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Shi Y, Ma J, Li S, Liu C, Liu Y, Chen J, Liu N, Liu S, Huang H. Sex difference in human diseases: mechanistic insights and clinical implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:238. [PMID: 39256355 PMCID: PMC11387494 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01929-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex characteristics exhibit significant disparities in various human diseases, including prevalent cardiovascular diseases, cancers, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Risk profiles and pathological manifestations of these diseases exhibit notable variations between sexes. The underlying reasons for these sex disparities encompass multifactorial elements, such as physiology, genetics, and environment. Recent studies have shown that human body systems demonstrate sex-specific gene expression during critical developmental stages and gene editing processes. These genes, differentially expressed based on different sex, may be regulated by androgen or estrogen-responsive elements, thereby influencing the incidence and presentation of cardiovascular, oncological, metabolic, immune, and neurological diseases across sexes. However, despite the existence of sex differences in patients with human diseases, treatment guidelines predominantly rely on male data due to the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials. At present, there exists a substantial knowledge gap concerning sex-specific mechanisms and clinical treatments for diverse diseases. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the advances of sex differences on human diseases by examining epidemiological factors, pathogenesis, and innovative progress of clinical treatments in accordance with the distinctive risk characteristics of each disease and provide a new theoretical and practical basis for further optimizing individualized treatment and improving patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncong Shi
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities for Nutritional Metabolism and Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianshuai Ma
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities for Nutritional Metabolism and Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sijin Li
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities for Nutritional Metabolism and Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities for Nutritional Metabolism and Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities for Nutritional Metabolism and Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ningning Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiming Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities for Nutritional Metabolism and Precise Prevention and Control of Major Chronic Diseases, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhao R, Hu J, Wen H, Zhao J, Wang Y, Niu X, Zhang M, Wang T, Li Y. Inhibition of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice by attenuating cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2024; 21:53. [PMID: 39080739 PMCID: PMC11290217 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-024-00797-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is closely linked to abnormal glycosylation modifications. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V), which catalyzes the production of N-linked -1-6 branching of oligosaccharides, is involved in several pathophysiological mechanisms of many disorders, including cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the mechanism by which GnT-V regulates cardiac hypertrophy in diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of GnT-V on myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic cardiomyopathy and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ) was intraperitoneally injected into mice to induce diabetic cardiomyopathy. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying negative control small hairpin RNA (shNC) or GnT-V-specifc small hairpin RNA (shGnT-V) was used to manipulate GnT-V expression. In our study, forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (10 mice per group): control mice with AAV-shNC, diabetic cardiomyopathy mice with AAV-shNC, control mice with AAV-shGnT-V, and diabetic cardiomyopathy mice with AAV-shGnT-V. In addition, H9C2 cells and primary neonatal cardiac fibroblasts treated with high glucose were used as a cell model of diabetes. Analysis of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, as well as functional studies, were used to investigate the underlying molecular pathways. RESULTS AAV-mediated GnT-V silencing dramatically improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in diabetic mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GnT-V was elevated in cardiomyocytes and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in response to high glucose stimulation. GnT-V knockdown significantly reduced the expression of the integrinβ1 signaling pathway, as evidenced by decreased downstream ERK1/2 activity, which inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy accompanied by reduced ANP, BNP, and β-MHC expression. Furthermore, knocking down GnT-V expression lowered the TGF-β1-Smads signaling pathway, which reduced the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our research indicated that GnT-V may be a useful therapeutic target to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy, primarily in the inhibition of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqiang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - He Wen
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jieqiong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaona Niu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xinsi Road No.569, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China.
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Almusallam N, Alonazi A, Dayel AB, Almubarak A, Ali R, Althakfi W, Ali R, Alrasheed N. Antifibrotic effect of the P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 against acute myocardial infarction-induced fibrotic remodelling. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102102. [PMID: 39035363 PMCID: PMC11258548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) fibrosis is a pathophysiologic process characterised by activation of the profibrotic mediator, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). AMI is associated with a substantial increase in the levels of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP), which acts on the purinergic P2X7-receptor (P2X7-R) and triggers an inflammatory response that contributes to myocardial fibrotic remodelling. P2X7-R has been implicated in several cardiovascular diseases; however, its role in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effect of the P2X7-R antagonist, A740003, on post-AMI fibrosis, via the profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway, and elucidate whether its effect is mediated via the modulation of GSK-3β. AMI was induced by surgical ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, Thereafter, animals were divided into groups: sham control, MI-untreated, MI-vehicle, and MI-A740003 (50 mg/kg/day) and treated for seven days accordingly. The heart weight/body weight ratio of untreated-ligated rats significantly increased by 15.1 %, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) significantly increased by 40 %, troponin-I levels significantly increased by 25.4 %, and lactate dehydrogenase significantly increased by 47.2 %, indicating myocardial damage confirmed by morphological changes and massive cardiac fibrosis. The protein expression of cardiac fibronectin, TGF-β1, and p-Smad2 were also upregulated by 143 %, 40 %, and 8 %, respectively, indicating cardiac fibrosis. The treatment of ligated rats with A740003 led to improvement in all the above-mentioned parameters. Overall, A740003 exhibits potential cardio-protective effects on post-AMI fibrotic remodelling in the animal model of AMI through P2X7-R blockade, possibly by downregulating the profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad signalling pathway and restoring GSK-3β phosphorylation. Altogether, treatment with A740003 could serve as a new cardioprotective strategy to attenuate post-AMI fibrotic remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Almusallam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmaceutical Care Department, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 11196, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Alonazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anfal Bin Dayel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Almubarak
- Experimental Surgery and Animal Laboratory, Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz Health Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rizwan Ali
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Medical Research Core Facility and Platforms, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wajd Althakfi
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, KSUMC, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rehab Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf Alrasheed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Yang S, Pei L, Huang Z, Zhong Y, Li J, Hong Y, Long H, Chen X, Zhou C, Zheng G, Zeng C, Wu H, Wang T. Inhibition of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 can prevent cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction. Mol Med 2024; 30:89. [PMID: 38879488 PMCID: PMC11179352 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00856-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to enhanced activity of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting in cardiac fibrosis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) has been shown to promote cell proliferation and phenotypic transition. However, it remains unclear whether ACP5 is involved in the development of cardiac fibrosis after MI. The present study aimed to investigate the role of ACP5 in post-MI fibrosis and its potential underlying mechanisms. METHODS Clinical blood samples were collected to detect ACP5 concentration. Myocardial fibrosis was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The ACP5 inhibitor, AubipyOMe, was administered by intraperitoneal injection. Cardiac function and morphological changes were observed on Day 28 after injury. Cardiac CFs from neonatal mice were extracted to elucidate the underlying mechanism in vitro. The expression of ACP5 was silenced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and overexpressed by adeno-associated viruses to evaluate its effect on CF activation. RESULTS The expression of ACP5 was increased in patients with MI, mice with MI, and mice with Ang II-induced fibrosis in vitro. AubipyOMe inhibited cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in mice after MI. ACP5 inhibition reduced cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic changes in CFs in vitro, while adenovirus-mediated ACP5 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, the classical profibrotic pathway of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β)/β-catenin was changed with ACP5 modulation, which indicated that ACP5 had a positive regulatory effect. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of ACP5 deficiency on the GSK3β/β-catenin pathway was counteracted by an ERK activator, which indicated that ACP5 regulated GSK3β activity through ERK-mediated phosphorylation, thereby affecting β-catenin degradation. CONCLUSION ACP5 may influence the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transition of CFs, leading to the development of myocardial fibrosis after MI through modulating the ERK/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujun Yang
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Liying Pei
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zijie Huang
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yinsheng Zhong
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yinghui Hong
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Huibao Long
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xuxiang Chen
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Changqing Zhou
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Guanghui Zheng
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Chaotao Zeng
- Department of Emergency, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Haidong Wu
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Emergency, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518003, Guangdong, P. R. China.
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Huang Y, Chu C, Mai Y, Zhao Y, Cao L, Ji S, Zhu B, Shen Q. Treatment of peritoneal fibrosis: Therapeutic prospects of bioactive Agents from Astragalus membranaceus. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1347234. [PMID: 38835665 PMCID: PMC11148558 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1347234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal dialysis is one of the renal replacement treatments for patients with end-stage renal disease. Peritoneal dialysis-related peritoneal fibrosis is a pathological change in peritoneal tissue of peritoneal dialysis patients with progressive, non-suppurative inflammation accompanied by fibrous tissue hyperplasia, resulting in damage to the original structure and function, leading to peritoneal function failure. Currently, there is no specific drug in the clinic. Therefore, it is necessary to find a drug with good effects and few adverse reactions. Astragalus membranaceus (AMS) is the dried root of the Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. AMS and its active ingredients play a significant role in anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, regulation of immune function and regulation of blood pressure. Studies have shown that it can alleviate peritoneal fibrosis by reducing inflammatory response, inhibiting oxidative stress, degrading extracellular matrix deposition, regulating apoptosis, and regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β. The author summarized the relationship between AMS and its active ingredients by referring to relevant literature at home and abroad, in order to provide some theoretical basis for further clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenling Chu
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Stomatology, School of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Mai
- Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luxi Cao
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuiyu Ji
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Quanquan Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital Bijie Hospital, Bijie, China
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Peng F, Liao M, Jin W, Liu W, Li Z, Fan Z, Zou L, Chen S, Zhu L, Zhao Q, Zhan G, Ouyang L, Peng C, Han B, Zhang J, Fu L. 2-APQC, a small-molecule activator of Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), alleviates myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:133. [PMID: 38744811 PMCID: PMC11094072 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01816-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is well known as a conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase located in the mitochondria that may regulate oxidative stress, catabolism and ATP production. Accumulating evidence has recently revealed that SIRT3 plays its critical roles in cardiac fibrosis, myocardial fibrosis and even heart failure (HF), through its deacetylation modifications. Accordingly, discovery of SIRT3 activators and elucidating their underlying mechanisms of HF should be urgently needed. Herein, we identified a new small-molecule activator of SIRT3 (named 2-APQC) by the structure-based drug designing strategy. 2-APQC was shown to alleviate isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo rat models. Importantly, in SIRT3 knockout mice, 2-APQC could not relieve HF, suggesting that 2-APQC is dependent on SIRT3 for its protective role. Mechanically, 2-APQC was found to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/ small mother against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) pathways to improve ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis. Based upon RNA-seq analyses, we demonstrated that SIRT3-pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) axis was closely assoiated with HF. By activating PYCR1, 2-APQC was shown to enhance mitochondrial proline metabolism, inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS)-p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) pathway and thereby protecting against ISO-induced mitochondrialoxidative damage. Moreover, activation of SIRT3 by 2-APQC could facilitate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-Parkin axis to inhibit ISO-induced necrosis. Together, our results demonstrate that 2-APQC is a targeted SIRT3 activator that alleviates myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, which may provide a new clue on exploiting a promising drug candidate for the future HF therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu Peng
- West China School of Pharmacy and Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Minru Liao
- West China School of Pharmacy and Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wenke Jin
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Wei Liu
- West China School of Pharmacy and Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zixiang Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhichao Fan
- West China School of Pharmacy and Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ling Zou
- West China School of Pharmacy and Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Lingjuan Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Gu Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- West China School of Pharmacy and Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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7
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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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8
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Wang X, Zhao C, Lin J, Liu H, Zeng Q, Chen H, Wang Y, Xu D, Chen W, Xu M, Zhang E, Lin D, Lin Z. Multi-omics analysis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas reveals distinct molecular subgroups with prognostic and treatment response significance. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:859-870. [PMID: 37565822 PMCID: PMC10997223 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002774] [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: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is the commonest pediatric sellar tumor. No effective drug is available and interpatient heterogeneity is prominent. This study aimed to identify distinct molecular subgroups of ACP based on the multi-omics profiles, imaging findings, and histological features, in order to predict the response to anti-inflammatory treatment and immunotherapies. METHODS Totally 142 Chinese cases diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas were profiled, including 119 ACPs and 23 papillary craniopharyngiomas. Whole-exome sequencing (151 tumors, including recurrent ones), RNA sequencing (84 tumors), and DNA methylome profiling (95 tumors) were performed. Consensus clustering and non-negative matrix factorization were used for subgrouping, and Cox regression were utilized for prognostic evaluation, respectively. RESULTS Three distinct molecular subgroups were identified: WNT, ImA, and ImB. The WNT subgroup showed higher Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, with a greater number of epithelial cells and more predominantly solid tumors. The ImA and ImB subgroups had activated inflammatory and interferon response pathways, with enhanced immune cell infiltration and more predominantly cystic tumors. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MEK/MAPK) signaling was activated only in ImA samples, while IL-6 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers were highly expressed in the ImB group, mostly consisting of children. The degree of astrogliosis was significantly elevated in the ImA group, with severe finger-like protrusions at the invasive front of the tumor. The molecular subgrouping was an independent prognostic factor, with the WNT group having longer event-free survival than ImB (Cox, P = 0.04). ImA/ImB cases were more likely to respond to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy than the WNT group ( P <0.01). In the preliminary screening of subtyping markers, CD38 was significantly downregulated in WNT compared with ImA and ImB ( P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS ACP comprises three molecular subtypes with distinct imaging and histological features. The prognosis of the WNT type is better than that of the ImB group, which is more likely to benefit from the ICB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianlong Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Chuan Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Jincheng Lin
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Hongxing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Qiuhong Zeng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Huadong Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Dapeng Xu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Moping Xu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - En Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Medical Bioinformatics, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Da Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100093, China
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9
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Improta-Caria AC, Rodrigues LF, Joaquim VHA, De Sousa RAL, Fernandes T, Oliveira EM. MicroRNAs regulating signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: potential role of the exercise training. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H497-H510. [PMID: 38063810 PMCID: PMC11219062 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00410.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity develop long-term fibrotic processes in the heart, promoting pathological cardiac remodeling, including after myocardial infarction, reparative fibrotic processes also occur. These processes are regulated by many intracellular signaling pathways that have not yet been completely elucidated, including those associated with microRNA (miRNA) expression. miRNAs are small RNA transcripts (18-25 nucleotides in length) that act as posttranscriptionally regulators of gene expression, inhibiting or degrading one or more target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and proven to be involved in many biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, directly affecting the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiac fibrosis. Exercise training can modulate the expression of miRNAs and it is known to be beneficial in various cardiovascular diseases, attenuating cardiac fibrosis processes. However, the signaling pathways modulated by the exercise associated with miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis were not fully understood. Thus, this review aims to analyze the expression of miRNAs that modulate signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis processes that can be regulated by exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Cleber Improta-Caria
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Antonio Joaquim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Fernandes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edilamar Menezes Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Medicine, USF Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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10
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Liang LL, He MF, Zhou PP, Pan SK, Liu DW, Liu ZS. GSK3β: A ray of hope for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23458. [PMID: 38315453 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302160r] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, is characterized by its complex pathogenesis, high risk of chronic renal failure, and lack of effective diagnosis and treatment methods. GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3β), a highly conserved threonine/serine kinase, was found to activate glycogen synthase. As a key molecule of the glucose metabolism pathway, GSK3β participates in a variety of cellular activities and plays a pivotal role in multiple diseases. However, these effects are not only mediated by affecting glucose metabolism. This review elaborates on the role of GSK3β in DKD and its damage mechanism in different intrinsic renal cells. GSK3β is also a biomarker indicating the progression of DKD. Finally, the protective effects of GSK3β inhibitors on DKD are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Lu Liang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Fei He
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Pan-Pan Zhou
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shao-Kang Pan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Wei Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhang-Suo Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Henan Province Research Center For Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
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11
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Zhang F, Zeng Z, Zhang J, Li X, Yang W, Wei Y, Guo X. Pterostilbene attenuates heart failure by inhibiting myocardial ferroptosis through SIRT1/GSK-3β/GPX4 signaling pathway. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24562. [PMID: 38318046 PMCID: PMC10838740 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustained myocardial injury due to hypertension and diabetes mellitus leads to production of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) and insufficient myocardial antioxidant capacity, increasing the risk of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic form of cell death driven by unrestricted lipid peroxidation. Dysfunction of the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) antioxidant system also plays an important role in ferroptosis. Cardiomyocyte ferroptosis ultimately leads to myocardial deterioration, such as inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac remodeling, resulting in structural and functional changes. Pterostilbene (PTS), a demethylated derivative of resveratrol, exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities. In this study, we used in vitro experiments to explore ferroptosis induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) of primary cardiac myocytes (CMs) and in vivo experiments to prepare a transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac dysfunction mouse model. PTS can significantly ameliorate Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in vitro and reduce cardiac remodeling, while improving cardiac function in mice after TAC in vivo. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that PTS exerts its protective effect through the SIRT1/GSK-3β/GPX4 pathway. After siRNA-mediated knockdown of SIRT1 or GPX4 in CMs, the protective effects of PTS on cardiomyocytes were abolished. This study provides important theoretical support for the potential of PTS to attenuate pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure and provides a preliminary exploration of the molecular pathways involved in its protective mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuanglin Zeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuelian Li
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumiao Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Guo
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
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12
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Visone R, Paoletti C, Cordiale A, Nicoletti L, Divieto C, Rasponi M, Chiono V, Occhetta P. In Vitro Mechanical Stimulation to Reproduce the Pathological Hallmarks of Human Cardiac Fibrosis on a Beating Chip and Predict The Efficacy of Drugs and Advanced Therapies. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301481. [PMID: 37941521 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301481] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is one of the main causes of heart failure, significantly contributing to mortality. The discovery and development of effective therapies able to heal fibrotic pathological symptoms thus remain of paramount importance. Micro-physiological systems (MPS) are recently introduced as promising platforms able to accelerate this finding. Here a 3D in vitro model of human cardiac fibrosis, named uScar, is developed by imposing a cyclic mechanical stimulation to human atrial cardiac fibroblasts (AHCFs) cultured in a 3D beating heart-on-chip and exploited to screen drugs and advanced therapeutics. The sole provision of a cyclic 10% uniaxial strain at 1 Hz to the microtissues is sufficient to trigger fibrotic traits, inducing a consistent fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and an enhanced expression and production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Standard of care anti-fibrotic drugs (i.e., Pirfenidone and Tranilast) are confirmed to be efficient in preventing the onset of fibrotic traits in uScar. Conversely, the mechanical stimulation applied to the microtissues limit the ability of a miRNA therapy to directly reprogram fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes (CMs), despite its proved efficacy in 2D models. Such results demonstrate the importance of incorporating in vivo-like stimulations to generate more representative 3D in vitro models able to predict the efficacy of therapies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Visone
- BiomimX Srl, Milan, 20157, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Informatics and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Camilla Paoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cordiale
- Department of Electronics, Informatics and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Letizia Nicoletti
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Carla Divieto
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Division of Advanced Materials and Life Sciences, Turin, 10135, Italy
| | - Marco Rasponi
- Department of Electronics, Informatics and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Valeria Chiono
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
- Centro 3R (Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research), Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Paola Occhetta
- BiomimX Srl, Milan, 20157, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Informatics and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, 20133, Italy
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13
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Zhang X, Cui S, Ding Y, Li Y, Wu B, Gao J, Li M, Xu L, Xia H. Downregulation of B4GALT5 attenuates cardiac fibrosis through Lumican and Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176263. [PMID: 38081351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176263] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Virtually all forms of cardiac disease exhibit cardiac fibrosis as a common trait, which ultimately leads to adverse ventricular remodeling and heart failure. To improve the prognosis of heart disease, it is crucial to halt the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Protein function is intricately linked with protein glycosylation, a vital post-translational modification. As a fundamental member of the β1,4-galactosyltransferase gene family (B4GALT), β1,4-galactosyltransferase V (B4GALT5) is associated with various disorders. In this study, significant levels of B4GALT5 expression were observed in cardiac fibrosis induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or TGFβ1 and the activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Subsequently, by administering AAV9-shB4GALT5 injections to TAC animals, we were able to demonstrate that in vivo B4GALT5 knockdown decreased the transformation of CFs into myofibroblasts (myoFBs) and reduced the deposition of cardiac collagen fibers. In vitro tests revealed the same results. Conversely, both in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that overexpression of B4GALT5 stimulates CFs activation and exacerbates cardiac fibrosis. Initially, we elucidated the primary mechanism by which B4GALT5 regulates the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway and directly interacts with laminin, thereby affecting cardiac fibrosis. Our findings demonstrate that B4GALT5 promotes cardiac fibrosis through the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway and reveal laminin as the target protein of B4GALT5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xutao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Shengyu Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yuewen Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of Anesthesiology and Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, China
| | - Yuhua Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jixian Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China.
| | - Hao Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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14
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Lofrumento F, Irrera N, Licordari R, Perfetti S, Nasso E, Liotta P, Isgrò G, Garcia-Ruiz V, Squadrito F, Carerj S, Di Bella G, Micari A, Costa F. Off-Target Effects of P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors: Focus on Early Myocardial Fibrosis Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17546. [PMID: 38139379 PMCID: PMC10743395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417546] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that, beyond their antithrombotic effects, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may provide additional off-target effects through different mechanisms. These effects range from the preservation of endothelial barrier function to the modulation of inflammation or stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, with an impact on different cell types, including endothelial and immune cells. Many P2Y12 inhibitors have been developed, from ticlopidine, the first thienopyridine, to the more potent non-thienopyridine derivatives such as ticagrelor which may promote cardioprotective effects following myocardial infarction (MI) by inhibiting adenosine reuptake through sodium-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). Adenosine may affect different molecular pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as the Wnt (wingless-type)/beta (β)-catenin signaling. An early pro-fibrotic response of the epicardium and activation of cardiac fibroblasts with the involvement of Wnt1 (wingless-type family member 1)/β-catenin, are critically required for preserving cardiac function after acute ischemic cardiac injury. This review discusses molecular signaling pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis post MI, focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and the off-target effect of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. A potential role of ticagrelor was speculated in the early modulation of cardiac fibrosis, thanks to its off-target effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lofrumento
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Roberto Licordari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Silvia Perfetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Enrica Nasso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Paolo Liotta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Giovanni Isgrò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | | | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Scipione Carerj
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Gianluca Di Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (F.L.); (R.L.); (S.P.); (E.N.); (P.L.); (G.I.); (F.S.); (S.C.); (G.D.B.)
| | - Antonio Micari
- BIOMORF Department, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Costa
- BIOMORF Department, Policlinic “G. Martino”, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (A.M.); (F.C.)
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15
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Khan H, Bangar A, Grewal AK, Singh TG. Mechanistic Implications of GSK and CREB Crosstalk in Ischemia Injury. Neurotox Res 2023; 42:1. [PMID: 38091155 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00680-1] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a damage to an organ when the blood supply is less than the demand required for normal functioning, leading to exacerbation of cellular dysfunction and death. IR injury occurs in different organs like the kidney, liver, heart, brain, etc., and may not only involve the ischemic organ but also cause systemic damage to distant organs. Oxygen-glucose deprivation in cells causes oxidative stress, calcium overloading, inflammation, and apoptosis. CREB is an essential integrator of the body's various physiological systems, and it is widely accepted that dysfunction of CREB signaling is involved in many diseases, including ischemia-reperfusion injury. The activation of CREB can provide life to a cell and increase the cell's survival after ischemia. Hence, GSK/CREB signaling pathway can provide significant protection to cells of different organs after ischemia and emerges as a futuristic strategy for managing ischemia-reperfusion injury. Different signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK, TLR4/MyD88, RISK, Nrf2, and NF-κB, get altered during IR injury by the modulation of GSK-3 and CREB (cyclic AMP response element (CRE)-binding protein). GSK-3 (protein kinase B) and CREB are the downstream targets for fulfilling the roles of various signaling pathways. Calcium overloading during ischemia increases the expression of calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK), which subsequently activates CREB-mediated transcription, thus promoting the survival of cells. Furthermore, this review highlights the crosstalk between GSK-3 and CREB, promoting survival and rendering the cells resistant to subsequent severe ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heena Khan
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, 140401, India
| | - Annu Bangar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, 140401, India
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Claridge B, Rai A, Lees JG, Fang H, Lim SY, Greening DW. Cardiomyocyte intercellular signalling increases oxidative stress and reprograms the global- and phospho-proteome of cardiac fibroblasts. JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 2:e125. [PMID: 38938901 PMCID: PMC11080892 DOI: 10.1002/jex2.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Pathological reprogramming of cardiomyocyte and fibroblast proteome landscapes drive the initiation and progression of cardiac fibrosis. Although the secretome of dysfunctional cardiomyocytes is emerging as an important driver of pathological fibroblast reprogramming, our understanding of the downstream molecular players remains limited. Here, we show that cardiac fibroblast activation (αSMA+) and oxidative stress mediated by the secretome of TGFβ-stimulated cardiomyocytes is associated with a profound reprogramming of their proteome and phosphoproteome landscape. Within the fibroblast global proteome there was a striking dysregulation of proteins implicated in extracellular matrix, protein localisation/metabolism, KEAP1-NFE2L2 pathway, lysosomes, carbohydrate metabolism, and transcriptional regulation. Kinase substrate enrichment analysis of phosphopeptides revealed potential role of kinases (CK2, CDK2, PKC, GSK3B) during this remodelling. We verified upregulated activity of casein kinase 2 (CK2) in secretome-treated fibroblasts, and pharmacological CK2 inhibitor TBB (4,5,6,7-Tetrabromobenzotriazole) significantly abrogated fibroblast activation and oxidative stress. Our data provides molecular insights into cardiomyocyte to cardiac fibroblast crosstalk, and the potential role of CK2 in regulating cardiac fibroblast activation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Claridge
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and ImplementationLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and EnvironmentLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and ImplementationLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Jarmon G. Lees
- O'Brien Institute DepartmentSt Vincent's Institute of Medical ResearchFitzroyVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Surgery and MedicineUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Haoyun Fang
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Shiang Y. Lim
- O'Brien Institute DepartmentSt Vincent's Institute of Medical ResearchFitzroyVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Surgery and MedicineUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Drug Discovery Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - David W. Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and ImplementationLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and EnvironmentLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Baker Department of Cardiometabolic HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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Yu W, Li L, Tan X, Liu X, Yin C, Cao J. Development and validation of risk prediction and neural network models for dilated cardiomyopathy based on WGCNA. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1239056. [PMID: 37869159 PMCID: PMC10585101 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1239056] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a progressive heart condition characterized by ventricular dilatation and impaired myocardial contractility with a high mortality rate. The molecular characterization of DCM has not been determined yet. Therefore, it is crucial to discover potential biomarkers and therapeutic options for DCM. Methods The hub genes for the DCM were screened using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and three different algorithms in Cytoscape. These genes were then validated in a mouse model of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced DCM. Based on the validated hub genes, a prediction model and a neural network model were constructed and validated in a separate dataset. Finally, we assessed the diagnostic efficiency of hub genes and their relationship with immune cells. Results A total of eight hub genes were identified. Using RT-qPCR, we validated that the expression levels of five key genes (ASPN, MFAP4, PODN, HTRA1, and FAP) were considerably higher in DCM mice compared to normal mice, and this was consistent with the microarray results. Additionally, the risk prediction and neural network models constructed from these genes showed good accuracy and sensitivity in both the combined and validation datasets. These genes also demonstrated better diagnostic power, with AUC greater than 0.7 in both the combined and validation datasets. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed differences in the abundance of most immune cells between DCM and normal samples. Conclusion The current findings indicate an underlying association between DCM and these key genes, which could serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and treating DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingjiao Li
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | | | - Xiaozhu Liu
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengliang Yin
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Junyi Cao
- Department of Medical Quality Control, The First People’s Hospital of Zigong City, Zigong, China
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Yu YN, Ren YY, Shao ZL, Chen BL, Cui BY, Chao CY, Guo LJ, Guo S, Zhang MX, Wang SX, Zhu ML, Yin YL, Li P. Perillaldehyde improves diabetic cardiomyopathy by upregulating miR-133a-3p to regulate GSK-3β. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 953:175836. [PMID: 37329971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is part of the most important causes of death from cardiovascular disease. Perillaldehyde (PAE), a major component of the herb perilla, has been shown to ameliorate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, but it is unclear whether PAE exerts beneficial effects on DCM. Exploring the potential molecular mechanisms of PAE for the treatment of DCM through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The SD rat type 1 diabetes model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), the cardiac function indexes of each group were detected by echocardiography; the morphological changes, apoptosis, protein expression of P-GSK-3β (S9), collagen I (Col-Ⅰ), collagen III (Col-Ⅲ) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and miR-133a-3p expression levels were detected. An DCM model of H9c2 cells was established in vitro and transfected with Mimic and Inhibitor of miR-133a-3p. The results showed that PAE ameliorated cardiac dysfunction, reduced fasting glucose and cardiac weight index, and improved myocardial injury and apoptosis in DCM rats. It reduced high glucose-induced apoptosis, promoted migration and improved mitochondrial division injury in H9c2 cells. PAE decreased P-GSK-3β (S9), Col-Ⅰ, Col-Ⅲ and α-SMA protein expression and upregulated miR-133a-3p expression levels. After miR-133a-3p Inhibitor treatment, the expression of P-GSK-3β (S9) and α-SMA expression were significantly increased; after miR-133a-3p Mimic treatment, the expression of P-GSK-3β (S9) and α-SMA decreased significantly in H9c2 cells. It suggests that the mechanism of action of PAE to improve DCM may be related to the upregulation of miR-133a-3p and inhibition of P-GSK-3β expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Zhen-Lei Shao
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Bu-Lei Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Bao-Yue Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | | | - Li-Juan Guo
- Department of Oncology, Xinxiang Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Xinxiang, 453119, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, China
| | - Ming-Xiang Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China
| | - Shuang-Xi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Mo-Li Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Ya-Ling Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Sino-UK Joint Laboratory of Brain Function and Injury of Henan Province, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
| | - Peng Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Drug Intervention, Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Vascular Remodeling Intervention and Molecular Targeted Therapy Drug Development, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, China.
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Li Y, Guo L. The versatile role of Serpina3c in physiological and pathological processes: a review of recent studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1189007. [PMID: 37288300 PMCID: PMC10242157 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1189007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Murine Serpina3c belongs to the family of serine protease inhibitors (Serpins), clade "A" and its human homologue is SerpinA3. Serpina3c is involved in some physiological processes, including insulin secretion and adipogenesis. In the pathophysiological process, the deletion of Serpina3c leads to more severe metabolic disorders, such as aggravated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance and obesity. In addition, Serpina3c can improve atherosclerosis and regulate cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Many of these processes are directly or indirectly mediated by its inhibition of serine protease activity. Although its function has not been fully revealed, recent studies have shown its potential research value. Here, we aimed to summarize recent studies to provide a clearer view of the biological roles and the underlying mechanisms of Serpina3c.
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Mannino F, Imbesi C, Bitto A, Minutoli L, Squadrito F, D'Angelo T, Booz C, Pallio G, Irrera N. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ellagic and punicic acid in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114666. [PMID: 37030134 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and an increased production of fibrillar collagen in the cardiac interstitium, mainly caused by the activation of cardiac fibroblasts and their transition into myofibroblasts. Oxidative stress is deeply implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis both directly and via its involvement in the tumor growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Ellagic acid (EA) and punicic acid (PA) are the main components of the Punica granatum L (pomegranate) fruit and seed oil respectively, whose antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects have been previously described. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EA or PA or EA+PA in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis. Immortalized Human Cardiac Fibroblasts (IM-HCF) were stimulated with 10 ng/ml of TGF-β1 for 24 h to induce a fibrotic damage. Cells were then treated with EA (1 µM), PA (1 µM) or EA+PA for additional 24 h. Both EA and PA reduced the pro-fibrotic proteins expressions and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The anti-oxidant activity was also observed by Nrf2 activation with the consequent TGF-β1-Smad2/3-MMP2/9 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibition, thus reducing collagen production. EA and PA significantly inhibit NF-κB pathway and, consequently, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels: the greater effect was observed when EA and PA were used in combination. These results suggest that EA, PA and in particular EA+PA might be effective in reducing fibrosis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by the modulation of different molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Imbesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Tommaso D'Angelo
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria Gazzi, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Christian Booz
- Division of Experimental Imaging, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via C. Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Bertaud A, Joshkon A, Heim X, Bachelier R, Bardin N, Leroyer AS, Blot-Chabaud M. Signaling Pathways and Potential Therapeutic Strategies in Cardiac Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021756. [PMID: 36675283 PMCID: PMC9866199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis constitutes irreversible necrosis of the heart muscle as a consequence of different acute (myocardial infarction) or chronic (diabetes, hypertension, …) diseases but also due to genetic alterations or aging. Currently, there is no curative treatment that is able to prevent or attenuate this phenomenon that leads to progressive cardiac dysfunction and life-threatening outcomes. This review summarizes the different targets identified and the new strategies proposed to fight cardiac fibrosis. Future directions, including the use of exosomes or nanoparticles, will also be discussed.
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Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension forms the first and most severe of the 5 categories of pulmonary hypertension. Disease pathogenesis is driven by progressive remodeling of peripheral pulmonary arteries, caused by the excessive proliferation of vascular wall cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, and perivascular inflammation. Compelling evidence from animal models suggests endothelial cell dysfunction is a key initial trigger of pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is characterised by hyperproliferation and early apoptosis followed by enrichment of apoptosis-resistant populations. Dysfunctional pulmonary arterial endothelial cells lose their ability to produce vasodilatory mediators, together leading to augmented pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell responses, increased pulmonary vascular pressures and right ventricular afterload, and progressive right ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. It is recognized that a range of abnormal cellular molecular signatures underpin the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension and are enhanced by loss-of-function mutations in the BMPR2 gene, the most common genetic cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension and associated with worse disease prognosis. Widespread metabolic abnormalities are observed in the heart, pulmonary vasculature, and systemic tissues, and may underpin heterogeneity in responsivity to treatment. Metabolic abnormalities include hyperglycolytic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, aberrant polyamine and sphingosine metabolism, reduced insulin sensitivity, and defective iron handling. This review critically discusses published mechanisms linking metabolic abnormalities with dysfunctional BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2) signaling; hypothesized mechanistic links requiring further validation; and their relevance to pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis and the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iona Cuthbertson
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Caruso
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, United Kingdom
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Song X, Nie L, Long J, Zhao J, Liu X, Wang L, Liu D, Wang S, Liu S, Yang J. Hydrogen sulfide alleviates hypothyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis in rats through stimulating autophagy and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 27:1-8. [PMID: 36575928 PMCID: PMC9806643 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2023.27.1.1] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism alone can lead to myocardial fibrosis and result in heart failure, but traditional hormone replacement therapy does not improve the fibrotic situation. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a new gas signaling molecule, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic capabilities. Whether H2S could improve hypothyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis are not yet studied. In our study, H2S could decrease collagen deposition in the myocardial tissue of rats caused by hypothyroidism. Furthermore, in hypothyroidism-induced rats, we found that H2S could enhance cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE), not cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), protein expressions. Finally, we noticed that H2S could elevate autophagy levels and inhibit the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signal transduction pathway. In conclusion, our experiments not only suggest that H2S could alleviate hypothyroidism-induced myocardial fibrosis by activating autophagy and suppressing TGF-β1/SMAD family member 2 (Smad 2) signal transduction pathway, but also show that it can be used as a complementary treatment to conventional hormone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Song
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Liangui Nie
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Junrong Long
- Department of Cardiology, The People's Hospital of Shuangfeng County, Loudi, Hunan 417700, China
| | - Junxiong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Liuyang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Da Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Shengquan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China,Correspondence Shengquan Liu, E-mail: , Jun Yang, E-mail:
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China,Correspondence Shengquan Liu, E-mail: , Jun Yang, E-mail:
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Chang X, Liu R, Li R, Peng Y, Zhu P, Zhou H. Molecular Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:426-448. [PMID: 36632466 PMCID: PMC9830521 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a special type of coronary heart disease or an advanced stage of the disease, which is related to the pathological mechanism of primary dilated cardiomyopathy. Ischemic cardiomyopathy mainly occurs in the long-term myocardial ischemia, resulting in diffuse myocardial fibrosis. This in turn affects the cardiac ejection function, resulting in a significant impact on myocardial systolic and diastolic function, resulting in a decrease in the cardiac ejection fraction. The pathogenesis of ICM is closely related to coronary heart disease. Mainly due to coronary atherosclerosis caused by coronary stenosis or vascular occlusion, causing vascular inflammatory lesions and thrombosis. As the disease progresses, it leads to long-term myocardial ischemia and eventually ICM. The pathological mechanism is mainly related to the mechanisms of inflammation, myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. Mitochondria are organelles with a double-membrane structure, so the composition of the mitochondrial outer compartment is basically similar to that of the cytoplasm. When ischemia-reperfusion induces a large influx of calcium into the cell, the concentration of calcium ions in the mitochondrial outer compartment also increases. The subsequent opening of the membrane permeability transition pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane and the resulting calcium overload induces the homeostasis of cardiomyocytes and activates the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Mitochondrial Quality Control (MQC), as an important mechanism for regulating mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes, affects the morphological structure/function and lifespan of mitochondria. In this review, we discuss the role of MQC (including mitophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, and mitochondrial biosynthesis) in the pathogenesis of ICM and provide important evidence for targeting MQC for ICM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chang
- Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruxiu Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hao Zhou, Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Centre of People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China; E-mail: . Pingjun Zhu, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; . Ruxiu Liu, Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; E-mail:
| | - Ruibing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Medical Centre, Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Youyou Peng
- Montverde Future Academy Shanghai, 88 Jianhao Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China
| | - Pingjun Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hao Zhou, Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Centre of People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China; E-mail: . Pingjun Zhu, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; . Ruxiu Liu, Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; E-mail:
| | - Hao Zhou
- Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Centre of People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Hao Zhou, Senior Department of Cardiology, The Sixth Medical Centre of People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China; E-mail: . Pingjun Zhu, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China; . Ruxiu Liu, Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; E-mail:
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Du C, Dong J, Wang Q, Xu C, Feng S, Feng R, Lv X, Li J, Zhang L, Huang C, Ma T. Hastatoside attenuatescarbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154585. [PMID: 36610117 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154585] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hastatoside is an iridoid glycoside extracted from the herb, Verbena officinalis, that exerts various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, sleep-promoting, and analgesic effects. However, only a few studies have reported the efficacy of hastatoside in liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis is a pathophysiological process, and its persistence can seriously affect the quality of life and well-being of the patients. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the role of hastatoside on liver fibrosis and its possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS C57BL/6 J mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis were used as the in vivo models. Histological features of the liver were observed using Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels and the hepatic fibrosis indices (type 3 procollagen, laminin, and hyaluronic acid) were measured using corresponding assay kits. LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated with the transforming growth factor β1 were used as the vitro models. Transfection of the glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β small interfering RNA (siRNA) and β-catenin plasmids was also performed in vitro. Protein levels of GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser 9), α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I alpha 1, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and β-catenin were determined via western blotting. Moreover, the p-GSK-3β:GSK-3β ratio was calculated to determine the GSK-3β activity. RESULTS Hastatoside prevented CCl4-induced liver injury and histological damage. It inhibited the upregulation of α-SMA and Col1α1 levels in a CCl4-induced mouse hepatic fibrosis model. In vitro, hastatoside inhibited the proliferation and activation of HSCs by decreasing the expression levels of cyclin D1 and c-Myc and the proportion of LX-2 cells activated in the G0/G1 phase. Molecular docking results showed that hastatoside bound to GSK-3β. Hastatoside significantly increased the GSK-3β activity and inhibited the downstream effector expression of β-catenin. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that hastatoside can bind to GSK-3β and promote its activity, while inhibiting the GSK-3β downstream effector expression of β-catenin, thereby inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs, which further prevents the development of liver fibrosis. These results provide innovative insights into the underlying liver fibrosis. Moreover, hastatoside is a potential anti-fibrosis monomer that can potentially be used for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changlin Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Jiahui Dong
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Chuanting Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Shiqi Feng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Rui Feng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China.
| | - Taotao Ma
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granule, Anhui Medical University, China.
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Wan J, Jiang Z, Liu D, Pan S, Zhou S, Liu Z. Inhibition of the glycogen synthase kinase 3β-hypoxia-inducible factor 1α pathway alleviates NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis induced by high glucose in renal tubular epithelial cells. Exp Physiol 2022; 107:1493-1506. [PMID: 36056793 DOI: 10.1113/ep090685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Activation of the glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK-3β)-hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α) pathway results in stimulation of pyroptosis under high glucose, and exerts actions in a number renal diseases: does this pathway have a role in renal tubular epithelial cells? What is the main finding and its importance? Down-regulation of GSK-3β can inhibit pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose and this may be related to down-regulation of HIF-1α. This role of the GSK-3β-HIF-1α pathway has not previously been reported and identifies a potential new therapeutic target in diabetic nephropathy. ABSTRACT Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is not only one of the main complications of diabetes, but also has a high incidence rate and a high mortality rate. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK-3β) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1α) have been demonstrated to influence DN by regulating pyroptosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the GSK-3β-HIF-1α pathway on pyroptosis of high-glucose (HG)-induced renal tubular cells. Mouse renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (TKPT cells) were induced by HG to simulate DN cell and we transfected TKPT cells with GSK-3β knockdown lentivirus. Western blot analysis confirmed the transfection effects and detected the expression of GSK-3β, HIF-1α, Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cleaved-caspase-1, pro-caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD) and GSDMD-N. The expression of GSDMD-N and HIF-1α were also verified by immunofluorescence. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometric analysis determined the apoptosis rate. Results showed that HIF-1α expression was increased in HG-induced TKPT cells, and GSK-3β knockdown could decrease the levels of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD-N and HIF-1α, verified by immunofluorescence. Moreover, GSK-3β knockdown suppressed the expression of IL-1β and IL-18, and reduced the apoptosis rate. Lithium chloride (LiCl) interference could cause the same changes as GSK-3β knockdown for HG-induced TKPT cells, and dimethyloxallyl glycine could reverse the effect of GSK-3β-knockdown interference. Our studies definitively demonstrate that the GSK-3β-HIF-1α signalling pathway mediates HG-stimulated pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells and that down-regulation of GSK-3β inhibited HG-induced pyroptosis by inhibiting the expression of HIF-1α. These findings suggest a new potential target for the treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Wan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Ziming Jiang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dongwei Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shaokang Pan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Sijie Zhou
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Zhangsuo Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Research Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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Cai H, Zhou L, Liu J, Li Z, Chen S. Independent and combined effects of liraglutide and aerobic interval training on glycemic control and cardiac protection in diabetic cardiomyopathy rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 629:112-120. [PMID: 36116373 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study intended to explore the hypoglycemic and cardioprotective effects of 8-week aerobic interval training combined with liraglutide and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHOD Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups - normal control group (CON), diabetic cardiomyopathy group (DCM), high-dose liraglutide group (DH), low-dose liraglutide group (DL), and aerobic interval training combined with liraglutide group (DLE). High-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) were used to induce the DCM model, and both the liraglutide administration group and combination therapy group allocated to 8 weeks of either liraglutide or liraglutide and exercise intervention. Cardiac functions were analyzed by electrocardiography. Blood biochemical parameters were measured to judge glycemic control conditions. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Sirus red staining was used to identify cardiac morphology and collagen accumulation, respectively. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were determined by enzymatic methods. The mRNA expression of myocardial remodeling genes (BNP, GSK3β, α-MHC, β-MHC and PPARα) and the protein expression of GLP-1, GLP-1R were analyzed. RESULTS DCM rats developed hyperglycemia, impaired cardiac function with accumulation of AGEs and collagen (P < 0.05). The development of hyperglycemia and cardiac dysfunction was significantly attenuated with all interventions, as reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function (P < 0.05). Cardiac remodeling genes were normalized after all interventions, these positive modifications were due to increased GLP-1 and GLP-1R expression in DCM heart (P < 0.05). Liraglutide combined with AIT significantly increased the diameters of cardiomyocytes, increased the α-MHC expressionx, reduced PPARαexpression and reduced the fluctuation of blood glucose level, which showed the safety and effective of medicine combined with exercise. CONCLUSION Liraglutide combined with AIT intervention normalized blood glucose alleviates myocardial fibrosis and improves cardiac contractile function in DCM rats, supporting the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Cai
- Tianjin University of Sport, College of Exercise and Health Sciences, Tianjin, 300060, China; NO.1 Hospital of Baoding, Department of Endocrinology, Baoding, 071066, China
| | - Linling Zhou
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China; Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050057, China
| | - Jingqin Liu
- Tianjin University of Sport, College of Exercise and Health Sciences, Tianjin, 300060, China; NO.1 Hospital of Baoding, Department of Endocrinology, Baoding, 071066, China
| | - Zelin Li
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China; Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050057, China
| | - Shuchun Chen
- Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China; Department of Endocrinology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050057, China.
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Song Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Hu S, Wang J, Deng G, Zhou Z. AMPK/Sirt1-mediated inflammation is positively correlated with myocardial fibrosis during ageing. Acta Cardiol 2022; 77:826-835. [PMID: 36378531 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2022.2119667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world, and it increases dramatically with ageing. The objective of this study was to elucidate age-dependent molecular changes of inflammation and its correlation with the progression of myocardial fibrosis. METHODS Methods: Male SD rats aged 3, 6, 9 and 24 months were used in this study. H&E staining was used to assessed histo-morphological changes in different ages. Masson's trichrome staining was used to evaluate myocardial fibrosis. Immunofluorescence as well as western blot was carried out to detect the expression of vimentin. Real-time PCR was used to detect the level of pro-inflammatory chemokines MCP-1, IL1β, TNFα and IL-6. Western blotting was also carried out to detect p-AMPK, Sirt1, AC-NF-κB expression. RESULTS Myocardial pathological changes and fibrosis are positively correlated with age. Ageing rats showed an enhanced expression of inflammatory factors and the activation of cardiac fibroblasts increases. Meanwhile, the expression of p-AMPK, Sirt1 and downstream AC-NF-κB increased significantly during ageing. Furthermore, the 15-24 months of age in rats is the fastest changing stage of increased inflammation and decreased Sirt1 activity. CONCLUSIONS Ageing is an independent risk factor for the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis. During ageing, myocardial fibroblasts are activated, accompanied by an increase in extracellular matrix deposition. The inflammation mediated by AMPK/Sirt1/NF-κB signalling pathway is closely positively correlated with the activation of myocardial fibroblasts and the progression of myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xulan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Shanshan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jin'er Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Gaigai Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Zhiyong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine Approved by State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yichang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Medical College of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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Wang X, He K, Ma L, Wu L, Yang Y, Li Y. Puerarin attenuates isoproterenol‑induced myocardial hypertrophy via inhibition of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2022; 26:306. [PMID: 35946454 PMCID: PMC9437969 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial hypertrophy (MH) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which in turn lead to arrhythmia or heart failure. Therefore, attention must be paid to formulation of therapeutic strategies for MH. Puerarin is a key bioactive ingredient isolated from Pueraria genera of plants that is beneficial for the treatment of MH. However, its molecular mechanism of action has not been fully determined. In the present study, 40 µM puerarin was demonstrated to be a safe dose for human AC16 cells using Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay. The protective effects of puerarin against MH were demonstrated in AC16 cells stimulated with isoproterenol (ISO). These effects were characterized by a significant decrease in surface area of cells (assessed using fluorescence staining) and mRNA and protein expression levels of MH‑associated biomarkers, including atrial and brain natriuretic peptide, assessed using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting, as well as β‑myosin heavy chain mRNA expression levels. Mechanistically, western blotting demonstrated that puerarin inhibited activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. Puerarin also significantly decreased phosphorylation of p65; this was mediated via crosstalk between the Wnt and NF‑κB signaling pathways. An inhibitor (Dickkopf‑1) and activator (IM‑12) of the Wnt signaling pathway were used to demonstrate that puerarin‑mediated effects alleviated ISO‑induced MH via the Wnt signaling pathway. The results of the present study demonstrated that puerarin pre‑treatment may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing ISO‑induced MH and managing MH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Kai He
- Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Ma
- College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, P.R. China
| | - Lan Wu
- College of Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, P.R. China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Graduate School, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
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Umbarkar P, Tousif S, Singh AP, Anderson JC, Zhang Q, Tallquist MD, Woodgett J, Lal H. Fibroblast GSK-3α Promotes Fibrosis via RAF-MEK-ERK Pathway in the Injured Heart. Circ Res 2022; 131:620-636. [PMID: 36052698 PMCID: PMC9481711 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure is the leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and health care expenditures worldwide. Numerous studies have implicated GSK-3 (glycogen synthase kinase-3) as a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. GSK-3 isoforms seem to play overlapping, unique and even opposing functions in the heart. Previously, we have shown that of the 2 isoforms of GSK-3, cardiac fibroblast GSK-3β acts as a negative regulator of myocardial fibrosis in the ischemic heart. However, the role of cardiac fibroblast-GSK-3α in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases is completely unknown. METHODS To define the role of cardiac fibroblast-GSK-3α in myocardial fibrosis and heart failure, GSK-3α was deleted from fibroblasts or myofibroblasts with tamoxifen-inducible Tcf21- or Postn-promoter-driven Cre recombinase. Control and GSK-3α KO mice were subjected to cardiac injury and heart parameters were evaluated. The fibroblast kinome mapping was carried out to delineate molecular mechanism followed by in vivo and in vitro analysis. RESULTS Fibroblast-specific GSK-3α deletion restricted fibrotic remodeling and preserved function of the injured heart. We observed reductions in cell migration, collagen gel contraction, α-SMA protein levels, and expression of ECM genes in TGFβ1-treated KO fibroblasts, indicating that GSK-3α is required for myofibroblast transformation. Surprisingly, GSK-3α deletion did not affect SMAD3 activation, suggesting the profibrotic role of GSK-3α is SMAD3 independent. The molecular studies confirmed decreased ERK signaling in GSK-3α-KO CFs. Conversely, adenovirus-mediated expression of a constitutively active form of GSK-3α (Ad-GSK-3αS21A) in fibroblasts increased ERK activation and expression of fibrogenic proteins. Importantly, this effect was abolished by ERK inhibition. CONCLUSIONS GSK-3α-mediated MEK-ERK activation is a critical profibrotic signaling circuit in the injured heart, which operates independently of the canonical TGF-β1-SMAD3 pathway. Therefore, strategies to inhibit the GSK-3α-MEK-ERK signaling circuit could prevent adverse fibrosis in diseased hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Umbarkar
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1913, USA
| | - Sultan Tousif
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1913, USA
| | - Anand P. Singh
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1913, USA
| | - Joshua C. Anderson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1913, USA
| | - Qinkun Zhang
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1913, USA
| | | | - James Woodgett
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hind Lal
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-1913, USA
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Cai J, Wang T, Zhou Y, Tang C, Liu Y, Dong Z. Phosphorylation by GSK-3β increases the stability of SIRT6 to alleviate TGF-β-induced fibrotic response in renal tubular cells. Life Sci 2022; 308:120914. [PMID: 36057401 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The deacetylase Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) is up-regulated during fibrogenesis in renal tubular cells and post-ischemia/reperfusion kidneys. Hence, our aim was to investigate the mechanism of SIRT6 up-regulation upon profibrotic stress. MAIN METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of UBC9 in the kidney section. The interaction of GSK-3β and SIRT6, and phosphorylation level of SIRT6 were detected by the immunoprecipitation assay. The wild-type and phosphorylated site mutant plasmids of SIRT6 were constructed and stably transfected to BUMPT cells to evaluate the phosphorylation function of SIRT6 by immunoblotting assay. KEY FINDINGS The phosphorylation of SIRT6 is significantly increased during TGF-β treatment in mouse renal tubular cells. GSK-3β can physically interact with SIRT6 in renal tubular cells, and this interaction is enhanced by TGF-β treatment. Moreover, GSK-3β is the phosphorylation kinase for SIRT6, and phosphorylates SIRT6 at Serine 326 residue to prevent its ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation. Non-phosphorylatable mutant, S326A, of SIRT6, restores β-catenin activation and fibrotic changes in renal tubular cells. SIGNIFICANCE The present study demonstrates that a new mechanism for GSK-3β-mediated anti-fibrotic function in renal fibrosis through phosphorylation of SIRT6 to prevent its proteasomal degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tianshi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunqian Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Astragaloside IV attenuated TGF-β1- induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells via connexin 43 and Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101831. [PMID: 35643056 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of the study was to observe whether connexin 43 (Cx43) could regulate epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) by influencing Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and whether ASV could inhibit the development of renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating Cx43. METHODS Lentivirus infection was transfected into RTECs with the final concentration of 50 ×PFU/ cell to regulate the expression of Cx43. And RTECs were intervened by different doses of Astragaloside IV (ASV). After synchronous culture of RTECs in each group,the expression levels of EMT-related indicators and Cx43 were detected by fluorescence microscope and Western-Blotting (WB), even the protein expressions and phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR in different groups were detected by WB. RESULTS When the expression of Cx43 in RTECs was regulated by lentivirus infection, the degree of EMT induced by TGF‑β1 and the phosphorylation level of Akt and mTOR were changed accordingly, indicating that Akt/mTOR pathway might be a downstream molecular mechanism by which Cx43 could regulate EMT. After intervention with different doses of ASV, the expression level of Cx43 increased with obvious concentration dependence, and the expression levels of p-Akt and p- mTOR were significantly altered, suggesting that ASV could effectively increase the protein expressions of TGF‑β1-induced Cx43 in RTECs and inhibit the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR. CONCLUSION Cx43 were the main material basis of RTECs' injury, and ASV could inhibit TGF-β1- induced RTECs' transdifferentiation. In-depth study of the mechanism might provide a broad application prospect for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.
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Lai Q, Liu FM, Rao WL, Yuan GY, Fan ZY, Zhang L, Fu F, Kou JP, Yu BY, Li F. Aminoacylase-1 plays a key role in myocardial fibrosis and the therapeutic effects of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 in mouse heart failure. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2003-2015. [PMID: 34916608 PMCID: PMC9343399 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00830-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously found that the levels of metabolite N-acetylglutamine were significantly increased in urine samples of patients with heart failure (HF) and in coronary artery ligation (CAL)-induced HF mice, whereas the expression of its specific metabolic-degrading enzyme aminoacylase-1 (ACY1) was markedly decreased. In the current study, we investigated the role of ACY1 in the pathogenesis of HF and the therapeutic effects of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 in HF experimental models in vivo and in vitro. HF was induced in mice by CAL. The mice were administered Rg3 (7.5, 15, 30 mg · kg-1· d-1, i.g.), or positive drug metoprolol (Met, 5.14 mg · kg-1· d-1, i.g.), or ACY1 inhibitor mono-tert-butyl malonate (MTBM, 5 mg · kg-1 · d-1, i.p.) for 14 days. We showed that administration of MTBM significantly exacerbated CAL-induced myocardial injury, aggravated cardiac dysfunction, and pathological damages, and promoted myocardial fibrosis in CAL mice. In Ang II-induced mouse cardiac fibroblasts (MCFs) model, overexpression of ACY1 suppressed the expression of COL3A1 and COL1A via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, whereas ACY1-siRNA promoted the cardiac fibrosis responses. We showed that a high dose of Rg3 (30 mg · kg-1· d-1) significantly decreased the content of N-acetylglutamine, increased the expression of ACY1, and inhibited TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in CAL mice; Rg3 (25 μM) exerted similar effects in Ang II-treated MCFs. Meanwhile, Rg3 treatment ameliorated cardiac function and pathological features, and it also attenuated myocardial fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. In Ang II-treated MCFs, the effects of Rg3 on collagen deposition and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway were slightly enhanced by overexpression of ACY1, whereas ACY1 siRNA partially weakened the beneficial effects of Rg3, suggesting that Rg3 might suppress myocardial fibrosis through ACY1. Our study demonstrates that N-acetylglutamine may be a potential biomarker of HF and its specific metabolic-degrading enzyme ACY1 could be a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of myocardial fibrosis during the development of HF. Rg3 attenuates myocardial fibrosis to ameliorate HF through increasing ACY1 expression and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, which provides some references for further development of anti-fibrotic drugs for HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Lai
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Fu-ming Liu
- grid.410745.30000 0004 1765 1045Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029 China
| | - Wang-lin Rao
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Guang-ying Yuan
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Zhao-yang Fan
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Lu Zhang
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Fei Fu
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Jun-ping Kou
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Bo-yang Yu
- grid.254147.10000 0000 9776 7793Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198 China
| | - Fang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Research Center for Traceability and Standardization of TCMs, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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Stojanovic D, Mitic V, Stojanovic M, Milenkovic J, Ignjatovic A, Milojkovic M. The Scientific Rationale for the Introduction of Renalase in the Concept of Cardiac Fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:845878. [PMID: 35711341 PMCID: PMC9193824 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.845878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis represents a redundant accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting from a cascade of pathophysiological events involved in an ineffective healing response, that eventually leads to heart failure. The pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis involves various cellular effectors (neutrophils, macrophages, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts), up-regulation of profibrotic mediators (cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors), and processes where epithelial and endothelial cells undergo mesenchymal transition. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the main source of matrix proteins. The most effective anti-fibrotic strategy will have to incorporate the specific targeting of the diverse cells, pathways, and their cross-talk in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibroproliferation. Additionally, renalase, a novel protein secreted by the kidneys, is identified. Evidence demonstrates its cytoprotective properties, establishing it as a survival element in various organ injuries (heart, kidney, liver, intestines), and as a significant anti-fibrotic factor, owing to its, in vitro and in vivo demonstrated pleiotropy to alleviate inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, necrosis, and fibrotic responses. Effective anti-fibrotic therapy may seek to exploit renalase’s compound effects such as: lessening of the inflammatory cell infiltrate (neutrophils and macrophages), and macrophage polarization (M1 to M2), a decrease in the proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines/reactive species/growth factor release (TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, MIP-2, ROS, TGF-β1), an increase in anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl2), and prevention of caspase activation, inflammasome silencing, sirtuins (1 and 3) activation, and mitochondrial protection, suppression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a decrease in the pro-fibrotic markers expression (’α-SMA, collagen I, and III, TIMP-1, and fibronectin), and interference with MAPKs signaling network, most likely as a coordinator of pro-fibrotic signals. This review provides the scientific rationale for renalase’s scrutiny regarding cardiac fibrosis, and there is great anticipation that these newly identified pathways are set to progress one step further. Although substantial progress has been made, indicating renalase’s therapeutic promise, more profound experimental work is required to resolve the accurate underlying mechanisms of renalase, concerning cardiac fibrosis, before any potential translation to clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dijana Stojanovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Valentina Mitic
- Department of Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Institute for Treatment and Rehabilitation "Niska Banja", Niska Banja, Serbia
| | - Miodrag Stojanovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia.,Center of Informatics and Biostatistics in Healthcare, Institute for Public Health, Niš, Serbia
| | - Jelena Milenkovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ignjatovic
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia.,Center of Informatics and Biostatistics in Healthcare, Institute for Public Health, Niš, Serbia
| | - Maja Milojkovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
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Sirtuins and Hypoxia in EMT Control. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060737. [PMID: 35745656 PMCID: PMC9228842 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a physiological process during embryogenesis, can become pathological in the presence of different driving forces. Reduced oxygen tension or hypoxia is one of these forces, triggering a large number of molecular pathways with aberrant EMT induction, resulting in cancer and fibrosis onset. Both hypoxia-induced factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, act as master transcription factors implicated in EMT. On the other hand, hypoxia-dependent HIF-independent EMT has also been described. Recently, a new class of seven proteins with deacylase activity, called sirtuins, have been implicated in the control of both hypoxia responses, HIF-1α and HIF-2α activation, as well as EMT induction. Intriguingly, different sirtuins have different effects on hypoxia and EMT, acting as either activators or inhibitors, depending on the tissue and cell type. Interestingly, sirtuins and HIF can be activated or inhibited with natural or synthetic molecules. Moreover, recent studies have shown that these natural or synthetic molecules can be better conveyed using nanoparticles, representing a valid strategy for EMT modulation. The following review, by detailing the aspects listed above, summarizes the interplay between hypoxia, sirtuins, and EMT, as well as the possible strategies to modulate them by using a nanoparticle-based approach.
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Cucu I, Nicolescu MI, Busnatu ȘS, Manole CG. Dynamic Involvement of Telocytes in Modulating Multiple Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Cytoarchitecture. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5769. [PMID: 35628576 PMCID: PMC9143034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac interstitium is a complex and dynamic environment, vital for normal cardiac structure and function. Telocytes are active cellular players in regulating main events that feature myocardial homeostasis and orchestrating its involvement in heart pathology. Despite the great amount of data suggesting (microscopically, proteomically, genetically, etc.) the implications of telocytes in the different physiological and reparatory/regenerative processes of the heart, understanding their involvement in realizing the heart's mature cytoarchitecture is still at its dawn. Our scrutiny of the recent literature gave clearer insights into the implications of telocytes in the WNT signaling pathway, but also TGFB and PI3K/AKT pathways that, inter alia, conduct cardiomyocytes differentiation, maturation and final integration into heart adult architecture. These data also strengthen evidence for telocytes as promising candidates for cellular therapies in various heart pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Cucu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ștefan-Sebastian Busnatu
- Department of Cardiology-“Bagdasar Arseni” Emergency Clinical Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cătălin Gabriel Manole
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Pathology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
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Li Y, Shen Z, Jiang X, Wang Y, Yang Z, Mao Y, Wu Z, Li G, Chen H. Mouse mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal miR-466f-3p reverses EMT process through inhibiting AKT/GSK3β pathway via c-MET in radiation-induced lung injury. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:128. [PMID: 35392967 PMCID: PMC8988379 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02351-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Radiation-induced lung fibrosis (RILF) is a common complication of thoracic radiotherapy. Alveolar epithelial cells play a crucial role in lung fibrosis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells own the beneficial properties to repair and regeneration of damaged tissues, however the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods Mouse mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (mMSCs-Exo) were isolated by differential centrifugation, and their protective effects were assessed in vivo and in vitro, respectively. EMT-associated proteins were measured via western blot assay and/or immunofluorescence staining. The miRNA expression was measured by microarray assay and qPCR. Furthermore, bioinformatics prediction with KEGG analysis, luciferase assay, and rescue experiments were performed to explore the molecular mechanism underlying miR-466f-3p. Results mMSCs-Exos were efficiently isolated ranging from 90-150 nm with high expression of exosomal markers (CD63, TSG101, and CD9). mMSCs-Exos administration efficiently relieved radiation-induced lung injury with less collagen deposition and lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Meanwhile, in vitro results showed mMSCs-Exos treatment obviously reversed EMT process induced by radiation. Among enriched miRNA cargo in exosomes, miR-466f-3p was primarily responsible for the protective effects via inhibition of AKT/GSK3β pathway. Our mechanistic study further demonstrated that c-MET was the direct target of miR-466f-3p, whose restoration partially abrogated mMSCs-Exo-mediated inhibition in both EMT process and AKT/GSK3β signaling activity induced by radiation. Conclusions Our findings indicated that exosomal miR-466f-3p derived from mMSCs may possess anti-fibrotic properties and prevent radiation-induced EMT through inhibition of AKT/GSK3β via c-MET, providing a promising therapeutic modality for radiation-induced lung fibrosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02351-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Teaching Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 212 Daguan Road, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Zhufu Shen
- Department of Geriatrics, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Teaching Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Teaching Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 212 Daguan Road, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Teaching Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Zuozhang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Yuchi Mao
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Teaching Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 212 Daguan Road, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Zhixian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou, 354200, China
| | - Gaofeng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China.
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Oncology, 920th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Teaching Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 212 Daguan Road, Kunming, 650032, China.
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Ikushima E, Ishikane S, Kishigami T, Matsunaga H, Igawa K, Tomooka K, Nishimura Y, Takahashi-Yanaga F. 2,5-Dimethylcelecoxib attenuates cardiac fibrosis caused by cryoinjury-induced myocardial infarction by suppressing the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation via inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114950. [PMID: 35143754 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (DM-C), a derivative of celecoxib, lacks cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory effects and suppresses cardiac remodeling by activating glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). However, it remains unclear whether DM-C attenuates fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transformation (FMT), which plays a key role in cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of DM-C on FMT using a cryoinjury-induced myocardial infarction (CMI) mouse model. We found that DM-C attenuated the deterioration of left ventricular ejection fraction after CMI by decreasing cardiac fibrosis. Analysis of the expression level of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker for myofibroblasts, indicated that DM-C decreased FMT at the cardiac injury site. To investigate the mechanism by which DM-C attenuated FMT, fibroblasts obtained from the heart were stimulated with TGF-β to induce FMT, and the effect of DM-C was analyzed. DM-C suppressed the expression of α-SMA and the phosphorylation levels of Smad 2/3 and GSK-3, indicating that DM-C suppressed α-SMA expression by inhibiting the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway via activation of GSK-3. DM-C decreased the expression of collagen, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and Snail, which are also known to accelerate cardiac fibrosis. These results suggested that DM-C attenuated cardiac fibrosis by suppressing FMT at the injured site after CMI by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway via activation of GSK-3. Thus, DM-C has potential against cardiac disease as a novel anti-fibrotic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eigo Ikushima
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shin Ishikane
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takehiro Kishigami
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Matsunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Igawa
- Department of Molecular and Material Science, Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Tomooka
- Department of Molecular and Material Science, Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Nishimura
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Fumi Takahashi-Yanaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Gupte M, Tousif S, Lemon JJ, Toro Cora A, Umbarkar P, Lal H. Isoform-Specific Role of GSK-3 in High Fat Diet Induced Obesity and Glucose Intolerance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030559. [PMID: 35159367 PMCID: PMC8834358 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-associated metabolic disorders are rising to pandemic proportions; hence, there is an urgent need to identify underlying molecular mechanisms. Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) signaling is highly implicated in metabolic diseases. Furthermore, GSK-3 expression and activity are increased in Type 2 diabetes patients. However, the isoform-specific role of GSK-3 in obesity and glucose intolerance is unclear. Pharmacological GSK-3 inhibitors are not isoform-specific, and tissue-specific genetic models are of limited value to predict the clinical outcome of systemic inhibiion. To overcome these limitations, we created novel mouse models of ROSA26CreERT2-driven, tamoxifen-inducible conditional deletion of GSK-3 that allowed us to delete the gene globally in an isoform-specific and temporal manner. Isoform-specific GSK-3 KOs and littermate controls were subjected to a 16-week high-fat diet (HFD) protocol. On an HFD, GSK-3α KO mice had a significantly lower body weight and modest improvement in glucose tolerance compared to their littermate controls. In contrast, GSK-3β-deletion-mediated improved glucose tolerance was evident much earlier in the timeline and extended up to 12 weeks post-HFD. However, this protective effect weakened after chronic HFD (16 weeks) when GSK-3β KO mice had a significantly higher body weight compared to controls. Importantly, GSK-3β KO mice on a control diet maintained significant improvement in glucose tolerance even after 16 weeks. In summary, our novel mouse models allowed us to delineate the isoform-specific role of GSK-3 in obesity and glucose tolerance. From a translational perspective, our findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in patients receiving lithium therapy, which is thought to work by GSK-3 inhibition mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Gupte
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (H.L.)
| | - Sultan Tousif
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (S.T.); (A.T.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Jacob J. Lemon
- Department of Biology, Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044, USA;
| | - Angelica Toro Cora
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (S.T.); (A.T.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Prachi Umbarkar
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (S.T.); (A.T.C.); (P.U.)
| | - Hind Lal
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (S.T.); (A.T.C.); (P.U.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (H.L.)
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Ding N, Zheng C. Jiangtang Tongmai Prescription Reduced Diabetic Lung Injury Through SnoN and TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:846583. [PMID: 35784541 PMCID: PMC9248361 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.846583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
By establishing a rat diabetes model in rats with intervening treatment by Jiangtang Tongmai Prescription (JTTMP), this study explored the restorative pairing effect of JTTMP on diabetic lung injury. The model of type II diabetes model was used to establish the rat diabetes model, using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) induction. Different doses of JTTMP and metformin were administered as a therapeutic to intervene, and blood was collected to assess the blood glucose level of each group of rats. HE (Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to detect the morphological changes in rat lung tissue and enzyme-linked immunoassay ELISA was used to detect and quantify the expression of interleukin (IL)-6, TNF tumor necrosis factor-ɑa, and IL-1β in serum and the lung tissue of each group of rats. The level expression of TGF-β1 [transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1), SnoN (transcriptional co-repressor Ski-N terminal (SnoN)], Smad2, Smad3, Smad7, and other signaling pathway proteins were assessed by Western blot. In comparison with the normal control (NC) group, rats in the diabetes model (DM) group lost weight and showed significantly increased blood sugar levels. The levels of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 were increased in the DM group but Smad7 decreased. After 8 weeks of JTTMP intervention, the level of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 decreased but Smad7 increased, blood sugar decreased significantly and the expression of inflammatory factors in lung tissue decreased. Therefore, JTTMP may activate SnoN and the downstream TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway to repair diabetic lung injury, which suggests its application has potential for future clinical treatment of diabetes with lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Ding
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Medical Ward, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenghong Zheng
- Clinical College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Medical Ward, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Chenghong Zheng,
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Wen Y, Liu Y, Huang Q, Liu R, Liu J, Zhang F, Liu S, Jiang Y. Moringa oleifera Lam. seed extract protects kidney function in rats with diabetic nephropathy by increasing GSK-3β activity and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 95:153856. [PMID: 34856477 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) seeds are widely used in traditional folk medicine and as nutritional supplements in the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. Published research showed that M. oleifera seeds (MOS) have pharmacological activities such as blood glucose-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. However, experimental evidence on the use of MOS to treat diabetic nephropathy and its underlying mechanisms were rarely reported. PURPOSE To evaluate the therapeutic effects of MOS extract on the kidneys of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy and reveal its underlying mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN HFD-fed rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy and high-glucose induced Human Renal Mesangial Cells (HRMC) were used to explore the protective effect of MOS on diabetic nephropathy in vivo and in vitro. METHODS HRMC were used to preliminarily evaluate the effect of MOS extract under high glucose conditions. For the in vivo study, rats were divided into the following 6 groups (n = 5): normal control group (NC), diabetic nephropathy model group (DN), high dose of MOS-treatment group (DN + MOS-H, 200 mg/kg/d); medium dose of MOS-treatment group (DN + MOS-M, 100 mg/kg/d); low dose of MOS-treatment group (DN + MOS-l, 50 mg/kg/d), and metformin-treatment group (DN + MET, 200 mg/kg/d). After 4 weeks of treatment, the damage caused by DN was assessed based on the related parameters of urine and blood. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were used to assess pathological tissue damage. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (P-GSK-3β) levels, whereas western blotting was used to detect Nrf2, HO-1, nephrin, GSK-3β, and p-GSK-3β levels. RESULTS MOS extract could inhibit the proliferation of HRMCs induced by high glucose levels. Compared with the rats in the DN group, MOS not only significantly reduced blood glucose levels and oxidative stress in the experimental rats but also improved their kidney function and reduced kidney tissue damage. Additionally, MOS extract increased GSK-3β activity and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that MOS could activate GSK-3β and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways to exert antioxidant and anti-renal fibrosis activities, and delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Yanyang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Yueping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute for Rational and Safe Medication Practices, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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Peng M, Liu H, Ji Q, Ma P, Niu Y, Ning S, Sun H, Pang X, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Han J, Hao G. Fufang Xueshuantong Improves Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Regulating the Wnt/ β-Catenin Pathway. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:3919161. [PMID: 36237833 PMCID: PMC9553353 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3919161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the main complications of diabetic patients and the major reason for the high prevalence of heart failure in diabetic patients. Fufang Xueshuantong (FXST) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula commonly used in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and stable angina pectoris. However, the role of FXST in DCM has not yet been clarified. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of FXST on diabetic myocardial lesions and reveal its molecular mechanism. The rats were intraperitoneally injected with 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). DM rats were given saline or FXST. The rats in the control group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of sodium citrate buffer and gavaged with saline. After 12 weeks, echocardiography, heart weight index (HWI), and myocardial pathological changes were determined. The expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), collagen I, and collagen III was examined using immunofluorescence staining and western blot. The expressions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins and mRNA were detected by western blot and real-time PCR. The results showed that FXST significantly improved cardiac function, ameliorated histopathological changes, and decreased HWI in the DM rats. FXST significantly inhibited the expression of myocardial TGF-β1, collagen I, and collagen III in DM rats. Furthermore, FXST significantly inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, FXST has a protective effect on DCM, which might be mediated by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meizhong Peng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hanying Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxuan Ji
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Pan Ma
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yiting Niu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shangqiu Ning
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Sun
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Pang
- School of Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqian Yang
- School of Chinese Material Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Han
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Gaimei Hao
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gansu, China
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Hu L, Wang Y, Wan Y, Ma L, Zhao T, Li P. Tangshen Formula Improves Diabetes-Associated Myocardial Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smads and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:732042. [PMID: 34938743 PMCID: PMC8687440 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.732042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease has become the main cause of death among complications of diabetes. Myocardial fibrosis is a crucial pathological change of cardiovascular disease. Tangshen Formula (TSF) shows a good clinical effect in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, whether TSF alleviates diabetes-associated myocardial fibrosis is still unknown. In the present research, we studied the effect and mechanism of TSF in the treatment of myocardial fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. We found that TSF treatment significantly downregulates myocardial fibrosis-related markers, including collagens I and III, and α-SMA. TSF also protects primary mouse cardiac fibroblast (CF) from transforming growth factor-β1- (TGF-β1-) induced damage. Moreover, TSF decreased the expression levels of TGF-β/Smad-related genes (α-SMA, collagens I and III, TGF-β1, and pSmad2/3), and increased Smad7 gene expression. Finally, TSF decreased the expressions of wnt1, active-β-catenin, FN, and MMP7 to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, TSF seems to attenuate myocardial fibrosis in KKAy mice by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,National Energy R&D Center for Biorefinery, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyang Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhou Wan
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.,College of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Liu X, Xu S, Li Y, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Peng L. Identification of CALU and PALLD as Potential Biomarkers Associated With Immune Infiltration in Heart Failure. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:774755. [PMID: 34926621 PMCID: PMC8671636 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.774755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory activation and immune infiltration play important roles in the pathologic process of heart failure (HF). The current study is designed to investigate the immune infiltration and identify related biomarkers in heart failure patients due to ischemic cardiomyopathy. Methods: Expression data of HF due to ischemic cardiomyopathy (CM) samples and non-heart failure (NF) samples were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CM and NF samples were identified. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was performed to explore the landscape of immune infiltration. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to screen the most relevant module associated with immune infiltration. The diagnostic values of candidate genes were evaluated by receiver operating curves (ROC) curves. The mRNA levels of potential biomarkers in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from 10 CM patients and 10 NF patients were analyzed to further assess their diagnostic values. Results: A total of 224 DEGs were identified between CM and NF samples in GSE5406, which are mainly enriched in the protein processing and extracellular matrix related biological processes and pathways. The result of ssGSEA showed that the abundance of dendritic cells (DC), mast cells, natural killer (NK) CD56dim cells, T cells, T follicular helper cells (Tfh), gammadelta T cells (Tgd) and T helper 2 (Th2) cells were significantly higher, while the infiltration of eosinophils and central memory T cells (Tcm) were lower in CM samples compared to NF ones. Correlation analysis revealed that Calumenin (CALU) and palladin (PALLD) were negatively correlated with the abundance of DC, NK CD56dim cells, T cells, Tfh, Tgd and Th2 cells, but positively correlated with the level of Tcm. More importantly, CALU and PALLD were significantly lower in PBMCs from CM patients compared to NF ones. Conclusion: Our study revealed that CALU and PALLD are potential biomarkers associated with immune infiltration in heart failure due to ischemic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiyue Xu
- Department of Hypertension and Vascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Long Peng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Mao L, Mostafa R, Ibili E, Fert-Bober J. Role of protein deimination in cardiovascular diseases: potential new avenues for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:1059-1071. [PMID: 34929115 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2018303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arginine deimination (citrullination) is a post-translational modification catalyzed by a family of peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes. Cell-based functional studies and animal models have manifested the key role of PADs in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). AREA COVERED This review summarizes the latest developments in the role of PADs in CVD pathogenesis. It focuses on the PAD functions and diverse citrullinated proteins in cardiovascular conditions like deep vein thrombosis, ischemia/reperfusion, and atherosclerosis. Identification of PAD isoforms and citrullinated targets are essential for directing diagnosis and clinical intervention. Finally, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are addressed as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. A search of PubMed biomedical literature from the past ten years was performed with a combination of the following keywords: PAD/PADI, deimination/citrullination, autoimmune, fibrosis, NET, neutrophil, macrophage, inflammation, inflammasome, cardiovascular, heart disease, myocardial infarction, ischemia, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and aging. Additional papers from retrieved articles were also considered. EXPERT OPINION PADs are unique family of enzymes that converts peptidyl-arginine to -citrulline in protein permanently. Overexpression or increased activity of PAD has been observed in various CVDs with acute and chronic inflammation as the background. Importantly, far beyond being simply involved in forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), accumulating evidence indicated PAD activation as a trigger for numerous processes, such as transcriptional regulation, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombus formation. In summary, the findings so far have testified the important role of deimination in cardiovascular biology, while more basic and translational studies are essential to further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Mao
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rowann Mostafa
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Esra Ibili
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Justyna Fert-Bober
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Advanced Clinical Biosystems Institute, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lee SY, Chae MK, Yoon JS, Kim CY. The Effect of CHIR 99021, a Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Inhibitor, on Transforming Growth Factor β-Induced Tenon Fibrosis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:25. [PMID: 34940783 PMCID: PMC8711002 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.15.25] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the effect of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibition on the fibrosis of human Tenon's fibroblasts (HTFs) induced by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Methods Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to determine the expression levels of molecules associated with the fibrosis of HTFs by TGF-β (fibronectin, collagen Iα, and α-smooth muscle actin) and GSK-3β. The levels of phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 were also analyzed in the presence of the GSK-3β inhibitor CHIR 99021. The wound healing assay was performed to determine the effect of CHIR 99021 on the migration of HTFs. All experiments were conducted using primary cultured HTFs or human tenon tissues obtained from normal subjects and patients with glaucoma. Results Treatment with TGF-β resulted in an increase in the levels of molecules associated with the fibrosis of HTFs. The expression levels of these molecules were higher in the tenon tissues obtained from patients with glaucoma than those from normal subjects. When the HTFs were treated with TGF-β, a significant increase in the active form of GSK-3β (Y216) was observed. A significant decrease in the active form of GSK-3β and molecules associated with fibrosis by TGF-β was noted in HTFs treated with CHIR 99021. CHIR 99021 treatment reduced the phosphorylated Smad2/Smad2 and phosphorylated Smad3/Smad3 ratios in HTFs and attenuated HTF migration. Conclusions Our results demonstrated the effect of GSK-3β inhibition on the regulation of TGF-β–mediated fibrosis of HTFs, suggesting GSK-3β to be a potential target for maintaining bleb function after glaucoma filtration surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Yeop Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Ophthalmology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyoung Chae
- Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Sook Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chan Yun Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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47
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Azadian Z, Hosseini S, Dizjikan ZP, Kazemi J, Marzouni ET, Wang PY, Alipour A, Shahsavarani H. Computational and in vitro validation of cardiogenic induction of quercetin on adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells through the inhibition of Wnt and non-Smad-dependent TGF-β pathways. J Cell Biochem 2021; 123:450-468. [PMID: 34825407 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Exploiting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was proposed as a promising therapeutic approach for cardiovascular disease due to their capacity to differentiate into cardiac cells. Though modulation of the intracellular signaling pathways dominantly WNT/β catenin and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) have been reported to promote differentiation of hMSCs into cardiomyocytes in the prevailing literature, a safe and reproducible system for their clinical application has not yet turned into reality. In the present study, the molecular docking-based strategy was first applied for evaluating the potency of some natural phenolic compounds in the modulation of Wnt and TGF-β signaling pathways using a vital class of crystallographic protein structures of WNT signaling regulators such as Frizzled, Disheveled, GSK3-β, β-catenin, LRP 5/6 extracellular domain, Tankyrase and their variety of active pockets. Then, the impacts of plant-derived chemical compounds on the regulation of the relevant signals for the differentiation of hMSCs into the definitive mesoderm lineage and cardiac progenitors were assessed in vitro. Data obtained revealed the synergistic activity of Wnt and TGF-β superfamily to direct cardiac differentiation in human cardiogenesis by comparing cardiac gene expression in the presence and absence of the TGF-β inhibitors. We found that the inhibitory effect of canonical Wnt/β-catenin is sufficient to cause proper cardiomyocyte differentiation, but the TGF-β pathway plays a vital role in enhancing the expression of the cardiomyocyte-specific marker (cTnT). It was found that quercetin, a p38MAPK inhibitor with the high energy dock to the active pocket of Wnt receptors, promotes cardiac differentiation via the inhibition of both Wnt and non-Smad TGF-β pathways. Altogether, data presented here can contribute to the development of a feasible and efficient cardiac differentiation protocol as an "off-the-shelf" therapeutic source using novel natural agents for cardiac repair or regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Azadian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saadi Hosseini
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohre Panahi Dizjikan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Kazemi
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Eisa Tahmasbpour Marzouni
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peng-Yuan Wang
- Stem Cell Bioengineering Lab, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Atefeh Alipour
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Pasteur institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Shahsavarani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.,Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Innovations, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Vorstandlechner V, Laggner M, Copic D, Klas K, Direder M, Chen Y, Golabi B, Haslik W, Radtke C, Tschachler E, Hötzenecker K, Ankersmit HJ, Mildner M. The serine proteases dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 and urokinase are key molecules in human and mouse scar formation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6242. [PMID: 34716325 PMCID: PMC8556235 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26495-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in understanding skin scarring, mechanisms triggering hypertrophic scar formation are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigate mature human hypertrophic scars and developing scars in mice at single cell resolution. Compared to normal skin, we find significant differences in gene expression in most cell types present in scar tissue. Fibroblasts show the most prominent alterations in gene expression, displaying a distinct fibrotic signature. By comparing genes upregulated in murine fibroblasts during scar development with genes highly expressed in mature human hypertrophic scars, we identify a group of serine proteases, tentatively involved in scar formation. Two of them, dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4) and urokinase (PLAU), are further analyzed in functional assays, revealing a role in TGFβ1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and over-production of components of the extracellular matrix in vitro. Topical treatment with inhibitors of DPP4 and PLAU during scar formation in vivo shows anti-fibrotic activity and improvement of scar quality, most prominently after application of the PLAU inhibitor BC-11. In this study, we delineate the genetic landscape of hypertrophic scars and present insights into mechanisms involved in hypertrophic scar formation. Our data suggest the use of serine protease inhibitors for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Vorstandlechner
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Aposcience AG (FN 308089y), Dresdner Straße 87/A21, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Laggner
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Aposcience AG (FN 308089y), Dresdner Straße 87/A21, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dragan Copic
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Aposcience AG (FN 308089y), Dresdner Straße 87/A21, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Klas
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Aposcience AG (FN 308089y), Dresdner Straße 87/A21, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Direder
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Aposcience AG (FN 308089y), Dresdner Straße 87/A21, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yiyan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- University of Applied Sciences, FH Campus Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bahar Golabi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Haslik
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Radtke
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Konrad Hötzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hendrik Jan Ankersmit
- Laboratory for Cardiac and Thoracic Diagnosis, Regeneration and Applied Immunology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Aposcience AG (FN 308089y), Dresdner Straße 87/A21, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Mildner
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Yao L, Shao W, Chen Y, Wang S, Huang D. Suppression of ADAM8 attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathways. Exp Anim 2021; 71:90-99. [PMID: 34615811 PMCID: PMC8828410 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.21-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is involved in cardiac fibrosis induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 8 (ADAM8), a member of ADAMs family, participates in cell adhesion, proteolysis and various signaling. However, its effects on the development of cardiac fibrosis remain completely unknown. This study aimed to reveal whether ADAM8 aggravates cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II in vivo and in vitro. The C57BL/6J mice or cardiac endothelial cells were subjected to Ang II infusion to induce fibrosis. The results showed that systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly increased under Ang II infusion, and ADAM8 was up-regulated. ADAM8 inhibition attenuated Ang II-induced cardiac dysfunction. ADAM8 knockdown suppressed Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis as evidenced by the down-regulation of CTGF, collagen I, and collagen III. In addition, the endothelial marker (VE-cadherin) was decreased, whilst mesenchymal markers (α-SMA and FSP1) were increased following Ang II infusion. However, ADAM8 repression inhibited Ang II-induced EndMT. Moreover, ADAM8 silencing repressed the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathways. Consistent with the results in vivo, we also found the inhibitory effects of ADAM8 inhibition on EndMT in vitro. All data suggest that ADAM8 promotes Ang II-induced cardiac fibrosis and EndMT via activating TGF-β1/Smad2/Smad3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Yao
- Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Weihua Shao
- Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province
| | - Suxing Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Dai Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei General Hospital
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50
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Umbarkar P, Ejantkar S, Tousif S, Lal H. Mechanisms of Fibroblast Activation and Myocardial Fibrosis: Lessons Learned from FB-Specific Conditional Mouse Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092412. [PMID: 34572061 PMCID: PMC8471002 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the world. Cardiac fibrosis is associated with HF progression. Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components. This is a physiological response to tissue injury. However, uncontrolled fibrosis leads to adverse cardiac remodeling and contributes significantly to cardiac dysfunction. Fibroblasts (FBs) are the primary drivers of myocardial fibrosis. However, until recently, FBs were thought to play a secondary role in cardiac pathophysiology. This review article will present the evolving story of fibroblast biology and fibrosis in cardiac diseases, emphasizing their recent shift from a supporting to a leading role in our understanding of the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases. Indeed, this story only became possible because of the emergence of FB-specific mouse models. This study includes an update on the advancements in the generation of FB-specific mouse models. Regarding the underlying mechanisms of myocardial fibrosis, we will focus on the pathways that have been validated using FB-specific, in vivo mouse models. These pathways include the TGF-β/SMAD3, p38 MAPK, Wnt/β-Catenin, G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK), and Hippo signaling. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying fibroblast activation and fibrosis may provide a novel therapeutic target for the management of adverse fibrotic remodeling in the diseased heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi Umbarkar
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Correspondence: (P.U.); (H.L.); Tel.: +1-205-996-4248 (P.U.); +1-205-996-4219 (H.L.); Fax: +1-205-975-5104 (H.L.)
| | - Suma Ejantkar
- School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Sultan Tousif
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
| | - Hind Lal
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- Correspondence: (P.U.); (H.L.); Tel.: +1-205-996-4248 (P.U.); +1-205-996-4219 (H.L.); Fax: +1-205-975-5104 (H.L.)
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