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Gülle S, Çelik A, Birlik M, Yılmaz O. Skin and lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice: a systematic review. Reumatismo 2024; 76. [PMID: 38523580 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2024.1642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scleroderma, or systemic sclerosis (SSc), is a chronic autoimmune connective disease with an unknown etiology and poorly understood pathogenesis. The striking array of autoimmune, vascular, and fibrotic changes that develop in almost all patients makes SSc unique among connective tissue diseases. Although no animal model developed for SSc to date fully represents all features of human disease, some animal models that demonstrate features of SSc may help to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease and to develop new therapeutic options. In this review, we aimed to evaluate skin fibrosis and lung involvement in a bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model and to evaluate the differences between studies. METHODS A systematic literature review (PRISMA guideline) on PubMed and EMBASE (until May 2023, without limits) was performed. A primary literature search was conducted using the PubMed and EMBASE databases for all articles published from 1990 to May 2023. Review articles, human studies, and non-dermatological studies were excluded. Of the 38 non-duplicated studies, 20 articles were included. RESULTS Among inducible animal models, the BLM-induced SSc is still the most widely used. In recent years, the measurement of tissue thickness between the epidermal-dermal junction and the dermal-adipose tissue junction (dermal layer) has become more widely accepted. CONCLUSIONS In animal studies, it is important to simultaneously evaluate lung tissues in addition to skin fibrosis induced in mice by subcutaneous BLM application, following the 3R (replacement, reduction, and refinement) principle to avoid cruelty to animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gülle
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir; Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir.
| | - A Çelik
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir.
| | - M Birlik
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir.
| | - O Yılmaz
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir.
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2
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Kalus A, Shinohara MM, Wang R, Baran JD, Dong X, Khakpour D, Lu J, Hirsch IB. Evaluation of Insulin Pump Infusion Sites in Type 1 Diabetes: The DERMIS Study. Diabetes Care 2023; 46:1626-1632. [PMID: 37450710 DOI: 10.2337/dc23-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for type 1 diabetes is increasing in use. Pump site failures are common, but little is known about skin changes from pump use. Using noninvasive optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), and skin biopsies, we evaluated skin changes from chronic insulin infusion. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, OCT operating at a 1,310-nm central wavelength with a bandwidth of 100 nm was performed immediately before skin punch biopsies were collected at three sites: the current site, with the infusion set removed at time of OCT and biopsy; the recovery site, with the infusion set removed 3 days before biopsy; and the control site, which was never used for any insulin infusion or injection. RESULTS OCT and OCTA identified characteristics of increased inflammation and vessel density at pump sites compared with control sites. Histologic analysis of pump sites showed differences in skin architecture, including fibrosis, inflammation (including increased tissue eosinophils), and fat necrosis. Immunohistochemical staining showed differences between infusion and control sites regarding staining of ILGF-I and transforming growth factor-β3. CONCLUSIONS These findings support allergic sensitization as a potentially common reaction at CSII sites. The leading candidates causing this include insulin preservatives, plastic materials, and adhesive glue used in device manufacturing. The inflammatory response caused by these common allergic responses may result in tissue changes responsible for the infusion site failures seen frequently in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kalus
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Michi M Shinohara
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Ruikang Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jesica D Baran
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Xiaofu Dong
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Dori Khakpour
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Irl B Hirsch
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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3
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Huang J, Puente H, Wareing NE, Wu M, Mayes MD, Karmouty-Quintana H, Assassi S, Mills TW. STAT6 suppression prevents bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22761. [PMID: 36629780 PMCID: PMC10226134 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200994r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis of the skin and internal organs is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the pathogenesis of SSc is poorly understood, increasing evidence suggests that interleukins (IL)-4 and - 13 contribute to the pathogenesis of skin fibrosis by promoting collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) is one of the most important downstream transcription factors activated by both IL-4 and IL-13. However, it is not completely understood whether STAT6 plays a role during the pathogenesis of skin fibrosis in SSc. In this study, we observed increased STAT6 phosphorylation in fibrotic skin samples collected from SSc patients as well as bleomycin-injected murine mice. Knockout of Stat6 in mice significantly (1) suppressed the expression of fibrotic cytokines including Il13, Il17, Il22, Ccl2, and the alternatively activated macrophage marker Cd206; (2) reduced the production of collagen and fibronectin, and (3) attenuated late-stage skin fibrosis and inflammation induced by bleomycin. Consistently, mice treated with STAT6 inhibitor AS1517499 also attenuated skin fibrosis on day 28. In addition, a co-culture experiment demonstrated that skin epithelial cells with STAT6 knockdown had reduced cytokine expression in response to IL-4/IL-13, and subsequently attenuated fibrotic protein expression in skin fibroblasts. On the other side, STAT6 depletion in skin fibroblasts attenuated IL-4/IL-13-induced cytokine and fibrotic marker expression, and reduced CXCL2 expression in co-cultured keratinocytes. In summary, our study highlighted an important yet not fully understood role of STAT6 in skin fibrosis by driving innate inflammation and differentiation of alternatively activated macrophages in response to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hydia Puente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy E. Wareing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maureen D. Mayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Harry Karmouty-Quintana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tingting W. Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Soliman SA, Abd-Elhafeez HH, Abou-Elhamd AS, Kamel BM, Abdellah N, Mustafa FEZA. Role of Uterine Telocytes During Pregnancy. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS 2023; 29:283-302. [DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Endometrial remolding and angiogenesis are critical events that occur during pregnancy in order to establish uteroplacental vascular communication. This study investigated the role of uterine telocytes (TCs) in pregnancy. We analyzed the distribution of TCs and morphological changes in the endometrium of the gravid rabbit uterus at different stages of pregnancy: after ovulation, pre-implantation (day 7), post-implantation (days 8 and 9), and mid-pregnancy (day 14) and late (days 21–28) pregnancy. TCs gradually increased with the progression of pregnancy. They had distinctive telopodes (TPs) and podoms, with intranucleolar chromatin. The TCs established contact with decidual cells, growing a glandular epithelium, blood vessels, and immune cells, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages. The TCs underwent morphological changes at the post-implantation phase. They acquired thick and voluminous TPs, formed an extensive three-dimensional (3D) labyrinth at mid-pregnancy, and exhibited irregular-shaped nuclei and a dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum at late pregnancy. They also acquired a convoluted contour-formed complex network. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an extensive 3D network in the endometrium, forming a condensed sheath at late pregnancy. Transmission electron microscopy and SEM detected fenestrated TPs, and TCs were identified by CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. TCs also expressed matrix metalloproteinase-9 and transforming growth factor beta-1. Results suggested that TCs might play an essential role in maternal placenta formation, especially decidualization, regulation of uterine gland development, and neovascularization of maternal uterine blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University , Qena , Egypt
| | - Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
| | - Alaa S Abou-Elhamd
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University , Jazan , Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma Mohamed Kamel
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City , Sadat City 32897 , Egypt
| | - Nada Abdellah
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University , Sohag 82524 , Egypt
| | - Fatma El-Zahraa A Mustafa
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
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FAK mediates LPS-induced inflammatory lung injury through interacting TAK1 and activating TAK1-NFκB pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:589. [PMID: 35803916 PMCID: PMC9270420 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05046-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI), characterized by inflammatory damage, is a major clinical challenge. Developing specific treatment options for ALI requires the identification of novel targetable signaling pathways. Recent studies reported that endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a TLR4-dependent activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, suggesting that FAK may be involved in LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Here, we investigated the involvement and mechanism of FAK in mediating LPS-induced inflammation and ALI. We show that LPS phosphorylates FAK in macrophages. Either FAK inhibitor, site-directly mutation, or siRNA knockdown of FAK significantly suppresses LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. FAK inhibition also blocked LPS-induced activation of MAPKs and NFκB. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that activated FAK directly interacts with transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), an upstream kinase of MAPKs and NFκB, and then phosphorylates TAK1 at Ser412. In a mouse model of LPS-induced ALI, pharmacological inhibition of FAK suppressed FAK/TAK activation and inflammatory response in lung tissues. These activities resulted in the preservation of lung tissues in LPS-challenged mice and increased survival during LPS-induced septic shock. Collectively, our results illustrate a novel FAK-TAK1-NFκB signaling axis in LPS-induced inflammation and ALI, and support FAK as a potential target for the treatment of ALI.
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Utsunomiya A, Chino T, Kasamatsu H, Hasegawa T, Utsunomiya N, Luong VH, Matsushita T, Sasaki Y, Ogura D, Niwa SI, Oyama N, Hasegawa M. The compound LG283 inhibits bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis via antagonizing TGF-β signaling. Arthritis Res Ther 2022; 24:94. [PMID: 35488265 PMCID: PMC9052694 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-022-02773-2] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a collagen disease that exhibits intractable fibrosis and vascular injury of the skin and internal organs. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) production by α-SMA-positive myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts may be partially derived from various precursor cells in addition to resident fibroblasts. Recently, our high-throughput in vitro screening discovered a small compound, LG283, that may disrupt the differentiation of epithelial cells into myofibroblasts. This compound was originally generated as a curcumin derivative. Methods In this study, we investigated the effect of LG283 on inhibiting fibrosis and its mechanism. The action of LG283 on TGF-β-dependent fibrogenic activity and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was analyzed in vitro. The effects of LG283 were also examined in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mouse model. Results LG283 suppressed TGF-β-induced expression of ECM, α-SMA, and transcription factors Snail 1 and 2, and Smad3 phosphorylation in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. LG283 was also found to block EMT induction in cultured human epithelial cells. During these processes, Smad3 phosphorylation and/or expression of Snail 1 and 2 were inhibited by LG283 treatment. In the bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model, oral administration of LG283 efficiently protected against the development of fibrosis and decrease of capillary vessels without significantly affecting cell infiltration or cytokine concentrations in the skin. No apparent adverse effects of LG283 were found. LG283 treatment remarkably inhibited the enhanced expression of α-SMA and phosphorylated Smad3, as well as those of Snail 1 and 2, in the bleomycin-injected skin. Conclusions The LG283 compound exhibits antagonistic activity on fibrosis and vascular injury through inhibition of TGF-β/Smad/Snail mesenchymal transition pathways and thus, may be a candidate therapeutic for the treatment of SSc. Although the involvement of EMT in the pathogenesis of SSc remains unclear, the screening of EMT regulatory compounds may be an attractive approach for SSc therapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02773-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Utsunomiya
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takenao Chino
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kasamatsu
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takumi Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Natsuko Utsunomiya
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Vu Huy Luong
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.,Department of Dermatology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Dai Ogura
- Link Genomics, Inc., Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Noritaka Oyama
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan
| | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, 23-3, Matsuokashimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, 910-1193, Japan.
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Zaarour RF, Saha D, Dey R, Dutta A, Kumar P, Rana I, Pulianmackal A, Rizvi A, Misra N, Breton L, Jamora C. The neuropeptide Substance P facilitates the transition from an inflammatory to proliferation phase associated responses in dermal fibroblasts. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1188-1201. [PMID: 35353932 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The wound healing process is a product of three successive and overlapping phases of inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. Considerable efforts have been invested in deconstructing the intercellular crosstalk that orchestrates tissue repair and we investigated the role of neuropeptides released from peripheral neurons upon injury in mediating these interactions. Amongst the most abundant of these neuropeptides secreted by nerves in the skin, is Substance P (SP). Given the role of dermal fibroblasts in coordinating multiple processes in the wound healing program, the effect of SP on human dermal fibroblasts of different ages was evaluated. The use of a substrate that recapitulates the mechanical properties of the in vivo tissue revealed novel effects of SP on dermal fibroblasts, including a block in inflammatory cytokine expression. Moreover, SP can promote expression of some extracellular matrix components and generates signals that regulate angiogenesis. Interestingly, the response of fibroblasts to SP was reduced concomitant with donor age. Altogether, SP acts to inhibit the inflammatory responses and promote proliferation associated responses in an age-dependent manner in dermal fibroblasts, suggesting a role as a molecular switch between the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the wound healing response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania F Zaarour
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.,Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Dyuti Saha
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.,Department of Biology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rakesh Dey
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Anupam Dutta
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Isha Rana
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.,Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy, SASTRA) University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Ajai Pulianmackal
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Abrar Rizvi
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Namita Misra
- L'Oréal, Research and Innovation, Aulnay, France
| | | | - Colin Jamora
- IFOM-inStem Joint Research Laboratory, Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
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Li M, Zhang HP, Wang XY, Chen ZG, Lin XF, Zhu W. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Ameliorate Dermal Fibrosis in a Murine Model of Bleomycin-Induced Scleroderma. Stem Cells Dev 2021; 30:981-990. [PMID: 34428952 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2021.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising therapeutic strategy for scleroderma. Exosomes derived from MSCs (MSC-exosomes) possess functional properties similar to those of their source cells. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of MSC-exosomes in the treatment of scleroderma. MSC-exosomes were isolated from human umbilical cords through ultracentrifugation and characterized. An experimental fibrosis model was established in BALB/c mice by a subcutaneous injection of bleomycin, followed by treatment with MSC-exosomes or MSC infusions once a week for a total of four doses. Using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry, hydroxyproline content, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses, we investigated the effects of MSC-exosomes on dermal fibrosis and explored the underlying mechanism. MSC-exosome treatment restored the dermal architecture, reduced dermal thickness, and partially increased subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. In addition, MSC-exosomes inhibited the expression of collagen (COL)-I, COL-III, and α-smooth muscle actin. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling pathway was also suppressed in MSC-exosome-treated mice. Taken together, our results suggest that MSC-exosomes can attenuate myofibroblast activation and collagen deposition in dermal fibrosis by downregulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Therefore, the use of MSC-exosomes may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Ping Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Yao Wang
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Guo Chen
- Cell Therapy Center, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Fei Lin
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Dermatology and Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, and Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Tam AYY, Horwell AL, Trinder SL, Khan K, Xu S, Ong V, Denton CP, Norman JT, Holmes AM, Bou-Gharios G, Abraham DJ. Selective deletion of connective tissue growth factor attenuates experimentally-induced pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 134:105961. [PMID: 33662577 PMCID: PMC8111417 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a matricellular protein which plays key roles in normal mammalian development and in tissue homeostasis and repair. In pathological conditions, dysregulated CCN2 has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, and tissue fibrosis. In this study, genetic manipulation of the CCN2 gene was employed to investigate the role of CCN2 expression in vitro and in experimentally-induced models of pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Knocking down CCN2 using siRNA reduced expression of pro-fibrotic markers (fibronectin p < 0.01, collagen type I p < 0.05, α-SMA p < 0.0001, TIMP-1 p < 0.05 and IL-6 p < 0.05) in TGF-β-treated lung fibroblasts derived from systemic sclerosis patients. In vivo studies were performed in mice using a conditional gene deletion strategy targeting CCN2 in a fibroblast-specific and time-dependent manner in two models of lung disease. CCN2 deletion significantly reduced pulmonary interstitial scarring and fibrosis following bleomycin-instillation, as assessed by fibrotic scores (wildtype bleomycin 3.733 ± 0.2667 vs CCN2 knockout (KO) bleomycin 4.917 ± 0.3436, p < 0.05) and micro-CT. In the well-established chronic hypoxia/Sugen model of pulmonary hypertension, CCN2 gene deletion resulted in a significant decrease in pulmonary vessel remodelling, less right ventricular hypertrophy and a reduction in the haemodynamic measurements characteristic of PAH (RVSP and RV/LV + S were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in CCN2 KO compared to WT mice in hypoxic/SU5416 conditions). These results support a prominent role for CCN2 in pulmonary fibrosis and in vessel remodelling associated with PAH. Therefore, therapeutics aimed at blocking CCN2 function are likely to benefit several forms of severe lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Y Y Tam
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - Amy L Horwell
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Sarah L Trinder
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Korsa Khan
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Shiwen Xu
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Voon Ong
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Jill T Norman
- Department of Renal Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Alan M Holmes
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
| | - George Bou-Gharios
- Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - David J Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, Department of Inflammation, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, NW3 2PF, UK
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10
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Austin E, Koo E, Merleev A, Torre D, Marusina A, Luxardi G, Mamalis A, Isseroff RR, Ma'ayan A, Maverakis E, Jagdeo J. Transcriptome analysis of human dermal fibroblasts following red light phototherapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7315. [PMID: 33795767 PMCID: PMC8017006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86623-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs when collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation replace healthy tissue. Red light (RL) may improve skin fibrosis via photobiomodulation, the process by which photosensitive chromophores in cells absorb visible or near-infrared light and undergo photophysical reactions. Our previous research demonstrated that high fluence RL reduces fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and migration. Despite the identification of several cellular mechanisms underpinning RL phototherapy, little is known about the transcriptional changes that lead to anti-fibrotic cellular responses. Herein, RNA sequencing was performed on human dermal fibroblasts treated with RL phototherapy. Pathway enrichment and transcription factor analysis revealed regulation of extracellular matrices, proliferation, and cellular responses to oxygen-containing compounds following RL phototherapy. Specifically, RL phototherapy increased the expression of MMP1, which codes for matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and is responsible for remodeling extracellular collagen. Differential regulation of MMP1 was confirmed with RT-qPCR and ELISA. Additionally, RL upregulated PRSS35, which has not been previously associated with skin activity, but has known anti-fibrotic functions. Our results suggest that RL may benefit patients by altering fibrotic gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Austin
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Eugene Koo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Merleev
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Denis Torre
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alina Marusina
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Guillaume Luxardi
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Mamalis
- Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Roslyn Rivkah Isseroff
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Dermatology Service, Sacramento VA Medical Center, Mather, CA, USA
| | - Avi Ma'ayan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emanual Maverakis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jared Jagdeo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA. .,Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA. .,Dermatology Service, Sacramento VA Medical Center, Mather, CA, USA.
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11
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Tang R, Wang YC, Mei X, Shi N, Sun C, Ran R, Zhang G, Li W, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G, Chen SY. LncRNA GAS5 attenuates fibroblast activation through inhibiting Smad3 signaling. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 319:C105-C115. [PMID: 32374674 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00059.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced fibroblast activation is a key pathological event during tissue fibrosis. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of versatile gene regulators participating in various cellular and molecular processes. However, the function of lncRNA in fibroblast activation is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) as a novel regulator for TGF-β-induced fibroblast activation. GAS5 expression was downregulated in cultured fibroblasts by TGF-β and in resident fibroblasts from bleomycin-treated skin tissues. Overexpression of GAS5 suppressed TGF-β-induced fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation. Mechanistically, GAS5 directly bound mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and promoted Smad3 binding to Protein phosphatase 1A (PPM1A), a Smad3 dephosphatase, and thus accelerated Smad3 dephosphorylation in TGF-β-treated fibroblasts. In addition, GAS5 inhibited fibroblast proliferation. Importantly, local delivery of GAS5 via adenoviral vector suppressed bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in mice. Collectively, our data revealed that GAS5 suppresses fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 signaling, which provides a rationale for an lncRNA-based therapy to treat fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Yung-Chun Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Xiaohan Mei
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Chenming Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ran Ran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Gui Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri.,The Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Shi-You Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri
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12
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Hemida AS, Hammam MA, Salman ATA, Shehata WA. Smad7 in psoriasis vulgaris patients: A clinical and immunohistochemical study. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020; 19:3395-3402. [PMID: 32307790 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that is mostly immune-derived. It causes proliferation of skin cells, forming plaques. Psoriasis etiology is unknown. It might be multifactorial. AIMS This work aimed to study Smad7 expression in psoriasis vulgaris patients in comparison with normal skin. PATIENTS/METHODS Thirty patients with psoriasis vulgaris in comparison with 20 age- and sex-matched seemingly healthy individuals were selected. We used psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) to evaluate psoriasis severity. Skin biopsies were prepared from skin lesions (30), perilesions (30) and control (20) groups for histopathological and immunostaining evaluation of Smad7. RESULTS Smad7 was progressively upregulated in proliferating keratinocytes from controls (58.18 ± 30.93) to perilesional (106 ± 38.93) and lesional (156.33 ± 62.01) skin (P < .001). Also, dermal inflammatory cells showed upregulation of Smad7 expression from control skin (40 ± 28.28) to skin lesions (137.33 ± 73.86) (P < .010). Smad7 expression showed a positive significant correlation with psoriasis severity (r = .452; P < .012). CONCLUSION Smad7 may be involved in increased keratinocyte proliferation as well as skin inflammation in psoriasis vulgaris patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiat Shaban Hemida
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Ahmed Hammam
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
| | | | - Wafaa Ahmed Shehata
- Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
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13
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Nie J, Hao W, Dou X, Wang X, Luo N, Lan HY, Yu X. Effects of SMAD7 Overexpression on Peritoneal Inflammation in a Rat Peritoneal Dialysis Model. Perit Dial Int 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/089686080702700520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has been shown to play a role in peritoneal complications due to long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). In this study, we examined the effects of the TGF-β signaling pathway on peritoneal inflammation associated with PD in rats by over-expressing Smad7, an inhibitor of TGF-β/Smad signaling. Methods Peritoneal inflammation was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injections of 4.25% glucose dialysate (100 mg/kg body weight) daily for 4 weeks, with the addition of lipopolysaccharides (0.6 mg/kg body weight) on days 8, 10, 12, 22, 24, and 26. Peritoneal Smad7 gene transfer was achieved using an ultrasound microbubble mediated, doxycycline regulated, Smad7-expressing plasmid on day 0 and day 14 after initiation of PD. An empty vector was used as control. All rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks of PD. Peritoneal inflammatory response, including infiltration of total leukocytes (OX-1 positive) and macrophages (ED-1 positive) and expression of interleukin (IL)-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was examined by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Results After PD, peritoneal inflammation developed in control animals, as demonstrated by an increase in the number of OX-1-positive and ED-1-positive cells and upregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, in animals treated with Smad7 gene transfer, IL-1β and TNF-α expression and OX-1-positive and ED-1-positive cell infiltration were significantly inhibited. Furthermore, prevention of peritoneal inflammation by overexpression of Smad7 was associated with inhibition of phosphorylation of Smad2/3, a downstream of the TGF-β signaling pathway, as well as TGF-β1 expression. Conclusion Overexpression of Smad7 suppresses peritoneal inflammation induced by high glucose and lipopolysaccharides. The ability of Smad7 gene transfer to inhibit peritoneal inflammation indicates that targeting TGF-β/Smad signaling may represent a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of peritoneal complications associated with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Nie
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Wenke Hao
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Xianrui Dou
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Ning Luo
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
| | - Hui Y. Lan
- Department of Medicine, Center for Inflammatory Diseases and Molecular Therapies, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou
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14
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Pedroza M, To S, Assassi S, Wu M, Tweardy D, Agarwal SK. Role of STAT3 in skin fibrosis and transforming growth factor beta signalling. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:1838-1850. [PMID: 29029263 PMCID: PMC6152423 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective SSc is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. IL-6 and related cytokines that signal through STAT3 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc and mouse models of fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of inhibiting STAT3 in the development of fibrosis in two mouse models of skin fibrosis. Methods Biopsy samples of skin from SSc patients and healthy control subjects were used to determine the expression pattern of phosphotyrosyl (pY705)-STAT3. C188-9, a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3, was used to treat fibrosis in the bleomycin-induced fibrosis model and Tsk-1 mice. In vitro studies were performed to determine the extent to which STAT3 regulates the fibrotic phenotype of dermal fibroblasts. Results Increased STAT3 and pY705-STAT3 was observed in SSc skin biopsies and in both mouse models of SSc. STAT3 inhibition with C188-9 resulted in attenuated skin fibrosis, myofibroblast accumulation, pro-fibrotic gene expression and collagen deposition in both mouse models of skin fibrosis. C188-9 decreased in vitro dermal fibroblast production of fibrotic genes induced by IL-6 trans-signalling and TGF-β. Finally, TGF-β induced phosphotyrosylation of STAT3 in a SMAD3-dependent manner. Conclusion STAT3 inhibition decreases dermal fibrosis in two models of SSc. STAT3 regulates dermal fibroblasts function in vitro and can be activated by TGF-β. These data suggest that STAT3 is a potential therapeutic target for dermal fibrosis in diseases such as SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesias Pedroza
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah To
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Tweardy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sandeep K Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Diddi S, Bale S, Pulivendala G, Godugu C. Nimbolide ameliorates fibrosis and inflammation in experimental murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:139-149. [PMID: 30218238 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical manifestations of skin fibrosis are very variable and ambiguous, making its management quite critical and challenging. The lack of appropriate established pharmacological interventions make its treatment even more complicated. Intricate details of the underlying pathogenesis are thus imperative to further explore different treatment possibilities. Of note, the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are the principal offenders in this fibrotic disorder. OBJECTIVE Our current study is aimed at demonstrating the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory potential of nimbolide, a triterpene derived from Indian traditional plant neem, in a murine model of Bleomycin-induced scleroderma. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were administered with Bleomycin injections subcutaneously, daily for 28 days, at a constant site on the dorsum of the mice. Treatment with nimbolide lasted from day 1 to day 28. At the time of study termination, the injected sites were collected and stored suitably to conduct further molecular experiments and protein expression studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results of our study show that nimbolide can significantly intervene in the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and the consequent EMT process, thus attenuating deposition of extracellular matrix. Nimbolide also profoundly caused the regression of established inflammation-driven fibrosis, thus demonstrating both antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Another commendable finding of this study is that nimbolide was able to decrease the levels of LOXL2, a collagen cross-linker, which is aberrantly expressed in scleroderma. Although further mechanistic studies are required, our study displays nimbolide for the first time as a potent antifibrotic agent which can be used as a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehalatha Diddi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Swarna Bale
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Gauthami Pulivendala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
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16
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Kocak A, Harmancı D, Birlik M, Sarıoglu S, Yılmaz O, Cavdar Z, Guner G. Effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on a scleroderma model of fibrosis. TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 2018; 43:464-473. [DOI: 10.1515/tjb-2017-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on fibrosis in bleomycin induced scleroderma model.
Materials and methods
Thirty-two healthy female Balb-c mice with the average body weight of 22±5 g were used in this study. The mice were randomly divided into four groups as control (n=8), Bleomycin (n=8), Bleomycin+EGCG (n=8) and EGCG (n=8). Skin tissue samples were collected to quantify matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13), p-SMAD 2/3 and SMAD 2/3 in protein homogenates by western blotting. TGF-β1 expression was determined by real-time PCR. Immunohistopathological and histopathological examinations of skin tissues were also done.
Results
When measured with Masson Trichrome, EGCG treatment was found to decrease fibrosis in connective tissue compared to the BLM injected control. EGCG was decreased dermal fibrosis. Bleomycin+EGCG group showed a significant reduction in fibrosis at the dermal surface area using hematoxylin measurements compared with the BLM group. MMP-1, MMP-8 protein levels were increased and p-SMAD 2/3 protein level was decreased. TGF-β mRNA expression was decreased in the EGCG+BLM group compared with the BLM group.
Conclusion
These results suggest an antifibrotic role for EGCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayse Kocak
- Institute of Health Sciences , Department of Molecular Medicine , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Duygu Harmancı
- Institute of Health Sciences , Department of Molecular Medicine , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Merih Birlik
- Faculty of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Sulen Sarıoglu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pathology , Dokuz Eylül University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Osman Yılmaz
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Zahide Cavdar
- Institute of Health Sciences , Department of Molecular Medicine , Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Gul Guner
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine , Izmir University of Economics , Izmir , Turkey
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17
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Furue M, Mitoma C, Mitoma H, Tsuji G, Chiba T, Nakahara T, Uchi H, Kadono T. Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis-current concept and emerging treatments. Immunol Res 2018; 65:790-797. [PMID: 28488090 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-017-8926-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an intractable multifaceted disease with high mortality. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, recent studies have advanced our knowledge on SSc. The cardinal pathological features of SSc are autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. The B cells in SSc are constitutively activated and lead to the production of a plethora of autoantibodies, such as anti-topoisomerase I and anti-centromere antibodies. In addition to these autoantibodies, which are valuable for diagnostic criteria or biomarkers, many other autoantibodies targeting endothelial cells, including endothelin type A receptor and angiotensin II type I receptor, are known to be functional and induce activation or apoptosis of endothelial cells. The autoantibody-mediated endothelial cell perturbation facilitates inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, and myofibroblastic transformation of fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Profibrotic cytokines, such as transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, interleukin 4/interleukin 13, and interleukin 6, play a pivotal role in collagen production from myofibroblasts. Specific treatments targeting these causative molecules may improve the clinical outcomes of patients with SSc. In this review, we summarize recent topics on the pathogenesis (autoantibodies, vasculopathy, and fibrosis), animal models, and emerging treatments for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masutaka Furue
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. .,Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Chikage Mitoma
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Mitoma
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology/Infectious Disease, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Gaku Tsuji
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Research and Clinical Center for Yusho and Dioxin, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahito Chiba
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Skin Surface Sensing, Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Uchi
- Department of Dermatology, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashiku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takafumi Kadono
- Department of Dermatology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
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18
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Luong VH, Chino T, Oyama N, Matsushita T, Sasaki Y, Ogura D, Niwa SI, Biswas T, Hamasaki A, Fujita M, Okamoto Y, Otsuka M, Ihn H, Hasegawa M. Blockade of TGF-β/Smad signaling by the small compound HPH-15 ameliorates experimental skin fibrosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:46. [PMID: 29544542 PMCID: PMC5855969 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling is well known to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We previously developed an artificial molecule, the histidine-pyridine-histidine ligand derivative HPH-15, which may have an antifibrotic effect. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the effects of this drug in human skin fibroblasts and in a preclinical model of SSc. Methods The effects of HPH-15 on expression of extracellular matrix components and TGF-β signaling in human dermal fibroblasts were analyzed. The antifibrotic properties of HPH-15 and its mechanisms were also examined in a bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mouse model. Results HPH-15 suppressed the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad3 and inhibited the expression of collagen I, fibronectin 1, connective tissue growth factor, and α-smooth muscle actin induced by TGF-β in cultured human skin fibroblasts. In the bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model, oral administration of HPH-15 protected against the development of skin fibrosis and ameliorated established skin fibrosis. Additionally, HPH-15 suppressed the phosphorylation of Smad3 in various cells, including macrophages in the bleomycin-injected skin. Further, in the treated mice, dermal infiltration of proinflammatory macrophages (CD11b+Ly6Chi) and M2 profibrotic macrophages (CD11b+CD204+ or CD11b+CD206+) was significantly decreased during the early and late stages, respectively. HPH-15 treatment resulted in decreased messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of the M2 macrophage markers arginase 1 and Ym-1 in the skin, whereas it inversely augmented expression of Friend leukemia integration 1 and Krüppel-like factor 5 mRNAs, the transcription factors that repress collagen synthesis. No apparent adverse effects of HPH-15 were found during the treatment. Conclusions HPH-15 may inhibit skin fibrosis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad3 in dermal fibroblasts and possibly in macrophages. Our results demonstrate several positive qualities of HPH-15, including oral bioavailability, a good safety profile, and therapeutic effectiveness. Thus, this TGF-β/Smad inhibitor is a potential candidate therapeutic for SSc clinical trials. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1534-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu Huy Luong
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Takenao Chino
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Noritaka Oyama
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Tanima Biswas
- Department of Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akiyuki Hamasaki
- Department of Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mikako Fujita
- Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshinari Okamoto
- Department of Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masami Otsuka
- Department of Bioorganic Medicinal Chemistry, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ihn
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
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19
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Fli1-haploinsufficient dermal fibroblasts promote skin-localized transdifferentiation of Th2-like regulatory T cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:23. [PMID: 29415756 PMCID: PMC5803841 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Friend leukemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) deficiency, a predisposing factor of systemic sclerosis (SSc), induces SSc-like phenotypes in various cell types. A recent study demonstrated the transdifferentiation of T helper type 2 cell (Th2)-like regulatory T cells (Tregs) in SSc lesional skin through interleukin (IL)-33 produced by fibroblasts. Therefore, we investigated the role of Fli1 deficiency in dermal fibroblast-mediated transdifferentiation of Tregs. Methods Cytokine expression was assessed in Tregs by flow cytometry and in skin samples and cultivated cells by immunostaining, immunoblotting, and/or qRT-PCR. Fli1 binding to the target gene promoters was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Murine dermal fibroblasts and Tregs were cocultured with or without blocking antibodies against target cytokines. Results Th2- and Th17-like cell proportions in skin-homing Tregs were increased in bleomycin-treated Fli1+/− mice compared with bleomycin-treated wild-type mice, whereas Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-like cell proportions in splenic Tregs were comparable. Fli1+/− fibroblasts overproduced IL-33 and IL-6, in particular IL-33, and Fli1 occupied the IL33 and IL6 promoters in dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, the IL-4-producing cell proportion was significantly higher in wild-type Tregs cocultured with Fli1+/− fibroblasts than in those cocultured with wild-type fibroblasts, which were canceled by neutralizing anti-IL-33 antibody. Under the same coculture condition, an increased tendency of IL-17A-producing cell proportion, which was possibly mediated by IL-6, was evident. Conclusions Fli1 haploinsufficiency increases the proportions of Th2- and Th17-like Tregs in bleomycin-induced profibrotic skin conditions, in which IL-33-producing dermal fibroblasts contribute to Th2-like Treg transdifferentiation, suggesting a critical role of Fli1 deficiency in the interaction of dermal fibroblasts with immune cells in pathological skin fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-018-1521-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Li XQ, Kang R, Huo JC, Xie YH, Wang SW, Cao W. Wound-healing Activity of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim Seed Oil on Experimentally Burned Rats. Pharmacogn Mag 2017; 13:363-371. [PMID: 28839358 PMCID: PMC5551351 DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_211_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seed oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (ZBSO) is considered to be rich source of fatty acids, mainly oleic and linoleic acids, and has been used for the treatment of burns in Chinese medicine. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the healing efficacy of ZBSO and explored its possible mechanism on scalded rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rat models with deep second-degree burns were set up, and ZBSO (500 and 1000 μl/wound) was topically applied twice daily for 7 days and then once daily until wound healing. The therapeutic effects of ZBSO were evaluated by observing wound closure time, decrustation time, wound-healing ratio, and pathological changes. Collagen type-III, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, phospho-nuclear factor-κB (p-NF-κB) p65, inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α p-IκBα, and inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α (IκBα) expression were determined using Western blotting. RESULTS The ZBSO-treated group showed a higher wound-healing ratio and shorter decrustation and wound closure times than the untreated group. The topical application of ZBSO increased collagen synthesis as evidenced by an increase in hydroxyproline level and upregulated expression of collagen type-III on days 7, 14, and 21 posttreatment. A reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions also confirmed the collagen formation efficacy of ZBSO. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in superoxide dismutase levels and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels in ZBSO-treated wounds. ZBSO also decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 (IL-1) β, and IL-6 levels in serum, upregulated IκBα, and downregulated p-NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα expression in vivo, indicating the anti-inflammatory action of ZBSO. CONCLUSION ZBSO has significant potential to treat burn wounds by accelerating collagen synthesis and the anti-inflammatory cascade of the healing process. SUMMARY The seed oil of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (ZBSO) is rich of fatty acidsThe healing efficacy of ZBSO on experimentally scalded rats was evaluatedZBSO has significant potential to treat deep second-degree burn woundsZBSO could accelerate collagen synthesis and inhibit the inflammatory signaling. Abbreviations used: ECL: Enhanced chemiluminescence; ECM: Extracellular matrix; ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; GC-MS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; HRP: Horseradish peroxidase; HYP: Hydroxyproline; IκBα: Inhibitor of NF-κB subunit α; IL: Interleukin; MDA: Malondialdehyde; MMP: Matrix metalloproteinase-2; NF-κB: Nuclear factor-κB; SFE: Supercritical fluid extraction; SOD: Superoxide dismutase; SSD: Silver sulfadiazine; TCM: Traditional Chinese medicine; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qiang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Rong Kang
- Department of Natural Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.,Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Jun-Cheng Huo
- Department of Natural Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Yan-Hua Xie
- Department of Natural Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Si-Wang Wang
- Department of Natural Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Natural Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
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Fang F, Marangoni RG, Zhou X, Yang Y, Ye B, Shangguang A, Qin W, Wang W, Bhattacharyya S, Wei J, Tourtellotte WG, Varga J. Toll-like Receptor 9 Signaling Is Augmented in Systemic Sclerosis and Elicits Transforming Growth Factor β-Dependent Fibroblast Activation. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 68:1989-2002. [PMID: 26946325 PMCID: PMC9993331 DOI: 10.1002/art.39655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is recognized as being a key trigger of fibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis (SSc), prominent innate immunity suggests that additional pathways contribute to disease persistence. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is implicated in autoimmunity and fibrosis; however, the expression, mechanism of action, and pathogenic role of TLR9 signaling in SSc remain uncharacterized. The aim of this study was to explore the expression, activity, and potential pathogenic role of TLR9 in the context of skin fibrosis in SSc and in mouse models of experimental fibrosis. METHODS Expression and localization of TLR9 were evaluated in SSc skin biopsy specimens and explanted skin fibroblasts. Fibrotic responses elicited by type A CpG oligonucleotide and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were examined in human skin fibroblasts by a combination of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, transient transfection, immunofluorescence microscopy, and functional assays. Expression of TLR9 was examined in 2 distinct mouse models of experimental fibrosis. RESULTS Skin biopsy specimens obtained from 2 independent cohorts of SSc patients showed up-regulation of TLR9, and myofibroblasts were the major cellular source. Moreover, SSc skin biopsy specimens showed evidence of TLR9 pathway activation. CpG induced robust TLR9-dependent fibrotic responses in explanted normal fibroblasts that could be blocked by bortezomib and were mediated through the action of endogenous TGFβ. Mice with experimental fibrosis showed a time-dependent increase in TLR9 localized primarily to myofibroblasts in the dermis. CONCLUSION In isolated fibroblasts, TLR9 elicits fibrotic responses mediated via endogenous TGFβ. In patients with SSc, mtDNA and other damage-associated TLR9 ligands in the skin might trigger localized activation of TLR9 signaling, TGFβ production, and consequent fibroblast activation. Disrupting this fibrotic process with inhibitors targeting TLR9 or its downstream signaling pathways might therefore represent a novel approach to SSc therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Fang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Yang Yang
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Boping Ye
- China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anna Shangguang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wenyi Qin
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Jun Wei
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - John Varga
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Alonso-Merino E, Martín Orozco R, Ruíz-Llorente L, Martínez-Iglesias OA, Velasco-Martín JP, Montero-Pedrazuela A, Fanjul-Rodríguez L, Contreras-Jurado C, Regadera J, Aranda A. Thyroid hormones inhibit TGF-β signaling and attenuate fibrotic responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E3451-60. [PMID: 27247403 PMCID: PMC4914168 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1506113113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β, the most potent profibrogenic factor, acts by activating SMAD (mothers against decapentaplegic) transcription factors, which bind to SMAD-binding elements in target genes. Here, we show that the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3), through binding to its nuclear receptors (TRs), is able to antagonize transcriptional activation by TGF-β/SMAD. This antagonism involves reduced phosphorylation of SMADs and a direct interaction of the receptors with SMAD3 and SMAD4 that is independent of T3-mediated transcriptional activity but requires residues in the receptor DNA binding domain. T3 reduces occupancy of SMAD-binding elements in response to TGF-β, reducing histone acetylation and inhibiting transcription. In agreement with this transcriptional cross-talk, T3 is able to antagonize fibrotic processes in vivo. Liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride is attenuated by thyroid hormone administration to mice, whereas aged TR knockout mice spontaneously accumulate collagen. Furthermore, skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin administration is also reduced by the thyroid hormones. These findings define an important function of the thyroid hormone receptors and suggest TR ligands could have beneficial effects to block the progression of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Alonso-Merino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Martín Orozco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Ruíz-Llorente
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Olaia A Martínez-Iglesias
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Pedro Velasco-Martín
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Montero-Pedrazuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luisa Fanjul-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Constanza Contreras-Jurado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Regadera
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Aranda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols," Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 20829 Madrid, Spain;
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Zhang H, Song Y, Li Z, Zhang T, Zeng L. Evaluation of breviscapine on prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in rats. Am J Surg 2016; 211:1143-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 and Smads Signaling Pathway in Intrauterine Adhesion. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:4158287. [PMID: 26997760 PMCID: PMC4779532 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4158287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of Smad3, Smad7, and TGF-β1 in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) patients and experimental rabbit models. 60 IUA patients, 30 control participants, and 18 female rabbits were enrolled in this study. We found that the plasma concentrations and protein expressions of TGF-β1 were significantly increased in patients and experimental rabbits compared to those in controls (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Smad3 were significantly elevated, while Smad7 level was markedly decreased in the patients and experimental rabbits compared with controls (P < 0.05). This altered ratio recommended that IUA was positively correlated to the mRNA and protein expression levels of Smad3, Smad7, and TGF-β1 in blood and uterine tissue. Moreover, we used the specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) in experimental rabbit. SIS3 obviously reduced the mRNA and protein expression of smad3 and TGF-β1, while it increased Smad7 expression in the treatment groups as compared with IUA rabbits (P < 0.05). Our study suggested that TGF-β1/Smad3/smad7 is a major pathway which plays an important role in the regulation of the IUA and specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) may provide a new therapeutic strategy for IUA.
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Li CW, Wang Q, Li J, Hu M, Shi SJ, Li ZW, Wu GL, Cui HH, Li YY, Zhang Q, Yu XH, Lu LC. Silver nanoparticles/chitosan oligosaccharide/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofiber promotes wound healing by activating TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathway. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:373-86. [PMID: 26855575 PMCID: PMC4725631 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s91975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing occupies a remarkable place in everyday pathology and remains a challenging clinical problem. In our previous study, we prepared a silver nanoparticle/chitosan oligosaccharide/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA/COS-AgNPs) nanofiber via electrospinning and revealed that it could promote wound healing; however, the healing mechanism remained unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying the accelerated healing effect of the PVA/COS-AgNPs nanofiber. The TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathway is actively involved in wound healing. Considering the key role of this signaling pathway in wound healing, our preliminary study showed that the TGFβ1 level was significantly increased during the early stage of wound healing. Thus, in this study, hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, immunofluorescent staining, hydroxyproline content, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analyses were used to analyze the wound healing in a rat model treated with gauze, the PVA/COS-AgNPs nanofiber, and the nanofiber plus SB431542 (an inhibitor of TGFβ1 receptor kinase). The results showed that the PVA/COS-AgNPs nanofiber promoted wound healing and upregulated the expression levels of cytokines associated with the TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathway such as TGFβ1, TGFβRI, TGFβRII, collagen I, collagen III, pSmad2, and pSmad3. Inhibiting this pathway with SB431542 resulted in prevention of the PVA/COS-AgNPs nanofiber-associated salutary effects on the early stage of wound healing and relative cytokines expression. In conclusion, the wound healing effect of the PVA/COS-AgNPs nanofiber involves activation of the TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-wen Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - San-jun Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zi-wei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-lin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan-huan Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan-yuan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiu-heng Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lai-chun Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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Chen S, Liu J, Yang M, Lai W, Ye L, Chen J, Hou X, Ding H, Zhang W, Wu Y, Liu X, Huang S, Yu X, Xiao D. Fn14, a Downstream Target of the TGF-β Signaling Pathway, Regulates Fibroblast Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143802. [PMID: 26625141 PMCID: PMC4666639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, the hallmark of human injuries and diseases such as serious burns, is characterized by excessive collagen synthesis and myofibroblast accumulation. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a potent inducer of collagen synthesis, has been implicated in fibrosis in animals. In addition to TGF-β, fibroblast growth factor-inducible molecule 14 (Fn14) has been reported to play an important role in fibrotic diseases, such as cardiac fibrosis. However, the function and detailed regulatory mechanism of Fn14 in fibrosis are unclear. Here, we investigated the effect of Fn14 on the activation of human dermal fibroblasts. In normal dermal fibroblasts, TGF-β signaling increased collagen production and Fn14 expression. Furthermore, Fn14 siRNA blocked extracellular matrix gene expression; even when TGF-β signaling was activated by TGF-β1, fibroblast activation remained blocked in the presence of Fn14 siRNA. Overexpressing Fn14 increased extracellular matrix gene expression. In determining the molecular regulatory mechanism, we discovered that SMAD4, an important TGF-β signaling co-mediator, bound to the Fn14 promoter and activated Fn14 transcription. Taken together, these results indicate that the TGF-β signaling pathway activates Fn14 expression through the transcription factor SMAD4 and that activated Fn14 expression increases extracellular matrix synthesis and fibroblast activation. Therefore, Fn14 may represent a promising approach to preventing the excessive accumulation of collagen or ECM in skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxian Chen
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Juli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Yang
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Pharmacy Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Lai
- Burn and Wound Repair Surgery of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Litong Ye
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Command of PLA, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinghua Hou
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Ding
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenwei Zhang
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yueheng Wu
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoying Liu
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shufang Huang
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiyong Yu
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (DX); (XY)
| | - Dingzhang Xiao
- Medical Research Department of Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail: (DX); (XY)
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Zhang H, Song Y, Li Z, Zhang T, Zeng L, Li W, Bian Y. Evaluation of ligustrazine on the prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in rats. Int J Surg 2015; 21:115-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.06.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ohashi T, Yamamoto T. Antifibrotic effect of lysophosphatidic acid receptors LPA1and LPA3antagonist on experimental murine scleroderma induced by bleomycin. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:698-702. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takenobu Ohashi
- Department of Dermatology; Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Department of Dermatology; Fukushima Medical University; Fukushima Japan
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Taniguchi T, Asano Y, Akamata K, Noda S, Takahashi T, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Trojanowska M, Sato S. Fibrosis, vascular activation, and immune abnormalities resembling systemic sclerosis in bleomycin-treated Fli-1-haploinsufficient mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:517-26. [PMID: 25385187 DOI: 10.1002/art.38948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fli-1, a potential predisposing factor for systemic sclerosis (SSc), is constitutively down-regulated in the lesional skin of patients with SSc by an epigenetic mechanism. To investigate the impact of Fli-1 deficiency on the induction of an SSc phenotype in various cell types, we generated bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis in Fli-1(+/-) mice and investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying its phenotypic alterations. METHODS Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and protein expression of target molecules were examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunostaining. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) bioassay was used to evaluate the activation of latent TGFβ. The binding of Fli-1 to the target gene promoters was assessed with chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Bleomycin induced more severe dermal fibrosis in Fli-1(+/-) mice than in wild-type mice. Fli-1 haploinsufficiency activated dermal fibroblasts via the up-regulation of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins and activation of latent TGFβ. Dermal fibrosis in Fli-1(+/-) mice was also attributable to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which is directly induced by Fli-1 deficiency and amplified by bleomycin. Th2/Th17-skewed inflammation and increased infiltration of mast cells and macrophages were seen, partly due to the altered expression of cell adhesion molecules in endothelial cells as well as the induction of the skin chemokines. Fli-1(+/-) mouse macrophages preferentially differentiated into an M2 phenotype upon stimulation with interleukin-4 (IL-4) or IL-13. CONCLUSION Our findings provide strong evidence for the fundamental role of Fli-1 deficiency in inducing SSc-like phenotypic alterations in dermal fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages in a manner consistent with human disease.
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30
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms in the pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 63:61-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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31
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Wang Y, Lauer ME, Anand S, Mack JA, Maytin EV. Hyaluronan synthase 2 protects skin fibroblasts against apoptosis induced by environmental stress. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:32253-32265. [PMID: 25266724 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.578377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A balanced turnover of dermal fibroblasts is crucial for structural integrity and normal function of the skin. During recovery from environmental injury (such as UV exposure and physical wounding), apoptosis is an important mechanism regulating fibroblast turnover. We are interested in the role that hyaluronan (HA), an extracellular matrix molecule synthesized by HA synthase enzymes (Has), plays in regulating apoptosis in fibroblasts. We previously reported that Has1 and Has3 double knock-out (Has1/3 null) mice show accelerated wound closure and increased numbers of fibroblasts in the dermis. In the present study, we report that HA levels and Has2 mRNA expression are higher in cultured Has1/3 null primary skin fibroblasts than in wild type (WT) cells. Apoptosis induced by two different environmental stressors, UV exposure and serum starvation (SS), was reduced in the Has1/3 null cells. Hyaluronidase, added to cultures to remove extracellular HA, surprisingly had no effect upon apoptotic susceptibility to UVB or SS. However, cells treated with 4-methylumbelliferone to inhibit HA synthesis were sensitized to apoptosis induced by SS or UVB. When fibroblasts were transfected with Has2-specific siRNA that lowered Has2 mRNA and HA levels by 90%, both Has1/3 null and WT cells became significantly more sensitive to apoptosis. The exogenous addition of high molecular weight HA failed to reverse this effect. We conclude that Has1/3 null skin fibroblasts (which have higher levels of Has2 gene expression) are resistant to stress-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Mark E Lauer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Sanjay Anand
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195; Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Judith A Mack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195; Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Edward V Maytin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195; Department of Dermatology, Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195.
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Wu M, Pedroza M, Lafyatis R, George AT, Mayes MD, Assassi S, Tan FK, Brenner MB, Agarwal SK. Identification of cadherin 11 as a mediator of dermal fibrosis and possible role in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:1010-21. [PMID: 24757152 DOI: 10.1002/art.38275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease clinically manifesting as progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Recent microarray studies demonstrated that cadherin 11 (Cad-11) expression is increased in the affected skin of patients with SSc. The purpose of this study was to examine our hypothesis that Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis. METHODS Biopsy samples of skin from SSc patients and healthy control subjects were used for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis to assess Cad-11 expression and for immunohistochemistry to determine the expression pattern of Cad-11. To determine whether Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis, Cad-11-deficient mice and anti-Cad-11 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model. In vitro studies with dermal fibroblasts and bone marrow-derived macrophages were used to determine the mechanisms by which Cad-11 contributes to the development of tissue fibrosis. RESULTS Levels of messenger RNA for Cad-11 were increased in skin biopsy samples from patients with SSc and correlated with the modified Rodnan skin thickness scores. Cad-11 expression was localized to dermal fibroblasts and macrophages in SSc skin. Cad-11-knockout mice injected with bleomycin had markedly attenuated dermal fibrosis, as quantified by measurements of skin thickness, collagen levels, myofibroblast accumulation, and profibrotic gene expression, in lesional skin as compared to the skin of wild-type mice. In addition, anti-Cad-11 mAb decreased fibrosis at various time points in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model. In vitro studies demonstrated that Cad-11 regulated the production of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) by macrophages and the migration of fibroblasts. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis and TGFβ production and suggest that Cad-11 may be a therapeutic target in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Wu
- University of Texas Health Science Center at, Houston
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A Novel Murine Model of Hypertrophic Scarring Using Subcutaneous Infusion of Bleomycin. Plast Reconstr Surg 2014; 133:69-78. [DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000436821.26709.a7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
Relevant animal models are essential tools to investigate in depth the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that affects particularly the skin. SSc is characterized by vasculopathy, immune disturbances, and fibrosis. Expression of each of the three pathologic features varies among SSc patients leading to disease heterogeneity and variable organ manifestations. Several animal models of SSc are available; however, some models display inflammation followed by fibrosis, whether some others primarily mimic autonomous fibroblast activation. Here, we describe the mouse model of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, which mimics early and inflammatory stages of SSc, and is widely used in SSc research.
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Fang F, Shangguan AJ, Kelly K, Wei J, Gruner K, Ye B, Wang W, Bhattacharyya S, Hinchcliff ME, Tourtellotte WG, Varga J. Early growth response 3 (Egr-3) is induced by transforming growth factor-β and regulates fibrogenic responses. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:1197-1208. [PMID: 23906810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Members of the early growth response (Egr) gene family of transcription factors have nonredundant biological functions. Although Egr-3 is implicated primarily in neuromuscular development and immunity, its regulation and role in tissue repair and fibrosis has not been studied. We now show that in normal skin fibroblasts, Egr-3 was potently induced by transforming growth factor-β via canonical Smad3. Moreover, transient Egr-3 overexpression was sufficient to stimulate fibrotic gene expression, whereas deletion of Egr-3 resulted in substantially attenuated transforming growth factor-β responses. Genome-wide expression profiling in fibroblasts showed that genes associated with tissue remodeling and wound healing were prominently up-regulated by Egr-3. Notably, <5% of fibroblast genes regulated by Egr-1 or Egr-2 were found to be coregulated by Egr-3, revealing substantial functional divergence among these Egr family members. In a mouse model of scleroderma, development of dermal fibrosis was accompanied by accumulation of Egr-3-positive myofibroblasts in the lesional tissue. Moreover, skin biopsy samples from patients with scleroderma showed elevated Egr-3 levels in the dermis, and Egr-3 mRNA levels correlated with the extent of skin involvement. These results provide the first evidence that Egr-3, a functionally distinct member of the Egr family with potent effects on inflammation and immunity, is up-regulated in scleroderma and is necessary and sufficient for profibrotic responses, suggesting important and distinct roles in the pathogenesis of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Fang
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anna J Shangguan
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jun Wei
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Katherine Gruner
- Department of Pathology and Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Boping Ye
- College of Life and Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxia Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Monique E Hinchcliff
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Warren G Tourtellotte
- Department of Pathology and Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
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Leask A. Focal Adhesion Kinase: A Key Mediator of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Signaling in Fibroblasts. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2013; 2:247-249. [PMID: 24527346 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2012.0363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE There is no effective drug therapy for scarring and fibrotic disease. The cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) promotes tissue repair, but its excessive action can lead to over exuberant scarring and fibrotic disease. However, owing to the multifunctional nature of TGF-β, broad targeting of the canonical Smad-TGF-β signaling pathway in vivo is likely to have unintended, deleterious consequences. RECENT ADVANCES (1) The myofibroblast is the essential cell type that mediates tissue repair and fibrosis. (2) TGF-β is an essential contributor to myofibroblast differentiation and activity. (3) TGF-β selectively promotes tissue repair and fibrosis via the noncanonical focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway; FAK mediates myofibroblast differentiation, and hence may represent a novel intervention point for drugs treating fibrotic disease. CRITICAL ISSUES Excessive scarring (e.g., in hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scleroderma) is characterized by enhanced TGF-β signaling and is a major clinical problem. Drugs that selectively and effectively control the profibrotic action of TGF-β is therefore of clinical relevance. FUTURE DIRECTIONS FAK inhibition may represent a novel therapy for scarring disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- Departments of Dentistry and Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Wang J, Jiang ZP, Su N, Fan JJ, Ruan YP, Peng WX, Li YF, Yu XQ. The role of peritoneal alternatively activated macrophages in the process of peritoneal fibrosis related to peritoneal dialysis. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:10369-82. [PMID: 23685870 PMCID: PMC3676844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140510369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been confirmed that alternatively activated macrophages (M2) participate in tissue remodeling and fibrosis occurrence, but the effect of M2 on peritoneal fibrosis related to peritoneal dialysis (PD) hasn’t been elucidated. This study was therefore conducted to assess the association between M2 and peritoneal fibrosis related to PD. In this study, peritoneal fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Lactate-4.25% dialysate (100 mL/kg) to C57BL/6J mice for 28 days, and liposome-encapsulated clodronate (LC, the specific scavenger of macrophages) was used to treat the peritoneal fibrosis mice model by i.p. injection at day 18 and day 21. All animals were sacrificed at day 29. Parietal peritonea were stained with Masson’s trichrome, and the expression of type I collagen (Col-I), fibronectin, mannose receptor (CD206), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7), chitinase 3-like 3 (Ym-1) and arginase-1 (Arg-1) was determined by Western blotting, immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time PCR. Our results revealed that peritoneal thickness, Col-I, fibronectin, CD206, TGF-β, Ym-1 and Arg-1 were upregulated in the peritoneal fibrosis mice model, and all of these indexes were downregulated in those treated with LC. Additionally, there was no difference in the level of CCR7 between the model and treatment group. Our study indicated that peritoneal M2 played an important role in the process of peritoneal fibrosis related to PD and might be a potential target for intervention therapy of peritoneal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Zong-Pei Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
- Department of Nephrology, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Ning Su
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Jin-Jin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Yi-Ping Ruan
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Wen-Xing Peng
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Ya-Fang Li
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Xue-Qing Yu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; E-Mails: (J.W.); (Z.-P.J.); (N.S.); (J.-J.F.); (Y.-P.R.); (W.-X.P.); (Y.-F.L.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +86-20-8776-6335; Fax: +86-20-8776-9673
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Leask A. The Contribution of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma to Cutaneous Wound Healing. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2013; 2:69-73. [PMID: 24527328 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2012.0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Cutaneous tissue repair involves an initial inflammatory phase, followed by a fibroproliferative phase and finally by a resolution phase. Failure to initiate fibroblast recruitment during the fibroproliferative phase results in chronic wounds, whereas failure to terminate the fibroproliferative phase results in fibroproliferative disorders. Thus, understanding how to regulate the fibroproliferative phase of tissue repair is, therefore, of high clinical relevance. Controlling the rate of the fibroproliferative response is essential to promote proper wound repair. RECENT ADVANCES (1) The myofibroblast is essential for mediating the fibroproliferative phase of tissue repair. (2) The potent profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a major in vivo contributor to myofibroblast differentiation and activity in vivo. CRITICAL ISSUES An increasing body of evidence indicates that the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) plays a key in vivo role in suppressing the fibrogenic response by antagonizing TGF-β signaling. Excessive scarring and/or chronic wounds, caused by a dysregulated fibroproliferative phase, are major clinical problems in response to tissue injury. FUTURE DIRECTIONS The development of drugs to control the rate of the fibroproliferative response are clinically relevant. Controlling PPAR-γ activity may be useful for prevention of scarring as well as for promoting the closure of chronic wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Leask
- Departments of Dentistry and Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Slominski A, Janjetovic Z, Tuckey RC, Nguyen MN, Bhattacharya KG, Wang J, Li W, Jiao Y, Gu W, Brown M, Postlethwaite AE. 20S-hydroxyvitamin D3, noncalcemic product of CYP11A1 action on vitamin D3, exhibits potent antifibrogenic activity in vivo. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:E298-303. [PMID: 23295467 PMCID: PMC3565109 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is no effective treatment for systemic sclerosis and related fibrosing diseases. Recently the action of CYP11A1 on vitamin D(3) was shown to produce biologically active 20S-hydroxyvitamin D [20(OH)D(3)] and 20,23(OH)(2)D(3), 20,22(OH)(2)D(3), and 17,20,23(OH)(3)D(3). OBJECTIVES Because 20(OH)D(3) is noncalcemic (nontoxic) in vivo at very high doses, we evaluated its antifibrogenic activities both in vitro and in vivo. Because it is further metabolized by CYP11A1, we also tested preclinical utilities of its hydroxyderivatives, especially 20,23(OH)(2)D(3). DESIGN Human dermal fibroblasts from scleroderma and normal donors were used to test the efficiency of hydroxyvitamin D derivatives in inhibiting TGF-β1-induced collagen and hyaluronan synthesis and inhibiting cell proliferation. The in vivo activity of 20(OH)D(3) was tested using bleomycin-induced sclerosis in C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS 20(OH)D(3) and 20,23(OH)(2)D(3) inhibited TGF-β1-induced collagen and hyaluronan synthesis similarly to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in cultured human fibroblasts. Also, 20(OH)D(3), 20,23(OH)(2)D(3), and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) suppressed TGF-β1-induced expression of COL1A2, COL3A1, and hyaluronan synthase-2 mRNA, indicating that they regulate these matrix components at the transcriptional level. 20(OH)D(3), 20,23(OH)(2)D(3), 20,22(OH)(2)D(3), and 17,20,23(OH)(3)D(3) inhibited proliferation of dermal fibroblasts with comparable potency with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), with 20(OH)D(2) being less active and 1α(OH)D(3) being almost inactive. 20,23(OH)(2)D(3) at 3 μg/kg had no effect on serum Ca(++) or fibroblast growth factor-23 levels and did not cause any noticeable signs of morbidity. 20(OH)D(3) markedly suppressed fibrogenesis in mice given sc bleomycin as demonstrated by total collagen content and hematoxylin and eosin staining of skin biopsies. CONCLUSIONS 20(OH)D(3) is an excellent candidate for preclinical studies on scleroderma, with other CYP11A1-derived products of its metabolism deserving further testing for antibrogenic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Slominski
- Department of Pathology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
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Experimental models of dermal fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. Joint Bone Spine 2013; 80:23-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Wu M, Schneider DJ, Mayes MD, Assassi S, Arnett FC, Tan FK, Blackburn MR, Agarwal SK. Osteopontin in systemic sclerosis and its role in dermal fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2012; 132:1605-14. [PMID: 22402440 PMCID: PMC3365548 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2012.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein with proinflammatory and profibrotic properties. Previous reports demonstrate a role for OPN in wound healing and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we determined whether OPN levels are increased in a large cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and whether OPN contributes to the development of dermal fibrosis. The plasma OPN levels were increased in SSc patients, including patients with limited and diffuse disease, compared with healthy controls. Immunohistology demonstrated OPN on fibroblast-like and inflammatory cells in SSc skin and lesional skin from mice in the bleomycin (bleo)-induced dermal fibrosis model. OPN-deficient (OPN(-/-)) mice developed less dermal fibrosis compared with wild-type (WT) mice in the bleo-induced dermal fibrosis model. Additional in vivo studies have demonstrated that lesional skin from OPN(-/-)mice had fewer Mac-3-positive cells, fewer myofibroblasts, decreased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and genes in the TGF-β pathway, and decreased numbers of cells expressing phosphorylated SMAD2 (pSMAD) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In vitro, OPN(-/-) dermal fibroblasts had decreased migratory capacity but similar phosphorylation of SMAD2 by TGF-β. Finally, TGF-β production by OPN-deficient macrophages was reduced compared with WT. These data demonstrate an important role for OPN in the development of dermal fibrosis and suggest that it may be a new therapeutic target in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Li HL, Chen LP, Hu YH, Qin Y, Liang G, Xiong YX, Chen QX. Crocodile oil enhances cutaneous burn wound healing and reduces scar formation in rats. Acad Emerg Med 2012; 19:265-73. [PMID: 22435858 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2012.01300.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was performed to evaluate the burn wound-healing efficacy of crocodile oil from Crocodylus siamensis by employing deep second-degree burns in a Wistar rat model. METHODS Twenty-four rats were assigned equally into four groups using a random-number table, and two burns were created on the dorsum of each animal except for the sham group. The three treatment groups received with saline solution (12 burns, served as negative control), silver sulfadiazine (12 burns, served as positive control), or crocodile oil (12 burns). Silver sulfadiazine cream was used as standard care, and the treatments were repeated twice daily for 28 days. After day 28 the animals were euthanized and the wounds were removed for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, histologic, and immunohistochemical study. RESULTS Crocodile oil accelerated the wound-healing process as indicated by a significant decrease in wound closure time in comparison to the burn control and silver sulfadiazine treatment groups. Histologic results showed well-organized and distributed skin structure and collagen deposition in the animals treated with crocodile oil. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a key cytokine promoting scarring, was also observed to play a role in the burn wound healing. Immunohistochemical staining results showed the negative expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in the 28-days-postburn skin of crocodile oil group versus positive in the epidermis of burn controls. Compared to the burn control group, expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad3 mRNA decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in the 28-days-postburn skin of the crocodile oil group. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that crocodile oil could enhance cutaneous burn wound healing and reduce scar formation in rats, which might be related to TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Cell Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, China
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Animal models of cutaneous and hepatic fibrosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2012; 105:371-409. [PMID: 22137437 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394596-9.00011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs as a part of normal wound healing. However, excessive or dysregulated fibrosis can lead to severe organ dysfunction and is a feature of a variety of diseases. Due to its insidious onset, fibrosis tends to go undetected in its early stages. This is in part why these diseases remain so poorly understood. Animal models have provided a means to examine these early stages and to isolate and understand the effect of perturbations in signaling pathways, chemokines, and cytokines. Here, we summarize recent progress in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of fibrosis, both its initiation and its maintenance phases, from animal models of fibrosis in the skin and liver. Due to these organs' properties, modeling fibrosis in them poses unique challenges. Elegant solutions have therefore been developed for modeling fibrosis in each, and now, great potential for animal models to contribute to our understanding appears scientifically imminent.
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Fang F, Ooka K, Bhattacharyya S, Bhattachyya S, Wei J, Wu M, Du P, Lin S, Del Galdo F, Feghali-Bostwick CA, Varga J. The early growth response gene Egr2 (Alias Krox20) is a novel transcriptional target of transforming growth factor-β that is up-regulated in systemic sclerosis and mediates profibrotic responses. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:2077-90. [PMID: 21514423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2010] [Revised: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although the early growth response-2 (Egr-2, alias Krox20) protein shows structural and functional similarities to Egr-1, these two related early-immediate transcription factors are nonredundant. Egr-2 plays essential roles in peripheral nerve myelination, adipogenesis, and immune tolerance; however, its regulation and role in tissue repair and fibrosis remain poorly understood. We show herein that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β induced a Smad3-dependent sustained stimulation of Egr2 gene expression in normal fibroblasts. Overexpression of Egr-2 was sufficient to stimulate collagen gene expression and myofibroblast differentiation, whereas these profibrotic TGF-β responses were attenuated in Egr-2-depleted fibroblasts. Genomewide transcriptional profiling revealed that multiple genes associated with tissue remodeling and wound healing were up-regulated by Egr-2, but the Egr-2-regulated gene expression profile overlapped only partially with the Egr-1-regulated gene profile. Levels of Egr-2 were elevated in lesional tissue from mice with bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Moreover, elevated Egr-2 was noted in biopsy specimens of skin and lung from patients with systemic sclerosis. These results provide the first evidence that Egr-2 is a functionally distinct transcription factor that is both necessary and sufficient for TGF-β-induced profibrotic responses and is aberrantly expressed in lesional tissue in systemic sclerosis and in a murine model of scleroderma. Together, these findings suggest that Egr-2 plays an important nonredundant role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Targeting Egr-2 might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to control fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Fang
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Wei J, Melichian D, Komura K, Hinchcliff M, Lam AP, Lafyatis R, Gottardi CJ, MacDougald OA, Varga J. Canonical Wnt signaling induces skin fibrosis and subcutaneous lipoatrophy: a novel mouse model for scleroderma? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:1707-17. [PMID: 21370225 DOI: 10.1002/art.30312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because aberrant Wnt signaling has been linked with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and pulmonary fibrosis, we sought to investigate the effect of Wnt-10b on skin homeostasis and differentiation in transgenic mice and in explanted mesenchymal cells. METHODS The expression of Wnt-10b in patients with SSc and in a mouse model of fibrosis was investigated. The skin phenotype and biochemical characteristics of Wnt-10b-transgenic mice were evaluated. The in vitro effects of ectopic Wnt-10b were examined in explanted skin fibroblasts and preadipocytes. RESULTS The expression of Wnt-10b was increased in lesional skin biopsy specimens from patients with SSc and in those obtained from mice with bleomycin-induced fibrosis. Transgenic mice expressing Wnt-10b showed progressive loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue accompanied by dermal fibrosis, increased collagen deposition, fibroblast activation, and myofibroblast accumulation. Wnt activity correlated with collagen gene expression in these biopsy specimens. Explanted skin fibroblasts from transgenic mice demonstrated persistent Wnt/β-catenin signaling and elevated collagen and α-smooth muscle actin gene expression. Wnt-10b infection of normal fibroblasts and preadipocytes resulted in blockade of adipogenesis and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-independent up-regulation of fibrotic gene expression. CONCLUSION SSc is associated with increased Wnt-10b expression in the skin. Ectopic Wnt-10b causes loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue and TGFβ-independent dermal fibrosis in transgenic mice. These findings suggest that Wnt-10b switches differentiation of mesenchymal cells toward myofibroblasts by inducing a fibrogenic transcriptional program while suppressing adipogenesis. Wnt-10b-transgenic mice represent a novel animal model for investigating Wnt signaling in the setting of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Castelino FV, Seiders J, Bain G, Brooks SF, King CD, Swaney JS, Lorrain DS, Chun J, Luster AD, Tager AM. Amelioration of dermal fibrosis by genetic deletion or pharmacologic antagonism of lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 in a mouse model of scleroderma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 63:1405-15. [PMID: 21305523 DOI: 10.1002/art.30262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]), is characterized by progressive multiorgan fibrosis. We recently implicated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of LPA and two of its receptors, LPA₁ and LPA₂, in dermal fibrosis in a mouse model of SSc. METHODS Wild type (WT), and LPA₁-knockout (KO) and LPA₂-KO mice were injected subcutaneously with bleomycin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) once daily for 28 days. Dermal thickness, collagen content, and numbers of cells positive for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or phospho-Smad2 were determined in bleomycin-injected and PBS-injected skin. In separate experiments, a novel selective LPA₁ antagonist AM095 or vehicle alone was administered by oral gavage to C57BL/6 mice that were challenged with 28 daily injections of bleomycin or PBS. AM095 or vehicle treatments were initiated concurrently with, or 7 or 14 days after, the initiation of bleomycin and PBS injections and continued to the end of the experiments. Dermal thickness and collagen content were determined in injected skin. RESULTS The LPA₁ -KO mice were markedly resistant to bleomycin-induced increases in dermal thickness and collagen content, whereas the LPA₂-KO mice were as susceptible as the WT mice. Bleomycin-induced increases in dermal α-SMA+ and phospho-Smad2+ cells were abrogated in LPA₁-KO mice. Pharmacologic antagonism of LPA₁ with AM095 significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis when administered according to either a preventive regimen or two therapeutic regimens. CONCLUSION These results suggest that LPA/LPA₁ pathway inhibition has the potential to be an effective new therapeutic strategy for SSc, and that LPA₁ is an attractive pharmacologic target in dermal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia V Castelino
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Eldred JA, Dawes LJ, Wormstone IM. The lens as a model for fibrotic disease. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2011; 366:1301-19. [PMID: 21402588 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis affects multiple organs and is associated with hyperproliferation, cell transdifferentiation, matrix modification and contraction. It is therefore essential to discover the key drivers of fibrotic events, which in turn will facilitate the development of appropriate therapeutic strategies. The lens is an elegant experimental model to study the processes that give rise to fibrosis. The molecular and cellular organization of the lens is well defined and consequently modifications associated with fibrosis can be clearly assessed. Moreover, the avascular and non-innervated properties of the lens allow effective in vitro studies to be employed that complement in vivo systems and relate to clinical data. Using the lens as a model for fibrosis has direct relevance to millions affected by lens disorders, but also serves as a valuable experimental tool to understand fibrosis per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Eldred
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Abstract
TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine regulating diverse cellular processes. It signals through membrane-bound receptors, downstream Smad proteins and/or other signalling mediators. Smad7 has been well established to be a key negative regulator of TGF-β signalling. It antagonizes TGF-β signalling through multiple mechanisms in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. Smad7 can be transcriptionally induced by TGF-β and other growth factors and serves as an important cross-talk mediator of the TGF-β signalling pathway with other signalling pathways. Accordingly, it plays pivotal roles in embryonic development and adult homoeostasis, and altered expression of Smad7 is often associated with human diseases, such as cancer, tissue fibrosis and inflammatory diseases.
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Beyer C, Schett G, Distler O, Distler JHW. Animal models of systemic sclerosis: prospects and limitations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 62:2831-44. [PMID: 20617524 DOI: 10.1002/art.27647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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