1
|
Yang T, Xiang CG, Wang XH, Li QQ, Lei SY, Zhang KR, Ren J, Lu HM, Feng CL, Tang W. RIPK1 inhibitor ameliorates pulmonary injury by modulating the function of neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:152. [PMID: 38521771 PMCID: PMC10960796 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01921-8] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is an acute and progressive hypoxic respiratory failure that could progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with a high mortality rate, thus immediate medical attention and supportive care are necessary. The pathophysiology of ALI is characterized by the disruption of the alveolar-capillary barrier and activation of neutrophils, leading to lung tissue damage. The receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) has emerged as a promising target for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases, but the role of RIPK1 in the ALI remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to figure out the pathological role of RIPK1 in ALI, especially in the pulmonary immune microenvironment involving neutrophils and endothelial cells. In vivo experiments showed that RIPK1 inhibitor protected against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in mouse models, with reduced neutrophils and monocytes infiltration in the lungs. Further studies demonstrated that, besides the inhibitory action on necroptosis, RIPK1 inhibitor directly suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and inflammatory cytokines secretion from neutrophils. Furthermore, RIPK1 inhibition maintains the barrier function in TNF-α-primed vascular endothelial cells and prevents their activation induced by the supernatant from LPS-stimulated neutrophils. Mechanistically, the aforementioned effects of RIPK1 inhibitor are associated with the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is partially independent of necroptosis inhibition. These results provide new evidence that RIPK1 inhibitor directly regulates the function of neutrophils and endothelial cells, as well as interferes with the interactions between these two cell types, therefore contributing to a better understanding of RIPK1 in ALI and providing a potential avenue for future therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Cai-Gui Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Han Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qing-Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shu-Yue Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai-Rong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jing Ren
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Hui-Min Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chun-Lan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gao Y, You Y, Zhang P, Yu Y, Xu Z, Wei H, Liu Z, Yu R, Jin G, Wang H, Zhang S, Li Y, Li W. Cortistatin prevents glucocorticoid-associated osteonecrosis of the femoral head via the GHSR1a/Akt pathway. Commun Biol 2024; 7:132. [PMID: 38278996 PMCID: PMC10817896 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05795-5] [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: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term use of glucocorticoids (GCs) is known to be a predominant cause of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Moreover, GCs can mediate apoptosis of various cell types by exaggerating oxidative stress. We have previously found that Cortistatin (CST) antagonizes oxidative stress and improves cell apoptosis in several conditions. In this study, we detected that the CST expression levels were diminished in patients with ONFH compared with femoral neck fracture (FNF). In addition, a GC-induced rat ONFH model was established, which impaired bone quality in the femoral head. Then, administration of CST attenuated these ONFH phenotypes. Furthermore, osteoblast and endothelial cells were cultured and stimulated with dexamethasone (Dex) in the presence or absence of recombinant CST. As a result, Dex induced impaired anabolic metabolism of osteoblasts and suppressed tube formation in endothelial cells, while additional treatment with CST reversed this damage to the cells. Moreover, blocking GHSR1a, a well-accepted receptor of CST, or blocking the AKT signaling pathway largely abolished the protective function of CST in Dex-induced disorder of the cells. Taken together, we indicate that CST has the capability to prevent GC-induced apoptosis and metabolic disorder of osteoblasts in the pathogenesis of ONFH via the GHSR1a/AKT signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunhao You
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoning Xu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruixuan Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaoxin Jin
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Trauma Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Weiwei Li
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pi P, Zeng Z, Zeng L, Han B, Bai X, Xu S. Molecular mechanisms of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218059. [PMID: 37601070 PMCID: PMC10436482 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first broke out in Hubei Province, China, at the end of 2019. It has brought great challenges and harms to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the lungs and is mainly manifested as pulmonary disease. However, one of the biggest crises arises from the emergence of COVID-19-induced fibrosis. At present, there are still many questions about how COVID-19 induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs and how to treat and regulate its long-term effects. In addition, as an important process of fibrosis, the effect of COVID-19 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be an important factor driving PF. This review summarizes the main pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of COVID-19 related to PF. Starting with the basic mechanisms of PF, such as EMT, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, inflammation, macrophages, innate lymphoid cells, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, hedgehog pathway as well as Notch signaling. Further, we highlight the importance of COVID-19-induced EMT in the process of PF and provide an overview of the related molecular mechanisms, which will facilitate future research to propose new clinical therapeutic solutions for the treatment of COVID-19-induced PF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Pi
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqing Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Han
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xizhe Bai
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shousheng Xu
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin Z, Wang H, Song J, Xu G, Lu F, Ma X, Xia X, Jiang J, Zou F. The role of mitochondrial fission in intervertebral disc degeneration. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023; 31:158-166. [PMID: 36375758 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2022.10.020] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is an extremely common disorder and is a major cause of disability globally. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the main contributor to LBP. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of IVDD remain unclear. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that continuously undergo fusion and fission, known as mitochondrial dynamics. Accumulating evidence has revealed that aberrantly activated mitochondrial fission leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction, which are involved in the development and progression of IVDD. To date, research into mitochondrial dynamics in IVDD is at an early stage. The present narrative review aims to summarize the most recent findings about the role of mitochondrial fission in the pathogenesis of IVDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - H Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - J Song
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - G Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - F Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - X Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - X Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - J Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - F Zou
- Department of Orthopedics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Role of Ferroptosis in Regulating the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010163. [PMID: 36672671 PMCID: PMC9856078 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic interstitial lung disease whose pathogenesis involves a complex interaction of cell types and signaling pathways. Lung epithelial cells responding to repeated injury experience persistent inflammation and sustained epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The persistence of EMT-induced signals generates extracellular matrix accumulation, thereby causing fibrosis. Ferroptosis is a newly characterized iron-dependent non-apoptotic regulated cell death. Increased iron accumulation can increase iron-induced oxidant damage in alveolar epithelial cells. Studies have demonstrated that iron steady states and oxidation steady states play an important role in the iron death regulation of EMT. This review summarizes the role of ferroptosis in regulating EMT in pulmonary fibrosis, aiming to provide a new idea for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen XM, Guo YJ, Ling HW, Zeng R. The Effect of Resveratrol in Sirt1/CST Pathway to Inhibit TNF-α Induced Inflammatory Response in Rat Primary Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1592-1600. [PMID: 37914362 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis has a significant impact on the life quality, but current pharmacological therapies have limitations. As a result, there is growing interest in exploring the potential of natural plant components to intervene in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol and one of the main active components of the Chinese herbal medicine Polygonum cuspidatum, has emerged as a promising candidate for this purpose. In the present study, we investigated the role and mechanism of resveratrol in inhibiting inflammatory response in rat primary fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was used to establish a model of inflammation, the Sirtuin1 selective inhibitor Selisistat (EX527) was used to inhibit Sirtuin1 activity, and small interfering RNA was used to silence cortistatin expression. The results showed that pre-treatment with resveratrol could time- and dose-dependently inhibit TNF-α induced cellular interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 secretion, and upregulate Sirtuin1 and cortistatin mRNA and protein expression in the range of 48 h, 100 µM. Selisistat (EX527) could attenuate resveratrol inhibited inflammatory response and upregulated cortistatin expression. Silencing cortistatin expression attenuated the effect of resveratrol on inhibiting inflammatory response, but did not affect its effect on upregulating Sirtuin1 expression. In conclusion, resveratrol effectively inhibited the TNF-α induced inflammatory response in fibroblast-like synoviocytes by a mechanism involving the Sirtuin1/cortistatin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Meng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yi-Jie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Hui-Wen Ling
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Rong Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Therapeutic Effect of a Latent Form of Cortistatin in Experimental Inflammatory and Fibrotic Disorders. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122785. [PMID: 36559278 PMCID: PMC9784182 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortistatin is a cyclic neuropeptide that recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic factor for treating inflammatory, autoimmune, fibrotic, and pain disorders. Despite of its efficiency and apparent safety in experimental preclinical models, its short half-life in body fluids and its potential pleiotropic effects, due to its promiscuity for several receptors expressed in various cells and tissues, represent two major drawbacks for the clinical translation of cortistatin-based therapies. Therefore, the design of new strategies focused on increasing the stability, bioavailability, and target specificity of cortistatin are lately demanded by the industry. Here, we generated by molecular engineering a new cortistatin-based prodrug formulation that includes, beside the bioactive cortistatin, a molecular-shield provided by the latency-associated protein of the transforming growth factor-β1 and a cleavage site specifically recognized by metalloproteinases, which are abundant in inflammatory/fibrotic foci. Using different models of sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma, and pulmonary fibrosis, we demonstrated that this latent form of cortistatin was a highly effective protection against these severe disorders. Noteworthy, from a therapeutic point of view, is that latent cortistatin seems to require significantly lower doses and fewer administrations than naive cortistatin to reach the same efficacy. Finally, the metalloproteinase-cleavage site was essential for the latent molecule to exert its therapeutic action. In summary, latent cortistatin emerges as a promising innovative therapeutic tool for treating chronic diseases of different etiologies with difficult clinical solutions and as a starting point for a rational development of prodrugs based on the use of bioactive peptides.
Collapse
|
8
|
Yao TT, Zhang Y, He RL, Lv X, He YJ, Li MY, Han YY, Long LZ, Jiang GL, Cheng XY, Hu GY, Li QB, Tao LJ, Meng J. Mefunidone ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway and enhancing Nrf2 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109263. [PMID: 36334370 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease which has high mortality and lacks effective pharmacological treatments. Excessive inflammation and oxidative stress are the key pathogenesis of ALI. Mefunidone (MFD), a novel small molecule compound, displayed anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress effects on streptozocin (STZ) and db/db mice in our previous studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of MFD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and explore the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS We investigated the effects of MFD on LPS-induced ALI mouse model and LPS-stimulated immortalized mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (iBMDMs). RESULTS MFD could alleviate pulmonary structure disorder and attenuate pulmonary neutrophils infiltration induced by LPS. MFD could also decreased proinflammatory cytokines release and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation stimulated by LPS. Further, MFD could significantly reduce LPS-induced phosphorylation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), increase expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and restore the expressions of antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSION Our results firstly supported that MFD effectively protected LPS-induced ALI against inflammation and oxidative stress through inhibiting MAPK signaling pathway and activating Nrf2 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Yao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong-Ling He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi-Jun He
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Meng-Yu Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Han
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling-Zhi Long
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Liang Jiang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gao-Yun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Qian-Bin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Jian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China; National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, Changsha, China; National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lv X, Yao T, He R, He Y, Li M, Han Y, Zhang Y, Long L, Jiang G, Cheng X, Xie Y, Huang L, Peng Z, Hu G, Li Q, Tao L, Meng J. Protective Effect of Fluorofenidone Against Acute Lung Injury Through Suppressing the MAPK/NF-κB Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:772031. [PMID: 34987397 PMCID: PMC8721041 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.772031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe disease that presents serious damage and excessive inflammation in lungs with high mortality without effective pharmacological therapy. Fluorofenidone (AKFPD) is a novel pyridone agent that has anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, and other pharmacological activities, while the effect of fluorofenidone on ALI is unclarified. Here, we elucidated the protective effects and underlying mechanism of fluorofenidone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. In this study, fluorofenidone alleviated lung tissue structure injury and reduced mortality, decreased the pulmonary inflammatory cell accumulation and level of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and attenuated pulmonary apoptosis in LPS-induced ALI mice. Moreover, fluorofenidone could block LPS-activated phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38 and further inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB and P65. These results suggested that fluorofenidone can significantly contrast LPS-induced ALI through suppressing the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, which indicates that fluorofenidone could be considered as a novel therapeutic candidate for ALI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tingting Yao
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rongling He
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yijun He
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Han
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lingzhi Long
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guoliang Jiang
- Department of Respirology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoyun Cheng
- Department of Respirology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanyun Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Changsha, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianbin Li
- Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Respirology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Organ Fibrosis Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Benitez R, Caro M, Andres-Leon E, O'Valle F, Delgado M. CORTISTATIN REGULATES FIBROSIS AND MYOFIBROBLAST ACTIVATION IN EXPERIMENTAL HEPATOTOXIC- AND CHOLESTATIC-INDUCED LIVER INJURY. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2275-2296. [PMID: 34821378 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15752] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis induced by chronic hepatic injury remains as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identification of susceptibility/prognosis factors and new therapeutic tools for treating hepatic fibrotic disorders are urgent medical needs. Cortistatin is a neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities in lung that binds to receptors that are expressed in liver fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells. We evaluated the capacity of cortistatin to regulate liver fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We experimentally induced liver fibrosis in mice by chronic CCl4 exposition and bile duct ligation and evaluated the histopathological signs and fibrotic markers. KEY RESULTS Hepatic expression of cortistatin inversely correlated with liver fibrosis grade in mice and humans with hepatic disorders. Cortistatin-deficient mice showed exacerbated signs of liver damage and fibrosis and increased mortality rates when challenged to hepatotoxic and cholestatic injury. Compared to wild-type mice, non-parenchymal liver cells isolated from cortistatin-deficient mice showed increased presence of cells with activated myofibroblast phenotypes and a differential genetic signature that is indicative of activated hepatic stellate cells and periportal fibroblasts and of myofibroblasts with active contractile apparatus. Cortistatin treatment reversed in vivo and in vitro these exaggerated fibrogenic phenotypes and protected from progression to severe liver fibrosis in response to hepatic injury. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We identify cortistatin as an endogenous molecular break of liver fibrosis and its deficiency as a potential poor-prognosis marker for chronic hepatic disorders that course with fibrosis. Cortistatin-based therapies emerge as attractive strategies for ameliorating severe hepatic fibrosis of various etiologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Benitez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Marta Caro
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Eduardo Andres-Leon
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco O'Valle
- Dept. of Pathology, School of Medicine, IBIMER and IBS-Granada, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Delgado
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, PT Salud, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Falo CP, Benitez R, Caro M, Morell M, Forte-Lago I, Hernandez-Cortes P, Sanchez-Gonzalez C, O’Valle F, Delgado M, Gonzalez-Rey E. The Neuropeptide Cortistatin Alleviates Neuropathic Pain in Experimental Models of Peripheral Nerve Injury. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070947. [PMID: 34202793 PMCID: PMC8309056 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the most severe forms of chronic pain caused by the direct injury of the somatosensory system. The current drugs for treating neuropathies have limited efficacies or show important side effects, and the development of analgesics with novel modes of action is critical. The identification of endogenous anti-nociceptive factors has emerged as an attractive strategy for designing new pharmacological approaches to treat neuropathic pain. Cortistatin is a neuropeptide with potent anti-inflammatory activity, recently identified as a natural analgesic peptide in several models of pain evoked by inflammatory conditions. Here, we investigated the potential analgesic effect of cortistatin in neuropathic pain using a variety of experimental models of peripheral nerve injury caused by chronic constriction or partial transection of the sciatic nerve or by diabetic neuropathy. We found that the peripheral and central injection of cortistatin ameliorated hyperalgesia and allodynia, two of the dominant clinical manifestations of chronic neuropathic pain. Cortistatin-induced analgesia was multitargeted, as it regulated the nerve damage-induced hypersensitization of primary nociceptors, inhibited neuroinflammatory responses, and enhanced the production of neurotrophic factors both at the peripheral and central levels. We also demonstrated the neuroregenerative/protective capacity of cortistatin in a model of severe peripheral nerve transection. Interestingly, the nociceptive system responded to nerve injury by secreting cortistatin, and a deficiency in cortistatin exacerbated the neuropathic pain responses and peripheral nerve dysfunction. Therefore, cortistatin-based therapies emerge as attractive alternatives for treating chronic neuropathic pain of different etiologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clara P. Falo
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
| | - Raquel Benitez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
| | - Marta Caro
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
| | - Maria Morell
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
- Genyo Center for Genomics and Oncological Research, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Irene Forte-Lago
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
| | - Pedro Hernandez-Cortes
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Clara Sanchez-Gonzalez
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
| | - Francisco O’Valle
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, IBIMER and IBS-Granada, Granada University, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Mario Delgado
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Elena Gonzalez-Rey
- Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine Lopez-Neyra, IPBLN-CSIC, Parque Tecnologico de la Salud, 18016 Granada, Spain; (C.P.F.); (R.B.); (M.C.); (M.M.); (I.F.-L.); (C.S.-G.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.); (E.G.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|