The hierarchical micro-/nanotextured topographies promote the proliferation and angiogenesis-related genes expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by initiation of Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling

The Effects of Biomimetic Surface Topography on Vascular Cells: Implications for Vascular Conduits

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and represent a pressing clinical need. Vascular occlusions are the predominant cause of CVD and necessitate surgical interventions such as bypass graft surgery to replace the damaged or obstructed blood vessel with a synthetic conduit. Synthetic small-diameter vascular grafts (sSDVGs) are desired to bypass blood vessels with an inner diameter <6 mm yet have limited use due to unacceptable patency rates. The incorporation of biophysical cues such as topography onto the sSDVG biointerface can be used to mimic the cellular microenvironment and improve outcomes. In this review, the utility of surface topography in sSDVG design is discussed. First, the primary challenges that sSDVGs face and the rationale for utilizing biomimetic topography are introduced. The current literature surrounding the effects of topographical cues on vascular cell behavior in vitro is reviewed, providing insight into which features are optimal for application in sSDVGs. The results of studies that have utilized topographically-enhanced sSDVGs in vivo are evaluated. Current challenges and barriers to clinical translation are discussed. Based on the wealth of evidence detailed here, substrate topography offers enormous potential to improve the outcome of sSDVGs and provide therapeutic solutions for CVDs.

Multifunctional alginate/polydeoxyribonucleotide hydrogels for promoting diabetic wound healing

A multifunctional alginate/PDRN hydrogel system by ionic crosslinking and the Schiff base reaction between oxidized alginate (OA) and PDRN was developed in the present study. Biocompatibility assessment of the PDRN-loaded OA hydrogels showed a significant enhancement in cell viability in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. In addition, hydrogels showed migratory, anti-inflammatory, intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging, and anti-apoptotic activities. In vivo studies using a streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wister rat model indicated that OA-4PDRN had the highest percentage of wound closure (96.1 ± 2.6 %) at day 14 compared to the control (79.0 ± 2.3 %) group. This was accompanied by up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) accompanied by down-regulation of pro-inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β). Following histopathological observations, PDRN-loaded OA hydrogel ensured tissue safety and induced wound healing with granular tissue formation, collagen deposition, re-epithelialization, and regeneration of blood vessels and hair follicles. The downregulation of inflammatory cytokines (CD68) and expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines (CD31) in wound sites revealed the suppression of inflammation and increased angiogenesis, ensuring skin tissue regeneration in diabetic wound healing. In conclusion, the findings suggest that PDRN-loaded OA hydrogel has enormous therapeutic potential as a diabetic wound dressing.

Towards modular engineering of cell signalling: Topographically-textured microparticles induce osteogenesis via activation of canonical hedgehog signalling

Polymer microparticles possess great potential as functional building blocks for advanced bottom-up engineering of complex tissues. Tailoring the three-dimensional architectural features of culture substrates has been shown to induce osteogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, but the molecular mechanisms underpinning this remain unclear. This study proposes a mechanism linking the activation of Hedgehog signalling to the osteoinductive effect of surface-engineered, topographically-textured polymeric microparticles. In this study, mesenchymal progenitor C3H10T1/2 cells were cultured on smooth and dimpled poly(D,l-lactide) microparticles to assess differences in viability, cellular morphology, proliferation, and expression of a range of Hedgehog signalling components and osteogenesis-related genes. Dimpled microparticles induced osteogenesis and activated the Hedgehog signalling pathway relative to smooth microparticles and 2D-cultured controls without the addition of exogenous biochemical factors. We observed upregulation of the osteogenesis markers Runt-related transcription factor2 (Runx2) and bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein 2 (Bglap2), as well as the Hedgehog signalling components, glioma associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1), Patched1 (Ptch1), and Smoothened (Smo). Treatment with the Smo antagonist KAAD-cyclopamine confirmed the involvement of Smo in Gli1 target gene activation, with a significant reduction in the expression of Gli1, Runx2 and Bglap2 (p ≤ 0.001) following KAAD-cyclopamine treatment. Overall, our study demonstrates the role of the topographical microenvironment in the modulation of Hedgehog signalling, highlighting the potential for tailoring substrate topographical design to offer cell-instructive 3D microenvironments. Topographically-textured microparticles allow the modulation of Hedgehog signalling in vitro without adding exogenous biochemical agonists, thereby eliminating potential confounding artefacts in high-throughput drug screening applications.

Efficacy of Wen-Luo-Tong on Peripheral Neuropathy Induced by Chemotherapy or Target Therapy: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of Wen-Luo-Tong Granules (WLT) local administration in the treatment of patients with peripheral neuropathy (PN) induced by chemotherapy or target therapy.

METHODS

This study is a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-eight patients with PN induced by chemotherapy or target therapy were enrolled from China-Japan Friendship Hospital between July 2019 and January 2020. They were randomly assigned to WLT (39 cases) and control groups (39 cases) using a block randomization method. The WLT group received WLT (hand and foot bath) plus oral Mecobalamin for 1 week, while the control group received placebo plus oral Mecobalamin. The primary endpoint was PN grade evaluated by the National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE). The secondary endpoints included quantitative touch-detection threshold, neuropathy symptoms, Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (QLQ-CIPN20), and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core30 (QLQ-C30).

RESULTS

After treatment, the PN grade in the WLT group was significantly lower than that in the control group (1.00 ± 0.29 vs. 1.75 ± 0.68, P<0.01). The total effective rate in the WLT group was significantly higher than that in the control group (82.05% vs. 51.28%, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the touch-detection thresholds at fingertips, neuropathy symptom score, QLQ-CIPN 20 (sensory scale, motor scale, autonomic scale, and sum score), and QLQ-C30 (physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, and global health) in the WLT group significantly improved after treatment (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

WLT local administration was significantly effective in the treatment of patients with PN induced by chemotherapy or target therapy. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR1900023862).

Novel Angiogenic Regulators and Anti-Angiogenesis Drugs Targeting Angiogenesis Signaling Pathways: Perspectives for Targeting Angiogenesis in Lung Cancer

Lung cancer growth is dependent on angiogenesis. In recent years, angiogenesis inhibitors have attracted more and more attention as potential lung cancer treatments. Current anti-angiogenic drugs targeting VEGF or receptor tyrosine kinases mainly inhibit tumor growth by reducing angiogenesis and blocking the energy supply of lung cancer cells. However, these drugs have limited efficiency, raising concerns about limited scope of action and mechanisms of patient resistance to existing drugs. Therefore, current basic research on angiogenic regulators has focused more on screening carcinogenic/anticancer genes, miRNAs, lncRNAs, proteins and other biomolecules capable of regulating the expression of specific targets in angiogenesis signaling pathways. In addition, new uses for existing drugs and new drug delivery systems have received increasing attention. In our article, we analyze the application status and research hotspots of angiogenesis inhibitors in lung cancer treatment as a reference for subsequent mechanistic research and drug development.

Bioactive Materials Promote Wound Healing through Modulation of Cell Behaviors

Skin wound repair is a multistage process involving multiple cellular and molecular interactions, which modulate the cell behaviors and dynamic remodeling of extracellular matrices to maximize regeneration and repair. Consequently, abnormalities in cell functions or pathways inevitably give rise to side effects, such as dysregulated inflammation, hyperplasia of nonmigratory epithelial cells, and lack of response to growth factors, which impedes angiogenesis and fibrosis. These issues may cause delayed wound healing or even non-healing states. Current clinical therapeutic approaches are predominantly dedicated to preventing infections and alleviating topical symptoms rather than addressing the modulation of wound microenvironments to achieve targeted outcomes. Bioactive materials, relying on their chemical, physical, and biological properties or as carriers of bioactive substances, can affect wound microenvironments and promote wound healing at the molecular level. By addressing the mechanisms of wound healing from the perspective of cell behaviors, this review discusses how bioactive materials modulate the microenvironments and cell behaviors within the wounds during the stages of hemostasis, anti-inflammation, tissue regeneration and deposition, and matrix remodeling. A deeper understanding of cell behaviors during wound healing is bound to promote the development of more targeted and efficient bioactive materials for clinical applications.

GSK-3β suppression upregulates Gli1 to alleviate osteogenesis inhibition in titanium nanoparticle-induced osteolysis

Wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) have become a major reason of joint arthroplasty failure and secondary surgery following joint arthroplasty and thus pose a severe threat to global public health. Therefore, determining how to effectively suppress particle-induced PPO has become an urgent problem. The pathological mechanism involved in the PPO signaling cascade is still unclear. Recently, the interaction between osteogenic inhibition and wear particles at the implant biological interface, which has received increasing attention, has been revealed as an important factor in pathological process. Additionally, Hedgehog (Hh)-Gli1 is a crucial signaling cascade which was regulated by multiple factors in numerous physiological and pathological process. It was revealed to exert a crucial part during embryonic bone development and metabolism. However, whether Hh-Gli1 is involved in wear particle-induced osteogenic inhibition in PPO remains unknown. Our present study explored the mechanism by which the Hh-Gli1 signaling cascade regulates titanium (Ti) nanoparticle-induced osteolysis. We found that Hh-Gli1 signaling was dramatically downregulated upon Ti particle treatment. Mechanistically, glycogen synthesis kinase 3β (GSK-3β) activation was significantly increased in Ti particle-induced osteogenic inhibition via changes in GSK-3β phosphorylation level and was found to participate in the posttranslational modification and degradation of the key transcription factor Gli1, thus decreasing the accumulation of Gli1 and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Collectively, these findings suggest that the Hh-Gli1 signaling cascade utilizes a GSK3β-mediated mechanism and may serve as a rational new therapeutic target against nanoparticle-induced PPO.

Novel Pathways for Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women and is the second leading cause of cancer related death worldwide. Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel development from pre-existing vasculature, has been implicated in the growth, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Tumor angiogenesis has been explored as a key therapeutic target for decades, as the blockade of this process holds the potential to reduce the oxygen and nutrient supplies that are required for tumor growth. However, many existing anti-angiogenic approaches, such as those targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Notch, and Angiopoietin signaling, have been associated with severe side-effects, limited survival advantage, and enhanced cancer regrowth rates. To address these setbacks, alternative pathways involved in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis are being explored, including those involving Bone Morphogenetic Protein-9 signaling, the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, Cyclooxygenase-2, p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Chemokine Ligand 18. This review article will introduce the concept of tumor angiogenesis in the context of breast cancer, followed by an overview of current anti-angiogenic therapies, associated resistance mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets.

Vascularization in tissue engineering: The architecture cues of pores in scaffolds

Vascularization is a key event and also still a challenge in tissue engineering. Many efforts have been devoted to the development of vascularization based on cells, growth factors, and porous scaffolds in the past decades. Among these efforts, the architecture features of pores in scaffolds played important roles for vascularization, which have attracted increasing attention. It has been known that the open macro pores in scaffolds could facilitate cell migration, nutrient, and oxygen diffusion, which then could promote new tissue formation and vascularization. The pore parameters are the important factors affecting cells response and vessel formation. Thus, this review will give an overview of the current advances in the effects of pore parameters on vascularization in tissue engineering, mainly including pore size, interconnectivity, pore size distribution, pore shape (channel structure), and the micro/nano-surface topography of pores.

Cullin3 (CUL3) suppresses proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation of PDGF-BB-stimulated vascular smooth muscle cells and mitigates inflammatory response by repressing Hedgehog signaling pathway

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hyperplasia is closely associated with AS progression. Hence, it is of great significance to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the involvement of VSMCs in AS. SHH antagonist can inhibit the excessive proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation of PDGF-BB-induced VSMCs. It has been proved that CUL3 can suppress Hedgehog signaling. This current work was designed to identify the biological role of CUL3 in the behaviors of VSMCs in AS and investigate the potential molecular mechanism. VSMCs were treated with PDGF-BB to establish the cell model in vitro. Levels of CUL3, SHH and Gli1 in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs were measured by RT-qPCR analysis. Then, the precise functions of CUL3 in VSMCs were determined from the perspectives of proliferation, migration, apoptosis and phenotype transformation. Besides, the influence of CUL3 on inflammatory response in VSMCs was evaluated. Moreover, the impact of CUL3 on Hedgehog signaling pathway was also investigated. In the present research, it was observed that CUL3 was lowly expressed and SHH and Gli1 were highly expressed in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Upregulation of CUL3 suppressed the excessive proliferation, migration and phenotypic transformation and facilitated the apoptosis of PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. In addition, elevation of CUL3 alleviated inflammatory response in PDGF-BB-stimulated VSMCs. Importantly, CUL3 overexpression inactivated Hedgehog signaling pathway. To conclude, CUL3 might regulate the biological behaviors of VSMCs in AS by modulating Hedgehog signaling pathway. These data encourage to further investigate any potential therapeutic role of CUL3 in animal models of AS and explore therapeutic values for AS clinically.

Beta1-integrin/Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling pathway fuels the diameter-dependent osteoblast differentiation on different TiO2 nanotubes: The optimal-diameter nanotubes for osteoblast differentiation

Micro/nanotextured topographies (MNTs) can modulate cell-biomaterial interactions mostly by their controllable geometrics. Among them, TiO₂ nanotubes, regarded as having a highly controllable nanoscale geometry, have been extensively investigated and applied and significantly affect diameter-dependent cell biological behaviors. In this study, we used five typical MNTs decorated with TiO₂ nanotubes with diameters of 30, 50, 70, 100 and 120 nm to explore the optimal nanotube diameter for improving the biofunctional properties and to more deeply understand the underlying mechanisms by which these MNTs affect osteogenic differentiation by revealing the effect of beta1-integrin/Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling on this process. The MNTs affected MG63 osteoblast-like cell spreading, osteogenic gene expression (BMP-2, Runx2 and ALP), mineralization and ALP activity in a diameter-dependent pattern, and the optimal TiO₂ nanotube diameter of 70 nm provided the best microenvironment for osteogenic differentiation as well as beta1-integrin/Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling activation. This enhanced osteogenic differentiation by the optimal-diameter TiO₂ nanotubes of 70 nm was attenuated via suppression of the beta1-integrin/ Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling, which indicated a significant role of this pathway in mediating the diameter-dependent osteogenic differentiation promotional effect of MNTs with different TiO₂ nanotube diameters. These results might provide deeper insights into the signal transduction mechanisms by which different nanoscale geometries influence cellular functions for biomaterial modification and biofunctionalization.

Fabrication of a self-assembled honeycomb nanofibrous scaffold to guide endothelial morphogenesis

Controlling angiogenesis within tissue engineered constructs remains a critical challenge, especially with regard to the guidance of pre-vascular network formation. Here, we aimed to regulate angiogenesis on a self-assembled honeycomb nanofibrous scaffold. Scaffolds with honeycombs patterns have several desirable properties for tissue engineering, including large surface area, high structural stability and good permeability. Furthermore, the honeycomb pattern resembles early vascular network formation. The self-assembly electrospinning approach to honeycomb scaffolds is a technically simple, rapid, and direct way to realize selective deposition of nanofibers. To evaluate cell compatibility, spreading, proliferation and tube formation, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured on honeycomb scaffolds, as well as on random scaffolds for comparison. The optimized honeycomb nanofibrous scaffolds were observed to better support cell proliferation and network formation, which can facilitate angiogenesis. Moreover, HUVECs cultured on the honeycomb scaffolds were observed to reorganize their cell bodies into tube-like structures containing a central lumen, while this was not observed on random scaffolds. This work has shown that the angiogenic response can be guided by honeycomb scaffolds, allowing improved early HUVECs organization. The guided organization via honeycomb scaffolds can be utilized for tissue engineering applications that require the formation of microvascular networks.

Identification of a novel tumor angiogenesis inhibitor targeting Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway in Non-small cell lung cancer

Although angiogenesis inhibitors targeting VEGF/VEGFR2 have been applied for tumor therapy, the outcomes are still unsatisfactory. Thus, it is urgent to develop novel angiogenesis inhibitor for cancer therapy from new perspectives. Identification of novel angiogenesis inhibitor from natural products is believed to be one of most promising strategy. In this study, we showed that pristimerin, an active agent isolated from traditional Chinese herbal medicine Celastrus aculeatus Merr, was a novel tumor angiogenesis inhibitor that targeting sonic hedgehog (Shh)/glioma associated oncogene 1 (Gli1) signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We showed that pristimerin affected both the early- and late-stage of angiogenesis, suggesting by that pristimerin inhibited Shh-induced endothelial cells proliferation, migration, invasion as well as pericytes recruitment to the endothelial tubes, which is critical for the new blood vessel maturation. It also suppressed tube formation, vessel sprouts formation and neovascularization in chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Moreover, it significantly decreased microvessel density (MVD) and pericyte coverage in NCI-H1299 xenografts, resulting in tumor growth inhibition. Further research revealed that pristimerin suppressed tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting the nucleus distribution of Gli1, leading to inactivation of Shh/Gli1 and its downstream signaling pathway. Taken together, our study showed that pristimerin was a promising novel anti-angiogenic agent for the NSCLC therapy and targeting Shh/Gli1 signaling pathway was an effective approach to suppress tumor angiogenesis.