1
|
Listyoko AS, Okazaki R, Harada T, Inui G, Yamasaki A. Impact of obesity on airway remodeling in asthma: pathophysiological insights and clinical implications. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 5:1365801. [PMID: 38562155 PMCID: PMC10982419 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1365801] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity among asthma patients has surged in recent years, posing a significant risk factor for uncontrolled asthma. Beyond its impact on asthma severity and patients' quality of life, obesity is associated with reduced lung function, increased asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, heightened airway hyperresponsiveness, and elevated asthma-related mortality. Obesity may lead to metabolic dysfunction and immune dysregulation, fostering chronic inflammation characterized by increased pro-inflammatory mediators and adipocytokines, elevated reactive oxygen species, and reduced antioxidant activity. This chronic inflammation holds the potential to induce airway remodeling in individuals with asthma and obesity. Airway remodeling encompasses structural and pathological changes, involving alterations in the airway's epithelial and subepithelial layers, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle, and changes in airway vascularity. In individuals with asthma and obesity, airway remodeling may underlie heightened airway hyperresponsiveness and increased asthma severity, ultimately contributing to the development of persistent airflow limitation, declining lung function, and a potential increase in asthma-related mortality. Despite efforts to address the impact of obesity on asthma outcomes, the intricate mechanisms linking obesity to asthma pathophysiology, particularly concerning airway remodeling, remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review discusses current research investigating the influence of obesity on airway remodeling, to enhance our understanding of obesity's role in the context of asthma airway remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Sri Listyoko
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
- Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University-Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Ryota Okazaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Tomoya Harada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Genki Inui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Akira Yamasaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mdkhana B, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, Ramakrishnan RK, Al-Sheakly BK, Hafezi S, Saheb Sharif-Askari F, Bajbouj K, Hamid Q, Halwani R. Nucleic acid sensor STING drives remodeling and its inhibition enhances steroid responsiveness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284061. [PMID: 37406004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is progressive and irreversible chronic lung inflammatory disease. Cigarette smoke, the main cause of COPD, is often associated with double-stranded DNA release which potentially activates DNA-sensing pathways, such as STING. This study, therefore, analyzed the role of STING pathway in inducing pulmonary inflammation, steroid resistance, and remodeling in COPD. METHODS Primary cultured lung fibroblasts were isolated from healthy non-smoker, healthy smoker, and smoker COPD individuals. The expression of STING pathway, remodeling, and steroid resistance signatures were investigated in these fibroblasts upon LPS stimulation and treatment with dexamethasone and/or STING inhibitor, at both mRNA and protein levels using qRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA. RESULTS At baseline, STING was elevated in healthy smoker fibroblasts and to a higher extent in smoker COPD fibroblasts when compared to healthy non-smoker fibroblasts. Upon using dexamethasone as monotherapy, STING activity was significantly inhibited in healthy non-smoker fibroblasts but showed resistance in COPD fibroblasts. Treating both healthy and COPD fibroblasts with STING inhibitor in combination with dexamethasone additively inhibited STING pathway in both groups. Moreover, STING stimulation triggered a significant increase in remodeling markers and a reduction in HDAC2 expression. Interestingly, treating COPD fibroblasts with the combination of STING inhibitor and dexamethasone alleviated remodeling and reversed steroid hyporesponsiveness through an upregulation of HDAC2. CONCLUSION These findings support that STING pathway plays an important role in COPD pathogenesis, via inducing pulmonary inflammation, steroid resistance, and remodeling. This raises the possibility of using STING inhibitor as a potential therapeutic adjuvant in combination with common steroid treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Mdkhana
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjes Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rakhee K Ramakrishnan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Baraa Khalid Al-Sheakly
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shirin Hafezi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fatemeh Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Prince Abdullah Ben Khaled Celiac Disease Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ji T, Li H. T-helper cells and their cytokines in pathogenesis and treatment of asthma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1149203. [PMID: 37377958 PMCID: PMC10291091 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1149203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prosperous advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chronic inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma have been made over the past several decades. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by reversible airway obstruction that is self-resolving or remits with treatment. Around half of asthma patients are "Type-2-high" asthma with overexpression of type 2 inflammatory pathways and elevated type 2 cytokines. When stimulated by allergens, airway epithelial cells secrete IL-25, IL-33, and TSLP to derive a Th2 immune response. First ILC2 followed by Th2 cells produces a series of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. TFH cells control IgE synthesis by secreting IL-4 to allergen-specific B cells. IL-5 promotes eosinophil inflammation, while IL-13 and IL-4 are involved in goblet cell metaplasia and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Currently, "Type-2 low" asthma is defined as asthma with low levels of T2 biomarkers due to the lack of reliable biomarkers, which is associated with other Th cells. Th1 and Th17 are capable of producing cytokines that recruit neutrophils, such as IFN-γ and IL-17, to participate in the development of "Type-2-low" asthma. Precision medicine targeting Th cells and related cytokines is essential in the management of asthma aiming at the more appropriate patient selection and better treatment response. In this review, we sort out the pathogenesis of Th cells in asthma and summarize the therapeutic approaches involved as well as potential research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hequan Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ramakrishnan RK, Bajbouj K, Guimei M, Rawat SS, Kalaji Z, Hachim MY, Mahboub B, Ibrahim SM, Hamoudi R, Halwani R, Hamid Q. Bcl10 Regulates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pro-Fibrotic Signaling in Bronchial Fibroblasts from Severe Asthma Patients. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071716. [PMID: 35885021 PMCID: PMC9312497 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Subepithelial fibrosis is a characteristic hallmark of airway remodeling in asthma. Current asthma medications have limited efficacy in treating fibrosis, particularly in patients with severe asthma, necessitating a deeper understanding of the fibrotic mechanisms. The NF-κB pathway is key to airway inflammation in asthma, as it regulates the activity of multiple pro-inflammatory mediators that contribute to airway pathology. Bcl10 is a well-known upstream mediator of the NF-κB pathway that has been linked to fibrosis in other disease models. Therefore, we investigated Bcl10-mediated NF-κB activation as a potential pathway regulating fibrotic signaling in severe asthmatic fibroblasts. We demonstrate here the elevated protein expression of Bcl10 in bronchial fibroblasts and bronchial biopsies from severe asthmatic patients when compared to non-asthmatic individuals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced the increased expression of the pro-fibrotic cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and TGF-β1 in bronchial fibroblasts, and this induction was associated with the activation of Bcl10. Inhibition of the Bcl10-mediated NF-κB pathway using an IRAK1/4 selective inhibitor abrogated the pro-fibrotic signaling induced by LPS. Thus, our study indicates that Bcl10-mediated NF-κB activation signals increased pro-fibrotic cytokine expression in severe asthmatic airways. This reveals the therapeutic potential of targeting Bcl10 signaling in ameliorating inflammation and fibrosis, particularly in severe asthmatic individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee K. Ramakrishnan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
| | - Maha Guimei
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt;
| | - Surendra Singh Rawat
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates; (S.S.R.); (M.Y.H.)
| | - Zaina Kalaji
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates; (S.S.R.); (M.Y.H.)
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
- Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai P.O. Box 4545, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh M. Ibrahim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED), University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (R.H.); (Q.H.)
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
- Immunology Research Lab, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh P.O. Box 145111, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (R.H.); (Q.H.)
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.K.R.); (K.B.); (Z.K.); (B.M.); (S.M.I.)
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (R.H.); (Q.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Angiogenesis, Lymphangiogenesis, and Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Few Certainties and Many Outstanding Questions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101720. [PMID: 35626756 PMCID: PMC9139415 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation, predominantly affecting the lung parenchyma and peripheral airways, that results in progressive and irreversible airflow obstruction. COPD development is promoted by persistent pulmonary inflammation in response to several stimuli (e.g., cigarette smoke, bacterial and viral infections, air pollution, etc.). Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels, are features of airway inflammation in COPD. There is compelling evidence that effector cells of inflammation (lung-resident macrophages and mast cells and infiltrating neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, etc.) are major sources of a vast array of angiogenic (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), angiopoietins) and/or lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF-C, -D). Further, structural cells, including bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, and airway smooth muscle cells, can contribute to inflammation and angiogenesis in COPD. Although there is evidence that alterations of angiogenesis and, to a lesser extent, lymphangiogenesis, are associated with COPD, there are still many unanswered questions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Behairy O, El-Shimi O, Mohammad O, Labib A. Expression of microRNA-378 in children with bronchial asthma. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF CHEST DISEASES AND TUBERCULOSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/ecdt.ecdt_12_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
7
|
SARS-CoV-2 attenuates corticosteroid sensitivity by suppressing DUSP1 expression and activating p38 MAPK pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 908:174374. [PMID: 34303662 PMCID: PMC8295491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of corticosteroids and its use for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections is controversial. In this study, using data sets of SARS-CoV-2 infected lung tissues and nasopharyngeal swabs, as well as in vitro experiments, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly downregulates DUSP1 expression. This downregulation of DUSP1 could be the mechanism regulating the enhanced activation of MAPK pathway as well as the reported steroid resistance in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, chloroquine, an off labeled COVID-19 drug is able to induce DUSP1 and attenuate MAPK pathway; and is expected to improve sensitivity to steroid treatment. However, further mechanistic studies are required to confirm this effect.
Collapse
|
8
|
Dos Santos TM, Righetti RF, Rezende BG, Campos EC, Camargo LDN, Saraiva-Romanholo BM, Fukuzaki S, Prado CM, Leick EA, Martins MA, Tibério IFLC. Effect of anti-IL17 and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor treatments on vascular remodeling induced by chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2020; 14:1753466620962665. [PMID: 33357114 PMCID: PMC7768836 DOI: 10.1177/1753466620962665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Expansion and morphological dysregulation of the bronchial vascular network occurs in asthmatic airways. Interleukin (IL) -17 and Rho-kinase (ROCK) are known to act in inflammation control and remodeling. Modulation of Rho-kinase proteins and IL-17 may be a promising approach for the treatment of asthma through the control of angiogenesis. Our objective was to analyze the effects of treatment with anti-IL17 and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor on vascular changes in mice with chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Methods: Sixty-four BALB/c mice, with pulmonary inflammation induced by ovalbumin were treated with anti-IL17A (7.5/µg per dose, intraperitoneal) and/or Rho-kinase inhibitor (Y-27632-10 mg/kg, intranasal), 1 h before each ovalbumin challenge (22, 24, 26, and 28/days). Control animals were made to inhale saline. At the end of the protocol, lungs were removed, and morphometric analysis was performed to quantify vascular inflammatory, remodeling, and oxidative stress responses. Results: Anti-IL17 or Rho-kinase inhibitor reduced the number of CD4+, CD8+, dendritic cells, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, Rho-kinase 1 and 2, transforming growth factor (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nuclear factor (NF)-KappaB, iNOS, metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-12, metalloproteinase inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1), FOXP-3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and phospho-STAT1-positive cells, and actin, endothelin-1, isoprostane, biglycan, decorin, fibronectin and the collagen fibers volume fraction compared with the ovalbumin group (p < 0.05). The combination treatment, when compared with anti-IL17, resulted in potentiation of decrease in the number of IL1β- and dendritic cells-positive cells. When we compared the OVA-RHO inhibitor-anti-IL17 with OVA-RHO inhibitor we found a reduction in the number of CD8+ and IL-17, TGF-β, and phospho-STAT1-positive cells and endothelin-1 in the vessels (p < 0.05). There was an attenuation in the number of ROCK 2-positive cells in the group with the combined treatment when compared with anti-IL17 or Rho-kinase inhibitor-treated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We observed no difference in angiogenesis after treatment with Rho-kinase inhibitor and anti-IL17. Although the treatments did not show differences in angiogenesis, they showed differences in the markers involved in the angiogenesis process contributing to inflammation control and vascular remodeling. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tabata M Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato F Righetti
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR; Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca G Rezende
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine C Campos
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro do N Camargo
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR. Hospital Sirio-Libanes, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Saraiva-Romanholo
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Medicine, University City of São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Fukuzaki
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla M Prado
- Department of Biosciences, Federal University os Sao Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Edna A Leick
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milton A Martins
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Iolanda F L C Tibério
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455- Sala 1210, São Paulo, SP 01246-903, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramakrishnan RK, Bajbouj K, Hachim MY, Mogas AK, Mahboub B, Olivenstein R, Hamoudi R, Halwani R, Hamid Q. Enhanced mitophagy in bronchial fibroblasts from severe asthmatic patients. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242695. [PMID: 33253229 PMCID: PMC7704010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-epithelial fibrosis is a characteristic feature of airway remodeling in asthma which correlates with disease severity. Current asthma medications are ineffective in treating fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mitochondrial phenotype in fibroblasts isolated from airway biopsies of non-asthmatic and severe asthmatic subjects by examining mitophagy as a mechanism contributing to fibroblast persistence and thereby, fibrosis in severe asthma. Methods Bioinformatics analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data was performed to identify the top enriched pathways in asthmatic fibroblasts. Endogenous expression of mitophagy markers in severe asthmatic and non-asthmatic fibroblasts was determined using qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. Mitophagy flux was examined by using lysosomal protease inhibitors, E64d and pepstatin A. Mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic activity were also evaluated using JC-1 assay and MTT assay, respectively. Results Bioinformatics analysis revealed the enrichment of Pink/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in asthmatic fibroblasts compared to healthy controls. In severe asthmatic fibroblasts, the differential expression of mitophagy genes, PINK1 and PRKN, was accompanied by the accumulation of PINK1, Parkin and other mitophagy proteins at baseline. The further accumulation of endogenous LC3BII, p62 and PINK1 in the presence of E64d and pepstatin A in severe asthmatic fibroblasts reinforced their enhanced mitophagy flux. Significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic activity were also demonstrated at baseline confirming the impairment in mitochondrial function in severe asthmatic fibroblasts. Interestingly, these fibroblasts displayed neither an apoptotic nor senescent phenotype but a pro-fibrotic phenotype with an adaptive survival mechanism triggered by increased AMPKα phosphorylation and mitochondrial biogenesis. Conclusions Our results demonstrated a role for mitophagy in the pathogenesis of severe asthma where the enhanced turnover of damaged mitochondria may contribute to fibrosis in severe asthma by promoting the persistence and pro-fibrotic phenotype of fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee K. Ramakrishnan
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y. Hachim
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Andrea K. Mogas
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Rifat Hamoudi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabih Halwani
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Camargo LDN, Dos Santos TM, de Andrade FCP, Fukuzaki S, Dos Santos Lopes FDTQ, de Arruda Martins M, Prado CM, Leick EA, Righetti RF, Tibério IDFLC. Bronchial Vascular Remodeling Is Attenuated by Anti-IL-17 in Asthmatic Responses Exacerbated by LPS. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1269. [PMID: 33013361 PMCID: PMC7500412 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the major alterations associated with asthma are related to the airways, there is also evidence of the importance of peribronchial vascular inflammation and remodeling in its pathophysiology. Objectives To determine the effects of anti-IL-17 therapy on peribronchial vessels of an asthma model exacerbated by lipopolysaccharide. Methods We evaluated several factors, including lung function, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular remodeling, and signaling pathways present in the peribronchial vessels of 66 male BALB/c mice exposed to ovalbumin and treated (or not) treated with anti-IL-17. Twenty-four hours before the end of the experimental protocol, groups of sensitized animals (OVA–LPS and OVA–LPS anti-IL-17) also received LPS. Results The OVA–LPS-anti-IL-17 group presented a decrease in several factors [airway resistance and elastance, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, inflammatory response, eosinophils, TSLP, IL-33, TARC, TNF-α, CD4+, CD8+, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, and VEGF positive cells/104μm2, peribronchovascular edema, and angiogenesis], including remodeling (MMP-9, MMP-12, TIMP-1 and TGF-β positive cells and volume fraction of collagen fibers I, collagen fibers III, collagen fibers V, decorin, lumican, actin, biglycan, fibronectin, and integrin), oxidative stress (iNOS positive cells and volume fraction of PGF2α), and signaling pathways (FoxP3), as well as dendritic cells, NF-kB, ROCK-1, ROCK-2, STAT-1, and phosphor-STAT1-positive cells compared to OVA–LPS (p < 0.05). Conclusions In this model of LPS-induced asthma exacerbation, IL-17 inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy, indicating the potential of bronchial vascular control of Th2 and Th17 responses and the activation of the remodeling and oxidative stress pathways, associated with the control of signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro do Nascimento Camargo
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Serviço de Reabilitação, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tabata Maruyama Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Serviço de Reabilitação, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Silvia Fukuzaki
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Máximo Prado
- Department of Bioscience, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | | | - Renato Fraga Righetti
- Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Serviço de Reabilitação, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ramakrishnan RK, Bajbouj K, Al Heialy S, Mahboub B, Ansari AW, Hachim IY, Rawat S, Salameh L, Hachim MY, Olivenstein R, Halwani R, Hamoudi R, Hamid Q. IL-17 Induced Autophagy Regulates Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Fibrosis in Severe Asthmatic Bronchial Fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1002. [PMID: 32670268 PMCID: PMC7326148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of fibroblasts, their synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their innate resistance to apoptosis are characteristics of subepithelial fibrosis observed in severe asthma. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is an important regulator of airway remodeling in asthma. However, the contribution of IL-17 to the pro-fibrotic phenotype of bronchial fibroblasts is not well-characterized. In this study, we investigated whether IL-17 induced autophagy regulates mitochondrial and pro-fibrotic function in bronchial fibroblasts. The primary cultured bronchial fibroblasts isolated from non-asthmatic (NHBF) and severe asthmatic (DHBF) subjects were treated with IL-17 in order to ascertain its effect on mitochondrial function, mitochondrial quality control, and apoptosis using immunoblotting and flow cytometric analyses. At baseline, DHBF exhibited higher levels of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis compared to NHBF. Immunohistochemical evaluation of bronchial biopsies showed intense PINK1 immunoreactivity in severe asthma than in control. IL-17 intensified the mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired the mitochondrial quality control machinery in NHBF and DHBF. Moreover, IL-17 augmented a pro-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic response in both group of fibroblasts. Inhibition of autophagy using bafilomycin-A1 reduced PINK1 expression in NHBF and restored the IL-17 mediated changes in PINK1 to their basal levels in DHBF. Bafilomycin-A1 also reversed the IL-17 associated fibrotic response in these fibroblasts, suggesting a role for IL-17 induced autophagy in the induction of fibrosis in bronchial fibroblasts. Taken together, our findings suggest that IL-17 induced autophagy promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and fibrosis in bronchial fibroblasts from both non-asthmatic and severe asthmatic subjects. Our study provides insights into the therapeutic potential of targeting autophagy in ameliorating fibrosis, particularly in severe asthmatic individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakhee K Ramakrishnan
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khuloud Bajbouj
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saba Al Heialy
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bassam Mahboub
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdul Wahid Ansari
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ibrahim Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Surendra Rawat
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Laila Salameh
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Rashid Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mahmood Y Hachim
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Rabih Halwani
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research - College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li P, Lang X, Xia S. Elevated expression of microRNA-378 in children with asthma aggravates airway remodeling by promoting the proliferation and apoptosis resistance of airway smooth muscle cells. Exp Ther Med 2018; 17:1529-1536. [PMID: 30783418 PMCID: PMC6364182 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.7141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study determined the expression of microRNA (miR)-378 in the peripheral blood and lung tissues of children with asthma, and investigated its effect and mechanism of action on the biological functions of airway smooth muscle cells. A total of 23 asthmatic children and 15 healthy children were included in the study. Peripheral blood and tissues were obtained from asthmatic children. Healthy children provided peripheral blood. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression of miR-378. Airway smooth muscle cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. The cells were transfected with miR-378 mimics or miR-378 inhibitor. Following transfection, proliferation of the cells was determined using the CCK-8 assay. In addition, flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycles and apoptosis of smooth muscle cells. Western blotting was performed to determine the expression of extracellular matrix proteins in smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, bioinformatics was used to predict potential target genes of miR-378 and their downstream signaling pathways. Results indicated that the expression of miR-378 in peripheral blood and lung tissues from asthmatic children was increased compared with that in healthy children. Serum from asthmatic children promoted the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vitro by affecting the cell cycle, and enhanced apoptotic resistance of smooth muscle cells. Notably, overexpression of miR-378 increased the proliferation of smooth muscle cells by affecting the cell cycle, and this upregulated apoptotic resistance of smooth muscle cells and enhanced the expression of extracellular matrix-related proteins in smooth muscle cells. However, downregulation of miR-378 expression reversed the promoting effect of serum from asthmatic children on the biological functions of smooth muscle cells. These findings suggested that miR-378 possibly affects the proliferation, apoptosis and motility of airway smooth muscle cells via downstream signaling pathways. To conclude, the present study demonstrated that miR-378 expression was elevated in the peripheral blood and lung tissues from children with asthma. Furthermore, miR-378 promoted the biological functions of extracellular matrix-related proteins of smooth muscle cells, and possibly exerts its effect via its target genes through downstream signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Zibo City, Zibo, Shandong 255029, P.R. China
| | - Xufang Lang
- Department of Student Affairs, College of Nursing, Zibo Vocational Institute, Zibo, Shandong 255314, P.R. China
| | - Shungang Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Zibo City, Zibo, Shandong 255029, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|