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Chi J, Bi W, Lou K, Ma J, Wu J, Cui Y. Research advances in Peyronie's disease: a comprehensive review on genomics, pathways, phenotypic manifestation, and therapeutic targets. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:477-490. [PMID: 38456235 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Penile induration disease, commonly known as Peyronie's disease (PD), is a connective tissue disorder that affects the penis, leading to the development of fibrous plaques, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction. PD is a common male reproductive system disease with a complex etiology involving multiple genes, signaling pathways, and different phenotypes. OBJECTIVES The etiology and pathogenesis of PD remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective treatment strategies. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of PD, we can pave the way for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. METHODS We reviewed the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PD. We performed database searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science from inception to September 2023. The literature reviewed included priapism guidelines, review articles, current trial studies, and various literature related to PD. RESULTS This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current research progress on the disease, focusing on its genetic factors, signaling pathways, cellular mechanisms, phenotypic manifestations, and therapeutic targets. It can help identify individuals at higher risk, aid in early detection and intervention, and provide insights into fibrosis and tissue remodeling. It can also reveal potential therapeutic targets, guide accurate diagnoses and treatment strategies, and address the impact of the disease on patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION By integrating insights from genomics, molecular pathways, clinical phenotypes, and therapeutic potentials, our research aims to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of PD, propelling the field toward innovative strategies that enhance the lives of those affected by PD. The complex manifestations and pathogenesis of PD necessitate the use of multiple treatment methods for personalized care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Chi
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Wenhua Bi
- Department of Urology, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang, 265400, China
| | - Keyuan Lou
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Jitao Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Yuanshan Cui
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
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Wang W, Wan F, Yu T, Wu S, Cui X, Xiang C, Li M, Liu Q, Lin C. Microvesicles-delivering Smad7 have advantages over microvesicles in suppressing fibroblast differentiation in a model of Peyronie's disease. BMC Biotechnol 2024; 24:40. [PMID: 38849776 PMCID: PMC11162046 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-024-00866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study compared the differences of microvesicles (MVs) and microvesicles-delivering Smad7 (Smad7-MVs) on macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation in a model of Peyronie's disease (PD). METHODS Overexpression of Smad7 in rat BMSCs was obtained by pCMV5-Smad7 transfection. MVs were collected from rat BMSCs using ultracentrifugation. In cells, 100 µg/mL of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the 100 ng/mL of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells or 10 ng/mL of recombinant transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibroblasts. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of M1 macrophages were measured in RAW264.7 cells, and the migration and markers of fibroblast differentiation were measured in fibroblasts. In rats, 50 µg of MVs or Smad7-MVs were used to treat the TGF-β1-induced animals. The pathology of tunica albuginea (TA), the markers of M1 macrophages and fibroblast differentiation in the TA were measured. RESULTS The MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization and TGF-β1-induced fibroblast differentiation. Moreover, the Smad7-MVs treatment decreased the fibroblast differentiation compared with the MVs treatment. In the TGF-β1-induced TA of rats, MVs or Smad7-MVs treatment ameliorated the TA fibrosis by suppressing the macrophage M1 polarization and fibroblast differentiation. There was no significance on the M1-polarized macrophages between the MVs treatment and the Smad7-MVs treatment. Meanwhile, the Smad7-MVs treatment had an edge in terms of suppressing the fibroblast differentiation in the TGF-β1-induced PD model compared with the MVs treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that Smad7-MVs treatment had advantages over MVs treatment in suppressing of fibroblast differentiation in a model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Fengchun Wan
- Organ Transplant Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Tianxi Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261042, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Xin Cui
- School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261042, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Chongjun Xiang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China
- The 2nd Medical College of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Monong Li
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266011, China
| | - Qingzuo Liu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China.
| | - Chunhua Lin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 264000, China.
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Mokhtari RB, Ashayeri N, Baghaie L, Sambi M, Satari K, Baluch N, Bosykh DA, Szewczuk MR, Chakraborty S. The Hippo Pathway Effectors YAP/TAZ-TEAD Oncoproteins as Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3468. [PMID: 37444578 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Various cancer cell-associated intrinsic and extrinsic inputs act on YAP/TAZ proteins to mediate the hyperactivation of the TEAD transcription factor-based transcriptome. This YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity can override the growth-limiting Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway that maintains normal tissue homeostasis. Herein, we provide an integrated summary of the contrasting roles of YAP/TAZ during normal tissue homeostasis versus tumor initiation and progression. In addition to upstream factors that regulate YAP/TAZ in the TME, critical insights on the emerging functions of YAP/TAZ in immune suppression and abnormal vasculature development during tumorigenesis are illustrated. Lastly, we discuss the current methods that intervene with the YAP/TAZ-TEAD oncogenic signaling pathway and the emerging applications of combination therapies, gut microbiota, and epigenetic plasticity that could potentiate the efficacy of chemo/immunotherapy as improved cancer therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Bayat Mokhtari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Neda Ashayeri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Leili Baghaie
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Manpreet Sambi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kosar Satari
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Ali-Asghar Children Hospital, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Narges Baluch
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Dmitriy A Bosykh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Myron R Szewczuk
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sayan Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Mitsui Y, Yamabe F, Hori S, Uetani M, Kobayashi H, Nagao K, Nakajima K. Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10133. [PMID: 37373277 PMCID: PMC10299070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan; (F.Y.); (S.H.); (M.U.); (H.K.); (K.N.); (K.N.)
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Ilg MM, Ralph DJ, Cellek S. Statins synergize with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors but not with selective estrogen receptor modulators to prevent myofibroblast transformation in an in vitro model of Peyronie's disease. J Sex Med 2023:7131119. [PMID: 37082866 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad051] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder characterized by plaque formation in the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis, and we have previously shown that inhibition of transformation of TA-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts using a combination phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is effective in slowing the progression of early PD. AIM The study sought to investigate whether combinations of statins with PDE5 inhibitors or SERMs would affect myofibroblast transformation in vitro. METHODS Primary fibroblasts were isolated from TA of patients with PD and stimulated with transforming growth factor β1 in the absence and presence of a range of concentrations of statins, PDE5 inhibitors, SERMs, and their combinations for 72 hours before quantifying α-smooth muscle actin using in-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OUTCOMES The prevention of transforming growth factor β1-induced transformation of TA-derived fibroblasts to myofibroblasts was measured in vitro. RESULTS Statins (simvastatin, lovastatin) inhibited myofibroblast transformation in a concentration-dependent manner with half maximal inhibitory concentration values of 0.77 ± 0.07 μM and 0.8 ± 0.13 μM, respectively. Simvastatin inhibited myofibroblast transformation in a synergistic fashion when combined with vardenafil (a PDE5 inhibitor; log alpha >0). Combination of tamoxifen (a SERM) and simvastatin did not show synergy (log alpha <0). When 3 drugs (simvastatin, vardenafil, and tamoxifen) were combined, the effect was not synergistic, but rather was additive. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A combination of a statin with a PDE5 inhibitor might be useful in the clinic to slow the progression of the disease in patients with early PD; however, caution should be taken with such a combination because of the reported myopathy as a side effect. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The use of primary human cells from patients with PD is a strength of this study. The mechanisms by which these drug classes exert synergy when used in combination was not investigated. CONCLUSION This is the first demonstration of an antifibrotic synergy between statins and PDE5 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M Ilg
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
| | - David J Ralph
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
- Urology Department, University College Hospital, London W1G 8PH, United Kingdom
| | - Selim Cellek
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, United Kingdom
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Xie Y, Yue L, Shi Y, Su X, Gan C, Liu H, Xue T, Ye T. Application and Study of ROCK Inhibitors in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4342-4360. [PMID: 36940432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinases (ROCKs), serine/threonine protein kinases, were initially identified as downstream targets of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal disease with limited therapeutic options and a particularly poor prognosis. Interestingly, ROCK activation has been demonstrated in PF patients and in animal PF models, making it a promising target for PF treatment. Many ROCK inhibitors have been discovered, and four of these have been approved for clinical use; however, no ROCK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of PF patients. In this article, we describe ROCK signaling pathways and the structure-activity relationship, potency, selectivity, binding modes, pharmacokinetics (PKs), biological functions, and recently reported inhibitors of ROCKs in the context of PF. We will also focus our attention on the challenges to be addressed when targeting ROCKs and discuss the strategy of ROCK inhibitor use in the treatment of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lin Yue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yaojie Shi
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingping Su
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Ilg MM, Lapthorn AR, Ralph DJ, Cellek S. Phenotypic screening of 1,953 FDA-approved drugs reveals 26 hits with potential for repurposing for Peyronie's disease. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277646. [PMID: 36508413 PMCID: PMC9744312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing has been shown to bring safe medications to new patient populations, as recently evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated whether we could use phenotypic screening to repurpose drugs for the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). PD is a fibrotic disease characterised by continued myofibroblast presence and activity leading to formation of a plaque in the penile tunica albuginea (TA) that can cause pain during erection, erectile dysfunction, and penile deformity. PD affects 3-9% of men with treatment options limited to surgery or injection of collagenase which can only be utilised at late stages after the plaque is formed. Currently there are no approved medications that can be offered to patients presenting with early disease before the formation of the plaque. Drug repurposing may therefore be the ideal strategy to identify medical treatments to address this unmet medical need in early PD. We used primary human fibroblasts from PD patients in a phenotypic screening assay that measures TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast transformation which is the main cellular phenotype that drives the pathology in early PD. A library of FDA-approved 1,953 drugs was screened in duplicate wells at a single concentration (10 μM) in presence of TGF-β1. The myofibroblast marker α-SMA was quantified after 72h incubation. A positive control of SB-505124 (TGF-β1 receptor antagonist) was included on each plate. Hits were defined as showing >80% inhibition, whilst retaining >80% cell viability. 26 hits (1.3%) were identified which were divided into the following main groups: anti-cancer drugs, anti-inflammation, neurology, endocrinology, and imaging agents. Five of the top-ten drugs that increase myofibroblast-transformation appear to act on VEGFR. This is the first phenotypic screening of FDA-approved drugs for PD and our results suggest that it is a viable method to predict drugs with potential for repurposing to treat early PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus M. Ilg
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Alice R. Lapthorn
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Ralph
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
- Department of Urology, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Selim Cellek
- Medical Technology Research Centre, School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Wang W, Ding W, Zhang X, Wu S, Yu T, Cui X, Xie Y, Yang D, Lin C. Intratunical injection of rat-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells prevents fibrosis and is associated with increased Smad7 expression in a rat model of Peyronie's disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:390. [PMID: 35908015 PMCID: PMC9338499 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03090-w] [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: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder of the penis, but effective treatments are lacking. Here, we observed the effects of rat-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) injection in the active phase and chronic phase in a rat model of PD, and the possible mechanism was analysed with fibroblasts derived from rat penile tunica albuginea (TA). Methods Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. In sham group, the rats were injected with 50 µL of vehicle. In the PD group, the rats were injected with 50 µg TGF-β1. In the PD + BMSCs early treatment group, the rats were injected with 50 µg TGF-β1 and injected with 1 × 106 BMSCs after 1 day. In the PD + BMSCs late treatment group, the rats were injected with 50 µg TGF-β1 and injected with 1 × 106 BMSCs after 28 days. Twenty-seven days after the last injection, the erectile function of the rats was measured, and then, penile fibrosis was analysed by histology and western blot. In vitro, fibroblasts derived from rat penile TA were used to identify a possible antifibrotic mechanism of BMSCs, and a Smad7 expression vector was used as a positive control. Fibroblasts were pretreated with the Smad7 expression vector or BMSCs for 48 h and then activated with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 for 24 h. Cells viability was assessed, and Smad7, collagen 3, elastase-2B and osteopontin expression levels were analysed by immunofluorescence and western blot. Furthermore, fibroblasts were transfected with Smad7 siRNA or scramble control to observe whether the effects of BMSCs could be offset. Results Erectile function obviously improved, and fibrosis of penile TA was prevented after BMSCs treatment compared with that in the rats with PD. Furthermore, the effects of BMSCs treatment in the active phase were better than those in the chronic phase. After cocultured with BMSCs, cell viability was not affected, Smad7 expression was upregulated, and collagen 3, elastase-2B and osteopontin levels were decreased in the TGF-β1-treated fibroblasts. After transfection with Smad7 siRNA, the antifibrotic effects of BMSCs were offset. Conclusions The antifibrotic effects of BMSCs treatment in the active phase of the PD rat model were better than those in the chronic phase. A possible mechanism of BMSCs treatment was related to increased Smad7 expression, suggesting a possible effective and safe procedure for the treatment of PD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03090-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China
| | - Weifang Ding
- Department of Health Care, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China
| | - Xuebao Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China
| | - Tianxi Yu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Xin Cui
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261000, China
| | - Yaqi Xie
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China.,Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264000, China
| | - Diandong Yang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China.
| | - Chunhua Lin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, 26400, China.
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Chung E, Yafi FA. Pharmacotherapy in Peyronie's disease: a state-of-the-art review on established contemporary and emerging drugs. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1035-1042. [PMID: 35209789 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2043274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current clinical guidelines on Peyronie's disease (PD) advocate non-surgical treatment options as the first-line therapy despite inconsistent clinical outcomes when compared to definitive penile reconstructive surgery. AREAS COVERED This article examines the current understanding of established contemporary and emerging pharmacotherapies for PD. Emphasis has been placed on published clinical studies on drugs in the last 10 years. EXPERT OPINION Published studies have shown that combination therapy is likely more effective than monotherapy. Combined treatment modalities involving various oral and/or intralesional pharmacotherapies together with mechanical devices or clinical psychosexual therapy may provide additional or synergistic benefits for PD patients. A multidisciplinary approach coupled with more novel targets for pharmacological intervention could deliver a more effective treatment paradigm to prevent or at least delay the need for definitive penile reconstructive surgery. Drugs targeting the inhibition of TGF-β1 pathway and myofibroblast transformation are of great interest and studies into next-generation genetic sequencing and transcriptional biomarker regulatory pathways in PD will provide useful insights into the pathophysiology of PD, and assist the development of future regenerative technology including cellular-based therapies to target various anti-fibrotic molecular mechanisms and the potential to be integrated into existing treatment armamentarium for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Chung
- AndroUrology Centre, Brisbane Qld and Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Urology, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Urology, Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Faysal A Yafi
- Department of Urology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
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Mendoza FA, Jimenez SA. Serine-Threonine Kinase inhibition as antifibrotic therapy: TGF-β and ROCK inhibitors. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:1354-1365. [PMID: 34664623 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine-threonine kinases mediate the phosphorylation of intracellular protein targets, transferring a phosphorus group from an ATP molecule to the specific amino acid residues within the target proteins. Serine-threonine kinases regulate multiple key cellular functions. From this large group of kinases, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) through the serine-threonine activity of its receptors and Rho kinase (ROCK) play an important role in the development and maintenance of fibrosis in various human diseases, including systemic sclerosis. In recent years, multiple drugs targeting and inhibiting these kinases, have been developed, opening the possibility of becoming potential antifibrotic agents of clinical value for treating fibrotic diseases. This review analyzes the contribution of TGF- β and ROCK-mediated serine-threonine kinase molecular pathways to the development and maintenance of pathological fibrosis and the potential clinical use of their inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian A Mendoza
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA, USA 19107.,Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA, USA 19107
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA, USA 19107
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Van Sciver N, Ohashi M, Pauly NP, Bristol JA, Nelson SE, Johannsen EC, Kenney SC. Hippo signaling effectors YAP and TAZ induce Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) lytic reactivation through TEADs in epithelial cells. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009783. [PMID: 34339458 PMCID: PMC8360610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) human herpesvirus is associated with B-cell and epithelial-cell malignancies, and both the latent and lytic forms of viral infection contribute to the development of EBV-associated tumors. Here we show that the Hippo signaling effectors, YAP and TAZ, promote lytic EBV reactivation in epithelial cells. The transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ (which are inhibited by Hippo signaling) interact with DNA-binding proteins, particularly TEADs, to induce transcription. We demonstrate that depletion of either YAP or TAZ inhibits the ability of phorbol ester (TPA) treatment, cellular differentiation or the EBV BRLF1 immediate-early (IE) protein to induce lytic EBV reactivation in oral keratinocytes, and show that over-expression of constitutively active forms of YAP and TAZ reactivate lytic EBV infection in conjunction with TEAD family members. Mechanistically, we find that YAP and TAZ interact with, and activate, the EBV BZLF1 immediate-early promoter. Furthermore, we demonstrate that YAP, TAZ, and TEAD family members are expressed at much higher levels in epithelial cell lines in comparison to B-cell lines, and find that EBV infection of oral keratinocytes increases the level of activated (dephosphorylated) YAP and TAZ. Finally, we have discovered that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a known YAP/TAZ activator that plays an important role in inflammation, induces EBV lytic reactivation in epithelial cells through a YAP/TAZ dependent mechanism. Together these results establish that YAP/TAZ are powerful inducers of the lytic form of EBV infection and suggest that the ability of EBV to enter latency in B cells at least partially reflects the extremely low levels of YAP/TAZ and TEADs in this cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Van Sciver
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Graduate Training Program, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Makoto Ohashi
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nicholas P. Pauly
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jillian A. Bristol
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Scott E. Nelson
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Eric C. Johannsen
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Shannon C. Kenney
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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12
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Wu Q, Miao X, Zhang J, Xiang L, Li X, Bao X, Du S, Wang M, Miao S, Fan Y, Wang W, Xu X, Shen X, Yang D, Wang X, Fang Y, Hu L, Pan X, Dong H, Wang H, Wang Y, Li J, Huang Z. Astrocytic YAP protects the optic nerve and retina in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model through TGF-β signaling. Theranostics 2021; 11:8480-8499. [PMID: 34373754 PMCID: PMC8344002 DOI: 10.7150/thno.60031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Optic neuritis is one of main symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) that causes visual disability. Astrocytes are pivotal regulators of neuroinflammation in MS, and astrocytic yes-associated protein (YAP) plays a critical role in neuroinflammation. Meanwhile, YAP signaling is involved in visual impairment, including glaucoma, retinal choroidal atrophy and retinal detachment. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of astrocytic YAP in neuroinflammation and demyelination of MS-related optic neuritis (MS-ON) remains unclear. Methods: To assess the functions of YAP in MS-ON, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE, a common model of MS) was established, and mice that conditional knockout (CKO) of YAP in astrocytes, YAPGFAP-CKO mice, were successfully generated. Behavior tests, immunostaining, Nissl staining, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, TUNEL staining, Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining, electron microscopy (EM), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) by RNA sequencing were used to examine the function and mechanism of YAP signaling based on these YAPGFAP-CKO mice and EAE model mice. To further explore the potential treatment of YAP signaling in EAE, EAE mice were treated with various drugs, including SRI-011381 that is an agonist of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, and XMU-MP-1 which inhibits Hippo kinase MST1/2 to activate YAP. Results: We found that YAP was significantly upregulated and activated in the astrocytes of optic nerve in EAE mice. Conditional knockout of YAP in astrocytes caused more severe inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in optic nerve, and damage of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in EAE mice. Moreover, YAP deletion in astrocytes promoted the activation of astrocytes and microglia, but inhibited the proliferation of astrocytes of optic nerve in EAE mice. Mechanically, TGF-β signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated after YAP deletion in astrocytes. Additionally, both qPCR and immunofluorescence assays confirmed the reduction of TGF-β signaling pathway in YAPGFAP-CKO EAE mice. Interestingly, SRI-011381 partially rescued the deficits in optic nerve and retina of YAPGFAP-CKO EAE mice. Finally, activation of YAP signaling by XMU-MP-1 relieved the neuroinflammation and demyelination in optic nerve of EAE mice. Conclusions: These results suggest astrocytic YAP may prevent the neuroinflammatory infiltration and demyelination through upregulation of TGF-β signaling and provide targets for the development of therapeutic strategies tailored for MS-ON.
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13
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Zhang F, Qin F, Yuan J. Molecular Mechanisms and Current Pharmacotherapy of Peyronie's Disease: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:643641. [PMID: 34093182 PMCID: PMC8173627 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.643641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a localized fibrotic lesion of the penis that has adverse effects on men’s health. In this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms and pharmacotherapies of PD. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane Library during 2001–2020. Although no oral or topical medication demonstrated efficacy in monotherapy of PD, several intralesional medications have yielded promising results. Currently, the effective strategy in management of PD should be combined modality therapy, including but not limited to pharmacotherapy, mechanical therapy, and psychotherapy. Meanwhile, basic research is still necessary to facilitate the development of novel and more reliable treatments. In future, more attention should be given simultaneously to epigenetic changes, inflammatory cytokines, the abnormal wound-healing process, and profibrotic and anti-fibrotic factors to provide more options for this refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxun Zhang
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Qin
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiuhong Yuan
- Andrology Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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14
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Milenkovic U, Boeckx B, Lambrechts D, Janky R, Hatzichristodoulou G, van Renterghem K, Gevaert T, Cellek S, Bivalacqua TJ, De Ridder D, Albersen M. Single-cell Transcriptomics Uncover a Novel Role of Myeloid Cells and T-lymphocytes in the Fibrotic Microenvironment in Peyronie's Disease. Eur Urol Focus 2021; 8:814-828. [PMID: 33962884 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peyronie's disease (PD) is an acquired fibrotic disease affecting the penile tunica albuginea that can lead to curvature and deformities, shortening, and erectile dysfunction. Although immunological mechanisms have been suggested for the pathophysiology of PD, these have not been investigated using single-cell transcriptomics. OBJECTIVE To investigate the immunological signature of plaques from PD patients using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Tunica albuginea biopsy was performed in patients undergoing penile surgery for either PD (n = 12) or plication or penile cancer (control, n = 6). The inclusion criteria for PD patients were stable chronic disease (≥12 mo in duration) and no previous penile surgery or intralesional injection therapy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IHC was performed on surgical samples from ten patients with PD and five control subjects. An additional two PD and one control sample were used for scRNA-Seq (droplet-based; 10X Genomics). Cell clusters were visualised using heatmaps and t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding plots (BioTuring v2.7.5). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS IHC revealed the presence of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs; CD68+, TLR4+, CD206+), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs; CD3+, CD8+), and B lymphocytes (CD20+) in PD plaques, which were absent in controls. scRNA-Seq yielded results for 3312 PD and 5658 control cells. Cell clusters contained fibroblasts (COL1A2+), myofibroblasts (COL1A2+, ACTA2+), smooth muscle cells (ACTA2+, DES+), endothelial cells (VWF+), myeloid cells (CD14+), T lymphocytes (CD3D+), and neutrophils (ALPL+). Myeloid cell subclustering showed infiltration of monocyte-derived cells; control tissue contained classical DCs and resident macrophages. Lymphocyte subclustering revealed mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells and CTLs in PD. Differential gene expression suggests an increase in inflammatory and immune responses in chronic PD. The study is limited by the small scRNA-seq sample size (n = 3) for IHC, mitigated by a larger cohort of historic paraffin-embedded samples (n = 15), which showed largely parallel findings. Owing to tissue stiffness and extracellular matrix adhesion, our single-cell yield was lower for PD than for the control sample. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that even in the chronic PD stage (painless and stable curvature) there is a sustained inflammatory reaction. While vascularisation and collagen production are elevated, the inflammation is driven by specialised monocyte-derived CTL and MAIT cells. These findings could uncover new avenues for medical treatment of PD. PATIENT SUMMARY We looked at the role of the immune system in patients suffering from Peyronie's disease, a condition causing shortening and curvature of the penis. We found that even in a stable, chronic stage of the disease, there is activation of the immune system. Our results suggest that there is potential for novel treatments for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Milenkovic
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bram Boeckx
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Gevaert
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Selim Cellek
- Medical Technology Centre, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dirk De Ridder
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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15
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Choi EJ, Schneider D, Xu P, El-Khatib FM, Yafi FA. Future concepts and therapy approaches for Peyronie’s disease. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1804861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J. Choi
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Health, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Douglas Schneider
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Health, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Perry Xu
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Health, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Farouk M. El-Khatib
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Health, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Faysal A. Yafi
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine Health, Orange, CA, USA
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16
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Krakhotkin DV, Chernylovskyi VA, Mottrie A, Greco F, Bugaev RA. New insights into the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease: A narrative review. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2020; 6:165-181. [PMID: 32885153 PMCID: PMC7451633 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdtm.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign, progressive fibrotic disorder characterized by scar or plaques within the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis. This study provides new insights into the pathogenesis of PD based on data from different studies regarding the roles of cytokines, cell signaling pathways, biochemical mechanisms, genetic factors responsible for fibrogenesis. A growing body of literature has shown that PD is a chronically impaired, localized, wound healing process within the TA and the Smith space. It is caused by the influence of different pathological stimuli, most often the effects of mechanical stress during sexual intercourse in genetically sensitive individuals with unusual anatomical TA features, imbalanced matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (MMP/TIMP), and suppressed antioxidant systems during chronic inflammation. Other intracellular signal cascades are activated during fibrosis along with low expression levels of their negative regulators and transforming growth factor-β1 signaling. The development of multikinase agents with minimal side effects that can block several signal cell pathways would significantly improve fibrosis in PD tissues by acting on common downstream mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis V Krakhotkin
- Outpatient Department, Central District Hospital, Kamenolomni, Rostov Region, Russia
| | | | - Alexandre Mottrie
- Department of Urology, Onze Lieve Vrouw Hospital, Aalst, Belgium.,ORSI Academy, Melle, Belgium
| | | | - Ruslan A Bugaev
- Outpatient Department, Central District Hospital, Kamenolomni, Rostov Region, Russia
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17
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Di Maida F, Cito G, Lambertini L, Valastro F, Morelli G, Mari A, Carini M, Minervini A, Cocci A. The Natural History of Peyronie's Disease. World J Mens Health 2020; 39:399-405. [PMID: 32648381 PMCID: PMC8255406 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.200065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD), a fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea fully described in 1793 by French physician Francois de la Peyronie, is characterized by pain, plaque formation, penile deformity, and ultimately sexual function decline. The epidemiological data on PD vary considerably across previous studies, with recent evidence reporting a prevalence of up to 9%. PD is generally divided into two different phases: active or acute and stable or chronic. Plaque formation generally occurs during the acute phase, while during chronic phase pain usually tends to complete resolution and penile deformity stabilizes. PD's pathophysiology is still subject of great discussion. Tunical mechanical stress and microvascular trauma are major contributory factors. However, better understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of this condition remains paramount towards an in-depth comprehension of the disorder and the development of newer and more effective disease-targeted interventions. In this review we provide a detailed overview of natural history of PD, specifically focusing on clinical manifestations and the underlying molecular regulation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Di Maida
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianmartin Cito
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Valastro
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Mari
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Carini
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Minervini
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Cocci
- Department of Urology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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18
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Müller RU, Schermer B. Hippo signaling-a central player in cystic kidney disease? Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:1143-1152. [PMID: 31297585 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-019-04299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cystic transformation of kidney tissue is a key feature of various disorders including autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), and disorders of the nephronophthisis spectrum (NPH). While ARPKD and NPH typically affect children and adolescents, pediatric onset of ADPKD is less frequently found. While both ADPKD and ARPKD are characterized by formation of hundreds of cysts accompanied by hyperproliferation of tubular epithelia with massive renal enlargement, NPH patients usually show kidneys of normal or reduced size with cysts limited to the corticomedullary border. Recent results suggest the hippo pathway to be a central regulator at the crossroads of the renal phenotype in both diseases. Hippo signaling regulates organ size and proliferation by keeping the oncogenic transcriptional co-activators Yes associated protein 1 (YAP) and WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (TAZ) in check. Once this inhibition is released, nuclear YAP/TAZ interacts with TEAD family transcription factors and the consecutive transcriptional activation of TEA domain family members (TEAD) target genes mediates an increase in proliferation. Here, we review the current knowledge on the impact of NPHP and ADPKD mutations on Hippo signaling networks. Furthermore, we provide an outlook towards potential future therapeutic strategies targeting Hippo signaling to alleviate cystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman-Ulrich Müller
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Systems Biology of Ageing Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Schermer
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Systems Biology of Ageing Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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19
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Milenkovic U, Duponselle J, Bivalacqua TJ, Albersen M. Evolving therapies for Peyronie's disease: how can we work towards new drugs? Transl Androl Urol 2020; 9:S284-S294. [PMID: 32257869 PMCID: PMC7108979 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.08.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is an idiopathic chronic fibrotic disease that causes a penile curvature (PC), subsequent erectile dysfunction (ED) and impaired sexual intercourse in patients. As of yet, there are no reliable non-surgical treatment options available. Intralesional injection with collagenase Clostridum Histolyticum has been FDA approved since 2013, but post-approval studies have not been unanimously positive. Moreover, it renders a curvature improvement of only 30% on average, usually still requiring surgical intervention to remedy PC. Therefore, there is a need for drugs which could prevent surgery altogether. Development of new drugs can either be through a target-based or phenotypic assay-based approach. The current in vivo model for PD is dependent on treatment of primary PD-derived fibroblasts with transforming growth factor-β1. Moreover, despite the existence of a genetic in vivo PD model, it does not allow for drug screening or testing. While some advances have been made in the past few years, new in vivo and in vivo systems and well-designed studies are urgently needed for the non-surgical treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uros Milenkovic
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien Duponselle
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Trinity J. Bivalacqua
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maarten Albersen
- Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Yu B, Sladojevic N, Blair JE, Liao JK. Targeting Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) in cardiovascular fibrosis and stiffening. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:47-62. [PMID: 31906742 PMCID: PMC7662835 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1712593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Pathological cardiac fibrosis, through excessive extracellular matrix protein deposition from fibroblasts and pro-fibrotic immune responses and vascular stiffening is associated with most forms of cardiovascular disease. Pathological cardiac fibrosis and stiffening can lead to heart failure and arrythmias and vascular stiffening may lead to hypertension. ROCK, a serine/threonine kinase downstream of the Rho-family of GTPases, may regulate many pro-fibrotic and pro-stiffening signaling pathways in numerous cell types.Areas covered: This article outlines the molecular mechanisms by which ROCK in fibroblasts, T helper cells, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and macrophages mediate fibrosis and stiffening. We speculate on how ROCK could be targeted to inhibit cardiovascular fibrosis and stiffening.Expert opinion: Critical gaps in knowledge must be addressed if ROCK inhibitors are to be used in the clinic. Numerous studies indicate that each ROCK isoform may play differential roles in regulating fibrosis and may have opposing roles in specific tissues. Future work needs to highlight the isoform- and tissue-specific contributions of ROCK in fibrosis, and how isoform-specific ROCK inhibitors in murine models and in clinical trials affect the pathophysiology of cardiac fibrosis and stiffening. This could progress knowledge regarding new treatments for heart failure, arrythmias and hypertension and the repair processes after myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Yu
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nikola Sladojevic
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John E Blair
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James K Liao
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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21
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Wei YH, Liao SL, Wang SH, Wang CC, Yang CH. Simvastatin and ROCK Inhibitor Y-27632 Inhibit Myofibroblast Differentiation of Graves' Ophthalmopathy-Derived Orbital Fibroblasts via RhoA-Mediated ERK and p38 Signaling Pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:607968. [PMID: 33597925 PMCID: PMC7883643 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.607968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced differentiation of orbital fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is an important pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) and leads to orbital tissue fibrosis. In the present study, we explored the antifibrotic effects of simvastatin and ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in primary cultured GO orbital fibroblasts and tried to explain the molecular mechanisms behind these effects. Both simvastatin and Y-27632 inhibited TGF-β-induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, which serves as a marker of fibrosis. The inhibitory effect of simvastatin on TGF-β-induced RhoA, ROCK1, and α-SMA expression could be reversed by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, an intermediate in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. This suggested that the mechanism of simvastatin-mediated antifibrotic effects may involve RhoA/ROCK signaling. Furthermore, simvastatin and Y-27632 suppressed TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38. The TGF-β-mediated α-SMA expression was suppressed by pharmacological inhibitors of p38 and ERK. These results suggested that simvastatin inhibits TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation via suppression of the RhoA/ROCK/ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Thus, our study provides evidence that simvastatin and ROCK inhibitors may be potential therapeutic drugs for the prevention and treatment of orbital fibrosis in GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Lang Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sen-Hsu Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Hao Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Chang-Hao Yang,
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22
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Milenkovic U, Ilg MM, Cellek S, Albersen M. Pathophysiology and Future Therapeutic Perspectives for Resolving Fibrosis in Peyronie’s Disease. Sex Med Rev 2019; 7:679-689. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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