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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Andreucci E, Mencucci R, Marini M, Romano E, Manetti M. Pharmacological Stimulation of Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Counteracts the Profibrotic Activation of Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts. Cells 2024; 13:360. [PMID: 38391973 PMCID: PMC10887040 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival fibrosis is a serious clinical concern implicated in a wide spectrum of eye diseases, including outcomes of surgery for pterygium and glaucoma. It is mainly driven by chronic inflammation that stimulates conjunctival fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts over time, leading to abnormal wound healing and scar formation. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation was found to suppress transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced myofibroblastic differentiation in various stromal cells such as skin and pulmonary fibroblasts, as well as corneal keratocytes. Here, we evaluated the in vitro effects of stimulation of the sGC enzyme with the cell-permeable pyrazolopyridinylpyrimidine compound BAY 41-2272 in modulating the TGFβ1-mediated profibrotic activation of human conjunctival fibroblasts. Cells were pretreated with the sGC stimulator before challenging with recombinant human TGFβ1, and subsequently assayed for viability, proliferation, migration, invasiveness, myofibroblast marker expression, and contractile properties. Stimulation of sGC significantly counteracted TGFβ1-induced cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and acquisition of a myofibroblast-like phenotype, as shown by a significant downregulation of FAP, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1, MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2 mRNA levels, as well as by a significant reduction in α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein expression. In addition, pretreatment with the sGC stimulator was capable of significantly dampening TGFβ1-induced acquisition of a contractile phenotype by conjunctival fibroblasts, as well as phosphorylation of Smad3 and release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Taken together, our findings are the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of pharmacological sGC stimulation in counteracting conjunctival fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing a promising scientific background to further explore the feasibility of sGC stimulators as potential new adjuvant therapeutic compounds to treat conjunctival fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Rita Mencucci
- Eye Clinic, Careggi Hospital, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mirca Marini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (M.M.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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2
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Young ON, Bourke JE, Widdop RE. Catch your breath: The protective role of the angiotensin AT 2 receptor for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115839. [PMID: 37778444 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115839] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease whereby excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) ultimately leads to respiratory failure. While there have been advances in pharmacotherapies for pulmonary fibrosis, IPF remains an incurable and irreversible disease. There remains an unmet clinical need for treatments that reverse fibrosis, or at the very least have a more tolerable side effect profile than currently available treatments. Transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1) is considered the main driver of fibrosis in IPF. However, as our understanding of the role of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system (PRAS) in the pathogenesis of IPF increases, it is becoming clear that targeting angiotensin receptors represents a potential novel treatment strategy for IPF - in particular, via activation of the anti-fibrotic angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R). This review describes the current understanding of the pathophysiology of IPF and the mediators implicated in its pathogenesis; focusing on TGFβ1, angiotensin II and related peptides in the PRAS and their contribution to fibrotic processes in the lung. Preclinical and clinical assessment of currently available AT2R agonists and the development of novel, highly selective ligands for this receptor will also be described, with a focus on compound 21, currently in clinical trials for IPF. Collectively, this review provides evidence of the potential of AT2R as a novel therapeutic target for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia N Young
- Department of Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Jane E Bourke
- Department of Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Department of Pharmacology and Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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3
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Englert N, Burkard P, Aue A, Rosenwald A, Nieswandt B, Friebe A. Anti-Fibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Role of NO-Sensitive Guanylyl Cyclase in Murine Lung. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11661. [PMID: 37511420 PMCID: PMC10380760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disease with limited therapeutic options. Nitric oxide (NO) is suggested to reduce the progression of pulmonary fibrosis via NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase (NO-GC). The exact effects of NO-GC during pulmonary fibrosis are still elusive. Here, we used a NO-GC knockout mouse (GCKO) and examined fibrosis and inflammation after bleomycin treatment. Compared to wildtype (WT), GCKO mice showed an increased fibrotic reaction, as myofibroblast occurrence (p = 0.0007), collagen content (p = 0.0006), and mortality (p = 0.0009) were significantly increased. After fibrosis induction, lymphocyte accumulations were observed in the lungs of GCKO but not in WT littermates. In addition, the total number of immune cells, specifically lymphocytes (p = <0.0001) and neutrophils (p = 0.0047), were significantly higher in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of GCKO animals compared to WT, indicating an increased inflammatory response in the absence of NO-GC. The pronounced fibrotic response in GCKO mice was paralleled by significantly increased levels of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in BALF (p = 0.0207), which correlated with the total number of immune cells. Taken together, our data show the effect of NO-GC deletion in the pathology of lung fibrosis and the effect on immune cells in BALF. In summary, our results show that NO-GC has anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties in the murine lung, very likely by attenuating TGFβ-mediated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Englert
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Burkard
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, Chair of Experimental Biomedicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Annemarie Aue
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin und Schmerztherapie, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Rosenwald
- Institut für Pathologie, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Nieswandt
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, Chair of Experimental Biomedicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Friebe
- Physiologisches Institut, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
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Li YJ, Shi JR, Li SC, Wang LM, Dhar R, Li N, Cao XW, Li ZG, Tang HF. Phosphodiesterase type 10A inhibitor attenuates lung fibrosis by targeting myofibroblast activation. iScience 2023; 26:106586. [PMID: 37138780 PMCID: PMC10149334 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal and irreversible respiratory disease accompanied by excessive fibroblast activation. Previous studies have suggested that cAMP signaling pathway and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway are continuously down-regulated in lung fibrosis, whereas PDE10A has a specifically expression in fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in lung fibrosis. In this study, we demonstrated that overexpression of PDE10A induces myofibroblast differentiation, and papaverine, as a PDE10A inhibitor used for vasodilation, inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human fibroblasts, Meanwhile, papaverine alleviated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and amiodarone-induced oxidative stress, papaverine downregulated VASP/β-catenin pathway to reduce the myofibroblast differentiation. Our results first demonstrated that papaverine inhibits TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and lung fibrosis by VASP/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jian-Rong Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Shu-Chan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Lu-Ming Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Rana Dhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xin-Wei Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zi-Gang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Hui-Fang Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- Corresponding author
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Giuggioli D, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulation fosters angiogenesis and blunts myofibroblast-like features of systemic sclerosis endothelial cells. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI125-SI137. [PMID: 35900177 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In SSc, angiogenesis impairment advances in parallel with the development of fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts originating from different sources, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation has shown antifibrotic effects in SSc skin fibroblasts and mouse models. Here, we investigated the effects of pharmacological sGC stimulation on impaired angiogenesis and myofibroblast-like features of SSc dermal microvascular endothelial cells (SSc-MVECs). METHODS To determine whether sGC stimulation affected cell viability/proliferation, SSc-MVECs and healthy dermal MVECs (H-MVECs) were challenged with the sGC stimulator (sGCS) MK-2947 and assayed by annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry and the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay. To study angiogenesis and EndoMT, MK-2947-treated SSc-MVECs were subjected to wound healing and capillary morphogenesis assays and analysed for the expression of endothelial/myofibroblast markers and contractile ability. RESULTS MK-2947 treatment did not affect H-MVEC viability/proliferation, while it significantly increased SSc-MVEC proliferation, wound healing capability and angiogenic performance. After MK-2947 treatment, SSc-MVECs exhibited significantly increased proangiogenic MMP9 and decreased antiangiogenic MMP12 and PTX3 gene expression. A significant increase in the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial cadherin paralleled by a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin, S100A4, type I collagen and Snail1 mesenchymal markers was also found in MK-2947-treated SSc-MVECs. Furthermore, stimulation of sGC with MK-2947 significantly counteracted the intrinsic ability of SSc-MVECs to contract collagen gels and reduced phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 protein levels. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate for the first time that pharmacological sGC stimulation effectively ameliorates the angiogenic performance and blunts the myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of SSc-MVECs, thus providing new evidence for repurposing sGCSs for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Scleroderma Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.,Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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6
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The Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator BAY 41-2272 Attenuates Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation of Human Corneal Keratocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315325. [PMID: 36499651 PMCID: PMC9737374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315325] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal transparency, necessary for vision and depending on the high organization of stromal extracellular matrix, is maintained by keratocytes. Severe or continuous corneal injuries determine exaggerated healing responses resulting in the formation of irreversible fibrotic scars and vision impairment. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation demonstrated antifibrotic effects in both experimental fibrosis and human lung and skin fibroblasts. Here, we assessed whether sGC stimulation with BAY 41-2272 could attenuate transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation of human corneal keratocytes. Cells were challenged with TGFβ1, with/without BAY 41-2272 preincubation, and subsequently assessed for viability, proliferation, migration, chemoinvasion, as well for the expression of myofibroblast/fibroblast activation markers and contractile abilities. Treatment with BAY 41-2272 did not affect keratocyte viability, while preincubation of cells with the sGC stimulator was able to inhibit TGFβ1-induced proliferation, wound healing capacity, and invasiveness. BAY 41-2272 was also able to attenuate TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of keratocytes, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1 and PDPN gene expression, as well as in α-smooth muscle actin, α-1 chain of type I collagen, podoplanin, vimentin and N-cadherin protein expression. Finally, BAY 41-2272 significantly counteracted the TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast-like ability of keratocytes to contract collagen gels, reduced phosphorylated Smad3 protein levels, and attenuated gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our data show for the first time that BAY 41-2272 is effective in counteracting keratocyte-to-myofibroblast transition, thus providing the rationale for the development of sGC stimulators as novel promising modulators of corneal scarring and fibrosis.
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7
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Sharpe BP, Hayden A, Manousopoulou A, Cowie A, Walker RC, Harrington J, Izadi F, Breininger SP, Gibson J, Pickering O, Jaynes E, Kyle E, Saunders JH, Parsons SL, Ritchie AA, Clarke PA, Collier P, Mongan NP, Bates DO, Yacqub-Usman K, Garbis SD, Walters Z, Rose-Zerilli M, Grabowska AM, Underwood TJ. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors enhance chemotherapy in preclinical models of esophageal adenocarcinoma by targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100541. [PMID: 35732148 PMCID: PMC9244979 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The chemotherapy resistance of esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) is underpinned by cancer cell extrinsic mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME). We demonstrate that, by targeting the tumor-promoting functions of the predominant TME cell type, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), we can enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care chemotherapy. In ex vivo conditions, PDE5i prevent the transdifferentiation of normal fibroblasts to CAF and abolish the tumor-promoting function of established EAC CAFs. Using shotgun proteomics and single-cell RNA-seq, we reveal PDE5i-specific regulation of pathways related to fibroblast activation and tumor promotion. Finally, we confirm the efficacy of PDE5i in combination with chemotherapy in close-to-patient and in vivo PDX-based model systems. These findings demonstrate that CAFs drive chemotherapy resistance in EACs and can be targeted by repurposing PDE5i, a safe and well-tolerated class of drug administered to millions of patients world-wide to treat erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Sharpe
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Annette Hayden
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | - Andrew Cowie
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Robert C Walker
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jack Harrington
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Fereshteh Izadi
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Stella P Breininger
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Oliver Pickering
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Eleanor Jaynes
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ewan Kyle
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - John H Saunders
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford M6 8HD, UK
| | - Simon L Parsons
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Pamela Collier
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Biodiscovery Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - David O Bates
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Zoë Walters
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew Rose-Zerilli
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Bochenek ML, Gogiraju R, Großmann S, Krug J, Orth J, Reyda S, Georgiadis GS, Spronk H, Konstantinides S, Münzel T, Griffin JH, Wild PS, Espinola-Klein C, Ruf W, Schäfer K. EPCR-PAR1 biased signaling regulates perfusion recovery and neovascularization in peripheral ischemia. JCI Insight 2022; 7:157701. [PMID: 35700057 PMCID: PMC9431695 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.157701] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood clot formation initiates ischemic events, but coagulation roles during postischemic tissue repair are poorly understood. The endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) regulates coagulation, as well as immune and vascular signaling, by protease activated receptors (PARs). Here, we show that endothelial EPCR-PAR1 signaling supports reperfusion and neovascularization in hindlimb ischemia in mice. Whereas deletion of PAR2 or PAR4 did not impair angiogenesis, EPCR and PAR1 deficiency or PAR1 resistance to cleavage by activated protein C caused markedly reduced postischemic reperfusion in vivo and angiogenesis in vitro. These findings were corroborated by biased PAR1 agonism in isolated primary endothelial cells. Loss of EPCR-PAR1 signaling upregulated hemoglobin expression and reduced endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. Defective angiogenic sprouting was rescued by the NO donor DETA-NO, whereas NO scavenging increased hemoglobin and mesenchymal marker expression in human and mouse endothelial cells. Vascular specimens from patients with ischemic peripheral artery disease exhibited increased hemoglobin expression, and soluble EPCR and NO levels were reduced in plasma. Our data implicate endothelial EPCR-PAR1 signaling in the hypoxic response of endothelial cells and identify suppression of hemoglobin expression as an unexpected link between coagulation signaling, preservation of endothelial cell NO bioavailability, support of neovascularization, and prevention of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena L Bochenek
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie Großmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Janina Krug
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Orth
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sabine Reyda
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - George S Georgiadis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Henri Spronk
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Disease, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Münzel
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - John H Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, United States of America
| | - Philipp S Wild
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Wolfram Ruf
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katrin Schäfer
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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9
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Zabbarova IV, Ikeda Y, Kozlowski MG, Tyagi P, Birder L, Chakrabarty B, Perera S, Dhir R, Straub AC, Sandner P, Andersson KE, Drake M, Fry CH, Kanai A. Benign prostatic hyperplasia/obstruction ameliorated using a soluble guanylate cyclase activator. J Pathol 2022; 256:442-454. [PMID: 34936088 PMCID: PMC8930559 DOI: 10.1002/path.5859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a feature of ageing males. Up to half demonstrate bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including bladder overactivity. Current therapies to reduce obstruction, such as α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and 5α-reductase inhibitors, are not effective in all patients. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I) tadalafil is also approved to treat BPH and LUTS, suggesting a role for nitric oxide (NO• ), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and cGMP signalling pathways. However, PDE5I refractoriness can develop for reasons including nitrergic nerve damage and decreased NO• production, or inflammation-related oxidation of the sGC haem group, normally maintained in a reduced state by the cofactor cytochrome-b5-reductase 3 (CYB5R3). sGC activators, such as cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667), have been developed to enhance sGC activity in the absence of NO• or when sGC is oxidised. Accordingly, their effects on the prostate and LUT function of aged mice were evaluated. Aged mice (≥24 months) demonstrated a functional BPH/BOO phenotype, compared with adult animals (2-12 months), with low, delayed voiding responses and elevated intravesical pressures as measured by telemetric cystometry. This was consistent with outflow tract histological and molecular data that showed urethral constriction, increased prostate weight, greater collagen deposition, and cellular hyperplasia. All changes in aged animals were attenuated by daily oral treatment with cinaciguat for 2 weeks, without effect on serum testosterone levels. Cinaciguat had only transient (1 h) cardiovascular effects with oral gavage, suggesting a positive safety profile. The benefit of cinaciguat was suggested by its reversal of an overactive cystometric profile in CYB5R3 smooth muscle knockout mice that mirrors a profile of oxidative dysfunction where PDE5I may not be effective. Thus, the aged male mouse is a suitable model for BPH-induced BOO and cinaciguat has a demonstrated ability to reduce prostate-induced obstruction and consequent effects on bladder function. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina V. Zabbarova
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Youko Ikeda
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mark G. Kozlowski
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pradeep Tyagi
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Urology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lori Birder
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Basu Chakrabarty
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, UK
| | - Subashan Perera
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Geriatrics Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rajiv Dhir
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pathology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam C. Straub
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Karl-Erik Andersson
- Lund University, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marcus Drake
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher H. Fry
- University of Bristol, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Bristol, UK
| | - Anthony Kanai
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Renal-Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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10
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Yang J, Ouyang X, Fu H, Hou X, Liu Y, Xie Y, Yu H, Wang G. Advances in biomedical study of the myopia-related signaling pathways and mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112472. [PMID: 34861634 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myopia has become one of the most critical health problems in the world with the increasing time spent indoors and increasing close work. Pathological myopia may have multiple complications, such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, cataracts, open-angle glaucoma, and severe cases that can cause blindness. Mounting evidence suggests that the cause of myopia can be attributed to the complex interaction of environmental exposure and genetic susceptibility. An increasing number of researchers have focused on the genetic pathogenesis of myopia in recent years. Scleral remodeling and excessive axial elongating induced retina thinning and even retinal detachment are myopia's most important pathological manifestations. The related signaling pathways are indispensable in myopia occurrence and development, such as dopamine, nitric oxide, TGF-β, HIF-1α, etc. We review the current major and recent progress of biomedicine on myopia-related signaling pathways and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xinli Ouyang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Hong Fu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Xinyu Hou
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China
| | - Yongfang Xie
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
| | - Haiqun Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261031, China.
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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11
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Ferrara B, Pignatelli C, Cossutta M, Citro A, Courty J, Piemonti L. The Extracellular Matrix in Pancreatic Cancer: Description of a Complex Network and Promising Therapeutic Options. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174442. [PMID: 34503252 PMCID: PMC8430646 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The stroma is a relevant player in driving and supporting the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and a large body of evidence highlights its role in hindering the efficacy of current therapies. In fact, the dense extracellular matrix (ECM) characterizing this tumor acts as a natural physical barrier, impairing drug penetration. Consequently, all of the approaches combining stroma-targeting and anticancer therapy constitute an appealing option for improving drug penetration. Several strategies have been adopted in order to target the PDAC stroma, such as the depletion of ECM components and the targeting of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are responsible for the increased matrix deposition in cancer. Additionally, the leaky and collapsing blood vessels characterizing the tumor might be normalized, thus restoring blood perfusion and allowing drug penetration. Even though many stroma-targeting strategies have reported disappointing results in clinical trials, the ECM offers a wide range of potential therapeutic targets that are now being investigated. The dense ECM might be bypassed by implementing nanoparticle-based systems or by using mesenchymal stem cells as drug carriers. The present review aims to provide an overview of the principal mechanisms involved in the ECM remodeling and of new promising therapeutic strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Ferrara
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Cataldo Pignatelli
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Mélissande Cossutta
- INSERM U955, Immunorégulation et Biothérapie, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (M.C.); (J.C.)
- AP-HP, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Antonio Citro
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - José Courty
- INSERM U955, Immunorégulation et Biothérapie, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France; (M.C.); (J.C.)
- AP-HP, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; (B.F.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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DiNicolantonio JJ, McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Assanga S, Lujan LML, O'Keefe JH. A nutraceutical strategy for downregulating TGFβ signalling: prospects for prevention of fibrotic disorders, including post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Open Heart 2021; 8:openhrt-2021-001663. [PMID: 33879509 PMCID: PMC8061562 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James J DiNicolantonio
- Preventive Cardiology, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Assanga
- Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies in Food, University of Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
| | | | - James H O'Keefe
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Saint Lukes Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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13
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Park JH, Kim M, Yim B, Park CY. Nitric oxide attenuated transforming growth factor-β induced myofibroblast differentiation of human keratocytes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8183. [PMID: 33854158 PMCID: PMC8046755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87791-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) has the potential to modulate myofibroblast differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous NO on the myofibroblast differentiation of human keratocytes using sodium nitrite as a NO donor. Myofibroblasts were induced by exposing resting keratocytes to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. N-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were used as myofibroblast markers. Both resting keratocytes and -stimulated keratocytes were exposed to various concentrations of sodium nitrite (1 μM to 1000 mM) for 24 to 72 h. Exposure to sodium nitrite did not alter keratocytes’ viability up to a 10 mM concentration for 72 h. However, significant cytotoxicity was observed in higher concentrations of sodium nitrite (over 100 mM). The expression of αSMA and N-cadherin was significantly increased in keratocytes by TGF-β1 stimulation after 72 h incubation. The addition of sodium nitrite (1 mM) to TGF-β1-stimulated keratocytes significantly decreased αSMA and N cadherin expression. Smad3 phosphorylation decreased after sodium nitrite (1 mM) exposure in TGF-β1-stimulated keratocytes. The effect of NO was reversed when NO scavenger, 2-4-carboxyphenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) was added in the culture medium. Application of sodium nitrite resulted in significant decrease of corneal opacity when measured at 2 weeks after the chemical burn in the mouse. These results verified the potential therapeutic effect of NO to decrease myofibroblast differentiation of human keratocytes and corneal opacity after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Hee Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - Martha Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University, 814, Siksadong, Ilsan-dong-gu, Goyang, Gyunggido, 410-773, South Korea
| | - Bora Yim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University, 814, Siksadong, Ilsan-dong-gu, Goyang, Gyunggido, 410-773, South Korea
| | - Choul Yong Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University, 814, Siksadong, Ilsan-dong-gu, Goyang, Gyunggido, 410-773, South Korea.
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14
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Riociguat ameliorates kidney injury and fibrosis in an animal model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 530:706-712. [PMID: 32768189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the greatest health burdens with an increasing global prevalence. Renal fibrosis (RF) is the hallmark of all forms of CKD which shows a strong positive correlation with severity of the disease. However, there are no therapeutic options available for treatment of RF. In the present study, we used an animal model based on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), for renal injury and fibrosis. The UUO animals were treated with soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulator, riociguat (RIO) (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) to investigate its possible renoprotective effects. Kidneys of animals treated with RIO were found to show less abnormalities as compared to UUO control. Further, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were reduced in RIO treated group. Furthermore, administration of RIO reduced expression of collagen-1, TGF-β, CTGF, α-SMA, vimentin along with transcription factors including Snail and Slug. The results of the present study provided strong evidence to support the antifibrotic activity of RIO.
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15
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Ferreira WA, Chweih H, Lanaro C, Almeida CB, Brito PL, Gotardo EMF, Torres L, Miguel LI, Franco-Penteado CF, Leonardo FC, Garcia F, Saad STO, Frenette PS, Brockschnieder D, Costa FF, Stasch JP, Sandner P, Conran N. Beneficial Effects of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Stimulation and Activation in Sickle Cell Disease Are Amplified by Hydroxyurea: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:469-478. [PMID: 32631869 PMCID: PMC7445859 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.264606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia (SCA) involves intravascular hemolytic processes and recurrent vaso-occlusion, driven by chronic vascular inflammation, which result in the disease’s severe clinical complications, including recurrent painful vaso-occlusive episodes. Hydroxyurea, the only drug frequently used for SCA therapy, is a cytostatic agent, although it appears to exert nitric oxide/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) modulating activity. As new drugs that can complement or replace the use of hydroxyurea are sought to further reduce vaso-occlusive episode frequency in SCA, we investigated the effects of the sGC agonists BAY 60-2770 (sGC activator) and BAY 41-2272 (sGC stimulator) in the presence or absence of hydroxyurea on SCA vaso-occlusive mechanisms and cell recruitment both ex vivo and in vivo. These agents significantly reduced stimulated human SCA neutrophil adhesive properties ex vivo in association with the inhibition of surface β2-integrin activation. A single administration of BAY 60-2770 or BAY 41-2272 decreased tumor necrosis factor cytokine–induced leukocyte recruitment in a mouse model of SCA vaso-occlusion. Importantly, the in vivo actions of both agonists were significantly potentiated by the coadministration of hydroxyurea. Erythroid cell fetal hemoglobin (HbF) elevation is also a major goal for SCA therapy. BAY 41-2272 but not BAY 60-2770 at the concentrations employed significantly induced γ-globin gene transcription in association with HbF production in cultured erythroleukemic cells. In conclusion, sGC agonist drugs could represent a promising approach as therapy for SCA, for use either as stand-alone treatments or in combination with hydroxyurea.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Ferreira
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - H Chweih
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - C Lanaro
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - C B Almeida
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - P L Brito
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - E M F Gotardo
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - L Torres
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - L I Miguel
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - C F Franco-Penteado
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - F C Leonardo
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - F Garcia
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - S T O Saad
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - P S Frenette
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - D Brockschnieder
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - F F Costa
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - J P Stasch
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - P Sandner
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
| | - N Conran
- Hematology Center, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil (W.A.F., H.C., C.L., C.B.A., P.L.B., E.M.F.G., L.T., L.I.M., C.F.F.-P., F.C.L., F.G., S.S.T.O., F.F.C., N.C.); Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals - Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany (D.B., J.P.S., P.S.); Ruth L. and David S Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York (P.S.F.); and Hannover Medical School, Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany (P.S.)
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16
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Wang C, Pinar AA, Widdop RE, Hossain MA, Bathgate RAD, Denton KM, Kemp-Harper BK, Samuel CS. The anti-fibrotic actions of relaxin are mediated through AT 2 R-associated protein phosphatases via RXFP1-AT 2 R functional crosstalk in human cardiac myofibroblasts. FASEB J 2020; 34:8217-8233. [PMID: 32297670 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902506r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark of several cardiovascular diseases. The relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) agonist, relaxin, has rapidly occurring anti-fibrotic actions which are mediated through RXFP1 and angiotensin II receptor crosstalk on renal and cardiac myofibroblasts. Here, we investigated whether this would allow relaxin to indirectly activate angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2 R)-specific signal transduction in primary human cardiac myofibroblasts (HCMFs). The anti-fibrotic effects of recombinant human relaxin (RLX; 16.8 nM) or the AT2 R-agonist, Compound 21 (C21; 1 μM), were evaluated in TGF-β1-stimulated HCMFs, in the absence or presence of an RXFP1 antagonist (1 μM) or AT2 R antagonist (0.1 μM) to confirm RXFP1-AT2 R crosstalk. Competition binding for RXFP1 was determined. Western blotting was performed to determine which AT2 R-specific protein phosphatases were expressed by HCMFs; then, the anti-fibrotic effects of RLX and/or C21 were evaluated in the absence or presence of pharmacological inhibition (NSC95397 (1 μM) for MKP-1; okadaic acid (10 nM) for PP2A) or siRNA-knockdown of these phosphatases after 72 hours. The RLX- or C21-induced increase in ERK1/2 and nNOS phosphorylation, and decrease in α-SMA (myofibroblast differentiation) and collagen-I expression by HCMFs was abrogated by pharmacological blockade of RXFP1 or the AT2 R, confirming RXFP1-AT2 R crosstalk in these cells. HCMFs were found to express AT2 R-dependent MKP-1 and PP2A phosphatases, while pharmacological blockade or siRNA-knockdown of either phosphatase also abolished RLX and/or C21 signal transduction in HCMFs (all P < .05 vs RLX or C21 alone). These findings demonstrated that RLX can indirectly activate AT2 R-dependent phosphatase activity in HCMFs by signaling through RXFP1-AT2 R crosstalk, which have important therapeutic implications for its anti-fibrotic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Anita A Pinar
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed A Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Barbara K Kemp-Harper
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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17
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Chen X, Jia F, Li Y, Deng Y, Huang Y, Liu W, Jin Q, Ji J. Nitric oxide-induced stromal depletion for improved nanoparticle penetration in pancreatic cancer treatment. Biomaterials 2020; 246:119999. [PMID: 32247201 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.119999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Abundant desmoplastic stroma, which typically exists in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), can act as a natural protective physical barrier rendering insufficient drug delivery and penetration. To address this issue, we herein report a two-step sequential delivery strategy for enhanced pancreatic cancer therapy. In this sequential strategy, the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) loaded liposomes (Lip-SNAP) were firstly delivered to pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) in tumor tissue to inhibit the production of dense stroma, by inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1 and its downstream profibrotic signal transduction. Therefore, the PSC-mediated desmoplastic reaction could be suppressed by inhibiting the expression of fibronectin, α-SMA and collagen. The gemcitabine (GEM) loaded liposomes (Lip-GEM) were administrated subsequently. The enhanced intratumoral penetration of Lip-GEM was then achieved due to the stromal disruption in consequence of NO treatment, thus significantly improving the drug delivery efficiency. The tumor growth inhibition of the two-step sequential delivery of Lip-SNAP and Lip-GEM was investigated on both subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor mouse models, to show the remarkably improved therapeutic efficacy of GEM. Such NO-induced stromal depletion provides a general strategy to overcome the blockage of desmoplastic stroma on other therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Fan Jia
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yongzhou Li
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yongyan Deng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Yue Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang Province, PR China
| | - Weifeng Liu
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Qiao Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang Province, PR China.
| | - Jian Ji
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang Province, PR China
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sGC stimulator praliciguat suppresses stellate cell fibrotic transformation and inhibits fibrosis and inflammation in models of NASH. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:11057-11062. [PMID: 31085647 PMCID: PMC6561202 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821045116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an increasingly common disease characterized by liver steatosis and inflammation—with fibrosis being an important indicator of disease progression and severity—and is associated with reduced endothelial function and NO–soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) signaling. Signaling downstream of NO can be restored using praliciguat, an sGC stimulator. Within the liver, stellate cells and myofibroblasts express sGC (unlike hepatocytes) and thus can be stimulated by praliciguat. Increased sGC activity inhibits fibrotic transformation and inflammatory responses in stellate cells potentially through AMPK and SMAD7. The effects on isolated stellate cells translate to human microtissues and in vivo models where treatment with praliciguat reduces inflammation, fibrosis, and steatosis. These preclinical results support further investigation of praliciguat as a potential therapy for NASH/fibrosis. Endothelial dysfunction and reduced nitric oxide (NO) signaling are a key element of the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Stimulators of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) enhance NO signaling; have been shown preclinically to reduce inflammation, fibrosis, and steatosis; and thus have been proposed as potential therapies for NASH and fibrotic liver diseases. Praliciguat, an oral sGC stimulator with extensive distribution to the liver, was used to explore the role of this signaling pathway in NASH. We found that sGC is expressed in hepatic stellate cells and stellate-derived myofibroblasts, but not in hepatocytes. Praliciguat acted directly on isolated hepatic stellate cells to inhibit fibrotic and inflammatory signaling potentially through regulation of AMPK and SMAD7. Using in vivo microdialysis, we demonstrated stimulation of the NO–sGC pathway by praliciguat in both healthy and fibrotic livers. In preclinical models of NASH, praliciguat treatment was associated with lower levels of liver fibrosis and lower expression of fibrotic and inflammatory biomarkers. Praliciguat treatment lowered hepatic steatosis and plasma cholesterol levels. The antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effects of praliciguat were recapitulated in human microtissues in vitro. These data provide a plausible cellular basis for the mechanism of action of sGC stimulators and suggest the potential therapeutic utility of praliciguat in the treatment of NASH.
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Sandner P. From molecules to patients: exploring the therapeutic role of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators. Biol Chem 2019; 399:679-690. [PMID: 29604206 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) signaling represents one of the major regulatory pathways for cardiovascular function. After the discovery of NO, awarded with the Nobel Prize in 1998, this signaling cascade was stepwise clarified. We now have a good understanding of NO production and NO downstream targets such as the soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGCs) which catalyze cGMP production. Based on the important role of NO-signaling in the cardiovascular system, intense research and development efforts are currently ongoing to fully exploit the therapeutic potential of cGMP increase. Recently, NO-independent stimulators of sGC (sGC stimulators) were discovered and characterized. This new compound class has a unique mode of action, directly binding to sGC and triggering cGMP production. The first sGC stimulator made available to patients is riociguat, which was approved in 2013 for the treatment of different forms of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Besides riociguat, other sGC stimulators are in clinical development, with vericiguat in phase 3 clinical development for the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF). Based on the broad impact of NO/cGMP signaling, sGC stimulators could have an even broader therapeutic potential beyond PH and HF. Within this review, the NO/sGC/cGMP/PKG/PDE-signaling cascade and the major pharmacological intervention sites are described. In addition, the discovery and mode of action of sGC stimulators and the clinical development in PH and HF is covered. Finally, the preclinical and clinical evidence and treatment approaches for sGC stimulators beyond these indications and the cardiovascular disease space, like in fibrotic diseases as in systemic sclerosis (SSc), are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Drug-Discovery, Pharma Research Center Wuppertal, Aprather Weg 18a, D-42069 Wuppertal, Germany.,Hannover Medical School, Department of Pharmacology, Hannover, Germany
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20
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Discovery and development of sGC stimulators for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension and rare diseases. Nitric Oxide 2018; 77:88-95. [PMID: 29738821 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The NO/sGC/cGMP signaling cascade plays a pivotal role in regulation of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and cardiorenal diseases and impairment of this cascade results in severe pathologies. Therefore, pharmacological interventions, targeting this pathway are promising strategies for treating a variety of diseases. Nitrates, supplementing NO and, PDE5 inhibitors preventing cGMP degradation, are used for angina pectoris treatment and the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), respectively. More recently, a new class of drugs which directly stimulate the sGC enzyme and trigger NO-independent cGMP production was introduced and termed sGC stimulators. In 2013, the first sGC stimulator, riociguat, was approved for the treatment of PAH and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Since cGMP targets multiple intracellular downstream targets, sGC stimulators have shown - beyond the well characterized vasodilatation - anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects. These additional modes of action might extend the therapeutic potential of this drug class substantially. This review summarizes the NO/sGC/cGMP signaling cascades, the discovery and the mode of action of sGC stimulators. Furthermore, the preclinical evidence and development of riociguat for the treatment of PAH and CTEPH is reviewed. Finally, a summary of the antifibrotic effects of sGC stimulators, especially the most recent finding for skin fibrosis are included which may indicate efficacy in fibrotic diseases like Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).
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Sandner P, Stasch JP. Anti-fibrotic effects of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators and activators: A review of the preclinical evidence. Respir Med 2016; 122 Suppl 1:S1-S9. [PMID: 28341058 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that the NO-sGC-cGMP signal transduction system mediates many different physiological functions in almost every conceivable organ system; this has been best characterized in the cardiovascular system where NO-driven cGMP production exerts a plethora of cytoprotective and anti-atherogenic effects, including dilatation, inhibition of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, blockade of leukocyte recruitment, and anti-platelet activity. Accordingly, dysfunctional NO-sGC-cGMP mediated signaling is perceived as the underlying pathophysiological cause of many cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases. Due to the fundamental role of sGC in the signaling pathways triggered by NO, novel sGC 'modulators' have been identified that directly stimulate both heme-containing as well as heme-free sGC, the so-called 'sGC activators' and 'sGC stimulators', respectively. The beneficial effects of this new family of sGC 'modulators' extend beyond vasodilation, and their potential in other cardiovascular diseases aside from pulmonary arterial hypertension is promising. In animal models of hypertension and heart failure, reno-protective effects, attenuated cardiac fibrosis, and attenuated hypertrophy independent of hemodynamic effects have been shown. During recent years it has become obvious that cGMP increase by sGC modulators exerts direct antifibrotic efficacy in various organs as well as the skin. This review will provide an overview of the preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies for different fibrotic disorders including chronic renal, cardiac, liver, and lung fibrosis, as well as sclerosis and wound healing. Moreover, this review provides evidence for a new mode of action of sGC 'modulators' and its implication for clinical investigations in the treatment of fibrotic disorders such as pulmonary fibrosis and skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sandner
- Bayer HealthCare AG, Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany; Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Johannes Peter Stasch
- Bayer HealthCare AG, Drug Discovery, Wuppertal, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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