1
|
Bui VD, Jeon J, Duong VH, Shin S, Lee J, Ghahari F, Kim CH, Jo YJ, Jung WK, Um W, Park JH. Chondroitin sulfate-based microneedles for transdermal delivery of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to treat rheumatoid arthritis. J Control Release 2024; 375:105-115. [PMID: 39218160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.050] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
For the non-invasive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chondroitin sulfate C (CSC)-based dissolving microneedles (cMN) was prepared to deliver human adipose stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (hASC-EV) into inflamed joints. Owing to their anti-inflammatory function, the hASC-EV-bearing cMN (EV@cMN) significantly suppressed activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (aFLS) and M1 macrophages (M1), which are responsible for the progression of RA. In addition, EV@cMN facilitated the chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived stem cells. In mice with collagen-induced arthritis, EV@cMN efficiently delivered both hASC-EV and CSC to inflamed joints. Interestingly, pro-inflammatory cytokines in the inflamed joints were remarkably downregulated by the synergistic effect of CSC and hASC-EV. Consequently, as judged from the overall clinical score and joint swelling, EV@cMN showed an outstanding therapeutic effect, even comparable to the wild-type mice, without significant adverse effects. Overall, EV@cMN might have therapeutic potential for RA by efficiently delivering CSC and hASC-EV into the inflamed joints in a non-invasive manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van Dat Bui
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jueun Jeon
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Van Hieu Duong
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Shin
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmi Lee
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Farrokhroo Ghahari
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Ho Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jin Jo
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyo Jung
- Marine Integrated Biomedical Technology Center, The National Key Research Institutes in Universities, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Major of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Smart Healthcare, College of Information Technology and Convergence and New-senior Healthcare Innovation Center (BK21 Plus), Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooram Um
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Qiu F, Xie D, Chen H, Wang Z, Huang J, Cao C, Liang Y, Yang X, He DY, Fu X, Lu A, Liang C. Generation of cytotoxic aptamers specifically targeting fibroblast-like synoviocytes by CSCT-SELEX for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2024-225565. [PMID: 39237134 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2024-225565] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by aggressive fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). Very few RA patients-derived FLSs (RA-FLSs)-specific surface signatures have been identified, and there is currently no approved targeted therapy for RA-FLSs. This study aimed to screen therapeutic aptamers with cell-targeting and cytotoxic properties against RA-FLSs and to uncover the molecular targets and mechanism of action of the screened aptamers. METHODS We developed a cell-specific and cytotoxic systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CSCT-SELEX) method to screen the therapeutic aptamers without prior knowledge of the surface signatures of RA-FLSs. The molecular targets and mechanisms of action of the screened aptamers were determined by pull-down assays and RNA sequencing. The therapeutic efficacy of the screened aptamers was examined in arthritic mouse models. RESULTS We obtained an aptamer SAPT8 that selectively recognised and killed RA-FLSs. The molecular target of SAPT8 was nucleolin (NCL), a shuttling protein overexpressed on the surface and involved in the tumor-like transformation of RA-FLSs. Mechanistically, SAPT8 interacted with the surface NCL and was internalised to achieve lysosomal degradation of NCL, leading to the upregulation of proapoptotic p53 and downregulation of antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in RA-FLSs. When administrated systemically to arthritic mice, SAPT8 accumulated in the inflamed FLSs of joints. SAPT8 monotherapy or its combination with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-targeted biologics was shown to relieve arthritis in mouse models. CONCLUSIONS CSCT-SELEX could be a promising strategy for developing cell-targeting and cytotoxic aptamers. SAPT8 aptamer selectively ablates RA-FLSs via modulating NCL-p53/Bcl-2 signalling, representing a potential alternative or complementary therapy for RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Qiu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Duoli Xie
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hongzhen Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuqian Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunhao Cao
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Xu Yang
- Department of Computational Biology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Dong-Yi He
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuekun Fu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu D, Kuang Y, Chen S, Li R, Su F, Zhang S, Qiu Q, Lin S, Shen C, Liu Y, Liang L, Wang J, Xu H, Xiao Y. NAT10 promotes synovial aggression by increasing the stability and translation of N4-acetylated PTX3 mRNA in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:1118-1131. [PMID: 38724075 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies indicate that N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)-mediated ac4C modification plays unique roles in tumour metastasis and immune infiltration. This study aimed to uncover the role of NAT10-mediated ac4C in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) functions and synovial immune cell infiltration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS FLSs were obtained from active established patients with RA. Protein expression was determined by western blotting or immunohistochemistry or multiplexed immunohistochemistry. Cell migration was measured using a Boyden chamber. ac4C-RIP-seq combined with RNA-seq was performed to identify potential targets of NAT10. RNA immunoprecipitation was used to validate the interaction between protein and mRNA. NAT10 haploinsufficiency, inhibitor remodelin or intra-articular Adv-NAT10 was used to suppress arthritis in mice with delayed-type hypersensitivity arthritis (DYHA) and collagen II-induced arthritis (CIA) and rats with CIA. RESULTS We found elevated levels of NAT10 and ac4C in FLSs and synovium from patients with RA. NAT10 knockdown or specific inhibitor treatment reduced the migration and invasion of RA FLSs. Increased NAT10 level in the synovium was positively correlated with synovial infiltration of multiple types of immune cells. NAT10 inhibition in vivo attenuated the severity of arthritis in mice with CIA and DTHA, and rats with CIA. Mechanistically, we explored that NAT10 regulated RA FLS functions by promoting stability and translation efficiency of N4-acetylated PTX3 mRNA. PTX3 also regulated RA FLS aggression and is associated with synovial immune cell infiltration. CONCLUSION Our findings uncover the important roles of NAT10-mediated ac4C modification in promoting rheumatoid synovial aggression and inflammation, indicating that NAT10 may be a potential target for the treatment of RA, even other dysregulated FLSs-associated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Kuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Simin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiru Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fan Su
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuoyang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingli Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liuqin Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanshi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Youjun Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tang N, Luo X, Ding Z, Shi Y, Cao X, Wu S. Single-Cell Multi-Dimensional data analysis reveals the role of ARL4C in driving rheumatoid arthritis progression and Macrophage polarization dynamics. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 141:112987. [PMID: 39182267 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112987] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an enduring autoimmune inflammatory condition distinguished by continual joint inflammation, hyperplasia of the synovium, erosion of bone, and deterioration of cartilage.Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) exhibiting "tumor-like" traits are central to this mechanism.ADP-ribosylation factor-like 4c (ARL4C) functions as a Ras-like small GTP-binding protein, significantly impacting tumor migration, invasion, and proliferation.However, it remains uncertain if ARL4C participates in the stimulation of RA FLSs exhibiting "tumor-like" features, thereby fostering the advancement of RA. In our investigation, we unveiled, for the inaugural instance, via the amalgamated scrutiny of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and Bulk RNA sequencing (Bulk-seq) datasets, that activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) showcase high expression of ARL4C, and the ARL4C protein expression in FLSs derived from RA patients significantly surpasses that observed in individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) and traumatic injury (trauma).Silencing of the ARL4C gene markedly impeded the proliferation of RA FLSs by hindered the transition of cells from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase, and intensified cell apoptosis and diminished the migratory and invasive capabilities. Co-culture of ARL4C gene-silenced RA FLSs with monocytes/macrophages significantly inhibited the polarization of monocytes/macrophages toward M1 and the repolarization of M2 to M1.Furthermore, intra-articular injection of shARL4C significantly alleviated synovial inflammation and cartilage erosion in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. In conclusion, our discoveries propose that ARL4C assumes a central role in the synovial inflammation, cartilage degradation, and bone erosion associated with RA by triggering the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways within RA FLSs.ARL4C holds promise as a prospective target for the development of pharmaceutical agents targeting FLSs, with the aim of addressing RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhiyu Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yanbin Shi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lackner A, Cabral JE, Qiu Y, Zhou H, Leonidas L, Pham MA, Macapagal A, Lin S, Armanus E, McNulty R. Small molecule inhibitor binds to NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 and prevents inflammasome activation. iScience 2024; 27:110459. [PMID: 39104412 PMCID: PMC11298654 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the mechanism of oxidized DNA activating NLRP3, the molecular mechanism and consequence of oxidized DNA associating with NLRP3 remains unknown. Cytosolic NLRP3 binds oxidized DNA which has been released from the mitochondria, which subsequently triggers inflammasome activation. Human glycosylase (hOGG1) repairs oxidized DNA damage which inhibits inflammasome activation. The fold of NLRP3 pyrin domain contains amino acids and a protein fold similar to hOGG1. Amino acids that enable hOGG1 to bind and cleave oxidized DNA are conserved in NLRP3. We found NLRP3 could bind and cleave oxidized guanine within mitochondrial DNA. The binding of oxidized DNA to NLRP3 was prevented by small molecule drugs which also inhibit hOGG1. These same drugs also inhibited inflammasome activation. Elucidating this mechanism will enable the design of drug memetics that treat inflammasome pathologies, illustrated herein by NLRP3 pyrin domain inhibitors which suppressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production in macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lackner
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Julia Elise Cabral
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Yanfei Qiu
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Haitian Zhou
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Lemuel Leonidas
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Minh Anh Pham
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Alijah Macapagal
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Sophia Lin
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Emy Armanus
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| | - Reginald McNulty
- Laboratory of Macromolecular Structure, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Steinhaus Hall, Irvine, CA 92694-3900, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sendo S, Machado CRL, Boyle DL, Benschop RJ, Perumal NB, Choi E, Wang W, Firestein GS. Dysregulated NUB1 and Neddylation Enhances Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte Inflammatory Responses. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:1252-1262. [PMID: 38566346 DOI: 10.1002/art.42856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in part due to activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB. Neddylation is modulated by the negative regulator of ubiquitin-like protein (NUB) 1. We determined whether NUB1 and neddylation are aberrant in the models with RA FLS, thereby contributing to their aggressive phenotype. METHODS Models with RA or osteoarthritis (OA) FLS were obtained from arthroplasty synovia. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis assessed gene and protein expression, respectively. NUB1 was overexpressed using an expression vector. NF-κB activation was assessed by stimulating FLS with interleukin (IL)-1β. Neddylation inhibitor (MLN4924) and proteasome inhibitor were used in migration and gene expression assays. MLN4924 was used in the model with K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis. RESULTS Enhanced H3K27ac and H3K27me3 peaks were observed in the NUB1 promoter in the OA FLS compared with the RA FLS. NUB1 was constitutively expressed by FLS, but induction by IL-1β was significantly greater in the OA FLS. The ratio of neddylated cullin (CUL) 1 to nonneddylated CUL1 was lower in the OA FLS than the RA FLS. NUB1 overexpression decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation and IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) in IL-1β-stimulated the RA FLS. MLN4924 decreased CUL1 neddylation, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and IL-6 mRNA in IL-1β-stimulated the RA FLS. MLN4924 significantly decreased arthritis severity in the model with K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis. CONCLUSION CUL1 neddylation and NUB1 induction is dysregulated in the models with RA, which increases FLS activation. Inhibition of neddylation is an effective therapy in an animal model of arthritis. These data suggest that the neddylation system contributes to the pathogenesis of RA and that regulation of neddylation could be a novel therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Sendo
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla
| | | | - David L Boyle
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla
| | | | - Narayanan B Perumal
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Eli Lilly and Company, San Diego, California
| | - Eunice Choi
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Wei Wang
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Gary S Firestein
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mastana S, Knight E, Hampson A, Akam L, Hunter DJ, Ghelani A, Samanta A, Singh P. Role of Selected Genetic Polymorphisms in the Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a British White Population. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1009. [PMID: 39202369 PMCID: PMC11354150 DOI: 10.3390/genes15081009] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex autoimmune disease that negatively affects synovial joints, leading to the deterioration of movement and mobility of patients. This chronic disease is considered to have a strong genetic inheritance, with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) highlighting many genetic loci associated with the disease. Moreover, numerous confounding and non-genetic factors also contribute to the risk of the disease. AIMS This study investigates the association of selected genetic polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis risk and develops a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on selected genes. METHODS A case-control study recruited fully consenting participants from the East Midlands region of the UK. DNA samples were genotyped for a range of polymorphisms and genetic associations were calculated under several inheritance models. PRS was calculated at crude (unweighted) and weighted levels, and its associations with clinical parameters were determined. RESULTS There were significant associations with the risk of RA at six genetic markers and their associated risk alleles (TNRF2*G, TRAF1*A, PTPN22*T, HLA-DRB1*G, TNFα*A, and IL4-590*T). The TTG haplotype at the VDR locus increased the risk of RA with an OR of 3.05 (CI 1.33-6.98, p = 0.009). The GA haplotype of HLADRB1-TNFα-308 was a significant contributor to the risk of RA in this population (OR = 2.77, CI 1.23-6.28, p = 0.01), although linkage disequilibrium was low. The polygenic risk score was significantly higher in cases over controls in both unweighted (mean difference = 1.48, t285 = 5.387, p < 0.001) and weighted (mean difference = 2.75, t285 = 6.437, p < 0.001) results. CONCLUSION Several genetic loci contribute to the increased risk of RA in the British White sample. The PRS is significantly higher in those with RA and can be used for clinical applications and personalised prevention of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarabjit Mastana
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.K.); (A.H.); (L.A.); (D.J.H.); (A.G.)
| | - Ella Knight
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.K.); (A.H.); (L.A.); (D.J.H.); (A.G.)
| | - Abigail Hampson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.K.); (A.H.); (L.A.); (D.J.H.); (A.G.)
| | - Liz Akam
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.K.); (A.H.); (L.A.); (D.J.H.); (A.G.)
| | - David John Hunter
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.K.); (A.H.); (L.A.); (D.J.H.); (A.G.)
| | - Anant Ghelani
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK; (E.K.); (A.H.); (L.A.); (D.J.H.); (A.G.)
| | - Ash Samanta
- Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK;
| | - Puneetpal Singh
- Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jeong YJ, Park SA, Park YH, Kim LK, Lee HR, Kim HJ, Heo TH. Anti-inflammatory effect of the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302119. [PMID: 39083495 PMCID: PMC11290667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and swelling. Several studies have demonstrated that RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (RA-FLS) play an important role in RA pathogenesis. Activated RA-FLS contribute to synovial inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. LMT-28 is derivative of oxazolidone and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on RA via IL-6 signaling pathway regulation. LMT-28 also regulates T cell differentiation in RA condition. However, the effect of LMT-28 on the migration and invasion of RA-FLS remains unknown. Kaempferol has been reported to have pharmacological effects on various diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Additionally, kaempferol has been reported to inhibit RA-FLS migration and invasion, but it is not known about the therapeutic mechanism including molecular mechanism such as receptor. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol on RA-FLS activation and RA pathogenesis in mouse model. LMT-28 and kaempferol co-administration inhibited RA disease severity and histological collapse in the joint tissues of CIA mice, as well as downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum. Additionally, the combined treatment inhibited excessive differentiation of T helper 17 cells and osteoclasts. Furthermore, compared with single treatments, combined treatment showed enhanced inhibitory effects on the hyperactivation of IL-6-induced signaling pathway in RA-FLS. Combined treatment also inhibited RA-FLS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase in RA-FLS. Furthermore, we confirmed that the combined treatment inhibited chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, our results suggest that the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol exerts a synergistic effect on the RA development via the regulation of IL-6-induced hyperactivation of RA-FLS. Furthermore, this study suggests that combination therapies can be an effective therapeutic option for arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Jin Jeong
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Ae Park
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Hwa Park
- Biowave, Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Lee Kyung Kim
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Ri Lee
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung Kim
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwe Heo
- Laboratory of Pharmacoimmunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and BK21 FOUR Team for Advanced Program for Smart Pharma Leaders, College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gong X, Su L, Huang J, Liu J, Wang Q, Luo X, Yang G, Chi H. An overview of multi-omics technologies in rheumatoid arthritis: applications in biomarker and pathway discovery. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1381272. [PMID: 39139555 PMCID: PMC11319186 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1381272] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with a complex pathological mechanism involving autoimmune response, local inflammation and bone destruction. Metabolic pathways play an important role in immune-related diseases and their immune responses. The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis may be related to its metabolic dysregulation. Moreover, histological techniques, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, provide powerful tools for comprehensive analysis of molecular changes in biological systems. The present study explores the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of RA, emphasizing the central role of metabolic dysregulation in the RA disease process and highlighting the complexity of metabolic pathways, particularly metabolic remodeling in synovial tissues and its association with cytokine-mediated inflammation. This paper reveals the potential of histological techniques in identifying metabolically relevant therapeutic targets in RA; specifically, we summarize the genetic basis of RA and the dysregulated metabolic pathways, and explore their functional significance in the context of immune cell activation and differentiation. This study demonstrates the critical role of histological techniques in decoding the complex metabolic network of RA and discusses the integration of histological data with other types of biological data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjin Gong
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lanqian Su
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jinbang Huang
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Geriatric, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Qinglai Wang
- Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of TCM, Wenzhou TCM Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiufang Luo
- Department of Geriatric, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, China
| | - Guanhu Yang
- Department of Specialty Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Hao Chi
- Clinical Medical College, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hu S, Lin Y, Tang Y, Zhang J, He Y, Li G, Li L, Cai X. Targeting dysregulated intracellular immunometabolism within synovial microenvironment in rheumatoid arthritis with natural products. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1403823. [PMID: 39104392 PMCID: PMC11298361 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1403823] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunometabolism has been an emerging hotspot in the fields of tumors, obesity, and atherosclerosis in recent decades, yet few studies have investigated its connection with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In principle, intracellular metabolic pathways upstream regulated by nutrients and growth factors control the effector functions of immune cells. Dynamic communication and hypermetabolic lesions of immune cells within the inflammatory synovial microenvironment contributes to the development and progression of RA. Hence, targeting metabolic pathways within immune subpopulations and pathological cells may represent novel therapeutic strategies for RA. Natural products constitute a great potential treasury for the research and development of novel drugs targeting RA. Here, we aimed to delineate an atlas of glycolysis, lipid metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and nucleotide metabolism in the synovial microenvironment of RA that affect the pathological processes of synovial cells. Meanwhile, therapeutic potentials and pharmacological mechanisms of natural products that are demonstrated to inhibit related key enzymes in the metabolic pathways or reverse the metabolic microenvironment and communication signals were discussed and highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengtao Hu
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ye Lin
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junlan Zhang
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yini He
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Gejing Li
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liqing Li
- The Central Research Laboratory, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xiong Cai
- Institute of Innovation and Applied Research in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The Central Research Laboratory, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Y, He X, Yin D, Zhang Y. Redefinition of Synovial Fibroblasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0514. [PMID: 39122458 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The breakdown of immune tolerance and the rise in autoimmunity contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), driven by significant changes in immune components. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptome profiling have revealed shifts in cell distribution and composition, expanding our understanding beyond molecular-level changes in inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, and autoantigens in RA. Surprisingly, synovial fibroblasts (SFs) play an active immunopathogenic role rather than remaining passive bystanders in RA, with notable alterations in their subpopulation distribution and composition. This study examines these changes in SF heterogeneity, assesses their impact on RA progression, and elucidates the immune characteristics and functions of SF subsets in the RA autoimmunity, encompassing both intrinsic and adaptive immunity. Additionally, this review discusses therapeutic strategies targeting immune SF subsets, highlighting the potential of future interventions in SF phenotypic reprogramming. Overall, this review redefines the role of SFs in RA and suggests targeting SF phenotypic reprogramming and its upstream molecules as a promising therapeutic approach to restore immune balance and modulate immune tolerance in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinci Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Xiong He
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dongdong Yin
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yihao Zhang
- Department of health inspection and quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yan Q, Liu H, Sun S, Yang Y, Fan D, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Song Z, Chen Y, Zhu R, Zhang Z. Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes loaded with icariin alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization in rats. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:423. [PMID: 39026367 PMCID: PMC11256651 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by synovitis and cartilage destruction. The active compound, icariin (ICA), derived from the herb Epimedium, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, its clinical utility is limited by its water insolubility, poor permeability, and low bioavailability. To address these challenges, we developed a multifunctional drug delivery system-adipose-derived stem cells-exosomes (ADSCs-EXO)-ICA to target active macrophages in synovial tissue and modulate macrophage polarization from M1 to M2. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis confirmed a 92.4 ± 0.008% loading efficiency for ADSCs-EXO-ICA. In vitro studies utilizing cellular immunofluorescence (IF) and flow cytometry demonstrated significant inhibition of M1 macrophage proliferation by ADSCs-EXO-ICA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cellular transcriptomics, and real-time quantitative PCR indicated that ADSCs-EXO-ICA promotes an M1-to-M2 phenotypic transition by reducing glycolysis through the inhibition of the ERK/HIF-1α/GLUT1 pathway. In vivo, ADSCs-EXO-ICA effectively accumulated in the joints. Pharmacodynamic assessments revealed that ADSCs-EXO-ICA decreased cytokine levels and mitigated arthritis symptoms in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Histological analysis and micro computed tomography confirmed that ADSCs-EXO-ICA markedly ameliorated synovitis and preserved cartilage. Further in vivo studies indicated that ADSCs-EXO-ICA suppresses arthritis by promoting an M1-to-M2 switch and suppressing glycolysis. Western blotting supported the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs-EXO-ICA in RA, confirming its role in modulating macrophage function through energy metabolism regulation. Thus, this study not only introduces a drug delivery system that significantly enhances the anti-RA efficacy of ADSCs-EXO-ICA but also elucidates its mechanism of action in macrophage function inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Yan
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyue Sun
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongsheng Yang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - DanPing Fan
- Institute of Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqin Yang
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun Zhao
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqian Song
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjing Chen
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyuan Zhu
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Haloi P, Choudhary R, Lokesh BS, Konkimalla VB. Dual drug nanoparticle synergistically induced apoptosis, suppressed inflammation, and protected autophagic response in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Immunol Lett 2024; 267:106854. [PMID: 38537719 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106854] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated joint inflammatory disorder associated with aberrant activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Recently, FLS gained importance due to its crucial role in RA pathogenesis, and thus, targeting FLS is suggested as an attractive treatment strategy for RA. FLS-targeted approaches may be combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and natural phytochemicals to improve efficacy in RA control and negate immunosuppression. In this study, we assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of DD NP HG in primary RA-FLS cells isolated from the synovial tissue of FCA-induced RA rats. We observed that DD NP HG had good biosafety for healthy FLS cells and, at higher concentrations, a mild inhibitory effect on RA-FLS. The combination therapy (DD NP HG) of MTX NP and PEITC NE in RA-FLS showed a higher rate of apoptosis with significantly reduced LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-6) in arthritic FLS. Further, the gene expression studies showed that DD NP HG significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β, RANKL, NFATc1, DKK1, Bcl-xl, Mcl-1, Atg12, and ULK1, and up-regulated the mRNA expression of OPG, PUMA, NOXA and SQSTM1 in LPS-stimulated RA-FLS cells. Collectively, our results demonstrated that DD NP HG significantly inhibited the RA-FLS proliferation via inducing apoptosis, down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and further enhancing the expression of genes associated with bone destruction in RA pathogenesis. A nanotechnology approach is a promising strategy for the co-delivery of dual drugs to regulate the RA-FLS function and achieve synergistic treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Haloi
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Jatni, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Rajat Choudhary
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Jatni, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - B Siva Lokesh
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Jatni, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - V Badireenath Konkimalla
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Jatni, Odisha 752050, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fang Y, Huang W, Zhu X, Wang X, Wu X, Wang H, Hong W, Yan S, Zhang L, Deng Y, Wei W, Tu J, Zhu C. Epigenetic Regulatory Axis MIR22-TET3-MTRNR2L2 Represses Fibroblast-Like Synoviocyte-Mediated Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:845-856. [PMID: 38221658 DOI: 10.1002/art.42795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The specific role of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is still not fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic pathways, including three epigenetic factors, microRNA (miRNA)-22 (MIR22), ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (TET3), and MT-RNR2 like 2 (MTRNR2L2), in RA-FLSs. METHODS The expression of MIR22, TET3, and MTRNR2L2 in the synovium of patients with RA and arthritic mice were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. Mir22-/- and Tet3+/- mice were used to establish a collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model. Mir22 angomir and Tet3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to illustrate the therapeutic effects on arthritis using a collagen-induced (CIA) model. Bioinformatics, luciferase reporter assay, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) dot blotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR, and hydroxymethylated DNA immunoprecipitation were conducted to show the direct repression of MIR22 on the TET3 and transcriptional activation of TET3 on MTRNR2L2. RESULTS The Mir22-/- CAIA model and RA-FLS-related in vitro experiments demonstrated the inhibitory effect of MIR22 on inflammation. MIR22 can directly inhibit the translation of TET3 in RA-FLSs by binding to its 3' untranslated region in TET3. The Tet3+/- mice-established CAIA model showed less severe symptoms of arthritis in vivo. In vitro experiments further confirmed the proinflammatory effect of TET3 in RA. In addition, the CIA model was used to validate the therapeutic effects of Mir22 angomir and Tet3 siRNA. Finally, TET3 exerts its proinflammatory effect by promoting 5hmC production in the promoter of its target MTRNR2L2 in RA-FLSs. CONCLUSION The key role of the MIR22-TET3-MTRNR2L2 pathway in RA-FLSs provided an experimental basis for further studies into the pathogenesis and related targets of RA from the perspective of FLSs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Fang
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangling Zhu
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xinming Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuming Wu
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wenming Hong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shangxue Yan
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yujie Deng
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Anhui Medical University and Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lu M, Zhu M, Wu Z, Liu W, Cao C, Shi J. The role of YAP/TAZ on joint and arthritis. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23636. [PMID: 38752683 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302273rr] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two common forms of arthritis with undefined etiology and pathogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its homolog transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which act as sensors for cellular mechanical and inflammatory cues, have been identified as crucial players in the regulation of joint homeostasis. Current studies also reveal a significant association between YAP/TAZ and the pathogenesis of OA and RA. The objective of this review is to elucidate the impact of YAP/TAZ on different joint tissues and to provide inspiration for further studying the potential therapeutic implications of YAP/TAZ on arthritis. Databases, such as PubMed, Cochran Library, and Embase, were searched for all available studies during the past two decades, with keywords "YAP," "TAZ," "OA," and "RA."
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingcheng Lu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuping Wu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuwen Cao
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiejun Shi
- The Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Qian H, Deng C, Chen S, Zhang X, He Y, Lan J, Wang A, Shi G, Liu Y. Targeting pathogenic fibroblast-like synoviocyte subsets in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:103. [PMID: 38783357 PMCID: PMC11112866 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03343-4] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) play a central role in RA pathogenesis and are the main cellular component in the inflamed synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). FLSs are emerging as promising new therapeutic targets in RA. However, fibroblasts perform many essential functions that are required for sustaining tissue homeostasis. Direct targeting of general fibroblast markers on FLSs is challenging because fibroblasts in other tissues might be altered and side effects such as reduced wound healing or fibrosis can occur. To date, no FLS-specific targeted therapies have been applied in the clinical management of RA. With the help of high-throughput technologies such as scRNA-seq in recent years, several specific pathogenic FLS subsets in RA have been identified. Understanding the characteristics of these pathogenic FLS clusters and the mechanisms that drive their differentiation can provide new insights into the development of novel FLS-targeting strategies for RA. Here, we discuss the pathogenic FLS subsets in RA that have been elucidated in recent years and potential strategies for targeting pathogenic FLSs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Qian
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Chaoqiong Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Shiju Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Jingying Lan
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Aodi Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China
| | - Guixiu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, 55th, Zhenhai Road, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Municipal Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Xiamen, XM, 361000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen H, Fu X, Wu X, Zhao J, Qiu F, Wang Z, Wang Z, Chen X, Xie D, Huang J, Fan J, Yang X, Song Y, Li J, He D, Xiao G, Lu A, Liang C. Gut microbial metabolite targets HDAC3-FOXK1-interferon axis in fibroblast-like synoviocytes to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis. Bone Res 2024; 12:31. [PMID: 38782893 PMCID: PMC11116389 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-024-00336-6] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. Early studies hold an opinion that gut microbiota is environmentally acquired and associated with RA susceptibility. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates that genetics also shape the gut microbiota. It is known that some strains of inbred laboratory mice are highly susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), while the others are resistant to CIA. Here, we show that transplantation of fecal microbiota of CIA-resistant C57BL/6J mice to CIA-susceptible DBA/1J mice confer CIA resistance in DBA/1J mice. C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have enriched B. fragilis than DBA/1J mice and RA patients. Transplantation of B. fragilis prevents CIA in DBA/1J mice. We identify that B. fragilis mainly produces propionate and C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have higher level of propionate. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in RA are activated to undergo tumor-like transformation. Propionate disrupts HDAC3-FOXK1 interaction to increase acetylation of FOXK1, resulting in reduced FOXK1 stability, blocked interferon signaling and deactivation of RA-FLSs. We treat CIA mice with propionate and show that propionate attenuates CIA. Moreover, a combination of propionate with anti-TNF etanercept synergistically relieves CIA. These results suggest that B. fragilis or propionate could be an alternative or complementary approach to the current therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhen Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xuekun Fu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xiaohao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Junyi Zhao
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Fang Qiu
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Zhenghong Wang
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhuqian Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Duoli Xie
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Junyu Fan
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yi Song
- Institute of Plant and Food Science, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dongyi He
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, 100850, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ma L, Jiang X, Gao J. Revolutionizing rheumatoid arthritis therapy: harnessing cytomembrane biomimetic nanoparticles for novel treatment strategies. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01605-x. [PMID: 38758497 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01605-x] [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] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune disease with severe implications for joint health. The issue of non-specific drug distribution potentially limits the therapeutic efficacy and increases the risk associated with RA treatment. Researchers employed cytomembrane-coated biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the targeting delivery efficacy to meet the demand for drug accumulation within the affected joints. Furthermore, distinct cytomembranes offer unique functionalities, such as immune cell activation and augmented NP biocompatibility. In this review, the current strategies of RA treatments were summarized in detail, and then an overview of RA's pathogenesis and the methodologies for producing cytomembrane-coated biomimetic NPs was provided. The application of cytomembrane biomimetic NPs derived from various cell sources in RA therapy is explored, highlighting the distinctive attributes of individual cytomembranes as well as hybrid membrane configurations. Through this comprehensive assessment of cytomembrane biomimetic NPs, we elucidate the prospective applications and challenges in the realm of RA therapy, and the strategy of combined therapy is proposed. In the future, cytomembrane biomimetic NPs have a broad therapeutic prospect for RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- College of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Chilechuan dairy economic development zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010110, China
| | - Xinchi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Jianqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Lin Y, Chen Y, Hu W, Liu X, Hao W, Xing J, Ding J, Xu Y, Yao F, Zhao Y, Wang K, Li S, Yu Q, Hu W, Zhou R. TRPM7 facilitates fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation, metastasis and inflammation through increasing IL-6 stability via the PKCα-HuR axis in rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111933. [PMID: 38581988 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111933] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a cation channel that plays a role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet its involvement in synovial hyperplasia and inflammation has not been determined. We previously reported that TRPM7 affects the destruction of articular cartilage in RA. Herein, we further confirmed the involvement of TRPM7 in fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation, metastasis and inflammation. We observed increased TRPM7 expression in FLSs derived from human RA patients. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPM7 protected primary RA-FLSs from proliferation, metastasis and inflammation. Furthermore, we found that TRPM7 contributes to RA-FLS proliferation, metastasis and inflammation by increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Mechanistically, the PKCα-HuR axis was demonstrated to respond to Ca2+ influx, leading to TRPM7-mediated RA-FLS proliferation, metastasis and inflammation. Moreover, HuR was shown to bind to IL-6 mRNA after nuclear translocation, which could be weakened by TRPM7 channel inhibition. Additionally, adeno-associated virus 9-mediated TRPM7 silencing is highly effective at alleviating synovial hyperplasia and inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis rats. In conclusion, our findings unveil a novel regulatory mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of RA and suggest that targeting TRPM7 might be a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Weirong Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wenjuan Hao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jing Xing
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yucai Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Feng Yao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Yingjie Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Shufang Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Qiuxia Yu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Renpeng Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chang MH, Fuhlbrigge RC, Nigrovic PA. Joint-specific memory, resident memory T cells and the rolling window of opportunity in arthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024; 20:258-271. [PMID: 38600215 PMCID: PMC11295581 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01107-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
In rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, the immune system targets certain joints but not others. The pattern of joints affected varies by disease and by individual, with flares most commonly involving joints that were previously inflamed. This phenomenon, termed joint-specific memory, is difficult to explain by systemic immunity alone. Mechanisms of joint-specific memory include the involvement of synovial resident memory T cells that remain in the joint during remission and initiate localized disease recurrence. In addition, arthritis-induced durable changes in synovial fibroblasts and macrophages can amplify inflammation in a site-specific manner. Together with ongoing systemic processes that promote extension of arthritis to new joints, these local factors set the stage for a stepwise progression in disease severity, a paradigm for arthritis chronicity that we term the joint accumulation model. Although durable drug-free remission through early treatment remains elusive for most forms of arthritis, the joint accumulation paradigm defines new therapeutic targets, emphasizes the importance of sustained treatment to prevent disease extension to new joints, and identifies a rolling window of opportunity for altering the natural history of arthritis that extends well beyond the initiation phase of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H Chang
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert C Fuhlbrigge
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter A Nigrovic
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fan D, Geng Q, Wang B, Wang X, Xia Y, Yang L, Zhang Q, Deng T, Xu Y, Zhao H, Liu B, Lu C, Gu X, Xiao C. Hypoxia-induced ALKBH5 aggravates synovial aggression and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by regulating the m6A modification of CH25H. Clin Immunol 2024; 261:109929. [PMID: 38331303 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.109929] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that epigenetic factors are involved in the occurrence and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in RA has not been determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanisms of hypoxia-induced expression of the m6A demethylase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) in RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs). Synovial tissues were collected from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and RA FLSs were obtained. ALKBH5 expression in RA FLSs and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model rats was determined using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Using ALKBH5 overexpression and knockdown, we determined the role of ALKBH5 in RA FLS aggression and inflammation. The role of ALKBH5 in RA FLS regulation was explored using m6A-methylated RNA sequencing and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of ALKBH5 was increased in RA synovial tissues, CIA model rats and RA FLSs, and a hypoxic environment increased the expression of ALKBH5 in FLSs. Increased expression of ALKBH5 promoted the proliferation and migration of RA-FLSs and inflammation. Conversely, decreased ALKBH5 expression inhibited the migration of RA-FLSs and inflammation. Mechanistically, hypoxia-induced ALKBH5 expression promoted FLS aggression and inflammation by regulating CH25H mRNA stability. Our study elucidated the functional roles of ALKBH5 and mRNA m6A methylation in RA and revealed that the HIF1α/2α-ALKBH5-CH25H pathway may be key for FLS aggression and inflammation. This study provides a novel approach for the treatment of RA by targeting the HIF1α/2α-ALKBH5-CH25H pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danping Fan
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Department of Emergency, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Beijing 100029, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Research of Chinese Medicine on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qishun Geng
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Department of Emergency, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Beijing 100029, China; China-Japan Friendship Clinical Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bailiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xing Wang
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Department of Emergency, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Beijing 100029, China; China-Japan Friendship Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ya Xia
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Department of Emergency, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Beijing 100029, China; China-Japan Friendship Clinical Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liwen Yang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tingting Deng
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Department of Emergency, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of TCM Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Research of Chinese Medicine on Prevention and Treatment for Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Gu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Cheng Xiao
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital (Department of Emergency, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences), Beijing 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kim KM, Lee KG, Lee S, Hong BK, Yun H, Park YJ, Yoo SA, Kim WU. The acute phase reactant orosomucoid-2 directly promotes rheumatoid inflammation. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:890-903. [PMID: 38556552 PMCID: PMC11058272 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01188-0] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute phase proteins involved in chronic inflammatory diseases have not been systematically analyzed. Here, global proteome profiling of serum and urine revealed that orosomucoid-2 (ORM2), an acute phase reactant, was differentially expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and showed the highest fold change. Therefore, we questioned the extent to which ORM2, which is produced mainly in the liver, actively participates in rheumatoid inflammation. Surprisingly, ORM2 expression was upregulated in the synovial fluids and synovial membranes of RA patients. The major cell types producing ORM2 were synovial macrophages and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from RA patients. Recombinant ORM2 robustly increased IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL8 (IL-8), and CCL2 production by RA macrophages and FLSs via the NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways. Interestingly, glycophorin C, a membrane protein for determining erythrocyte shape, was the receptor for ORM2. Intra-articular injection of ORM2 increased the severity of arthritis in mice and accelerated the infiltration of macrophages into the affected joints. Moreover, circulating ORM2 levels correlated with RA activity and radiographic progression. In conclusion, the acute phase protein ORM2 can directly increase the production of proinflammatory mediators and promote chronic arthritis in mice, suggesting that ORM2 could be a new therapeutic target for RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Myo Kim
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kang-Gu Lee
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Saseong Lee
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Bong-Ki Hong
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heejae Yun
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yune-Jung Park
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Seung-Ah Yoo
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Wan-Uk Kim
- Center for Integrative Rheumatoid Transcriptomics and Dynamics, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang H, Geng X, Ai F, Yu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang B, Lv C, Gao R, Yue B, Dou W. Nuciferine alleviates collagen-induced arthritic in rats by inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of human arthritis-derived fibroblast-like synoviocytes and rectifying Th17/Treg imbalance. Chin J Nat Med 2024; 22:341-355. [PMID: 38658097 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(24)60622-9] [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: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder marked by persistent synovial inflammation and joint degradation, posing challenges in the development of effective treatments. Nuciferine, an alkaloid found in lotus leaf, has shown promising anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, yet its efficacy in RA treatment remains unexplored. This study investigated the antiproliferative effects of nuciferine on the MH7A cell line, a human RA-derived fibroblast-like synoviocyte, revealing its ability to inhibit cell proliferation, promote apoptosis, induce apoptosis, and cause G1/S phase arrest. Additionally, nuciferine significantly reduced the migration and invasion capabilities of MH7A cells. The therapeutic potential of nuciferine was further evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model, where it markedly alleviated joint swelling, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage injury, and inflammatory infiltration. Nuciferine also improved collagen-induced bone erosion, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a), and restored the balance between T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T cells in the spleen of CIA rats. These results indicate that nuciferine may offer therapeutic advantages for RA by decreasing the proliferation and invasiveness of FLS cells and correcting the Th17/Treg cell imbalance in CIA rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaolong Geng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fangbin Ai
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhilun Yu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng Lv
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ruiyang Gao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bei Yue
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Wei Dou
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, and the SATCM Key Laboratory of New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lin CY, Lee KT, Lin YY, Tsai CH, Ko CY, Fong YC, Hou SM, Chen WL, Huang CC, Tang CH. NGF facilitates ICAM-1-dependent monocyte adhesion and M1 macrophage polarization in rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111733. [PMID: 38387191 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111733] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder in which monocytes adhering to synovial tissue differentiate into the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype. Nerve growth factors (NGF) referred to as neurotrophins have been associated with inflammatory events; however, researchers have yet to elucidate the role of NGF in RA. Our examination of clinical tissue samples and analysis of data sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset unveiled elevated expression levels of M1 macrophage markers in human RA synovial tissue samples compared to normal tissue, with no such distinction observed for M2 markers. Furthermore, immunofluorescence data depicted increased expression levels of NGF and M1 macrophages in RA mice in contrast to normal mice. It appears that NGF stimulation facilitates macrophage polarization from the M0 to the M1 phenotype. It also appears that NGF promotes ICAM-1 production in human RA synovial fibroblasts, which enhances monocyte adhesion through the TrkA, MEK/ERK, and AP-1 signaling cascades. Our findings indicate NGF/TrkA axis as a novel target for the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yang Lin
- Translational Medicine Center, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Tsan Lee
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-You Lin
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Tsai
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Ko
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Fong
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Mou Hou
- The Director's Office, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Research, Taiwan Blood Services Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Li Chen
- Translational Medicine Center, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Huang
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsin Tang
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen Y, Tian Y, Liu H, Li Q, Luo Z, Ran J, Miao Z, Zhang Q, Yin G, Xie Q. Repurposed drug agomelatine is therapeutic against collagen-induced arthritis via iNOS targeting. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111750. [PMID: 38442577 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111750] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The most promising biologics tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibitors are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in only 50-70 % of the cases; thus, new drugs targeting TNFα-mediated inflammation are required. METHODS Firstly, the drugs that could inhibit FLS proliferation and TNFα induced inflammatory cytokine production were screened. Secondly, treatment effects of the identified drugs were screened in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. Thirdly, the inhibitory effect of the identified drug, agomelatine (AOM), on TNFα induced inflammatory cytokine production and NF-κB activity were confirmed. Fourthly, bioinformatics was applied to predict the binding target of AOM and the binding was confirmed, and the already known inhibitor of target was used to test the treatment effect for CIA mouse model. Finally, the effect of AOM on signaling pathway was tested and on TNFα induced inflammatory cytokine production was observed after inhibiting the target. RESULTS AOM effectively inhibited TNFα-induced NF-κB activation, NF-κB p65 translocation, and inflammatory cytokines production in vitro and was therapeutic against CIA. The mechanistic study indicated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as the binding target of AOM. 1400 W, a known inhibitor of iNOS, could effectively treat CIA by decreasing iNOS activity and the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The inhibitory effect of AOM on TNFα-induced inflammation was further elucidated by 1400 W, or NF-κB p65 inhibitor JSH-23, indicating that AOM is therapeutic against CIA via iNOS/ERK/p65 signaling pathway after binding with iNOS. CONCLUSIONS AOM is therapeutic against CIA via inhibition of the iNOS/ERK/p65 signaling pathway after binding with iNOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yunru Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qianwei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhongling Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingjing Ran
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiyong Miao
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiuping Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Geng Yin
- Department of General Practice, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang YJ, Chen LF, Li X, Chen JH, Tan ZK. Tetramethylpyrazine alleviates hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, and inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via inhibiting the HIF-1α- circCDC42BPB pathway. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:19. [PMID: 38449057 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00355-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, which might trigger cartilage, bone damage, and disability. Recent studies have suggested that Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), an alkaloid monomer isolated from the rhizome of the traditional herbal medicine Ligusticum wallichii Franch, exerts a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, containing anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to analyze the role and underlying mechanism of TMP in RA. METHODS Under Hypoxia condition, RA-Fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) were treated with TMP at different doses. Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay. Cyclin D1, Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein levels were measured using western blot assay. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 were evaluated using ELISA. Circular RNA (circRNA) hsa_circ_0005178 (circCDC42BPB), CDC42BPB, and HIF-1α expression were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Binding between HIF-1α and CDC42BPB promoter was predicted by JASPAR and verified using dual-luciferase reporter and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. RESULTS TMP might hinder FLS proliferation, cycle progression, migration, and inflammatory response under hypoxic conditions. CircCDC42BPB expression was increased in RA patients and RA-FLSs treated with hypoxia, while its level was obviously reduced in RA-FLSs treated with hypoxia and TMP. TMP might abolish hypoxia-induced circCDC42BPB expression. Upregulation of circCDC42BPB might partially overturn the repression of TMP on hypoxia-caused RA-FLS damage. TMP might regulate circCDC42BPB level via HIF-1α in RA-FLSs under hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSION TMP might block RA-FLS injury partly via regulating the HIF-1α- circCDC42BPB pathway, providing a promising therapeutic target for RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jing Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, No. 627 Wuyi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Li-Feng Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, No. 627 Wuyi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Guiqian International General Hospital, No. 1 Dongfeng Avenue, Wudang District, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550018, China
| | - Jian-Hua Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, No. 627 Wuyi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhang-Kui Tan
- Department of Rheumatology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, No. 627 Wuyi Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Shin MJ, Park JY, Park JY, Lim SH, Lim H, Choi JK, Park CK, Kang YJ, Khang D. Inflammation-Targeting Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Photothermal Treatment Attenuate Severe Joint Inflammation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2304333. [PMID: 38096399 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Current clinical therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of osteo- and rheumatoid-arthritis is obviously limited. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as a source of promising regenerative therapy, un-modified or genetically engineered MSCs injected in vivo restrict their clinical utility because of the low drug efficacy and unpredicted side effect, respectively. Herein, a strategy to enhance the migration efficacy of MSCs to inflamed joints via an inflammation-mediated education process is demonstrated. To reinforce the limited anti-inflammatory activity of MSCs, gold nanostar loaded with triamcinolone is conjugated to MSC. Furthermore, near-infrared laser-assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) induced by gold nanostar significantly elevates the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the developed drugs, even in advanced stage arthritis model. An immunological regulation mechanism study of PTT is first suggested in this study; the expression of the interleukin 22 receptor, implicated in the pathogenesis of arthritis, is downregulated in T lymphocytes by PTT, and Th17 differentiation from naïve CD4 T cell is inhibited. Collectively, inflammation-targeting MSCs conjugated with triamcinolone-loaded gold nanostar (Edu-MSCs-AuS-TA) promote the repolarization of macrophages and decrease neutrophil recruitment in joints. In addition, Edu-MSCs-AuS-TA significantly alleviate arthritis-associated pain, improve general locomotor activity, and more importantly, induce cartilage regeneration even for severe stages of arthritis model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Jun Shin
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Jun-Young Park
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Jun Young Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Su Hyun Lim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Hyoungsub Lim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Jin Kyeong Choi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54907, South Korea
| | - Chul-Kyu Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| | - Youn Joo Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Eulji Hospital, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Seoul, 01830, South Korea
| | - Dongwoo Khang
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999, South Korea
- Ectosome Inc., Incheon, 21999, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Achudhan D, Lai YL, Lin YY, Huang YL, Tsai CH, Ho TL, Ko CY, Fong YC, Huang CC, Tang CH. CXCL13 promotes TNF-α synthesis in rheumatoid arthritis through activating ERK/p38 pathway and inhibiting miR-330-3p generation. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 221:116037. [PMID: 38301965 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116037] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known autoimmune disorder associated with joint pain, joint swelling, cartilage and bone degradation as well as deformity. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13) plays a crucial role in multiple cellular pathogenesis processes, including RA. TNF-α is a vital proinflammatory factor in the progression of RA. However, the role of CXCL13 in TNF-α production in RA has not been fully explored. Our analysis of both database and clinical samples revealed higher levels of CXCL13 and TNF-α in RA samples compared to healthy controls. CXCL13 concentration-dependently induces TNF-α synthesis in RA synovial fibroblasts. CXCL13 enhances TNF-α expression by interacting with the CXCR5 receptor, activating the ERK/p38 pathways, and inhibiting miR-330-3p generation. Importantly, treatment with CXCL13 shRNA counteracted the upregulation of TNF-α production induced by collagen-induced arthritis. Our findings support the notion that CXCL13 is a promising target in the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Achudhan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Liang Lai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-You Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Li Huang
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Tsai
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Trung-Loc Ho
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Ko
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Fong
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chung Huang
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hsin Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rufino AT, Freitas M, Proença C, Ferreira de Oliveira JMP, Fernandes E, Ribeiro D. Rheumatoid arthritis molecular targets and their importance to flavonoid-based therapy. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:497-538. [PMID: 37602483 DOI: 10.1002/med.21990] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive, chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory, and systemic condition that primarily affects the synovial joints and adjacent tissues, including bone, muscle, and tendons. The World Health Organization recognizes RA as one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases. In the last decade, there was an expansion on the available RA therapeutic options which aimed to improve patient's quality of life. Despite the extensive research and the emergence of new therapeutic approaches and drugs, there are still significant unwanted side effects associated to these drugs and still a vast number of patients that do not respond positively to the existing therapeutic strategies. Over the years, several references to the use of flavonoids in the quest for new treatments for RA have emerged. This review aimed to summarize the existing literature about the flavonoids' effects on the major pathogenic/molecular targets of RA and their potential use as lead compounds for the development of new effective molecules for RA treatment. It is demonstrated that flavonoids can modulate various players in synovial inflammation, regulate immune cell function, decrease synoviocytes proliferation and balance the apoptotic process, decrease angiogenesis, and stop/prevent bone and cartilage degradation, which are all dominant features of RA. Although further investigation is necessary to determine the effectiveness of flavonoids in humans, the available data from in vitro and in vivo models suggest their potential as new disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. This review highlights the use of flavonoids as a promising avenue for future research in the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana T Rufino
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marisa Freitas
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Carina Proença
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José M P Ferreira de Oliveira
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniela Ribeiro
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Agrarian Sciences and Environment, University of the Azores, Açores, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
McBride DA, Jones RM, Bottini N, Shah NJ. The therapeutic potential of immunoengineering for systemic autoimmunity. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2024:10.1038/s41584-024-01084-x. [PMID: 38383732 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-024-01084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Disease-modifying drugs have transformed the treatment options for many systemic autoimmune diseases. However, an evolving understanding of disease mechanisms, which might vary between individuals, is paving the way for the development of novel agents that operate in a patient-tailored manner through immunophenotypic regulation of disease-relevant cells and the microenvironment of affected tissue domains. Immunoengineering is a field that is focused on the application of engineering principles to the modulation of the immune system, and it could enable future personalized and immunoregulatory therapies for rheumatic diseases. An important aspect of immunoengineering is the harnessing of material chemistries to design technologies that span immunologically relevant length scales, to enhance or suppress immune responses by re-balancing effector and regulatory mechanisms in innate or adaptive immunity and rescue abnormalities underlying pathogenic inflammation. These materials are endowed with physicochemical properties that enable features such as localization in immune cells and organs, sustained delivery of immunoregulatory agents, and mimicry of key functions of lymphoid tissue. Immunoengineering applications already exist for disease management, and there is potential for this new discipline to improve disease modification in rheumatology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A McBride
- Department of NanoEngineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan M Jones
- Department of NanoEngineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nunzio Bottini
- Kao Autoimmunity Institute and Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Nisarg J Shah
- Department of NanoEngineering and Chemical Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Xu F, Shen C, Zhang S, Liu Y, Liu D, Kuang Y, Li R, Wang C, Cai X, Shi M, Xiao Y. Coptisine inhibits aggressive and proliferative actions of fibroblast like synoviocytes and exerts a therapeutic potential for rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111433. [PMID: 38181676 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111433] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Coptisine, a natural bioactive small molecular compound extracted from traditional Chinese herb Coptis chinensis, has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor effect. However, its contribution to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. Here, we evaluate the effect of coptisine in controlling fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS)-mediated synovial proliferation and aggression in RA and further explore its underlying mechanism(s). METHODS FLS were separated from synovial tissues obtained from patients with RA. Protein expression was measured by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. Gene expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. The EdU incorporation was used to measure cell proliferation. Migration and invasion were determined by Boyden chamber assay. RNA sequencing analysis was used to seek for the target of coptisine. The in vivo effect of coptisine was evaluated in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. RESULTS Treatment with coptisine reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion, but not apoptosis of RA FLS. Mechanistically, we identified PSAT1, an enzyme that catalyzes serine/one-carbon/glycine biosynthesis, as a novel targeting gene of coptisine in RA FLS. PSAT1 expression was increased in FLS and synovial tissues from patients with RA compared to healthy control subjects. Coptisine treatment or PSAT1 knockdown reduced the TNF-α-induced phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK MAPK pathway. Interestingly, coptisine administration improved the severity of arthritis and reduced synovial PSAT1 expression in mice with CIA. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that coptisine treatment suppresses aggressive and proliferative actions of RA FLS by targeting PSAT1 and sequential inhibition of phosphorylated p38, ERK1/2, and JNK MAPK pathway. Our findings suggest that coptisine might control FLS-mediated rheumatoid synovial proliferation and aggression, and be a novel potential agent for RA treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangqiu Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyu Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuoyang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingli Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Kuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiru Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cuicui Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Cai
- Department of Rheumatology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Maohua Shi
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong, China.
| | - Youjun Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Simonds MM, Freer ST, Al-Jaberi L, Brescia AC. Adalimumab Effectively Decreases Inflammation Downstream of TNFα Signaling in Synoviocytes from Extended Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:143-155. [PMID: 38070102 PMCID: PMC10796900 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00628-z] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) play a critical role in inflammation that contributes to disease progression in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), FLS express tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). TNFα signaling has been shown to be upstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. Overexpression of TNFα and TGFβ, as well as related proteins, can cause increased inflammation in RA. In this study, we examine the effects of inhibiting TNFα signaling with adalimumab on FLS isolated from synovial fluid of patients with JIA. METHODS Synovial fluid samples were selected from 41 patients in our repository. Of these samples, 23 were diagnosed with persistent oligoarticular JIA and 18 were diagnosed with extended oligoarticular JIA. All samples were taken prior to patients extending to a polyarticular course, or what we termed extended-to-be (ETB), and were on no medications or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) only at the time of arthrocentesis. For cell studies, FLS were isolated from synovial fluid and treated with adalimumab for 24 h. Protein antibody arrays were performed by RayBiotech, Inc. according to their protocols. RESULTS In persistent FLS, TNFα (fold change [FC] = 1.2 p = 0.001), TGFβ (FC = 1.5 p = 0.001), lymphotoxin alpha (LTα) (FC = 4.3 p = 0.015), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFRI) (FC = 5.1 p = 0.008), and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFRII) (FC = 3.8 p = 0.025) were significantly elevated in adalimumab treated cells compared to untreated cells. In ETB FLS, TNFα was significantly elevated (FC = 1.04 p = 0.023) while TGFβ (FC = 1.03 p = 0.037) was significantly decreased in adalimumab-treated cells compared to untreated cells. CONCLUSIONS This data suggests that, after only 24 h, adalimumab is effective at decreasing inflammation that occurs downstream of initial TNFα signaling in extended-to-be fibroblast-like synoviocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Simonds
- Nemours Biomedical Research, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA.
| | - Samuel T Freer
- Nemours Biomedical Research, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Lina Al-Jaberi
- Division of Rheumatology, Nemours Children's Health, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - AnneMarie C Brescia
- Division of Rheumatology, Nemours Children's Health, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Qin Y, Su J. Salidroside suppresses cell growth and inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via inhibition of phosphoinositol-3 kinase/threonine kinase signaling in rheumatoid arthritis. Z Rheumatol 2024; 83:78-87. [PMID: 37851166 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01431-5] [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] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salidroside (Sal) is a natural product commonly isolated from Rhodiola rosea L., which has been found to have numerous pharmacological activities (e.g., ameliorating apoptosis and inflammation, and acting as an antioxidant) in various diseases, but its concrete function in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been revealed yet. Here, we aimed to explore the specific role and underlying mechanisms of Sal in RA-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). METHODS Cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to assess the viability of normal-FLSs and RA-FLSs. Cell apoptosis in RA-FLSs was evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blotting was prepared to examine the levels of apoptosis- and signaling-related proteins. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were conducted to examine RA-FLSs migration and invasion. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the effect of Sal on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced inflammation in RA-FLSs. RA animal model was established through complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induction, and the histopathological changes in synovial tissues of the rat model were analyzed by H&E staining. RESULTS RA-FLSs were treated with 200 μM Sal for 24 h, and cell viability was significantly suppressed. Sal promoted RA-FLSs apoptosis. The migratory and invasive abilities of RA-FLSs were markedly inhibited by Sal. Sal incubation reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin‑8 (IL-8), IL-1β, and IL‑6 in RA-FLSs under the stimulation of TNF‑α. Subsequently, Sal downregulated phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol‑3 kinase (p-PI3K) and protein kinase (p-AKT) expression in RA-FLSs. After the treatment with pathway activator 740Y‑P (20 μM) in RA-FLSs, the promotive effect of Sal on cell apoptosis was reversed, and inhibitory effects of it on cell viability, migration, invasion, and inflammatory response were abolished. Sal inhibited RA development in the CFA-induced rat model. CONCLUSION Sal suppressed cell growth and inflammation in RA-FLSs by inactivating PI3K/AKT-signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Qin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, 810000, Xining, China
| | - Juan Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, 810000, Xining, China.
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, No. 29 Tongren Road, Chengxi District, Xining, Qinghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Jia Q, Che Q, Zhang X, Chen J, Ren C, Wu Y, Liang W, Zhang X, Li Y, Li Z, Zhang Z, Shu Q. Knockdown of Galectin-9 alleviates rheumatoid arthritis through suppressing TNF-α-induced activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115994. [PMID: 38141929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115994] [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] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of Galectin-9 (Gal-9) in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of Gal-9 in RA. We detected Gal-9 expression in clinical samples, explored the mechanism of function of Gal-9 by knockdown and overexpression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs), and further verified it in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. We found that the levels of Gal-9 were considerably elevated in RA synovium than in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. A substantial decrease of Gal-9 was demonstrated after tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) inhibitor treatment in the plasma of patients with RA. Additionally, transcriptome sequencing revealed that Gal-9 was involved in the regulation of the TNF-α pathway. Gal-9 was considerably upregulated after TNF-α stimulation in FLSs, and knockdown of Gal-9 substantially inhibited TNF-α activated proliferation, migration and inflammatory response. According to cell transcriptome sequencing results, we further confirmed that Gal-9 could achieve these effects by interacting with MAFB and affecting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Finally, we knocked down Gal-9 on the CIA model and found that it could alleviate the progression of arthritis. In conclusion, our study revealed that the knockdown of Gal-9 could inhibited TNF-α induced activation in RA through MAFB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jia
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Qincheng Che
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Chunfeng Ren
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jining NO.1 People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Yunpeng Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Weiqiang Liang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China
| | - Yanshan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Zunzhong Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Zhenchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China; Department of Rheumatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Linyi, China
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Immune Diseases and Gout, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kuang Y, Li R, Wang J, Xu S, Qiu Q, Lin S, Liu D, Shen C, Liu Y, Xu M, Lin W, Zhang S, Liang L, Xu H, Xiao Y. ALKBH5-Mediated RNA m 6 A Methylation Regulates the Migration, Invasion, and Proliferation of Rheumatoid Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:192-205. [PMID: 37584615 DOI: 10.1002/art.42676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) are critical for promoting joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) modification plays key roles in various diseases, but its role in the pathogenesis of RA is largely unknown. Here, we investigate increased demethylase ALKBH5 promotion of proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA FLSs via regulating JARID2 expression. METHODS ALKBH5 expression in FLSs was evaluated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, scratch wound healing, and transwell assays were implemented to determine the role of ALKBH5 on RA FLS proliferation, mobility, and migration. Then, m6 A sequencing combined with RNA sequencing was performed to identify the potential targets of ALKBH5. RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pulldown were then used to validate the interaction between the protein and messenger RNA (mRNA). Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and delayed-type hypersensitivity arthritis (DTHA) models were further established to assess the therapeutic potency of ALKBH5 in vivo. RESULTS We demonstrated that ALKBH5 expression was increased in FLSs and synovium from RA. Functionally, ALKBH5 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA FLSs, whereas overexpression of ALKBH5 displayed the opposite effect. Mechanistically, ALKBH5 mediated m6 A modification in the JARID2 mRNA and enhanced its mRNA stability in cooperation with IGF2BP3. Intriguingly, the severity of arthritis was attenuated in mice with DTHA and ALKBH5 knockout or rats with CIA and intra-articular injection of ALKBH5 short hairpin RNA. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ALKBH5-mediated m6 A modification is crucial for synovial hyperplasia and invasion in RA. ALKBH5 might be a potential therapeutic target for RA and even for dysregulated fibroblasts in a wide range of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Kuang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiru Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Siqi Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Qiu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuibin Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuyu Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingli Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meilin Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuoyang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuqin Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanshi Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Youjun Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zeng L, Yu G, Yang K, He Q, Hao W, Xiang W, Long Z, Chen H, Tang X, Sun L. Exploring the mechanism of Celastrol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on systems pharmacology and multi-omics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1604. [PMID: 38238321 PMCID: PMC10796403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48248-5] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the molecular network mechanism of Celastrol in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on a novel strategy (integrated systems pharmacology, proteomics, transcriptomics and single-cell transcriptomics). Firstly, the potential targets of Celastrol and RA genes were predicted through the database, and the Celastrol-RA targets were obtained by taking the intersection. Then, transcriptomic data and proteomic data of Celastrol treatment of RA were collected. Subsequently, Celastrol-RA targets, differentially expressed genes, and differentially expressed proteins were imported into Metascape for enrichment analysis, and related networks were constructed. Finally, the core targets of Celastrol-RA targets, differentially expressed genes, and differentially expressed proteins were mapped to synoviocytes of RA mice to find potential cell populations for Celastrol therapy. A total of 195 Celastrol-RA targets, 2068 differential genes, 294 differential proteins were obtained. The results of enrichment analysis showed that these targets, genes and proteins were mainly related to extracellular matrix organization, TGF-β signaling pathway, etc. The results of single cell sequencing showed that the main clusters of these targets, genes, and proteins could be mapped to RA synovial cells. For example, Mmp9 was mainly distributed in Hematopoietic cells, especially in Ptprn+fibroblast. The results of molecular docking also suggested that Celastrol could stably combine with molecules predicted by network pharmacology. In conclusion, this study used systems pharmacology, transcriptomics, proteomics, single-cell transcriptomics to reveal that Celastrol may regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by regulating key targets such as TNF and IL6, and then play an immune regulatory role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liuting Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Ganpeng Yu
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qi He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wensa Hao
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde, China
| | - Zhiyong Long
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojun Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kaneshiro K, Nakagawa K, Tsukamoto H, Matsuoka G, Okuno S, Tateishi K, Terashima Y, Shibanuma N, Yoshida K, Hashiramoto A. The clock gene Bmal1 controls inflammatory mediators in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 691:149315. [PMID: 38043198 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149315] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT To clarify the involvement of clock genes in the production of inflammatory mediators from RA-FLS, we examined the role of Bmal1, one of the master clock genes. METHODS RA-FLSs were stimulated with IL-1β (0, 20 ng/mL), IL-6 (0, 20 ng/mL), IL-17 (0, 20 ng/mL), TNF-α (0, 20 ng/mL) or IFN-γ (0, 20 ng/mL) to examine the expression of Bmal1, MMP-3, CCL2, IL-6, IL-7 and IL-15 by qPCR and immunofluorescence staining. After silencing Bmal1, RA-FLSs were stimulated with IL-1β (0, 20 ng/mL), TNF-α (0, 20 ng/mL) or IFN-γ (0, 20 ng/mL) to examine the expressions of inflammatory mediators; MMP-3, CCL2, IL-6 and IL-15 by qPCR, ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Bmal1 expressions were increased by IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ stimulations. Under stimulations with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-3, CCL2 and IL-6 were suppressed by siBmal1. CONCLUSION Results indicate that Bmal1 contributes the production of MMP-3, CCL2, and IL-6 from RA-FLS, implying Bmal1 is involved in the pathogenesis of RA by regulating the inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Kaneshiro
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan.
| | - Kanako Nakagawa
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hikari Tsukamoto
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Genta Matsuoka
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Seitaro Okuno
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Tateishi
- Department of Orthopedics, Kohnan Kakogawa Hospital, Kakogawa, Japan
| | | | - Nao Shibanuma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kobe Kaisei Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kohsuke Yoshida
- Department of Public Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akira Hashiramoto
- Department of Biophysics, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Pan Q, Yang H, Zhou Z, Li M, Jiang X, Li F, Luo Y, Li M. [ 68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT may be a predictor for early treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis. EJNMMI Res 2024; 14:2. [PMID: 38175339 PMCID: PMC10766931 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-023-01064-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The identification of biomarkers predicting the treatment response of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is important. [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 showed markedly increased uptake in the joints of patients with RA. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT can be a predictor of treatment response in RA. RESULTS Nineteen patients diagnosed with RA in the prospective cohort study were finally enrolled. Both total synovitis uptake (TSU) and metabolic synovitis volume (MSV) in [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and [18F]FDG PET/CT of the responders were significantly higher than those in non-responders according to Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) response criteria at 3-months' follow-up (P < 0.05). The PET joint count (PJC) detected in [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and [18F]FDG PET/CT were also significantly higher in CDAI responders than non-responders (P = 0.016 and 0.045, respectively). The clinical characteristics of disease activity at baseline did not show significant difference between the responders and non-responders, except CRP (P = 0.035 and 0.033 in CDAI and SDAI response criteria, respectively). The baseline PJCFAPI, TSUFAPI and MSVFAPI > cutoff values in [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT successfully discriminated CDAI and SDAI responders and non-responders at 3-months' follow-up. CONCLUSION [68 Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 uptake at baseline were significantly higher in early responders than those in non-responders. Trial registration ClinicalTrials. NCT04514614. Registered 13 August 2020, https://register. CLINICALTRIALS gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000A4PN&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0001JRW&ts=2&cx=-x9t7cp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Pan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Huaxia Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Difficult, Severe and Rare Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyue Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Difficult, Severe and Rare Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Difficult, Severe and Rare Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Medical Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yaping Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Diagnosis and Therapy in Nuclear Medicine, Beijing, 100730, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, China.
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases, the Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Difficult, Severe and Rare Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang W, Zhou S, Jiang W, Chen G. Design, synthesis and anti-rheumatoid arthritis activity of target TLR4 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 97:117539. [PMID: 38070351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117539] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
A series of 1-(2-oxocyclohexyl)butane-1, 3-dione derivatives were designed and synthesized as TLR4 inhibitors by modifying the core structure of the lead compound ((6, 8-dioxo-1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8a-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl) carbamate)). In vitro, compound 3p significantly inhibited the proliferation of rat synovial cells, inhibited the proliferation of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, and inhibited TLR4 activity, with IC50 values of 1.21 ± 0.09 μM, 0.73 ± 0.05 μM and 0.43 ± 0.03 μM, respectively, which was superior to the positive control methotrexate. In vivo anti-rheumatoid arthritis evaluation, compound 3p can significantly inhibit the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, so as to achieve the therapeutic purpose. In the preliminary mechanism study, compound 3p has obvious regulatory effects on the abnormal increase of TLR4, JAK2 and STAT3 protein and gene expression related to inflammatory signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells. In summary, this study aims to develop more effective candidates for rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Wang
- Chongqing Chemical Industry Vocational College, Chongqing 401228, China; Chongqing (Changshou) Green Chemical and Material Industry Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401228, China
| | - Shiyang Zhou
- Chongqing Chemical Industry Vocational College, Chongqing 401228, China; Chongqing (Changshou) Green Chemical and Material Industry Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401228, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China; Chongqing Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 400065, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing 400067, China.
| | - Wenming Jiang
- Chongqing Chemical Industry Vocational College, Chongqing 401228, China; Chongqing (Changshou) Green Chemical and Material Industry Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 401228, China
| | - Guangying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicinal Plant Chemistry of Hainan Province, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kong H, Han JJ, Gorbachev D, Zhang XA. Role of the Hippo pathway in autoimmune diseases. Exp Gerontol 2024; 185:112336. [PMID: 38042379 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112336] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The immune system is an important defense against diseases, and it is essential to maintain the homeostasis of the body's internal environment. Under normal physiological conditions, the steady state of the immune system should be sustained to play normal immune response and immune function. Exploring the molecular mechanism of maintaining immune homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions will provides understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, infections, metabolic disorders, and tumors, as well as new ideas and molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Hippo signaling pathway can not only regulate immune cells such as macrophages, T cells and dendritic cells, but also interact with immune-related signaling pathways such as NF-kB signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, so as to resist the internal environment disorder caused by the invasion of exogenous pathogenic microorganisms and maintain the internal environment stability and physiological balance of the body. Hippo signaling pathway is also involved in the pathological process of immune system-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. Hippo pathway is closely related to organ development, stem cell biology, regeneration, and tumor biology. It affects cell differentiation by participating in extracellular and intracellular physiological signal reactions, sensing cell environment, and coordinating cell reactions. This pathway is crucial in maintaining immune homeostasis. This review summarizes the mechanism of Hippo pathway in different immune cells and some autoimmune diseases and the interaction between different immune signaling pathways and Hippo signaling pathway. It aims to explore the role of Hippo in autoimmune diseases and provide theoretical and practical basis for the treatment of autoimmune diseases through Hippo signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Kong
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China
| | - Juan-Juan Han
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Xin-An Zhang
- College of Exercise and Health, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Peng Y, Zhang M, Hu J. Non-coding RNAs involved in fibroblast-like synoviocyte functioning in arthritis rheumatoid: From pathogenesis to therapy. Cytokine 2024; 173:156418. [PMID: 37952312 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156418] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a polygenic autoimmune disorder with an uncertain etiology, primarily impacting the joints. Moreover, the disease may manifest beyond articular involvement, leading to extra-articular manifestations. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are cells of mesenchymal origin that possess crucial physiological significance within the synovium, contributing to the synthesis of specific constituents found in the synovial fluid and articular cartilage. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on FLS as a potential therapeutic target in the context of RA. Recent investigations have revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) serve as pivotal regulators of FLS function, with their dysregulated expression patterns being detected within FLS populations. NcRNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), assume essential functions as regulators of gene expression at both the post-transcriptional and transcriptional levels, and also serve as guiding molecules for chromatin-modifying complexes. Majority of these ncRNAs contribute to various FLS activities including metastasis, proliferation, and cytokine production. In the current work, we comprehensively review the existing literature on ncRNAs, which play pivotal roles in FLS activity and the pathogenesis of RA. Furthermore, this study provides a comprehensive summary and description of the lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes in FLS activity, along with potential implications for the RA development. As well, in the final section, we illustrated that therapeutic agents including herbal medicine, and exosomes by modulating ncRNAs regulate FLS activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Peng
- Rheumatology and Immunology, PingXiangPeople's Hospital, No. 8, Wugongshangzhong Avenue, Anyuan District, PiangXiang City, Jiangxi Province, 337000, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Rheumatology and Immunology, PingXiangPeople's Hospital, No. 8, Wugongshangzhong Avenue, Anyuan District, PiangXiang City, Jiangxi Province, 337000, China
| | - Jiangkang Hu
- Rheumatology and Immunology, PingXiangPeople's Hospital, No. 8, Wugongshangzhong Avenue, Anyuan District, PiangXiang City, Jiangxi Province, 337000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Neumann E, Heck C, Müller-Ladner U. Recent developments in the synovial fibroblast pathobiology field in rheumatoid arthritis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:69-75. [PMID: 37720975 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Synovial fibroblasts are the central cells of connective tissue homeostasis. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tissue, synovial fibroblasts are activated because of the proinflammatory environment very early in the disease. Epigenetic alterations in RASF result in a permanently activated stage, and activated RASF are involved in many processes of RA pathophysiology. Therefore, several recent findings of the last 18 months with focus on RASF activation and function are summarized. RECENT FINDINGS RASF activation because of a profoundly altered epigenome leads to an invasive phenotype with increased migration, adhesion and invasion into cartilage, which was further characterized in several studies. RASF subtypes and subtype dynamics were evaluated using high-resolution techniques to better understand RASF pathophysiology. Many studies addressing interactions with immune or stromal cell types have been published showing that RASF interact with many different cell types contributing not only to their own activation and pro-inflammatory response but also to the activation of the other cells. SUMMARY Highly interesting findings revealing mechanisms of RASF activation and altered functions have been published, RASF subsets further characterized, and interactions with cell types elucidated, which all contribute to a better understanding of the role of RASF in RA development and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Neumann
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lackner A, Cabral JE, Qiu Y, Zhou H, Leonidas L, Pham MA, Macapagal A, Lin S, Armanus E, McNulty R. Small molecule inhibitor binds to NLRP3 and prevents inflammasome activation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571573. [PMID: 38168343 PMCID: PMC10760093 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the mechanism of oxidized DNA activating NLRP3, the molecular mechanism and consequence of oxidized DNA associating with NLRP3 remains unknown. Cytosolic NLRP3 binds oxidized DNA which has been released from the mitochondria, which subsequently triggers inflammasome activation. Human glycosylase (hOGG1) repairs oxidized DNA damage which inhibits inflammasome activation. The fold of NLRP3 pyrin domain contains amino acids and a protein fold similar to hOGG1. Amino acids that enable hOGG1 to bind and cleave oxidized DNA are conserved in NLRP3. We found NLRP3 could bind and cleave oxidized guanine within mitochondrial DNA. The binding of oxidized DNA to NLRP3 was prevented by small molecule drugs which also inhibit hOGG1. These same drugs also inhibited inflammasome activation. Elucidating this mechanism will enable design of drug memetics that treat inflammasome pathologies, illustrated herein by NLRP3 pyrin domain inhibitors which suppressed interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production in macrophages. One-Sentence Summary NLRP3 cleaves oxidized DNA and small molecule drug binding inhibits inflammasome activation.
Collapse
|
44
|
Wen J, Liu J, Wan L, Jiang H, Xin L, Sun Y, Fang Y, Wang X, Wang J. m 6A-mediated lncRNA MAPKAPK5-AS1 induces apoptosis and suppresses inflammation via regulating miR-146a-3p/SIRT1/NF-κB axis in rheumatoid arthritis. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:2602-2621. [PMID: 38225924 PMCID: PMC10936687 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2302281] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the role of m6A-mediated lncRNA MAPKAPK5-AS1 (MK5-AS1) in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) and its underlying molecular mechanism. RT-qPCR, western blot, flow cytometry (FCM), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were utilized for evaluating inflammation and apoptosis. Next, RIP, RNA pull-down, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and a series of rescue experiments were performed to explore the regulatory mechanisms of MK5-AS1 and its sponge-like action in RA-FLSs. The regulatory relationships between MK5-AS1 and WTAP were explored using the MeRIP-qPCR assay and RT-qPCR. Finally, the critical RNAs in the ceRNA axis were verified in the clinical cohort. MK5-AS1 was poorly expressed and miR-146a-3p was overexpressed in co-cultured RA-FLSs. MK5-AS1 overexpression could inhibit inflammatory responses and promote cell apoptosis in the co-cultured RA-FLSs. MK5-AS1 bound to miR-146a-3p to target SIRT1, thereby affecting inflammatory responses and cell apoptosis in the co-cultured RA-FLSs. SIRT1 knockdown or miR-146a-3p overexpression reversed the impacts of MK5-AS1 overexpression on co-cultured RA-FLSs inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, WTAP was downregulated, and induced the inhibition of MK5-AS1 by promoting its RNA transcript stability. Clinically, MK5-AS1 was downregulated in RA-PBMCS and correlated with the clinical characteristics of RA. Our study elucidated that m6A-mediated MK5-AS1 sequestered miR-146a-3p to suppress SIRT1 expression in co-cultured RA-FLSs, thus providing a new insight into the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianting Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ling Xin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanyan Fang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
- Department of Internal Medicine Application Foundation Research and Development, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Cai L, Meng B, Jiang F, Shu WH, Wang XH, Wang MQ, Wu XJ, Hu MW, Yang YC, Ran X, Li R. Novel HIF-1α Inhibitor AMSP-30m Mitigates the Pathogenic Cellular Behaviors of Hypoxia-Stimulated Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats via Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog Pathway. Inflammation 2023; 46:2289-2305. [PMID: 37480451 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Synovial hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a prospective therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AMSP-30 m, a novel HIF-1α inhibitor, was reported to have notable anti-arthritic effects in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. However, its roles in inhibiting the pathogenic behaviors of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and the involved mechanisms remain unknown. Here, AMSP-30 m inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in hypoxia-induced RA FLS (MH7A cell line), as evidenced by decreased cell viability, reduced Ki67-positive cells, G0/G1 phase arrest, lowered C-myc and Cyclin D1 protein levels, emergence of apoptotic nuclear fragmentation, raised apoptosis rates, and activation of caspase 3. Furthermore, AMSP-30 m prevented hypoxia-induced increases in pro-inflammatory factor production, MMP-2 activity, migration index, migrated/invasive cells, and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. In vivo, AMSP-30 m alleviated the severity of rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Mechanically, AMSP-30 m reduced HIF-1α expression and blocked sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway activation in hypoxia-induced MH7A cells and CIA rat synovium, as shown by declines in pathway-related proteins (Shh, Smo, and Gli-1). Particularly, the combination of Shh pathway inhibitor cyclopamine enhanced AMSP-30 m's inhibitory effects on the pathogenic behaviors of hypoxia-stimulated MH7A cells, whereas the combination of Shh pathway activator SAG canceled AMSP-30 m's therapeutic effects in vitro and in CIA rats, implying a close involvement of Shh pathway inhibition in its anti-arthritic effects. We likewise confirmed AMSP-30 m's anti-proliferative role in hypoxia-induced primary CIA FLS. Totally, AMSP-30 m suppressed hypoxia-induced proliferation, inflammation, migration, and invasion of MH7A cells and ameliorated the severity of rat CIA via inhibiting Shh signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Hao Shu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Hua Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Qing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Jie Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Wang Hu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Chen Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Ran
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Rong Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230026, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Huang Y, Xue Q, Chang J, Wang X, Miao C. Wnt5a: A promising therapeutic target for inflammation, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Cytokine 2023; 172:156381. [PMID: 37806072 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt5a is a member of the Wnt protein family, which acts on classical or multiple non-classical Wnt signaling pathways by binding to different receptors. The expression regulation and signal transduction of Wnt5a is closely related to the inflammatory response. Abnormal activation of Wnt5a signaling is an important part of inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OBJECTIVES This paper mainly focuses on Wnt5a protein and its mediated signaling pathway, summarizes the latest research progress of Wnt5a in the pathological process of inflammation and RA, and looks forward to the main directions of Wnt5a in RA research, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of RA diseases by targeting Wnt5a. RESULTS Wnt5a is highly expressed in activated blood vessels, histocytes and synoviocytes in inflammatory diseases such as sepsis, sepsis, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It mediates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, regulates the migration and recruitment of various immune effector cells, and thus participates in the inflammatory response. Wnt5a plays a pathological role in synovial inflammation and bone destruction of RA, and may be an important clinical therapeutic target for RA. CONCLUSION Wnt5a is involved in the pathological process of inflammation and interacts with inflammatory factors. Wnt5a may be a new target for regulating the progression of RA disease and intervening therapy because of its multi-modal effects on the etiology of RA, especially as a regulator of osteoclast activity and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Chang
- Department of Orthopaedics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Pu Y, Cheng R, Zhang Q, Huang T, Lu C, Tang Z, Zhong Y, Wu L, Hammock BD, Hashimoto K, Luo Y, Liu Y. Role of soluble epoxide hydrolase in the abnormal activation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Immunol 2023; 257:109850. [PMID: 38013165 PMCID: PMC10872286 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109850] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by enigmatic pathogenesis. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are implicated in RA's development and progression, yet their exact mechanisms of influence are not fully understood. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) is an enzyme that metabolizes anti-inflammatory epoxy fatty acids (EpFAs), derivatives of PUFAs. In this study, we report elevated sEH expression in the joints of CIA (collagen-induced arthritis) rats, concomitant with diminished levels of two significant EpFAs. Additionally, increased sEH expression was detected in both the synovium of CIA rats and in the synovium and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of RA patients. The sEH inhibitor TPPU attenuated the migration and invasion capabilities of FLS derived from RA patients and to reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors by these cells. Our findings indicate a pivotal role for sEH in RA pathogenesis and suggest that sEH inhibitors offer a promising new therapeutic strategy for managing RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Pu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ruijuan Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qiuping Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tianwen Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Chenyang Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhigang Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yutong Zhong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America.
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Chiba University Center for Forensic Mental Health, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Yubin Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li Q, Chen Y, Liu H, Tian Y, Yin G, Xie Q. Targeting glycolytic pathway in fibroblast-like synoviocytes for rheumatoid arthritis therapy: challenges and opportunities. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:2155-2167. [PMID: 37940690 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01807-y] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by hyperplastic synovium, pannus formation, immune cell infiltration, and potential articular cartilage damage. Notably, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), especially rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS), exhibit specific overexpression of glycolytic enzymes, resulting in heightened glycolysis. This elevated glycolysis serves to generate ATP and plays a pivotal role in immune regulation, angiogenesis, and adaptation to hypoxia. Key glycolytic enzymes, such as hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructose-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), significantly contribute to the pathogenic behavior of RAFLS. This increased glycolysis activity is regulated by various signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted to retrieve relevant studies published from January 1, 2010, to the present, focusing on RAFLS glycolysis, RA pathogenesis, glycolytic regulation pathways, and small-molecule drugs targeting glycolysis. CONCLUSION This review provides a thorough exploration of the pathological and physiological characteristics of three crucial glycolytic enzymes in RA. It delves into their putative regulatory mechanisms, shedding light on their significance in RAFLS. Furthermore, the review offers an up-to-date overview of emerging small-molecule candidate drugs designed to target these glycolytic enzymes and the upstream signaling pathways that regulate them. By enhancing our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and highlighting the pivotal role of glycolytic enzymes, this study contributes to the development of innovative anti-rheumatic therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuehong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunru Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Geng Yin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of General Practice, General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Yan J, Yao L, Tan Y, Wang Y. The protective effects of Phoenixin-20 in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced cell senescence of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:14607-14616. [PMID: 38112587 PMCID: PMC10781454 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an age-related joint destruction disease that markedly impacts the normal life of patients. Currently, the clinical treatment strategies are far from satisfactory with severe side effects. Cellular senescence of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) has been reported to be involved in the pathological process of arthritis, which may provide an important research direction for RA treatment. Phoenixin-20 (PNX-20) is a peptide targeting G-protein-coupled receptor 173 (GPR173) with promising anti-inflammatory properties. Our study will probe into the function of PNX-20 on tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)- induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) FLS cell senescence to provide a theoretical basis for treating RA with PNX-20. RA-FLSs were handled with 10 ng/mL TNF-α, followed by introducing Phoenixin-20 (10, 20 nM) or not for 7 days. Enhanced release of inflammatory cytokines, increased proportion of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) positive cells, and declined telomerase activity were all observed in TNF-α-treated RA-FLSs, accompanied by a noticeable decline in the p21 and p53 level, which were notably reversed by 10 and 20 nM PNX-20. Furthermore, the increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) level observed in TNF-α-treated RA-FLSs were signally repressed by PNX-20. Moreover, the impact of PNX-20 on TNF-α-induced cellular senescence in RA-FLSs was abrogated by the overexpression of STAT6. Collectively, PNX-20 protected the TNF-α-induced cell senescence in RA-FLSs by downregulating STAT6. Based on these findings, we speculate that PNX-20 might be a promising agent for the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Yan
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330008, China
| | - Ling Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330008, China
| | - Ying Tan
- Department of Gerontology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330008, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330008, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhao J, Wei K, Shi Y, Jiang P, Xu L, Chang C, Xu L, Zheng Y, Shan Y, Liu J, Li L, Guo S, Schrodi SJ, Wang R, He D. Identification of immunological characterization and Anoikis-related molecular clusters in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1202371. [PMID: 38046810 PMCID: PMC10691379 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1202371] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the potential association between Anoikis-related genes, which are responsible for preventing abnormal cellular proliferation, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Datasets GSE89408, GSE198520, and GSE97165 were obtained from the GEO with 282 RA patients and 28 healthy controls. We performed differential analysis of all genes and HLA genes. We performed a protein-protein interaction network analysis and identified hub genes based on STRING and cytoscape. Consistent clustering was performed with subgrouping of the disease. SsGSEA were used to calculate immune cell infiltration. Spearman's correlation analysis was employed to identify correlations. Enrichment scores of the GO and KEGG were calculated with the ssGSEA algorithm. The WGCNA and the DGIdb database were used to mine hub genes' interactions with drugs. Results: There were 26 differentially expressed Anoikis-related genes (FDR = 0.05, log2FC = 1) and HLA genes exhibited differential expression (P < 0.05) between the disease and control groups. Protein-protein interaction was observed among differentially expressed genes, and the correlation between PIM2 and RAC2 was found to be the highest; There were significant differences in the degree of immune cell infiltration between most of the immune cell types in the disease group and normal controls (P < 0.05). Anoikis-related genes were highly correlated with HLA genes. Based on the expression of Anoikis-related genes, RA patients were divided into two disease subtypes (cluster1 and cluster2). There were 59 differentially expressed Anoikis-related genes found, which exhibited significant differences in functional enrichment, immune cell infiltration degree, and HLA gene expression (P < 0.05). Cluster2 had significantly higher levels in all aspects than cluster1 did. The co-expression network analysis showed that cluster1 had 51 hub differentially expressed genes and cluster2 had 72 hub differentially expressed genes. Among them, three hub genes of cluster1 were interconnected with 187 drugs, and five hub genes of cluster2 were interconnected with 57 drugs. Conclusion: Our study identified a link between Anoikis-related genes and RA, and two distinct subtypes of RA were determined based on Anoikis-related gene expression. Notably, cluster2 may represent a more severe state of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zhao
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Shi
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cen Chang
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linshuai Xu
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shan
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Liu
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WIUnited States
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Steven J. Schrodi
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WIUnited States
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rongsheng Wang
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongyi He
- 1Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|