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Zhang Q, Yang XR, Deng Y. Iguratimod Alleviates Experimental Sjögren's Syndrome by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01337-2. [PMID: 38839699 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Iguratimod (T-614) is a compound widely used as anti-rheumatic drug. This study investigated the effect and underlying mechanism of T-614 on experimental Sjögren's syndrome (ESS). ESS mice model was established by injection of submandibular gland protein. Mice were randomly divided into control, experimental Sjögren's syndrome (ESS), ESS + T-614 (10 mg/kg), ESS + T-614 (20 mg/kg), and ESS + T-614 (30 mg/kg) groups. Human submandibular gland (HSG) were cultured with 0, 0.5, 5, or 50 μg/ml T-614 in the absence or presence of interferon-α (IFN-α). Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and cytokine levels were used to detect immune cells activation in submandibular glands. Apoptosis in submandibular glands tissues and cells was determined by TUNEL and flow cytometry. Apoptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins were detected by western blotting. T-614 treatment attenuated submandibular gland damage in ESS mice. T-614 administration inhibited submandibular gland cell apoptosis in ESS mice. Furthermore, T-614 blocked inflammatory factor levels and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the submandibular glands. In vitro, results corroborated that T-614 could protect HSG cells from IFN-α-induced cell apoptosis and inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results expounded that T-614 alleviated ESS by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, 257034, China
| | - Xi-Rui Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, 257034, China
| | - Yao Deng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, 257034, China.
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Chen X, Wang W, Xue J. Efficacy and safety of iguratimod combined with celecoxib in active axial spondyloarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Scand J Rheumatol 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38832489 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2024.2346411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of iguratimod in adult patients with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHOD This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial lasted for 28 weeks. Patients with axSpA were randomized 1:1 to receive iguratimod 25 mg twice daily or a placebo. All patients also took celecoxib 200 mg twice daily for the first 4 weeks and on demand from 4 to 28 weeks. The primary endpoints were ASAS20 at 4 weeks and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) index at 28 weeks. Other assessment variables included ASAS40, ASAS5/6 response rates, Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) scores, and adverse events. RESULTS In total, 35 patients completed the study and were included for analyses. The median (interquartile range) NSAID index was 43.8 (34.9-51.8) in the iguratimod group, which is significantly lower than 68.9 (42.5-86.4) in the placebo group (p = 0.025). ASAS response rates and changes in disease activity scores were similar between the iguratimod and placebo groups. Patients in the iguratimod group had more improvement in median (interquartile range) SPARCC scores for sacroiliac joints than did those in the placebo group [71% (54-100%) vs 40% (0-52%), p = 0.006]. Iguratimod combined with celecoxib was not associated with a greater risk of adverse effects than was monotherapy with celecoxib. No severe adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS In the treatment of active axSpA, iguratimod has a potential NSAID-sparing effect, and may also reduce magnetic resonance imaging-assessed bone marrow oedema in sacroiliac joints. Iguratimod provides an additional treatment option for patients with active axSpA.Clinical trial registration numberChiCTR2000029112, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn).
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Affiliation(s)
- X Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - W Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - J Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
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Yang L, Guttman L, Dawson VL, Dawson TM. Parthanatos: Mechanisms, modulation, and therapeutic prospects in neurodegenerative disease and stroke. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116174. [PMID: 38552851 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Parthanatos is a cell death signaling pathway that has emerged as a compelling target for pharmaceutical intervention. It plays a pivotal role in the neuron loss and neuroinflammation that occurs in Parkinson's Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Huntington's Disease (HD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and stroke. There are currently no treatments available to humans to prevent cell death in any of these diseases. This review provides an in-depth examination of the current understanding of the Parthanatos mechanism, with a particular focus on its implications in neuroinflammation and various diseases discussed herein. Furthermore, we thoroughly review potential intervention targets within the Parthanatos pathway. We dissect recent progress in inhibitory strategies, complimented by a detailed structural analysis of key Parthanatos executioners, PARP-1, AIF, and MIF, along with an assessment of their established inhibitors. We hope to introduce a new perspective on the feasibility of targeting components within the Parthanatos pathway, emphasizing its potential to bring about transformative outcomes in therapeutic interventions. By delineating therapeutic opportunities and known targets, we seek to emphasize the imperative of blocking Parthanatos as a precursor to developing disease-modifying treatments. This comprehensive exploration aims to catalyze a paradigm shift in our understanding of potential neurodegenerative disease therapeutics, advocating for the pursuit of effective interventions centered around Parthanatos inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lauren Guttman
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Cai X, Gui RY, Wu J, Wang CC, Zhu XL, Fu HX, Zhang XH. Decreased Expression of IL-35 and Its Receptor Contributes to Impaired Megakaryopoiesis in the Pathogenesis of Immune Thrombocytopenia. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305798. [PMID: 38225757 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Recent findings have shown that the level of interleukin-35 (IL-35) is abnormal in several autoimmune diseases. Nonetheless, whether IL-35 participates in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remains unclear. The current study investigates whether IL-35 modulates megakaryopoiesis. The results show that IL-35 receptors are progressively expressed on bone marrow megakaryocytes during the in vitro differentiation of CD34+ progenitors. IL-35 increases the number of megakaryocyte colony-forming units through the Akt pathway. The level of bone marrow IL-35 is reduced in ITP patients, and the decreased level of IL-35 may inhibit megakaryopoiesis. Then, the potential causes of decreased IL-35 in ITP patients are explored. The primary type of cell that secretes IL-35, known as IL-35-producing regulatory T cells (iTr35), is reduced in ITP patients. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from ITP patients exhibit an impaired capability of inducing iTr35 due to enhanced apoptosis, which may contribute to the reduced level of bone marrow IL-35 in ITP patients. Iguratimod promotes megakaryocyte development and differentiation by elevating the expression of IL-35 receptors on megakaryocytes. Iguratimod improves response rates and reduces bleeding symptoms in corticosteroid-resistant ITP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Cai
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ruo-Yun Gui
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jin Wu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chen-Cong Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Zhu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Hai-Xia Fu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, 100044, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, 100044, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, 100044, China
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Wang Q, Yi J, Liu H, Luo M, Yin G, Huang Z. Iguratimod promotes functional recovery after SCI by repairing endothelial cell tight junctions. Exp Neurol 2023; 368:114503. [PMID: 37572946 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Destruction of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important factor promoting the progression of the injury. This study addressed how to repair the BSCB in order to promote the repair of injured spinal cords. Iguratimod (IGU), an anti-rheumatic drug, has been approved for clinical use. A spinal cord injury mouse model and TNF-α-stimulated bEnd.3 cells were used to investigate the effect and mechanism of IGU on injured BSCB. An intracerebroventricular osmotic pump was used to administer drugs to the SCI mouse model. The results showed that the SCI mice in the treatment group had better recovery of neurological function than the control group. Examination of the tissue revealed better repair of the BSCB in injured spinal cords after medication. According to the results from the cell model, IGU promoted the expression of tight junction proteins and reduced cell permeability. Further research found that IGU repaired the barrier function by regulating glycolysis levels in the injured endothelial cells. In studying the mechanism, IGU was found to regulate HIF-1α expression through the NF-κB pathway, thereby regulating the expression of the glycolytic enzymes related to endothelial injury. In summary, IGU promoted functional recovery in vivo by repairing the BSCB. In vitro, IGU regulated the level of glycolysis in the damaged endothelium through the NF-κB pathway, thereby repairing the tight junctions between the endothelium. Therefore, IGU may become a potential drug for treating spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jiang Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng 224008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Mingran Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Guoyong Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Zhenfei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Treasure K, Harris J, Williamson G. Exploring the anti-inflammatory activity of sulforaphane. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:805-828. [PMID: 37650498 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of innate immune responses can result in chronic inflammatory conditions. Glucocorticoids, the current frontline therapy, are effective immunosuppressive drugs but come with a trade-off of cumulative and serious side effects. Therefore, alternative drug options with improved safety profiles are urgently needed. Sulforaphane, a phytochemical derived from plants of the brassica family, is a potent inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes via nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling. Moreover, a growing body of evidence suggests additional diverse anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane through interactions with mediators of key signaling pathways and inflammatory cytokines. Multiple studies support a role for sulforaphane as a negative regulator of nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and subsequent cytokine release, inflammasome activation and direct regulation of the activity of macrophage migration inhibitory factor. Significantly, studies have also highlighted potential steroid-sparing activity for sulforaphane, suggesting that it may have potential as an adjunctive therapy for some inflammatory conditions. This review discusses published research on sulforaphane, including proposed mechanisms of action, and poses questions for future studies that might help progress our understanding of the potential clinical applications of this intriguing molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Treasure
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - James Harris
- Biomedical Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gary Williamson
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Long Z, Zeng L, He Q, Yang K, Xiang W, Ren X, Deng Y, Chen H. Research progress on the clinical application and mechanism of iguratimod in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and rheumatic diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1150661. [PMID: 37809072 PMCID: PMC10552782 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are affected by complex pathophysiology involving multiple cell types, cytokines, antibodies and mimicking factors. Different drugs are used to improve these autoimmune responses, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antibodies, and small molecule drugs (DMARDs), which are prevalent clinically in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), etc. However, low cost-effectiveness, reduced efficacy, adverse effects, and patient non-response are unattractive factors driving the development of new drugs such as iguratimod. As a new disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, iguratimod has pharmacological activities such as regulating autoimmune disorders, inflammatory cytokines, regulating immune cell activation, differentiation and proliferation, improving bone metabolism, and inhibiting fibrosis. In recent years, clinical studies have found that iguratimod is effective in the treatment of RA, SLE, IGG4-RD, Sjogren 's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, interstitial lung disease, and other autoimmune diseases and rheumatic diseases. The amount of basic and clinical research on other autoimmune diseases is also increasing. Therefore, this review systematically reviews the latest relevant literature in recent years, reviews the research results in recent years, and summarizes the research progress of iguratimod in the treatment of related diseases. This review highlights the role of iguratimod in the protection of autoimmune and rheumatic bone and related immune diseases. It is believed that iguratimod's unique mode of action and its favorable patient response compared to other DMARDs make it a suitable antirheumatic and bone protective agent in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Long
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuting Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi He
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Kailin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Wang Xiang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Ren
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital Changde City, Changde, Hunan, China
| | - Ying Deng
- People's Hospital of Ningxiang City, Ningxiang, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Prevention and Treatment of Cardio-Cerebral Diseases, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
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Nagata S, Yamasaki R, Takase EO, Iida K, Watanabe M, Masaki K, Wijering MHC, Yamaguchi H, Kira JI, Isobe N. Iguratimod Ameliorates the Severity of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in Model Mice by Directly Inhibiting IL-6 Production and Th17 Cell Migration via Mitigation of Glial Inflammation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1217. [PMID: 37759616 PMCID: PMC10525689 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported a novel secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) model, progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (pEAE), in oligodendroglia-specific Cx47-inducible conditional knockout (Cx47 icKO) mice. Based on our prior study showing the efficacy of iguratimod (IGU), an antirheumatic drug, for acute EAE treatment, we aimed to elucidate the effect of IGU on the SPMS animal model. We induced pEAE by immunizing Cx47 icKO mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55. IGU was orally administered from 17 to 50 days post-immunization. We also prepared a primary mixed glial cell culture and measured cytokine levels in the culture supernatant after stimulation with designated cytokines (IL-1α, C1q, TNF-α) and lipopolysaccharide. A migration assay was performed to evaluate the effect of IGU on the migration ability of T cells toward mixed glial cell cultures. IGU treatment ameliorated the clinical signs of pEAE, decreased the demyelinated area, and attenuated glial inflammation on immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally, IGU decreased the intrathecal IL-6 level and infiltrating Th17 cells. The migration assay revealed reduced Th17 cell migration and IL-6 levels in the culture supernatant after IGU treatment. Collectively, IGU successfully mitigated the clinical signs of pEAE by suppressing Th17 migration through inhibition of IL-6 production by proinflammatory-activated glial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Nagata
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamasaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ezgi Ozdemir Takase
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kotaro Iida
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Watanabe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Masaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Marion Heleen Cathérine Wijering
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Section Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), MS Center Noord Nederland, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hiroo Yamaguchi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Reiwa Health Sciences University, Fukuoka 811-0213, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Kira
- Translational Neuroscience Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, Fukuoka 831-8501, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Nerve Center, Fukuoka Central Hospital, Fukuoka 810-0022, Japan
| | - Noriko Isobe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Shen L, Yin H, Sun L, Zhang Z, Jin Y, Cao S, Fu Q, Fan C, Bao C, Lu L, Zhan Y, Xu X, Chen X, Yan Q. Iguratimod attenuated fibrosis in systemic sclerosis via targeting early growth response 1 expression. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:151. [PMID: 37596660 PMCID: PMC10439582 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03135-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early growth response 1 (EGR1) is a central transcription factor involved in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis. Iguratimod is a synthesized anti-rheumatic disease-modifying drug, which shows drastic inhibition to EGR1 expression in B cells. This study is aiming to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of iguratimod in SSc. METHODS EGR1 was detected by immunofluorescence staining real-time PCR or western blot. Iguratimod was applied in EGR1 overexpressed or knockdown human dermal fibroblast, bleomycin pre-treated mice, tight skin 1 mice, and SSc skin xenografts. RNA sequencing was performed in cultured fibroblast and xenografts to identify the iguratimod regulated genes. RESULTS EGR1 overexpressed predominantly in non-immune cells of SSc patients. Iguratimod reduced EGR1 expression in fibroblasts and neutralized changes of EGR1 response genes regulated by TGFβ. The extracellular matrix (ECM) production and activation of fibroblasts were attenuated by iguratimod while EGR1 overexpression reversed this effect of iguratimod. Iguratimod ameliorated the skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin and hypodermal fibrosis in TSK-1 mice. Decreasing in the collagen content as well as the density of EGR1 or TGFβ positive fibroblasts of skin xenografts from naïve SSc patients was observed after local treatment of iguratimod. CONCLUSION Targeting EGR1 expression is a probable underlying mechanism for the anti-fibrotic effect of iguratimod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichong Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Zhiliang Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yuyang Jin
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Shan Cao
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qiong Fu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Chaofan Fan
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yifan Zhan
- Department of Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharm, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Xiaoxiang Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.
- Department of Rheumatology, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong Universuty, Nantong Hospital of Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong Universuty School of Medicine, Nantong, 226006, China.
| | - Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200001, China.
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Dunbar H, Hawthorne IJ, Tunstead C, Armstrong ME, Donnelly SC, English K. Blockade of MIF biological activity ameliorates house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation in humanized MIF mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23072. [PMID: 37498233 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300787r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) expression is controlled by a functional promoter polymorphism, where the number of tetranucleotide repeats (CATTn ) corresponds to the level of MIF expression. To examine the role of this polymorphism in a pre-clinical model of allergic asthma, novel humanized MIF mice with increasing CATT repeats (CATT5 and CATT7 ) were used to generate a physiologically relevant scale of airway inflammation following house dust mite (HDM) challenge. CATT7 mice expressing high levels of human MIF developed an aggressive asthma phenotype following HDM challenge with significantly elevated levels of immune cell infiltration, production of inflammatory mediators, goblet cell hyperplasia, subepithelial collagen deposition, and airway resistance compared to wild-type controls. Importantly the potent MIF inhibitor SCD-19 significantly mitigated the pathophysiology observed in CATT7 mice after HDM challenge, demonstrating the fundamental role of endogenous human MIF expression in the severity of airway inflammation in vivo. Up to now, there are limited reproducible in vivo models of asthma airway remodeling. Current asthma medications are focused on reducing the acute inflammatory response but have limited effects on airway remodeling. Here, we present a reproducible pre-clinical model that capitulates asthma airway remodeling and suggests that in addition to having pro-inflammatory effects MIF may play a role in driving airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazel Dunbar
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Ian J Hawthorne
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Courteney Tunstead
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Michelle E Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Seamas C Donnelly
- Department of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Tallaght University Hospital, Co., Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen English
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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11
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Yan Q, Liu B, Wang J, Yin H, Li Q, Lu L. Iguratimod as an alternative therapy for systemic sclerosis and prevention of the occurrence of ischemic digital ulcer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1113408. [PMID: 37215710 PMCID: PMC10196471 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1113408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of iguratimod (IGU) as an alternative treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc), especially in the prevention of ischemic digital ulcers (DUs). Methods We constructed two cohorts from the Renji SSc registry. In the first cohort, SSc patients receiving IGU were observed prospectively with effectiveness and safety. In the second cohort, we picked up all the DU patients with at least a 3-month follow-up to investigate the prevention of IGU on ischemic DU. Results From 2017 to 2021, 182 SSc patients were enrolled in our SSc registry. A total of 23 patients received IGU. With a median follow-up of 61 weeks (IQR: 15-82 weeks), the drug persistence was 13/23. In total, 91.3% of the patients (21/23) became free of deterioration in the last visit with IGU. Of note, 10 patients withdrew from the study due to the following reasons: two patients withdrew due to deterioration, three due to incompliance, and five due to mild-to-moderate side effects. All the patients with side effects recovered fully after stopping IGU. Of note, 11 patients had ischemic DU, and 8 out of 11 (72.7%) patients had no new occurrence of DU during the follow-up. In the second cohort of 31 DU patients receiving a combination of vasoactive agents with a median follow-up of 47 weeks (IQR, 16-107 weeks), IGU treatment was protective of new DU occurrence (adjusted risk ratio = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.05-0.94; adjusted odds ratio = 0.07; and 95% CI, 0.01-0.49). Conclusion Our study for the first time describes the potential of IGU possibly as an alternative treatment for SSc. To our surprise, this study provides a hint that IGU treatment can be used for the prevention of the occurrence of ischemic DU and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieying Wang
- Clinical Center for Investigation, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanlin Yin
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Ma WJ, Wang H, Wang ZY, Long YX, Wang XQ, Ma Q, Xu CR, Ma YH. The crystal structure of iguratimod-dimethylformamide (1/1), C 17H 14N 2O 6S·C 3H 7NO. Z KRIST-NEW CRYST ST 2023. [DOI: 10.1515/ncrs-2023-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
C17H14N2O6S·C3H7NO, triclinic,
P
1
‾
$P\overline{1}$
(no. 2), a = 5.4146(4) Å, b = 11.7925(8) Å, c = 16.9527(12) Å, α = 85.238(2)°, β = 86.674(4)°, γ = 78.959(2)°, V = 1057.77(13) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt
(F) = 0.0418, wR
ref
(F
2) = 0.1175, T = 296(2) K.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Ma
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xuan Long
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Xin-Qi Wang
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Qian Ma
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Cui-Ran Xu
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
| | - Yu-Heng Ma
- School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Chuzhou University , Chuzhou , Anhui , 239000 , P.R. China
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13
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Yan Q, Zhang M, Du F, Kang Y, Ye P, Li Q, Liu B, Dai M, Bao C. Efficacy and safety of Iguratimod as an add-on therapy for refractory lupus nephritis: A preliminary investigational study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1062919. [PMID: 36969217 PMCID: PMC10030952 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1062919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesIGU (IGU), a novel immunomodulatory agent for rheumatoid arthritis, has been shown to be effective and safe as monotherapy in a small population with refractory lupus nephritis (LN). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGU as an add-on therapy in patients with refractory LN in the context of clinical practice.MethodsThis is a single-arm observational study. We have enrolled LN patients since 2019 at Renji Hospital. All participants should have recurrent or refractory LN with at least one immunosuppressant (IS) and have a baseline urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR) >1.0. After enrollment, we added IGU (25 mg twice daily) to one of their previous immunosuppressants (IS) without increasing the dose of steroids. The primary outcome was the complete renal response (CRR) in the 6th month. UPCR decrease of over 50% was defined as partial response (PR). Extended follow-up was performed after the initial 6 months.ResultsWe enrolled 26 eligible participants. 11/26 patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2/3 at the baseline. The IS combined with IGU included mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and cyclosporin A. No IS change was allowed. 80.7% of patients had baseline steroids less than 0.5mg/kg daily and there was no steroids escalation during the IGU treatment. The CRR rate was 42.3% (11/26) at month 6. With a median follow-up of 52 weeks (range: 23-116 weeks), the CRR rate at the last visit was 50% (13/26) and 73.1% (19/26) of patients had UPCR decrease of over 50%. Six patients withdrew, three for no response and three for renal flare after initial CRR. One patient had an estimated glomerular filtration rate worsening of over 20% and was classified as renal flare. Three mild to moderate adverse events were recorded.ConclusionsOur investigation merits further investigation in IGU as a potentially tolerable component of combination therapy for refractory LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chunde Bao, ; Min Dai, ; Qingran Yan,
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuening Kang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chunde Bao, ; Min Dai, ; Qingran Yan,
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Chunde Bao, ; Min Dai, ; Qingran Yan,
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14
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Harris J, Borg NA. The multifaceted roles of NLRP3-modulating proteins in virus infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:987453. [PMID: 36110852 PMCID: PMC9468583 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.987453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response to viruses is critical for the correct establishment of protective adaptive immunity. Amongst the many pathways involved, the NLRP3 [nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)] inflammasome has received considerable attention, particularly in the context of immunity and pathogenesis during infection with influenza A (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome results in the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, commonly coupled with pyroptotic cell death. While this mechanism is protective and key to host defense, aberrant NLRP3 inflammasome activation causes a hyperinflammatory response and excessive release of cytokines, both locally and systemically. Here, we discuss key molecules in the NLRP3 pathway that have also been shown to have significant roles in innate and adaptive immunity to viruses, including DEAD box helicase X-linked (DDX3X), vimentin and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). We also discuss the clinical opportunities to suppress NLRP3-mediated inflammation and reduce disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Harris
- Cell Biology Assays Team, Biomedical Manufacturing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Inflammatory diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Borg
- Immunity and Immune Evasion Laboratory, Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases Research, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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15
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Sunil AA, Skaria T. Novel regulators of airway epithelial barrier function during inflammation: potential targets for drug repurposing. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:119-132. [PMID: 35085478 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2035720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endogenous inflammatory signaling molecules resulting from deregulated immune responses, can impair airway epithelial barrier function and predispose individuals with airway inflammatory diseases to exacerbations and lung infections. Targeting the specific endogenous factors disrupting the airway barrier therefore has the potential to prevent disease exacerbations without affecting the protective immune responses. AREAS COVERED Here, we review the endogenous factors and specific mechanisms disrupting airway epithelial barrier during inflammation and reflect on whether these factors can be specifically targeted by repurposed existing drugs. Literature search was conducted using PubMed, drug database of US FDA and European Medicines Agency until and including September 2021. EXPERT OPINION IL-4 and IL-13 signaling are the major pathways disrupting the airway epithelial barrier during airway inflammation. However, blocking IL-4/IL-13 signaling may adversely affect protective immune responses and increase susceptibility of host to infections. An alternate approach to modulate airway epithelial barrier function involves targeting specific downstream component of IL-4/IL-13 signaling or different inflammatory mediators responsible for regulation of airway epithelial barrier. Airway epithelium-targeted therapy using inhibitors of HDAC, HSP90, MIF, mTOR, IL-17A and VEGF may be a potential strategy to prevent airway epithelial barrier dysfunction in airway inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsan Anjoom Sunil
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - Tom Skaria
- School of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Calicut, Kerala, India
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16
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Repurposing Old Drugs as Novel Inhibitors of Human MIF from Structural and Functional Analysis. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 55:128445. [PMID: 34758374 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128445] [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: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays multiple pleiotropic functions. It is considered as a promising therapeutic target for the infectious, autoimmune, and cardiovascular diseases and cancers. The development of MIF inhibitors has not been translated into clinical success despite decades of research. Given the time and cost of developing new drugs, existing drugs with clarified safety and pharmacokinetics are explored for their potential as novel MIF inhibitors. This study identified five known drugs that could inhibit MIF's tautomerase activity and MIF-mediated cell chemotaxis in RAW264.7 cells. It was found that compounds D2 (histamine), D5 (metaraminol), and D8 (nebivolol) exhibited micromolar-range inhibition potency close to the positive control ISO-1. Kinetics and the mechanism for inhibition were subsequently determined. Moreover, the detailed inhibitor-binding patterns were investigated by X-ray crystallography, computational molecular docking, and structure-based analysis. Therefore, this study elucidates the molecular mechanism of repurposed drugs acting on MIF and provides a structural foundation for lead optimization to promote the clinical development of MIF-targeted drugs.
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17
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Yang L, Guo D, Fan C. Identification and Structure-Activity Relationships of Dietary Flavonoids as Human Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Inhibitors. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:10138-10150. [PMID: 34459191 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dietary flavonoids are known to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, but their influences on human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a vital proinflammatory cytokine recognized as a therapeutic target for infectious diseases and cancers, have been rarely reported. Here, we identified 24 dietary flavonoids that could inhibit the tautomerase activity of MIF, five of which exerted IC50 values lower than the positive control ISO-1 in the micromolar range: morin (IC50 = 11.01 ± 0.45 μM) and amentoflavone (IC50 = 13.32 ± 0.64 μM) exhibited the most potent efficacy followed by apigenin (IC50 = 42.74 ± 4.20 μM), naringin (IC50 = 51.38 ± 2.12 μM), and fisetin (IC50 = 51.99 ± 0.63 μM). X-ray crystallography, molecular docking, and cellular experiments were utilized to illustrate the molecular binding details and structure-activity relationships. Scaffold modifications of flavonoids significantly influenced the potency. What stands out for morin is the unique 2'-OH substitution. In addition, amentoflavone situated at the MIF trimer pore may impact MIF-CD74 signaling. The results also showed that flavonoids could suppress cell chemotaxis and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells. Our results elucidate the molecular mechanism of flavonoids acting on MIF and shed light on developing lead compounds against MIF-involved diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Deyin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
- Center for Infection & Immunity Study (CIIS), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, P. R. China
| | - Chengpeng Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
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18
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Xiao Z, Song S, Chen D, van Merkerk R, van der Wouden PE, Cool RH, Quax WJ, Poelarends GJ, Melgert BN, Dekker FJ. Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) for Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Has Anti-Proliferative Activity in Lung Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:17514-17521. [PMID: 34018657 PMCID: PMC8362126 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202101864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is involved in protein-protein interactions that play key roles in inflammation and cancer. Current strategies to develop small molecule modulators of MIF functions are mainly restricted to the MIF tautomerase active site. Here, we use this site to develop proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) in order to eliminate MIF from its protein-protein interaction network. We report the first potent MIF-directed PROTAC, denoted MD13, which induced almost complete MIF degradation at low micromolar concentrations with a DC50 around 100 nM in A549 cells. MD13 suppresses the proliferation of A549 cells, which can be explained by deactivation of the MAPK pathway and subsequent induction of cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. MD13 also exhibits antiproliferative effect in a 3D tumor spheroid model. In conclusion, we describe the first MIF-directed PROTAC (MD13) as a research tool, which also demonstrates the potential of PROTACs in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangping Xiao
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Shanshan Song
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
- Molecular PharmacologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Petra E. van der Wouden
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Robbert H. Cool
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Wim J. Quax
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Gerrit J. Poelarends
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Barbro N. Melgert
- Molecular PharmacologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
- University Medical Center GroningenGroningen Research Institute of Asthma and COPDUniversity of GroningenHanzeplein 19713 GZGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical BiologyGroningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP)University of GroningenAntonius Deusinglaan 19713AVGroningenThe Netherlands
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19
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Xiao Z, Song S, Chen D, Merkerk R, Wouden PE, Cool RH, Quax WJ, Poelarends GJ, Melgert BN, Dekker FJ. Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) for Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Has Anti‐Proliferative Activity in Lung Cancer Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202101864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangping Xiao
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Shanshan Song
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
- Molecular Pharmacology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | | | - Petra E. Wouden
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Robbert H. Cool
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Wim J. Quax
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit J. Poelarends
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N. Melgert
- Molecular Pharmacology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen Groningen Research Institute of Asthma and COPD University of Groningen Hanzeplein 1 9713 GZ Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- Department Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP) University of Groningen Antonius Deusinglaan 1 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
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20
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Nozaki Y. Iguratimod: Novel Molecular Insights and a New csDMARD for Rheumatoid Arthritis, from Japan to the World. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050457. [PMID: 34065413 PMCID: PMC8160848 DOI: 10.3390/life11050457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Iguratimod (IGU) is a conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (csDMARD) routinely prescribed in Japan since 2012 to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Iguratimod acts directly on B cells by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17), thereby suppressing the production of immunoglobulin and inhibiting the activity of nuclear factor kappa-light chain enhancer of activated B cells. In Japan, it is one of the most used csDMARDs in daily practice, but it is not recommended as a treatment for RA due to the lack of large-scale evidence established overseas. However, recent reports on the novel pharmacological effects of IGU on lymphocytes and synovial fibroblasts, as well as its efficacy in daily practice, have increased its importance as a drug for the treatment of RA. In this review, we highlighted the basic and clinical studies in IGU and discuss its potential as a new therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nozaki
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
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21
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Wen Y, Cai W, Yang J, Fu X, Putha L, Xia Q, Windsor JA, Phillips AR, Tyndall JDA, Du D, Liu T, Huang W. Targeting Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Acute Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:638950. [PMID: 33776775 PMCID: PMC7992011 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.638950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation and cancer. It is produced by various cells and circulating MIF has been identified as a biomarker for a range of diseases. Extracellular MIF mainly binds to the cluster of differentiation 74 (CD74)/CD44 to activate downstream signaling pathways. These in turn activate immune responses, enhance inflammation and can promote cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Extracellular MIF also binds to the C-X-C chemokine receptors cooperating with or without CD74 to activate chemokine response. Intracellular MIF is involved in Toll-like receptor and inflammasome-mediated inflammatory response. Pharmacological inhibition of MIF has been shown to hold great promise in treating inflammatory diseases and cancer, including small molecule MIF inhibitors targeting the tautomerase active site of MIF and antibodies that neutralize MIF. In the current review, we discuss the role of MIF signaling pathways in inflammation and cancer and summarize the recent advances of the role of MIF in experimental and clinical exocrine pancreatic diseases. We expect to provide insights into clinical translation of MIF antagonism as a strategy for treating acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Wen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wenhao Cai
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Liverpool Pancreatitis Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Jingyu Yang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Lohitha Putha
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Qing Xia
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - John A Windsor
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony R Phillips
- Surgical and Translational Research Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Applied Surgery and Metabolism Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Dan Du
- West China-Washington Mitochondria and Metabolism Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Liverpool Pancreatitis Research Group, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Liu S, Cui Y, Zhang X. Molecular mechanisms and clinical studies of iguratimod for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Clin Rheumatol 2021; 40:25-32. [PMID: 32506313 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05207-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Iguratimod (IGU) is a novel small molecule anti-rheumatic drug with the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. IGU has various mechanisms of action, including inhibition of prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-17 (IL-17) production, inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-induced proinflammatory effects, inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, and promotion of osteoblastic differentiation. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is the major subtype of spondyloarthritis that affects the axial skeleton, causing inflammatory back pain, which can lead to impairments in structure and function and a decrease in quality of life. Theories on pathogenesis of AS include misfolding of human leukocyte antigen-B27 during its assembly leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response (UPR). Activation of UPR genes results in release of TNF-α and IL-17, which have been shown to be important in the development of AS. In addition, current evidence suggests the importance of cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E2 pathway and MIF in the pathogenesis of AS. Current drugs for the treatment of AS are limited and exploration of effective drugs is needed. IGU may be effective for the treatment of AS given that its mechanisms of action are closely related to the pathogenesis of AS. In fact, several small-scale clinical trials have shown the efficacy of IGU for the treatment of AS. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms of IGU that are related to the pathogenesis of AS and clinical trials of IGU for the treatment of AS, providing a reference for future clinical application of IGU for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suling Liu
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial People's General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.106 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yang Cui
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial People's General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.106 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial People's General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.106 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Anti-fibrotic effect of iguratimod on pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition. Adv Med Sci 2020; 65:338-347. [PMID: 32590154 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe lung disease causing significant morbidity and mortality. PF pathogenesis is attributed to the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) driven by the most potent pro-fibrogenic factor TGF-β1 activating the Smad3-dependent TGF-β1 canonical pathway. Iguratimod (IGU) is a novel anti-rheumatic drug that suppresses the secretion of inflammatory factors, but is also able to modulate the differentiation of multiple cells. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of IGU on FMT. MATERIALS/METHODS PF mouse model was induced in C57BL/6 male mice by bleomycin. The effect of IGU was assessed through the evaluation of lung morphology by H&E and through the collagen accumulation in the lung by Masson staining. Primary human lung fibroblasts (pHLFs) were also used to evaluate the effect of IGU in vitro on TGF-β1-stimulated cells, and proliferation, migration and invasion were measured, together with genes and proteins involved in FMT. RESULTS IGU attenuated bleomycin-induced PF in mice and improved the pathological changes in their lungs. In addition, IGU significantly inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion in TGF-β1-stimulated pHLFs without causing apoptosis. Moreover, IGU significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced increase of collagen I and III mRNA expression, thus reducing lung function impairment, and α-SMA, Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation, fibronectin expression and F-actin microfilament formation, thus attenuating FMT through the inhibition of the Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our results collectively revealed the beneficial effect of IGU on the inhibition of FMT, thus suggesting that it might act as an effective anti-fibrotic agent in preventing the progression of PF.
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Illescas O, Pacheco-Fernández T, Laclette JP, Rodriguez T, Rodriguez-Sosa M. Immune modulation by the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) family: D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT) is not (always) a backup system. Cytokine 2020; 133:155121. [PMID: 32417648 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) is a protein with cytokine and chemokine properties that regulates a diverse range of physiological functions related to innate immunity and inflammation. Most research has focused on the role of MIF in different inflammatory diseases. D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT), a different molecule with structural similarities to MIF, which shares receptors and biological functions, has recently been reported, but little is known about its roles and mechanisms. In this review, we sought to understand the similarities and differences between these molecules by summarizing what is known about their different structures, receptors and mechanisms regulating their expression and biological activities with an emphasis on immunological aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Illescas
- Biomedicine Unit, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, MEX C.P. 54090, Mexico
| | - Thalia Pacheco-Fernández
- Biomedicine Unit, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, MEX C.P. 54090, Mexico
| | - Juan P Laclette
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Tonathiu Rodriguez
- Biomedicine Unit, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, MEX C.P. 54090, Mexico
| | - Miriam Rodriguez-Sosa
- Biomedicine Unit, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, MEX C.P. 54090, Mexico.
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Kang Y, Yan Q, Fu Q, Wang R, Dai M, Du F, Dai Q, Ye P, Wu C, Lu L, Bao C. Iguratimod as an alternative induction therapy for refractory lupus nephritis: a preliminary investigational study. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:65. [PMID: 32228698 PMCID: PMC7106733 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Iguratimod, a novel immunomodulatory agent for rheumatoid arthritis, has been shown to be effective against murine lupus. The aim of this study was to make a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and safety of iguratimod as salvage therapy in patients with refractory lupus nephritis (LN). Methods We enrolled eligible patients with refractory LN, which we defined as having failed or relapsed on at least two immunosuppressant agents. After enrollment, we substituted iguratimod (25 mg twice daily) for their previous immunosuppressant agents without increasing the dose of steroids. The primary outcome was complete/partial remission (PR/CR) at week 24. Patients who achieved remission continued iguratimod as maintenance therapy over an extended follow-up. Results The study cohort comprised 14 patients with refractory LN, 10 of whom had recent treatment failure and 4 repeated relapses with inadequate initial responses. At enrollment, none of the patients had detectable evidence of extra-renal involvement. The median prednisone dosage was 10 mg/d (IQR 0–10 mg/day). Thirteen patients were eligible for response evaluation, with one patient missed. The renal response rate was 92.3% (12/13) at week 24, with 38.5% (5/13) achieving CR and 53.8% (7/13) achieving PR. We then continued to follow up the responding patients for up to 144 weeks. Twenty-five percent of the patients (3/12) had renal relapse after initial PR. The estimated glomerular filtration rate of all patients maintained stable during follow-up. One patient had a severe adverse reaction (anemia) but recovered fully after stopping iguratimod. Conclusions Our study supports the potential of iguratimod for treatment of refractory LN. Iguratimod could be a promising candidate drug for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Kang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China.
| | - Qiong Fu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Fang Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qing Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Chunmei Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Liangjing Lu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China.
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 145 Shandong RD, Shanghai, 200001, China.
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Biliktu M, Senol SP, Temiz-Resitoglu M, Guden DS, Horat MF, Sahan-Firat S, Sevim S, Tunctan B. Pharmacological inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase attenuates chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by modulating inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in an inflammasome-dependent and -independent manner. Inflammopharmacology 2020; 28:1509-1524. [PMID: 32128702 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-020-00691-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to determine the effect of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition on chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS), associated with changes in inflammasome-dependent and -independent inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways in the CNS of mice. C57BL/6 mice were used to induce chronic EAE by using an injection of MOG35-55 peptide/PT. Animals were observed daily and scored for EAE signs for 25 days after immunization. Following the induction of EAE, the scores were increased after 9 days and reached peak value as determined by ≥ 2 or ≤ 3 with 8% mortality rate on day 17. On day 17, mice were administered daily PBS, DMSO, or TPPU (a potent sEH inhibitor) (1, 3, or 10 mg/kg) until the end of the study. TPPU only at 3 mg/kg dose decreased the AUC values calculated from EAE scores obtained during the disease compared to EAE and vehicle control groups. On day 25, TPPU also caused an increase in the PPARα/β/γ and NLRC3 proteins and a decrease in the proteins of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, iNOS/nNOS, COX-2, NLRC4, ASC, caspase-1 p20, IL-1β, caspase-11 p20, NOX subunits (gp91phox and p47phox), and nitrotyrosine in addition to 14,15-DHET and IL-1β levels compared to EAE and vehicle control groups. Our findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of sEH attenuates chronic EAE likely because of enhanced levels of anti-inflammatory EETs in addition to PPARα/β/γ and NLRC3 expression associated with suppressed inflammatory TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway, NLRC4/ASC/pro-caspase-1 inflammasome, caspase-11 inflammasome, and NOX activity that are responsible for inflammatory mediator formation in the CNS of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Biliktu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Sefika Pinar Senol
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Meryem Temiz-Resitoglu
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Demet Sinem Guden
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Furkan Horat
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Seyhan Sahan-Firat
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Serhan Sevim
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Bahar Tunctan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yenisehir Campus, Mersin University, 33160, Yenisehir, Mersin, Turkey.
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Xiao Z, Fokkens M, Chen D, Kok T, Proietti G, van Merkerk R, Poelarends GJ, Dekker FJ. Structure-activity relationships for binding of 4-substituted triazole-phenols to macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Eur J Med Chem 2020; 186:111849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Jiang H, Gao H, Wang Q, Wang M, Wu B. Molecular mechanisms and clinical application of Iguratimod: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 122:109704. [PMID: 31918275 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Iguratimod (IGU) is a novel small-molecule anti-rheumatic drug with remarkable effectiveness and good safety for the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis. Its mechanism of action is related to its ability to act simultaneously on T and B lymphocytes. IGU can effectively inhibit expression of various inflammatory factors, inhibit B cells from producing immunoglobulins and autoantibodies, downregulate T-cell-mediated cellular immunity, accelerate bone formation, and exert some activity against anti-pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, IGU has been gradually applied to the treatment of a variety of rheumatic diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This article reviews the mechanism of action and clinical research status of IGU, and provides reference for future research on its mechanism of action and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, 400021, PR China; Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, PR China
| | - Hongyan Gao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, 400021, PR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, 400021, PR China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, ChongqingHospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, PR China
| | - Bin Wu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Prevent and Treat Autoimmune Diseases, Chongqing, 400021, PR China; Department of Rheumatology, ChongqingHospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, PR China.
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Liu A, Li H, Qi X, Wang Q, Yang B, Wu T, Yan N, Li Y, Pan Q, Gao Y, Gao L, Liu C, Zhang Y, Cui H, Li K, Wang Y, Wang X. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Triggers Inflammatory Responses During Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2225. [PMID: 31632367 PMCID: PMC6779731 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the main threats to the poultry industry worldwide. In China, very virulent IBD virus (vvIBDV) is the main prevalent virus strain, causing inflammation, immunosuppression, and high mortality in young chickens. To determine whether this acute inflammation can trigger lesions or even death in chickens, it is important to study the mechanism of vvIBDV pathogenicity. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the inflammation response, bursal lesions, and mortality in chickens caused by vvIBDV at different time points postinfection. Results showed an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β and interleukin-18, and macrophage infiltration in bursa in response to vvIBDV infection. High-throughput proteomic sequencing based on isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation showed that chicken macrophage migration inhibitory factor (chMIF) was upregulated uniquely in primary bursal cells infected with vvIBDV compared with infection by nonpathogenic attenuated IBDV. We confirmed that chMIF was upregulated by vvIBDV infection both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, chMIF was extracellularly secreted by infected DT40 and primary bursal cells. Further experiments revealed that the secreted chMIF could induce migration of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and promote transcription of proinflammatory cytokines in chicken primary macrophages. Notably, these effects of chMIF could be reduced by using an MIF specific inhibitor. Thus, our study elucidates critical molecular determinants underlying vvIBDV-mediated initiation of acute inflammation, which might be pivotal to understand the mechanism of vvIBDV pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijing Liu
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Li
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaole Qi
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Nana Yan
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Li
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Qing Pan
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yulong Gao
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Li Gao
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Changjun Liu
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Hongyu Cui
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Kai Li
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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Iguratimod: a valuable remedy from the Asia Pacific region for ameliorating autoimmune diseases and protecting bone physiology. Bone Res 2019; 7:27. [PMID: 31646017 PMCID: PMC6804744 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-019-0067-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are affected by complex pathophysiology involving several cell types, cytokines, antibodies, and mimicking factors. Different drugs are used to ameliorate these autoimmune reactions, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antiantibodies, and small molecular drugs (DMARDs), and they are clinically in vogue for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Nevertheless, low cost-effectiveness, reduced efficacy, adverse effects, and patient nonresponse are unappealing factors driving the development of new drugs such as iguratimod. Iguratimod is primarily used to ameliorate RA in Japanese and Chinese clinics. However, its efficacy against other autoimmune ailments is also under intense investigation, and the number of investigations is becoming increasingly larger with each passing day. The articular structure comprises synovium, ligaments, and bone. The latter is more complex than the others since it regulates blood cells and autoimmunity in addition to providing skeletal support to the body. Therefore, its protection is also of prime importance in RA and other autoimmune diseases. Herein, we have highlighted the role of iguratimod in autoimmune diseases and bone protection. We suggest that iguratimod’s unique mode of action compared with that of other DMARDs and its good patient response makes it a suitable antirheumatic and bone-protecting drug.
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Sorour NE, Hamed AM, Tabl HAEM, Ahmed AAEA. Assessment of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in patients with verruca vulgaris. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2019; 12:591-595. [PMID: 31686887 PMCID: PMC6709820 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s209269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Common warts are caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs), they are among the most common cutaneous viral infections. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an essential contributor in many inflammatory and immune skin diseases. Yet, its role in the pathology of common warts is unclear. Objective To assess MIF levels in lesional and perilesional skin in patients with common warts in comparison to apparently healthy control group with matching age and sex. Subjects and methods A case-control study performed on 60 patients with common warts (group A) and 30 age and sex matching healthy controls (group B). Two biopsies were taken from each patient in group A; one from the lesion (lesional) and the other one from the skin around the wart (perilesional), while biopsies of controls were taken from matched sites to patients. Measurement of MIF in all groups was done by quantitative ELISA kits. Results Significant high MIF levels were detected in lesional and perilesional skin biopsies compared to controls (P<0.001). Yet, the difference in MIF levels between lesional and perilesional skin biopsy was non-significant. No significant relations were found between lesional and perilesional MIF levels and clinical characteristics of the studied patients while both lesional and perilesional MIF levels were significantly correlated (rh=0.269, P=0.021). Conclusion The significantly elevated MIF levels in lesional and perilesional skin biopsies compared to controls point to its role in wart progression from HPV infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neveen Emad Sorour
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha Univesity, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Hamed
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha Univesity, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hala Abd-El Mageed Tabl
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha Univesity, Benha, Egypt
| | - Amira Abd-El Aziz Ahmed
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha Univesity, Benha, Egypt
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Harris J, VanPatten S, Deen NS, Al-Abed Y, Morand EF. Rediscovering MIF: New Tricks for an Old Cytokine. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:447-462. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ye Y, Liu M, Tang L, Du F, Liu Y, Hao P, Fu Q, Guo Q, Yan Q, Zhang X, Bao C. Iguratimod represses B cell terminal differentiation linked with the inhibition of PKC/EGR1 axis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:92. [PMID: 30971291 PMCID: PMC6458835 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism and clinical relevance of iguratimod in the regulation of human B cell terminal differentiation. Methods An in vitro human antibody-secreting cell (ASC) differentiation system was established to test the effect of iguratimod. B cell phenotype and key transcription factors (TFs) relevant to ASC differentiation were analyzed through flow cytometry and qPCR. The COX-2 activity was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). RNA sequencing was used to identify potential targets of iguratimod. We enrolled six treatment-naive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients whose blood samples were collected for phenotypic and molecular studies along with 12-week iguratimod monotherapy. Results Iguratimod inhibited human ASC generation without affecting B cell activation and proliferation. Iguratimod showed only weak COX-2 activity. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified that protein kinase C (PKC) pathway was targeted by iguratimod which was confirmed by PKC activity detection. Furthermore, early growth response 1 (EGR1), a target of PKC and a non-redundant TF for ASC differentiation, was found to be the most downregulated gene in iguratimod-treated B cells. Lastly, iguratimod monotherapy decreased peripheral ASCs and was associated with improved disease activity. The expression of major ASC-related TFs, including EGR1, was similarly downregulated in patient blood samples. Conclusions Iguratimod inhibits ASC differentiation both in vitro and in RA patients. Our study suggests that PKC/EGR1 axis, rather than COX-2, is critically involved in the inhibitory effect by iguratimod on human ASC differentiation. Iguratimod could have a broader application to treat B cell-related autoimmune diseases in clinics. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1874-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 145 Shandong C Rd, Shanghai, 200001, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | | | - Fang Du
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yuanhua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Pei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qiong Fu
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 145 Shandong C Rd, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 145 Shandong C Rd, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 145 Shandong C Rd, Shanghai, 200001, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Rd, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 145 Shandong C Rd, Shanghai, 200001, China.
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Felten R, Scher F, Sibilia J, Gottenberg JE, Arnaud L. The pipeline of targeted therapies under clinical development for primary Sjögren's syndrome: A systematic review of trials. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:576-582. [PMID: 30959220 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To date, no immunomodulatory drug has proved efficacious in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). In pSS, difficulties in drug efficacy assessment is related to the large spectrum of clinical involvements (glandular/extraglandular involvement), to the lack of correlation between symptoms of dryness and glandular function assessed by objective measurements, as well as between symptoms and systemic complications of the disease. Severe organ manifestations are generally treated by off-label therapies in accordance with current practice and guidelines for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or other connective-tissue diseases. Despite a much greater understanding of the pathogenesis of pSS, modern drug development has resulted in no approval of therapy so far. In this study, we performed a systematic review of all targeted therapies under clinical development in pSS, in 17 main online registries of clinical trials. Our search identified 264 trials, from which 25 targeted therapies for pSS were included. The molecules under current clinical development for pSS target B cells (n = 4), T cells or T/B cells costimulation (n = 5), inflammatory cytokines or chemokines and their receptors (n = 5), intracellular signalling pathways (n = 7) and various other targets identified in pSS (n = 4). The current drug development pipeline in pSS may lead to valuable strategies for the treatment of this currently difficult-to-treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Felten
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.; Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, France; RESO : Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, France
| | - Florence Scher
- Service de Pharmacie-Stérilisation, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean Sibilia
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.; RESO : Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, France; INSERM UMR_S1109, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.; Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Immunopathologie et Chimie Thérapeutique, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), CNRS UPR3572, France; RESO : Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, France
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Service de rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.; RESO : Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares Est Sud-Ouest, France; INSERM UMR_S1109, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
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Nozaki Y, Inoue A, Kinoshita K, Funauchi M, Matsumura I. Efficacy of iguratimod vs. salazosulfapyridine as the first-line csDMARD for rheumatoid arthritis. Mod Rheumatol 2019; 30:249-258. [PMID: 30676812 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2019.1572267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: We retrospectively evaluated the retention rate and clinical responses following treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with iguratimod (IGU) vs. salazosulfapyridine (SASP) as the first-line conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD).Methods: We analyzed 197 RA patients who were treated with IGU or SASP as the initial treatment in the 3-year study period. The retention rate, clinical response, the dosage and percent user of prednisolone (PSL), and safety profiles were evaluated.Results: At month 36, the retention rates of the IGU and SASP groups were 52.4 vs. 32.1%. The rate of responders (good or moderate response) at month 36 was 85.8 vs. 65.2% in the IGU and SASP groups, respectively. At month 36 for the IGU and SASP groups, the percentages of PSL users were 16.7 vs. 46.7%, and the PSL dosage was 0.3 mg/d vs. 2.0 mg/d, respectively. The cumulative rates of any adverse event (AE) at month 36 were 19.8 vs. 29.2% in the IGU and SASP groups, respectively.Conclusion: IGU is a useful first-line csDMARD treatment for RA patients, showing a high retention rate and good efficacy without an increased risk of serious AEs, including serious infections. Our findings also indicate a PSL dose-sparing effect of IGU treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Nozaki
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asuka Inoue
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Kinoshita
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masanori Funauchi
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Itaru Matsumura
- Department of Hematology and Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan
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Pawlitzki M, Sweeney-Reed CM, Meuth SG, Reinhold D, Neumann J. CSF macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels did not predict steroid treatment response after optic neuritis in patients with multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207726. [PMID: 30475854 PMCID: PMC6261107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) refractory relapses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), who are in potential need of treatment escalation, are a key challenge in routine clinical practice. The pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been shown to be an endogenous counter-regulator of GC, and potentiates autoimmune-mediated neuroinflammation. In order to evaluate whether MIF levels are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients (CSF-MIF), and whether they are higher still during a GC refractory relapse, we compared CSF-MIF concentrations of CIS/MS patients with acute optic neuritis as their first inflammatory episode (ON, n = 20), CIS/MS patients with a stable disease progression/without relapse (CIS/MS w/o, n = 18), and healthy controls (HC, n = 20) using ANOVA. Mean CSF-MIF concentrations in CIS/MS w/o patients were significantly higher than in ON patients and HCs, whereas ON patients and HCs did not differ. A subgroup analysis of the ON group revealed 10 patients to be responsive to GC-treatment (GC-ON) and 10 patients refractory under GC-treatment (rGC-ON). However, mean CSF-MIF concentrations did not differ between GC-ON and rGC-ON cases. We therefore conclude that MIF is not suitable for distinguishing GC responders from non-responders in a group of patients with acute optic neuritis, but it rather mirrors the ongoing inflammation in long-term MS disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Pawlitzki
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Dirk Reinhold
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jens Neumann
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Role of MIF and D-DT in immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic respiratory diseases: from pathogenic factors to therapeutic targets. Drug Discov Today 2018; 24:428-439. [PMID: 30439447 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a protein that acts as a cytokine-, enzyme-, endocrine- and chaperon-like molecule. It binds to the cell-surface receptor CD74 in association with CD44, which activates the downstream signal transduction pathway. In addition, MIF acts also as a noncognate ligand for C-X-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2), type 4 (CXCR4), and type 7 (CXCR7). Recently, D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), a second member of the MIF superfamily, was identified. From a pharmacological and clinical point of view, the nonredundant biological properties of MIF and D-DT anticipate potential synergisms from their simultaneous inhibition. Here, we focus on the role of MIF and D-DT in human immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic respiratory diseases, providing an update on the progress made in the identification of specific small-molecule inhibitors of these proteins.
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38
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Bezdek S, Leng L, Busch H, Mousavi S, Rades D, Dahlke M, Zillikens D, Bucala R, Sadik CD. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Drives Murine Psoriasiform Dermatitis. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2262. [PMID: 30333830 PMCID: PMC6176003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunomodulator Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) exerts pleiotropic immunomodulatory activities and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diverse inflammatory diseases. Expression levels of MIF are also significantly elevated in the skin and serum of psoriasis patients, but the pathogenic significance of MIF in psoriasis is unknown. We have therefore addressed the role of MIF in two mouse models of psoriasis, namely in the imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis (IIPD) and the IL-23-induced dermatitis model. Daily treatment with Aldara™ cream, containing imiquimod, markedly increased the abundance of MIF in the skin and generated a cellular skin expression pattern of MIF closely resembling that in human plaque psoriasis. Deficiency in MIF significantly alleviated IIPD. On the clinical level, all hallmarks of psoriasiform dermatitis, including erythema, skin infiltration, and desquamation were reduced in Mif−/− mice. On the histopathological level, MIF deficiency decreased keratinocyte hyperproliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, specifically with respect to monocyte-derived cells, and dermal angiogenesis, suggesting that MIF may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasiform dermatitis through several mechanisms. Similarly, MIF deficiency also significantly reduced disease in the IL-23-induced dermatitis model, suggesting that MIF is involved in the pathogenic pathways activated by IL-23 and required to achieve full-blown psoriasiform dermatitis. Collectively, our results lend support to a possible disease-promoting role of MIF in psoriasis, which should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siegfried Bezdek
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lin Leng
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hauke Busch
- Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sadegh Mousavi
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Dirk Rades
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Markus Dahlke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Richard Bucala
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Christian D Sadik
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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39
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Ebina K, Miyama A, Tsuboi H, Kaneshiro S, Nishikawa M, Owaki H, Tsuji S, Hirao M, Etani Y, Goshima A, Hashimoto J, Yoshikawa H. The add-on effectiveness and safety of iguratimod in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who showed an inadequate response to tocilizumab. Mod Rheumatol 2018; 29:581-588. [PMID: 29882440 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2018.1486939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of add-on iguratimod (IGU) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who showed an inadequate response to tocilizumab (TCZ), especially patients who were intolerant of an effective dose of methotrexate (MTX). Methods: Thirty-one patients with RA (22 women, age 62.4 years, disease duration 13.8 years, prior TCZ duration 35.7 months, 25 intravenous [8 mg/kg/4 weeks] and 6 subcutaneous [162 mg/2 weeks] TCZ treatments, concomitant MTX 8.5 mg/week [35.5%], and prednisolone (PSL) 4.3 mg/day [25.8%]) who showed an inadequate response to TCZ (disease activity score assessing 28 joints with C-reactive protein [DAS28-CRP] 2.9, clinical disease activity index [CDAI] 15.0, 28 secondary inadequate responders) were treated with additional IGU (final dose 41.7 mg/day) and enrolled in this 24-week, multicenter, retrospective study. Results: Twenty-nine patients (93.5%) continued the treatment for 24 weeks (one dropped out for pneumonia and one for digestive symptoms). The TCZ and the concomitant dose and rate of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) (MTX, salazosulfapyridine [SASP], and tacrolimus [TAC]) were not significantly changed during this period. Outcome measures improved significantly, as follows: DAS28-CRP from 2.9 to 1.7 (p < .001); CDAI from 15.0 to 6.0 (p < .001); modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ) from 0.8 to 0.6 (p < .05); and rheumatoid factor (RF) from 382.1 to 240.3 IU/mL (p < .001). Using the EULAR criteria, 64.5% achieved a moderate response, and 51.6% achieved ACR 20 at 24 weeks. Conclusion: Adding IGU to inadequate responders to TCZ may be a promising and safe complementary treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Ebina
- a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka , Japan
| | - Akira Miyama
- a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka , Japan
| | - Hideki Tsuboi
- b Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka Rosai Hospital , Sakai , Japan
| | - Shoichi Kaneshiro
- b Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka Rosai Hospital , Sakai , Japan
| | - Masataka Nishikawa
- c Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Osaka Hospital , Osaka , Japan
| | - Hajime Owaki
- c Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Osaka Hospital , Osaka , Japan
| | - Shigeyoshi Tsuji
- d Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , National Hospital Organization Osaka Minami Medical Center , Osaka , Japan
| | - Makoto Hirao
- a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka , Japan
| | - Yuki Etani
- a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka , Japan
| | - Atsushi Goshima
- c Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Japan Community Healthcare Organization, Osaka Hospital , Osaka , Japan
| | - Jun Hashimoto
- e Department of Rheumatology , National Hospital Organization Osaka Minami Medical Center , Osaka , Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshikawa
- a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery , Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka , Japan
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Ahmed M, Miller E. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the development and progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Glob Cardiol Sci Pract 2018; 2018:14. [PMID: 30083544 PMCID: PMC6062764 DOI: 10.21542/gcsp.2018.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been described as a pro-inflammatory cytokine and regulator of neuro-endocrine function. It plays an important upstream role in the inflammatory cascade by promoting the release of other inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, ultimately triggering a chronic inflammatory immune response. As lungs can synthesize and release MIF, many studies have investigated the potential role of MIF as a biomarker in assessment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and using anti-MIFs as a new therapeutic modality for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ahmed
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Pediatrics Department Cohen Children’s Hospital at New York, Northwell Health System
- The Center for Heart and Lung Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
- School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Edmund Miller
- The Center for Heart and Lung Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
- School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, New York, USA
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41
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Kok T, Wasiel AA, Cool RH, Melgert BN, Poelarends GJ, Dekker FJ. Small-molecule inhibitors of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as an emerging class of therapeutics for immune disorders. Drug Discov Today 2018; 23:1910-1918. [PMID: 29936245 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important cytokine for which an increasing number of functions is being described in the pathogenesis of inflammation and cancer. Nevertheless, the availability of potent and druglike MIF inhibitors that are well-characterized in relevant disease models remains limited. Development of highly potent and selective small-molecule MIF inhibitors and validation of their use in relevant disease models will advance drug discovery. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the identification of MIF as a pharmacological target in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases and cancer. We also give an overview of the current developments in the discovery and design of small-molecule MIF inhibitors and define future aims in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjie Kok
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Jalan Raya Kalirungkut Surabaya, 60292, Indonesia
| | - Anna A Wasiel
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert H Cool
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit J Poelarends
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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42
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Trivedi-Parmar V, Jorgensen WL. Advances and Insights for Small Molecule Inhibition of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8104-8119. [PMID: 29812929 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an upstream regulator of the immune response whose dysregulation is tied to a broad spectrum of inflammatory and proliferative disorders. As its complex signaling pathways and pleiotropic nature have been elucidated, it has become an attractive target for drug discovery. Remarkably, MIF is both a cytokine and an enzyme that functions as a keto-enol tautomerase. Strategies including in silico modeling, virtual screening, high-throughput screening, and screening of anti-inflammatory natural products have led to a large and diverse catalogue of MIF inhibitors as well as some understanding of the structure-activity relationships for compounds binding MIF's tautomerase active site. With possible clinical trials of some MIF inhibitors on the horizon, it is an opportune time to review the literature to seek trends, address inconsistencies, and identify promising new avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Trivedi-Parmar
- Department of Chemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8107 , United States
| | - William L Jorgensen
- Department of Chemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8107 , United States
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43
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Mangano K, Mazzon E, Basile MS, Di Marco R, Bramanti P, Mammana S, Petralia MC, Fagone P, Nicoletti F. Pathogenic role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor in glioblastoma and its targeting with specific inhibitors as novel tailored therapeutic approach. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17951-17970. [PMID: 29707160 PMCID: PMC5915168 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine expressed by a variety of cell types. Although MIF has been primarily studied for its role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, it has also been shown to promote tumorigenesis and it is over expressed in various malignant tumors. MIF is able to induce angiogenesis, cell cycle progression, and to block apoptosis. As tailored therapeutic approaches for the inhibition of endogenous MIF are being developed, it is important to evaluate the role of MIF in individual neoplastic conditions that may benefit from specific MIF inhibitors. Along with this line, in this paper, we have reviewed the evidence of the involvement of MIF in the etiopathogenesis and progression of glioblastoma and the preclinical data suggesting the possible use of specific MIF inhibition as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Maria Sofia Basile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | | | - Santa Mammana
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Formative Processes, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Li G, Yamasaki R, Fang M, Masaki K, Ochi H, Matsushita T, Kira JI. Novel disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug iguratimod suppresses chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by down-regulating activation of macrophages/microglia through an NF-κB pathway. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1933. [PMID: 29386552 PMCID: PMC5792543 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to elucidate the effects of iguratimod, a widely used anti-rheumatic drug with no severe side effects, on chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Iguratimod was orally administered to mice immunised with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55. Preventive administration of iguratimod from the time of immunisation was found to markedly reduce the clinical severity of acute and chronic EAE. Pathologically, iguratimod treatment significantly reduced demyelination and infiltration of CD3+ T, F4/80+, and CD169+ cells into the spinal cord, and suppressed macrophage/microglia activation in the parenchyma at the acute and chronic stages compared with vehicle treatment. Therapeutic administration of iguratimod after the onset of clinical symptoms significantly ameliorated the clinical severity of chronic EAE and reduced demyelination, T helper (Th)1/Th17 cell infiltration, macrophage/microglia activation, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in the spinal cord. In vitro, iguratimod treatment inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 and down-regulated pro-inflammatory responses in macrophages and microglia. Our results suggest that iguratimod ameliorates acute and chronic EAE by suppressing inflammatory cell infiltration and immune cell activation, partly through inhibition of NF-κB p65, supporting the therapeutic potential of this drug for not only acute, but also chronic MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangrui Li
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamasaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Mei Fang
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Masaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ochi
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Neurology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Matsuyama, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsushita
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kira
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Anti-allodynic action of the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug iguratimod in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Inflamm Res 2017; 66:855-862. [PMID: 28612120 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-017-1064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience nociceptive as well as neuropathic pain. The effect of iguratimod (IGU), a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) was examined in this study. METHODS CCI was induced by making four ligations on the left sciatic nerve. Rats with stable signs of static allodynia were selected 2 weeks after the surgery and drug treatments were started (day 0). The test drugs were orally administered once daily for 15 days. The threshold of mechanical pain response in the hind paw was evaluated by the von Frey hair test in a blinded manner. To observe histological changes in the spinal cord, the L4 region was subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for the detection of microglial cells. RESULTS IGU showed an anti-allodynic effect on CCI-induced neuropathic pain at days 6 and 14, but not at 90 min after the first administration of IGU. This effect of IGU was observed until day 21. Furthermore, IGU decreased the number of Iba-1-positive cells, which had been increased at the ipsilateral side of the dorsal horn by CCI. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that IGU suppresses neuropathic pain via a different mechanism from that of current therapeutics.
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