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D'Amico F, Lugarà C, Luppino G, Giuffrida C, Giorgianni Y, Patanè EM, Manti S, Gambadauro A, La Rocca M, Abbate T. The Influence of Neurotrophins on the Brain-Lung Axis: Conception, Pregnancy, and Neonatal Period. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2528-2543. [PMID: 38534776 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46030160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are four small proteins produced by both neuronal and non-neuronal cells; they include nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). NTs can exert their action through both genomic and non-genomic mechanisms by interacting with specific receptors. Initial studies on NTs have identified them only as functional molecules of the nervous system. However, recent research have shown that some tissues and organs (such as the lungs, skin, and skeletal and smooth muscle) as well as some structural cells can secrete and respond to NTs. In addition, NTs perform several roles in normal and pathological conditions at different anatomical sites, in both fetal and postnatal life. During pregnancy, NTs are produced by the mother, placenta, and fetus. They play a pivotal role in the pre-implantation process and in placental and embryonic development; they are also involved in the development of the brain and respiratory system. In the postnatal period, it appears that NTs are associated with some diseases, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica D'Amico
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Cecilia Lugarà
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luppino
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Giuffrida
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ylenia Giorgianni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Eleonora Maria Patanè
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gambadauro
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria La Rocca
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Tiziana Abbate
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Manti S, Xerra F, Spoto G, Butera A, Gitto E, Di Rosa G, Nicotera AG. Neurotrophins: Expression of Brain-Lung Axis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087089. [PMID: 37108250 PMCID: PMC10138985 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are a group of soluble growth factors with analogous structures and functions, identified initially as critical mediators of neuronal survival during development. Recently, the relevance of NTs has been confirmed by emerging clinical data showing that impaired NTs levels and functions are involved in the onset of neurological and pulmonary diseases. The alteration in NTs expression at the central and peripheral nervous system has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with an early onset and severe clinical manifestations, often named "synaptopathies" because of structural and functional synaptic plasticity abnormalities. NTs appear to be also involved in the physiology and pathophysiology of several airway diseases, neonatal lung diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, lung fibrosis, and even lung cancer. Moreover, they have also been detected in other peripheral tissues, including immune cells, epithelium, smooth muscle, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelium. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description of the NTs as important physiological and pathophysiological players in brain and lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Xerra
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Human and Pediatric Pathology "Gaetano Barresi", AOUP G. Martino, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ambra Butera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Intensive Pediatric Unit, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age, "Gaetano Barresi" University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
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Guo Z, Liu L, Li S, Xu B, Xu Y, Li H. Effect of BDNF on airway inflammation in a rat model of COPD. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1116. [PMID: 34504570 PMCID: PMC8383767 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on lung function and airway inflammation in a rat model of COPD. A rat model of COPD was established in this study, and anti-BDNF antibody was injected to observe the effect of BDNF on pulmonary function and airway inflammation. Lung function and hematoxylin and eosin staining analyses were performed. BDNF in the airway was examined using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Levels of oxidant stress and inflammatory cytokines were measured. After long-term heavy cigarette exposure, pulmonary inflammation and emphysema were observed, while lung function had deteriorated in the COPD, COPD + anti-BDNF and COPD + normal saline groups. Levels of BDNF expression, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were increased in rats with COPD compared with control rats, while levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased. Anti-BDNF intervention improved airway inflammation. To conclude, anti-BDNF intervention could alleviate inflammation and improve any imbalance between oxidation and antioxidation in the airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengli Guo
- Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215031, P.R. China.,Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Shasha Li
- Clinical Research and Lab Center, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Bingqing Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yihui Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Huiping Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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Rubin L, Stabler CT, Schumacher-Klinger A, Marcinkiewicz C, Lelkes PI, Lazarovici P. Neurotrophic factors and their receptors in lung development and implications in lung diseases. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 59:84-94. [PMID: 33589358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although lung innervation has been described by many studies in humans and rodents, the regulation of the respiratory system induced by neurotrophins is not fully understood. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of neurotrophins and the expression and function of their receptors in neurogenesis, vasculogenesis and during the embryonic development of the respiratory tree and highlight key implications relevant to respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Rubin
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Collin T Stabler
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Adi Schumacher-Klinger
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Cezary Marcinkiewicz
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Peter I Lelkes
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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Roos BB, Teske JJ, Bhallamudi S, Pabelick CM, Sathish V, Prakash YS. Neurotrophin Regulation and Signaling in Airway Smooth Muscle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:109-121. [PMID: 34019266 PMCID: PMC11042712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Structural and functional aspects of bronchial airways are key throughout life and play critical roles in diseases such as asthma. Asthma involves functional changes such as airway irritability and hyperreactivity, as well as structural changes such as enhanced cellular proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM), epithelium, and fibroblasts, and altered extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis, all modulated by factors such as inflammation. There is now increasing recognition that disease maintenance following initial triggers involves a prominent role for resident nonimmune airway cells that secrete growth factors with pleiotropic autocrine and paracrine effects. The family of neurotrophins may be particularly relevant in this regard. Long recognized in the nervous system, classical neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nonclassical ligands such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are now known to be expressed and functional in non-neuronal systems including lung. However, the sources, targets, regulation, and downstream effects are still under investigation. In this chapter, we discuss current state of knowledge and future directions regarding BDNF and GDNF in airway physiology and on pathophysiological contributions in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Roos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jacob J Teske
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sangeeta Bhallamudi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Prakash YS. Emerging concepts in smooth muscle contributions to airway structure and function: implications for health and disease. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L1113-L1140. [PMID: 27742732 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00370.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway structure and function are key aspects of normal lung development, growth, and aging, as well as of lung responses to the environment and the pathophysiology of important diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fibrosis. In this regard, the contributions of airway smooth muscle (ASM) are both functional, in the context of airway contractility and relaxation, as well as synthetic, involving production and modulation of extracellular components, modulation of the local immune environment, cellular contribution to airway structure, and, finally, interactions with other airway cell types such as epithelium, fibroblasts, and nerves. These ASM contributions are now found to be critical in airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling that occur in lung diseases. This review emphasizes established and recent discoveries that underline the central role of ASM and sets the stage for future research toward understanding how ASM plays a central role by being both upstream and downstream in the many interactive processes that determine airway structure and function in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Prakash
- Departments of Anesthesiology, and Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Thompson MA, Britt RD, Kuipers I, Stewart A, Thu J, Pandya HC, MacFarlane P, Pabelick CM, Martin RJ, Prakash YS. cAMP-mediated secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in developing airway smooth muscle. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1853:2506-14. [PMID: 26112987 PMCID: PMC4558218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Moderate hyperoxic exposure in preterm infants contributes to subsequent airway dysfunction and to risk of developing recurrent wheeze and asthma. The regulatory mechanisms that can contribute to hyperoxia-induced airway dysfunction are still under investigation. Recent studies in mice show that hyperoxia increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor that increases airway smooth muscle (ASM) proliferation and contractility. We assessed the mechanisms underlying effects of moderate hyperoxia (50% O2) on BDNF expression and secretion in developing human ASM. Hyperoxia increased BDNF secretion, but did not alter endogenous BDNF mRNA or intracellular protein levels. Exposure to hyperoxia significantly increased [Ca2+]i responses to histamine, an effect blunted by the BDNF chelator TrkB-Fc. Hyperoxia also increased ASM cAMP levels, associated with reduced PDE4 activity, but did not alter protein kinase A (PKA) activity or adenylyl cyclase mRNA levels. However, 50% O2 increased expression of Epac2, which is activated by cAMP and can regulate protein secretion. Silencing RNA studies indicated that Epac2, but not Epac1, is important for hyperoxia-induced BDNF secretion, while PKA inhibition did not influence BDNF secretion. In turn, BDNF had autocrine effects of enhancing ASM cAMP levels, an effect inhibited by TrkB and BDNF siRNAs. Together, these novel studies suggest that hyperoxia can modulate BDNF secretion, via cAMP-mediated Epac2 activation in ASM, resulting in a positive feedback effect of BDNF-mediated elevation in cAMP levels. The potential functional role of this pathway is to sustain BDNF secretion following hyperoxic stimulus, leading to enhanced ASM contractility and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rodney D Britt
- Department of Anesthesiology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ine Kuipers
- Department of Anesthesiology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Alecia Stewart
- Department of Anesthesiology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - James Thu
- Department of Anesthesiology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Hitesh C Pandya
- Department Pediatrics, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Peter MacFarlane
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Rainbow Babies Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Brown PM, Schneeberger DL, Piedimonte G. Biomarkers of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection: specific neutrophil and cytokine levels provide increased accuracy in predicting disease severity. Paediatr Respir Rev 2015; 16:232-40. [PMID: 26074450 PMCID: PMC4656140 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite fundamental advances in the research on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) since its initial identification almost 60 years ago, recurring failures in developing vaccines and pharmacologic strategies effective in controlling the infection have allowed RSV to become a leading cause of global infant morbidity and mortality. Indeed, the burden of this infection on families and health care organizations worldwide continues to escalate and its financial costs are growing. Furthermore, strong epidemiologic evidence indicates that early-life lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV lead to the development of recurrent wheezing and childhood asthma. While some progress has been made in the identification of reliable biomarkers for RSV bronchiolitis, a "one size fits all" biomarker capable of accurately and consistently predicting disease severity and post-acute outcomes has yet to be discovered. Therefore, it is of great importance on a global scale to identify useful biomarkers for this infection that will allow pediatricians to cost-effectively predict the clinical course of the disease, as well as monitor the efficacy of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giovanni Piedimonte
- Center for Pediatric Research, Pediatric Institute and Children's Hospitals, The Cleveland Clinic.
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Prakash YS, Martin RJ. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the airways. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 143:74-86. [PMID: 24560686 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In addition to their well-known roles in the nervous system, there is increasing recognition that neurotrophins such as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as well as their receptors are expressed in peripheral tissues including the lung, and can thus potentially contribute to both normal physiology and pathophysiology of several diseases. The relevance of this family of growth factors lies in emerging clinical data indicating altered neurotrophin levels and function in a range of diseases including neonatal and adult asthma, sinusitis, influenza, and lung cancer. The current review focuses on 1) the importance of BDNF expression and signaling mechanisms in early airway and lung development, critical to both normal neonatal lung function and also its disruption in prematurity and insults such as inflammation and infection; 2) how BDNF, potentially derived from airway nerves modulate neurogenic control of airway tone, a key aspect of airway reflexes as well as dysfunctional responses to allergic inflammation; 3) the emerging idea that local BDNF production by resident airway cells such as epithelium and airway smooth muscle can contribute to normal airway structure and function, and to airway hyperreactivity and remodeling in diseases such as asthma. Furthermore, given its pleiotropic effects in the airway, BDNF may be a novel and appealing therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, United States; Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, United States.
| | - Richard J Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
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Prakash YS. Airway smooth muscle in airway reactivity and remodeling: what have we learned? Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L912-33. [PMID: 24142517 PMCID: PMC3882535 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00259.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now established that airway smooth muscle (ASM) has roles in determining airway structure and function, well beyond that as the major contractile element. Indeed, changes in ASM function are central to the manifestation of allergic, inflammatory, and fibrotic airway diseases in both children and adults, as well as to airway responses to local and environmental exposures. Emerging evidence points to novel signaling mechanisms within ASM cells of different species that serve to control diverse features, including 1) [Ca(2+)]i contractility and relaxation, 2) cell proliferation and apoptosis, 3) production and modulation of extracellular components, and 4) release of pro- vs. anti-inflammatory mediators and factors that regulate immunity as well as the function of other airway cell types, such as epithelium, fibroblasts, and nerves. These diverse effects of ASM "activity" result in modulation of bronchoconstriction vs. bronchodilation relevant to airway hyperresponsiveness, airway thickening, and fibrosis that influence compliance. This perspective highlights recent discoveries that reveal the central role of ASM in this regard and helps set the stage for future research toward understanding the pathways regulating ASM and, in turn, the influence of ASM on airway structure and function. Such exploration is key to development of novel therapeutic strategies that influence the pathophysiology of diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y S Prakash
- Dept. of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, 4-184 W Jos SMH, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
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Hartman WR, Smelter DF, Sathish V, Karass M, Kim S, Aravamudan B, Thompson MA, Amrani Y, Pandya HC, Martin RJ, Prakash YS, Pabelick CM. Oxygen dose responsiveness of human fetal airway smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2012; 303:L711-9. [PMID: 22923637 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00037.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of blood oxygen saturation dictates supplemental oxygen administration to premature infants, but hyperoxia predisposes survivors to respiratory diseases such as asthma. Although much research has focused on oxygen effects on alveoli in the setting of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the mechanisms by which oxygen affects airway structure or function relevant to asthma are still under investigation. We used isolated human fetal airway smooth muscle (fASM) cells from 18-20 postconceptual age lungs (canalicular stage) to examine oxygen effects on intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) and cellular proliferation. fASM cells expressed substantial smooth muscle actin and myosin and several Ca(2+) regulatory proteins but not fibroblast or epithelial markers, profiles qualitatively comparable to adult human ASM. Fluorescence Ca(2+) imaging showed robust [Ca(2+)](i) responses to 1 μM acetylcholine (ACh) and 10 μM histamine (albeit smaller and slower than adult ASM), partly sensitive to zero extracellular Ca(2+). Compared with adult, fASM showed greater baseline proliferation. Based on this validation, we assessed fASM responses to 10% hypoxia through 90% hyperoxia and found enhanced proliferation at <60% oxygen but increased apoptosis at >60%, effects accompanied by appropriate changes in proliferative vs. apoptotic markers and enhanced mitochondrial fission at >60% oxygen. [Ca(2+)](i) responses to ACh were enhanced for <60% but blunted at >60% oxygen. These results suggest that hyperoxia has dose-dependent effects on structure and function of developing ASM, which could have consequences for airway diseases of childhood. Thus detrimental effects on ASM should be an additional consideration in assessing risks of supplemental oxygen in prematurity.
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Meuchel LW, Stewart A, Smelter DF, Abcejo AJ, Thompson MA, Zaidi SIA, Martin RJ, Prakash YS. Neurokinin-neurotrophin interactions in airway smooth muscle. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 301:L91-8. [PMID: 21515660 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00320.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurally derived tachykinins such as substance P (SP) play a key role in modulating airway contractility (especially with inflammation). Separately, the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; potentially derived from nerves as well as airway smooth muscle; ASM) and its tropomyosin-related kinase receptor, TrkB, are involved in enhanced airway contractility. In this study, we hypothesized that neurokinins and neurotrophins are linked in enhancing intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) regulation in ASM. In rat ASM cells, 24 h exposure to 10 nM SP significantly increased BDNF and TrkB expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, [Ca(2+)](i) responses to 1 μM ACh as well as BDNF (30 min) effects on [Ca(2+)](i) regulation were enhanced by prior SP exposure, largely via increased Ca(2+) influx (P < 0.05). The enhancing effect of SP on BDNF signaling was blunted by the neurokinin-2 receptor antagonist MEN-10376 (1 μM, P < 0.05) to a greater extent than the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist RP-67580 (5 nM). Chelation of extracellular BDNF (chimeric TrkB-F(c); 1 μg/ml), as well as tyrosine kinase inhibition (100 nM K252a), substantially blunted SP effects (P < 0.05). Overnight (24 h) exposure of ASM cells to 50% oxygen increased BDNF and TrkB expression and potentiated both SP- and BDNF-induced enhancement of [Ca(2+)](i) (P < 0.05). These results suggest a novel interaction between SP and BDNF in regulating agonist-induced [Ca(2+)](i) regulation in ASM. The autocrine mechanism we present here represents a new area in the development of bronchoconstrictive reflex response and airway hyperreactive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W Meuchel
- Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Meuchel LW, Thompson MA, Cassivi SD, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS. Neurotrophins induce nitric oxide generation in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Cardiovasc Res 2011; 91:668-76. [PMID: 21498417 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvr107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Members of the growth factor family of neurotrophins [NTs; e.g. brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3)] and their high-affinity receptors (tropomyosin-related kinase; Trk) and low-affinity receptors p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) have been localized to pulmonary artery (PA) in humans. However, their role is unclear. Based on previous findings of NTs and their receptors within the pulmonary endothelium, we tested the hypothesis that NTs induce nitric oxide (NO) production in pulmonary endothelial cells (ECs), thus contributing to vasodilation. METHODS AND RESULTS In human pulmonary artery ECs loaded with the NO-sensitive fluorescent dye diaminofluorescein-2, both BDNF and NT3 (100 pM, 1 nM, and 10 nM) acutely (<10 min) and substantially increased fluorescence levels in a concentration-dependent fashion (to levels comparable to that induced by 1 μM acetylcholine). NT-induced elevation of NO levels was blunted by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor K252a, the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, the Ca(2+) chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, and the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide. Suppression of TrkB or TrkC expression via siRNA as well as functional blockade of p75NTR prevented NT-induced NO elevation. Both BDNF and NT3 increased phosphorylation of Akt and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). In endothelium-intact porcine PA rings, NTs increased cGMP and induced vasodilation in pre-contracted arteries. CONCLUSION These results indicate that NTs acutely modulate pulmonary endothelial NO production and contribute to relaxation of the pulmonary vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas W Meuchel
- Department of Physiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 4-184 W. Jos SMH, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Prakash Y, Thompson MA, Meuchel L, Pabelick CM, Mantilla CB, Zaidi S, Martin RJ. Neurotrophins in lung health and disease. Expert Rev Respir Med 2010; 4:395-411. [PMID: 20524922 DOI: 10.1586/ers.10.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) are a family of growth factors that are well-known in the nervous system. There is increasing recognition that NTs (nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and NT3) and their receptors (high-affinity TrkA, TrkB and TrkC, and low-affinity p75NTR) are expressed in lung components including the nasal and bronchial epithelium, smooth muscle, nerves and immune cells. NT signaling may be important in normal lung development, developmental lung disease, allergy and inflammation (e.g., rhinitis, asthma), lung fibrosis and even lung cancer. In this review, we describe the current status of our understanding of NT signaling in the lung, with hopes of using aspects of the NT signaling pathway in the diagnosis and therapy of lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ys Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Sciesielski LK, Paliege A, Martinka P, Scholz H. Enhanced pulmonary expression of the TrkB neurotrophin receptor in hypoxic rats is associated with increased acetylcholine-induced airway contractility. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2009; 197:253-64. [PMID: 19583705 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2009.02016.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM We have recently reported that hypoxia stimulates transcription of the TrkB neurotrophin receptor in cultured cells via stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha. Here we investigated whether the expression of TrkB and other neurotrophin receptors is oxygen-sensitive also in vivo, and explored the functional consequences of an oxygen-regulated TrkB expression. METHODS Rats were exposed either to 21% O(2) or 8% O(2) for 6 h and TrkB was analysed by reverse transcription real-time PCR, in situ mRNA hybridization, and immunological techniques. The importance of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-TrkB pathway in the control of mechanical airway function was assessed on isolated tracheal segments from normoxic and hypoxic rats. RESULTS TrkB transcripts were increased approx. 15-fold in the lungs of hypoxic rats, and the respiratory epithelium was identified as the site of enhanced TrkB expression in hypoxia. The TrkB ligand, BDNF, significantly increased the contractile response to acetylcholine (ACh) of isolated tracheal segments from hypoxic but not from normoxic rats. This effect of BDNF was prevented by pre-incubation of the tissue specimens with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor K252a and by mechanical removal of the TrkB containing airway epithelium. Likewise, the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor l-NAME abrogated the influence of BDNF on ACh-induced contractions of isolated tracheal segments from hypoxic rats. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that systemic hypoxia stimulates expression of the TrkB neurotrophin receptor in the airway epithelium. Furthermore, activation of TrkB signalling by BDNF in hypoxia enhances mechanical airway contractility to ACh through a mechanism that requires NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Sciesielski
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Sopi RB, Martin RJ, Haxhiu MA, Dreshaj IA, Yao Q, Jafri A, Zaidi SIA. Role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hyperoxia-induced enhancement of contractility and impairment of relaxation in lung parenchyma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2008; 295:L348-55. [PMID: 18515408 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00067.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged hyperoxic exposure contributes to neonatal lung injury, and airway hyperreactivity is characterized by enhanced contraction and impaired relaxation of airway smooth muscle. Our previous data demonstrate that hyperoxia in rat pups upregulates expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein, disrupts NO-cGMP signaling, and impairs cAMP production in airway smooth muscle. We hypothesized that BDNF-tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) signaling plays a functional role in airway hyperreactivity via upregulation of cholinergic mechanisms in hyperoxia-exposed lungs. Five-day-old rat pups were exposed to >or=95% oxygen or room air for 7 days and administered daily tyrosine kinase inhibitor K-252a (50 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1) i.p.) to block BDNF-TrkB signaling or vehicle. Lungs were removed for HPLC measurement of ACh or for in vitro force measurement of lung parenchymal strips. ACh content doubled in hyperoxic compared with room air-exposed lungs. K-252a treatment of hyperoxic pups restored ACh content to room air levels. Hyperoxia increased contraction and impaired relaxation of lung strips in response to incremental electrical field stimulation. K-252a administration to hyperoxic pups reversed this increase in contraction and decrease in relaxation. K-252a or TrkB-Fc was used to block the effect of exogenous BDNF in vitro. Both K-252a and TrkB-Fc blocked the effects of exogenous BDNF. Hyperoxia decreased cAMP and cGMP levels in lung strips, and blockade of BDNF-TrkB signaling restored cAMP but not cGMP to control levels. Therefore, hyperoxia-induced increase in activity of BDNF-TrkB receptor signaling appears to play a critical role in enhancing cholinergically mediated contractile responses of lung parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan B Sopi
- Deptartment of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106-6009, USA
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