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Lei Y, Sheng JH, Jin XR, Liu XB, Zheng XY, Xu XH. Study on the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:4913-4923. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i22.4913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is classified under fibrotic interstitial pneumonia, characterized by a chronic and progressive course. The predominant clinical features of IPF include dyspnea and pulmonary dysfunction.
AIM To assess the effects of pirfenidone in the early treatment of IPF on lung function in patients.
METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 113 patients with IPF who were treated in our hospital from November 2017 to January 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: control group (n = 53) and observation group (n = 60). In the control group, patients received routine therapy in combination with methylprednisolone tablets, while those in the observation group received routine therapy together with pirfenidone. After applying these distinct treatment approaches to the two groups, we assessed several parameters, including the overall effectiveness of clinical therapy, the occurrence of adverse reactions (e.g., nausea, vomiting, and anorexia), symptom severity scores, pulmonary function index levels, inflammatory marker levels, and the 6-min walk distance before and after treatment in both groups.
RESULTS The observation group exhibited significantly higher rates than the control group after therapy, with a clear distinction (P < 0.05). After treatment, the observation group experienced significantly fewer adverse reactions than the control group, with a noticeable difference (P < 0.05). When analyzing the symptom severity scores between the two groups of patients after treatment, the observation group had significantly lower scores than the control group, with a distinct difference (P < 0.05). When comparing the pulmonary function index levels between the two groups of patients after therapy, the observation group displayed significantly higher levels than the control group, with a noticeable difference (P < 0.05). Evaluating the inflammatory marker data (C-reactive protein, interleukin-2 [IL-2], and IL-8) between the two groups of patients after therapy, the observation group exhibited significantly lower levels than the control group, with significant disparities (P < 0.05). Comparison of the 6-min walking distance data between the two groups of patients after treatment showed that the observation group achieved significantly greater distances than the control group, with a marked difference (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION Prompt initiation of pirfenidone treatment in individuals diagnosed with IPF can enhance pulmonary function, elevate inflammatory factor levels, and increase the distance covered in the 6-min walk test. This intervention is conducive to effectively decreasing the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliate Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou 324000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jian-Hui Sheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliate Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou 324000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xu-Ru Jin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliate Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou 324000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xian-Bing Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliate Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou 324000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Quzhou Affiliate Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou 324000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Quzhou Affiliate Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou 324000, Zhejiang Province, China
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Sato H, Kato A, Adachi H, Takahashi K, Arai H, Ito M, Namba F, Takahashi T. High oxygen exposure's impact on newborn mice: Temporal changes observed via micro-computed tomography. Exp Lung Res 2024; 50:127-135. [PMID: 38973401 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2024.2375099] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) impacts life expectancy and long-term quality of life. Currently, BPD mouse models exposed to high oxygen are frequently used, but to reevaluate their relevance to human BPD, we attempted an assessment using micro-computed tomography (µCT). METHODS Newborn wildtype male mice underwent either 21% or 95% oxygen exposure for 4 days, followed until 8 wk. Weekly µCT scans and lung histological evaluations were performed independently. RESULTS Neonatal hyperoxia for 4 days hindered lung development, causing alveolar expansion and simplification. Histologically, during the first postnatal week, the exposed group showed a longer mean linear intercept, enlarged alveolar area, and a decrease in alveolar number, diminishing by week 4. Weekly µCT scans supported these findings, revealing initially lower lung density in newborn mice, increasing with age. However, the high-oxygen group displayed higher lung density initially. This difference diminished over time, with no significant contrast to controls at 3 wk. Although no significant difference in total lung volume was observed at week 1, the high-oxygen group exhibited a decrease by week 2, persisting until 8 wk. CONCLUSION This study highlights µCT-detected changes in mice exposed to high oxygen. BPD mouse models might follow a different recovery trajectory than humans, suggesting the need for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himeko Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | - Akie Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Adachi
- Department of Pediatrics, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | - Kiichi Takahashi
- Department of Neonatology, Akita Red Cross Hospital, Akita City, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Arai
- Department of Neonatology, Akita Red Cross Hospital, Akita City, Japan
| | - Masato Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Namba
- Department of Pediatrics, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe City, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita City, Japan
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Wang H, Jia Q, Wang Y, Xue W, Jiang Q, Ning F, Wang J, Zhu Z, Tian L. Stacking learning based on micro-CT radiomics for outcome prediction in the early-stage of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30651. [PMID: 38765063 PMCID: PMC11098827 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30651] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a progressive pulmonary fibrosis disease caused by long-term inhalation of silica. The early diagnosis and timely implementation of intervention measures are crucial in preventing silicosis deterioration further. However, the lack of screening and diagnostic measures for early-stage silicosis remains a significant challenge. In this study, silicosis models of varying severity were established through a single exposure to silica with different doses (2.5mg/mice or 5mg/mice) and durations (4 weeks or 12 weeks). The diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) quantitative analysis was assessed using lung density biomarkers and the lung density distribution histogram, with a particular focus on non-aerated lung volume. Subsequently, we developed and evaluated a stacking learning model for early diagnosis of silicosis after extracting and selecting features from CT images. The CT quantitative analysis reveals that while the lung densitometric biomarkers and lung density distribution histogram, as traditional indicators, effectively differentiate severe fibrosis models, they are unable to distinguish early-stage silicosis. Furthermore, these findings remained consistent even when employing non-aerated areas, which is a more sensitive indicator. By establishing a radiomics stacking learning model based on non-aerated areas, we can achieve remarkable diagnostic performance to distinguish early-stage silicosis, which can provide a valuable tool for clinical assistant diagnosis. This study reveals the potential of using non-aerated lung areas as a region of interest in stacking learning for early diagnosis of silicosis, providing new insights into early detection of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qiyue Jia
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wenming Xue
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qiyue Jiang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Fuao Ning
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhonghui Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lin Tian
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
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Mahmutovic Persson I, Fransén Petterson N, Liu J, In 't Zandt R, Carvalho C, Örbom A, Olsson LE, von Wachenfeldt K. In vivo MRI and PET imaging in a translational ILD mouse model expressing non-resolving fibrosis and bronchiectasis-like pathology after repeated systemic exposure to bleomycin. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1276420. [PMID: 38654839 PMCID: PMC11035813 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1276420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) is crucial to detect early to achieve the best treatment outcome. Optimally, non-invasive imaging biomarkers can be used for early detection of disease progression and treatment follow-up. Therefore, reliable in vivo models are warranted in new imaging biomarker development to accelerate better-targeted treatment options. Single-dose bleomycin models have, for a long time, served as a reference model in fibrosis and lung injury research. Here, we aimed to use a clinically more relevant animal model by systemic exposure to bleomycin and assessing disease progression over time by combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Methods C57BL/6 mice received bleomycin (i.p. 35iU/kg) or saline as control twice per week for 4 weeks. Mice were monitored until 2 weeks after cessation of bleomycin administration (w4 + 1 and w4 + 2), referred to as the resting period. MRI scans were performed in weeks 3 and 4 and during the resting weeks. [18F]FDG-PET was performed at the last week of dosing (w4) and 2 weeks after the last dosing (w4 + 2). Lung tissue sections were stained with Masson's trichrome and evaluated by modified Ashcroft scoring. Lung volume and lesion volumes were assessed using MRI, as well as 3D mapping of the central airways. Results and discussion Bleomycin-challenged mice showed increased lung weights (p < 0.05), while total lung volume was unchanged (w4 and onward). Histology analysis demonstrated fibrotic lesions emanating from the distal parts of the lung. Fibrosis progression was visualized by MRI with significantly increased high signal in bleomycin-exposed lungs compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, a significant increase in central airway diameter (p < 0.01) was displayed in bleomycin-exposed animals compared to controls and further continued to dilate as the disease progressed, comparing the bleomycin groups over time (p < 0.05-0.001). Lung [18F]FDG uptake was significantly elevated in bleomycin-exposed mice compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion Non-invasive imaging displayed progressing lesions in the lungs of bleomycin-exposed mice, using two distinct MRI sequences and [18F]FDG-PET. With observed fibrosis progression emanating from distal lung areas, dilation of the central airways was evident. Taken together, this chronic bleomycin-exposure model is translationally more relevant for studying lung injury in ILD and particularly in the context of DIILD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Mahmutovic Persson
- Medical Radiation Physics, Institution of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Lund University BioImaging Centre (LBIC), Medical Faculty, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - René In 't Zandt
- Lund University BioImaging Centre (LBIC), Medical Faculty, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Örbom
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars E Olsson
- Medical Radiation Physics, Institution of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Janssen LM, Lemaire F, Marain NF, Ronsmans S, Heylen N, Vanstapel A, Velde GV, Vanoirbeek JA, Pollard KM, Ghosh M, Hoet PH. Differential pulmonary toxicity and autoantibody formation in genetically distinct mouse strains following combined exposure to silica and diesel exhaust particles. Part Fibre Toxicol 2024; 21:8. [PMID: 38409078 PMCID: PMC10898103 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhalation of airborne particulate matter, such as silica and diesel exhaust particles, poses serious long-term respiratory and systemic health risks. Silica exposure can lead to silicosis and systemic autoimmune diseases, while DEP exposure is linked to asthma and cancer. Combined exposure to silica and DEP, common in mining, may have more severe effects. This study investigates the separate and combined effects of occupational-level silica and ambient-level DEP on lung injury, inflammation, and autoantibody formation in two genetically distinct mouse strains, thereby aiming at understanding the interplay between genetic susceptibility, particulate exposure, and disease outcomes. Silica and diesel exhaust particles were administered to mice via oropharyngeal aspiration. Assessments of lung injury and host response included in vivo lung micro-computed tomography, lung function tests, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis including inflammatory cytokines and antinuclear antibodies, and histopathology with particle colocalization. RESULTS The findings highlight the distinct effects of silica and diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on lung injury, inflammation, and autoantibody formation in C57BL/6J and NOD/ShiLtJ mice. Silica exposure elicited a well-established inflammatory response marked by inflammatory infiltrates, release of cytokines, and chemokines, alongside mild fibrosis, indicated by collagen deposition in the lungs of both C57BL/6J and NOD/ShilLtJ mice. Notably, these strains exhibited divergent responses in terms of respiratory function and lung volumes, as assessed through micro-computed tomography. Additionally, silica exposure induced airway hyperreactivity and elevated antinuclear antibody levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, particularly prominent in NOD/ShiLtJ mice. Moreover, antinuclear antibodies correlated with extent of lung inflammation in NOD/ShiLTJ mice. Lung tissue analysis revealed DEP loaded macrophages and co-localization of silica and DEP particles. However, aside from contributing to airway hyperreactivity specifically in NOD/ShiLtJ mice, the ambient-level DEP did not significantly amplify the effects induced by silica. There was no evidence of synergistic or additive interaction between these specific doses of silica and DEP in inducing lung damage or inflammation in either of the mouse strains. CONCLUSION Mouse strain variations exerted a substantial influence on the development of silica induced lung alterations. Furthermore, the additional impact of ambient-level DEP on these silica-induced effects was minimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mf Janssen
- Environment and Health Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Nora Fopke Marain
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Ronsmans
- Environment and Health Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Arno Vanstapel
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/MoSAIC, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Aj Vanoirbeek
- Environment and Health Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Manosij Ghosh
- Environment and Health Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Hm Hoet
- Environment and Health Unit, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Li B, Wang J, Zhao Y, Zou Y, Cao H, Jin H, Tao X, Mu M. Vitamin D3 reverses immune tolerance and enhances the cytotoxicity of effector T cells in coal pneumoconiosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 271:115972. [PMID: 38218105 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.115972] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a common occupational disease that coal miners are highly susceptible due to long-term exposure to coal dust particles (CDP). CWP can induce the accumulation of immune cells surrounding the bronchioles and alveoli in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary fibrosis and compromised immune function. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), our previous studies disclose that CDP exposure triggers heterogeneity of transcriptional profiles in mouse pneumoconiosis, while Vitamin D3 (VitD3) supplementation reduces CDP-induced cytotoxicity; however, the mechanism by which how VitD3 regulates immune status in coal pneumoconiosis remains unclear. In this study, we elucidated the heterogeneity of pulmonary lymphocytes in mice exposed to CDP and demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of VitD3 using scRNA-Seq dataset. The validation of key lymphocyte markers and their functional molecules was performed using immunofluorescence. The results demonstrated that VitD3 increased the number of naive T cells by modulating CD4 + T cell differentiation and decreased the number of Treg cells in CDP-exposed mice, thereby enhancing the cytotoxic activity of CD8 + effector T cells. These effects markedly alleviated lung fibrosis and symptoms. Taken together, the mechanism by which VitD3 regulates the functions of lymphocytes in CWP provides a new perspective for further research on the prevention and treatment of CWP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Cancer Institute, Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yehong Zhao
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China
| | - Yuanjie Zou
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China
| | - Hangbing Cao
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China
| | - Haibo Jin
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China
| | - Xinrong Tao
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China.
| | - Min Mu
- Joint Research Center for Occupational Medicine and Health of IHM, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; School of Public Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, HeFei 230041, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control, Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China; Anhui Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, China.
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Cui Y, Yang Z, Lv Z, Lei J. Disruption of extracellular redox balance drives persistent lung fibrosis and impairs fibrosis resolution. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166842. [PMID: 37558008 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166842] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Lung fibrosis is a devastating outcome of various diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Despite rigorous research efforts, the mechanisms that propagate its progressive and nonresolving nature remain enigmatic. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. However, the role of extracellular redox state in disease progression and resolution remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that compartmentalized control over extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by aerosolized delivery of recombinant extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) suppresses an established bleomycin-induced fibrotic process in mice. Further analysis of publicly available microarray, RNA-seq and single-cell RNAseq datasets reveals a significant decrease in ECSOD expression in fibrotic lung tissues that can be spontaneously restored during fibrosis resolution. Therefore, we investigate the effect of siRNA-mediated ECSOD depletion during the established fibrotic phase on the self-limiting nature of the bleomycin mouse model. Our results demonstrate that in vivo knockdown of ECSOD in mouse fibrotic lungs impairs fibrosis resolution. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 downregulates endogenous ECSOD expression, leading to the accumulation of extracellular superoxide via Smad-mediated signaling and the activation of additional stores of latent TGF-β1. In addition, depletion of endogenous ECSOD during the fibrotic phase in the bleomycin model induces an apoptosis-resistant phenotype in lung fibroblasts through unrestricted Akt signaling. Taken together, our data strongly support the critical role of extracellular redox state in fibrosis persistence and resolution. Based on these findings, we propose that compartment-specific control over extracellular ROS may be a potential therapeutic strategy for managing fibrotic lung disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Cui
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zeran Yang
- Interventional Radiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Lv
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Lei
- Medical Imaging Laboratory, Research Core Facilities, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, People's Republic of China
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Janssen LM, Lemaire F, Marain NF, Ronsmans S, Heylen N, Vanstapel A, Velde GV, Vanoirbeek JA, Pollard KM, Ghosh M, Hoet PH. Differential Pulmonary Toxicity and Autoantibody Formation in Genetically Distinct Mouse Strains Following Combined Exposure to Silica and Diesel Exhaust Particles. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3408546. [PMID: 37886437 PMCID: PMC10602120 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3408546/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Inhalation of airborne particulate matter, such as silica and diesel exhaust particles, poses serious long-term respiratory health risks. Silica exposure can lead to silicosis and systemic autoimmune diseases, while DEP exposure is linked to asthma and cancer. Combined exposure to silica and DEP, common in mining, may have more severe effects. This study investigates the separate and combined effects of silica and DEP on lung injury, inflammation, and autoantibody formation in two genetically distinct mouse strains, thereby aiming at understanding the interplay between genetic susceptibility, particulate exposure, and disease outcomes. Silica and diesel exhaust particles were administered to mice via oropharyngeal aspiration. Assessments of lung injury and host response included in vivo lung micro-computed tomography, lung function tests, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis including inflammatory cytokines and antinuclear antibodies, and histopathology with particle colocalization. Results Silica exposure elicited a well-established inflammatory response marked by inflammatory infiltrates, release of cytokines, and chemokines, alongside limited fibrosis, indicated by collagen deposition in the lungs of both C57BL/6J and NOD/ShilLtJ mice. Notably, these strains exhibited divergent responses in terms of respiratory function and lung volumes, as assessed through micro-computed tomography. Additionally, silica exposure induced airway hyperreactivity and elevated antinuclear antibody levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, particularly prominent in NOD/ShiLtJ mice. Lung tissue analysis revealed DEP loaded macrophages and co-localization of silica and DEP particles. Conclusion Mouse strain variations exerted a substantial influence on the development of silica induced lung alterations. Furthermore, the additional impact of diesel exhaust particles on these silica-induced effects was minimal.
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Hong SY, Lu YT, Chen SY, Hsu CF, Lu YC, Wang CY, Huang KL. Targeting pathogenic macrophages by the application of SHP-1 agonists reduces inflammation and alleviates pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:352. [PMID: 37291088 PMCID: PMC10249559 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05876-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive fibrotic disorder with no cure that is characterized by deterioration of lung function. Current FDA-approved drugs for IPF delay the decline in lung function, but neither reverse fibrosis nor significantly improve overall survival. SHP-1 deficiency results in hyperactive alveolar macrophages accumulating in the lung, which contribute to the induction of pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, we investigated whether employing a SHP-1 agonist ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis murine model. Histological examination and micro-computed tomography images showed that SHP-1 agonist treatment alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Reduced alveolar hemorrhage, lung inflammation, and collagen deposition, as well as enhanced alveolar space, lung capacity, and improved overall survival were observed in mice administered the SHP-1 agonist. The percentage of macrophages collected from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and circulating monocytes in bleomycin-instilled mice were also significantly reduced by SHP-1 agonist treatment, suggesting that the SHP-1 agonist may alleviate pulmonary fibrosis by targeting macrophages and reshaping the immunofibrotic niche. In human monocyte-derived macrophages, SHP-1 agonist treatment downregulated CSF1R expression and inactivated STAT3/NFκB signaling, culminating in inhibited macrophage survival and perturbed macrophage polarization. The expression of pro-fibrotic markers (e.g., MRC1, CD200R1, and FN1) by IL4/IL13-induced M2 macrophages that rely on CSF1R signaling for their fate-determination was restricted by SHP-1 agonist treatment. While M2-derived medium promoted the expression of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition markers (e.g., ACTA2 and COL3A1), the application of SHP-1 agonist reversed the transition in a dose-dependent manner. Our report indicates that pharmacological activation of SHP-1 ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis via suppression of CSF1R signaling in macrophages, reduction of pathogenic macrophages, and the inhibition of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. Our study thus identifies SHP-1 as a druggable target for the treatment of IPF, and suggests that the SHP-1 agonist may be developed as an anti-pulmonary fibrosis medication that both suppresses inflammation and restrains fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiao-Ya Hong
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
- Medical Research Center, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei, 23148, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Fang Hsu
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
- Medical Research Center, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei, 23148, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Lu
- Medical Research Center, Cardinal Tien Hospital, New Taipei, 23148, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardinal Tien Hospital and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, 23148, Taiwan.
| | - Kun-Lun Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan.
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan.
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10
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Lai R, Zhao C, Guo W, Xiao Y, Li R, Liu L, Pan H. The longitudinal and regional analysis of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by microcomputed tomography. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15681. [PMID: 37180915 PMCID: PMC10173631 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) is powerful for assessment of the progression of lung fibrosis in animal model, but current whole lung analysis (WLA) methods are time-consuming. Here, a longitudinal and regional analysis (LRA) method was developed to assess fibrosis easily and quickly by micro-CT. Method Firstly, we investigated the distribution pattern of lesions in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice. Then, the VOIs for LRA were selected based on the anatomical locations and we compared the robustness, accuracy, repeatability, analysis time of LRA to WLA. Additionally, LRA was applied to assess different stages of pulmonary fibrosis, and was validated with conventional endpoint measurements (such as lung hydroxyproline and histopathology). Results The lesions of fibrosis in 66 bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice were mostly in the middle and upper parts of lungs. By applying LRA, the percentages of high-density voxels in selected volumes of interest (VOIs) were well correlated with that in WLA both at Day 7 and Day 21 after bleomycin induction (R2 = 0.8784 and 0.8464, respectively). The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the percentage of high-density voxels in the VOIs was lower than that of WLA (P < 0.05). The cost time of LRA was shorter than that of WLA (P < 0.05) and the accuracy of LRA was further confirmed by the histological analysis and biochemical quantification of hydroxyproline. Conclusion LRA is probably an easier and more time-saving method to assess fibrosis formation and evaluate treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruogu Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Caiping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Wanyi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Runze Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
| | - Liang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.
| | - Hudan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510000, China
- Corresponding author.
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11
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Tielemans B, De Herdt L, Pollenus E, Vanhulle E, Seldeslachts L, Marain F, Belmans F, Ahookhosh K, Vanoirbeek J, Vermeire K, Van den Steen PE, Vande Velde G. A Multimodal Imaging-Supported Down Syndrome Mouse Model of RSV Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040993. [PMID: 37112973 PMCID: PMC10144178 DOI: 10.3390/v15040993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are more prone to develop severe respiratory tract infections. Although a RSV infection has a high clinical impact and severe outcome in individuals with DS, no vaccine nor effective therapeutics are available. Any research into infection pathophysiology or prophylactic and therapeutic antiviral strategies in the specific context of DS would greatly benefit this patient population, but currently such relevant animal models are lacking. This study aimed to develop and characterize the first mouse model of RSV infection in a DS-specific context. Ts65Dn mice and wild type littermates were inoculated with a bioluminescence imaging-enabled recombinant human RSV to longitudinally track viral replication in host cells throughout infection progression. This resulted in an active infection in the upper airways and lungs with similar viral load in Ts65Dn mice and euploid mice. Flow cytometric analysis of leukocytes in lungs and spleen demonstrated immune alterations with lower CD8+ T cells and B-cells in Ts65Dn mice. Overall, our study presents a novel DS-specific mouse model of hRSV infection and shows that potential in using the Ts65Dn preclinical model to study immune-specific responses of RSV in the context of DS and supports the need for models representing the pathological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birger Tielemans
- Biomedical MRI Unit/Mosaic, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lander De Herdt
- Biomedical MRI Unit/Mosaic, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emilie Pollenus
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emiel Vanhulle
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Seldeslachts
- Biomedical MRI Unit/Mosaic, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fopke Marain
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Flore Belmans
- Biomedical MRI Unit/Mosaic, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Radiomics (Oncoradiomics SA), 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Kaveh Ahookhosh
- Biomedical MRI Unit/Mosaic, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kurt Vermeire
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe E Van den Steen
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI Unit/Mosaic, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Redente EF, Kopf KW, Bahadur AN, Robichaud A, Lundblad LK, McDonald LT. Application-specific approaches to MicroCT for evaluation of mouse models of pulmonary disease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281452. [PMID: 36757935 PMCID: PMC9910664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of micro-computed tomography (microCT) has provided significant advancement in our ability to generate clinically relevant assessments of lung health and disease in small animal models. As microCT use to generate outcomes analysis in pulmonary preclinical models has increased there have been substantial improvements in image quality and resolution, and data analysis software. However, there are limited published methods for standardized imaging and automated analysis available for investigators. Manual quantitative analysis of microCT images is complicated by the presence of inflammation and parenchymal disease. To improve the efficiency and limit user-associated bias, we have developed an automated pulmonary air and tissue segmentation (PATS) task list to segment lung air volume and lung tissue volume for quantitative analysis. We demonstrate the effective use of the PATS task list using four distinct methods for imaging, 1) in vivo respiration controlled scanning using a flexiVent, 2) longitudinal breath-gated in vivo scanning in resolving and non-resolving pulmonary disease initiated by lipopolysaccharide-, bleomycin-, and silica-exposure, 3) post-mortem imaging, and 4) ex vivo high-resolution scanning. The accuracy of the PATS task list was compared to manual segmentation. The use of these imaging techniques and automated quantification methodology across multiple models of lung injury and fibrosis demonstrates the broad applicability and adaptability of microCT to various lung diseases and small animal models and presents a significant advance in efficiency and standardization of preclinical microCT imaging and analysis for the field of pulmonary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth F. Redente
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Katrina W. Kopf
- Department of Academic Affairs, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Ali N. Bahadur
- Bruker BioSpin Corporation, Billerica, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | | | - Lindsay T. McDonald
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
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13
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Cooley JC, Javkhlan N, Wilson JA, Foster DG, Edelman BL, Ortiz LA, Schwartz DA, Riches DW, Redente EF. Inhibition of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins with ABT-263 induces fibroblast apoptosis, reversing persistent pulmonary fibrosis. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e163762. [PMID: 36752201 PMCID: PMC9977433 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.163762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (PF-ILDs) carry a poor prognosis and have limited therapeutic options. A hallmark feature is fibroblast resistance to apoptosis, leading to their persistence, accumulation, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. A complex balance of the B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) protein family controlling the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and fibroblast reliance on antiapoptotic proteins has been hypothesized to contribute to this resistant phenotype. Examination of lung tissue from patients with PF-ILD (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis) and mice with PF-ILD (repetitive bleomycin and silicosis) showed increased expression of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members in α-smooth muscle actin-positive fibroblasts, suggesting that fibroblasts from fibrotic lungs may exhibit increased susceptibility to inhibition of antiapoptotic BCL-2 family members BCL-2, BCL-XL, and BCL-W with the BH3 mimetic ABT-263. We used 2 murine models of PF-ILD to test the efficacy of ABT-263 in reversing established persistent pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment with ABT-263 induced fibroblast apoptosis, decreased fibroblast numbers, and reduced lung collagen levels, radiographic disease, and histologically evident fibrosis. Our studies provide insight into how fibroblasts gain resistance to apoptosis and become sensitive to the therapeutic inhibition of antiapoptotic proteins. By targeting profibrotic fibroblasts, ABT-263 offers a promising therapeutic option for PF-ILDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C. Cooley
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nomin Javkhlan
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jasmine A. Wilson
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel G. Foster
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Benjamin L. Edelman
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Luis A. Ortiz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A. Schwartz
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - David W.H. Riches
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Research, Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth F. Redente
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Program in Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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14
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Vanhoffelen E, Resendiz-Sharpe A, Velde GV. Microcomputed Tomography to Visualize and Quantify Fungal Infection Burden and Inflammation in the Mouse Lung Over Time. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2667:211-224. [PMID: 37145287 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3199-7_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary mycoses are an important threat for immunocompromised patients, and although current treatments are effective, they suffer from multiple limitations and fail to further reduce mortality. With the increasing immunocompromised population and increased antifungal resistance, fungal infection research is more relevant than ever. In preclinical respiratory fungal infection research, animal models are indispensable. However, too often researchers still rely on endpoint measurements to assess fungal burden while the dynamics of disease progression are left undiscovered. To open up this "black box", microcomputed tomography (μCT) can be implemented to longitudinally visualize lung pathology in a noninvasive way and to quantify μCT-image derived biomarkers. That way, disease onset, progression, and responsiveness to treatment can be followed up with high resolution spatially and temporally in individual mice, increasing statistical power. Here, we describe a general method for the use of low-dose high-resolution μCT to longitudinally visualize and quantify lung pathology in mouse models of respiratory fungal infections, applied to mouse models of aspergillosis and cryptococcosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Vanhoffelen
- KU Leuven Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Greetje Vande Velde
- KU Leuven Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Ahookhosh K, Vanoirbeek J, Vande Velde G. Lung function measurements in preclinical research: What has been done and where is it headed? Front Physiol 2023; 14:1130096. [PMID: 37035677 PMCID: PMC10073442 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1130096] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the close interaction of lung morphology and functions, repeatable measurements of pulmonary function during longitudinal studies on lung pathophysiology and treatment efficacy have been a great area of interest for lung researchers. Spirometry, as a simple and quick procedure that depends on the maximal inspiration of the patient, is the most common lung function test in clinics that measures lung volumes against time. Similarly, in the preclinical area, plethysmography techniques offer lung functional parameters related to lung volumes. In the past few decades, many innovative techniques have been introduced for in vivo lung function measurements, while each one of these techniques has their own advantages and disadvantages. Before each experiment, depending on the sensitivity of the required pulmonary functional parameters, it should be decided whether an invasive or non-invasive approach is desired. On one hand, invasive techniques offer sensitive and specific readouts related to lung mechanics in anesthetized and tracheotomized animals at endpoints. On the other hand, non-invasive techniques allow repeatable lung function measurements in conscious, free-breathing animals with readouts related to the lung volumes. The biggest disadvantage of these standard techniques for lung function measurements is considering the lung as a single unit and providing only global readouts. However, recent advances in lung imaging modalities such as x-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging opened new doors toward obtaining both anatomical and functional information from the same scan session, without the requirement for any extra pulmonary functional measurements, in more regional and non-invasive manners. Consequently, a new field of study called pulmonary functional imaging was born which focuses on introducing new techniques for regional quantification of lung function non-invasively using imaging-based techniques. This narrative review provides first an overview of both invasive and non-invasive conventional methods for lung function measurements, mostly focused on small animals for preclinical research, including discussions about their advantages and disadvantages. Then, we focus on those newly developed, non-invasive, imaging-based techniques that can provide either global or regional lung functional readouts at multiple time-points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Ahookhosh
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Centre of Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Greetje Vande Velde,
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16
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The importance of routine quality control for reproducible pulmonary measurements by in vivo micro-CT. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9695. [PMID: 35690601 PMCID: PMC9188608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging provides densitometric and functional assessment of lung diseases in animal models, playing a key role either in understanding disease progression or in drug discovery studies. The generation of reliable and reproducible experimental data is strictly dependent on a system's stability. Quality controls (QC) are essential to monitor micro-CT performance but, although QC procedures are standardized and routinely employed in clinical practice, detailed guidelines for preclinical imaging are lacking. In this work, we propose a routine QC protocol for in vivo micro-CT, based on three commercial phantoms. To investigate the impact of a detected scanner drift on image post-processing, a retrospective analysis using twenty-two healthy mice was performed and lung density histograms used to compare the area under curve (AUC), the skewness and the kurtosis before and after the drift. As expected, statistically significant differences were found for all the selected parameters [AUC 532 ± 31 vs. 420 ± 38 (p < 0.001); skewness 2.3 ± 0.1 vs. 2.5 ± 0.1 (p < 0.001) and kurtosis 4.2 ± 0.3 vs. 5.1 ± 0.5 (p < 0.001)], confirming the importance of the designed QC procedure to obtain a reliable longitudinal quantification of disease progression and drug efficacy evaluation.
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17
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Jonckheere AC, Seys SF, Steelant B, Decaesteker T, Dekoster K, Cremer J, Dilissen E, Schols D, Iwakura Y, Vande Velde G, Breynaert C, Schrijvers R, Vanoirbeek J, Ceuppens JL, Dupont LJ, Bullens DMA. Innate Lymphoid Cells Are Required to Induce Airway Hyperreactivity in a Murine Neutrophilic Asthma Model. Front Immunol 2022; 13:849155. [PMID: 35371094 PMCID: PMC8965562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.849155] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Non-allergic asthma is driven by multiple endotypes of which neutrophilic and pauci-granulocytic asthma have been best established. However, it is still puzzling what drives inflammation and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in these patients and how it can be treated effectively. Recently, a potential role of the innate immune system and especially the innate lymphoid cells (ILC) has been proposed. Objective In this study, we investigated the effects of LPS inhalation on airway inflammation and AHR as a potential model for elucidating the pathogenesis of non-allergic asthma. Methods Wild-type (BALB/c), SCID, IL-17A-/-, and Rag2-/- γC-/- mice were endonasally exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 2 µg) on four consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last exposure, AHR to methacholine was assessed. Cytokine levels and ILC subpopulations were determined in lung tissue. Cellular differential analysis was performed in BAL fluid. Main Results In this study, we developed a murine model for non-allergic neutrophilic asthma. We found that repeated endonasal applications of low-dose LPS in BALB/c mice led to AHR, BAL neutrophilia, and a significant increase in lung ILC3 as well as a significant increase in lung chemokines KC and MIP-2 and cytokines IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-22, and TNF. The adoptive transfer of ILC in Rag2-/- γC-/- mice showed that ILC played a causal role in the induction of AHR in this model. Antagonising IL-1β, but not IL-17A or neutrophils, resulted in a partial reduction in LPS-induced AHR. Conclusion In conclusion, we report here a murine model for neutrophilic asthma where ILC are required to induce airway hyperreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Charlotte Jonckheere
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven F Seys
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brecht Steelant
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Decaesteker
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaat Dekoster
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Cremer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Dilissen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yoichiro Iwakura
- Centre for Animal Disease Models, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, Japan
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Biomedical MRI Unit/Molecular Small Animal Imaging Center (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Breynaert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan L Ceuppens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven J Dupont
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Division of Respiratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique M A Bullens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Clinical Division of Paediatrics, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Lam M, Mansell A, Tate MD. Another One Fights the Dust - Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome for the Treatment of Silicosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 66:601-611. [PMID: 35290170 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0545tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a multifaceted lung disease, characterised by persistent inflammation and structural remodelling. Despite its poor prognosis, there are no treatments currently available for patients with silicosis. Recent pre-clinical findings in models of lung fibrosis have suggested a major role for the nucleotide binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in silica-driven inflammation and fibrosis. This review outlines the beneficial effects of targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in in vitro cell experiments and in in vivo animal models, whereby inflammation and fibrosis are abrogated following NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. While preclinical evidence is promising, studies which explore NLRP3 inflammasomes in the clinical setting are warranted. In particular, there is still a need to identify biomarkers which may be helpful for the early detection of silicosis and to fully elucidate mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects to further develop or repurpose existing anti-NLRP3 drugs as novel treatments that limit disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Lam
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, 366840, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University , Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley Mansell
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, 366840, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Monash Univerisity, Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Adiso Therapeutics Inc, Concord, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Michelle D Tate
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, 366840, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Monash University, Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Clayton, Victoria, Australia;
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19
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Li B, Mu M, Sun Q, Cao H, Liu Q, Liu J, Zhang J, Xu K, Hu D, Tao X, Wang J. A suitable silicosis mouse model was constructed by repeated inhalation of silica dust via nose. Toxicol Lett 2021; 353:1-12. [PMID: 34626813 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Silicosis as the serious occupational disease is highly necessary to construct a suitable mouse model for disclosing mechanism of occurrence and development in this disease. Here, the volume-effect relationship and volume-based survival curves in mice who inhaled silica suspension intranasally were analyzed. Notable, the optimal volume 80 μl repeated-inhalation by nose to silica suspension in the inbred mouse C57BL/6 J with the highest susceptibility to silicosis led to a great entrance into the lung and a high survival rate after instillation. After repeated-exposure to 20 mg/mL, 80 μl silica for 16 days and then fed without silica exposure until 31 days, weight of mice showed a trend of first decrease and then recover. Moreover, the degree of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in mice were analyzed by pathological and immunohistochemistry staining. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), smooth muscle alpha-actin (α-SMA) and collagen type-I (collagen I, Col-I) were significantly increased in the silica-exposed mouse lung at post-exposure day 16 compared with the controls. Sirius red stain and Micro-CT analysis showed that lung fibrosis formed at post-exposure day 31. This study highlights the critical importance of perfusion volume and repeated nasal drops in inducing inflammatory response and pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Min Mu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Qixian Sun
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Hangbing Cao
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Keyi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Dong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Xinrong Tao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental Center, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, China; Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Tielemans B, Dekoster K, Verleden SE, Sawall S, Leszczyński B, Laperre K, Vanstapel A, Verschakelen J, Kachelriess M, Verbeken E, Swoger J, Vande Velde G. From Mouse to Man and Back: Closing the Correlation Gap between Imaging and Histopathology for Lung Diseases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E636. [PMID: 32859103 PMCID: PMC7554749 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung diseases such as fibrosis, asthma, cystic fibrosis, infection and cancer are life-threatening conditions that slowly deteriorate quality of life and for which our diagnostic power is high, but our knowledge on etiology and/or effective treatment options still contains important gaps. In the context of day-to-day practice, clinical and preclinical studies, clinicians and basic researchers team up and continuously strive to increase insights into lung disease progression, diagnostic and treatment options. To unravel disease processes and to test novel therapeutic approaches, investigators typically rely on end-stage procedures such as serum analysis, cyto-/chemokine profiles and selective tissue histology from animal models. These techniques are useful but provide only a snapshot of disease processes that are essentially dynamic in time and space. Technology allowing evaluation of live animals repeatedly is indispensable to gain a better insight into the dynamics of lung disease progression and treatment effects. Computed tomography (CT) is a clinical diagnostic imaging technique that can have enormous benefits in a research context too. Yet, the implementation of imaging techniques in laboratories lags behind. In this review we want to showcase the integrated approaches and novel developments in imaging, lung functional testing and pathological techniques that are used to assess, diagnose, quantify and treat lung disease and that may be employed in research on patients and animals. Imaging approaches result in often novel anatomical and functional biomarkers, resulting in many advantages, such as better insight in disease progression and a reduction in the numbers of animals necessary. We here showcase integrated assessment of lung disease with imaging and histopathological technologies, applied to the example of lung fibrosis. Better integration of clinical and preclinical imaging technologies with pathology will ultimately result in improved clinical translation of (therapy) study results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birger Tielemans
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Kaat Dekoster
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Stijn E. Verleden
- Department of CHROMETA, BREATHE lab, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.E.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Stefan Sawall
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), X-Ray Imaging and CT, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Bartosz Leszczyński
- Department of Medical Physics, M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science, Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Kraków, Poland;
| | | | - Arno Vanstapel
- Department of CHROMETA, BREATHE lab, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.E.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Johny Verschakelen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Marc Kachelriess
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), X-Ray Imaging and CT, Heidelberg University, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.S.); (M.K.)
| | - Erik Verbeken
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
| | - Jim Swoger
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Barcelona, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (B.T.); (K.D.); (J.V.); (E.V.)
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