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Zhang J, Du J, Liu D, Zhuo J, Chu L, Li Y, Gao L, Xu M, Chen W, Huang W, Xie L, Chen J, Meng X, Zou F, Cai S, Dong H. Polystyrene microplastics induce pulmonary fibrosis by promoting alveolar epithelial cell ferroptosis through cGAS/STING signaling. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116357. [PMID: 38677073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are new types of environmental pollutant that have garnered significant attention in recent years since they were found to cause damage to the human respiratory system when they are inhaled. The pulmonary fibrosis is one of the serious consequences of PS-MPs inhalation. However, the impact and underlying mechanisms of PS-MPs on pulmonary fibrosis are not clear. In this study, we studied the potential lung toxicity and PS-MPs-developed pulmonary fibrosis by long-term intranasal inhalation of PS-MPs. The results showed that after exposing to the PS-MPs, the lungs of model mouse had different levels of damage and fibrosis. Meanwhile, exposing to the PS-MPs resulted in a markedly decrease in glutathione (GSH), an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), and iron overload in the lung tissue of mice and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs). These findings suggested the occurrence of PS-MP-induced ferroptosis. Inhibitor of ferroptosis (Fer-1) had alleviated the PS-MPs-induced ferroptosis. Mechanically, PS-MPs triggered cell ferroptosis and promoted the development of pulmonary fibrosis via activating the cGAS/STING signaling pathway. Inhibition of cGAS/STING with G150/H151 attenuated pulmonary fibrosis after PS-MPs exposure. Together, these data provided novel mechanistic insights of PS-MPs-induced pulmonary fibrosis and a potential therapeutic paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Zhang
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangzhou Du
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Liu
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinzhong Zhuo
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanhe Chu
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqun Li
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ganzhou people's Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lin Gao
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingming Xu
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weimou Chen
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wufeng Huang
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyan Xie
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junwei Chen
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Occupational Health and Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Occupational Health and Medicine, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxi Cai
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hangming Dong
- Chronic Airways Diseases Laboratory, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Liu S, Jin R, Zheng G, Wang Y, Li Q, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Mao N, Wei Z, Li G, Fan Y, Xu H, Li S, Yang F. Ac-SDKP promotes KIF3A-mediated β-catenin suppression through a ciliary mechanism to constrain silica-induced epithelial-myofibroblast transition. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115411. [PMID: 37651800 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115411] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin family member 3 A (KIF3A) decrease have been reported in silicotic patients and rats. However, the detailed mechanisms of KIF3A in silicosis remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that KIF3A effectively blocked the expression of β-catenin and downstream myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A/serum response factor (SRF) signaling, thus inhibiting silica-induced epithelial-myofibroblast transition (EMyT). Moreover, KIF3A was identified as a downstream mediator of an antifibrotic tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP). Knockdown of KIF3A expression reactivated β-catenin/myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A/serum response factor (SRF) signaling that was attenuated by Ac-SDKP in vitro. Collectively, our findings suggest that Ac-SDKP plays its anti-fibrosis role via KIF3A-mediated β-catenin suppression, at least in part, in both in vivo model of silicosis and in vitro model of EMyT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupeng Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruotong Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Gaigai Zheng
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Tian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Na Mao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Gengxu Li
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yuhang Fan
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China; Health Science Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, 100029 Beijing, China.
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China.
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Shan J, Wu MY, Zhang YC, Lin YJ, Cheng B, Gao YR, Liu ZH, Xu HM. Hsa-miR-379 down-regulates Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1/Collagen I cascade reaction by targeting connective tissue growth factor in human alveolar basal epithelial A549 cells. Cytokine 2023; 166:156191. [PMID: 37002970 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to screen and identify miRNAs that could regulate human CTGF gene and downstream cascade reaction Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1/Collagen I by bioinformatics and experimental means. METHODS TargetScan and Tarbase were used to predict miRNAs that may have regulatory effects on human CTGF gene. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to verify the results obtained in bioinformatics. Human alveolar basal epithelial A549 cells were exposed to silica (SiO2) culture medium for 24 h to establish an in vitro model of pulmonary fibrosis, and bleomycin (BLM) of 100 ng/mL was used as a positive control. The miRNA and mRNA expression levels were determined by RT-qPCR, and the protein levels were measured by western blot in hsa-miR-379-3p overexpression group or not. RESULTS A total of 9 differentially expressed miRNAs that might regulate the human CTGF gene were predicted. Hsa-miR-379-3p and hsa-miR-411-3p were selected for the subsequent experiments. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that hsa-miR-379-3p could bind to CTGF, but hsa-miR-411-3p could not. Compared with the control group, SiO2 exposure (25 and 50 μg/mL) could significantly reduce the expression level of hsa-miR-379-3p in A549 cells. SiO2 exposure (50 μg/mL) could significantly increase the mRNA expression levels of CTGF, Collagen I, Rac1, MLK3, JNK, AP1, and VIM in A549 cells, while CDH1 level was significantly decreased. Compared with SiO2 + NC group, the mRNA expression levels of CTGF, Collagen I, Rac1, MLK3, JNK, AP1, and VIM were significantly decreased, and CDH1 level was significantly higher when hsa-miR-379-3p was overexpressed. At the same time, overexpression of hsa-miR-379-3p improved the protein levels of CTGF, Collagen I, c-Jun and phospho-c-Jun, JNK1 and phospho-JNK1 significantly compared with SiO2 + NC group. CONCLUSION Hsa-miR-379-3p was demonstrated for the first time that could directly target and down-regulate human CTGF gene, and further affect the expression levels of key genes and proteins in Rac1/MLK3/JNK/AP-1/Collagen I cascade reaction.
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Li R, Kang H, Chen S. From Basic Research to Clinical Practice: Considerations for Treatment Drugs for Silicosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098333. [PMID: 37176040 PMCID: PMC10179659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098333] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis, characterized by irreversible pulmonary fibrosis, remains a major global public health problem. Nowadays, cumulative studies are focusing on elucidating the pathogenesis of silicosis in order to identify preventive or therapeutic antifibrotic agents. However, the existing research on the mechanism of silica-dust-induced pulmonary fibrosis is only the tip of the iceberg and lags far behind clinical needs. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), as a pulmonary fibrosis disease, also has the same problem. In this study, we examined the relationship between silicosis and IPF from the perspective of their pathogenesis and fibrotic characteristics, further discussing current drug research and limitations of clinical application in silicosis. Overall, this review provided novel insights for clinical treatment of silicosis with the hope of bridging the gap between research and practice in silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rou Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Huimin Kang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
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Liu S, He Y, Li S, Gao X, Yang F. Kinesin family member 3A induces related diseases via wingless-related integration site/β-catenin signaling pathway. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504221148340. [PMID: 36594221 PMCID: PMC10358705 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221148340] [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] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Kinesin family member 3A is an important motor protein that participates in various physiological and pathological processes, including normal tissue development, homeostasis maintenance, tumor infiltration, and migration. The wingless-related integration site/β-catenin signaling pathway is essential for critical molecular mechanisms such as embryonic development, organogenesis, tissue regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Recent studies have examined the molecular mechanisms of kinesin family member 3A, among which the wingless-related integration site/β-catenin signaling pathway has gained attention. The interaction between kinesin family member 3A and the wingless-related integration site/β-catenin signaling pathway is compact and complex but is fascinating and worthy of further study. The upregulation and downregulation of kinesin family member 3A influence many diseases and patient survival through the wingless-related integration site/β-catenin signaling pathway. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on describing the kinesin family member 3A and wingless-related integration site/β-catenin signaling pathways and their associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupeng Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yang He
- Clinical Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei province, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China
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Wang W, Jia W, Zhang C. The Role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP Axis in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13282. [PMID: 36362069 PMCID: PMC9655242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process in which parenchymal cells are necrotic and excess extracellular matrix (ECM) is accumulated due to dysregulation of tissue injury repair. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a 43 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide that is involved in wound healing. Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) is the main enzyme that hydrolyzes Tβ4 to produce its derivative N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) which is found to play a role in the regulation of fibrosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis widely exists in various tissues and organs including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung, and participates in the process of fibrogenesis. Herein, we aim to elucidate the role of Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis in hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Based on this, we attempted to provide novel therapeutic strategies for the regulation of tissue damage repair and anti-fibrosis therapy. The Tβ4-POP-Ac-SDKP axis exerts protective effects against organ fibrosis. It is promising that appropriate dosing regimens that rely on this axis could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating organ fibrosis in the early and late stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Wenning Jia
- Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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Ramarao KDR, Somasundram C, Razali Z, Kunasekaran W, Jin TL, Musa S, Achari VM. Antiproliferative effects of dried Moringa oleifera leaf extract on human Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274814. [PMID: 36197921 PMCID: PMC9534417 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have seen an elevated use in clinical works like regenerative medicine. Its potential therapeutic properties increases when used in tandem with complementary agents like bio-based materials. Therefore, the present study is the first to investigate the cytotoxicity of a highly valued medicinal plant, Moringa oleifera, on human Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) and its effects on the cells' gene expression when used as a pre-treatment agent in vitro. M. oleifera leaves (MOL) were dried and subjected to UHPLC-QTOF/MS analysis, revealing several major compounds like apigenin, kaempferol, and quercetin in the MOL, with various biological activities like antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. We then treated the hWJMSCs with MOL and noticed a dose-dependant inhibition on the cells' proliferation. RNA-sequencing was performed to explain the possible mechanism of action and revealed genes like PPP1R1C, SULT2B1, CDKN1A, mir-154 and CCNB1, whose expression patterns were closely associated with the negative cell cycle regulation and cell cycle arrest process. This is also evident from gene set enrichment analysis where the GO and KEGG terms for down-regulated pathways were closely related to the cell cycle regulation. The Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software further predicted the significant activation of (p < 0.05, z-score > 2) of the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulation pathway. The present study suggests that MOL exhibits an antiproliferative effect on hWJMSCs via cell cycle arrest and apoptotic pathways. We believe that this study provides an important baseline reference for future works involving MOL's potential to accompany MSCs for clinical works. Future works can take advantage of the cell's strong anti-cancer gene expression found in this study, and evaluate our MOL treatment on various cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kivaandra Dayaa Rao Ramarao
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and The Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chandran Somasundram
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and The Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
| | - Zuliana Razali
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and The Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Tan Li Jin
- Cytonex Sdn. Bhd., Menara UOA Bangsar, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sabri Musa
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vijayan Manickam Achari
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Li Y, Jin F, Li T, Yang X, Cai W, Li S, Gao X, Mao N, Liu H, Xu H, Yang F. Minute Cellular Nodules as Early Lesions in Rats with Silica Exposure via Inhalation. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9060251. [PMID: 35737303 PMCID: PMC9227695 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9060251] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms of silicosis have yet to be clarified, and pathological conditions are inaccurately described in some experimental studies on silicosis. This study was aimed at describing initial lesions in silicosis, as observed in rats with silica exposure via inhalation, and major histopathologic alterations. Male Wistar rats were exposed to silica for 24 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated the presence of “cellular nodule+ macrophage alveolitis” in rats exposed to silica from the 2–16 weeks time points and “fibrotic cellular + cellular nodule” in rats exposed to silica via inhalation for 24 weeks. By immunohistochemistry, the following were noted: a continual increase in the positive expression of CD68 in macrophages in the lungs of rats exposed to silica; hyperplasia in alveolar type II cells (AT2); loss of original phenotypes in fibrotic cellular nodules, macrophages, and AT2 cells; loss of endothelial cells in silicotic nodules; and positive expression of α-smooth muscle actin in macrophages. Typical pathological changes in silicosis were also summarized. Among these changes were macrophage alveolitis, cellular nodules, and fibrotic cellular nodules, including an increase in minute cellular nodules in the early stages and the formation of fibrotic cellular nodules in the late stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Xu
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-151-33967479 (H.X.); +86-188-32571018 (F.Y.)
| | - Fang Yang
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-151-33967479 (H.X.); +86-188-32571018 (F.Y.)
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Thalidomide Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis Induced by Silica in Mice by Inhibiting ER Stress and the TLR4-NF-κB Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105656. [PMID: 35628464 PMCID: PMC9144898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is the most prevalent occupational disease in China. It is a form of pulmonary fibrosis caused by the inhalation of silicon particles. As there is no cure for the potentially lethal and progressive condition, the treatment of silicotic fibrosis is an important and difficult problem to address. Thalidomide, a drug with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties, has been reported to have lung-protective effects. The purpose of this study was to observe the therapeutic effect of thalidomide on silicotic mice and to determine the protective mechanism. By using silicotic mice models and MH-S cells, we found the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway as well as inflammation-related factors were upregulated in the macrophages of silicotic mice. The same indexes were detected in silica-stimulated MH-S cells, and the results were consistent with those in vivo. That is, silica activated ER stress and the TLR4-NF-κB pathway as well as the inflammatory response in vitro. Treating both silicotic mice and silica-stimulated MH-S cells with thalidomide inhibited ER stress and the TLR4-NF-κB pathway as well as the inflammatory response. The present study demonstrates thalidomide as a potential therapeutic agent against silicosis.
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Early Identification, Accurate Diagnosis, and Treatment of Silicosis. Can Respir J 2022; 2022:3769134. [PMID: 35509892 PMCID: PMC9061058 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3769134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a global problem, and it has brought about great burdens to society and patients' families. The etiology of silicosis is clear, preventable, and controllable, but the onset is hidden and the duration is long. Thus, it is difficult to diagnose it early and treat it effectively, leaving workers unaware of the consequences of dust exposure. As such, a lack of details in the work history and a slow progression of lung disease contribute to the deterioration of patients until silicosis has advanced to fibrosis. These issues are the key factors impeding the diagnosis and the treatment of silicosis. This article reviews the literature on the early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of silicosis as well as analyzes the difficulties in the diagnosis and the treatment of silicosis and discusses its direction of future development.
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11
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Oxamate Attenuates Glycolysis and ER Stress in Silicotic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063013. [PMID: 35328434 PMCID: PMC8953611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycolysis and ER stress have been considered important drivers of pulmonary fibrosis. However, it is not clear whether glycolysis and ER stress are interconnected and if those interconnections regulate the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Our previous studies found that the expression of LDHA, a key enzyme involved in glycolysis, was increased in silica-induced macrophages and silicotic models, and it was closely related to silicosis fibrosis by participating in inflammatory response. However, whether pharmacological inhibition of LDHA is beneficial to the amelioration of silicosis fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of oxamate, a potent inhibitor of LDHA, on the regulation of glycolysis and ER stress in alveolar macrophages and silicotic mice. We found that silica induced the upregulation of glycolysis and the expression of key enzymes directly involved in ER stress in NR8383 macrophages. However, treatment of the macrophages and silicotic mice with oxamate attenuated glycolysis and ER stress by inhibiting LDHA, causing a decrease in the production of lactate. Therefore, oxamate demonstrated an anti-fibrotic role by reducing glycolysis and ER stress in silicotic mice.
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12
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Mao N, Yang H, Yin J, Li Y, Jin F, Li T, Yang X, Sun Y, Liu H, Xu H, Yang F. Glycolytic Reprogramming in Silica-Induced Lung Macrophages and Silicosis Reversed by Ac-SDKP Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810063. [PMID: 34576239 PMCID: PMC8465686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycolytic reprogramming is an important metabolic feature in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the specific mechanism of glycolysis in silicosis is still not clear. In this study, silicotic models and silica-induced macrophage were used to elucidate the mechanism of glycolysis induced by silica. Expression levels of the key enzymes in glycolysis and macrophage activation indicators were analyzed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, IHC, and IF analyses, and by using a lactate assay kit. We found that silica promotes the expression of the key glycolysis enzymes HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and macrophage activation factors iNOS, TNF-α, Arg-1, IL-10, and MCP1 in silicotic rats and silica-induced NR8383 macrophages. The enhancement of glycolysis and macrophage activation induced by silica was reduced by Ac-SDKP or siRNA-Ldha treatment. This study suggests that Ac-SDKP treatment can inhibit glycolytic reprogramming in silica-induced lung macrophages and silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Mao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Honghao Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Jie Yin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Tian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Ying Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (T.L.); (X.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Heliang Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-15133967479 (H.X.); +86-18832571018 (F.Y.); Fax: +86-315-8805522 (F.Y.)
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (N.M.); (H.Y.); (J.Y.); (Y.L.); (F.J.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (H.X.); (F.Y.); Tel.: +86-15133967479 (H.X.); +86-18832571018 (F.Y.); Fax: +86-315-8805522 (F.Y.)
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13
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OC-STAMP Overexpression Drives Lung Alveolar Epithelial Cell Type II Senescence in Silicosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:4158495. [PMID: 34426759 PMCID: PMC8380176 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4158495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence has been considered an important driver of many chronic lung diseases. However, the specific mechanism of cellular senescence in silicosis is still unknown. In the present study, silicotic rats and osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (Ocstamp) overexpression of MLE-12 cells were used to explore the mechanism of OC-STAMP in cellular senescence in alveolar epithelial cell type II (AEC2). We found an increasing level of OC-STAMP in AEC2 of silicotic rats. Overexpression of Ocstamp in MLE-12 cells promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and cellular senescence. Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) was a potential interacting protein of OC-STAMP. Knockdown of Ocstamp or Myh9 inhibited cellular senescence in MLE-12 cells transfected with pcmv6-Ocstamp. Treatment with 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) to inhibit ER stress also attenuated cellular senescence in vitro or in vivo. In conclusion, OC-STAMP promotes cellular senescence in AEC2 in silicosis.
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14
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The Mechanism and Effect of Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Pyroptosis on the Progression of Silicosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158110. [PMID: 34360876 PMCID: PMC8348676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis remains one of the most severe pulmonary fibrotic diseases worldwide, caused by chronic exposure to silica dust. In this review, we have proposed that programmed cell death (PCD), including autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis, is closely associated with silicosis progression. Furthermore, some autophagy, apoptosis, or pyroptosis-related signaling pathways or regulatory proteins have also been summarized to contribute greatly to the formation and development of silicosis. In addition, silicosis pathogenesis depends on the crosstalk among these three ways of PCD to a certain extent. In summary, more profound research on these mechanisms and effects may be expected to become promising targets for intervention or therapeutic methods of silicosis in the future.
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15
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Jin F, Geng F, Xu D, Li Y, Li T, Yang X, Liu S, Zhang H, Wei Z, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Yi X, Liu H, Sun Y, Yang F, Xu H. Ac-SDKP Attenuates Activation of Lung Macrophages and Bone Osteoclasts in Rats Exposed to Silica by Inhibition of TLR4 and RANKL Signaling Pathways. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:1647-1660. [PMID: 33948088 PMCID: PMC8088302 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s306883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Silica-induced inflammatory activation is associated with silicosis and various non-respiratory conditions. The present study was designed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) on lung macrophages and bone osteoclasts after silica inhalation in rats. Methods Wistar rats and NR8383 and RAW 264.7 cell lines were used in the present study. The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathways was measured in the lung tissue of rats or NR8383/RAW 264.7 cells exposed to silica. The microarchitecture of the trabecular bone in the tibia and femur was evaluated in silicotic rats. Furthermore, the roles of Ac-SDKP on silicotic rats, silica-treated NR8383/RAW 264.7 cells, and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation were studied. Results The data indicated that silica inhalation might activate the RANKL and TLR4 signaling pathways in lung macrophages, thus inducing the lung inflammatory and proteolytic phenotype of macrophages and osteoclasts in lung and bone. Ac-SDKP maintained the lung elastin level by inhibiting lung inflammation and macrophage activation via the RANKL and TLR4 signaling pathways. Ac-SDKP also attenuated the reduction in femoral bone mineral density in silicotic rats by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation via the RANKL signaling pathway. Conclusion Our findings support the hypothesis that inhalation of crystalline silica induces activation of lung macrophages and bone osteoclasts via the RANKL and TLR4 signaling pathways. Ac-SDKP has the potential to stabilize lung homeostasis and bone metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Jin
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Geng
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Shupeng Liu
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xianmen, Fujian Province, 361023, People's Republic of China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China.,School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, 063210, People's Republic of China
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16
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Qin X, Lin X, Liu L, Li Y, Li X, Deng Z, Chen H, Chen H, Niu Z, Li Z, Hu Y. Macrophage-derived exosomes mediate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating fibroblast in an endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent manner. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4466-4477. [PMID: 33834616 PMCID: PMC8093963 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages play a key role in silicosis, and exosomes are potent mediators of intercellular communication. This suggests that macrophage-derived exosomes have a potential contribution to the pathogenesis of silicosis. To investigate whether macrophage-derived exosomes promote or inhibit lung fibrosis, in vitro, silica-exposed macrophage-derived exosomes (SiO2 -Exos) were collected and cocultured with fibroblasts. The expression of collagen I and α-SMA was evaluated. Furthermore, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers BIP, XBP1s and P-eIF2α were assessed after treatment with or without the ER stress inhibitor 4-PBA. In vivo, mice were pre-treated with the exosome secretion inhibitor GW4869 prior to silica exposure. After sacrifice, lung tissues were histologically examined, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. The results showed that the expression of collagen I and α-SMA was up-regulated after treatment with SiO2 -Exos, accompanied by increased expression of BIP, XBP1s and P-eIF2α. Pre-treatment with 4-PBA reversed this effect. More importantly, an in vivo study demonstrated that pre-treatment with GW4869 decreased lung fibrosis and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in BALF. These results suggested that SiO2 -Exos are profibrogenic and that the facilitating effect is dependent on ER stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Qin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaofang Lin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lang Liu
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenghao Deng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huiping Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zisheng Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongbin Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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17
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Pang X, Shao L, Nie X, Yan H, Li C, Yeo AJ, Lavin MF, Xia Q, Shao H, Yu G, Jia Q, Peng C. Emodin attenuates silica-induced lung injury by inhibition of inflammation, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 91:107277. [PMID: 33352442 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a fatal pulmonary disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust, and characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the lung, with no effective treatment to date. Here we investigate the effect of emodin, an anthraquinone derivative isolated from rhubarb using a mouse silicosis model and in vitro cultured human macrophages and alveolar epithelial cells. Results from histological examination indicated that emodin reduced the degree of alveolitis and fibrosis in the lungs of mice exposed to silica particles. We also demonstrated that emodin effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad3 and NF-κB and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in the lung tissue of mice treated with silica particles. In addition, we found that emodin inhibited apoptosis and demonstrated an anti-fibrotic effect by down-regulating the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and up-regulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Furthermore, emodin increased E-cadherin levels, reduced the expression of Vimentin, α-SMA and Col-I, as well as pro-inflammatory factors TGF-β1, TNF-α and IL-1β in vivo and in vitro. These results suggested that emodin can regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and the NF-κB signaling pathway to prevent alveolar inflammation and apoptotic process. Overall, this study showed that emodin can alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis through regulating the inflammatory response and fibrotic process at multiple levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Pang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Linlin Shao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojuan Nie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyue Yan
- Shandong Institute of Scientific and Technical Information
| | - Chao Li
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Abrey J Yeo
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Martin F Lavin
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China; University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Qing Xia
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hua Shao
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Gongchang Yu
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
| | - Qiang Jia
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, Shandong, China; The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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18
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Hrenak J, Simko F. Renin-Angiotensin System: An Important Player in the Pathogenesis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218038. [PMID: 33126657 PMCID: PMC7663767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by massive inflammation, increased vascular permeability and pulmonary edema. Mortality due to ARDS remains very high and even in the case of survival, acute lung injury can lead to pulmonary fibrosis. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a significant role in these processes. The activities of RAS molecules are subject to dynamic changes in response to an injury. Initially, increased levels of angiotensin (Ang) II and des-Arg9-bradykinin (DABK), are necessary for an effective defense. Later, augmented angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 activity supposedly helps to attenuate inflammation. Appropriate ACE2 activity might be decisive in preventing immune-induced damage and ensuring tissue repair. ACE2 has been identified as a common target for different pathogens. Some Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, also use ACE2 to infiltrate the cells. A number of questions remain unresolved. The importance of ACE2 shedding, associated with the release of soluble ACE2 and ADAM17-mediated activation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-signaling is unclear. The roles of other non-classical RAS-associated molecules, e.g., alamandine, Ang A or Ang 1-9, also deserve attention. In addition, the impact of established RAS-inhibiting drugs on the pulmonary RAS is to be elucidated. The unfavorable prognosis of ARDS and the lack of effective treatment urge the search for novel therapeutic strategies. In the context of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and considering the involvement of humoral disbalance in the pathogenesis of ARDS, targeting the renin-angiotensin system and reducing the pathogen's cell entry could be a promising therapeutic strategy in the struggle against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Hrenak
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Inselspital – University Hospital of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 18, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak
| | - Fedor Simko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovak
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Limbova 5, 833 05 Bratislava, Slovak
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovak
- Correspondence:
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19
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Wang J, Qian Y, Gao X, Mao N, Geng Y, Lin G, Zhang G, Li H, Yang F, Xu H. Synthesis and Identification of a Novel Peptide, Ac-SDK (Biotin) Proline, That Can Elicit Anti-Fibrosis Effects in Rats Suffering from Silicosis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:4315-4326. [PMID: 33116418 PMCID: PMC7585281 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s262716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a short peptide with an anti-silicosis effect. However, the short biological half-life and low plasma concentration of Ac-SDKP hamper discovery of specific targets in organisms and reduce the anti-silicosis effect. A novel peptide, Ac-SDK (biotin) proline, termed “Ac-B”, with anti-fibrotic properties was synthesized. Methods Ac-B was detected quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography. Phagocytosis of Ac-B by the alveolar epithelial cell line A549 was investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. To further elucidate the cellular-uptake mechanism of Ac-B, chemical inhibitors of specific uptake pathways were used. After stimulation with transforming growth factor-β1, the effects of Ac-B on expression of the myofibroblast marker vimentin and accumulation of collagen type I in A549 cells were analyzed by Western blotting. Sirius Red staining and immunohistochemical analyses of the effect of Ac-B on expression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in a rat model of silicosis were undertaken. Results Ac-B had good traceability during the uptake, entry, and distribution in cells. Ac-B treatment prevented an increase in α-SMA expression in vivo and in vitro and was superior to that of Ac-SDKP. Caveolae-mediated uptake of Ac-B by A549 cells led to achieving anti-epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) effects. Conclusion Ac-B had an anti-fibrotic effect and could be a promising agent for the fibrosis observed in silicosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qingpu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, People's Republic of China.,Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Qian
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Mao
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yucong Geng
- Department of Pathology, Haigang Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066000, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaojie Lin
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Guibin Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Geriatric Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, People's Republic of China
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20
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Emanuelli G, Nassehzadeh-Tabriz N, Morrell NW, Marciniak SJ. The integrated stress response in pulmonary disease. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/157/200184. [PMID: 33004527 PMCID: PMC7116220 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0184-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory tract and its resident immune cells face daily exposure
to stress, both from without and from within. Inhaled pathogens, including
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and toxins from pollution
trigger a cellular defence system that reduces protein synthesis to minimise
viral replication or the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Simultaneously, a
gene expression programme enhances antioxidant and protein folding machineries
in the lung. Four kinases (PERK, PKR, GCN2 and HRI) sense a diverse range of
stresses to trigger this “integrated stress response”. Here we review recent
advances identifying the integrated stress response as a critical pathway in the
pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases, including pneumonias, thoracic malignancy,
pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Understanding the integrated
stress response provides novel targets for the development of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Emanuelli
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Equal first authors
| | - Nikou Nassehzadeh-Tabriz
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Equal first authors
| | - Nick W Morrell
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefan J Marciniak
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK .,Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Li S, Li Y, Zhang Y, Li S, Zhang M, Jin F, Wei Z, Yang Y, Gao X, Mao N, Ge X, Xu H, Yang F. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Asparyl-Lysyl-Proline regulates lung renin angiotensin system to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition in silicotic mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 408:115255. [PMID: 33007385 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Silicosis is a major public health concern with various contributing factors. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS)is a critical regulator in the pathogenesis of this disease. We focused on two key RAS enzymes, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to elucidate the activation of the ACE-angiotensin II (Ang II)-angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1) axis and the inhibition of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]-Mas receptor axis in C57BL/6mice following SiO2 treatment. Silica exposure caused nodule formation, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, and impaired lung function in mice. These effects were attenuated by the inhibition of ACE (captopril), blockade of the AT1(losartan), or systemic knockdown of the Ace gene. These effects were exacerbated by the inhibition of ACE2 (MLN-4760), blockade of the Mas (A779), or knockdown of the Ace2 gene. N-Acetyl-Seryl-Asparyl-Lysyl-Proline (Ac-SDKP), an anti-fibrotic peptide, ameliorated the silica-exposure-induced pathological changes by targeting the RAS system by activating the protective ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis and inhibiting the deleterious ACE-Ang II-AT1 axis, thereby exerting a protective effect. This was confirmed in mouse lung type II epithelial cells (MLE-12) pretreated with Ang II and/or gene silencing separately targeting Ace and Ace2.The effects of Ac-SDKP were similar to those produced by Ace gene silencing and were partly attenuated by Ace2 deficiency. These findings suggested that RAS plays critical roles in the pathomechanism of silicosis fibrosis and that Ac-SDKP regulates lung RAS to inhibit EMT in silicotic mice and MLE-12 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Xingchen Ge
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China.
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Zhu Y, Yao J, Duan Y, Xu H, Cheng Q, Gao X, Li S, Yang F, Liu H, Yuan J. Protein Expression Profile in Rat Silicosis Model Reveals Upregulation of PTPN2 and Its Inhibitory Effect on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Dephosphorylation of STAT3. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041189. [PMID: 32054021 PMCID: PMC7072761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a chronic occupational lung disease caused by long-term inhalation of crystalline silica particulates. We created a rat model that closely approximates the exposure and development of silicosis in humans. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technologies we used to identify proteins differentially expressed in activated rat lung tissue. We constructed three lentiviral knockdown vectors and an overexpression vector for the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) gene to achieve stable long-term expression. A total of 471 proteins were differentially expressed in the silicosis group compared with controls. Twenty upregulated, and eight downregulated proteins exhibited a ≥1.5-fold change relative to controls. We next found that the PTPN2, Factor B, and VRK1 concentrations in silicotic rats silicosis and SiO2-stimulated MLE-12 cells were significantly higher than control groups. More importantly, we found that overexpression of PTPN2 simultaneously decreased the expression of phospho–signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and Vimentin, while increasing E-cadherin expression. The opposite pattern was observed for PTPN2-gene silencing. We identified three proteins with substantially enhanced expression in silicosis. Our study also showed that PTPN2 can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by dephosphorylating STAT3 in silicosis fibrosis.
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Cai W, Xu H, Zhang B, Gao X, Li S, Wei Z, Li S, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Liu H, Yang F. Differential expression of lncRNAs during silicosis and the role of LOC103691771 in myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109980. [PMID: 32028236 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role and molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-related pathways in silicosis have not been elucidated clearly. The aims of this study were to evaluate the expression of lncRNAs during silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis and verify the function and molecular mechanism of LOC103691771 in myofibroblast differentiation induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). METHODS RNA-sequencing was performed to assess differential expression of lncRNAs in control and silicotic rat lungs. Differential expression of lncRNAs was analyzed by Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to identify their biological roles. LOC103691771, LOC102549714, LOC102550137, LOC103693125, and LOC103692016 were selected to verify their expression by real-time PCR of silicotic rat lung tissue and lung fibroblasts stimulated by TGF-β1. Specific small interfering RNA and an LOC103691771 overexpression plasmid were used to analyze the molecular mechanism in myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1. RESULT A total of 306 lncRNAs were expressed differentially in silicotic rat lungs, including 224 upregulated and 82 downregulated lncRNAs. The expression of LOC103691771, LOC102549714 and LOC102550137 was upregulated, while the expression of LOC103693125 and LOC103692016 was downregulated in silicotic rat lungs and TGF-β1-induced fibroblast, which was consistent with the results of RNA-sequencing. Furthermore, LOC103691771 gene silencing attenuated myofibroblast differentiation, whereas LOC103691771 overexpression promoted myofibroblast differentiation via regulation of the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed that differential expression of lncRNAs was related to the development of silicosis, and LOC103691771 played a major role in myofibroblast differentiation induced by TGF-β1, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target for silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210 Hebei, China.
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24
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Gao X, Xu H, Xu D, Li S, Wei Z, Li S, Cai W, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Yi X, Liu H, Yang F. MiR-411-3p alleviates Silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating Smurf2/TGF-β signaling. Exp Cell Res 2020; 388:111878. [PMID: 32004504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to silica dust particles was the major cause of pulmonary fibrosis, and many miRNAs have been demonstrated to regulate target mRNAs in silicosis. In the present study, we found that a decreasing level of miR-411-3p in silicosis rats and lung fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1. Enlargement of miR-411-3p could inhibit the cell proliferation and migration in lung fibroblasts with TGF-β1 treatment and attenuate lung fibrosis in silicotic mice. In addition, a mechanistic study showed that miR-411-3p exert its inhibitory effect on Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (Smurf2) expression and decrease ubiquitination degradation of Smad7 regulated by smurf2, result in blocking of TGF-β/Smad signaling. We proposed that increased expression of miR-411-3p abrogates silicosis by blocking activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling through decreasing ubiquitination degradation effect of smurf2 on Smad7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Gao
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical Collage, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Labortary of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xianmen, Fujian, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, 063210, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical Collage, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China.
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Chen Y, Xu D, Yao J, Wei Z, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Jin F, Li Y, Zhu Y, Li S, Liu H, Yang F, Xu H. Inhibition of miR-155-5p Exerts Anti-Fibrotic Effects in Silicotic Mice by Regulating Meprin α. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 19:350-360. [PMID: 31877411 PMCID: PMC6939030 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a fatal profession-related disease linked to long-term inhalation of silica. The present study aimed to determine whether meprin α, a master regulator of anti-fibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), is diminished by miR-155-5p in silicotic and control lung macrophages and fibroblasts upon activation. NR8383 macrophages, primary lung fibroblasts, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts were used to evaluate the expression and function of meprin α and miR-155-5p. In vitro meprin α manipulation was performed by recombinant mouse meprin α protein, actinonin (its inhibitor), and small interfering RNA knockdown. Macrophage and fibroblast activation was assessed by western blotting, real-time PCR, matrix deposition, and immunohistochemical staining. The roles of meprin α and miR-155-5p were also investigated in mice exposed to silica. We found that the meprin α level was stably repressed in silicotic rats. In vitro, silica decreased meprin α, and exogenous meprin α reduced activation of macrophages and fibroblasts induced by profibrotic factors. miR-155-5p negatively regulated Mep1a by binding to the 3′ untranslated region. Treatment with anti-miR-155-5p elevated meprin α, ameliorated macrophage and fibroblast activation, and attenuated lung fibrosis in mice induced by silica. The sustained repression of meprin α and beneficial effects of its rescue by inhibition of miR-155-5p during silicosis indicate that miR-155-5p/meprin α are two of the major regulators of silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Jingxin Yao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Shumin Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China; School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei 063210, China.
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Peng H, Xu J, Yang XP, Kassem KM, Rhaleb IA, Peterson E, Rhaleb NE. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline treatment protects heart against excessive myocardial injury and heart failure in mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:753-765. [PMID: 30998852 PMCID: PMC6824427 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2019-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) in mice results in cardiac rupture at 4-7 days after MI, whereas cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction occur later. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) has anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and pro-angiogenic properties. We hypothesized that Ac-SDKP reduces cardiac rupture and adverse cardiac remodeling, and improves function by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting detrimental reactive fibrosis and inflammation after MI. C57BL/6J mice were subjected to MI and treated with Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg per day) for 1 or 5 weeks. We analyzed (1) intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression; (2) inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis; (3) gelatinolytic activity; (4) incidence of cardiac rupture; (5) p53, the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homology protein (CHOP), and cardiomyocyte apoptosis; (6) sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) expression; (7) interstitial collagen fraction and capillary density; and (8) cardiac remodeling and function. Acutely, Ac-SDKP reduced cardiac rupture, decreased ICAM-1 expression and the number of infiltrating macrophages, decreased gelatinolytic activity, p53 expression, and myocyte apoptosis, but increased capillary density in the infarction border. Chronically, Ac-SDKP improved cardiac structures and function, reduced CHOP expression and interstitial collagen fraction, and preserved myocardium SERCA2 expression. Thus, Ac-SDKP decreased cardiac rupture, ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling, and improved cardiac function after MI, likely through preserved SERCA2 expression and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Peng
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Jiang Xu
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Xiao-Ping Yang
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Kamal M Kassem
- b Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Imane A Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ed Peterson
- c Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- d Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Kassem KM, Vaid S, Peng H, Sarkar S, Rhaleb NE. Tβ4-Ac-SDKP pathway: Any relevance for the cardiovascular system? Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:589-599. [PMID: 30854877 PMCID: PMC6824425 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last 20 years witnessed the emergence of the thymosin β4 (Tβ4)-N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) pathway as a new source of future therapeutic tools to treat cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this review article, we attempted to shed light on the numerous experimental findings pertaining to the many promising cardiovascular therapeutic avenues for Tβ4 and (or) its N-terminal derivative, Ac-SDKP. Specifically, Ac-SDKP is endogenously produced from the 43-amino acid Tβ4 by 2 successive enzymes, meprin α and prolyl oligopeptidase. We also discussed the possible mechanisms involved in the Tβ4-Ac-SDKP-associated cardiovascular biological effects. In infarcted myocardium, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP facilitate cardiac repair after infarction by promoting endothelial cell migration and myocyte survival. Additionally, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in the arteries, heart, lungs, and kidneys, and stimulate both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. The effects of Tβ4 can be mediated directly through a putative receptor (Ku80) or via its enzymatically released N-terminal derivative Ac-SDKP. Despite the localization and characterization of Ac-SDKP binding sites in myocardium, more studies are needed to fully identify and clone Ac-SDKP receptors. It remains promising that Ac-SDKP or its degradation-resistant analogs could serve as new therapeutic tools to treat cardiac, vascular, and renal injury and dysfunction to be used alone or in combination with the already established pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M Kassem
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- b Internal Medicine Department, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Sonal Vaid
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- c Internal Medicine Department, St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
| | - Hongmei Peng
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Sarah Sarkar
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- d Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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28
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Shifeng L, Hong X, Xue Y, Siyu N, Qiaodan Z, Dingjie X, Lijuan Z, Zhongqiu W, Xuemin G, Wenchen C, Guizhen Z, Dan L, Ruimin W, Fang Y. Ac-SDKP increases α-TAT 1 and promotes the apoptosis in lung fibroblasts and epithelial cells double-stimulated with TGF-β1 and silica. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 369:17-29. [PMID: 30826375 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Crystalline silica (SiO2) particles have very strong toxicity to the lungs, and silicosis is an excessive pulmonary interstitial remodeling disease that follows persistent SiO2 injury. We showed here that DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) and apoptosis were aggravated during rat silicosis induced by SiO2 exposure. Ac-SDKP attenuates lung parenchymal distortion and collagen deposition, and decreases the expression of γH2AX, p21, and cleaved caspase-3, as well as improves the reduction of pulmonary function caused by silicosis. In vitro, we found an evolution of smooth muscle actin α (α-SMA), collagen type I (Col I) in both A549 and MRC-5 cells in response to transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) + SiO2. Only A549 cells showed any reduction in the rate of apoptosis induced by the double stimulation, because of the anti-apoptotic effects of TGF-β1. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is an anti-fibrotic tetrapeptide. It also has the ability to promote the apoptosis of leukemia cells. However its role in promoting cell apoptosis in silicosis is still unknown. We here found that Ac-SDKP could induce cell apoptosis and inhibit fibrotic response in A549 and MRC-5 cells treated with TGF-β1 + SiO2, and these effects depended on regulation of α-tubulin acetyltransferase 1 (α-TAT1). These findings suggest that Ac-SDKP may have therapeutic value in the treatment of silicotic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shifeng
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xu Hong
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yi Xue
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Department of Basic Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Niu Siyu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhang Qiaodan
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xu Dingjie
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhang Lijuan
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Wei Zhongqiu
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Gao Xuemin
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cai Wenchen
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhang Guizhen
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Li Dan
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Wang Ruimin
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yang Fang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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