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Balkrishna A, Sinha S, Pandey A, Singh S, Joshi M, Singh R, Varshney A. In mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with corticosteroid refractoriness, Bronchom mitigates airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling. Mol Med 2024; 30:120. [PMID: 39129025 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00888-7] [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: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a heterogeneous, inflammatory disease with several phenotypes and endotypes. Severe asthmatics often exhibit mixed granulocytosis with reduced corticosteroid sensitivity. Bronchom is a newly developed Ayurvedic prescription medicine, indicated for the treatment of obstructive airway disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom in mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with steroidal recalcitrance. METHODS High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) were employed to identify and quantitate the phytometabolites present in Bronchom. The preclinical effectiveness of Bronchom was assessed in house dust mite (HDM) and Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mixed granulocytic asthma model in mice. High dose of dexamethasone was tested parallelly. Specific-pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were immunized with HDM and CFA and nineteen days later, they were intranasally challenged with HDM for four consecutive days. Then the mice were challenged with nebulized methacholine to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Inflammatory cell influx was enumerated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by lung histology. Additionally, the concentrations of Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed in the BALF by multiplexed immune assay. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) was also evaluated in the lung. RESULTS HPTLC fingerprinting and UHPLC quantification of Bronchom revealed the presence of bioactive phytometabolites, namely, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, piperine, eugenol and glycyrrhizin. Bronchom effectively reduced AHR driven by HDM-CFA and the influx of total leukocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils in the BALF. In addition, Bronchom inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung as well as goblet cell metaplasia. Further, it also suppressed the elevated levels of Th2 cytokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BALF. Similarly, Bronchom also regulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as MUC5AC in mice lungs. Reduced effectiveness of a high dose of the steroid, dexamethasone was observed in the model. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated for the first time the robust pharmacological effects of an herbo-mineral medicine in an animal model of mixed granulocytic asthma induced by HDM and CFA. The outcomes suggest the potential utility of Bronchom in severe asthmatics with a mixed granulocytic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India
- Patanjali UK Trust, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sandeep Sinha
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Anupam Pandey
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Surjeet Singh
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Monali Joshi
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Rani Singh
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Anurag Varshney
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India.
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India.
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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Freedman P, Schock B, O’Reilly S. The Novel Cytokine Interleukin-41/Meteorin-like Is Reduced in Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2024; 13:1205. [PMID: 39056787 PMCID: PMC11274529 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141205] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease with a triad of features that include vascular abnormalities, inflammation and skin and lung fibrosis. At the core of the disease is the activation of myofibroblasts from quiescent fibroblasts and this can be modified by various cytokines. IL-41 is a recently described cytokine that was initially characterised as an adipokine as it was highly expressed in adipocytes and adipose tissue. However, it has recently been identified as being widely expressed and has immunomodulatory functions. This study examined the circulating levels of IL-41 and its expression in skin biopsies. We demonstrated significantly reduced levels of IL-41 in diffuse SSc that was also mirrored in the skin of SSc patients. AMPK has been proposed as a downstream target of IL-41, so we also measure mammalian target of rapamycin in skin and found that this is elevated in SSc patients. We speculate that IL-41 maybe an antifibrotic cytokine and its reduction may facilitate the activation of fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Freedman
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Bettina Schock
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Steven O’Reilly
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
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Shangguan J, Liu G, Xiao L, Zhang W, Zhu X, Li L. Meteorin‑like/meteorin‑β protects against cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction in mice by inhibiting autophagy. Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:293. [PMID: 38827476 PMCID: PMC11140287 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12582] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Meteorin-β (Metrnβ) is a protein that is secreted by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, and participates in cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in myocardial infarction (MI) has not been fully elucidated to date. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of Metrnβ in MI. In the present study, mice were subjected to left coronary ligation to induce a MI model before being injected with adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-Metrnβ to overexpress Metrnβ. Mice were subjected to echocardiography and pressure-volume measurements 2 weeks after ligation. Cardiac injury was measured from the levels of cardiac troponin T and pro-inflammatory factors, which were detected using ELISA kits. Cardiac remodelling was determined from the cross-sectional areas detected using H&E and wheat germ agglutinin staining as well as from the transcriptional levels of hypertrophic and fibrosis markers detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Cardiac function was detected using echocardiography and pressure-volume measurements. In addition, H9c2 cardiomyocytes were transfected with Ad-Metrnβ to overexpress Metrnβ, before being exposed to hypoxia to induce ischaemic injury. Apoptosis was determined using TUNEL staining and caspase 3 activity. Cell inflammation was detected using ELISA assays for pro-inflammatory factors. Autophagy was detected using LC3 staining and assessing the protein level of LC3II using western blotting. H9c2 cells were also treated with rapamycin to induce autophagy. It was revealed that Metrnβ expression was reduced in both mouse serum and heart tissue 2 weeks post-MI. Metrnβ overexpression using AAV9-Metrnβ delivery reduced the mortality rate, decreased the infarction size and reduced the extent of myocardial injury 2 weeks post-MI. Furthermore, Metrnβ overexpression inhibited cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and inflammation post-MI. In ischaemic H9c2 cells, Metrnβ overexpression using adenovirus also reduced cell injury, cell death and inflammatory response. Metrnβ overexpression suppressed MI-induced autophagy in vitro. Following autophagy activation using rapamycin in vitro, the protective effects induced by Metrnβ were reversed. Taken together, these results indicated that Metrnβ could protect against cardiac dysfunction post-MI in mice by inhibiting autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahong Shangguan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Gangqiong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Lili Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, P.R. China
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Wang Z, Zhang Z, Luo T, Du X, Yang M, Yao Q, Su L, Li Y, Chen X, Huang X, Zhang Y. Increased serum interleukin-41 correlates with disease severity in myasthenia gravis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112275. [PMID: 38759373 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112275] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by pathogenic antibodies produced by abnormally activated B cells, resulting in neuromuscular junction transmission dysfunction. Interleukin-41 (IL-41) is a novel immunomodulatory cytokine that has been implicated in various metabolic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The role of IL-41 in MG is still unclear up to now, our study aimed to investigate the level of IL-41 in MG patients and its correlation with clinical features and inflammatory indicators. METHODS Totally, 60 MG patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Baseline data and laboratory parameters were routinely recorded through electronic medical systems. IL-41 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proportions of T-cell and B-cell subsets and natural killer cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The correlation between serum IL-41 and MG related parameters was investigated, and the clinical value of IL-41 in the diagnosis of MG was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS Serum IL-41 levels in MG patients were higher than in HC, and were higher in Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) III + IV group than that in MGFA I + II group. Serum IL-41 was positively correlated with MG-specific activities of daily living scale (MG-ADL), MGFA classification, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and proportion of CD19+ B cells, while it was negatively correlated with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and circulatory plasma cells in MG patients. Serum IL-41 levels increased in patients who were treated with efgartigimod during the first cycle of therapy. However, compared to disease initiation, serum IL-41 levels decreased when clinical features steadily improved. ROC analysis showed that IL-41 had a diagnostic value for MG. CONCLUSION The present findings suggested that serum IL-41 was increased in MG patients and was positively associated with the severity of the disease. IL-41 may be essential to the immunopathological mechanism of MG and a potential biomarker for MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouyi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhouao Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiancheng Luo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Du
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingjin Yang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luyao Su
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuting Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No. 99 Huaihai West Road, Quanshan District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Balkrishna A, Sinha S, Karumuri S, Maity M, Dev R, Varshney A. Bronchom assuages airway hyperresponsiveness in house dust mite-induced mouse model of allergic asthma and moderates goblet cell metaplasia, sub-epithelial fibrosis along with changes in Th2 cytokines and chemokines. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1384697. [PMID: 38807596 PMCID: PMC11130375 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1384697] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a common obstructive airway disease with an inflammatory etiology. The main unmet need in the management of asthma is inadequate adherence to pharmacotherapy, leading to a poorly-controlled disease state, necessitating the development of novel therapies. Bronchom is a calcio-herbal formulation, which is purported to treat chronic asthma. The objective of the current study was to examine the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom in mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods Ultra high performance liquid chromatography was utilized to analyze the phytocompounds in Bronchom. Further, the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom was evaluated in House dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic asthma in mice. Mice were challenged with aerosolized methacholine to assess airway hyperresponsiveness. Subsequently, inflammatory cell influx was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by lung histology, wherein airway remodeling features were studied. Simultaneously, the levels of Th2 cytokines and chemokines in the BALF was also evaluated. Additionally, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and Th2 cytokines was also assessed in the lung along with the oxidative stress markers. Results Phytocompounds present in Bronchom included, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, methyl gallate, rosmarinic acid, glycyrrhizin, eugenol, 6-gingerol and piperine. Bronchom effectively suppressed HDM-induced airway hyperresponsiveness along with the influx of leukocytes in the BALF. Additionally, Bronchom reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and it also ameliorated goblet cell metaplasia, sub-epithelial fibrosis and increase in α-smooth muscle actin. Bronchom decreased Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) and chemokines (Eotaxin and IP-10) in the BALF. Likewise, it could also suppress the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-33), and IL-13. Moreover, Bronchom restored the HDM-induced diminution of endogenous anti-oxidants (GSH and SOD) and the increase in pro-oxidants (GSSG and MDA). Furthermore, Bronchom could also decrease the nitrosative stress by lowering the observed increase in nitrite levels. Conclusion Taken together, the results of the present study data convincingly demonstrate that Bronchom exhibits pharmacological effects in an animal model of allergic asthma. Bronchom mitigated airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling evoked by a clinically relevant allergen and accordingly it possesses therapeutic potential for the treatment of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India
- Patanjali UK Trust, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Vedic Acharya Samaj Foundation, Inc., Groveland, FL, United States
| | - Sandeep Sinha
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Shadrakbabu Karumuri
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Madhulina Maity
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Rishabh Dev
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
| | - Anurag Varshney
- Drug Discovery and Development Division, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar, India
- Department of Allied and Applied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar, India
- Special Centre for Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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Miao ZW, Wang N, Hu WJ, Zheng SL, Wang DS, Chang FQ, Wang Z, Tian JS, Dong XH, Wu T, Miao CY. Chronic vascular pathogenesis results in the reduced serum Metrnl levels in ischemic stroke patients. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:914-925. [PMID: 38253637 PMCID: PMC11053017 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metrnl is a secreted protein involved in neurite outgrowth, insulin sensitivity, immunoinflammatory responses, blood lipids and endothelial protection. In this study, we investigated the role of Metrnl in ischemic stroke. Fifty-eight ischemic stroke patients (28 inpatient patients within 2 weeks of onset and 30 emergency patients within 24 h of onset) and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum Metrnl was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We showed that serum Metrnl levels were significantly reduced in both inpatient and emergency patient groups compared with the controls. Different pathological causes for ischemic stroke such as large artery atherosclerosis and small artery occlusion exhibited similar reduced serum Metrnl levels. Transient ischemic attack caused by large artery atherosclerosis without brain infarction also had lower serum Metrnl levels. Metrnl was correlated with some metabolic, inflammatory and clotting parameters. Reduced serum Metrnl was associated with the severity of intracranial arterial stenosis and the presence of ischemic stroke. In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the reduced serum Metrnl levels, we established animal models of ischemic stroke in normal mice, atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-knockout mice and Metrnl-knockout mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using intraluminal filament or electrocoagulation. We demonstrated that serum Metrnl levels were significantly lower in atherosclerosis mice than normal mice, whereas acute ischemic stroke injury in normal mice and atherosclerosis mice did not alter serum Metrnl levels. Metrnl knockout did not affect acute ischemic stroke injury and death. We conclude that reduced serum Metrnl levels are attributed to the chronic vascular pathogenesis before the onset of ischemic stroke. Metrnl is a potential target for prevention of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Wei Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Nuo Wang
- Department of Neuroloy and Neurovascular Center, The First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital), Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wen-Jun Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Si-Li Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Fu-Qiang Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Neuroloy and Neurovascular Center, The First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital), Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Chao-Yu Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Zhang L, Li Y, Wu Z, Shen Q, Zeng C, Liu H, Zhang X, Yang J, Liu Q, Tang D, Ou K, Fang Y. Metrnl inhibits choroidal neovascularization by attenuating the choroidal inflammation via inactivating the UCHL-1/NF-κB signaling pathway. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379586. [PMID: 38745648 PMCID: PMC11091344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) represents the predominant form of advanced wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wAMD). Macrophages play a pivotal role in the pathological progression of CNV. Meteorin-like (Metrnl), a novel cytokine known for its anti-inflammatory properties in macrophages, is the focus of our investigation into its mechanism of action and its potential to impede CNV progression. Methods Cell viability was evaluated through CCK-8 and EdU assays following Metrnl treatment. Expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and proteins were assessed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and western blot techniques. Protein-protein interactions were identified through protein mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Additionally, in vivo and in vitro neovascularization models were employed to evaluate angiogenesis. Results Our results revealed downregulated Metrnl levels in the choroid-sclera complex of CNV mice, the aqueous humor of wAMD patients, and activated macrophages. Metrnl overexpression demonstrated a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, influenced endothelial cell function, and suppressed angiogenesis in choroid explants and CNV models. Through protein mass spectrometry and Co-IP, we confirmed Metrnl binds to UCHL-1 to modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway. This interaction inhibited the transcription and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, ultimately suppressing angiogenesis. Conclusion In summary, our findings indicate that Metrnl down-regulates macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion via the UCHL-1/NF-κB signaling pathway. This mechanism alleviates the inflammatory microenvironment and effectively inhibits choroidal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyue Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Youjian Li
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, International Academy of Targeted Therapeutics and Innovation (IATTI), Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengyu Wu
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, International Academy of Targeted Therapeutics and Innovation (IATTI), Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunqin Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuedong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch (Municipality Division) of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxing Yang
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, International Academy of Targeted Therapeutics and Innovation (IATTI), Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoling Liu
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, International Academy of Targeted Therapeutics and Innovation (IATTI), Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Dianyong Tang
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, International Academy of Targeted Therapeutics and Innovation (IATTI), Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Kepeng Ou
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, International Academy of Targeted Therapeutics and Innovation (IATTI), Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanhong Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, China
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Shi R, He M, Peng Y, Xia X. Homotherapy for heteropathy: Interleukin-41 and its biological functions. Immunology 2024. [PMID: 38594835 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-41 (IL-41) is a newly discovered cytokine, named Cometin, Subfatin, meteorin-like transcription (Metrnl), and so forth. It is widely expressed in animals and can exert its biological roles through autocrine and paracrine forms. It has functions such as anti-inflammatory, improving body metabolism, regulating immunity, regulating fat metabolism and participates in the process of autoimmune disease or inflammatory injury. It plays an important role in psoriasis, diabetes, Crohn's disease (CD), osteoarthritis, Kawasaki disease (KD), Graves' disease, autoimmune hepatitis, infertility, obesity, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases. This paper reviews the biological functions of IL-41, the relationship between IL-41 and diseases, the effects of IL-41 in the cytokine network and the possible signalling pathways. In order to explore the same target or the same drug for the treatment of different diseases from the perspective of homotherapy for heteropathy, cytokine strategies based on IL-41 have been put forward for the precise treatment of immune diseases and inflammatory diseases. It is worth noting that IL-41 related preparations for lung protection and smoking cessation are interesting research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runfeng Shi
- The First Clinical Medical College, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meixin He
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongzheng Peng
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Xia
- Southern Medical University Library, Guangzhou, China
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Kun W, Xiaomei C, Lei Y, Huizhi Z. Modulating Th1/Th2 drift in asthma-related immune inflammation by enhancing bone mesenchymal stem cell homing through targeted inhibition of the Notch1/Jagged1 signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111713. [PMID: 38387192 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111713] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Asthma, a disease intricately linked to immune inflammation, is significantly influenced by the immune regulatory effect of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This study aims to investigate changes in the homing of BMSCs in bronchial asthma, focusing on the Notch homolog (Notch)1/Jagged1 signaling pathway's role in regulating T helper 1(Th1)/T helper 2(Th2) drift. Additionally, we further explore the effects and mechanisms of homologous BMSCs implantation in asthma-related immune inflammation. Following intervention with BMSCs, a significant improvement in the pathology of rats with asthma was observed. Simultaneously, a reduction in the expression of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-4, and IL-13 was observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Furthermore, there was an increase in the expression of Th1 cytokine Interferon-γ(IFN-γ)and the transcription factor T-box expressed in T cell (T-bet), while the expression of Th2 cytokine IL-13 and transcription factor GATA binding protein (GATA)-3 decreased in lung tissue. This indicates that the Th1/Th2 drift leans towards Th1, which a crucial in ameliorating asthma inflammation. Importantly, inhibition of the Notch1 signaling pathway led to an increased expression of the Stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor (CXCR)4 chemokine axis. Consequently, the homing ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to asthma-affected lung tissue was significantly enhanced. BMSCs demonstrated heightened efficacy in regulating the cytokine/chemokine network and Th1/Th2 balance, thereby restoring a stable state during the immune response process in asthma. In conclusion, inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway enhances the expression of the SDF-1 and CXCR4 chemokine axis, facilitating the migration of allogeneic BMSCs to injured lung tissues. This, in turn, promotes immune regulation and improves the Th1/Th2 imbalance, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect on asthmatic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Kun
- Huixue Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medical Science, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Cao Xiaomei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yang Lei
- Intensive Care Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Zhu Huizhi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China.
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10
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Liu N, Dong J, Li L, Zhou D, Liu F. The Function and Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory Factor Metrnl Prevents the Progression of Inflammatory-Mediated Pathological Bone Osteolytic Diseases. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:1607-1619. [PMID: 38495340 PMCID: PMC10942011 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s455790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Metrnl, recently identified as an adipokine, is a secreted protein notably expressed in white adipose tissue, barrier tissues, and activated macrophages. This adipokine plays a pivotal role in counteracting obesity-induced insulin resistance. It enhances adipose tissue functionality by promoting adipocyte differentiation, activating metabolic pathways, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Extensive research has identified Metrnl as a key player in modulating inflammatory responses and as an integral regulator of muscle regeneration. These findings position Metrnl as a promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target in treating inflammation-associated pathologies. Despite this, the specific anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Metrnl in immune-mediated osteolysis and arthritis remain elusive, warranting further investigation. In this review, we will briefly elaborate on the role of Metrnl in anti-inflammation function in inflammation-related osteolysis, arthritis, and pathological bone resorption, which could facilitate Metrnl's clinical application as a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent bone loss. While the pathogenesis of elbow stiffness remains elusive, current literature suggests that Metrnl likely exerts a pivotal role in its development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinlei Dong
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianxin Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fanxiao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Jia S, Yu Z, Bai L. Exerkines and osteoarthritis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1302769. [PMID: 38107476 PMCID: PMC10722202 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1302769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disease, with physical exercise being a widely endorsed strategy in its management guidelines. Exerkines, defined as cytokines secreted in response to acute and chronic exercise, function through endocrine, paracrine, and/or autocrine pathways. Various tissue-specific exerkines, encompassing exercise-induced myokines (muscle), cardiokines (heart), and adipokines (adipose tissue), have been linked to exercise therapy in OA. Exerkines are derived from these kines, but unlike them, only kines regulated by exercise can be called exerkines. Some of these exerkines serve a therapeutic role in OA, such as irisin, metrnl, lactate, secreted frizzled-related protein (SFRP), neuregulin, and adiponectin. While others may exacerbate the condition, such as IL-6, IL-7, IL-15, IL-33, myostatin, fractalkine, follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1), visfatin, activin A, migration inhibitory factor (MIF), apelin and growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15. They exerts anti-/pro-apoptosis/pyroptosis/inflammation, chondrogenic differentiation and cell senescence effect in chondrocyte, synoviocyte and mesenchymal stem cell. The modulation of adipokine effects on diverse cell types within the intra-articular joint emerges as a promising avenue for future OA interventions. This paper reviews recent findings that underscore the significant role of tissue-specific exerkines in OA, delving into the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuo Jia
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ziyao Yu
- Imaging Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lunhao Bai
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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12
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Zhang S, Huang G, Li M, Mao Y, Li Y. Interleukin-41 as a biomarker of the anti-inflammatory response associated with hyperuricemia. Immunol Lett 2023; 264:25-30. [PMID: 37944821 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.11.003] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin (IL)-41 is a recently discovered secreted protein that is expressed in a variety of tissues, and it is associated with several immune and metabolic diseases. However, IL-41 has not been studied in hyperuricemia (HUA). METHODS Forty-four HUA patients and 44 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study, and we collected theirgeneral and biochemical parameters, including white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, fasting blood glucose, total triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and hemoglobin concentration. The level of serum IL-41 was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was exploited to identify the independent risk factors associated with HUA, and the clinical diagnostic value of IL-41 was analyzed by applying the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We assessed the association between IL-41 and clinical parameters with Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS Circulating IL-41 levels were significantly higher in HUA patients than in the HCs group (460.3 pg/mL vs. 261.3 pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for IL-41 in HUA patients was 0.7443 (with a cut-off value of 311.055 pg/mL, a sensitivity of 68.18 %, and a specificity of 72.73 %), while the AUC for IL-41 combined with the platelet count was 0.8109. Correlation analysis revealed that the circulating IL-41 level was positively correlated with age in HCs and HUA patients. CONCLUSIONS We herein demonstrated that serum IL-41 was elevated in HUA patients and that it may constitute a novel biomarker of anti-inflammatory response related to HUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China; Department of Immunology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Guoqing Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China; Department of Immunology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Mingcai Li
- Department of Immunology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Yushan Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China; Department of Immunology and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China.
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13
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Cen T, Mai Y, Jin J, Huang M, Li M, Wang S, Ma H. Interleukin-41 diminishes cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110794. [PMID: 37611444 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110794] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other inflammatory lung illnesses are markedly exacerbated by cigarette smoke (CS). The novel cytokine interleukin (IL)-41 has immunoregulatory effects, but data on its function in lung inflammation caused by CS are limited and inconclusive. Our study aimed to investigate the ability of IL-41 to protect against CS-induced lung inflammation in vivo. METHODS In this model, mice were exposed to six cigarettes three times daily for 1 h, with 4-hour intervals between exposures, for 5 consecutive days. Mice received an intraperitoneal dose of IL-41 or a negative control 1 day prior to their initial exposure to CS. On day 6, mice were sacrificed to assess the impact of IL-41 on CS-induced lung inflammation. RESULTS We found that IL-41 pre-treatment alleviated pulmonary inflammatory infiltration and lung tissue lesions. IL-41 pre-treatment also limited CS-induced weight loss, and resulted in lower numbers of macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lower percentages of neutrophils and monocytes in the blood. Furthermore, it promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages rather than M1 macrophages, as determined by immunohistochemistry. Consistent with its effects on M2 polarization, pre-treatment with IL-41 was associated with higher levels of IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues of CS-exposed animals and lower production of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the serum and lung tissues. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that IL-41 could be used therapeutically to treat CS-induced lung inflammatory disorders as it inhibits CS-induced pulmonary inflammation when administered in vivo in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Cen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Yifeng Mai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Minxuan Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China
| | - Mingcai Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China.
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China.
| | - Hongying Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Ningbo, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315010, China.
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14
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Chen Z, Li J, Peng H, Zhang M, Wu X, Gui F, Li W, Ai F, Yu B, Liu Y. Meteorin-like/Meteorin-β protects LPS-induced acute lung injury by activating SIRT1-P53-SLC7A11 mediated ferroptosis pathway. Mol Med 2023; 29:144. [PMID: 37880599 PMCID: PMC10601160 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00714-6] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis plays an essential role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Meteorin-like/Meteorin-β (Metrnβ) is a protein secreted by skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and plays a role in cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in acute lung injury has not been elucidated. METHODS In this study, we used an adenovirus (Ad) delivery system to overexpress or knockdown Metrnβ in lung tissue to examine the role of Metrnβ in LPS-induced acute lung injury. RESULTS We found that ferroptosis was increased during LPS-induced ALI. The expression of Metrnβ was reduced in ALI lung tissue. Overexpression of Metrnβ in lung tissue alleviated LPS-induced lung injury, inflammation, and ferroptosis. Moreover, Metrnβ knockout in lung tissue accelerated LPS-induced ALI, inflammation, and ferroptosis. We also cultured MLE-12 cells and transfected the cells with Ad-Metrnβ or Metrnβ siRNA. Metrnβ overexpression ameliorated LPS-induced MLE cell death, inflammation and ferroptosis, while Metrnβ knockdown aggregated cell survival and decreased inflammation and ferroptosis. Moreover, we found that Metrnβ enhanced ferroptosis-related Gpx4 expression and reduced ferroportin and ferritin levels. Furthermore, we found that Metrnβ positively regulated SIRT1 transcription thus inhibited P53, increased SLC7A11 expression. When we used the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1, the deteriorating effects of Metrnβ knockout were abolished in ALI mice. Moreover, SIRT1 knockout also abolished the protective effects of Metrnβ overexpression in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, Metrnβ could protect LPS-induced ALI by activating SIRT1-P53- SLC7A11 mediated ferroptosis inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Peng
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengli Zhang
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Wu
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Gui
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Ai
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yijue Liu
- Department of Emergency, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Altintas N, Fazlioglu N, Guzel S, Yilmaz A, Aydın C. Is meteorin-like (Metrnl) a novel biomarker to distinguish patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and patients with OSA at vascular risk. Sleep Breath 2023; 27:1865-1874. [PMID: 36877355 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-023-02800-9] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metrnl, a newly discovered adipokine with significant expression in white adipose tissue, promotes energy expenditure and contributes to the development of cardiovascular disorders. Endocan is a surrogate marker for endothelial dysfunction and is linked to cardiovascular risk factors. Higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In this study, we investigated the potential of serum Metrnl and endocan as biomarkers to identify patients with OSA who are at increased cardiovascular risk and differentiate them from healthy controls. METHODS The study included the evaluation of serum levels of endocan and Metrnl in individuals with OSA and healthy controls. All participants underwent full polysomnography to evaluate their sleep, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured in each of them. RESULTS Patients with OSA (n = 117) had considerably lower levels of Metrnl and significantly higher levels of endocan than controls (n = 59). Once confounding factors were taken into account, both Metrnl and endocan were effective predictors of OSA. Additionally, the severity of OSA, as determined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), was linked to Metrnl and endocan levels. The study also found a significant and independent inverse association between CIMT and Metrnl, along with a positive association with endocan after making multiple adjustments. Furthermore, there was a significant and independent connection between CIMT and AHI. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, Metrnl and endocan have the potential to be valuable markers for identifying patients with OSA who are at increased risk of early vascular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nejat Altintas
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey.
| | - Nevin Fazlioglu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Savas Guzel
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Ahsen Yilmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
| | - Cihan Aydın
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey
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16
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Chen X, Chen X, Yang Y, Luo N, Yang J, Zhong L, Guo T, Yuan Z, Wei Q, Wang C. Protective role of the novel cytokine Metrnl/ interleukin-41 in host immunity defense during sepsis by promoting macrophage recruitment and modulating Treg/Th17 immune cell balance. Clin Immunol 2023; 254:109690. [PMID: 37423488 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metrnl play an immunocytokine-like role in several diseases, which is also known as meteorin-like because it is homologous to the neurotrophic factor meteorin (Metrn). Although the expression and function of Metrnl, including neurotrophic, immunomodulatory, and insulin resistance functions in different tissues have been extensively studied, its role in sepsis has remained largely limited. METHODS The present work analyzed the levels of Metrnl and cytokines in the circulation, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1)β, IL-6, IL-8, together with IL-10 among septic adult patients. Clinical information was obtained from such patients, including sofa score, procalcitonin(PCT)count, and C-reactive count (CRP) within 24 h when entering the intensive care unit (ICU). We constructed a sepsis model in Metrnl-deficient or normal wild-type mice using cecal ligation and perforation to study its functions in bacterial burden, survival, cytokine/chemokine generation, peritoneal lavage fluid neutrophils, macrophage and lymphocyte recruitment, and Treg/Th17 immune cell balance after CLP-induced sepsis. RESULTS The expression of Metrnl was remarkably elevated in the early phase of sepsis clinically. Its serum content in patients dying of sepsis slightly decreased relative to that in survivors. Furthermore, the concentration of Metrnl in septic cases when entering the ICU independently predicted the 28-day mortality. For septic patients who had low serum Metrnl content (≤ 274.40 pg/mL), the death risk increased by 2.3 folds relative to those who had a high serum content. It is reported that Metrnl is probably insufficient among patients dying of sepsis. Additionally, the content of Metrnl in the serum of septic patients when entering the ICU is markedly and negatively related to the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, PCT, and Sofa score. Collectively, Metrnl could be a potential therapeutic target for sepsis. A low-lethality non-severe sepsis (NSS) model was constructed, which suggested that Metrnl insufficiency elevated the death rate and reduced bacterial clearance during sepsis. For Metrnl-deficient mice, impaired sepsis immunity defense might be related to decreased macrophage recruitment and Treg/Th17 lymphocyte imbalance. Recombinant Metrnl administered to Metrnl-deficient mice abolished the immunity defense impairment following NSS while protecting the high-lethality severe sepsis (SS) model in wild-type (WT) mice. In addition, Metrnl-induced sepsis prevention was intricately associated with the increased recruitment of peritoneal macrophages and modulation of the Treg/TH17 immune cell balance. Furthermore, CCL3 exposure in Metrnl-deficient mice reduced peritoneal bacterial loads while improving survival during sepsis partially by promoting the recruitment of peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, Metrnl regulated the polarization of M1 macrophages through the ROS signaling pathway and promoted macrophage phagocytosis, thereby killing Escherichia coli. CONCLUSIONS The present proof-of-concept work suggests that Metrnl-mediated recruitment of macrophages significantly affects sepsis defense in the host and modulates the Treg/Th17 immune cell balance. Findings in this work shed more light on the development of host-directed treatments that can be used to manipulate host immunity to treat sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Chen
- Department of Health Management, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingxue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Afffliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na Luo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingui Zhong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- Department of General Medicine, Community Health Service Center, Longmenhao Street, Nan'an District, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongzhen Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Chuanjiang Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Lu QB, Ding Y, Liu Y, Wang ZC, Wu YJ, Niu KM, Li KX, Zhang JR, Sun HJ. Metrnl ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy via inactivation of cGAS/STING signaling dependent on LKB1/AMPK/ULK1-mediated autophagy. J Adv Res 2023; 51:161-179. [PMID: 36334887 PMCID: PMC10491969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Meteorin-like hormone (Metrnl) is ubiquitously expressed in skeletal muscle, heart, and adipose with beneficial roles in obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Metrnl is found to protect against cardiac hypertrophy and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. However, its role in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is undefined. OBJECTIVES We aimed to elucidate the potential roles of Metrnl in DCM. METHODS Gain- andloss-of-function experimentswere utilized to determine the roles of Metrnl in the pathological processes of DCM. RESULTS We found that plasma Metrnl levels, myocardial Metrnl protein and mRNA expressions were significantly downregulated in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (T1D) mice and leptin receptor deficiency (db/db) (T2D) mice. Cardiac-specific overexpression (OE) of Metrnl markedly ameliorated cardiac injury and dysfunction in both T1D and T2D mice. In sharp contrast, specific deletion of Metrnl in the heart had the opposite phenotypes. In parallel, Metrnl OE ameliorated, whereas Metrnl downregulation exacerbated high glucose (HG)-elicited hypertrophy, apoptosis and oxidative damage in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Antibody-induced blockade of Metrnl eliminated the effects of benefits of Metrnl in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Metrnl activated the autophagy pathway and inhibited the cGAS/STING signaling in a LKB1/AMPK/ULK1-dependent mechanism in cardiomyocytes. Besides, Metrnl-induced ULK1 phosphorylation facilitated the dephosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation of STING where it interacted with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), a scaffold protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase that was responsible for ubiquitination and degradation of STING, rendering cardiomyocytes sensitive to autophagy activation. CONCLUSION Thus, Metrnl may be an attractive therapeutic target or regimen for treating DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Bo Lu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Department of Endocrine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214125, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214125, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Cardiac Ultrasound, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210000, China
| | - Zi-Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu-Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kai-Ming Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ke-Xue Li
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
| | - Ji-Ru Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214125, China.
| | - Hai-Jian Sun
- Department of Basic Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117600 Singapore, Singapore.
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Striz I, Golebski K, Strizova Z, Loukides S, Bakakos P, Hanania N, Jesenak M, Diamant Z. New insights into the pathophysiology and therapeutic targets of asthma and comorbid chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:727-753. [PMID: 37199256 PMCID: PMC10195992 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or without (CRSsNP) are chronic respiratory diseases. These two disorders often co-exist based on common anatomical, immunological, histopathological, and pathophysiological basis. Usually, asthma with comorbid CRSwNP is driven by type 2 (T2) inflammation which predisposes to more severe, often intractable, disease. In the past two decades, innovative technologies and detection techniques in combination with newly introduced targeted therapies helped shape our understanding of the immunological pathways underlying inflammatory airway diseases and to further identify several distinct clinical and inflammatory subsets to enhance the development of more effective personalized treatments. Presently, a number of targeted biologics has shown clinical efficacy in patients with refractory T2 airway inflammation, including anti-IgE (omalizumab), anti-IL-5 (mepolizumab, reslizumab)/anti-IL5R (benralizumab), anti-IL-4R-α (anti-IL-4/IL-13, dupilumab), and anti-TSLP (tezepelumab). In non-type-2 endotypes, no targeted biologics have consistently shown clinical efficacy so far. Presently, multiple therapeutical targets are being explored including cytokines, membrane molecules and intracellular signalling pathways to further expand current treatment options for severe asthma with and without comorbid CRSwNP. In this review, we discuss existing biologics, those under development and share some views on new horizons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilja Striz
- Department of Clinical and Transplant Immunology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Subdivision of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Institute for Postgraduate Education in Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kornel Golebski
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zuzana Strizova
- Institute of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Stelios Loukides
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Bakakos
- First Respiratory Medicine Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicola A. Hanania
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Milos Jesenak
- Department of Pulmonology and Phthisiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia
- Department of Pediatrics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, University Hospital in Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Diamant
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Institute for Clinical Science, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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19
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Sobieh BH, El-Mesallamy HO, Kassem DH. Beyond mechanical loading: The metabolic contribution of obesity in osteoarthritis unveils novel therapeutic targets. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15700. [PMID: 37180899 PMCID: PMC10172930 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent progressive disease that frequently coexists with obesity. For several decades, OA was thought to be the result of ageing and mechanical stress on cartilage. Researchers' perspective has been greatly transformed when cumulative findings emphasized the role of adipose tissue in the diseases. Nowadays, the metabolic effect of obesity on cartilage tissue has become an integral part of obesity research; hoping to discover a disease-modifying drug for OA. Recently, several adipokines have been reported to be associated with OA. Particularly, metrnl (meteorin-like) and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) have been recognized as emerging adipokines that can mediate OA pathogenesis. Accordingly, in this review, we will summarize the latest findings concerned with the metabolic contribution of obesity in OA pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and adipokines. Additionally, we will discuss the most recent adipokines that have been reported to play a role in this context. Careful consideration of these molecular mechanisms interrelated with obesity and OA will undoubtedly unveil new avenues for OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma H. Sobieh
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala O. El-Mesallamy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Sinai, Egypt
| | - Dina H. Kassem
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
- Corresponding author. Associate Professor of Biochemistry Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, street of African Union Organization, 11566, Cairo, Egypt.
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20
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Gao X, Chan PKS, Wong KCY, Ng RWY, Yeung ACM, Lui GCY, Ling L, Hui DSC, Huang D, Wong CK. Characterization of METRNβ as a novel biomarker of Coronavirus disease 2019 severity and prognosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111920. [PMID: 36798115 PMCID: PMC9927217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasing worldwide, with complications due to frequent viral mutations, an intricate pathophysiology, and variable host immune responses. Biomarkers with predictive and prognostic value are crucial but lacking. Methods Serum samples from authentic and D614G variant (non-Omicron), and Omicron-SARS-CoV-2 infected patients were collected for METRNβ detection and longitudinal cytokine/chemokine analysis. Correlation analyses were performed to compare the relationships between serum METRNβ levels and cytokines/chemokines, laboratory parameters, and disease severity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of METRNβ in COVID-19. Results The serum level of METRNβ was highly elevated in non-Omicron-SARS-CoV-2 infected patients compared to healthy individuals, and the non-survivor displayed higher METRNβ levels than survivors among the critical ones. METRNβ concentration showed positive correlation with viral load in NAPS. ROC curve showed that a baseline METRNβ level of 1886.89 pg/ml distinguished COVID-19 patients from non-infected individuals with an AUC of 0.830. Longitudinal analysis of cytokine/chemokine profiles revealed a positive correlation between METRNβ and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL6, and an inverse correlation with soluble CD40L (sCD40L). Higher METRNβ was associated with increased mortality. These findings were validated in a second and third cohort of COVID-19 patients identified in a subsequent wave. Discussion Our study uncovered the precise role of METRNβ in predicting the severity of COVID-19, thus providing a scientific basis for further evaluation of the role of METRNβ in triage therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Gao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul Kay-Sheung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Katie Ching-Yau Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rita Wai-Yin Ng
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Apple Chung-Man Yeung
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace Chung-Yan Lui
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lowell Ling
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Shu-Cheong Hui
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danqi Huang
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Institute of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,*Correspondence: Chun-Kwok Wong,
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21
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Li Z, Gao Z, Sun T, Zhang S, Yang S, Zheng M, Shen H. Meteorin-like/Metrnl, a novel secreted protein implicated in inflammation, immunology, and metabolism: A comprehensive review of preclinical and clinical studies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1098570. [PMID: 36911663 PMCID: PMC9998503 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1098570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Meteorin-like, also known as Metrnl, Meteorin-β, Subfatin, and Cometin, is a novel secreted protein exerting pleiotropic effects on inflammation, immunology, and metabolism. Earlier research on this hormone focused on regulating energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis. Consequently, several studies attempted to characterize the molecule mechanism of Metrnl in glucose metabolism and obesity-related disorders but reported contradictory clinical results. Recent studies gradually noticed its multiple protective functions in inflammatory immune regulations and cardiometabolic diseases, such as inducing macrophage activation, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, bone formation, and preventing dyslipidemias. A comprehensive understanding of this novel protein is essential to identify its significance as a potential therapeutic drug or a biomarker of certain diseases. In this review, we present the current knowledge on the physiology of Metrnl and its roles in inflammation, immunology, and metabolism, including animal/cell interventional preclinical studies and human clinical studies. We also describe controversies regarding the data of circulation Metrnl in different disease states to determine its clinical application better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqi Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Ziyu Gao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Shipeng Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Shengnan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Meilin Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
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22
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Endothelial METRNL determines circulating METRNL level and maintains endothelial function against atherosclerosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1568-1587. [PMID: 37139425 PMCID: PMC10149902 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
METRNL is a recently identified secreted protein with emerging functions. This study is to find major cellular source of circulating METRNL and to determine METRNL novel function. Here, we show METRNL is abundant in human and mouse vascular endothelium and released by endothelial cells using endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus pathway. By creating endothelial cell-specific Metrnl knockout mice, combined with bone marrow transplantation to produce bone marrow-specific deletion of Metrnl, we demonstrate that most of circulating METRNL (approximately 75%) originates from the endothelial cells. Both endothelial and circulating METRNL decrease in atherosclerosis mice and patients. By generating endothelial cell-specific Metrnl knockout in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, combined with bone marrow-specific deletion of Metrnl in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, we further demonstrate that endothelial METRNL deficiency accelerates atherosclerosis. Mechanically, endothelial METRNL deficiency causes vascular endothelial dysfunction including vasodilation impairment via reducing eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and inflammation activation via enhancing NFκB pathway, which promotes the susceptibility of atherosclerosis. Exogenous METRNL rescues METRNL deficiency induced endothelial dysfunction. These findings reveal that METRNL is a new endothelial substance not only determining the circulating METRNL level but also regulating endothelial function for vascular health and disease. METRNL is a therapeutic target against endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
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