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Zhu M, Wang Y, Han J, Sun Y, Wang S, Yang B, Wang Q, Kuang H. Artesunate Exerts Organ- and Tissue-Protective Effects by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Fibrosis: A Review of Evidence and Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:686. [PMID: 38929125 PMCID: PMC11200509 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060686] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The human body comprises numerous organs and tissues operating in synchrony, it facilitates metabolism, circulation, and overall organismal function. Consequently, the well-being of our organs and tissues significantly influences our overall health. In recent years, research on the protective effects of artesunate (AS) on various organ functions, including the heart, liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and others has witnessed significant advancements. Findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that AS may emerge as a newfound guardian against organ damage. Its protective mechanisms primarily entail the inhibition of inflammatory factors and affect anti-fibrotic, anti-aging, immune-enhancing, modulation of stem cells, apoptosis, metabolic homeostasis, and autophagy properties. Moreover, AS is attracting a high level of interest because of its obvious antioxidant activities, including the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 signaling pathways, inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen species, and interfering with the expression of genes and proteins associated with oxidative stress. This review comprehensively outlines the recent strides made by AS in alleviating organismal injuries stemming from various causes and protecting organs, aiming to serve as a reference for further in-depth research and utilization of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Jianwei Han
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Yanping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Bingyou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Qiuhong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510024, China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
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Fazilani SA, An W, Li S, Hassan MF, Ishfaq M, Lakho SA, Farooque M, Shoaib M, Zhang X. Unrevealing the therapeutic potential of artesunate against emerging zoonotic Babesia microti infection in the murine model. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1383291. [PMID: 38784653 PMCID: PMC11111996 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1383291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Babesiosis, a zoonotic blood protozoal disease, threatens humans and animals and is difficult to treat due to growing antimicrobial resistance. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of artesunate (AS), a well-known derivative of artemisinin, against Babesia microti (B. microti) using a murine infection model. Male BALB/c mice (6 weeks old; 15 per group) were chosen and randomly divided into 1) the control group, 2) the B. microti group, and 3) the B. microti + artesunate treatment groups. AS treatment at 2 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, and 8 mg/kg of body weight significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the B. microti load in blood smears in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, AS treatment mitigated the decrease in body weight and restored the normal state of the liver and spleen viscera index compared to the B. microti-infected group after 28 days. Hematological analysis revealed significant increases in RBC, WBC, and PLT counts post-AS treatment compared to the B. microti-infected group. Furthermore, AS administration resulted in significant reductions in total protein, bilirubin, ALT, AST, and ALP levels, along with reduced liver and spleen inflammation and lesions as observed through histopathological analysis. AS also elicited dose-dependent changes in mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptotic, proinflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the liver compared to the control and B. microti-infected groups. Immunolabeling revealed decreased expression of apoptotic and inflammation-related proteins in AS-treated hepatic cytoplasm compared to the B. microti-infected group. AS also in dose-dependent manner decreased apoptotic protein and increased Bcl-2. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of AS as an anti-parasitic candidate in combating B. microti pathogenesis in an in vivo infection model, suggesting its promise for clinical trials as a treatment for babesiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqib Ali Fazilani
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development. Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biosciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - Wei An
- Technical Centre of Chengdu Customs, Chengdu, China
| | - Sihong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Farooque Hassan
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | | | - Shakeel Ahmed Lakho
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Farooque
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Ziauddin University Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shoaib
- Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project, Gansu Province/Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development. Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Xie K, Li Z, Zhang Y, Wu H, Zhang T, Wang W. Artemisinin and its derivatives as promising therapies for autoimmune diseases. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27972. [PMID: 38596057 PMCID: PMC11001780 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, a traditional Chinese medicine with remarkable antimalarial activity. In recent years, studies demonstrated that artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) showed anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. ARTs have been developed and gradually applied to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, their role in the treament of patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in particular is less well recognized. This review will briefly describe the history of ARTs use in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, the theorized mechanisms of action of the agents ARTs, their efficacy in patients with autoinmmune and inflammatory diseases. Overall, ARTs have numerous beneficial effects in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and have a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaidi Xie
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/ AIDS Research, Beijing, 100069, China
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Gao X, Lin X, Wang Q, Chen J. Artemisinins: Promising drug candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:867-891. [PMID: 38054758 DOI: 10.1002/med.22001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the immune system's attack on one's own tissues which are highly diverse and diseases differ in severity, causing damage in virtually all human systems including connective tissue (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), neurological system (e.g., multiple sclerosis) and digestive system (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). Historically, treatments normally include pain-killing medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant drugs. However, given the above characteristics, treatment of autoimmune diseases has always been a challenge. Artemisinin is a natural sesquiterpene lactone initially extracted and separated from Chinese medicine Artemisia annua L., which has a long history of curing malaria. Artemisinin's derivatives such as artesunate, dihydroartemisinin, artemether, artemisitene, and so forth, are a family of artemisinins with antimalarial activity. Over the past decades, accumulating evidence have indicated the promising therapeutic potential of artemisinins in autoimmune diseases. Herein, we systematically summarized the research regarding the immunoregulatory properties of artemisinins including artemisinin and its derivatives, discussing their potential therapeutic viability toward major autoimmune diseases and the underlying mechanisms. This review will provide new directions for basic research and clinical translational medicine of artemisinins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Gao
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xian Lin
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Inflammatory and Immunology Diseases, Shenzhen, China
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Tao Y, Xu L, Liu X, Wang P, Wei S, Huang Y, Gu W, Bo R, Liu M, Yu J, Li J. Chitosan-coated artesunate protects against ulcerative colitis via STAT6-mediated macrophage M2 polarization and intestinal barrier protection. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127680. [PMID: 37890744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127680] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Oral delivery of chitosan-coated artesunate (CPA) has been proven to be effective at preventing ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism is not fully understood. STAT6 is a key transcription factor that promotes anti-inflammatory effects by inducing M2 and Th2 dominant phenotypes, therefore we hypothesized STAT6 might play a key role in the process. To prove it, a STAT6 gene knockout macrophage cell line (STAT6-/- RAW264.7, by CRISPR/Cas9 method), and its corresponding Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture system combined with the STAT6 inhibitor (AS1517499, AS) in a mouse UC model were established and studied. The results showed that CPA remarkably suppressed the activation of TLR-4/NF-κB pathway and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines, while increased the IL-10 levels in RAW264.7. This effect of CPA contributed to the protection of the ZO-1 in Caco-2 which was disrupted upon the stimulation to macrophages. Simultaneously, CPA reduced the expression of CD86 but increase the expression of CD206 and p-STAT6 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. However, above alterations were not obvious as in STAT6-/- RAW264.7 and its co-culture system, suggesting STAT6 plays a key role. Furthermore, CPA treatment significantly inhibited TLR-4/NF-κB activation, intestinal macrophage M1 polarization and mucosal barrier injury induced by DSS while promoted STAT6 phosphorylation in the UC mouse model, but this effect was also prominently counteracted by AS. Therefore, our data indicate that STAT6 is a major regulator in the balance of M1/M2 polarization, intestinal barrier integrity and then anti-colitis effects of CPA. These findings broaden our understanding of how CPA fights against UC and imply an alternative treatment strategy for UC via this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Tao
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Lei Xu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Xiaopan Liu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Peijia Wang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Simin Wei
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Yinmo Huang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Ruonan Bo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Mingjiang Liu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Jie Yu
- The Affiliated Suqian First People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suqian 223800, PR China.
| | - Jingui Li
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China.
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Gu J, Xu Y, Hua D, Chen Z. Role of artesunate in autoimmune diseases and signaling pathways. Immunotherapy 2023; 15:1183-1193. [PMID: 37431601 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0052] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Artesunate (ART) is a derivative of artemisinin. Compared with artemisinin, ART has excellent water solubility, high stability and oral bioavailability. In this review, the application of ART in classic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis is summarized. ART exhibited similar or even better efficacy than other highly effective immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. In addition, ART exerts its pharmacological effects mainly by inhibiting the production of inflammatory factors, reactive oxygen species, autoantibodies and the migration of cells to reduce damage to tissues or organs. Moreover, ART widely affected the NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways to exert pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsai Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yishuang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Dihao Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
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Innocenti T, Bigagli E, Lynch EN, Galli A, Dragoni G. MiRNA-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Are We Still Missing? Inflamm Bowel Dis 2023; 29:308-323. [PMID: 35749310 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izac122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs usually 24-30 nucleotides long that play a central role in epigenetic mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and cancers. Recently, several studies have assessed the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated neoplasia. Particularly, it has been shown that many members of miRNAs family are involved in the pathways of inflammation and fibrogenesis of IBD; therefore, their use as inflammatory and fibrosis biomarkers has been postulated. In light of these results, the role of miRNAs in IBD therapy has been proposed and is currently under investigation with many in vitro and in vivo studies, murine models, and a phase 2a trial. The accumulating data have pushed miRNA-based therapy closer to clinical practice, although many open questions remain. With this systematic review, we discuss the current knowledge about the therapeutic effects of miRNAs mimicking and inhibition, and we explore the new potential targets of miRNA family for the treatment of inflammation and fibrosis in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Innocenti
- IBD Referral Center, Gastroenterology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bigagli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Nicola Lynch
- IBD Referral Center, Gastroenterology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- IBD Referral Center, Gastroenterology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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miRNA Molecules-Late Breaking Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032233. [PMID: 36768556 PMCID: PMC9916785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of non-coding RNAs that play a critical role in regulating epigenetic mechanisms in inflammation-related diseases. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which primarily include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are characterized by chronic recurrent inflammation of intestinal tissues. Due to the multifactorial etiology of these diseases, the development of innovative treatment strategies that can effectively maintain remission and alleviate disease symptoms is a major challenge. In recent years, evidence for the regulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenetic mechanisms of various diseases, including IBD, has been accumulating. In light of these findings, miRNAs represent potential innovative candidates for therapeutic application in IBD. In this review, we discuss recent findings on the role of miRNAs in regulating inflammatory responses, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and developing fibrosis in clinical and experimental IBD. The focus is on the existing literature, indicating potential therapeutic application of miRNAs in both preclinical experimental IBD models and translational data in the context of clinical IBD. To date, a large and diverse data set, which is growing rapidly, supports the potential use of miRNA-based therapies in clinical practice, although many questions remain unanswered.
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Vieujean S, Caron B, Haghnejad V, Jouzeau JY, Netter P, Heba AC, Ndiaye NC, Moulin D, Barreto G, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Impact of the Exposome on the Epigenome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients and Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7611. [PMID: 35886959 PMCID: PMC9321337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that encompass two main phenotypes, namely Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions occur in genetically predisposed individuals in response to environmental factors. Epigenetics, acting by DNA methylation, post-translational histones modifications or by non-coding RNAs, could explain how the exposome (or all environmental influences over the life course, from conception to death) could influence the gene expression to contribute to intestinal inflammation. We performed a scoping search using Medline to identify all the elements of the exposome that may play a role in intestinal inflammation through epigenetic modifications, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The environmental factors epigenetically influencing the occurrence of intestinal inflammation are the maternal lifestyle (mainly diet, the occurrence of infection during pregnancy and smoking); breastfeeding; microbiota; diet (including a low-fiber diet, high-fat diet and deficiency in micronutrients); smoking habits, vitamin D and drugs (e.g., IBD treatments, antibiotics and probiotics). Influenced by both microbiota and diet, short-chain fatty acids are gut microbiota-derived metabolites resulting from the anaerobic fermentation of non-digestible dietary fibers, playing an epigenetically mediated role in the integrity of the epithelial barrier and in the defense against invading microorganisms. Although the impact of some environmental factors has been identified, the exposome-induced epimutations in IBD remain a largely underexplored field. How these environmental exposures induce epigenetic modifications (in terms of duration, frequency and the timing at which they occur) and how other environmental factors associated with IBD modulate epigenetics deserve to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Vieujean
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, 4000 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Bénédicte Caron
- Department of Gastroenterology NGERE (INSERM U1256), Nancy University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, F-54052 Nancy, France; (B.C.); (V.H.)
| | - Vincent Haghnejad
- Department of Gastroenterology NGERE (INSERM U1256), Nancy University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, F-54052 Nancy, France; (B.C.); (V.H.)
| | - Jean-Yves Jouzeau
- CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Laboratoire IMoPA, Université de Lorraine, UMR 7365, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.-Y.J.); (P.N.); (D.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Patrick Netter
- CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Laboratoire IMoPA, Université de Lorraine, UMR 7365, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.-Y.J.); (P.N.); (D.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Anne-Charlotte Heba
- NGERE (Nutrition-Genetics and Exposure to Environmental Risks), National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (A.-C.H.); (N.C.N.)
| | - Ndeye Coumba Ndiaye
- NGERE (Nutrition-Genetics and Exposure to Environmental Risks), National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (A.-C.H.); (N.C.N.)
| | - David Moulin
- CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Laboratoire IMoPA, Université de Lorraine, UMR 7365, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.-Y.J.); (P.N.); (D.M.); (G.B.)
| | - Guillermo Barreto
- CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Laboratoire IMoPA, Université de Lorraine, UMR 7365, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.-Y.J.); (P.N.); (D.M.); (G.B.)
- Lung Cancer Epigenetics, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Universidad de la Salud del Estado de Puebla, Puebla 72000, Mexico
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology NGERE (INSERM U1256), Nancy University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, F-54052 Nancy, France; (B.C.); (V.H.)
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Zhao X, Cui D, Yuan W, Chen C, Liu Q. Berberine represses Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation via modulating the microRNA-103a-3p/Bromodomain-containing protein 4 axis, thereby refraining pyroptosis and reducing the intestinal mucosal barrier defect induced via colitis. Bioengineered 2022; 13:7392-7409. [PMID: 35259053 PMCID: PMC8973728 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2047405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal barrier dysfunction is inflammatory bowel disease’s hallmark. Berberine (BBR) has manifested its anti-inflammatory properties in colitis. For exploring the molecular mechanism of BBR’s impacts on colitis, application of a dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse colitis in vivo model was with recording the body weight, stool consistency, stool occult blood and general physical symptoms of all groups of mice every day. Behind assessment of intestinal permeability, detection of colon damage’s degree and apoptosis, and inflammatory factors for assessment of pyroptosis was conducted. Application of interleukin-6-stimulated Caco-2 cells was for construction of an in vitro model. Then detection of cell advancement with inflammation and measurement of the barrier’s integrity were put into effect. Verification of microRNA (miR)-103a-3p and Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4)’s targeting link was conducted. Experiments have clarified BBR, elevated miR-103a-3p or repressive BRD4 was available to alleviate colitis-stimulated pyroptosis and intestinal mucosal barrier defects. BBR elevated miR-103a-3p to target BRD4; Refraining miR-103a-3p or enhancive BRD4 turned around BBR’s therapeutic action on colitis injury. BBR depressed Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation via controlling the miR-103a-3p/BRD4 axis. All in all, BBR represses Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation via modulating the miR-103a-3p/BRD4 axis, thereby mitigating colitis-stimulated pyroptosis and the intestinal mucosal barrier defect. The research suggests BBR is supposed to take on potential in colitis cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhao
- The Graduate School, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - DeJun Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - WenQiang Yuan
- The Graduate School, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Qi Liu
- The Graduate School, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, China
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11
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Qiu F, Liu J, Mo X, Liu H, Chen Y, Dai Z. Immunoregulation by Artemisinin and Its Derivatives: A New Role for Old Antimalarial Drugs. Front Immunol 2021; 12:751772. [PMID: 34567013 PMCID: PMC8458561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.751772] [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: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives (ARTs) are known as conventional antimalarial drugs with clinical safety and efficacy. Youyou Tu was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine due to her discovery of artemisinin and its therapeutic effects on malaria. Apart from antimalarial effects, mounting evidence has demonstrated that ARTs exert therapeutic effects on inflammation and autoimmune disorders because of their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. In this aspect, tremendous progress has been made during the past five to seven years. Therefore, the present review summarizes recent studies that have explored the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of ARTs on autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection. In this review, we also discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of ARTs. Recent preclinical studies will help lay the groundwork for clinical trials using ARTs to treat various immune-based disorders, especially autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Qiu
- Section of Immunology & Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junfeng Liu
- Section of Immunology & Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Mo
- Section of Immunology & Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huazhen Liu
- Section of Immunology & Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- Section of Immunology & Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhua Dai
- Section of Immunology & Joint Immunology Program, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences & Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Diseases, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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