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Ma R, Sun D, Wang Y, Huang X, Ye Q. Cuproptosis-associated hub gene identification and immune cell infiltration patterns in silicosis. Toxicology 2024; 504:153762. [PMID: 38403151 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153762] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Recent research has hinted at a potential connection between silicosis, a fibrotic lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica particles, and cuproptosis. The aim of the study was to explore how cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) may influence the development of silicosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. An analysis of genes associated with both silicosis and cuproptosis was conducted. Key gene identification was achieved through the application of two machine learning techniques. Additionally, the correlation between these key genes and immune cell populations was explored and the critical pathways were discerned. To corroborate our findings, the expression of key genes was verified in both a publicly available silica-induced mouse model and our own silicosis mouse model. A total of 12 differentially expressed CRGs associated with silicosis were identified. Further analysis resulted in the identification of 6 CRGs, namely LOX, SPARC, MOXD1, ALB, MT-CO2, and AOC2. Elevated immune cell infiltration of CD8 T cells, regulatory T cells, M0 macrophages, and neutrophils in silicosis patients compared to healthy controls was indicated. Validation in a silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model supported SPARC and MT-CO2 as potential signature genes for the prediction of silicosis. These findings highlight a strong association between silicosis and cuproptosis. Among CRGs, LOX, SPARC, MOXD1, ALB, MT-CO2, and AOC2 emerged as pivotal players in the context of silicosis by modulating CD8 T cells, regulatory T cells, M0 macrophages, and neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimin Ma
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Di Sun
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanying Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxi Huang
- Medical Research Center, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, Clinical Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Yuan HX, Chen YT, Li YQ, Wang YS, Ou ZJ, Li Y, Gao JJ, Deng MJ, Song YK, Fu L, Ci HB, Chang FJ, Cao Y, Jian YP, Kang BA, Mo ZW, Ning DS, Peng YM, Liu ZL, Liu XJ, Xu YQ, Xu J, Ou JS. Endothelial extracellular vesicles induce acute lung injury via follistatin-like protein 1. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:475-487. [PMID: 37219765 PMCID: PMC10202752 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary bypass has been speculated to elicit systemic inflammation to initiate acute lung injury (ALI), including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in patients after cardiac surgery. We previously found that post-operative patients showed an increase in endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (eEVs) with components of coagulation and acute inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism underlying the onset of ALI owing to the release of eEVs after cardiopulmonary bypass, remains unclear. Plasma plasminogen-activated inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and eEV levels were measured in patients with cardiopulmonary bypass. Endothelial cells and mice (C57BL/6, Toll-like receptor 4 knockout (TLR4-/-) and inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS-/-)) were challenged with eEVs isolated from PAI-1-stimulated endothelial cells. Plasma PAI-1 and eEVs were remarkably enhanced after cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma PAI-1 elevation was positively correlated with the increase in eEVs. The increase in plasma PAI-1 and eEV levels was associated with post-operative ARDS. The eEVs derived from PAI-1-stimulated endothelial cells could recognize TLR4 to stimulate a downstream signaling cascade identified as the Janus kinase 2/3 (JAK2/3)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) pathway, along with iNOS induction, and cytokine/chemokine production in vascular endothelial cells and C57BL/6 mice, ultimately contributing to ALI. ALI could be attenuated by JAK2/3 or STAT3 inhibitors (AG490 or S3I-201, respectively), and was relieved in TLR4-/- and iNOS-/- mice. eEVs activate the TLR4/JAK3/STAT3/IRF-1 signaling pathway to induce ALI/ARDS by delivering follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), and FSTL1 knockdown in eEVs alleviates eEV-induced ALI/ARDS. Our data thus demonstrate that cardiopulmonary bypass may increase plasma PAI-1 levels to induce FSTL1-enriched eEVs, which target the TLR4-mediated JAK2/3/STAT3/IRF-1 signaling cascade and form a positive feedback loop, leading to ALI/ARDS after cardiac surgery. Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for ALI/ARDS after cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xiang Yuan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ya-Ting Chen
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu-Quan Li
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yan-Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Ou
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Division of Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jian-Jun Gao
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Meng-Jie Deng
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuan-Kai Song
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Li Fu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hong-Bo Ci
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Feng-Jun Chang
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu-Peng Jian
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bi-Ang Kang
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Mo
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Da-Sheng Ning
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yue-Ming Peng
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ze-Long Liu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Liu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ying-Qi Xu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Jing-Song Ou
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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3
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Weckerle J, Mayr CH, Fundel-Clemens K, Lämmle B, Boryn L, Thomas MJ, Bretschneider T, Luippold AH, Huber HJ, Viollet C, Rist W, Veyel D, Ramirez F, Klee S, Kästle M. Transcriptomic and Proteomic Changes Driving Pulmonary Fibrosis Resolution in Young and Old Mice. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2023; 69:422-440. [PMID: 37411041 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0012oc] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice mimics major hallmarks of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Yet in this model, it spontaneously resolves over time. We studied molecular mechanisms of fibrosis resolution and lung repair, focusing on transcriptional and proteomic signatures and the effect of aging. Old mice showed incomplete and delayed lung function recovery 8 weeks after bleomycin instillation. This shift in structural and functional repair in old bleomycin-treated mice was reflected in a temporal shift in gene and protein expression. We reveal gene signatures and signaling pathways that underpin the lung repair process. Importantly, the downregulation of WNT, BMP, and TGFβ antagonists Frzb, Sfrp1, Dkk2, Grem1, Fst, Fstl1, and Inhba correlated with lung function improvement. Those genes constitute a network with functions in stem cell pathways, wound, and pulmonary healing. We suggest that insufficient and delayed downregulation of those antagonists during fibrosis resolution in old mice explains the impaired regenerative outcome. Together, we identified signaling pathway molecules with relevance to lung regeneration that should be tested in-depth experimentally as potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bärbel Lämmle
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, and
| | | | | | - Tom Bretschneider
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | - Andreas H Luippold
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Rist
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | - Daniel Veyel
- Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Germany; and
| | - Fidel Ramirez
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, and
| | - Stephan Klee
- Department of Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research
| | - Marc Kästle
- Department of Immunology and Respiratory Disease Research
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4
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Li J, Xu X, Liu J, Chen Y, Jin S, Zhang G, Yin S, Wang J, Tian K, Luan X, Tan X, Zhao X, Zhang N, Wang Z. N-Acetylglucosamine mitigates lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115069. [PMID: 37633052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115069] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis contribute to morbidity and mortality, and, in particular, are characterized as leading cause on confirmed COVID-19 death. To date, efficient therapeutic approach for such lung diseases is lacking. N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG), an acetylated derivative of glucosamine, has been proposed as a potential protector of lung function in several types of lung diseases. The mechanism by which NAG protects against lung injury, however, remains unclear. Here, we show that NAG treatment improves pulmonary function in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury model measured by flexiVent system. At early phase of lung injury, NAG treatment results in silenced immune response by targeting ARG1+ macrophages activation, and, consequently, blocks KRT8+ transitional stem cell in the alveolar region to stimulate PDGF Rβ+ fibroblasts hyperproliferation, thereby attenuating the pulmonary fibrosis. This combinational depression of immune response and extracellular matrix deposition within the lung mitigates lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM. Our findings provide novel insight into the protective role of NAG in lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Jiane Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Yunqing Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Shengxi Jin
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Guangmin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Shulan Yin
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Jingqi Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Kangqi Tian
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaoyang Luan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaohua Tan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiangzhong Zhao
- Medical Research Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266555, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Yantai Zhifu Baoshang Hemodialysis Center,Yantai, Shandong 264001, China.
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China.
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5
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Li K, Liu X, Hou R, Zhao H, Zhao P, Tian Y, Li J. Uncovering mechanisms of Baojin Chenfei formula treatment for silicosis by inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis based on serum pharmacochemistry and network analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 260:115082. [PMID: 37257350 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baojin Chenfei formula (BCF), a Chinese herbal formula, has significant effects on improving the clinical symptoms of patients with silicosis. However, its active compounds and the underlying mechanisms have not yet fully been elucidated. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of BCF in treating silicosis. METHODS The rat model of silicosis was developed via a single intratracheal instillation of SiO2 suspension to examine the therapeutic impacts of BCF on silicosis. Subsequently, the active compounds, targets, and mechanisms of BCF were analyzed based on serum pharmacochemistry and network analysis. Finally, the underlying mechanisms of representative compounds of BCF were validated in vitro experiments. RESULTS BCF significantly alleviated SiO2-induced silicosis in rats, evidenced by improved lung function, decreased pathological injury, and reduced inflammatory response and fibrosis. 19 active compounds were identified from the rat serum samples after BCF gavage. Subsequently, 299 targets for these 19 compounds in BCF and 257 genes related to silicosis were collected. 26 overlapping targets, including AKT1, TNF, IL6, MAPK3, EGFR, and others, were obtained from the intersection of the 299 BCF-related targets and 257 silicosis-associated genes. These overlapping targets mainly corresponded to glycyrrhetic acid and paeoniflorin and were mainly associated with positive regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, positive regulation of MAP kinase activity, and inflammatory response. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that the representative compounds of BCF (glycyrrhetic acid and paeoniflorin) could suppress inflammatory response by the MAPK pathway, and also inhibited fibroblast activation by the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway. CONCLUSION Active compounds of BCF, such as glycyrrhetic acid and paeoniflorin, could suppress inflammatory response by the MAPK pathway and suppress fibroblast activation by the EGFR-PI3K-AKT pathway. These might be the mechanisms of BCF in treating silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangchen Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xinguang Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Runsu Hou
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Hulei Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Yange Tian
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-constructed by Henan Province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450000, China; Longhua Hospital Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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6
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Fukihara J, Maiolo S, Kovac J, Sakamoto K, Wakahara K, Hashimoto N, Reynolds PN. Overexpression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 suppresses transforming growth factor β-induced profibrotic responses in lung fibroblasts. Exp Lung Res 2022; 48:35-51. [PMID: 35037801 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2021.2024301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated BMPR2 expression in pulmonary fibrosis and TGF-β/BMP signaling in lung fibroblasts. Then we evaluated the impact of BMPR2 upregulation using adenoviral transduction on TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and fibronectin production in lung fibroblasts. RESULTS BMPR2 was distributed in airway epithelium and alveolar walls in rat lungs. BMPR2 expression was decreased in fibrotic lesions in the lungs of rats with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and in human lung fibroblasts (HLFs) stimulated with TGF-β. Although Smad2/3 phosphorylation and fibronectin production were not suppressed solely by BMPs, phosphorylated Smad2/3 was decreased in BMPR2-transduced cells even without BMP stimulation. Fibronectin was decreased only when BMPR2-transduced HLFs were stimulated with BMP7 (but not BMP4). Similar results were also observed in IPF patient HLFs and rat lung fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS BMPR2 expression was reduced in fibrotic lungs and lung fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β. BMPR2 transduction to lung fibroblasts reduced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and reduced fibronectin production when treated with BMP7. Upregulation of BMPR2 may be a possible strategy for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fukihara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.,Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Suzanne Maiolo
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jessica Kovac
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Koji Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Keiko Wakahara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Naozumi Hashimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Paul N Reynolds
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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7
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He R, Yuan X, Lv X, Liu Q, Tao L, Meng J. Caveolin-1 negatively regulates inflammation and fibrosis in silicosis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 26:99-107. [PMID: 34889029 PMCID: PMC8742238 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhalation of crystalline silica causes silicosis, the most common and serious occupational disease, which is characterized by progressive lung inflammation and fibrosis. Recent studies revealed the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis role of Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in lung, but this role in silicosis has not been investigated. Thus, this study evaluated Cav-1 regulatory effects in silicosis. It was found that Cav-1 levels were significantly reduced in the lung from silicosis patients and silicotic mice. The silicosis models were established in C57BL/6 (wild-type) and Cav-1 deficiency (Cav-1-/- ) mice, and Cav-1-/- mice displayed wider alveolar septa, increased collagen deposition and more silicotic nodules. The mice peritoneal-derived macrophages were used to explore the role of Cav-1 in silica-induced inflammation, which plays a central role in mechanism of silicosis. Cav-1 inhibited silica-induced infiltration of inflammatory cells and secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro and in vivo, partly by downregulating NF-κB pathway. Additionally, silica uptake and expression of 4-hydroxynonenal in silicotic mice were observed, and it was found that Cav-1 absence triggered excessive silica deposition, causing a stronger oxidative stress response. These findings demonstrate the protective effects of Cav-1 in silica-induced lung injury, suggesting its potential therapeutic value in silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- RongLing He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - XiangNing Yuan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - QingXiang Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - LiJian Tao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Central South University, Changsha, China
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8
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Myofibroblasts: Function, Formation, and Scope of Molecular Therapies for Skin Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081095. [PMID: 34439762 PMCID: PMC8391320 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are contractile, α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells with multiple roles in pathophysiological processes. Myofibroblasts mediate wound contractions, but their persistent presence in tissues is central to driving fibrosis, making them attractive cell targets for the development of therapeutic treatments. However, due to shared cellular markers with several other phenotypes, the specific targeting of myofibroblasts has long presented a scientific and clinical challenge. In recent years, myofibroblasts have drawn much attention among scientific research communities from multiple disciplines and specialisations. As further research uncovers the characterisations of myofibroblast formation, function, and regulation, the realisation of novel interventional routes for myofibroblasts within pathologies has emerged. The research community is approaching the means to finally target these cells, to prevent fibrosis, accelerate scarless wound healing, and attenuate associated disease-processes in clinical settings. This comprehensive review article describes the myofibroblast cell phenotype, their origins, and their diverse physiological and pathological functionality. Special attention has been given to mechanisms and molecular pathways governing myofibroblast differentiation, and updates in molecular interventions.
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9
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Niu R, Nie ZT, Liu L, Chang YW, Shen JQ, Chen Q, Dong LJ, Hu BJ. Follistatin-like protein 1 functions as a potential target of gene therapy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:8643-8664. [PMID: 33714952 PMCID: PMC8034962 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The degree of retinal fibrosis increased in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients after administration of anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. Previous studies showed that the balance between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and VEGF plays an important role. Therefore, in a high-glucose state, an anti-VEGF and CTGFshRNA dual-target model was used to simulate clinical dual-target treatment in PDR patients, and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology was used for whole transcriptome sequencing. A hypoxia model was constructed to verify the sequencing results at the cellular level, and the vitreous humor and proliferative membranes were collected from patients for verification. All sequencing results included Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) and extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor pathway, indicated that anti-VEGF therapy may upregulate FSTL1 expression, while dual-target treatment downregulated FSTL1. Thus, we further studied the function of FSTL1 on the expression of VEGF and ECM factors by both overexpressing and silencing FSTL1. In conclusion, our results suggested that FSTL1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDR and is related to fibrosis caused by the anti-VEGF treatment, thus providing a potential target for gene therapy in PDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Niu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ze-Tong Nie
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu-Wen Chang
- Hetian District People's Hospital, Xinjiang, China
| | | | - Qiong Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li-Jie Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo-Jie Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin International Joint Research and Development Centre of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
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10
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Li G, Ren H, Wu X, Hu Q, Hong Z, Wang G, Gu G, Ren J, Li J. Follistatin like protein-1 modulates macrophage polarization and aggravates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106456. [PMID: 32247265 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in multiple processes including organ development, carcinogenesis, metastasis and so on. Some recent studies have suggested a possible role of FSTL1 in the inflammatory diseases. We for the first time tried to unravel its effect on the colitis, and explore the possible mechanisms. Here we found that FSTL1 was upregulated in active human and murine colitis. It facilitated proinflammatory M1 polarization of macrophages and inhibited the M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, leading to excessive production of multiple inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. Haplodeletion of FSTL1 in mice significantly reduced the clinical and histological activity of colitis. Most importantly, macrophage depletion diminished the difference between DSS-treated WT and FSTL1+/- mice. Altogether, our results suggested that FSTL1 may also serve as an important contributor in the colonic inflammation. The possible mechanism may be related to its modulation on macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanwei Li
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technolgy, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huajian Ren
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiuwen Wu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiongyuan Hu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiwu Hong
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gefei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guosheng Gu
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianan Ren
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jieshou Li
- Department of Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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4-methylumbelliferone Prevents Liver Fibrosis by Affecting Hyaluronan Deposition, FSTL1 Expression and Cell Localization. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246301. [PMID: 31847129 PMCID: PMC6941058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) is an inhibitor of hyaluronan deposition and an active substance of hymecromone, a choleretic and antispasmodic drug. 4MU reported to be anti-fibrotic in mouse models; however, precise mechanism of action still requires further investigation. Here we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms of 4MU action on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice using NGS transcriptome, Q-PCR and immunohistochemical analysis. Collagen and hyaluronan deposition were prevented by 4MU. The CCl4 stimulated expression of Col1a and αSMA were reduced, while the expression of the ECM catabolic gene Hyal1 was increased in the presence of 4MU. Bioinformatic analysis identified an activation of TGF-beta and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways, and inhibition of the genes associated with lipid metabolism by CCL4 treatment, while 4MU restored key markers of these pathways to the control level. Immunohistochemical analysis reveals the suppression of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) transdifferentiation to myofibroblasts by 4MU treatment. The drug affected the localization of HSCs and macrophages in the sites of fibrogenesis. CCl4 treatment induced the expression of FSTL1, which was downregulated by 4MU. Our results support the hypothesis that 4MU alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by reducing hyaluronan deposition and downregulating FSTL1 expression, accompanied by the suppression of HSC trans-differentiation and altered macrophage localization.
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12
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Guo J, Fang Y, Jiang F, Li L, Zhou H, Xu X, Ning W. Neohesperidin inhibits TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling and alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 864:172712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Characterization of Matricellular Protein Expression Signatures in Mechanistically Diverse Mouse Models of Kidney Injury. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16736. [PMID: 31723159 PMCID: PMC6854083 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the most common pathophysiological manifestation of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It is defined as excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Embedded within the ECM are a family of proteins called Matricellular Proteins (MCPs), which are typically expressed during chronic pathologies for ECM processing. As such, identifying potential MCPs in the pathological secretome of a damaged kidney could serve as diagnostic/therapeutic targets of fibrosis. Using published RNA-Seq data from two kidney injury mouse models of different etiologies, Folic Acid (FA) and Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO), we compared and contrasted the expression profile of various members from well-known MCP families during the Acute and Fibrotic injury phases. As a result, we identified common and distinct MCP expression signatures between both injury models. Bioinformatic analysis of their differentially expressed MCP genes revealed similar top annotation clusters from Molecular Function and Biological Process networks, which are those commonly involved in fibrosis. Using kidney lysates from FA- and UUO-injured mice, we selected MCP genes from our candidate list to confirm mRNA expression by Western Blot, which correlated with injury progression. Understanding the expressions of MCPs will provide important insight into the processes of kidney repair, and may validate MCPs as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets of CKD.
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14
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Effects of abnormal expression of fusion and fission genes on the morphology and function of lung macrophage mitochondria in SiO2-induced silicosis fibrosis in rats in vivo. Toxicol Lett 2019; 312:181-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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15
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Li X, Li L, Chang Y, Ning W, Liu X. Structural and functional study of FK domain of Fstl1. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1819-1829. [PMID: 31351024 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fstl1 is a TGF-β superfamily binding protein which involved in many pathological processes. The function of Fstl1 has been widely elucidated, but its structural characterization has not been explored. Here we solved the high-resolution crystal structure of FK domain of murine Fstl1, analyzed its unique characteristics, and investigated its contribution to the function of full-length Fstl1. We found that Fstl1-FK forms a stable dimer in both solution and crystal, which suggest that this protein may function as a dimer during its interaction with TGF-β, a molecule known to form dimer during activation process. We also found this FK domain is indispensable for the proper function of Fstl1 during the transduction of TGF-β signaling. These observations provide important insights into the understanding of Fstl1 and may facilitate the exploration of this molecule in clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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16
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N-acetylcysteine tiherapeutically protects against pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model of silicosis. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190681. [PMID: 31273057 PMCID: PMC6639458 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a lethal pneumoconiosis disease characterized by chronic lung inflammation and fibrosis. The present study was to explore the effect of against crystalline silica (CS)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A total of 138 wild-type C57BL/6J mice were divided into control and experimental groups, and killed on month 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Different doses of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were gavaged to the mice after CS instillation to observe the effect of NAC on CS induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. The pulmonary injury was evaluated with Hematoxylin and eosin/Masson staining. Reactive oxygen species level was analyzed by DCFH-DA labeling. Commercial ELISA kits were used to determine antioxidant activity (T-AOC, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6). The expression of oxidising enzymes (NOX2, iNOS, SOD2, and XO) were detected by real time PCR. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to examine epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers. The mice treated with NAC presented markedly reduced CS-induced pulmonary injury and ameliorated CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. The level of malondialdehyde was reduced, while the activities of GSH-PX, SOD, and T-AOC were markedly enhanced by NAC. We also found the down-regulation of oxidising enzymes (NOX2, iNOS, SOD2, and XO) after NAC treatment. Moreover, E-cadherin expression was increased while vimentin and Cytochrome C expressions were decreased by NAC. These encouraging findings suggest that NAC exerts pulmonary protective effects in CS-induced pulmonary fibrosis and might be considered as a promising agent for the treatment of silicosis.
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Jin YK, Li XH, Wang W, Liu J, Zhang W, Fang YS, Zhang ZF, Dai HP, Ning W, Wang C. Follistatin-Like 1 Promotes Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis through the Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 131:1917-1925. [PMID: 30082522 PMCID: PMC6085847 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.238151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a novel profibrogenic factor that induces pulmonary fibrosis (PF) through the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling. Little is known about its effects on PF through the non-Smad signaling, like the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of FSTL1 in PF through the MAPK signaling pathway and its mechanisms in lung fibrogenesis. Methods PF was induced in Fstl1+/-and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice with bleomycin. After 14 days, the mice were sacrificed, and lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin; the hydroxyproline content was measured to confirm PF. The mRNA and protein level of FSTL1 and the change of MAPK phosphorylation were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The effect of Fstl1 deficiency on fibroblasts differentiation was measured by Western blotting and cell immunofluorescence. MAPK signaling activation was measured by Western blotting in Fstl1+/- and WT fibroblasts treated with recombinant human FSTL1 protein. We pretreated mouse lung fibroblast cells with inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling and analyzed their differentiation, proliferation, migration, and invasion by Western blotting, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analysis, and transwell assays. The Student's t-test was used to compare the differences between two groups. Results Fstl1 deficiency attenuated phosphorylation of the ERK, p38, and JNK signaling in bleomycin-induced fibrotic lung tissue 14 days after injury (0.67 ± 0.05 vs. 1.22 ± 0.03, t = 14.92, P = 0.0001; 0.41 ± 0.01 vs. 1.15 ± 0.07; t = 11.19; P = 0.0004; and 0.41 ± 0.01 vs. 1.07 ± 0.07, t = 8.92, P = 0.0009; respectively), compared with WT lungs at the same time and in primary lung fibroblasts (0.82 ± 0.01 vs. 1.01 ± 0.04, t = 4.06, P = 0.0150; 1.04 ± 0.03 vs. 1.24 ± 0.03, t = 4.44, P = 0.0100; and 0.76 ± 0.05 vs. 0.99 ± 0.05, t = 4.48, P = 0.0100; respectively), compared with TGF-β1-stimulated WT group. Recombinant human FSTL1 protein in lung fibroblasts enhanced TGF-β1-mediated phosphorylation of the ERK (1.19 ± 0.08 vs. 0.55 ± 0.04, t = 6.99, P = 0.0020), p38 (1.18 ± 0.04 vs. 0.66 ± 0.03, t = 11.20, P = 0.0020), and JNK (1.11 ± 0.01 vs. 0.84 ± 0.04, t = 6.53, P = 0.0030), compared with the TGF-β1-stimulated WT group. Fstl1-deficient fibroblasts showed reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression (0.70 ± 0.06 vs. 1.28 ± 0.11, t = 4.65, P = 0.0035, compared with the untreated WT group; 1.40 ± 0.05 vs. 1.76 ± 0.02, t = 6.31, P = 0.0007; compared with the TGF-β1-treated WT group). Compared with the corresponding condition in the control group, the TGF-β1/FSTL1-mediated α-SMA expression was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with an inhibitor of p38 (0.73 ± 0.01 vs. 1.13 ± 0.10, t = 3.92, P = 0.0078) and JNK (0.78 ± 0.03 vs. 1.08 ± 0.06, t = 4.40, P = 0.0046) signaling. The proliferation of mouse lung fibroblast cells (MLgs) significantly decreased after treatment of an inhibitor of p38 (0.30 ± 0.01 vs. 0.46 ± 0.03, t = 4.64, P = 0.0009), JNK (0.30 ± 0.01 vs. 0.49 ± 0.01, t = 12.84, P = 0.0001), and Smad2/3 (0.18 ± 0.02 vs. 0.46 ± 0.02, t = 12.69, P = 0.0001) signaling compared with the dimethylsulfoxide group. The migration and invasion cells of MLgs significantly decreased in medium pretreated with an inhibitor of p38 (70.17 ± 3.28 vs. 116.30 ± 7.11, t = 5.89, P = 0.0042 for the migratory cells; 19.87 ± 0.84 vs. 32.70 ± 0.95, t = 10.14, P = 0.0005 for the invasive cells), JNK (72.30 ± 3.85 vs. 116.30 ± 7.11, t = 5.44, P = 0.0056 for the migratory cells; 18.03 ± 0.94 vs. 32.70 ± 0.95, t = 11.00, P = 0.0004 for the invasive cells), and Smad2/3 (64.76 ± 1.41 vs. 116.30 ± 7.11, t = 7.11, P = 0.0021 for the migratory cells; 18.03 ± 0.94 vs. 32.70 ± 0.95, t = 13.29, P = 0.0002 for the invasive cells) signaling compared with the corresponding condition in the dimethylsulfoxide group. Conclusion FSTL1 affects lung fibroblast differentiation, proliferation, migration, and invasion through p38 and JNK signaling, and in this way, it might influence the development of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Kun Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University; Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Capital Medical University; Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiao-He Li
- Department of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Capital Medical University; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Capital Medical University; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Capital Medical University; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Yin-Shan Fang
- Department of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhi-Fei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Capital Medical University; Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hua-Ping Dai
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Wen Ning
- Department of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Respiratory and Pulmonary Circulation Disorders, Capital Medical University; Department of Respiratory Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China
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Huaux F. Emerging Role of Immunosuppression in Diseases Induced by Micro- and Nano-Particles: Time to Revisit the Exclusive Inflammatory Scenario. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2364. [PMID: 30510551 PMCID: PMC6252316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, cancer, and autoimmunity developing upon particle exposure have been exclusively linked with uncontrolled inflammatory processes. The critical role of inflammation is now challenged by several contradictory observations indicating that the emergence of these chronic disorders may result from non-inflammatory events. A growing number of studies reveals that micro- and nano-particles can cause exaggerated and persistent immunosuppression characterized by the release of potent anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), and the recruitment of major regulatory immune cells (M2 macrophages, T and B regs, and MDSC). This persistent immunosuppressive environment is initially established to limit early inflammation but contributes later to fibrosis, cancer, and infection. Immunosuppression promotes fibroblast proliferation and matrix element synthesis and subverts innate and adaptive immune surveillance against tumor cells and microorganisms. This review details the contribution of immunosuppressive cells and their derived immunoregulatory mediators and delineates the mutual role of inflammatory vs. immunosuppressive mechanisms in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases induced by particles. The consideration of these new results explains how particle-related diseases can develop independently of chronic inflammation, enriches current bioassays predicting particle toxicity and suggests new clinical strategies for treating patients affected by particle-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Huaux
- Louvain Centre for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Institut de Recherche Experimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Chen Z, Fang Y, Zhang S, Li L, Wang L, Zhang A, Yuan Z, Wang P, Zhou H, Cui W, MacVittie TJ, Ning W. Haplodeletion of Follistatin-Like 1 Attenuates Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 103:208-216. [PMID: 30171878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a severe and life-threatening complication of radiation therapy in patients with thoracic cancer; however, the exact molecular mechanisms remain unknown, and there is no effective treatment method in clinic. Here, we assessed the role of follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) in RIPF. METHODS AND MATERIALS Protein and messenger RNA levels of Fstl1 in lung tissues from symptomatic RIPF patients, Rhesus macaques, and mice were assessed. Fibrotic and inflammatory responses to radiation-induced lung injury and accumulation of myofibroblasts in Fstl1 haplodeficient (Fstl1+/-) mice were determined. Finally, radiation-induced differentiation and activation of fibroblasts in primary Fstl1+/- lung fibroblasts were evaluated. RESULTS FSTL1 amounts were significantly increased in serum and/or radiation-injured lung specimens from symptomatic RIPF patients, Rhesus macaques, and mice. Haplodeletion of Fstl1 in Fstl1+/- mice was protective against x-ray-induced lung injury in mice in vivo, as well as myofibroblast activation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that Fstl1 plays an important role in lung fibrosis and may offer a potential approach to attenuate RIPF in radiation therapy of patients with thoracic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yinshan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Si Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Aixu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyong Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanchang Cui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas J MacVittie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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