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Abstract
Fibrosis is a common and debilitating pathological process that affects many organ systems and contributes to connective tissue disorders in orthopaedics. Tendons heal after acute and chronic injury through a process of fibrovascular scar tissue formation, and soft tissue joint capsules can be affected after traumatic joint injury, leading to arthrofibrosis. Although the precise underlying mechanisms are still being elucidated, fibrosis is thought to be a consequence of dysregulated immune and cytokine signaling that leads to myofibroblast activation and proliferation and subsequent excessive collagen deposition. Current treatments for connective tissue fibrosis include physical therapy and surgery, but there are no therapies that directly target the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis. Many pharmacological agents have been used to successfully target fibrosis in other tissues and organ systems and thus are a promising treatment option to fill this gap. However, limited evidence is available to guide the use of these agents in musculoskeletal connective tissues. This article provides an overview of pharmacological therapies that have potential to treat connective tissue fibrosis in patients with musculoskeletal conditions, along with the current supporting evidence and future uses of each therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel P Disser
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jonathan S Yu
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vincent J H Yao
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
- Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at CUNY School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Scott A Rodeo
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
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Fertala J, Wang ML, Rivlin M, Beredjiklian PK, Abboud J, Arnold WV, Fertala A. Extracellular Targets to Reduce Excessive Scarring in Response to Tissue Injury. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050758. [PMID: 37238628 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050758] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive scar formation is a hallmark of localized and systemic fibrotic disorders. Despite extensive studies to define valid anti-fibrotic targets and develop effective therapeutics, progressive fibrosis remains a significant medical problem. Regardless of the injury type or location of wounded tissue, excessive production and accumulation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix is the common denominator of all fibrotic disorders. A long-standing dogma was that anti-fibrotic approaches should focus on overall intracellular processes that drive fibrotic scarring. Because of the poor outcomes of these approaches, scientific efforts now focus on regulating the extracellular components of fibrotic tissues. Crucial extracellular players include cellular receptors of matrix components, macromolecules that form the matrix architecture, auxiliary proteins that facilitate the formation of stiff scar tissue, matricellular proteins, and extracellular vesicles that modulate matrix homeostasis. This review summarizes studies targeting the extracellular aspects of fibrotic tissue synthesis, presents the rationale for these studies, and discusses the progress and limitations of current extracellular approaches to limit fibrotic healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Mark L Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Michael Rivlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Pedro K Beredjiklian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Joseph Abboud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - William V Arnold
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Shukla AG, Milman T, Fertala J, Steplewski A, Fertala A. Scar formation in the presence of mitomycin C and the anti-fibrotic antibody in a rabbit model of glaucoma microsurgery: A pilot study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15368. [PMID: 37123929 PMCID: PMC10130883 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a rationally engineered antibody that directly blocks collagen fibrillogenesis to reduce scar tissue formation associated with subconjunctival glaucoma surgery. Material and methods Fourteen eyes of 7 adult rabbits underwent glaucoma filtering surgery using XEN 45 Gel Stent. The rabbits' eyes were divided randomly into three treatment groups: (i) treated with the antibody, (ii) treated with mitomycin C, and (iii) treated with the antibody and mitomycin C. Following surgeries, the intraocular pressure and bleb appearance were evaluated in vivo. The rabbits were sacrificed 8 weeks after the surgery, and their eyes were harvested and processed for tissue analysis. Subsequently, tissue samples were analyzed microscopically for fibrotic tissue and cellular markers of inflammation. Moreover, the collagen-rich fibrotic tissue formed around the stents was analyzed using quantitative histology and infrared spectroscopy. The outcomes of this study were analyzed using the ANOVA test. Results This study demonstrated no significant differences in intraocular pressure, bleb appearance, or presence of complications such as bleb leak among the treatment groups. In contrast, we observed significant differences among the subpopulations of collagen fibrils formed within scar neo-tissue. Based on the spectroscopic analyses, we determined that the relative content of mature collagen cross-links in the antibody-treated group was significantly reduced compared to other groups. Conclusions Direct blocking of collagen fibrillogenesis with the anti-collagen antibody offers potentially beneficial effects that may reduce the negative impact of the subconjunctival scarring associated with glaucoma filtering surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aakriti Garg Shukla
- Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Glaucoma Division, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrzej Steplewski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University; Curtis Building, Room 501, 1015 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 19107, PA, USA.
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Steplewski A, Fertala J, Tomlinson RE, Wang ML, Donahue A, Arnold WV, Rivlin M, Beredjiklian PK, Abboud JA, Namdari S, Fertala A. Mechanisms of reducing joint stiffness by blocking collagen fibrillogenesis in a rabbit model of posttraumatic arthrofibrosis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257147. [PMID: 34492074 PMCID: PMC8423260 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic fibrotic scarring is a significant medical problem that alters the proper functioning of injured tissues. Current methods to reduce posttraumatic fibrosis rely on anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agents with broad intracellular targets. As a result, their use is not fully effective and may cause unwanted side effects. Our group previously demonstrated that extracellular collagen fibrillogenesis is a valid and specific target to reduce collagen-rich scar buildup. Our previous studies showed that a rationally designed antibody that binds the C-terminal telopeptide of the α2(I) chain involved in the aggregation of collagen molecules limits fibril assembly in vitro and reduces scar formation in vivo. Here, we have utilized a clinically relevant arthrofibrosis model to study the broad mechanisms of the anti-scarring activity of this antibody. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of targeting collagen fibril formation on the quality of healed joint tissues, including the posterior capsule, patellar tendon, and subchondral bone. Our results show that blocking collagen fibrillogenesis not only reduces collagen content in the scar, but also accelerates the remodeling of healing tissues and changes the collagen fibrils’ cross-linking. In total, this study demonstrated that targeting collagen fibrillogenesis to limit arthrofibrosis affects neither the quality of healing of the joint tissues nor disturbs vital tissues and organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Steplewski
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jolanta Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ryan E. Tomlinson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mark L. Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Allison Donahue
- College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - William V. Arnold
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael Rivlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Pedro K. Beredjiklian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joseph A. Abboud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Surena Namdari
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Rothman Institute of Orthopaedics, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrzej Fertala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Para R, Romero F, George G, Summer R. Metabolic Reprogramming as a Driver of Fibroblast Activation in PulmonaryFibrosis. Am J Med Sci 2019; 357:394-398. [PMID: 30879738 PMCID: PMC6478549 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders that scar the lung, most often irreversibly. To date, there are limited effective treatments for these conditions, despite decades of research in this area of investigation. In pulmonary fibrosis, the principle cell responsible for producing the vast majority of scar tissue is the fibroblast, making these cells ideally suited for drug targeting. For decades, the major experimental approach to blocking the activity of lung fibroblasts has been either to inhibit the interaction of fibroblast growth factors with their receptors or interfere with downstream effector molecules regulating extracellular matrix production. However, emerging evidence now indicates that lung fibroblasts also undergo dramatic metabolic reprogramming in the setting of growth factor stimulation. These discoveries, along with preclinical investigations showing marked reductions in lung fibrosis after targeting specific metabolic pathways, has led to a total rethinking of drug development in the pulmonary fibrosis field. Here, we review the major metabolic pathways and highlight some of the key metabolic events that occur in the transition of fibroblasts from quiescent to activated states. Moreover, we discuss the emerging evidence linking changes in fibroblast metabolism to pulmonary fibrosis and propose how targeting specific metabolic pathways could be employed in the treatment of fibrotic lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Para
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Research and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and; Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Freddy Romero
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Research and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and; Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gautam George
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Research and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and; Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ross Summer
- Department of Medicine, Center for Translational Research and Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine and; Jane & Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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