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Wijesinghe SN, Ditchfield C, Flynn S, Agrawal J, Davis ET, Dajas-Bailador F, Chapman V, Jones SW. Immunomodulation and fibroblast dynamics driving nociceptive joint pain within inflammatory synovium: Unravelling mechanisms for therapeutic advancements in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2024:S1063-4584(24)01267-6. [PMID: 38960140 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Synovitis is a widely accepted sign of osteoarthritis (OA), characterised by tissue hyperplasia, where increased infiltration of immune cells and proliferation of resident fibroblasts adopt a pro-inflammatory phenotype, and increased the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that are capable of sensitising and activating sensory nociceptors, which innervate the joint tissues. As such, it is important to understand the cellular composition of synovium and their involvement in pain sensitisation to better inform the development of effective analgesics. METHODS Studies investigating pain sensitisation in OA with a focus on immune cells and fibroblasts were identified using PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS. RESULTS In this review, we comprehensively assess the evidence that cellular crosstalk between resident immune cells or synovial fibroblasts with joint nociceptors in inflamed OA synovium contributes to peripheral pain sensitisation. Moreover, we explore whether the elucidation of common mechanisms identified in similar joint conditions may inform the development of more effective analgesics specifically targeting OA joint pain. CONCLUSION The concept of local environment and cellular crosstalk within the inflammatory synovium as a driver of nociceptive joint pain presents a compelling opportunity for future research and therapeutic advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne N Wijesinghe
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Caitlin Ditchfield
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Sariah Flynn
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Jyoti Agrawal
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | | | | | - Victoria Chapman
- Pain Centre Versus Arthritis, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Simon W Jones
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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Yu J, Wang S, Chen SJ, Zheng MJ, Yuan CR, Lai WD, Wen JJ, You WT, Liu PQ, Khanna R, Jin Y. Sinomenine ameliorates fibroblast-like synoviocytes dysfunction by promoting phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of CRMP2. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117704. [PMID: 38176664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and arthritic pain. Sinomenine (SIN), derived from the rhizome of Chinese medical herb Qing Teng (scientific name: Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. Et Wils), has a longstanding use in Chinese traditional medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunosuppressive effects with minimal side-effects clinically. However, the mechanisms governing its effects in treatment of joint pathology, especially on fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) dysfunction, and arthritic pain remains unclear. AIM This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of SIN on arthritic joint inflammation and joint FLSs dysfunctions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in rats and the therapeutic effects of SIN on joint pathology were evaluated histopathologically. Next, we conducted a series of experiments using LPS-induced FLSs, which were divided into five groups (Naïve, LPS, SIN 10, 20, 50 μg/ml). The expression of inflammatory factors was measured by qPCR and ELISA. The invasive ability of cells was detected by modified Transwell assay and qPCR. Transwell migration and cell scratch assays were used to assess the migration ability of cells. The distribution and content of relevant proteins were observed by immunofluorescence and laser confocal microscopy, as well as Western Blot and qPCR. FLSs were transfected with plasmids (CRMP2 T514A/D) to directly modulate the post-translational modification of CRMP2 protein and downstream effects on FLSs function was monitored. RESULTS SIN alleviated joint inflammation in rats with CIA, as evidenced by improvement of synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration and cartilage damage, as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines release from FLSs induced by LPS. In vitro studies revealed a concentration-dependent suppression of SIN on the invasion and migration of FLSs induced by LPS. In addition, SIN downregulated the expression of cellular CRMP2 that was induced by LPS in FLSs, but increased its phosphorylation at residue T514. Moreover, regulation of pCRMP2 T514 by plasmids transfection (CRMP2 T514A/D) significantly influenced the migration and invasion of FLSs. Finally, SIN promoted nuclear translocation of pCRMP2 T514 in FLSs. CONCLUSIONS SIN may exert its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by modulating CRMP2 T514 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation of FLSs, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and suppressing abnormal invasion and migration. Phosphorylation of CRMP2 at the T514 site in FLSs may present a new therapeutic target for treating inflammatory joint's destruction and arthritic pain in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Song Wang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Si-Jia Chen
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Meng-Jia Zheng
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Cun-Rui Yuan
- College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei-Dong Lai
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jun-Jun Wen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wen-Ting You
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, 317500, China
| | - Pu-Qing Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University, College of Dentistry, and NYU Pain Research Center, New York, 10010, USA.
| | - Yan Jin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Xinhua Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310053, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Hofmann L, Grüner J, Klug K, Breyer M, Klein T, Hochheimer V, Wagenhäuser L, Wischmeyer E, Üçeyler N. Elevated interleukin-8 expression by skin fibroblasts as a potential contributor to pain in women with Fabry disease. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300687. [PMID: 38593151 PMCID: PMC11003625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300687] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder of X-linked inheritance. Mutations in the α-galactosidase A gene lead to cellular globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) depositions and triggerable acral burning pain in both sexes as an early FD symptom of unknown pathophysiology. We aimed at elucidating the link between skin cells and nociceptor sensitization contributing to FD pain in a sex-associated manner. We used cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts of 27 adult FD patients and 20 healthy controls. Epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts were cultured and immunoreacted to evaluate Gb3 load. Gene expression analysis of pain-related ion channels and pro-inflammatory cytokines was performed in dermal fibroblasts. We further investigated electrophysiological properties of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived sensory-like neurons of a man with FD and a healthy man and incubated the cells with interleukin 8 (IL-8) or fibroblast supernatant as an in vitro model system. Keratinocytes displayed no intracellular, but membrane-bound Gb3 deposits. In contrast, fibroblasts showed intracellular Gb3 and revealed higher gene expression of potassium intermediate/small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel 3.1 (KCa 3.1, KCNN4) in both, men and women with FD compared to controls. Additionally, cytokine expression analysis showed increased IL-8 RNA levels only in female FD fibroblasts. Patch-clamp studies revealed reduced rheobase currents for both iPSC neuron cell lines incubated with IL-8 or fibroblast supernatant of women with FD. We conclude that Gb3 deposition in female FD patient skin fibroblasts may lead to increased KCa3.1 activity and IL-8 secretion. This may result in cutaneous nociceptor sensitization as a potential mechanism contributing to a sex-associated FD pain phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Hochheimer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Wagenhäuser
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Wischmeyer
- Molecular Electrophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Fabry Center for interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZiT), University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Park EH, Seo J, Lee Y, Park K, Kim KR, Kim S, Mobasheri A, Choi H. TissueGene-C induces long-term analgesic effects through regulation of pain mediators and neuronal sensitization in a rat monoiodoacetate-induced model of osteoarthritis pain. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:1567-1580. [PMID: 37544583 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE TissueGene-C (TG-C), a combination of human allogeneic chondrocytes and irradiated GP2-293 cells engineered to overexpress transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), has been developed as a novel cell-based gene therapy and a candidate for disease modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). We aim to investigate analgesic mechanism of TG-C in a pre-clinical animal model with monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced pain. DESIGN We used a rat MIA model of osteoarthritis (OA) pain. We examined that TG-C can regulate pain by inhibiting the upregulation of various pain mediators in both knee joint tissue and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) (n = 112) and alleviating pain behavior (n = 41) and neuronal hyperexcitability in DRG (n = 60), afferent nerve fiber (n = 24), and spinal cord (n = 35). RESULTS TG-C significantly alleviated pain-related behavior by restoring altered dynamic weight bearing and reduced mechanical threshold of the affected hindlimb. TG-C significantly suppressed the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in inflamed joint tissue. TG-C significantly suppressed the upregulation of tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and nerve injury/regeneration protein (GAP43) and activation of Iba1-positive microglial cells in DRG. TG-C significantly recovered neuronal hyperexcitability by restoring RMP and firing threshold and frequency of DRG neurons, attenuating firing rates of mechanosensitive C- or Aδ-nerve fiber innervating knee joint, and lowering increased miniature and evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and eEPSCs) in the spinal cord. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that TG-C exerted potent analgesic effects in a rat MIA model of OA pain by inhibiting the upregulation of pain mediators and modulating neuronal sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui Ho Park
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Neuroscience Research Institute, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinwon Seo
- Institute of BioInnovation Research, Kolon Life Science, Inc., Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yunsin Lee
- Institute of BioInnovation Research, Kolon Life Science, Inc., Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kiwon Park
- Institute of BioInnovation Research, Kolon Life Science, Inc., Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Ran Kim
- Institute of BioInnovation Research, Kolon Life Science, Inc., Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sujeong Kim
- Institute of BioInnovation Research, Kolon Life Science, Inc., Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Center for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium; Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Heonsik Choi
- Healthcare Research Institute, Kolon Advanced Research Cluster, Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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Smith ESJ. A new art to treating osteoarthritis pain? Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:1275-1277. [PMID: 37460008 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewan St J Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK.
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Dainese P, Mahieu H, De Mits S, Wittoek R, Stautemas J, Calders P. Associations between markers of inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002945. [PMID: 37225282 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To provide an extensive review on the associations between knee inflammation and altered pain perception mechanisms in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and Scopus were searched up to 13 December 2022. We included articles reporting associations between knee inflammation (measured by effusion, synovitis, bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and cytokines) and signs of altered pain processing (assessed by quantitative sensory testing and/or questionnaire for neuropathic-like pain) in people with knee OA. Methodological quality was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tool. Level of evidence and strength of conclusion were determined using the Evidence-Based Guideline Development method. Nine studies were included, comprising of 1889 people with knee OA. Signs of greater effusion/synovitis may be positively associated with lower knee pain pressure threshold (PPT) and neuropathic-like pain. Current evidence could not establish an association between BMLs and pain sensitivity. Evidence on associations between inflammatory cytokines and pain sensitivity or neuropathic-like pain was conflicting. There are indications of a positive association between higher serum C reactive protein (CRP) levels and lower PPT and presence of temporal summation. Methodological quality varied from level C to A2. Signs of effusion/synovitis may be positively associated with neuropathic-like pain and pain sensitivity. There are indications of a possible positive association between serum CRP levels and pain sensitivity. Given the quality and the small amount of included studies, uncertainty remains. Future studies with adequate sample size and follow-up are needed to strengthen the level of evidence.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022329245.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Dainese
- Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hanne Mahieu
- Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie De Mits
- Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Smart Space, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth Wittoek
- Rheumatology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Stautemas
- Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Zhu M, Ding Q, Lin Z, Fu R, Zhang F, Li Z, Zhang M, Zhu Y. New Targets and Strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Signal Transduction to Epigenetic Aspect. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050766. [PMID: 37238636 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to joint damage and even permanent disability, seriously affecting patients' quality of life. At present, the complete cure for RA is not achievable, only to relieve the symptoms to reduce the pain of patients. Factors such as environment, genes, and sex can induce RA. Presently, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, DRMADs, and glucocorticoids are commonly used in treating RA. In recent years, some biological agents have also been applied in clinical practice, but most have side effects. Therefore, finding new mechanisms and targets for treating RA is necessary. This review summarizes some potential targets discovered from the perspective of epigenetics and RA mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Qian Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhongxiao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Rong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Fuyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Zhaoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
| | - Yizhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
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Ai M, Hotham WE, Pattison LA, Ma Q, Henson FM, Smith ESJ. Role of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Reducing Sensory Neuron Hyperexcitability and Pain Behaviors in Murine Osteoarthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:352-363. [PMID: 36122169 PMCID: PMC10952633 DOI: 10.1002/art.42353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) have been reported to alleviate pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). We undertook this study to determine whether MSCs and/or MSC-EVs reduce OA pain through influencing sensory neuron excitability in OA joints. METHODS We induced knee OA in adult male C57BL/6J mice through destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Mice were sorted into 4 experimental groups with 9 mice per group as follows: unoperated sham, untreated DMM, DMM plus MSC treatment, and DMM plus MSC-EV treatment. Treated mice received either MSCs at week 14 postsurgery or MSC-EVs at weeks 12 and 14 postsurgery. Mouse behavior was evaluated by digging and rotarod tests and the Digital Ventilated Cage system. At week 16, mouse knee joints were harvested for histology, and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were isolated for electrophysiology. Furthermore, we induced hyperexcitability in DRG neurons in vitro using nerve growth factor (NGF) then treated these neurons with or without MSC-EVs and evaluated neuron excitability. RESULTS MSC- and MSC-EV-treated DMM-operated mice did not display pain-related behavior changes (in locomotion, digging, and sleep) that occurred in untreated DMM-operated mice. The absence of pain-related behaviors in MSC- and MSC-EV-treated mice was not the result of reduced joint damage but rather a lack of knee-innervating sensory neuron hyperexcitability that was observed in untreated DMM-operated mice. Furthermore, we found that NGF-induced sensory neuron hyperexcitability is prevented by MSC-EV treatment (P < 0.05 versus untreated NGF-sensitized neurons when comparing action potential threshold). CONCLUSION MSCs and MSC-EVs may reduce pain in OA by direct action on peripheral sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minji Ai
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeUK
| | - William E. Hotham
- Department of Surgery and Department of MedicineUniversity of CambridgeUK
| | | | - Qingxi Ma
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of CambridgeUK
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Semenistaja S, Skuja S, Kadisa A, Groma V. Healthy and Osteoarthritis-Affected Joints Facing the Cellular Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044120. [PMID: 36835530 PMCID: PMC9964755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, progressive, severely debilitating, and multifactorial joint disease that is recognized as the most common type of arthritis. During the last decade, it shows an incremental global rise in prevalence and incidence. The interaction between etiologic factors that mediate joint degradation has been explored in numerous studies. However, the underlying processes that induce OA remain obscure, largely due to the variety and complexity of these mechanisms. During synovial joint dysfunction, the osteochondral unit undergoes cellular phenotypic and functional alterations. At the cellular level, the synovial membrane is influenced by cartilage and subchondral bone cleavage fragments and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation products from apoptotic and necrotic cells. These "foreign bodies" serve as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that trigger innate immunity, eliciting and sustaining low-grade inflammation in the synovium. In this review, we explore the cellular and molecular communication networks established between the major joint compartments-the synovial membrane, cartilage, and subchondral bone of normal and OA-affected joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofija Semenistaja
- Department of Doctoral Studies, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Sandra Skuja
- Joint Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +371-673-20421
| | - Anda Kadisa
- Department of Internal Diseases, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Valerija Groma
- Joint Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
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Signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis: implications for targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:68. [PMID: 36797236 PMCID: PMC9935929 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an incurable systemic autoimmune disease. Disease progression leads to joint deformity and associated loss of function, which significantly impacts the quality of life for sufferers and adds to losses in the labor force. In the past few decades, RA has attracted increased attention from researchers, the abnormal signaling pathways in RA are a very important research field in the diagnosis and treatment of RA, which provides important evidence for understanding this complex disease and developing novel RA-linked intervention targets. The current review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of RA, including a general introduction to the disease, historical events, epidemiology, risk factors, and pathological process, highlight the primary research progress of the disease and various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms, including genetic factors, epigenetic factors, summarize the most recent developments in identifying novel signaling pathways in RA and new inhibitors for treating RA. therapeutic interventions including approved drugs, clinical drugs, pre-clinical drugs, and cutting-edge therapeutic technologies. These developments will hopefully drive progress in new strategically targeted therapies and hope to provide novel ideas for RA treatment options in the future.
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ST3GAL3 Promotes the Inflammatory Response of Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes in Rheumatoid Arthritis by Activating the TLR9/MyD88 Pathway. Mediators Inflamm 2022; 2022:4258742. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/4258742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating the role of β-galactoside-α2,3-sialyltransferase III (ST3GAL3) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as its potential mechanism of action. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to analyse the expression of ST3GAL3 and the enrichment signalling pathways associated with ST3GAL3 in RA. The effects of ST3GAL3 on tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) α and interleukin- (IL-) 1β-treated MH7A cells were determined using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), transwell, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The expression of proliferation-associated proteins and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway-enriched proteins was analysed using western blotting. As a main result, ST3GAL3 was screened as an overlapping upregulated gene from GSE101193 and GSE94519 datasets. ST3GAL3 expression in MH7A cells significantly increased with increasing treatment time with TNF-α or IL-1β. TLR9/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) is a downstream activation pathway of ST3GAL3. ST3GAL3 overexpression promoted MH7A cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, ST3GAL3 overexpression upregulated the expression of proliferation-associated proteins (cyclinD, cyclinE, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and TLR pathway enrichment factors (TLR9 and MyD88) and increased the production of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 1, MMP3, interleukin- (IL-) 6, and IL-8, whereas si-ST3GAL3 had the opposite effect. The addition of TLR9 agonists (CpG 2216 and CpG 2006) reversed the effects of si-ST3GAL3 on MH7A cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation. TLR9-specific siRNA reversed the effects of ST3GAL3 overexpression on MH7A cell proliferation, migration, and inflammation. In conclusion, ST3GAL3 is likely involved in RA pathogenesis by activating the TLR9/MyD88 pathway.
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Iafrate L, Benedetti MC, Donsante S, Rosa A, Corsi A, Oreffo ROC, Riminucci M, Ruocco G, Scognamiglio C, Cidonio G. Modelling skeletal pain harnessing tissue engineering. IN VITRO MODELS 2022; 1:289-307. [PMID: 36567849 PMCID: PMC9766883 DOI: 10.1007/s44164-022-00028-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bone pain typically occurs immediately following skeletal damage with mechanical distortion or rupture of nociceptive fibres. The pain mechanism is also associated with chronic pain conditions where the healing process is impaired. Any load impacting on the area of the fractured bone will stimulate the nociceptive response, necessitating rapid clinical intervention to relieve pain associated with the bone damage and appropriate mitigation of any processes involved with the loss of bone mass, muscle, and mobility and to prevent death. The following review has examined the mechanisms of pain associated with trauma or cancer-related skeletal damage focusing on new approaches for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. In particular, the review highlights tissue engineering approaches that offer considerable promise in the application of functional biomimetic fabrication of bone and nerve tissues. The strategic combination of bone and nerve tissue engineered models provides significant potential to develop a new class of in vitro platforms, capable of replacing in vivo models and testing the safety and efficacy of novel drug treatments aimed at the resolution of bone-associated pain. To date, the field of bone pain research has centred on animal models, with a paucity of data correlating to the human physiological response. This review explores the evident gap in pain drug development research and suggests a step change in approach to harness tissue engineering technologies to recapitulate the complex pathophysiological environment of the damaged bone tissue enabling evaluation of the associated pain-mimicking mechanism with significant therapeutic potential therein for improved patient quality of life. Graphical abstract Rationale underlying novel drug testing platform development. Pain detected by the central nervous system and following bone fracture cannot be treated or exclusively alleviated using standardised methods. The pain mechanism and specificity/efficacy of pain reduction drugs remain poorly understood. In vivo and ex vivo models are not yet able to recapitulate the various pain events associated with skeletal damage. In vitro models are currently limited by their inability to fully mimic the complex physiological mechanisms at play between nervous and skeletal tissue and any disruption in pathological states. Robust innovative tissue engineering models are needed to better understand pain events and to investigate therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Iafrate
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Benedetti
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Donsante
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Corsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Richard O. C. Oreffo
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Centre for Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mara Riminucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Scognamiglio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cidonio
- Center for Life Nano- & Neuro-Science (CLN2S), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Institute of Developmental Sciences, Centre for Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Ita ME, Singh S, Troche HR, Welch RL, Winkelstein BA. Intra-articular MMP-1 in the spinal facet joint induces sustained pain and neuronal dysregulation in the DRG and spinal cord, and alters ligament kinematics under tensile loading. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:926675. [PMID: 35992346 PMCID: PMC9382200 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.926675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic joint pain is a major healthcare challenge with a staggering socioeconomic burden. Pain from synovial joints is mediated by the innervated collagenous capsular ligament that surrounds the joint and encodes nociceptive signals. The interstitial collagenase MMP-1 is elevated in painful joint pathologies and has many roles in collagen regulation and signal transduction. Yet, the role of MMP-1 in mediating nociception in painful joints remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to determine whether exogenous intra-articular MMP-1 induces pain in the spinal facet joint and to investigate effects of MMP-1 on mediating the capsular ligament’s collagen network, biomechanical response, and neuronal regulation. Intra-articular MMP-1 was administered into the cervical C6/C7 facet joints of rats. Mechanical hyperalgesia quantified behavioral sensitivity before, and for 28 days after, injection. On day 28, joint tissue structure was assessed using histology. Multiscale ligament kinematics were defined under tensile loading along with microstructural changes in the collagen network. The amount of degraded collagen in ligaments was quantified and substance P expression assayed in neural tissue since it is a regulatory of nociceptive signaling. Intra-articular MMP-1 induces behavioral sensitivity that is sustained for 28 days (p < 0.01), absent any significant effects on the structure of joint tissues. Yet, there are changes in the ligament’s biomechanical and microstructural behavior under load. Ligaments from joints injected with MMP-1 exhibit greater displacement at yield (p = 0.04) and a step-like increase in the number of anomalous reorganization events of the collagen fibers during loading (p ≤ 0.02). Collagen hybridizing peptide, a metric of damaged collagen, is positively correlated with the spread of collagen fibers in the unloaded state after MMP-1 (p = 0.01) and that correlation is maintained throughout the sub-failure regime (p ≤ 0.03). MMP-1 injection increases substance P expression in dorsal root ganglia (p < 0.01) and spinal cord (p < 0.01) neurons. These findings suggest that MMP-1 is a likely mediator of neuronal signaling in joint pain and that MMP-1 presence in the joint space may predispose the capsular ligament to altered responses to loading. MMP-1-mediated pathways may be relevant targets for treating degenerative joint pain in cases with subtle or no evidence of structural degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan E. Ita
- Spine Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sagar Singh
- Spine Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Harrison R. Troche
- Spine Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachel L. Welch
- Spine Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Beth A. Winkelstein
- Spine Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Beth A. Winkelstein,
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Bavencoffe A, Spence EA, Zhu MY, Garza-Carbajal A, Chu KE, Bloom OE, Dessauer CW, Walters ET. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Makes Complex Contributions to Pain-Related Hyperactivity of Nociceptors after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5463-5480. [PMID: 35610050 PMCID: PMC9270921 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1133-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a major, inadequately treated challenge for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). While SCI pain mechanisms are often assumed to be in the CNS, rodent studies have revealed mechanistic contributions from primary nociceptors. These neurons become chronically hyperexcitable after SCI, generating ongoing electrical activity that promotes ongoing pain. A major question is whether extrinsic chemical signals help to drive ongoing electrical activity after SCI. People living with SCI exhibit acute and chronic elevation of circulating levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a cytokine implicated in preclinical pain models. Probable nociceptors isolated from male rats and exposed to an MIF concentration reported in human plasma (1 ng/ml) showed hyperactivity similar to that induced by SCI, although, surprisingly, a 10-fold higher concentration failed to increase excitability. Conditioned behavioral aversion to a chamber associated with peripheral MIF injection suggested that MIF stimulates affective pain. A MIF inhibitor, Iso-1, reversed SCI-induced hyperexcitability. Unlike chronic SCI-induced hyperexcitability, acute MIF-induced hyperexcitability was only partially abrogated by inhibiting ERK signaling. Unexpectedly, MIF concentrations that induced hyperactivity in nociceptors from naive animals, after SCI induced a long-lasting conversion from a highly excitable nonaccommodating type to a rapidly accommodating, hypoexcitable type, possibly as a homeostatic response to prolonged depolarization. Treatment with conditioned medium from cultures of DRG cells obtained after SCI was sufficient to induce MIF-dependent hyperactivity in neurons from naive rats. Thus, changes in systemic and DRG levels of MIF may help to maintain SCI-induced nociceptor hyperactivity that persistently promotes pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chronic neuropathic pain is a major challenge for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pain can drastically impair quality of life, and produces substantial economic and social burdens. Available treatments, including opioids, remain inadequate. This study shows that the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) can induce pain-like behavior and plays an important role in driving persistent ongoing electrical activity in injury-detecting sensory neurons (nociceptors) in a rat SCI model. The results indicate that SCI produces an increase in MIF release within sensory ganglia. Low MIF levels potently excite nociceptors, but higher levels trigger a long-lasting hypoexcitable state. These findings suggest that therapeutic targeting of MIF in neuropathic pain states may reduce pain and sensory dysfunction by curbing nociceptor hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Bavencoffe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Emily A Spence
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Michael Y Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anibal Garza-Carbajal
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kerry E Chu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ona E Bloom
- Laboratory of Spinal Cord Injury Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030
| | - Carmen W Dessauer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Edgar T Walters
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
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Shinotsuka N, Denk F. Fibroblasts: the neglected cell type in peripheral sensitisation and chronic pain? A review based on a systematic search of the literature. BMJ OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 6:e100235. [PMID: 35128075 PMCID: PMC8768938 DOI: 10.1136/bmjos-2021-100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain and its underlying biological mechanisms have been studied for many decades, with a myriad of molecules, receptors and cell types known to contribute to abnormal pain sensations. Besides an obvious role for neurons, immune cells like microglia, macrophages and T cells are also important drivers of persistent pain. While neuroinflammation has therefore been widely studied in pain research, there is one cell type that appears to be rather neglected in this context: the humble fibroblast. Fibroblasts may seem unassuming but actually play a major part in regulating immune cell function and driving chronic inflammation. Here, our aim was to determine the breadth and quality of research that implicates fibroblasts in chronic pain conditions and models. OBJECTIVES We set out to analyse the current literature on this topic-using systematic screening and data extraction methods to obtain a balanced view on what has been published. METHODS We categorised the articles we included-stratifying them according to what was investigated, the estimated quality of results and any common conclusions. RESULTS We found that there has been surprisingly little research in this area: 134 articles met our inclusion criteria, only a tiny minority of which directly investigated interactions between fibroblasts and peripheral neurons. CONCLUSIONS Fibroblasts are a ubiquitous cell type and a prominent source of many proalgesic mediators in a wide variety of tissues. We think that they deserve a more central role in pain research and propose a new, testable model of how fibroblasts might drive peripheral neuron sensitisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Shinotsuka
- Laboratory for Pharmacology, Pharmaceuticals Research Center, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Franziska Denk
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Neuron navigator 2 is a novel mediator of rheumatoid arthritis. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:2288-2289. [PMID: 34321621 PMCID: PMC8429683 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Andrographolide attenuates synovial inflammation of osteoarthritis by interacting with tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 trafficking in a rat model. J Orthop Translat 2021; 29:89-99. [PMID: 34094861 PMCID: PMC8144533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Synovial inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the effect of andrographolide (Andro) on synovial inflammation mediated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 2 (TNFR2) trafficking and its utility in attenuating OA progression. Methods Knee joints were harvested from rats subjected to radial transection of the medial collateral ligament (MCLT) and medial meniscus (MMT) to examine the effect of Andro on synovial inflammation and OA progression. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of inflammatory factors in primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) after Andro treatment in vitro. The mechanism underlying Andro-mediated regulation of TNFR2 distribution and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression was verified using endosome maturation inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) through flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and western blot analysis. Results Andro treatment was found to reduce synovial inflammation and OA progression in vivo. Furthermore, a decrease in pain hypersensitivity and dorsal horn neuron activation was observed after treatment. Andro also downregulated the expression of inflammatory mediators and TNFR2 in FLSs. TNFR2 is crucial for the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, and Andro-induced degradation of TNFR2 was associated with lysosomal function, which in turn, reduced the downstream phosphorylation of p65 in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions Andro could suppress synovial inflammation via regulation of TNFR2 trafficking and degradation. This also suggests it could be a potential treatment for the prevention of synovial inflammation and OA progression. The translational potential of this article This study provides strong evidence that Andro reduces NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses in OA FLSs via regulation of TNFR2 trafficking. The inhibition of TNFR2 and Andro could be a novel therapeutic approach for OA and pain management.
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Wang R, Li M, Wu W, Qiu Y, Hu W, Li Z, Wang Z, Yu Y, Liao J, Sun W, Mao J, Zhu YZ. NAV2 positively modulates inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e376. [PMID: 33931978 PMCID: PMC8087903 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Weijun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanye Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Wei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Zhaoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Zhou Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Yue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Junyi Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Wuyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Jianchun Mao
- Department of Rheumatology, Longhua Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Ratneswaran A, Kapoor M. Osteoarthritis year in review: genetics, genomics, epigenetics. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2021; 29:151-160. [PMID: 33227439 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this review, we have highlighted advances in genetics, genomics and epigenetics in the field of osteoarthritis (OA) over the past year. METHODS A literature search was performed using PubMed and the criteria: "osteoarthritis" and one of the following terms "genetic(s), genomic(s), epigenetic(s), epigenomic(s), noncoding RNA, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, lncRNA, circular RNA, RNA sequencing, single cell sequencing, or DNA methylation between April 1, 2019 and April 30, 2020. RESULTS We identified 653 unique publications, many studies spanned multiple search terms. We summarized advances relating to evolutionary genetics, pain, ethnicity specific risk factors, functional studies of gene variants, and interactions between coding and non-coding RNAs in OA pathogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Studies have identified variants contributing to OA susceptibility, candidate biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as promising therapeutic candidates. Validation in multiple cohorts, multi-omics strategies, and machine learning aided computational analyses have all contributed to the strength of published literature. Open access data-sets, greater sample sizes to capture broader populations and understanding disease mechanisms by investigating the interactions between multiple tissue types will further aid in progress towards understanding and curing OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ratneswaran
- Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Kapoor
- Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Ita ME, Ghimire P, Welch RL, Troche HR, Winkelstein BA. Intra-articular collagenase in the spinal facet joint induces pain, DRG neuron dysregulation and increased MMP-1 absent evidence of joint destruction. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21965. [PMID: 33319791 PMCID: PMC7738551 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78811-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration is a hallmark of painful joint disease and is mediated by many proteases that degrade joint tissues, including collagenases. We hypothesized that purified bacterial collagenase would initiate nociceptive cascades in the joint by degrading the capsular ligament's matrix and activating innervating pain fibers. Intra-articular collagenase in the rat facet joint was investigated for its effects on behavioral sensitivity, joint degeneration, and nociceptive pathways in the peripheral and central nervous systems. In parallel, a co-culture collagen gel model of the ligament was used to evaluate effects of collagenase on microscale changes to the collagen fibers and embedded neurons. Collagenase induced sensitivity within one day, lasting for 3 weeks (p < 0.001) but did not alter ligament structure, cartilage health, or chondrocyte homeostasis. Yet, nociceptive mediators were increased in the periphery (substance P, pERK, and MMP-1; p ≤ 0.039) and spinal cord (substance P and MMP-1; p ≤ 0.041). The collagen loss (p = 0.008) induced by exposing co-cultures to collagenase was accompanied by altered neuronal activity (p = 0.002) and elevated neuronal MMP-1 (p < 0.001), suggesting microscale collagen degradation mediates sensitivity in vivo. The induction of sustained sensitivity and nociception without joint damage may explain the clinical disconnect in which symptomatic joint pain patients present without radiographic evidence of joint destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan E Ita
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6392, USA
| | - Prabesh Ghimire
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6392, USA
| | - Rachel L Welch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6392, USA
| | - Harrison R Troche
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6392, USA
| | - Beth A Winkelstein
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 210 S. 33rd Street, 240 Skirkanich Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6392, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Chakrabarti S, Pattison LA, Doleschall B, Rickman RH, Blake H, Callejo G, Heppenstall PA, Smith ESJ. Intraarticular Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype AAV-PHP.S-Mediated Chemogenetic Targeting of Knee-Innervating Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Alleviates Inflammatory Pain in Mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2020; 72:1749-1758. [PMID: 32418284 DOI: 10.1002/art.41314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Joint pain is the major clinical symptom of arthritis that affects millions of people. Controlling the excitability of knee-innervating dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons (knee neurons) could potentially provide pain relief. We undertook this study to evaluate whether the newly engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype, AAV-PHP.S, can deliver functional artificial receptors to control knee neuron excitability following intraarticular knee injection. METHODS The AAV-PHP.S virus, packaged with dTomato fluorescent protein and either excitatory (Gq ) or inhibitory (Gi ) designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), was injected into the knee joints of adult mice. Labeling of DRG neurons with AAV-PHP.S from the knee was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The functionality of Gq - and Gi -DREADDs was evaluated using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology on acutely cultured DRG neurons. Pain behavior in mice was assessed using a digging assay, dynamic weight bearing, and rotarod performance, before and after intraperitoneal administration of the DREADD activator, Compound 21. RESULTS We showed that AAV-PHP.S can deliver functional genes into ~7% of lumbar DRG neurons when injected into the knee joint in a similar manner to the well-established retrograde tracer, fast blue. Short-term activation of AAV-PHP.S-delivered Gq -DREADD increased excitability of knee neurons in vitro (P = 0.02 by unpaired t-test), without inducing overt pain in mice when activated in vivo. By contrast, in vivo Gi -DREADD activation alleviated digging deficits induced by Freund's complete adjuvant-mediated knee inflammation (P = 0.0002 by repeated-measures analysis of variance [ANOVA] followed by Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test). A concomitant decrease in knee neuron excitability was observed in vitro (P = 0.005 by ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak multiple comparisons test). CONCLUSION We describe an AAV-mediated chemogenetic approach to specifically control joint pain, which may be utilized in translational arthritic pain research.
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Chakrabarti S, Ai M, Henson FM, Smith ESJ. Peripheral mechanisms of arthritic pain: A proposal to leverage large animals for in vitro studies. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2020; 8:100051. [PMID: 32817908 PMCID: PMC7426561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2020.100051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Pain arising from musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability. Whereas the past 20-years has seen an increase in targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), other arthritis conditions, especially osteoarthritis, remain poorly treated. Although modulation of central pain pathways occurs in chronic arthritis, multiple lines of evidence indicate that peripherally driven pain is important in arthritic pain. To understand the peripheral mechanisms of arthritic pain, various in vitro and in vivo models have been developed, largely in rodents. Although rodent models provide numerous advantages for studying arthritis pathogenesis and treatment, the anatomy and biomechanics of rodent joints differ considerably to those of humans. By contrast, the anatomy and biomechanics of joints in larger animals, such as dogs, show greater similarity to human joints and thus studying them can provide novel insight for arthritis research. The purpose of this article is firstly to review models of arthritis and behavioral outcomes commonly used in large animals. Secondly, we review the existing in vitro models and assays used to study arthritic pain, primarily in rodents, and discuss the potential for adopting these strategies, as well as likely limitations, in large animals. We believe that exploring peripheral mechanisms of arthritic pain in vitro in large animals has the potential to reduce the veterinary burden of arthritis in commonly afflicted species like dogs, as well as to improve translatability of pain research into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampurna Chakrabarti
- Department of Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Centrum für Molekulare Medizin (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Minji Ai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
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