I/R injury by a mechanism that involves changes in nitric oxide signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Collino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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14
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Goh W, Yamamoto SY, Thompson KS, Bryant-Greenwood GD. Relaxin, its receptor (RXFP1), and insulin-like peptide 4 expression through gestation and in placenta accreta. Reprod Sci 2013; 20:968-80. [PMID: 23302396 DOI: 10.1177/1933719112472735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to show whether placental relaxin (RLN), its receptor (RXFP1), or insulin-like peptide 4 (INSL4) might have altered expression in patients with placenta accreta. The baseline expression of their genes through gestation (n = 34) was quantitated in the placental basal plate (BP) and villous trophoblast (TR), and compared to their expression in placenta accreta (n = 6). The proteins were also immunolocalized and quantitated in the accreta tissues. The messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of matrix metalloproteinase 9, -2, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were also measured. Results demonstrated that the BP and TR expressed low levels of RLN/RXFP1 and INSL4 through gestation. In accreta, increased RLN gene and protein in BP were associated with antepartum bleeding whereas INSL4 expression decreased throughout the TR. There were no changes in mRNAs for MMPs, but TIMP-1 was increased only in the invasive TR.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Goh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA.
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Pini A, Shemesh R, Samuel CS, Bathgate RAD, Zauberman A, Hermesh C, Wool A, Bani D, Rotman G. Prevention of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by a novel antifibrotic peptide with relaxin-like activity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2010; 335:589-99. [PMID: 20826567 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.170977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and lethal lung disease characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix and loss of pulmonary function. No cure exists for this pathologic condition, and current treatments often fail to slow its progression or relieve its symptoms. Relaxin was previously shown to induce a matrix-degrading phenotype in human lung fibroblasts in vitro and to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. A novel peptide that targets the relaxin RXFP1/LGR7 receptor was recently identified using our computational platform designed to predict novel G protein-coupled receptor peptide agonists. In this study, we examined the antifibrotic properties of this novel peptide, designated CGEN25009, in human cell-based assays and in a murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Similar to relaxin, CGEN25009 was found to have an inhibitory effect on transforming growth factor-β1-induced collagen deposition in human dermal fibroblasts and to enhance MMP-2 expression. The peptide's biological activity was also similar to relaxin in generating cellular stimulation of cAMP, cGMP, and NO in the THP-1 human cell line. In vivo, 2-week administration of CGEN25009 in a preventive or therapeutic mode (i.e., concurrently with or 7 days after bleomycin treatment, respectively) caused a significant reduction in lung inflammation and injury and ameliorated adverse airway remodeling and peribronchial fibrosis. The results of this study indicate that CGEN25009 displays antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties and may offer a new therapeutic option for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Samuel CS, Mookerjee I, Halls ML, Summers RJ, Chew E, Bathgate RAD, Tregear GW, Hewitson TD. Investigations into the Inhibitory Effects of Relaxin on Renal Myofibroblast Differentiation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1160:294-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03823.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Abstract
Hypertension, atherothrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and renal failure are the main manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. Continuing insight into the pathophysiology of CVD can allow identification of effective therapeutic strategies to reduce the occurrence of death and/or severe disabilities. In this context, a healthy endothelium is deemed crucial to proper functioning and maintenance of anatomical integrity of the vascular system in many organs. Of note, epidemiologic studies indicate that the incidence of CVD in women is very low until menopause and increases sharply thereafter. The loss of protection against CVD in post-menopausal women has been chiefly attributed to ovarian steroid deficiency. However, besides steroids, the ovary also produces the peptide hormone relaxin (RLX), which provides potent vasoactive effects which render it the most likely candidate as the elusive physiological shield against CVD in fertile women. In particular, RLX has a specific relaxant effect on peripheral and coronary vasculature, exerted by the stimulation of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) generation by cells of the vascular wall, and can induce angiogenesis. Moreover, RLX inhibits the activation of inflammatory leukocytes and platelets, which play a key role in CVD. Experimental studies performed in vascular and blood cell in vitro and in animal models of vascular dysfunction, as well as pioneer clinical observations, have provided evidence that RLX can prevent and/or improve CVD, thus offering background to clinical trials aimed at exploring the broad therapeutic potential of human recombinant RLX as a new cardiovascular drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bani
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Sect. Histology, University of Florence Italy.
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van der Westhuizen ET, Halls ML, Samuel CS, Bathgate RA, Unemori EN, Sutton SW, Summers RJ. Relaxin family peptide receptors – from orphans to therapeutic targets. Drug Discov Today 2008; 13:640-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2008.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Revised: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 04/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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