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Li X, Liu Y, Tang Y, Xia Z. Transformation of macrophages into myofibroblasts in fibrosis-related diseases: emerging biological concepts and potential mechanism. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1474688. [PMID: 39386212 PMCID: PMC11461261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1474688] [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: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Macrophage-myofibroblast transformation (MMT) transforms macrophages into myofibroblasts in a specific inflammation or injury microenvironment. MMT is an essential biological process in fibrosis-related diseases involving the lung, heart, kidney, liver, skeletal muscle, and other organs and tissues. This process consists of interacting with various cells and molecules and activating different signal transduction pathways. This review deeply discussed the molecular mechanism of MMT, clarified crucial signal pathways, multiple cytokines, and growth factors, and formed a complex regulatory network. Significantly, the critical role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and its downstream signaling pathways in this process were clarified. Furthermore, we discussed the significance of MMT in physiological and pathological conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac fibrosis. This review provides a new perspective for understanding the interaction between macrophages and myofibroblasts and new strategies and targets for the prevention and treatment of MMT in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujun Li
- Health Science Center, Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Yuyan Liu
- Rehabilitation Medicine College, Shandong Second Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongjun Tang
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
| | - Zhaoyi Xia
- Department of Library, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Library, Jinan Children’s Hospital, Jinan, China
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2
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Chilosi M, Piciucchi S, Ravaglia C, Spagnolo P, Sverzellati N, Tomassetti S, Wuyts W, Poletti V. "Alveolar stem cell exhaustion, fibrosis and bronchiolar proliferation" related entities. A narrative review. Pulmonology 2024:S2531-0437(24)00092-8. [PMID: 39277539 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Chilosi
- Department of Medical Specialities/Pulmonology Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì I
| | - S Piciucchi
- Department of Radiology, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì I.
| | - C Ravaglia
- Department of Medical Specialities/Pulmonology Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì (I); DIMEC, Bologna University, Forlì Campus, Forlì I, Department
| | - P Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - N Sverzellati
- Scienze Radiologiche, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Hospital Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - S Tomassetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - W Wuyts
- Pulmonology Department, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - V Poletti
- Department of Medical Specialities/Pulmonology Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì (I); DIMEC, Bologna University, Forlì Campus, Forlì I, Department; Department of Respiratory Diseases & Allergy, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Shen S, Wang P, Wu P, Huang P, Chi T, Xu W, Xi Y. CasRx-based Wnt activation promotes alveolar regeneration while ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of lung injury. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00593-8. [PMID: 39245939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.09.008] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an attractive target for regenerative medicine. A powerful driver of stem cell activity and hence tissue regeneration, Wnt signaling can promote fibroblast proliferation and activation, leading to fibrosis, while prolonged Wnt signaling is potentially carcinogenic. Thus, to harness its therapeutic potential, the activation of Wnt signaling must be transient, reversible, and tissue specific. In the lung, Wnt signaling is essential for alveolar stem cell activity and alveolar regeneration, which is impaired in lung fibrosis. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung epithelium may have anti-fibrotic effects. Here, we used intratracheal adeno-associated virus 6 injection to selectively deliver CasRx into the lung epithelium, where it reversibly activates Wnt signaling by simultaneously degrading mRNAs encoding Axin1 and Axin2, negative regulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Interestingly, CasRx-mediated Wnt activation specifically in lung epithelium not only promotes alveolar type II cell proliferation and alveolar regeneration but also inhibits lung fibrosis resulted from bleomycin-induced injury, relevant in both preventive and therapeutic settings. Our study offers an attractive strategy for treating pulmonary fibrosis, with general implications for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxi Shen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Pei Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Pengyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, Engineering Research Center of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Technology and Device (Ministry of Education), Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Tian Chi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Department of Immunobiology, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wenqing Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ying Xi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China.
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4
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Min J, Jiaqi H, Lihua L, Qianqian C, Shujuan W, Xiang L, Liang L, Liang R, Yiwu Z, Qian L. Proteomics of severe SARS-COV-2 infection and paraquat poisoning in human lung tissue samples: comparison of microbial infected and toxic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1446305. [PMID: 39301288 PMCID: PMC11410708 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1446305] [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: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) encompasses a spectrum of lung conditions characterized by the abnormal accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs, leading to impaired respiratory function. Various conditions can result in severe PF, among which viral infections have emerged as significant triggers. In addition to viral infections, exposure to toxic substances such as paraquat represents another significant risk factor for PF. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the dissimilarities and similarities between PF triggered by viral infections and chemical toxicants, using the mechanism of PF in IPF as a reference. Methods Data-independent acquisition proteomics technology was employed to identify COVID-19 and paraquat-induced PF from the autopsy of lung tissue samples obtained from individuals who died due to PF. Bioinformatics was employed for differential protein analysis, and selected indicators were validated on pathological sections. Results Our results showed that the differential proteins associated with the two causes of PF were enriched in similar lung fibrosis-related signaling pathways, such as the Wnt signaling pathway. However, differences were observed in proteins such as CACYBP, we verified the consistency of the results with proteomics using the IHC approach. Conclusion This study illuminates distinct protein-level differences by investigating pulmonary fibrosis pathways in severe COVID-19 and paraquat poisoning. Although both conditions activate lung-protective and repair pathways, COVID-19 shows limited phosphorylation-independent ubiquitination of β-catenin compared to paraquat toxicity. These findings shed light on potential therapeutic targets for PF induced via diverse factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Min
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hou Jiaqi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin Lihua
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chai Qianqian
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wang Shujuan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Xiang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ren Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Yiwu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Qian
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bączek K, Piotrowski WJ. Lung fibrosis in sarcoidosis. Is there a place for antifibrotics? Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1445923. [PMID: 39281278 PMCID: PMC11392764 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1445923] [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: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis, an enigmatic disease with unknown etiology, is characterized by inflammation and the potential involvement of various organs, predominantly the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes. Non-caseating granulomas can resolve spontaneously in approximately 60% of cases within 2-3 years. However, sarcoidosis-related mortality has increased. Lung fibrosis, affecting up to 20% of sarcoidosis patients, stands out as a primary cause of mortality. Traditionally, fibrosis is viewed because of prolonged inflammation, necessitating anti-inflammatory treatment with systemic steroids, immunosuppressants, and anti-TNF agents to manage the disease. The recent introduction of antifibrotic drugs such as nintedanib and pirfenidone offers new avenues for treating fibrotic sarcoidosis. Nintedanib, effective in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), has shown promise in patients with various progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILD), including those with sarcoidosis. Pirfenidone, also effective in IPF, has demonstrated potential in managing fibrotic sarcoidosis, though results have been inconclusive due to limited participant numbers in studies. This review explores the theoretical and empirical evidence supporting the use of antifibrotics in sarcoidosis, weighing the benefits and drawbacks. While antifibrotics offer a potential therapeutic approach, further randomized controlled trials are essential to determine their efficacy in fibrotic sarcoidosis. Addressing fibrosis as a continuum of chronic inflammation, the role of antifibrotics in managing sarcoidosis remains an area requiring more in-depth research to improve patient outcomes and advance treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Bączek
- Department of Pneumology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
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6
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Bai Y, Li R, Hao JF, Chen LW, Liu ST, Zhang XL, Lip GYH, Yang JK, Zou YX, Wang H. Accumulated β-catenin is associated with human atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation. J Transl Med 2024; 22:734. [PMID: 39103891 PMCID: PMC11302159 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05558-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of stroke and mortality. It has been reported that the process of atrial fibrosis was regulated by β-catenin in rats with AF. However, pathophysiological mechanisms of this process in human with AF remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the possible mechanisms of β-catenin in participating in the atrial fibrosis using human right atrial appendage (hRAA) tissues . METHODS We compared the difference of β-catenin expression in hRAA tissues between the patients with AF and sinus rhythm (SR). The possible function of β-catenin in the development of AF was also explored in mice and primary cells. RESULTS Firstly, the space between the membrane of the gap junctions of cardiomyocytes was wider in the AF group. Secondly, the expression of the gap junction function related proteins, Connexin40 and Connexin43, was decreased, while the expression of β-catenin and its binding partner E-cadherin was increased in hRAA and cardiomyocytes of the AF group. Thirdly, β-catenin colocalized with E-cadherin on the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes in the SR group, while they were dissociated and accumulated intracellularly in the AF group. Furthermore, the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), which participated in the degradation of β-catenin, was decreased in hRAA tissues and cardiomyocytes of the AF group. Finally, the development of atrial fibrosis and AF were proved to be prevented after inhibiting β-catenin expression in the AF model mice. CONCLUSIONS Based on human atrial pathological and molecular analyses, our findings provided evidence that β-catenin was associated with atrial fibrosis and AF progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Cardiovascular Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Feng Hao
- Core Facility for Protein Research, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lian-Wan Chen
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Si-Tong Liu
- Cardiovascular Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xi-Lin Zhang
- Cardiovascular Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jin-Kui Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yi-Xi Zou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Diabetes Research and Care, Beijing Diabetes Institute, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China.
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Inokuchi S, Shimamoto K. Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a potential target for Parkinson's disease: a cohort study of romosozumab using routinely collected health data in Japan. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1411285. [PMID: 39104397 PMCID: PMC11298754 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1411285] [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: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Romosozumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for osteoporosis which targets sclerostin, an endogenous inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Given the essential roles of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in various tissues, we hypothesized romosozumab treatment may influence other conditions. Methods This cohort study included patients prescribed romosozumab or parathyroid receptor (PTHR) agonists after 1 January 2019, using a Japanese electronic medical record database. The outcomes of interest included autoimmune disease, interstitial pneumonia, cardiovascular outcome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease (PD), serious infections, and malignancies. A stabilized inverse probability-weighted Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratios. Age- and gender-based subgroup analyses were conducted. Exploratory outcomes based on three-digit International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision-based were also examined. Results In total, 2,673 patients treated with romosozumab and 5,980 treated with PTHR agonists were identified, respectively. While most outcomes of interest showed no association with romosozumab, the risk of PD decreased with romosozumab (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.37 [0.14-0.94]) compared with PTHR agonist. Regarding the cardiovascular outcome, no notable association was identified overall; however, gender-based subgroup analysis suggested that male sex may be a potential risk factor with romosozumab treatment. Only 16 of 903 exploratory outcomes were potentially influenced by romosozumab. Conclusion Romosozumab lowered the risk of PD development compared with PTHR agonist. The study also highlights the utility of routinely collected health data for drug repositioning. While further validation is warranted, the findings suggest that the Wnt-β-catenin pathway holds promise as a therapeutic target for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichiro Inokuchi
- Research and Analytics Department, Real World Data Co., Ltd., Kyoto, Japan
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Sampsonas F, Bosgana P, Bravou V, Tzouvelekis A, Dimitrakopoulos FI, Kokkotou E. Interstitial Lung Diseases and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Particularities in Pathogenesis and Expression of Driver Mutations. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:934. [PMID: 39062713 PMCID: PMC11276289 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070934] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interstitial lung diseases are a varied group of diseases associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. With the emerging and current treatment options, survival rates have vastly improved. Having in mind that the most common type is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and that a significant proportion of these patients will develop lung cancer as the disease progresses, prompt diagnosis and personalized treatment of these patients are fundamental. SCOPE AND METHODS The scope of this review is to identify and characterize molecular and pathogenetic pathways that can interconnect Interstitial Lung Diseases and lung cancer, especially driver mutations in patients with NSCLC, and to highlight new and emerging treatment options in that view. RESULTS Common pathogenetic pathways have been identified in sites of chronic inflammation in patients with interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer. Of note, the expression of driver mutations in EGFR, BRAF, and KRAS G12C in patients with NSCLC with concurrent interstitial lung disease is vastly different compared to those patients with NSCLC without Interstitial Lung Disease. CONCLUSIONS NSCLC in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease is a challenging diagnostic and clinical entity, and a personalized medicine approach is fundamental to improving survival and quality of life. Newer anti-fibrotic medications have improved survival in IPF/ILD patients; thus, the incidence of lung cancer is going to vastly increase in the next 5-10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Pinelopi Bosgana
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Vasiliki Bravou
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology and Histology, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | | | - Eleni Kokkotou
- Oncology Unit, The Third Department of Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
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Cohen ML, Brumwell AN, Ho TC, Garakani K, Montas G, Leong D, Ding VW, Golden JA, Trinh BN, Jablons DM, Matthay MA, Jones KD, Wolters PJ, Wei Y, Chapman HA, Le Saux CJ. A fibroblast-dependent TGF-β1/sFRP2 noncanonical Wnt signaling axis promotes epithelial metaplasia in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e174598. [PMID: 38980870 PMCID: PMC11405054 DOI: 10.1172/jci174598] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between alveolar fibroblasts and epithelial cells are crucial for lung homeostasis, injury repair, and fibrogenesis, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate, we administered the fibroblast-selective TGF-β1 signaling inhibitor epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients undergoing diagnostic lung biopsy and conducted single-cell RNA-Seq on spare tissue. Biopsies from untreated patients showed higher fibroblast TGF-β1 signaling compared with nondisease donor or end-stage ILD tissues. In vivo, EGCG downregulated TGF-β1 signaling and several proinflammatory and stress pathways in biopsy samples. Notably, EGCG reduced fibroblast secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2), an unrecognized TGF-β1 fibroblast target gene induced near type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s) in situ. Using AEC2-fibroblast coculture organoids and precision-cut lung slices (PCLSs) from nondiseased donors, we found TGF-β1 signaling promotes a spread AEC2 KRT17+ basaloid state, whereupon sFRP2 then activates a mature cytokeratin 5+ (Krt5+) basal cell program. Wnt-receptor Frizzled 5 (Fzd5) expression and downstream calcineurin signaling were required for sFRP2-induced nuclear NFATc3 accumulation and KRT5 expression. These findings highlight stage-specific TGF-β1 signaling in ILD and the therapeutic potential of EGCG in reducing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis-related (IPF-related) transcriptional changes and identify TGF-β1/noncanonical Wnt pathway crosstalk via sFRP2 as a mechanism for dysfunctional epithelial signaling in IPF/ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Alexis N. Brumwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Tsung Che Ho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Kiana Garakani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Genevieve Montas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Darren Leong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | | | - Jeffrey A. Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Binh N. Trinh
- Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and
| | | | - Michael A. Matthay
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Kirk D. Jones
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Paul J. Wolters
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Harold A. Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
| | - Claude Jourdan Le Saux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine
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Cheng WC, Chen PY, Zhang X, Chang YK, Tan KT, Lin TCC. 5,7,3',4'-Tetramethoxyflavone suppresses TGF-β1-induced activation of murine fibroblasts in vitro and ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38951964 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2024.2371150] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the use of 5,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF) to treat pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a chronic and fatal lung disease. In vitro and in vivo models were used to examine the impact of TMF on PF. METHODS NIH-3T3 (Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast) were exposed to transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF-β1) and treated with or without TMF. Cell growth was assessed using the MTT method, and cell migration was evaluated with the scratch wound assay. Protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes were analyzed by western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. Downstream molecules affected by TGF-β1 were examined by western blotting. In vivo, mice with bleomycin-induced PF were treated with TMF, and lung tissues were analyzed with staining techniques. RESULTS The in vitro results showed that TMF had no significant impact on cell growth or migration. However, it effectively inhibited myofibroblast activation and ECM production induced by TGF-β1 in NIH-3T3 cells. This inhibition was achieved by suppressing various signaling pathways, including Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT), and WNT/β-catenin. The in vivo experiments demonstrated the therapeutic potential of TMF in reducing PF induced by bleomycin in mice, and there was no significant liver or kidney toxicity observed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that TMF has the potential to effectively inhibit myofibroblast activation and could be a promising treatment for PF. TMF achieves this inhibitory effect by targeting TGF-β1/Smad and non-Smad pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Chien Cheng
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei Ying Chen
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yu-Kang Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Postbaccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kok-Tong Tan
- Department of Surgery, Tungs' Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tim C C Lin
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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11
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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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Patel M, Post Y, Hill N, Sura A, Ye J, Fisher T, Suen N, Zhang M, Cheng L, Pribluda A, Chen H, Yeh WC, Li Y, Baribault H, Fletcher RB. A WNT mimetic with broad spectrum FZD-specificity decreases fibrosis and improves function in a pulmonary damage model. Respir Res 2024; 25:153. [PMID: 38566174 PMCID: PMC10985870 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02786-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt/β-catenin signaling is critical for lung development and AT2 stem cell maintenance in adults, but excessive pathway activation has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis, both in animal models and human diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a detrimental interstitial lung disease, and although two approved drugs limit functional decline, transplantation is the only treatment that extends survival, highlighting the need for regenerative therapies. METHODS Using our antibody-based platform of Wnt/β-catenin modulators, we investigated the ability of a pathway antagonist and pathway activators to reduce pulmonary fibrosis in the acute bleomycin model, and we tested the ability of a WNT mimetic to affect alveolar organoid cultures. RESULTS A WNT mimetic agonist with broad FZD-binding specificity (FZD1,2,5,7,8) potently expanded alveolar organoids. Upon therapeutic dosing, a broad FZD-binding specific Wnt mimetic decreased pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and increased lung function in the bleomycin model, and it impacted multiple lung cell types in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the unexpected capacity of a WNT mimetic to effect tissue repair after lung damage and support the continued development of Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehaben Patel
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yorick Post
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Natalie Hill
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Asmiti Sura
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Jay Ye
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Trevor Fisher
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Nicholas Suen
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Mengrui Zhang
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Leona Cheng
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Ariel Pribluda
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Wen-Chen Yeh
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Hélène Baribault
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Russell B Fletcher
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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Jussila A, Zhang B, Kirti S, Atit R. Tissue fibrosis associated depletion of lipid-filled cells. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15054. [PMID: 38519432 PMCID: PMC10977660 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15054] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is primarily described as the deposition of excessive extracellular matrix, but in many tissues it also involves a loss of lipid or lipid-filled cells. Lipid-filled cells are critical to tissue function and integrity in many tissues including the skin and lungs. Thus, loss or depletion of lipid-filled cells during fibrogenesis, has implications for tissue function. In some contexts, lipid-filled cells can impact ECM composition and stability, highlighting their importance in fibrotic transformation. Recent papers in fibrosis address this newly recognized fibrotic lipodystrophy phenomenon. Even in disparate tissues, common mechanisms are emerging to explain fibrotic lipodystrophy. These findings have implications for fibrosis in tissues composed of fibroblast and lipid-filled cell populations such as skin, lung, and liver. In this review, we will discuss the roles of lipid-containing cells, their reduction/loss during fibrotic transformation, and the mechanisms of that loss in the skin and lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jussila
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian Zhang
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sakin Kirti
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Radhika Atit
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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14
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Gaikwad AV, Eapen MS, Dey S, Bhattarai P, Shahzad AM, Chia C, Jaffar J, Westall G, Sutherland D, Singhera GK, Hackett TL, Lu W, Sohal SS. TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-Catenin Are Augmented in the Pulmonary Arteries from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): Role in Driving Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT). J Clin Med 2024; 13:1160. [PMID: 38398472 PMCID: PMC10888973 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041160] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: We have previously reported that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an active process in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) contributing to arterial remodelling. Here, we aim to quantify drivers of EndMT in IPF patients compared to normal controls (NCs). Methods: Lung resections from thirteen IPF patients and eleven NCs were immunohistochemically stained for EndMT drivers, including TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin. Intima, media, and adventitia were analysed for expression of each EndMT driver in pulmonary arteries. Computer- and microscope-assisted Image ProPlus7.0 image analysis software was used for quantifications. Results: Significant TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin expression was apparent across all arterial sizes in IPF (p < 0.05). Intimal TGF-β1, pSmad-2/3, Smad-7, and β-catenin were augmented in the arterial range of 100-1000 μm (p < 0.001) compared to NC. Intimal TGF-β1 and β-catenin percentage expression showed a strong correlation with the percentage expression of intimal vimentin (r' = 0.54, p = 0.05 and r' = 0.61, p = 0.02, respectively) and intimal N-cadherin (r' = 0.62, p = 0.03 and r' = 0.70, p = 0.001, respectively). Intimal TGF-β1 and β-catenin expression were significantly correlated with increased intimal thickness as well (r' = 0.52, p = 0.04; r' = 0.052, p = 0.04, respectively). Moreover, intimal TGF-β1 expression was also significantly associated with increased intimal elastin deposition (r' = 0.79, p = 0.002). Furthermore, total TGF-β1 expression significantly impacted the percentage of DLCO (r' = -0.61, p = 0.03). Conclusions: This is the first study to illustrate the involvement of active TGF-β/Smad-2/3-dependent and β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling pathways in driving EndMT and resultant pulmonary arterial remodelling in patients with IPF. EndMT is a potential therapeutic target for vascular remodelling and fibrosis in general in patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Prem Bhattarai
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Affan Mahmood Shahzad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Jade Jaffar
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Glen Westall
- Department of Allergy, Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Darren Sutherland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Singhera
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Wenying Lu
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Pulmonary Fibrosis, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
- Launceston Respiratory and Sleep Centre, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
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15
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Markasz L, Mobini-Far H, Sindelar R. Collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1) expression in the developing human lung. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:75. [PMID: 38331745 PMCID: PMC10851591 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02875-4] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1) in the basement membrane is an important component during lung development, as suggested from animal models where COL4A1 has been shown to regulate alveolarization and angiogenesis. Less is known about its role in human lung development. Our aim was to study COL4A1 expression in preterm infants with different lung maturational and clinical features. METHODS COL4A1 expression in 115 lung samples from newborn infants (21-41 weeks' gestational age; 0-228 days' postnatal age [PNA]) was studied by immunohistochemistry combined with digital image analysis. Cluster analysis was performed to find subgroups according to immunohistologic and clinical data. RESULTS Patients were automatically categorized into 4 Groups depending on their COL4A1 expression. Expression of COL4A1 was mainly extracellular in Group 1, low in Group 2, intracellular in Group 3, and both extra- and intracellular in Group 4. Intracellular/extracellular ratio of COL4A1 expression related to PNA showed a distinctive postnatal maturational pattern on days 1-7, where intracellular expression of COL4A1 was overrepresented in extremely preterm infants. CONCLUSIONS COL4A1 expression seems to be highly dynamic during the postnatal life due to a possible rapid remodeling of the basement membrane. Intracellular accumulation of COL4A1 in the lungs of extremely premature infants occurs more frequently between 1 and 7 postnatal days than during the first 24 hours. In view of the lung arrest described in extremely preterm infants, the pathological and/or developmental role of postnatally increased intracellular COL4A1 as marker for basement membrane turnover, needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Markasz
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden.
| | - Hamid Mobini-Far
- Department of Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Richard Sindelar
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
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16
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Yin JZ, Li ZQ, Zhang XD, Wan ZJ, Qin HR, Yao LH, Li BL, Gao F, Yang YY. Bufotalin attenuates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibiting Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176293. [PMID: 38158113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with no cure. Bufotalin (BT), an active component extracted from Venenum Bufonis, has been prescribed as a treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases. However, whether BT has antifibrotic properties has never been investigated. In this study, we report on the potential therapeutic effect and mechanism of BT on IPF. BT was shown to attenuate lung injury, inflammation, and fibrosis as well as preserve pulmonary function in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. We next confirmed BT's ability to inhibit TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and myofibroblast activation (including differentiation, proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix production) in vitro. Furthermore, transcriptional profile analysis indicated the Wnt signaling pathway as a potential target of BT. Mechanistically, BT effectively prevented β-catenin from translocating into the nucleus to activate transcription of profibrotic genes. This was achieved by blunting TGF-β1-induced increases in phosphorylated Akt Ser437 (p-Akt S437) and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β Ser9 (p-GSK-3β S9), thereby reactivating GSK-3β. Additionally, the antifibrotic effects of BT were further validated in another in vivo model of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, these data demonstrated the potent antifibrotic actions of BT through inhibition of Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin axis downstream of TGF-β1. Thus, BT could be a potential option to be further explored in IPF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Zhong Yin
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, 200003, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu-Qing Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-de Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Wan
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Ran Qin
- Department of Nuclear Radiation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, 507, Zhengmin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu-Huan Yao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China
| | - Bai-Long Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fu Gao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan-Yong Yang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China; Basic Medical Center for Pulmonary Disease, Naval Medical University, 800, Xiangyin Road, 200433, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Hosseinzadeh A, Pourhanifeh MH, Amiri S, Sheibani M, Irilouzadian R, Reiter RJ, Mehrzadi S. Therapeutic potential of melatonin in targeting molecular pathways of organ fibrosis. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:25-50. [PMID: 37995089 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00554-5] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, the excessive deposition of fibrous connective tissue in an organ in response to injury, is a pathological condition affecting many individuals worldwide. Fibrosis causes the failure of tissue function and is largely irreversible as the disease progresses. Pharmacologic treatment options for organ fibrosis are limited, but studies suggest that antioxidants, particularly melatonin, can aid in preventing and controlling fibrotic damage to the organs. Melatonin, an indole nocturnally released from the pineal gland, is commonly used to regulate circadian and seasonal biological rhythms and is indicated for treating sleep disorders. While it is often effective in treating sleep disorders, melatonin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also make it a promising molecule for treating other disorders such as organ fibrosis. Melatonin ameliorates the necrotic and apoptotic changes that lead to fibrosis in various organs including the heart, liver, lung, and kidney. Moreover, melatonin reduces the infiltration of inflammatory cells during fibrosis development. This article outlines the protective effects of melatonin against fibrosis, including its safety and potential therapeutic effects. The goal of this article is to provide a summary of data accumulated to date and to encourage further experimentation with melatonin and increase its use as an anti-fibrotic agent in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Hosseinzadeh
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Pourhanifeh
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Shiva Amiri
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sheibani
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rana Irilouzadian
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Saeed Mehrzadi
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Xu T, Chakraborty S, Wei D, Tran M, Rhea R, Wei B, Nguyen P, Gagea M, Cohen L, Liao Z, Yang P. Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Compound Kushen Injection Against Radiation- induced Pneumonitis in Mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3880937. [PMID: 38352564 PMCID: PMC10862984 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3880937/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) via inflammation is a common adverse effect of thoracic radiation that negatively impacts patient quality of life and survival. Compound kushen injection (CKI), a botanical drug treatment, was examined for its ability to reduce RILI, and inflammatory responses and improve survival in mice exposed total lung irradiation (TLI). CKI's specific mechanisms of action were also evaluated. Methods C3H mice underwent TLI and were treated with CKI (2, 4, or 8 mL/kg) intraperitoneally once a day for 8 weeks. The effects of CKI on survival were estimated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared by log-rank test. RILI damage was evaluated by histopathology and micro-computed tomography (CT). Inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase metabolites were examined by IHC staining, western blot, and ELISA. Results Pre-irradiation treatment with 4 or 8 mL/kg CKI starting 2 weeks before TLI or concurrent treatment with 8 mL/kg CKI were associated with a significantly longer survival compared with TLI vehicle-treated group ( P < 0.05). Micro-CT images evaluations showed that concurrent treatment with 8 mL/kg CKI was associated with significantly lower incidence of RILI ( P < 0.05). Histological evaluations revealed that concurrent TLI treatment of CKI (4 and 8 mL/kg) significantly reduced lung inflammation (p < 0.05). Mechanistic investigation showed that at 72 hours after radiation, TLI plus vehicle mice had significantly elevated serum IL6, IL17A, and TGF-β levels compared with non-irradiated, age-matched normal mice; in contrast, levels of these cytokines in mice that received TLI plus CKI treatment were lower than those in the TLI plus vehicle-treated mice ( P < 0.05) and similar to the nonirradiated mice. IHC staining showed that the CKI treatment led to a reduction of TGF-β positive cells in the lung tissues of TLI mice (P < 0.01). The concurrent CKI with TLI treatment group had a significant reduction in COX-2 activity and COX-2 metabolites compared with the TLI vehicle-treated group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions These data suggest that CKI treatment was associated with reduced radiation-induced inflammation in lung tissues, reduced RILI, and improved survival. Further investigation of CKI in human clinical trials as a potential radioprotector against RILI to improve patients' quality of life and survival is warranted.
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19
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Diwan R, Bhatt HN, Beaven E, Nurunnabi M. Emerging delivery approaches for targeted pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 204:115147. [PMID: 38065244 PMCID: PMC10787600 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115147] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive, and life-threatening interstitial lung disease which causes scarring in the lung parenchyma and thereby affects architecture and functioning of lung. It is an irreversible damage to lung functioning which is related to epithelial cell injury, immense accumulation of immune cells and inflammatory cytokines, and irregular recruitment of extracellular matrix. The inflammatory cytokines trigger the differentiation of fibroblasts into activated fibroblasts, also known as myofibroblasts, which further increase the production and deposition of collagen at the injury sites in the lung. Despite the significant morbidity and mortality associated with PF, there is no available treatment that efficiently and effectively treats the disease by reversing their underlying pathologies. In recent years, many therapeutic regimens, for instance, rho kinase inhibitors, Smad signaling pathway inhibitors, p38, BCL-xL/ BCL-2 and JNK pathway inhibitors, have been found to be potent and effective in treating PF, in preclinical stages. However, due to non-selectivity and non-specificity, the therapeutic molecules also result in toxicity mediated severe side effects. Hence, this review demonstrates recent advances on PF pathology, mechanism and targets related to PF, development of various drug delivery systems based on small molecules, RNAs, oligonucleotides, peptides, antibodies, exosomes, and stem cells for the treatment of PF and the progress of various therapeutic treatments in clinical trials to advance PF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States; The Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, United States.
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Lettieri S, Bertuccio FR, del Frate L, Perrotta F, Corsico AG, Stella GM. The Plastic Interplay between Lung Regeneration Phenomena and Fibrotic Evolution: Current Challenges and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:547. [PMID: 38203718 PMCID: PMC10779349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010547] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a heterogeneous group of pulmonary disorders characterized by variable degrees of inflammation, interstitial thickening, and fibrosis leading to distortion of the pulmonary architecture and gas exchange impairment. Among them, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) displays the worst prognosis. The only therapeutic options consist of the two antifibrotic drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, which limit fibrosis progression but do not reverse the lung damage. The shift of the pathogenetic paradigm from inflammatory disease to epithelium-derived disease has definitively established the primary role of type II alveolar cells, which lose their epithelial phenotype and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype with production of collagen and extracellular matrix (EMC) deposition. Some predisposing environmental and genetic factors (e.g., smoke, pollution, gastroesophageal reflux, variants of telomere and surfactant genes) leading to accelerated senescence set a pro-fibrogentic microenvironment and contribute to the loss of regenerative properties of type II epithelial cells in response to pathogenic noxae. This review provides a complete overview of the different pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the development of IPF. Then, we summarize the currently approved therapies and the main clinical trials ongoing. Finally, we explore the potentialities offered by agents not only interfering with the processes of fibrosis but also restoring the physiological properties of alveolar regeneration, with a particular focus on potentialities and concerns about cell therapies based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), whose anti-inflammatory and immunomodulant properties have been exploited in other fibrotic diseases, such as graft versus host disease (GVHD) and COVID-19-related ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lettieri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.L.); (F.R.B.); (L.d.F.); (A.G.C.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco R. Bertuccio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.L.); (F.R.B.); (L.d.F.); (A.G.C.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucia del Frate
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.L.); (F.R.B.); (L.d.F.); (A.G.C.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Perrotta
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80055 Naples, Italy;
| | - Angelo G. Corsico
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.L.); (F.R.B.); (L.d.F.); (A.G.C.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia M. Stella
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia Medical School, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.L.); (F.R.B.); (L.d.F.); (A.G.C.)
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Unit of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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21
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Ji Y, Chen L, Yang J, Yang X, Yang F. Quantitative assessment of airway wall thickness in COPD patients with interstitial lung abnormalities. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1280651. [PMID: 38146423 PMCID: PMC10749311 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1280651] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Whether the airway is involved in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) is not well understood. Also the impact of ILA on lung function in COPD patients remains controversial. We aimed to assess the quantitative CT measurements of airway wall thickness (AWT) and lung function according to ILA status in COPD patients. Methods 157 COPD patients discharged from our hospital from August 1, 2019 through August 31, 2022 who underwent chest CT imagings and pulmonary function tests were retrospectively enrolled. Linear regression analysis and multiple models were used to analyze associations between quantitative assessment of airway wall changes and the presence of ILA. Results In 157 COPD patients, 23 patients (14.6%) had equivocal ILA, 42 patients (26.8%) had definite ILA. The definite ILA group had the highest measurements of Pi10 (square root of theoretical airway wall area with a lumen perimeter of 10 mm), segmental AWT and segmental WA% (percentage of wall area), whereas the no ILA group had the lowest measurements of Pi10, segmental AWT and segmental WA%. In the adjusted analyses (adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, smoking intensity, COPD GOLD stage, lung function, slice thickness and scanner type), compared to COPD patients without ILA, the measurements of Pi10, segmental AWT and segmental WA% were higher in definite ILA group with differences of 0.225 mm (p = 0.012), 0.152 mm (p < 0.001), 4.8% (p < 0.001) respectively. COPD patients with definite ILA tended to have higher FEV1% predicted, FVC% predicted and lower MMEF75/25% predicted, but there were no statistically differences among the three groups. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the higher AWT measures in COPD patients with ILA compared to the patients without ILA. These findings suggest that the airway may be involved in the pathogenesis of ILA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Ji
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Leqing Chen
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangying Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
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22
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Deng L, Ouyang B, Shi H, Yang F, Li S, Xie C, Du W, Hu L, Wei Y, Dong J. Icariside Ⅱ attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by modulating macrophage polarization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116810. [PMID: 37331450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Numerous studies have provided evidence supporting the significant roles of icariin, in the prevention of multiple chronic diseases like diabetes, liver fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, renal fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. In particular, Icariside II (ISE II), a prominent flavonoid glycoside derived from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim, the principal metabolite of icariin, has demonstrated noteworthy anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, along with its ability to protect against lung remodeling. However, the research exploring ISE Ⅱ's application in treating pulmonary fibrosis remains limited. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of ISE II in models of pulmonary fibrosis, while also investigating its potential mechanisms of action in cell signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS An in vitro model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by treating NIH-3T3 cells with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Western blot, RT-qPCR, and scratch test were performed to assess the effect of ISE Ⅱ. In addition, a murine model of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin, and the therapeutic effect of ISE Ⅱ was tested by orally administering ISE Ⅱ at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Three weeks later, lung function, micro-CT, hydroxyproline content, pathological staining, and cytokines detection of BALF or serum were used to assess the anti-fibrosis effects of ISE Ⅱ. Next, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and in vivo transcriptomics were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action. RESULTS Our data revealed a significant inhibitory effect of ISE Ⅱ on the upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen production induced by TGF-β1 in fibroblasts. Meanwhile, ISE Ⅱ exerted a therapeutic effect against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by improving lung function, decreasing collagen deposition, and reducing the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), TGF-β1 and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Additionally, ISE Ⅱ treatment effectively attenuated the infiltration of M2 macrophages, concurrently downregulating the expression level of M2 marker genes, such as CD206, arginase-1(Arg-1), and Chitinase-Like Protein 3 (YM-1). Importantly, we observed a statistically significant reduction in the M2 phenotype of interstitial macrophages (IMs). However, the impact of ISE Ⅱ on the M2 polarization of alveolar macrophages (AMs) did not reach statistical significance. Lastly, transcriptome sequencing results suggested that the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of ISE Ⅱ may be mediated by the suppression of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, which modulated M2 polarization in macrophages and contributed to the amelioration of pulmonary fibrosis. By immunohistochemical analysis, it was verified that ISE Ⅱ treatment dramatically inhibited the activation of β-catenin in fibrosis murine. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that ISE Ⅱ exerted anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting pro-fibrotic macrophage polarization. The underlying mechanism of action might be mediated by modulating the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit the M2 program in IMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Deng
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Boshu Ouyang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hanlin Shi
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fangyong Yang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shihuan Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cong Xie
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wenjing Du
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lingli Hu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Bayati P, Taherian M, Soleimani M, Farajifard H, Mojtabavi N. Induced pluripotent stem cells modulate the Wnt pathway in the bleomycin-induced model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:343. [PMID: 38017561 PMCID: PMC10685538 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03581-4] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders and malignancies. Hence, we aimed to assess the potential of the induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS) in modulating the expression of the cardinal genes of the Wnt pathway in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS C57Bl/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups of Control, Bleomycin (BLM), and BLM + IPS; the BLM mice received intratracheal instillation of bleomycin, BLM + IPS mice received tail vein injection of IPS cells 48 h post instillation of the BLM; The Control group received Phosphate-buffered saline instead. After 3 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and Histologic assessments including hydroxy proline assay, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson-trichrome staining were performed. The expression of the genes for Wnt, β-Catenin, Lef, Dkk1, and Bmp4 was assessed utilizing specific primers and SYBR green master mix. RESULTS Histologic assessments revealed that the fibrotic lesions and inflammation were significantly alleviated in the BLM + IPS group. Besides, the gene expression analyses demonstrated the upregulation of Wnt, β-Catenin, and LEF along with the significant downregulation of the Bmp4 and DKK1 in response to bleomycin treatment; subsequently, it was found that the treatment of the IPF mice with IPS cells results in the downregulation of the Wnt, β-Catenin, and Lef, as well as upregulation of the Dkk1, but not the Bmp4 gene (P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION The current study highlights the therapeutic potential of the IPS cells on the IPF mouse model in terms of regulating the aberrant expression of the factors contributing to the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paria Bayati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Taherian
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Soleimani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Farajifard
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mojtabavi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wan R, Wang L, Zhu M, Li W, Duan Y, Yu G. Cellular Senescence: A Troy Horse in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16410. [PMID: 38003600 PMCID: PMC10671822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216410] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by myofibroblast abnormal activation and extracellular matrix deposition. However, the pathogenesis of PF remains unclear, and treatment options are limited. Epidemiological studies have shown that the average age of PF patients is estimated to be over 65 years, and the incidence of the disease increases with age. Therefore, PF is considered an age-related disease. A preliminary study on PF patients demonstrated that the combination therapy of the anti-senescence drugs dasatinib and quercetin improved physical functional indicators. Given the global aging population and the role of cellular senescence in tissue and organ aging, understanding the impact of cellular senescence on PF is of growing interest. This article systematically summarizes the causes and signaling pathways of cellular senescence in PF. It also objectively analyzes the impact of senescence in AECs and fibroblasts on PF development. Furthermore, potential intervention methods targeting cellular senescence in PF treatment are discussed. This review not only provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding and manipulating cellular senescence, developing new therapies to improve age-related diseases, and extending a healthy lifespan but also offers hope for reversing the toxicity caused by the massive accumulation of senescence cells in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyan Wan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (R.W.); (L.W.); (M.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.D.)
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (R.W.); (L.W.); (M.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.D.)
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (R.W.); (L.W.); (M.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.D.)
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (R.W.); (L.W.); (M.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.D.)
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Yudi Duan
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (R.W.); (L.W.); (M.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.D.)
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Pulmonary Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China; (R.W.); (L.W.); (M.Z.); (W.L.); (Y.D.)
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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Kim BG, Lee PH, Hong J, Jang AS. Analyzing the Impact of Diesel Exhaust Particles on Lung Fibrosis Using Dual PCR Array and Proteomics: YWHAZ Signaling. TOXICS 2023; 11:859. [PMID: 37888708 PMCID: PMC10611312 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Air pollutants are associated with exacerbations of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and airway inflammation. Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) can induce and worsen lung diseases. However, there are insufficient data to guide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array proteomics studies regarding the impacts of DEPs on respiratory diseases. This study was performed to identify genes and proteins expressed in normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and proteins expressed in NHBE cells exposed to DEPs at 1 μg/cm2 for 8 h and 24 h were identified using PCR array analysis and 2D PAGE/LC-MS/MS, respectively. YWHAZ gene expression was estimated using PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemical analyses. Genes discovered through an overlap analysis were validated in DEP-exposed mice. Proteomics approaches showed that exposing NHBE cells to DEPs led to changes in 32 protein spots. A transcriptomics PCR array analysis showed that 6 of 84 miRNAs were downregulated in the DEP exposure groups compared to controls. The mRNA and protein expression levels of YWHAZ, β-catenin, vimentin, and TGF-β were increased in DEP-treated NHBE cells and DEP-exposed mice. Lung fibrosis was increased in mice exposed to DEPs. Our combined PCR array-omics analysis demonstrated that DEPs can induce airway inflammation and lead to lung fibrosis through changes in the expression levels of YWHAZ, β-catenin, vimentin, and TGF-β. These findings suggest that dual approaches can help to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets involved in pollutant-related respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - An-Soo Jang
- Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, 170 Jomaru-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon 14584, Republic of Korea; (B.-G.K.)
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26
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Chen Y, Song W, Zhang H, Ji X. MICALL2 participates in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial cells - Potential roles in pulmonary fibrosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 747:109730. [PMID: 37690696 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109730] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of alveolar epithelial cells is a vital process in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which results in the accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Based on RNA sequencing analysis and GEO dataset reanalysis, we screened out MICALL2, a gene upregulated in the lungs of IPF mice and alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells from IPF patients, and aimed to explore its role in IPF. We validated the expression of MICALL2 in bleomycin (BLM)-induced IPF mice and TGF-β1-stimulated ATII cells (primary murine ATII cells and A549 cells), and explored the role of MICALL2 in IPF by knockdown of MICALL2 in BLM-induced mice and TGF-β1-stimulated ATII cells. We found that MICALL2 was upregulated in the lungs of BLM-induced mice and TGF-β1-stimulated ATII cells. MICALL2-deficient mice had reduced fibrogenesis and restrained EMT upon BLM challenge. Knockdown of MICALL2 restrained the EMT process, in vitro, through impeding β-catenin nuclear translocation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that NPAS2 is directly bound to the promoter of MICALL2. Altogether, our data revealed transactivation of MICALL2 induced by NPAS2, contributing to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ATII cells, thus leading to the EMT process and subsequent pulmonary fibrosis. Interfering with MICALL2 may represent an innovative therapeutic target to mitigate the extent of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - He Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Xinping Ji
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China.
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27
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Kizawa R, Araya J, Fujita Y. Divergent roles of the Hippo pathway in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: tissue homeostasis and fibrosis. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:45. [PMID: 37735707 PMCID: PMC10512581 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00295-1] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive aging-related lung disease with a poor prognosis. Despite extensive research, the cause of IPF remains largely unknown and treatment strategies are limited. Proposed mechanisms of the pathogenesis of IPF are a combination of excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix and dysfunctional lung tissue regeneration. Epithelial cell dysfunction, in addition to fibroblast activation, is considered a key process in the progression of IPF. Epithelial cells normally maintain homeostasis of the lung tissue through regulated proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and cellular senescence. However, various stresses can cause repetitive damage to lung epithelial cells, leading to dysfunctional regeneration and acquisition of profibrotic functions. The Hippo pathway is a central signaling pathway that maintains tissue homeostasis and plays an essential role in fundamental biological processes. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including IPF. However, the role of the Hippo pathway in the pathogenesis of IPF remains unclear, particularly given the pathway's opposing effects on the 2 key pathogenic mechanisms of IPF: epithelial cell dysfunction and fibroblast activation. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the Hippo pathway and the pathogenesis of IPF will pave the way for novel Hippo-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryusuke Kizawa
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Division of Next-Generation Drug Development, Research Center for Medical Sciences, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Araya
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yu Fujita
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Next-Generation Drug Development, Research Center for Medical Sciences, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abu El-Asrar AM, De Hertogh G, Allegaert E, Nawaz MI, Abouelasrar Salama S, Gikandi PW, Opdenakker G, Struyf S. Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition Contributes to Myofibroblast Formation in Proliferative Vitreoretinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13510. [PMID: 37686317 PMCID: PMC10487544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are key features of proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. We aimed to define the macrophage phenotype and investigate the role of macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in the contribution to myofibroblast populations present in epiretinal membranes. Vitreous samples from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and nondiabetic control patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from PDR patients and fibrocellular membranes from PVR patients, human retinal Müller glial cells and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were studied by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. Myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA, fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) were present in all membranes. The majority of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages co-expressed the M2 macrophage marker CD206. In epiretinal membranes, cells undergoing MMT were identified by co-expression of the macrophage marker CD68 and myofibroblast markers α-SMA and FSP-1. Further analysis revealed that CD206+ M2 macrophages co-expressed α-SMA, FSP-1, FAP-α and ß-catenin. Soluble (s) CD206 and sFAP-α levels were significantly higher in vitreous samples from PDR and PVR patients than in nondiabetic control patients. The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the hypoxia mimetic agent cobalt chloride induced upregulation of sFAP-α in culture media of Müller cells but not of HRMECs. The NF-ĸß inhibitor BAY11-7085 significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of sFAP-α in Müller cells. Our findings suggest that the process of MMT might contribute to myofibroblast formation in epiretinal membranes, and this transition involved macrophages with a predominant M2 phenotype. In addition, sFAP-α as a vitreous biomarker may be derived from M2 macrophages transitioned to myofibroblasts and from Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Research Chair in Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gert De Hertogh
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eef Allegaert
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohd I. Nawaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Sara Abouelasrar Salama
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Priscilla W. Gikandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Struyf
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
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Cohen ML, Brumwell AN, Che Ho T, Montas G, Golden JA, Jones KD, Wolters PJ, Wei Y, Chapman HA, Le Saux CJ. A fibroblast-dependent TGFβ1/sFRP2 noncanonical Wnt signaling axis underlies epithelial metaplasia in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551383. [PMID: 37577522 PMCID: PMC10418166 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Reciprocal interactions between alveolar fibroblasts and epithelial cells are crucial for lung homeostasis, injury repair, and fibrogenesis, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate this, we administered the fibroblast-selective TGFβ1 signaling inhibitor, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), to Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) patients undergoing diagnostic lung biopsy and conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on spare tissue. Unexposed biopsy samples showed higher fibroblast TGFβ1 signaling compared to non-disease donor or end-stage ILD tissues. In vivo, EGCG significantly downregulated TGFβ1 signaling and several pro-inflammatory and stress pathways in biopsy samples. Notably, EGCG reduced fibroblast secreted Frizzle-like Receptor Protein 2 (sFRP2), an unrecognized TGFβ1 fibroblast target gene induced near type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC2s). In human AEC2-fibroblast coculture organoids, sFRP2 was essential for AEC2 trans-differentiation to basal cells. Precision cut lung slices (PCLS) from normal donors demonstrated that TGFβ1 promoted KRT17 expression and AEC2 morphological change, while sFRP2 was necessary for KRT5 expression in AEC2-derived basaloid cells. Wnt-receptor Frizzled 5 (Fzd5) expression and downstream calcineurin-related signaling in AEC2s were required for sFRP2-induced KRT5 expression. These findings highlight stage-specific TGFβ1 signaling in ILD, the therapeutic potential of EGCG in reducing IPF-related transcriptional changes, and identify the TGFβ1-non-canonical Wnt pathway crosstalk via sFRP2 as a novel mechanism for dysfunctional epithelial signaling in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/ILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max L. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Alexis N. Brumwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Tsung Che Ho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Genevieve Montas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jeffrey A. Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Kirk D. Jones
- Department of Pathology; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Paul J. Wolters
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Harold A. Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Claude J. Le Saux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Chen J, Tang J, Nie M, Li Y, Wurfel MM, Meyer NJ, Wei Y, Zhao Y, Frank AJ, Thompson BT, Christiani DC, Chen F, Zhang R. WNT9A Affects Late-Onset Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and 28-Day Survival: Evidence from a Three-Step Multiomics Study. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:220-229. [PMID: 37094100 PMCID: PMC10399141 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0416oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Late-onset (more than 48 h after ICU admission) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with shorter survival time and higher mortality; however, the underlying molecular targets remain unclear. As the WNT gene family is known to drive inflammation, immunity, and tissue fibrosis, all of which are closely related to the pathogenesis and prognosis of ARDS, we aim to investigate the associations of the WNT family with late-onset ARDS and 28-day survival. Genetic (n = 380), epigenetic (n = 185), transcriptional (n = 160), and protein (n = 300) data of patients with ARDS were extracted from the MEARDS (Molecular Epidemiology of ARDS) cohort. We used sure independence screening to identify late onset-related genetic biomarkers and constructed a genetic score on the basis of eight SNPs, which was associated with risk for late-onset ARDS (odds ratio [OR], 2.72; P = 3.81 × 10-14) and survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28; P = 0.008). The associations were further externally validated in the iSPAAR (Identification of SNPs Predisposing to Altered Acute Lung Injury Risk) (ORlate onset, 2.49 [P = 0.006]; HRsurvival, 1.87 [P = 0.045]) and MESSI (Molecular Epidemiology of Severe Sepsis in the ICU) (ORlate onset, 4.12 [P = 0.026]; HRsurvival, 1.45 [P = 0.036]) cohorts. Furthermore, we functionally interrogated the six mapped genes of eight SNPs in the multiomics data and noted associations of WNT9A (WNT family member 9A) in epigenetic (ORlate onset, 2.95 [P = 9.91 × 10-4]; HRsurvival, 1.53 [P = 0.011]) and protein (ORlate onset, 1.42 [P = 0.035]; HRsurvival, 1.38 [P = 0.011]) data. The mediation analysis indicated that the effects of WNT9A on ARDS survival were mediated by late onset (HRindirect, 1.12 [P = 0.014] for genetic data; HRindirect, 1.05 [P = 0.030] for protein data). The essential roles of WNT9A in immunity and fibrosis may explain the different trajectories of recovery and dysfunction between early- and late-onset ARDS, providing clues for ARDS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
| | - Jiaqi Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
| | - Mengli Nie
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mark M. Wurfel
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nuala J. Meyer
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yongyue Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
- China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
- China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Angela J. Frank
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - B. Taylor Thompson
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David C. Christiani
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
- China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruyang Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, and
- China International Cooperation Center for Environment and Human Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts; and
- Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
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31
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Nabhan AN, Webster JD, Adams JJ, Blazer L, Everrett C, Eidenschenk C, Arlantico A, Fleming I, Brightbill HD, Wolters PJ, Modrusan Z, Seshagiri S, Angers S, Sidhu SS, Newton K, Arron JR, Dixit VM. Targeted alveolar regeneration with Frizzled-specific agonists. Cell 2023; 186:2995-3012.e15. [PMID: 37321220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.022] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wnt ligands oligomerize Frizzled (Fzd) and Lrp5/6 receptors to control the specification and activity of stem cells in many species. How Wnt signaling is selectively activated in different stem cell populations, often within the same organ, is not understood. In lung alveoli, we show that distinct Wnt receptors are expressed by epithelial (Fzd5/6), endothelial (Fzd4), and stromal (Fzd1) cells. Fzd5 is uniquely required for alveolar epithelial stem cell activity, whereas fibroblasts utilize distinct Fzd receptors. Using an expanded repertoire of Fzd-Lrp agonists, we could activate canonical Wnt signaling in alveolar epithelial stem cells via either Fzd5 or, unexpectedly, non-canonical Fzd6. A Fzd5 agonist (Fzd5ag) or Fzd6ag stimulated alveolar epithelial stem cell activity and promoted survival in mice after lung injury, but only Fzd6ag promoted an alveolar fate in airway-derived progenitors. Therefore, we identify a potential strategy for promoting regeneration without exacerbating fibrosis during lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad N Nabhan
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Joshua D Webster
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jarret J Adams
- AntlerA Therapeutics, 348 Hatch Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Levi Blazer
- AntlerA Therapeutics, 348 Hatch Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Christine Everrett
- Department of Molecular Discovery and Cancer Cell Biology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Celine Eidenschenk
- Department of Molecular Discovery and Cancer Cell Biology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Alexander Arlantico
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Isabel Fleming
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hans D Brightbill
- Department of Translational Immunology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Paul J Wolters
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics, Lipidomics and Next Generation Sequencing, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Stephane Angers
- AntlerA Therapeutics, 348 Hatch Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sachdev S Sidhu
- AntlerA Therapeutics, 348 Hatch Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA; School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON N2G 1C5, Canada
| | - Kim Newton
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Joseph R Arron
- Department of Immunology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Vishva M Dixit
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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Zhang H, Yue J, Hou X, Lu H, Bikdeli A, Guo H, Li H, Li D. Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease combined with pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in a patient with single anti-TIF-1γ antibody positive dermatomyositis in the context of an underlying tumor. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:248. [PMID: 37415133 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02542-0] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequently observed comorbidity in autoimmune diseases such as dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM), and it is significantly associated with specific autoantibody types. One unique antibody type is the anti-transcription intermediate factor-1γ antibody (anti-TIF-1γ Ab), which has a positive rate of only 7%. It is often found in combination with malignancy and rarely with ILD, particularly rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD). In some cases, the presence of ILD in individuals with DM may indicate a paraneoplastic syndrome. Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) typically occurs due to intensive immunosuppressive therapy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or malignancy, and rarely as an isolated condition. CASE PRESENTATION A 52-year-old man with a history of rapid weight loss but non-HIV infected and not immunosuppressed who presented with fever, cough, dyspnea, weakness of the extremities, characteristic rash and mechanic's hand. Pathogenic tests suggested PJP, laboratory tests suggested a single anti-TIF-1γ Ab positive DM, imaging suggested ILD, and pathology revealed no malignancy. RPILD and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developed after anti-infection and steroid hormone therapy. After mechanical support therapy such as Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), the patient developed late-onset cytomegalovirus pneumonia (CMVP), complicated bacterial infection, and ultimately death. Additionally, we discuss the potential causes of rapid weight loss, the mechanisms by which anti-TIF-1γ Ab may lead to ILD, and the possible connection between anti-TIF-1γ Ab positivity, rapid weight loss, immune abnormalities, and opportunistic infections. CONCLUSIONS This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of malignant tumors and pulmonary lesions, assessment of the body's immune status, prompt initiation of immunosuppressive treatment, and prevention of opportunistic infections in individuals with single anti-TIF-1γ Ab positive DM presenting with rapid weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengzhe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jinfeng Yue
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohui Hou
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Hongjun Lu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine of Rizhao Hospital, Rizhao, 276800, Shandong, China
| | - Arezou Bikdeli
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Haipeng Guo
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Daqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Cocconcelli E, Bernardinello N, Castelli G, Petrarulo S, Bellani S, Saetta M, Spagnolo P, Balestro E. Molecular Mechanism in the Development of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Patients with Sarcoidosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10767. [PMID: 37445947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310767] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology characterized by the formation of granulomas in various organs, especially lung and mediastinal hilar lymph nodes. The clinical course and manifestations are unpredictable: spontaneous remission can occur in approximately two thirds of patients; up to 20% of patients have chronic course of the lung disease (called advanced pulmonary sarcoidosis, APS) resulting in progressive loss of lung function, sometimes life-threatening that can lead to respiratory failure and death. The immunopathology mechanism leading from granuloma formation to the fibrosis in APS still remains elusive. Recent studies have provided new insights into the genetic factors and immune components involved in the clinical manifestation of the disease. In this review we aim to summarize the clinical-prognostic characteristics and molecular pathways which are believed to be associated with the development of APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Cocconcelli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Nicol Bernardinello
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Gioele Castelli
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Simone Petrarulo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Serena Bellani
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marina Saetta
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Balestro
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Xie Y, Zhao H, Luo H, Zuo X, Li Q, Liu S. Genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with systemic sclerosis with interstitial lung disease. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:829-836. [PMID: 37587067 PMCID: PMC10930437 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.220538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with interstitial lung disease (ILD), and to analyze the effects of DNA methylation on Wnt/β-catenin and chemokine signaling pathways. METHODS PBMCs were collected from 19 patients with SSc (SSc group) and 18 healthy persons (control group). Among SSc patients, there were 10 patients with ILD (SSc with ILD subgroup) and 9 patients without ILD (SSc without ILD subgroup). The genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression level were analyzed by using Illumina 450K methylation chip and Illumina HT-12 v4.0 gene expression profiling chip. The effect of DNA methylation on Wnt/β-catenin and chemokine signal pathways was investigated. RESULTS Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis identified 71 hypermethylated CpG sites and 98 hypomethylated CpG sites in the SSc with ILD subgroup compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup. Transcriptome analysis distinguished 164 upregulated genes and 191 downregulated genes in the SSc with ILD subgroup as compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup. In PBMCs of the SSc group, 35 genes in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were hypomethylated, while frizzled-1 (FZD1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 9 (MAPK9), mothers against DPP homolog 2 (SMAD2), transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), and wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 5B (WNT5B) mRNA expressions were upregulated as compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup, the mRNA expressions of dickkopf homolog 2 (DKK2), FZD1, MAPK9 were upregulated in the SSc with ILD subgroup, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). In PBMCs of the SSc group, 38 genes in chemokine signaling pathway were hypomethylated, while β-arrestin 1 (ARRB1), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16), FGR, and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1C (NCF1C) mRNA expressions were upregulated as compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Compared with the SSc without ILD subgroup, the mRNA expressions of ARRB1, CXCL10, CXCL16 were upregulated in the SSc with ILD subgroup, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS There are differences in DNA methylation and transcriptome profiles between SSc with ILD and SSc without ILD. The expression levels of multiple genes in Wnt/β- catenin and chemokine signaling pathways are upregulated, which might be associatea with the pathogenesis of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Xie
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
| | - Hongjun Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Quanzhen Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Sijia Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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Kronborg-White S, Bendstrup E, Madsen LB, Rasmussen F, Poletti V. Association between Parenchymal B-Cell Follicles and CT-Proven Enlarged Mediastinal Lymph Nodes in Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Respiration 2023; 102:515-522. [PMID: 37290416 DOI: 10.1159/000530474] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mediastinal lymph node enlargement (MLNE) is a finding described in a subset of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) and is associated with accelerated disease progression and increased mortality. The cause of MLNE is still not known. Our hypothesis is that there is an association between MLNE and B-cell follicles in lung tissue, another aspect detectable in the lung tissue of patients with IPF and other ILDs. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess if there is an association between MLNE and B-cell follicles in lung tissue in patients with IPF and other ILDs. METHOD Patients having transbronchial cryobiopsies performed as part of an investigation for ILD were included in this prospective observational study. MLNE (smallest diameter ≥10 mm) were assessed in station 7, 4R, and 4L on high-resolution computed tomography scans. B-cell follicles were assessed on haematoxylin-eosin-stained specimens. Lung function, 6-minute walk test, acute exacerbation, and mortality were registered after 2 years. In addition, we investigated if the finding of B-cell follicles was consistent in patients who underwent both surgical lung biopsies (SLBs) and cryobiopsies. RESULTS In total, 93 patients were included for analysis (46% diagnosed with IPF, 54% diagnosed with other ILDs). MLNE was found in 26 (60%) of the IPF patients and in 23 (46%) of the non-IPF patients (p = 0.164). Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was significantly lower (p = 0.03) in patients with MLNE compared to patients without MLNE. B-cell follicles were found in 11 (26%) of the IPF patients and in 22 (44%) of the non-IPF patients (p = 0.064). Germinal centres were not seen in any of the patients. There was no association between MLNE and B-cell follicles (p = 0.057). No significant difference in change of pulmonary function test was seen at 2-year follow-up when comparing the patients with and without MLNE or B-cell follicles. In 13 patients, both SLBs and cryobiopsies were performed. The presence of B-cell follicles was not consistent when comparing the two different methods. CONCLUSION MLNE is evident in a substantial part of patients with ILD and is associated with lower DLCO at inclusion. We could not demonstrate an association between histological B-cell follicles in biopsies and MLNE. A possible explanation for this is that the cryobiopsies might not have captured the changes we sought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sissel Kronborg-White
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Centre for Rare Lung Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Bendstrup
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Centre for Rare Lung Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Line Bille Madsen
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Finn Rasmussen
- Department of Radiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Venerino Poletti
- Department of Respiratory Diseases and Allergy, Centre for Rare Lung Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of the Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale Morgagni, Forli, Italy
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Junjie L, Cheng G, Kangkang L, Yu L, Zhiyao Y, Xudong W, Xianmei Z, Xiaomin L. Citrus alkaline extracts improve LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis via epithelial mesenchymal transition signals. Chin Med 2023; 18:62. [PMID: 37248506 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00766-0] [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: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious life threatening clinical critical illness. ARDS-related pulmonary fibrosis is a common complication of ARDS. The occurrence of early pulmonary fibrosis indicates a higher incidence and mortality of multiple organ failure. LPS-induced ARDS-related pulmonary fibrosis model in mice was established in this study. And we have explored the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects and molecular mechanisms of the Citrus Alkaline Extracts (CAE) in vivo and in vitro. METHODS Pulmonary fibrosis mouse model and lung epithelial cell injury model were established in this study. H&E, Masson and Sirius Red staining were used to estimate lung tissue damage. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to analyze proteins expression. Protein-protein interaction was observed by Co-Immunoprecipitation. Systemic impact of CAE on signaling pathway was examined by RNA-seq. RESULTS Through H&E, Masson and Sirius Red staining, it was convincingly indicated that therapeutic administration of CAE alleviated lung injury and fibrosis, while pretreated administration of CAE showed weak improvement. In vitro experiments showed that CAE had dual regulation to E-cadherin and N-cadherin, the important indicators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). And it was further demonstrated that CAE reversed TGF-β1-induced EMT mainly through Wnt/β-catenin, Stat3/6 and COX2/PGE2 signals. Through RNA-Seq, we discovered important mechanisms by which CAE exerts its therapeutic effect. And network pharmacology analysis demonstrated core potential targets of CAE in EMT. CONCLUSION Thus, this study provides new therapeutic effects of CAE in anti-fibrosis, and offers potential mechanisms for CAE in LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Junjie
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Gu Cheng
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210004, China
| | - Luo Kangkang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yuan Zhiyao
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Wu Xudong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhou Xianmei
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
| | - Lu Xiaomin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210004, China.
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Shaikh TB, Kuncha M, Andugulapati SB, Sistla R. Dehydrozingerone alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175820. [PMID: 37245857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175820] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), excessive collagen deposition predisposes to irreversible lung function decline, respiratory failure, and ultimately death. Due to the limited therapeutic efficacy of FDA-approved medications, novel drugs are warranted for better treatment outcomes. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is an analogue of curcumin that has been investigated against pulmonary fibrosis using a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model in rats. In in vitro, TGF-β-induced differentiation models (NHLF, LL29, DHLF and A549 cells) were adopted to assess fibrotic markers expression and explored the mechanism of action. DHZ administration attenuated the bleomycin-induced elevation of lung index, inflammatory cell infiltrations, and hydroxyproline levels in lung tissues. Furthermore, treatment with DHZ mitigated the bleomycin-mediated elevation of extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and collagen deposition markers and improved lung mechanics. In addition, treatment with DHZ significantly suppressed the BLM-induced apoptosis and rescued the BLM-induced pathological abnormalities in lung tissues. In-vitro assays revealed that DHZ suppressed the expression of TGF-β-elevated collagen deposition, EMT and ECM markers in both mRNA/protein levels. Our findings showed that DHZ has anti-fibrotic effect against pulmonary fibrosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that DHZ may serve as a potential treatment option for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim B Shaikh
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Madhusudhana Kuncha
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India
| | - Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ramakrishna Sistla
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Li YJ, Shi JR, Li SC, Wang LM, Dhar R, Li N, Cao XW, Li ZG, Tang HF. Phosphodiesterase type 10A inhibitor attenuates lung fibrosis by targeting myofibroblast activation. iScience 2023; 26:106586. [PMID: 37138780 PMCID: PMC10149334 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a fatal and irreversible respiratory disease accompanied by excessive fibroblast activation. Previous studies have suggested that cAMP signaling pathway and cGMP-PKG signaling pathway are continuously down-regulated in lung fibrosis, whereas PDE10A has a specifically expression in fibroblasts/myofibroblasts in lung fibrosis. In this study, we demonstrated that overexpression of PDE10A induces myofibroblast differentiation, and papaverine, as a PDE10A inhibitor used for vasodilation, inhibits myofibroblast differentiation in human fibroblasts, Meanwhile, papaverine alleviated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and amiodarone-induced oxidative stress, papaverine downregulated VASP/β-catenin pathway to reduce the myofibroblast differentiation. Our results first demonstrated that papaverine inhibits TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and lung fibrosis by VASP/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jian-Rong Shi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Shu-Chan Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Lu-Ming Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Rana Dhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Xin-Wei Cao
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zi-Gang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Hui-Fang Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, and Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- Corresponding author
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Ligresti G, Raslan AA, Hong J, Caporarello N, Confalonieri M, Huang SK. Mesenchymal cells in the Lung: Evolving concepts and their role in fibrosis. Gene 2023; 859:147142. [PMID: 36603696 PMCID: PMC10068350 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells in the lung are crucial during development, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common and deadly form of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases. Originally thought to behave as supporting cells for the lung epithelium and endothelium with a singular function of producing basement membrane, mesenchymal cells encompass a variety of cell types, including resident fibroblasts, lipofibroblasts, myofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and pericytes, which all occupy different anatomic locations and exhibit diverse homeostatic functions in the lung. During injury, each of these subtypes demonstrate remarkable plasticity and undergo varying capacity to proliferate and differentiate into activated myofibroblasts. Therefore, these cells secrete high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to tissue repair, or in pathologic situations, scarring and fibrosis. Whereas epithelial damage is considered the initial trigger that leads to lung injury, lung mesenchymal cells are recognized as the ultimate effector of fibrosis and attempts to better understand the different functions and actions of each mesenchymal cell subtype will lead to a better understanding of why fibrosis develops and how to better target it for future therapy. This review summarizes current findings related to various lung mesenchymal cells as well as signaling pathways, and their contribution to the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Ligresti
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US.
| | - Ahmed A Raslan
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US
| | - Jeongmin Hong
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston MA, US
| | - Nunzia Caporarello
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, US
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Steven K Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, US
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Huang G, Liang J, Huang K, Liu X, Taghavifar F, Yao C, Parimon T, Liu N, Dai K, Aziz A, Wang Y, Waldron RT, Mou H, Stripp B, Noble PW, Jiang D. Basal Cell-derived WNT7A Promotes Fibrogenesis at the Fibrotic Niche in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 68:302-313. [PMID: 36318668 PMCID: PMC9989475 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0074oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of epithelial integrity, bronchiolarization, and fibroblast activation are key characteristics of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Prolonged accumulation of basal-like cells in IPF may impact the fibrotic niche to promote fibrogenesis. To investigate their role in IPF, basal cells were isolated from IPF explant and healthy donor lung tissues. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used to assess differentially expressed genes in basal cells. Basal cell and niche interaction was demonstrated with the sLP-mCherry niche labeling system. Luminex assays were used to assess cytokines secreted by basal cells. The role of basal cells in fibroblast activation was studied. Three-dimensional organoid culture assays were used to interrogate basal cell effects on AEC2 (type 2 alveolar epithelial cell) renewal capacity. Perturbation was used to investigate WNT7A function in vitro and in a repetitive bleomycin model in vivo. We found that WNT7A is highly and specifically expressed in basal-like cells. Proteins secreted by basal cells can be captured by neighboring fibroblasts and AEC2s. Basal cells or basal cell-conditioned media activate fibroblasts through WNT7A. Basal cell-derived WNT7A inhibits AEC2 progenitor cell renewal in three-dimensional organoid cultures. Neutralizing antibodies against WNT7A or a small molecule inhibitor of Frizzled signaling abolished basal cell-induced fibroblast activation and attenuated lung fibrosis in mice. In summary, basal cells and basal cell-derived WNT7A are key components of the fibrotic niche, providing a unique non-stem cell function of basal cells in IPF progression and a novel targeting strategy for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin Huang
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
| | - Xue Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
| | | | - Changfu Yao
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
- The Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute
| | | | - Ningshan Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
| | - Kristy Dai
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
| | - Adam Aziz
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
| | | | | | - Hongmei Mou
- The Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Barry Stripp
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
- The Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute
| | - Paul W Noble
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
| | - Dianhua Jiang
- Division of Pulmonary, Women's Guild Lung Institute
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; and
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Silencing FHL2 inhibits bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis through the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2023; 423:113470. [PMID: 36641135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113470] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the inhibiting effects of FHL2 and Arbutin on cell fibrosis and their possible mechanisms. METHODS The mRNA expression of FHL2 in pulmonary fibrosis tissues was analyzed by bioinformatics. TGF⁃β1 induced fibrosis of mouse lung fibroblast (Mlg) and mouse primary pulmonary fibroblast (PPF) in rat's lung fibroblasts. FHL2 siRNA was transfected into Mlg and mouse PPF cells to inhibit FHL2. FHL2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen 1 (Col I), and Fibronectin (Fn) were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot expression levels of Smad3, p-Smad3, Smad2, and p-Smad2 proteins in cells. High-throughput drug screening for FHL2 inhibitors and the inhibitory effect of Arbutin on pulmonary fibrosis were validated in cellular and animal models of pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS The mRNA expression of FHL2 in lung fiber tissue was increased. Meanwhile, the decrease of FHL2 expression significantly inhibited the cellular fibrosis morphological changes of rat's lung fibroblasts (Mlgs) and primary lung fibroblasts (PPFs). The expression levels of α⁃SMA, Col I, and Fn were decreased. High-throughput screening showed that Arbutin targeted FHL2. Arbutin alleviated bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting FHL2 and then the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Inhibition of FHL2 can effectively reduce the fibrosis process induced by TGF⁃β1 and bleomycin, and then inhibit the fibrosis.
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Higuchi T, Oka S, Furukawa H, Shimada K, Tsunoda S, Ito S, Okamoto A, Katayama M, Saisho K, Shinohara S, Matsui T, Migita K, Nagaoka S, Tohma S. Association of a FAM13A variant with interstitial lung disease in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002828. [PMID: 36717188 PMCID: PMC9887688 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial lung disease (ILD) occasionally occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and confers a dismal prognosis. We previously reported that a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) of MUC5B was associated with ILD in RA. However, the pathogenesis of ILD in Japanese patients with RA could not be explained solely by this SNV because its frequency is extremely low in the Japanese population. Here, we examined whether a different idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis susceptibility SNV might be associated with ILD in Japanese patients with RA. METHODS Genotyping of rs2609255 (G/T) in FAM13A was conducted in 208 patients with RA with ILD and 420 without chronic lung disease using TaqMan assays. RESULTS A significant association with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in RA was detected for rs2609255 under the allele model (p=0.0092, Pc=0.0276, OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.11) and recessive model for the G allele (p=0.0003, Pc=0.0009, OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.59 to 4.32). FAM13A rs2609255 was significantly associated with UIP in male patients with RA (p=0.0043, OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.52 to 8.73) under the recessive model. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to document an association of rs2609255 with ILD in Japanese patients with RA, implicating it in the pathogenesis of UIP, though studies on the function of rs2609255 are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Higuchi
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan,Department of Nephrology, Ushiku Aiwa General Hospital, Ushiku, Japan
| | - Shomi Oka
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Furukawa
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan .,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kota Shimada
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center, Fuchu, Japan,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Tsunoda
- Department of Nephrology, Sumitomo Hospital, Osaka, Japan,Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ito
- Department of Rheumatology, Niigata Rheumatic Center, Shibata, Japan
| | - Akira Okamoto
- Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Himeji Medical Center, Himeji, Japan
| | - Masao Katayama
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Koichiro Saisho
- Tanimura Hospital, Nobeoka, Japan,Department of Orthopedics/Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Miyakonojo Medical Center, Miyakonojo, Japan
| | | | - Toshihiro Matsui
- Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan,Department of Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan,Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan
| | - Shouhei Nagaoka
- Department of Rheumatology, Yokohama Minami Kyosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shigeto Tohma
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan,Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital, Sagamihara, Japan
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Role of Ferroptosis in Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010163. [PMID: 36672671 PMCID: PMC9856078 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic interstitial lung disease whose pathogenesis involves a complex interaction of cell types and signaling pathways. Lung epithelial cells responding to repeated injury experience persistent inflammation and sustained epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The persistence of EMT-induced signals generates extracellular matrix accumulation, thereby causing fibrosis. Ferroptosis is a newly characterized iron-dependent non-apoptotic regulated cell death. Increased iron accumulation can increase iron-induced oxidant damage in alveolar epithelial cells. Studies have demonstrated that iron steady states and oxidation steady states play an important role in the iron death regulation of EMT. This review summarizes the role of ferroptosis in regulating EMT in pulmonary fibrosis, aiming to provide a new idea for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
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Jiang A, Liu N, Wang J, Zheng X, Ren M, Zhang W, Yao Y. The role of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Friend or foe? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1022228. [PMID: 36544757 PMCID: PMC9760949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1022228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating interstitial lung disease with a bleak prognosis. Mounting evidence suggests that IPF shares bio-molecular similarities with lung cancer. Given the deep understanding of the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway in cancer immunity and the successful application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in lung cancer, recent studies have noticed the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in IPF. However, the conclusions are ambiguous, and the latent mechanisms remain unclear. In this review, we will summarize the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in IPF based on current murine models and clinical studies. We found that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway plays a more predominant profibrotic role than its immunomodulatory role in IPF by interacting with multiple cell types and pathways. Most preclinical studies also indicated that blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway could attenuate the severity of pulmonary fibrosis in mice models. This review will bring significant insights into understanding the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in IPF and identifying new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Mengdi Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Military Physical Education Teaching and Research Section of Air Force Medical Service Training Base, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yu Yao, ; Wei Zhang,
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China,*Correspondence: Yu Yao, ; Wei Zhang,
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Pulmonary Fibrosis as a Result of Acute Lung Inflammation: Molecular Mechanisms, Relevant In Vivo Models, Prognostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314959. [PMID: 36499287 PMCID: PMC9735580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic progressive lung disease that steadily leads to lung architecture disruption and respiratory failure. The development of pulmonary fibrosis is mostly the result of previous acute lung inflammation, caused by a wide variety of etiological factors, not resolved over time and causing the deposition of fibrotic tissue in the lungs. Despite a long history of study and good coverage of the problem in the scientific literature, the effective therapeutic approaches for pulmonary fibrosis treatment are currently lacking. Thus, the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from acute lung inflammation to pulmonary fibrosis, and the search for new molecular markers and promising therapeutic targets to prevent pulmonary fibrosis development, remain highly relevant tasks. This review focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological characteristics and outcomes of acute lung inflammation as a precursor of pulmonary fibrosis; the pathomorphological changes in the lungs during fibrosis development; the known molecular mechanisms and key players of the signaling pathways mediating acute lung inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as the characteristics of the most common in vivo models of these processes. Moreover, the prognostic markers of acute lung injury severity and pulmonary fibrosis development as well as approved and potential therapeutic approaches suppressing the transition from acute lung inflammation to fibrosis are discussed.
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[Research Progress on the Pathogenesis of Lung Cancer Associated with
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2022; 25:811-818. [PMID: 36419395 PMCID: PMC9720683 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2022.101.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown causes, which is characterized by pulmonary fibrosis. The median survival period after diagnosis is about 2-4 years. In recent years, the incidence rate of lung cancer associated with IPF (IPF-LC) is increasing, and the prognosis is worse than that of IPF alone. Pulmonary fibrosis may be closely associated with the occurrence and development of lung cancer. Although the pathogenesis of IPF-LC is still unclear, the current research shows that there are similarities between the pathogenesis of these two diseases at molecular and cellular levels. At present, the research on the cellular and molecular mechanism of lung cancer related to pulmonary fibrosis has become the focus of researchers' attention. This article reviews the related literature, focusing on the latest status of the cellular and molecular mechanisms and treatment of IPF-LC, hoping to help clinicians understand IPF-LC.
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Pérez-Mies B, Caniego-Casas T, Bardi T, Carretero-Barrio I, Benito A, García-Cosío M, González-García I, Pizarro D, Rosas M, Cristóbal E, Ruano Y, Garrido MC, Rigual-Bobillo J, de Pablo R, Galán JC, Pestaña D, Palacios J. Progression to lung fibrosis in severe COVID-19 patients: A morphological and transcriptomic study in postmortem samples. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:976759. [PMID: 36405615 PMCID: PMC9669577 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.976759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of lung fibrosis is a major concern in patients recovered from severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to document the evolution of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) to the fibrosing pattern and define the transcriptional programs involved. Morphological, immunohistochemical and transcriptional analysis were performed in lung samples obtained from autopsy of 33 severe COVID-19 patients (median illness duration: 36 days). Normal lung and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were used for comparison. Twenty-seven patients with DAD and disease evolution of more than 2 weeks had fibrosis. Pathways and genes related with collagen biosynthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) biosynthesis and degradation, myofibroblastic differentiation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) were overexpressed in COVID-19. This pattern had similarities with that observed in IPF. By immunohistochemistry, pathological fibroblasts (pFBs), with CTHRC1 and SPARC expression, increased in areas of proliferative DAD and decreased in areas of mature fibrosis. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated constitutive expression of cadherin-11 in normal epithelial cells and a similar pattern of cadherin and catenin expression in epithelial cells from both normal and COVID-19 samples. Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of the Hippo pathway, concordant with the observation of YAP overexpression in hyperplastic alveolar epithelial cells. Progression to fibrosis in severe COVID-19 is associated with overexpression of fibrogenic pathways and increased in CTHRC1- and SPARC-positive pFBs. Whereas the Hippo pathway seemed to be implicated in the response to epithelial cell damage, EMT was not a major process implicated in COVID-19 mediated lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Pérez-Mies
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Tamara Caniego-Casas
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tommaso Bardi
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Critical Care, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Carretero-Barrio
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Amparo Benito
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Mónica García-Cosío
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Irene González-García
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Pizarro
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Rosas
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Cristóbal
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda Ruano
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Universidad Complutense, Instituto i + 12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Concepción Garrido
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Universidad Complutense, Instituto i + 12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Rigual-Bobillo
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl de Pablo
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Galán
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology Unit, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Pestaña
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Critical Care, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Palacios
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramon y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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48
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Guo Z, Zhang Y, Yan F. Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Based Therapies for Pulmonary Fibrosis. DNA Cell Biol 2022; 41:951-965. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2022.0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihou Guo
- Stem Cell Lab, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Furong Yan
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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49
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Ai Y, Sakamuru S, Imler G, Xia M, Xue F. Improving the solubility and antileukemia activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitors by disrupting molecular planarity. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116890. [PMID: 35777269 PMCID: PMC9390976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116890] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Leukemia cells depend on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway for their growth. Pyrvinium, a known Wnt signaling inhibitor, has demonstrated promising efficacy in the treatment of the aggressive blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (BP-CML). We previously developed potent inhibitors 1-2 for the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the further application of these compounds as anti-leukemia agents is limited by their modest anti-leukemia activity in cells and poor aqueous solubility, due to the high molecular planarity of the chemical scaffold. Here, we reported our efforts in the synthesis and in vitro evaluation of 18 new compounds (4a-r) that have been designed to disrupt the molecular planarity of the chemical scaffold. Several compounds of the series showed significantly improved anti-leukemia activity and aqueous solubility. As a highlight, compounds 4c not only maintained excellent inhibitory potency (IC50 = 1.3 nM) for Wnt signaling but also demonstrated good anti-leukemia potency (IC50 = 0.9 µM) in the CML K562 cells. Moreover, compound 4c had an aqueous solubility of 5.9 µg/mL, which is over 50-fold enhanced compared to its parents 1-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Srilatha Sakamuru
- 9800 Medical Center Drive, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Greg Imler
- Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6930, 4555 Overlook Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20375, United States
| | - Menghang Xia
- 9800 Medical Center Drive, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Fengtian Xue
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
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50
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Histopathological Changes In Lung Tissue Caused By Diabetes: A Review. JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.30621/jbachs.1070489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus associated with oxidative stress and inflammation can affect many organs. While the effects of diabetes on many organs are well known and documented, its mechanisms of action on the lung are known far less.
Hyperglycemia can lead to lung damage by increasing oxidative stresses and inflammation. Diabetes may be a trigger for pulmonary fibrosis, as studies suggest that there may be an important link between pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes.
In this review, the histopathological changes caused by diabetes in the lung tissue were summarized. In addition, changes in the lung due to inflammation, oxidative stress and pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms were evaluated.
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