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Gu J, Zhou Z, Xu S, Pan W, Wang J, Liu O, Wang S, Xu J. Topical Application of Nitrate Ameliorates Skin Fibrosis by Regulating ST2 +CD4 + T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis Mouse Model. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01870-0. [PMID: 38945439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.06.1273] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by intractable multiorgan fibrosis caused by vascular and immune dysfunction. Currently, effective therapeutic options for patients with SSc are limited. Nitrate, an abundant nutrient in the diet, has been demonstrated to be preventative and therapeutic for several diseases. To determine whether nitrate can slow or reverse SSc progression, topical application of nitrate delivered by dissolving microneedles was used to treat a bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis mouse model. In this study, nitrate considerably attenuated dermal thickness, stiffness, and collagen deposition. Bulk RNA sequencing of skin revealed that Cd4 was a key hub gene in SSc nitrate therapy. In addition, bleomycin-induced cytokines and chemokines were inhibited by nitrate, and CD4+ T cells infiltration markedly declined. Il4, Il6, Il13, and Tgfb expressions in CD4+ T cells isolated from skin biopsies also significantly decreased. Mechanistically, Il1rl1, a type 2 immune response inducer, was markedly repressed in isolated CD4+ T cells and dermal tissues after nitrate treatment. Remarkably, compared with wild-type mice, mice lacking Il1rl1 showed impaired transcriptional profiles after intradermal bleomycin injection. Adoptive transfer of ST2+CD4+ T cells promoted bleomycin-induced Rag2-/- mice dermal fibrosis. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that nitrate targeting ST2+CD4+ T cells is an effective therapeutic option for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Gu
- Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zekun Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shihan Xu
- Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Pan
- Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinsong Wang
- Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ousheng Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research, Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care, Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Songlin Wang
- Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Immunology Research Centre for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Laboratory of Homeostatic Medicine, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Research Units of Tooth Development and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Junji Xu
- Salivary Gland Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health and Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Immunology Research Centre for Oral and Systemic Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Department of Periodontics, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
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Fioretto BS, Rosa I, Tani A, Andreucci E, Romano E, Sgambati E, Manetti M. Blockade of Sialylation with Decrease in Polysialic Acid Levels Counteracts Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Skin Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition. Cells 2024; 13:1067. [PMID: 38920695 PMCID: PMC11201575 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121067] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant sialylation with overexpression of the homopolymeric glycan polysialic acid (polySia) was recently reported in fibroblasts from fibrotic skin lesions. Yet, whether such a rise in polySia levels or sialylation in general may be functionally implicated in profibrotic activation of fibroblasts and their transition to myofibroblasts remains unknown. Therefore, we herein explored whether inhibition of sialylation could interfere with the process of skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition induced by the master profibrotic mediator transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). Adult human skin fibroblasts were pretreated with the competitive pan-sialyltransferase inhibitor 3-Fax-peracetyl-Neu5Ac (3-Fax) before stimulation with recombinant human TGFβ1, and then analyzed for polySia expression, cell viability, proliferation, migratory ability, and acquisition of myofibroblast-like morphofunctional features. Skin fibroblast stimulation with TGFβ1 resulted in overexpression of polySia, which was effectively blunted by 3-Fax pre-administration. Pretreatment with 3-Fax efficiently lessened TGFβ1-induced skin fibroblast proliferation, migration, changes in cell morphology, and phenotypic and functional differentiation into myofibroblasts, as testified by a significant reduction in FAP, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL1A2, and FN1 gene expression, and α-smooth muscle actin, N-cadherin, COL1A1, and FN-EDA protein levels, as well as a reduced contractile capability. Moreover, skin fibroblasts pre-administered with 3-Fax displayed a significant decrease in Smad3-dependent canonical TGFβ1 signaling. Collectively, our in vitro findings demonstrate for the first time that aberrant sialylation with increased polySia levels has a functional role in skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and suggest that competitive sialyltransferase inhibition might offer new therapeutic opportunities against skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Tani
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090 Isernia, Italy;
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (B.S.F.); (I.R.); (A.T.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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3
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Peng B, Hu Q, He R, Hou H, Lian D, Chen Y, Li H, Song L, Gao Y, Chen T, Zhang G, Li J. Baicalein alleviates fibrosis and inflammation in systemic sclerosis by regulating B-cell abnormalities. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:62. [PMID: 36810081 PMCID: PMC9942410 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03885-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc; also known as "scleroderma") is an autoimmune disorder characterized by extensive fibrosis, vascular changes, and immunologic dysregulation. Baicalein (phenolic flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) has been used to treat the pathological processes of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effect of baicalein on the major pathologic characteristics of SSc: fibrosis, B-cell abnormalities, and inflammation. METHODS The effect of baicalein on collagen accumulation and expression of fibrogenic markers in human dermal fibroblasts were analyzed. SSc mice were produced by injecting bleomycin and treated with baicalein (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg). The antifibrotic features of baicalein and its mechanisms were investigated by histologic examination, hydroxyproline assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting and flow cytometry. RESULTS Baicalein (5-120 μM) significantly inhibited the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and fibroblast activation in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1- and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced human dermal fibroblasts, as evidenced by abrogated deposition of total collagen, decreased secretion of soluble collagen, reduced collagen contraction capability and downregulation of various fibrogenesis molecules. In a bleomycin-induced model of dermal fibrosis in mice, baicalein (25-100 mg/kg) restored dermal architecture, ameliorated inflammatory infiltrates, and attenuated dermal thickness and collagen accumulation in a dose-dependent manner. According to flow cytometry, baicalein reduced the proportion of B cells (B220+ lymphocytes) and increased the proportion of memory B cells (B220+CD27+ lymphocytes) in the spleens of bleomycin-induced mice. Baicalein treatment potently attenuated serum levels of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor-α), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta) and autoantibodies (anti-scleroderma 70 (Scl-70), anti-polymyositis-scleroderma (PM-Scl), anti-centromeres, anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA). In addition, baicalein treatment can significantly inhibit the activation of TGF-β1 signaling in dermal fibroblasts and bleomycin-induce mice of SSc, evidenced by reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and IL-11, as well as inhibiting both small mother against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) activation. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that baicalein has therapeutic potential against SSc, exerting modulating B-cell abnormalities, anti-inflammatory effects, and antifibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Peng
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Hu
- grid.28703.3e0000 0000 9040 3743College of Life Sciences and Bio-Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100024 People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong He
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongping Hou
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongyin Lian
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Song
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhang Gao
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Tengfei Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangping Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianrong Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China.
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Huang J, Puente H, Wareing NE, Wu M, Mayes MD, Karmouty-Quintana H, Assassi S, Mills TW. STAT6 suppression prevents bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22761. [PMID: 36629780 PMCID: PMC10226134 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200994r] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis of the skin and internal organs is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the pathogenesis of SSc is poorly understood, increasing evidence suggests that interleukins (IL)-4 and - 13 contribute to the pathogenesis of skin fibrosis by promoting collagen production and myofibroblast differentiation. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) is one of the most important downstream transcription factors activated by both IL-4 and IL-13. However, it is not completely understood whether STAT6 plays a role during the pathogenesis of skin fibrosis in SSc. In this study, we observed increased STAT6 phosphorylation in fibrotic skin samples collected from SSc patients as well as bleomycin-injected murine mice. Knockout of Stat6 in mice significantly (1) suppressed the expression of fibrotic cytokines including Il13, Il17, Il22, Ccl2, and the alternatively activated macrophage marker Cd206; (2) reduced the production of collagen and fibronectin, and (3) attenuated late-stage skin fibrosis and inflammation induced by bleomycin. Consistently, mice treated with STAT6 inhibitor AS1517499 also attenuated skin fibrosis on day 28. In addition, a co-culture experiment demonstrated that skin epithelial cells with STAT6 knockdown had reduced cytokine expression in response to IL-4/IL-13, and subsequently attenuated fibrotic protein expression in skin fibroblasts. On the other side, STAT6 depletion in skin fibroblasts attenuated IL-4/IL-13-induced cytokine and fibrotic marker expression, and reduced CXCL2 expression in co-cultured keratinocytes. In summary, our study highlighted an important yet not fully understood role of STAT6 in skin fibrosis by driving innate inflammation and differentiation of alternatively activated macrophages in response to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hydia Puente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy E. Wareing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maureen D. Mayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Harry Karmouty-Quintana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tingting W. Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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5
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Heim X, Bermudez J, Joshkon A, Kaspi E, Bachelier R, Nollet M, Vélier M, Dou L, Brodovitch A, Foucault-Bertaud A, Leroyer AS, Benyamine A, Daumas A, Granel B, Sabatier F, Dignat-George F, Blot-Chabaud M, Bardin N. CD146 at the Interface between Oxidative Stress and the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:3200-3210.e5. [PMID: 35690141 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CD146 involvement was recently described in skin fibrosis of systemic sclerosis through its regulation of the Wnt pathway. Because the interaction between Wnt and ROS signaling plays a major role in fibrosis, we hypothesized that in systemic sclerosis, CD146 may regulate Wnt/ROS crosstalk. Using a transcriptomic and western blot analysis performed on CD146 wild-type or knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we showed a procanonical Wnt hallmark in the absence of CD146 that is reversed when CD146 expression is restored. We found an elevated ROS content in knockout cells and an increase in DNA oxidative damage in the skin sections of knockout mice compared with those of wild-type mice. We also showed that ROS increased CD146 and its noncanonical Wnt ligand, WNT5A, only in wild-type cells. In humans, fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis presented higher ROS content and expressed CD146, whereas control fibroblasts did not. Moreover, CD146 and its ligand were upregulated by ROS in both human fibroblasts. The increase in bleomycin-induced WNT5A expression was abrogated when CD146 was silenced. We showed an interplay between Wnt and ROS signaling in systemic sclerosis, regulated by CD146, which promotes the noncanonical Wnt pathway and prevents ROS signaling, opening the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Heim
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Service d'immunologie, Biogénopôle, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France.
| | | | - Ahmad Joshkon
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Elise Kaspi
- Aix Marseille University, APHM, INSERM, MMG, Hôpital la Timone, Service de Biologie Cellulaire, Marseille, France
| | | | - Marie Nollet
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Mélanie Vélier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Hematology and Vascular Biology Department, Hopital de la Conception, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Laetitia Dou
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France
| | - Alexandre Brodovitch
- Service d'immunologie, Biogénopôle, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Audrey Benyamine
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Internal Medicine Department, Hopital Nord, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Daumas
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Internal Medicine, Geriatric and Therapeutic Department, Hopital de la Timone, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Brigitte Granel
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Internal Medicine Department, Hopital Nord, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Florence Sabatier
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Cell Therapy Laboratory, INSERM CIC BT 1409, Hôpital de la Conception, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | - Françoise Dignat-George
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Hematology and Vascular Biology Department, Hopital de la Conception, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
| | | | - Nathalie Bardin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, INRAE, C2VN, Marseille, France; Service d'immunologie, Biogénopôle, Hôpital de la Timone, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Marseille, France
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6
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Zhang Y, Zhu M, Xie L, Zhang H, Deng T. Identification and validation of key immune-related genes with promising diagnostic and predictive value in systemic sclerosis. Life Sci 2022; 312:121238. [PMID: 36460097 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121238] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To screen and confirm key immune-related genes (IRGs) with diagnostic and predictive value in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and provide potential therapeutic targets for patients with SSc. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO), four datasets of gene expression profiling related to SSc were downloaded and used for the analysis in this study. After differential analysis of SSc cases and controls in GSE130955, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were overlapped with IRGs to obtain the immune-related differentially expressed genes (IR-DEGs) in SSc. In addition, functional annotation and pathway enrichment of IR-DEGs were conducted. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed to identify key IR-DEGs. Using GSE58095, GSE181549 and GSE130953, the diagnostic and predictive abilities for the key IR-DEGs in SSc were validated. Finally, the screened key genes were confirmed in skin derived bleomycin (BLM)-induced SSc mice by Real-time PCR. KEY FINDINGS NGFR, TNFSF13B, FCER1G, GIMAP5, TYROBP and CSF1R may have important or very high diagnostic value for SSc. TYROBP and TNFSF13B had moderate and mild predictive value respectively in SSc patients after treatment. Real-time PCR assay further confirmed that the expressions of Ngfr, Tyrobp, Csf1r, Fcer1g and Gimap5 were significantly higher in skin of BLM-induced SSc mice than that in controls. SIGNIFICANCE The key IR-DEGs, including NGFR, TNFSF13B, TYROBP, CSF1R, FCER1G and GIMAP5, may become auxiliary diagnostic indicators and potential biomarkers for SSc. Moreover, TNFSF13B and TYROBP could have good prospects as predictive indicators in SSc patients that accepted cyclophosphamide or transplantation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Mingxin Zhu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Limin Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Haowei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China; Clinical Immunology Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
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7
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del Río C, Ruiz-Pino F, Prados ME, Fiebich BL, Tena-Sempere M, Muñoz E. Cannabidiol markedly alleviates skin and liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981817. [PMID: 36339540 PMCID: PMC9627610 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been suggested as a potential therapy for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Cannabidiol was demonstrated to reduce alcohol-induced liver inflammation and steatosis but its specific activity on the fibrotic process was not investigated. Herein, the antifibrotic effects of cannabidiol in the skin were analysed in vitro using NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and human dermal fibroblasts and in vivo using the bleomycin-induced model of skin fibrosis. In a second model, non-alcoholic liver fibrosis was induced in mice by CCl4 exposure. Cannabidiol was administered daily, intraperitoneally in mice challenged with bleomycin and orally in CCl4 mice, and skin and liver fibrosis and inflammation were assessed by immunochemistry. Cannabidiol inhibited collagen gene transcription and synthesis and prevented TGFβ-and IL-4 induced fibroblast migration. In the bleomycin model, cannabidiol prevented skin fibrosis and collagen accumulation around skin blood vessels, and in the CCl4 model cannabidiol significantly attenuated liver fibrosis measured by picrosirius red and Tenascin C staining and reduced T cell and macrophage infiltration. Altogether, our data further support the rationale of the medicinal use of this cannabinoid, as well as cannabis preparations containing it, in the management of fibrotic diseases including Systemic Sclerosis and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen del Río
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Eduardo Muñoz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba-IMIBIC, Cordoba, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Cordoba, Spain
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8
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Topical application of an irreversible small molecule inhibitor of lysyl oxidases ameliorates skin scarring and fibrosis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5555. [PMID: 36138009 PMCID: PMC9500072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33148-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Scarring is a lifelong consequence of skin injury, with scar stiffness and poor appearance presenting physical and psychological barriers to a return to normal life. Lysyl oxidases are a family of enzymes that play a critical role in scar formation and maintenance. Lysyl oxidases stabilize the main component of scar tissue, collagen, and drive scar stiffness and appearance. Here we describe the development and characterisation of an irreversible lysyl oxidase inhibitor, PXS-6302. PXS-6302 is ideally suited for skin treatment, readily penetrating the skin when applied as a cream and abolishing lysyl oxidase activity. In murine models of injury and fibrosis, topical application reduces collagen deposition and cross-linking. Topical application of PXS-6302 after injury also significantly improves scar appearance without reducing tissue strength in porcine injury models. PXS-6302 therefore represents a promising therapeutic to ameliorate scar formation, with potentially broader applications in other fibrotic diseases.
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9
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Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis: Using Nailfold Capillaroscopy as a Potential Tool to Evaluate Microcirculation and Microangiopathy: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050703. [PMID: 35629370 PMCID: PMC9147447 DOI: 10.3390/life12050703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with three pathogenic hallmarks, i.e., inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. A wide plethora of animal models have been developed to address the complex pathophysiology and for the development of possible anti-fibrotic treatments. However, no current model comprises all three pathological mechanisms of the disease. To highlight the lack of a complete model, a review of some of the most widely used animal models for SSc was performed. In addition, to date, no model has accomplished the recreation of primary or secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon, a key feature in SSc. In humans, nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) has been used to evaluate secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon and microvasculature changes in SSc. Being a non-invasive technique, it is widely used both in clinical studies and as a tool for clinical evaluation. Because of this, its potential use in animal models has been neglected. We evaluated NFC in guinea pigs to investigate the possibility of applying this technique to study microcirculation in the nailfold of animal models and in the future, development of an animal model for Raynaud’s phenomenon. The applications are not only to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of vasculopathy but can also be used in the development of novel treatment options.
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10
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Arndt S, Unger P, Bosserhoff AK, Berneburg M, Karrer S. The Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on Localized Scleroderma In Vitro and In Vivo. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111545. [PMID: 34829774 PMCID: PMC8615017 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111545] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) has shown promising results in the treatment of various skin diseases. The therapeutic effect of CAP on localized scleroderma (LS), however, has not yet been evaluated. We investigated the effects of CAP on LS by comparing human normal fibroblasts (hNF), human TGF-β-activated fibroblasts (hAF), and human localized scleroderma-derived fibroblasts (hLSF) after direct CAP treatment, co-cultured with plasma-treated human epidermal keratinocytes (hEK) and with an experimental murine model of scleroderma. In hAF and hLSF, 2 min CAP treatment with the MicroPlaSterβ® plasma torch did not affect pro-fibrotic gene expression of alpha smooth muscle actin, fibroblast activating protein, and collagen type I, however, it promoted re-expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1. Functionally, CAP treatment reduced cell migration and stress fiber formation in hAF and hLSF. The relevance of CAP treatment was confirmed in an in vivo model of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis. In this model, CAP-treated mice showed significantly reduced dermal thickness and collagen deposition as well as a decrease in both alpha smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts and CD68-positive macrophages in the affected skin in comparison to untreated fibrotic tissue. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence for the successful use of CAP for treating LS and may be the basis for clinical trials including patients with LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Arndt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (P.U.); (M.B.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-944-9650
| | - Petra Unger
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (P.U.); (M.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (P.U.); (M.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Sigrid Karrer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (P.U.); (M.B.); (S.K.)
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11
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Baral H, Uchiyama A, Yokoyama Y, Sekiguchi A, Yamazaki S, Amalia SN, Inoue Y, Ogino S, Torii R, Hosoi M, Matsuzaki T, Motegi SI. Antifibrotic effects and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in a systemic sclerosis mouse model: Possible contribution of miR-196b-5p. J Dermatol Sci 2021; 104:39-47. [PMID: 34479773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by the development of fibrosis in the skin and internal organs. Increasing evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to a treatment for fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that some of the biological effects of MSCs are due to the secretion of exosomes. However, the precise mechanisms underlying MSCs-derived exosomes in skin fibrosis are not well understood. OBJECTIVE We aimed to elucidate the effect of MSCs-derived exosomes on skin fibrosis in SSc and the mechanism underlying their inhibitory action on fibrosis. METHODS Exosome was collected from MSCs by ultracentrifugation method. We examined the suppressive effect of MSCs-derived exosome on skin fibrosis in bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model. Skin samples from the injected site were collected for further examination, and micro-RNA analysis of MSCs-derived exosome was performed. RESULTS Injection of MSCs-derived exosomes significantly inhibited bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis in mice. MSCs-derived exosomes significantly reduced the amount of collagen and the number of α-SMA+ myofibroblasts and CD68+ macrophages in lesional skin. They also reduced the expression of type I collagen and TGF-β receptor 1 in fibroblasts in vitro. Moreover, micro-RNA analysis revealed that several microRNAs in MSCs-derived exosomes have antifibrotic potential. We confirmed that overexpression of miR-196b-5p in fibroblasts significantly suppressed collagen type I alpha 2 expression. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that inhibition of collagen type I expression by miR-196b-5p in exosomes might be one of the mechanisms by which MSCs suppress skin fibrosis in an SSc mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hritu Baral
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uchiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
| | - Yoko Yokoyama
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akiko Sekiguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sahori Yamazaki
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Syahla Nisaa Amalia
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yuta Inoue
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ogino
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ryoko Torii
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Mari Hosoi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsuzaki
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sei-Ichiro Motegi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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12
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Mouse Models of Skin Fibrosis. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2299:371-383. [PMID: 34028755 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1382-5_25] [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: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease associated with a high mortality. The first histopathological hallmarks are vasculopathy and inflammation, followed by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The molecular and cellular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Rodent models provide important insights into the pathogenesis of SSc and are a mainstay for the development of novel targeted therapies. Here we describe the mechanistic insights of inducible and genetic models, and also discuss in detail the limitations and pitfalls of the most frequently used SSc mouse models. We also describe protocols for running the established bleomycin-induced scleroderma skin fibrosis model.
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13
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Baral H, Sekiguchi A, Uchiyama A, Nisaa Amalia S, Yamazaki S, Inoue Y, Yokoyama Y, Ogino S, Torii R, Hosoi M, Akai R, Iwawaki T, Ishikawa O, Motegi SI. Inhibition of skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis by botulinum toxin B via the suppression of oxidative stress. J Dermatol 2021; 48:1052-1061. [PMID: 33840125 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been reported to play an important role in the pathogenesis of skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We previously identified that botulinum toxin (BTX) injection suppresses pressure ulcer formation in a cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion injury mouse model by regulation of oxidative stress. However, the therapeutic possibility of BTX administration for preventing skin fibrosis in SSc is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of BTX-B on skin fibrosis in a murine model of SSc and determine the underlying mechanism. We found that BTX-B injection significantly reduced dermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis lesion in mice. We also identified that the oxidative stress signal detected through bioluminescence in OKD48 mice after bleomycin injection in the skin was significantly decreased by BTX-B. Additionally, mRNA levels of oxidative stress associated factors (NOX2, HO-1, Trx2) were significantly decreased by BTX-B. Apoptotic cells in the lesional skin of bleomycin-treated mice were significantly reduced by BTX-B. Oxidant-induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species in SSc fibroblasts was also inhibited by BTX-B. In conclusion, BTX-B might improve bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis via the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory cells in the skin. BTX-B injection may have a therapeutic effect on skin fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hritu Baral
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akiko Sekiguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uchiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Syahla Nisaa Amalia
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sahori Yamazaki
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yuta Inoue
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoko Yokoyama
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ogino
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ryoko Torii
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Mari Hosoi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ryoko Akai
- Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takao Iwawaki
- Division of Cell Medicine, Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Sei-Ichiro Motegi
- Department of Dermatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
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14
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Effect of UVA1 on hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:221742. [PMID: 31894858 PMCID: PMC6974420 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars (HTSs) are common and cause functional and psychological morbidity. UVA1 (340-400 nm) phototherapy has been previously shown to be effective in the treatment of localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, and POEMS syndrome with minimal side effects, all of which are presented as collagen fibrils hyperplasia that is common with scarring in skin histology. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impact of UVA1 on the protein expression of TGF-β signal pathway and myofibroblasts in a rabbit model of cutaneous scarring. Full-thickness skin wounds (2 cm × 5 cm in diameter) were made in New Zealand white rabbits to establish the hypertrophic scarring model. New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two treatment groups (n=30 wounds per group with an equal number of controls): medium-dose of UVA1 phototherapy group: 60 J/cm2; high-dose of UVA1 phototherapy group: 110 J/cm2. Left ears were used for treatment and the right ones were used for control. Treatment was administered five times weekly for 6 weeks. Treated and untreated control wounds were harvested at various time points and examined by histologic examination, immunohistochemical assessment, and ultrastructural evaluation. The results showed that UVA1 phototherapy caused a significant reduction in dermal thickness by histological features, whereas the scar index was descended significantly in both medium- and high-dose UVA1 groups compared with the control group. Examination of immunohistochemistry also revealed a marked suppression of tissue growth factor-β (TGF-β) (both medium- and high-dose), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (only high-dose), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) (only high-dose), and apparent increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1) (both medium- and high-dose) compared with the control. The ultrastructural evaluation showed the collagen fibers' diameter had shrunk, and that fibroblastic cytoplasm was not affluent and in a quiescent stage. These findings of the present study suggested that administration of UVA1 irradiation is effective to improve the experimental HTS model and raises a possibility of the therapeutic approach of UVA1 in the scar. Although not directly examined in the present study, MMP inhibition is hypothesized to be responsible for this effect. However, early UVA1 treatment could not prevent the formation of scar model.
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15
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Characterization method for calculating diffusion coefficient of drug from polylactic acid (PLA) microneedles into the skin. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Weng T, Huang J, Wagner EJ, Ko J, Wu M, Wareing NE, Xiang Y, Chen NY, Ji P, Molina JG, Volcik KA, Han L, Mayes MD, Blackburn MR, Assassi S. Downregulation of CFIm25 amplifies dermal fibrosis through alternative polyadenylation. J Exp Med 2020; 217:jem.20181384. [PMID: 31757866 PMCID: PMC7041714 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20181384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study implicates the key regulator of alternative polyadenylation, CFIm25 in dermal fibrosis and in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) pathogenesis. CFIm25 downregulation promotes the expression of profibrotic factors, exaggerates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, while CFIm25 restoration attenuates skin fibrosis. Systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a multisystem fibrotic disease. The mammalian cleavage factor I 25-kD subunit (CFIm25; encoded by NUDT21) is a key regulator of alternative polyadenylation, and its depletion causes predominantly 3′UTR shortening through loss of stimulation of distal polyadenylation sites. A shortened 3′UTR will often lack microRNA target sites, resulting in increased mRNA translation due to evasion of microRNA-mediated repression. Herein, we report that CFlm25 is downregulated in SSc skin, primary dermal fibroblasts, and two murine models of dermal fibrosis. Knockdown of CFIm25 in normal skin fibroblasts is sufficient to promote the 3′UTR shortening of key TGFβ-regulated fibrotic genes and enhance their protein expression. Moreover, several of these fibrotic transcripts show 3′UTR shortening in SSc skin. Finally, mice with CFIm25 deletion in fibroblasts show exaggerated skin fibrosis upon bleomycin treatment, and CFIm25 restoration attenuates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Overall, our data link this novel RNA-processing mechanism to dermal fibrosis and SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Weng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.,Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Eric J Wagner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
| | - Junsuk Ko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Nancy E Wareing
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Yu Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Ning-Yuan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Ping Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX
| | - Jose G Molina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Kelly A Volcik
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Leng Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Maureen D Mayes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Michael R Blackburn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
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17
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Worrell JC, O'Reilly S. Bi-directional communication: Conversations between fibroblasts and immune cells in systemic sclerosis. J Autoimmun 2020; 113:102526. [PMID: 32713676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune idiopathic connective tissue disease, characterized by aberrant fibro-proliferative and inflammatory responses, causing fibrosis of multiple organs. In recent years the interactions between innate and adaptive immune cells with resident fibroblasts have been uncovered. Cross-talk between immune and stromal cells mediates activation of stromal cells to myofibroblasts; key cells in the pathophysiology of fibrosis. These cells and their cytokines appear to mediate their effects in both a paracrine and autocrine fashion. This review examines the role of innate and adaptive immune cells in SSc, focusing on recent advances that have illuminated our understanding of ongoing bi-directional communication between immune and stromal cells. Finally, we appraise current and future therapies and how these may be useful in a disease that currently has no specific disease modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C Worrell
- Insititute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven O'Reilly
- Durham University, Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Durham, UK. steven.o'
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18
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Arndt S, Lissner C, Unger P, Bäumler W, Berneburg M, Karrer S. Biological effects of a new ultraviolet A 1 prototype based on light-emitting diodes on the treatment of localized scleroderma. Exp Dermatol 2020; 29:1199-1208. [PMID: 32592187 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1 ) phototherapy (spectral range 340-400 nm) is a well-established treatment option for various skin diseases such as localized scleroderma. Recent improvements of conventional UVA1 light sources (metal-halide or fluorescent lamps) have brought attention to a new light-emitting diode (LED) technology with remarkable advantages in handling and clinical routine. This study provides a preclinical histological and molecular evaluation of an LED-based UVA1 prototype with a narrower spectral range (360-400 nm) for treating localized scleroderma. Scleroderma mouse models and fibroblasts in vitro were exposed to LED-based UVA1 phototherapy or to irradiation with a commercially available metal-halide lamp emitting low-dose (20, 40 J/cm2 ), medium-dose (60 J/cm2 ) and high-dose (80, 100 J/cm2 ) UVA1 light. Both UVA1 light sources affected inflammatory genes (IL-1α and IL-6) and growth factors (TGFß-1 and TGFß-2). Increased collagen type 1 was reduced after UVA1 phototherapy. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 was more enhanced after a medium dose of LED-based UVA1 phototherapy than after conventional treatment. In vivo, dermal thickness and the amount of collagen were reduced after both treatment methods. Remarkably, myofibroblasts were more effectively reduced by a medium dose of LED-based UVA1 phototherapy. The study indicates that LED-based UVA1 phototherapy yields similar or even better results than conventional treatment. In terms of biosafety and patient comfort, LED-based UVA1 phototherapy offers clear advantages over conventional treatment because of the use of a narrower and less harmful UVA1 spectrum, less heat generation and shorter treatment times at the same irradiation intensity. Clinical studies are required to confirm these results in patients with localized scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Arndt
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Clara Lissner
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Petra Unger
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bäumler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Karrer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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19
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Yang T, Zhang X, Chen A, Xiao Y, Sun S, Yan J, Cao Y, Chen J, Li F, Zhang Q, Huang K. Progranulin Promotes Bleomycin-Induced Skin Sclerosis by Enhancing Transforming Growth Factor–β/Smad3 Signaling through Up-Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor–β Type I Receptor. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1582-1593. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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20
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Vásquez-Garzón VR, Ramírez-Cosmes A, Reyes-Jiménez E, Carrasco-Torres G, Hernández-García S, Aguilar-Ruiz SR, Torres-Aguilar H, Alpuche J, Pérez-Campos Mayoral L, Pina-Canseco S, Arellanes-Robledo J, Villa-Treviño S, Baltiérrez-Hoyos R. Liver damage in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2019; 392:1503-1513. [PMID: 31312848 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-019-01690-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is an emerging disease with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate that is even surpassing some types of cancer. This disease has been linked to the concomitant appearance of liver cirrhosis. Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis is a widely used mouse model that mimics the histopathological and biochemical features of human systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune disease that is associated with inflammation and expressed in several corporal systems as fibrosis or other alterations. To determine the effects on proliferation, redox and inflammation protein expression markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Analyses showed a significant increase in protein oxidation levels by lipoperoxidation bio-products and in proliferation and inflammation processes. These phenomena were associated with the induction of the redox status in mice subjected to 100 U/kg bleomycin. These findings clearly show that the bleomycin model induces histopathological alterations in the liver and partially reproduces the complexity of systemic sclerosis. Our results using the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model provide a protocol to investigate the mechanism underlying the molecular alteration found in the liver linked to systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R Vásquez-Garzón
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | - A Ramírez-Cosmes
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | - E Reyes-Jiménez
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | - G Carrasco-Torres
- CINVESTAV, Programa de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - S R Aguilar-Ruiz
- Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | - H Torres-Aguilar
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | - J Alpuche
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | | | - S Pina-Canseco
- Centro de Investigación Facultad de Medicina, UNAM-UABJO, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
| | | | - S Villa-Treviño
- CINVESTAV, Departamento de Biología Celular, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - R Baltiérrez-Hoyos
- CONACYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico.
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Zhang J, Zhou Q, Wang H, Huang M, Shi J, Han F, Cai W, Li Y, He T, Hu D. MicroRNA-130a has pro-fibroproliferative potential in hypertrophic scar by targeting CYLD. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 671:152-161. [PMID: 31283910 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars are dermal fibrosis diseases that protrude from the surface of the skin and irregularly extend to the periphery, seriously affecting the appearance and limb function of the patient. In this study, we found that microRNA-130a (miR-130a) was increased in hypertrophic scar tissues and derived primary fibroblasts, accompanied by up-regulation of collagen1/3 and α-SMA. Inhibition of miR-130a in hypertrophic scars fibroblasts suppressed the expression of collagen1/3 and α-SMA as well as the cell proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis combined with luciferase reporter gene assay results indicated that CYLD was a target gene of miR-130a, and the miR-130a mimic could reduce the level of CYLD. In contrast to miR-130a, the expression of CYLD was downregulated in hypertrophic scars and their derived fibroblasts. Overexpressing CYLD inhibited the expression of collagen 1/3 and α-SMA, slowed cell proliferation, and inhibited Akt activity. As expected, further study showed that the overexpression of CYLD could prevent the pro-fibroproliferative effects of miR-130a. Consistent with the in vitro results, the inhibitor of miR-130a effectively ameliorated excessive collagen deposition in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis mouse model. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-130a promotes collagen secretion, myofibroblast transformation and cell proliferation by targeting CYLD and enhancing Akt activity. Therefore, the miR-130a/CYLD/Akt pathway may serve as a novel entry point for future skin fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Hongtao Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Meiling Huang
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Jihong Shi
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Fu Han
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Weixia Cai
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Ting He
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China
| | - Dahai Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, PR China.
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Arndt S, Karrer S, Hellerbrand C, Bosserhoff AK. Bone Morphogenetic Protein-6 Inhibits Fibrogenesis in Scleroderma Offering Treatment Options for Fibrotic Skin Disease. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:1914-1924.e6. [PMID: 30878675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BMP6 is known to be crucial for regulating embryonic skin development. This study assessed the role of BMP6 in dermal fibrosis. We detected that BMP6 is significantly increased in skin-derived fibroblasts of patients with localized scleroderma. Moreover, it was shown that BMP6 significantly impacts proliferation, migration, cytoskeletal organization, and collagen expression, as well as activity of the major pro-fibrogenic transcription factor AP-1 in dermal fibroblasts. The importance of BMP6 in dermal fibrosis was further confirmed in an in vivo model of dermal fibrosis in which BMP6-deficient mice showed significantly enhanced fibrosis compared with wild-type mice. Conversely, application of recombinant BMP6 significantly ameliorated dermal fibrosis in this preclinical bleomycin-induced sclerosis model, and herewith provided proof of concept for the successful treatment of this fibrotic skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Arndt
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Karrer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer-Center, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany.
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23
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Hara T, Ikeda T, Inaba Y, Kunimoto K, Mikita N, Kaminaka C, Kanazawa N, Yamamoto Y, Tabata K, Fujii T, Jinnin M. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is associated with the presence of skin ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2019; 46:334-337. [DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Hara
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Takaharu Ikeda
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Yutaka Inaba
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Kayo Kunimoto
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Naoya Mikita
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Chikako Kaminaka
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Nobuo Kanazawa
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
| | - Kayoko Tabata
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Wakayama Medical University Graduate School of Medicine Wakayama Japan
| | - Takao Fujii
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Wakayama Medical University Graduate School of Medicine Wakayama Japan
| | - Masatoshi Jinnin
- Department of DermatologyWakayama Medical University Graduate School of MedicineWakayama Japan
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Pemmari A, Leppänen T, Paukkeri EL, Scotece M, Hämäläinen M, Moilanen E. Attenuating Effects of Nortrachelogenin on IL-4 and IL-13 Induced Alternative Macrophage Activation and on Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:13405-13413. [PMID: 30458613 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b03023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Excessive alternative macrophage activation contributes to fibrosis. We studied the effects of nortrachelogenin, the major lignan component of Pinus sylvestris knot extract, on alternative (M2) macrophage activation. J774 murine and THP-1 human macrophages were cultured with IL-4+IL-13 to induce alternative activation, together with the extract and its components. Effects of nortrachelogenin were also studied in bleomycin-induced murine dermal fibrosis model. Knot extract significantly decreased the expression of alternative activation markers-arginase 1 in murine macrophages (97.4 ± 1.3% inhibition at 30 μg/mL) and CCL13 and PDGF in human macrophages-as did nortrachelogenin (94.9 ± 2.4% inhibition of arginase 1 at 10 μM). Nortrachelogenin also decreased PPARγ expression but had no effect on STAT6 phosphorylation. In vivo, nortrachelogenin reduced bleomycin-induced increase in skin thickness as well as the expression of collagens COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1 (all by >50%). In conclusion, nortrachelogenin suppressed IL-4+IL-13-induced alternative macrophage activation and ameliorated bleomycin-induced fibrosis, indicating therapeutic potential in fibrosing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Pemmari
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
| | - Tiina Leppänen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
| | - Erja-Leena Paukkeri
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
| | - Morena Scotece
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
| | - Mari Hämäläinen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
| | - Eeva Moilanen
- The Immunopharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology , Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital , Tampere , Finland
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25
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Pedroza M, To S, Assassi S, Wu M, Tweardy D, Agarwal SK. Role of STAT3 in skin fibrosis and transforming growth factor beta signalling. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2018; 57:1838-1850. [PMID: 29029263 PMCID: PMC6152423 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kex347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective SSc is an autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. IL-6 and related cytokines that signal through STAT3 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of SSc and mouse models of fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of inhibiting STAT3 in the development of fibrosis in two mouse models of skin fibrosis. Methods Biopsy samples of skin from SSc patients and healthy control subjects were used to determine the expression pattern of phosphotyrosyl (pY705)-STAT3. C188-9, a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3, was used to treat fibrosis in the bleomycin-induced fibrosis model and Tsk-1 mice. In vitro studies were performed to determine the extent to which STAT3 regulates the fibrotic phenotype of dermal fibroblasts. Results Increased STAT3 and pY705-STAT3 was observed in SSc skin biopsies and in both mouse models of SSc. STAT3 inhibition with C188-9 resulted in attenuated skin fibrosis, myofibroblast accumulation, pro-fibrotic gene expression and collagen deposition in both mouse models of skin fibrosis. C188-9 decreased in vitro dermal fibroblast production of fibrotic genes induced by IL-6 trans-signalling and TGF-β. Finally, TGF-β induced phosphotyrosylation of STAT3 in a SMAD3-dependent manner. Conclusion STAT3 inhibition decreases dermal fibrosis in two models of SSc. STAT3 regulates dermal fibroblasts function in vitro and can be activated by TGF-β. These data suggest that STAT3 is a potential therapeutic target for dermal fibrosis in diseases such as SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesias Pedroza
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sarah To
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Tweardy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Division of Internal Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sandeep K Agarwal
- Department of Medicine, Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Diddi S, Bale S, Pulivendala G, Godugu C. Nimbolide ameliorates fibrosis and inflammation in experimental murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:139-149. [PMID: 30218238 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical manifestations of skin fibrosis are very variable and ambiguous, making its management quite critical and challenging. The lack of appropriate established pharmacological interventions make its treatment even more complicated. Intricate details of the underlying pathogenesis are thus imperative to further explore different treatment possibilities. Of note, the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are the principal offenders in this fibrotic disorder. OBJECTIVE Our current study is aimed at demonstrating the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory potential of nimbolide, a triterpene derived from Indian traditional plant neem, in a murine model of Bleomycin-induced scleroderma. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were administered with Bleomycin injections subcutaneously, daily for 28 days, at a constant site on the dorsum of the mice. Treatment with nimbolide lasted from day 1 to day 28. At the time of study termination, the injected sites were collected and stored suitably to conduct further molecular experiments and protein expression studies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results of our study show that nimbolide can significantly intervene in the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and the consequent EMT process, thus attenuating deposition of extracellular matrix. Nimbolide also profoundly caused the regression of established inflammation-driven fibrosis, thus demonstrating both antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Another commendable finding of this study is that nimbolide was able to decrease the levels of LOXL2, a collagen cross-linker, which is aberrantly expressed in scleroderma. Although further mechanistic studies are required, our study displays nimbolide for the first time as a potent antifibrotic agent which can be used as a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehalatha Diddi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Swarna Bale
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Gauthami Pulivendala
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
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27
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Do NN, Willenborg S, Eckes B, Jüngst C, Sengle G, Zaucke F, Eming SA. Myeloid Cell–Restricted STAT3 Signaling Controls a Cell-Autonomous Antifibrotic Repair Program. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:663-674. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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Xu X, Chen Z, Zhu X, Wang D, Liang J, Zhao C, Feng X, Wang J, Zou H, Sun L. S100A9 aggravates bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis in mice via activation of ERK1/2 MAPK and NF-κB pathways. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 21:194-201. [PMID: 29456817 PMCID: PMC5811759 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2018.19987.5255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the pathogenicity and possible mechanisms of S100A9 function in mice models of scleroderma. MATERIALS AND METHODS The content of S100A9 in the skin tissues of mice with scleroderma was determined. Different concentrations of bleomycin (BLM) and S100A9 were subcutaneously injected into the backs of mice simultaneously, and then pathological changes in the skin of these mice were monitored. Specifically, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the activation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, and the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) in the skin were determined. RESULTS The content of S100A9 in the skin tissues of mice with scleroderma was determined. Different concentrations of BLM and S100A9 were subcutaneously injected into the backs of mice simultaneously, and then pathological changes in the skin of these mice were monitored. Specifically, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the activation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, and the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) in the skin were determined. CONCLUSION S100A9 aggravates dermal fibrosis in BLM-induced scleroderma (BIS) mice, and its mechanisms might be mediated by RAGE, ERK1/2, and NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyong Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuebing Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hejian Zou
- Division of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
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29
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Ramírez-Valadez KA, Vázquez-Victorio G, Macías-Silva M, González-Espinosa C. Fyn kinase mediates cortical actin ring depolymerization required for mast cell migration in response to TGF-β in mice. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:1305-1316. [PMID: 28586109 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent mast cell (MC) chemoattractant able to modulate local inflammatory reactions. The molecular mechanism leading to TGF-β-directed MC migration is not fully described. Here we analyzed the role of the Src family protein kinase Fyn on the main TGF-β-induced cytoskeletal changes leading to MC migration. Utilizing bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) from WT and Fyn-deficient mice we found that BMMC migration to TGF-β was impaired in the absence of the kinase. TGF-β caused depolymerization of the cortical actin ring and changes on the phosphorylation of cofilin, LIMK and CAMKII only in WT cells. Defective cofilin activation and phosphorylation of regulatory proteins was detected in Fyn-deficient BMMCs and this finding correlated with a lower activity of the catalytic subunit of the phosphatase PP2A. Diminished TGF-β-induced chemotaxis of Fyn-deficient cells was also observed in an in vivo model of MC migration (bleomycin-induced scleroderma). Our results show that Fyn kinase is an important positive effector of TGF-β-induced chemotaxis through the control of PP2A activity and this is relevant to pathological processes that are related to TGF-β-dependent mast cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla A Ramírez-Valadez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, México
| | - Genaro Vázquez-Victorio
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Marina Macías-Silva
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Desarrollo, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
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Kaspi E, Heim X, Granel B, Guillet B, Stalin J, Nollet M, Bertaud-Foucault A, Robaglia-Schlupp A, Roll P, Cau P, Leroyer A, Bachelier R, Benyamine A, Dignat-George F, Blot-Chabaud M, Bardin N. Identification of CD146 as a novel molecular actor involved in systemic sclerosis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 140:1448-1451.e6. [PMID: 28606586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Kaspi
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, GMGF, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital la Timone, Service de Biologie Cellulaire, Marseille, France
| | - Xavier Heim
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Brigitte Granel
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital Nord, Médecine Interne, Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Guillet
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital Nord, Service de Radio-Pharmacie, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille Univ, CERIMED, Marseille, France
| | - Jimmy Stalin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Nollet
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Andrée Robaglia-Schlupp
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, GMGF, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital la Timone, Service de Biologie Cellulaire, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Roll
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, GMGF, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital la Timone, Service de Biologie Cellulaire, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Cau
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, GMGF, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | - Françoise Dignat-George
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital La Conception, Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Marseille, France
| | | | - Nathalie Bardin
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, VRCM, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital La Conception, Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Marseille, France.
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31
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Kilinc F, Sener S, Akbaş A, Metin A, Kirbaş S, Neselioglu S, Erel O. Oxidative stress parameters in localized scleroderma patients. Arch Dermatol Res 2016; 308:625-629. [DOI: 10.1007/s00403-016-1682-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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32
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The cannabinoid quinol VCE-004.8 alleviates bleomycin-induced scleroderma and exerts potent antifibrotic effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CB2 pathways. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21703. [PMID: 26887982 PMCID: PMC4757881 DOI: 10.1038/srep21703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scleroderma is a group of rare diseases associated with early and transient inflammation and vascular injury, followed by fibrosis affecting the skin and multiple internal organs. Fibroblast activation is the hallmark of scleroderma, and disrupting the intracellular TGFβ signaling may provide a novel approach to controlling fibrosis. Because of its potential role in modulating inflammatory and fibrotic responses, both PPARγ and CB2 receptors represent attractive targets for the development of cannabinoid-based therapies. We have developed a non-thiophilic and chemically stable derivative of the CBD quinol (VCE-004.8) that behaves as a dual agonist of PPARγ and CB2 receptors, VCE-004.8 inhibited TGFβ-induced Col1A2 gene transcription and collagen synthesis. Moreover, VCE-004.8 inhibited TGFβ–mediated myofibroblast differentiation and impaired wound-healing activity. The anti-fibrotic efficacy in vivo was investigated in a murine model of dermal fibrosis induced by bleomycin. VCE-004.8 reduced dermal thickness, blood vessels collagen accumulation and prevented mast cell degranulation and macrophage infiltration in the skin. These effects were impaired by the PPARγ antagonist T0070907 and the CB2 antagonist AM630. In addition, VCE-004.8 downregulated the expression of several key genes associated with fibrosis, qualifying this semi-synthetic cannabinoid as a novel compound for the management of scleroderma and, potentially, other fibrotic diseases.
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Tsujino K, Sheppard D. Critical Appraisal of the Utility and Limitations of Animal Models of Scleroderma. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2015; 18:4. [DOI: 10.1007/s11926-015-0553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Martins V, Gonzalez De Los Santos F, Wu Z, Capelozzi V, Phan SH, Liu T. FIZZ1-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from adipocytes and its potential role in dermal fibrosis and lipoatrophy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:2768-76. [PMID: 26261086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Subcutaneous lipoatrophy characteristically accompanies dermal fibrosis with de novo emergence of myofibroblasts such as in systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. Recently dermal adipocytes were shown to have the capacity to differentiate to myofibroblasts in an animal model. Transforming growth factor β can induce this phenomenon in vitro; however its in vivo significance is unclear. Because found in inflammatory zone 1 (FIZZ1) is an inducer of myofibroblast differentiation but an inhibitor of adipocyte differentiation, we investigated its potential role in adipocyte transdifferentiation to myofibroblast in dermal fibrosis. FIZZ1 caused significant and rapid suppression of the expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in adipocytes, consistent with dedifferentiation with loss of lipid and Oil Red O staining. The suppression was accompanied subsequently with stimulation of α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen expression, indicative of myofibroblast differentiation. In vivo FIZZ1 expression was significantly elevated in the murine bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model, which was associated with significant reduction in adipocyte marker gene expression and subcutaneous lipoatrophy. Finally, FIZZ1 knockout mice exhibited significantly reduced bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis with greater preservation of the subcutaneous fat than wild-type mice. These findings suggested that the FIZZ1 induction of adipocyte transdifferentiation to myofibroblast might be a key pathogenic mechanism for the accumulation of myofibroblasts in dermal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Zhe Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Vera Capelozzi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sem H Phan
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Tianju Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Böhm M, Stegemann A. Bleomycin-induced fibrosis in MC1 signalling-deficient C57BL/6J-Mc1r(e/e) mice further supports a modulating role for melanocortins in collagen synthesis of the skin. Exp Dermatol 2015; 23:431-3. [PMID: 24698097 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1 ) binds α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) with high affinity and has a physiological role in cutaneous melanin pigmentation. Previously, we reported that human dermal fibroblasts also express functional MC1 . α-MSH suppressed transforming growth factor-β1 - and bleomycin (BLM)-induced collagen synthesis in vitro and in vivo. Using MC1 signalling-deficient C57BL/6J-Mc1r(e/e) mice, we tested as to whether MC1 has a regulatory role on dermal collagen synthesis in the BLM model of scleroderma. Notably, mice with a C57BL/6J genetic background were previously shown to be BLM-non-susceptible. Interestingly, treatment of C57BL/6J-Mc1r(e/e) but not of C57BL/6J-wild-type mice with BLM increased cutaneous collagen type I content at RNA and protein level along with development of skin fibrosis. Cutaneous levels of connective tissue growth factor and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 were also increased in BLM-treated C57BL/6J-Mc1r(e/e) mice. Primary dermal fibroblasts from C57BL/6J-wt mice further expressed MC1 , suggesting that these cells are directly targeted by melanocortins to affect collagen production of the skin. Our findings support the concept that MC1 has an endogenous regulatory function in collagen synthesis and controls the extent of fibrotic stress responses of the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Böhm
- Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology of the Skin and Interdisciplinary Endocrinology, Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Symptomatic abdominal simple cysts: is percutaneous sclerotherapy with hypertonic saline and bleomycin a treatment option? Gastroenterol Res Pract 2015; 2015:489363. [PMID: 25878660 PMCID: PMC4386601 DOI: 10.1155/2015/489363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim. To evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous sclerotherapy of symptomatic simple abdominal cysts, using hypertonic saline and bleomycin, as an alternative to surgery. Materials and Methods. This study involved fourteen consecutive patients (ten women, four men, mean age: 59.2 y) with nineteen symptomatic simple cysts (liver n = 14, kidney n = 3, and adrenal n = 2) treated percutaneously using a modified method. Initially CT-guided drainage was performed; the next day the integrity of the cyst/exclusion of extravasation or communications was evaluated under fluoroscopy, followed by two injections/reabsorptions of the same quantity of hypertonic NaCl 15% solution and three-time repetition of the same procedure with the addition of bleomycin. The catheter was then removed; the patients were hospitalized for 12 hours and underwent follow-ups on 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months. Cyst's volumes and the reduction rate (%) were calculated in each evaluation. Results. No pain or complications were noted. A significant cyst's volume reduction was documented over time (P < 0.001). On the 12th month 17 cysts disappeared and two displayed a 98.7% and 68.9% reduction, respectively. Conclusion. This percutaneous approach constitutes a very promising nonsurgical alternative for patients with symptomatic simple cyst, without complications under proper precautions, leading to eliminating the majority of cysts.
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The Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily Molecule LIGHT Promotes Keratinocyte Activity and Skin Fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:2109-2118. [PMID: 25789702 PMCID: PMC4504809 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Several inflammatory diseases including scleroderma and atopic dermatitis display dermal thickening, epidermal hypertrophy, or excessive accumulation of collagen. Factors that might promote these features are of interest for clinical therapy. We previously reported that LIGHT, a TNF superfamily molecule, mediated collagen deposition in the lungs in response to allergen. We therefore tested whether LIGHT might similarly promote collagen accumulation and features of skin fibrosis. Strikingly, injection of recombinant soluble LIGHT into naive mice, either subcutaneously or systemically, promoted collagen deposition in the skin and dermal and epidermal thickening. This replicated the activity of bleomycin, an antibiotic that has been previously used in models of scleroderma in mice. Moreover skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin was dependent on endogenous LIGHT activity. The action of LIGHT in vivo was mediated via both of its receptors, HVEM and LTβR, and was dependent on the innate cytokine TSLP and TGF-β. Furthermore, we found that HVEM and LTβR were expressed on human epidermal keratinocytes and that LIGHT could directly promote TSLP expression in these cells. We reveal an unappreciated activity of LIGHT on keratinocytes and suggest that LIGHT may be an important mediator of skin inflammation and fibrosis in diseases such as scleroderma or atopic dermatitis.
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Ohgo S, Hasegawa S, Hasebe Y, Mizutani H, Nakata S, Akamatsu H. Bleomycin inhibits adipogenesis and accelerates fibrosis in the subcutaneous adipose layer through TGF-β1. Exp Dermatol 2014; 22:769-71. [PMID: 24118261 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis [scleroderma (SSc)]-associated skin fibrosis is characterized by increased fibrosis in the dermis and a reduction in the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer. Although many studies have examined fibrosis in SSc, only a few studies have focused on the associated reduction in the thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue layer. In this study, we investigated the effects of SSc-induced fibrosis on adipose tissue. We found that bleomycin suppresses adipogenesis in adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and stimulates ASCs to express transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which suppresses adipogenesis and promotes fibrosis. Furthermore, we found that adipocyte-conditioned medium suppressed collagen synthesis by fibroblasts in fibrosis-like conditions. We concluded that in the skin affected by bleomycin-induced fibrosis, increased TGF-β1 expression suppresses adipogenesis and promotes adipocyte fibrosis. It was also suggested that adipocytes have an inhibitory effect on the progression of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiro Ohgo
- Research Laboratories, Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co., Ltd., Nagoya, Japan
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Wu M, Pedroza M, Lafyatis R, George AT, Mayes MD, Assassi S, Tan FK, Brenner MB, Agarwal SK. Identification of cadherin 11 as a mediator of dermal fibrosis and possible role in systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2014; 66:1010-21. [PMID: 24757152 DOI: 10.1002/art.38275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease clinically manifesting as progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Recent microarray studies demonstrated that cadherin 11 (Cad-11) expression is increased in the affected skin of patients with SSc. The purpose of this study was to examine our hypothesis that Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis. METHODS Biopsy samples of skin from SSc patients and healthy control subjects were used for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis to assess Cad-11 expression and for immunohistochemistry to determine the expression pattern of Cad-11. To determine whether Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis, Cad-11-deficient mice and anti-Cad-11 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were used in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model. In vitro studies with dermal fibroblasts and bone marrow-derived macrophages were used to determine the mechanisms by which Cad-11 contributes to the development of tissue fibrosis. RESULTS Levels of messenger RNA for Cad-11 were increased in skin biopsy samples from patients with SSc and correlated with the modified Rodnan skin thickness scores. Cad-11 expression was localized to dermal fibroblasts and macrophages in SSc skin. Cad-11-knockout mice injected with bleomycin had markedly attenuated dermal fibrosis, as quantified by measurements of skin thickness, collagen levels, myofibroblast accumulation, and profibrotic gene expression, in lesional skin as compared to the skin of wild-type mice. In addition, anti-Cad-11 mAb decreased fibrosis at various time points in the bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model. In vitro studies demonstrated that Cad-11 regulated the production of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) by macrophages and the migration of fibroblasts. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that Cad-11 is a mediator of dermal fibrosis and TGFβ production and suggest that Cad-11 may be a therapeutic target in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Wu
- University of Texas Health Science Center at, Houston
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Topical vitamin D analogue calcipotriol reduces skin fibrosis in experimental scleroderma. Arch Dermatol Res 2014; 306:757-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00403-014-1466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Crescenti EJV, Medina VA, Sambuco LA, Cremaschi GA, Genaro AM, Cricco GP, Martín GA, Valli E, Martinel Lamas DJ, Perazzo JC, Rivera ES, Bergoc RM. Effects of oligoelements Se, Zn, and Mn plus Lachesis muta venom in experimental scleroderma. Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 157:138-46. [PMID: 24363240 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-013-9876-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Scleroderma, sclerosis of the skin, is a severe autoimmune disease refractant to all kind of treatments. To study the in vivo effects of a combination of three oligoelements selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) plus Lachesis muta venom (O-LM) on the bleomycin (BLM)-induced scleroderma mouse experimental model. C3H mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)), O-LM, BLM, and BLM + O-LM. All administrations were performed subcutaneously into the back of mice. BLM was injected 5 days per week for three consecutive weeks and O-LM was administered simultaneously with BLM from the beginning of the experiments and lasted for 3 weeks after the final BLM or PBS injection (for O-LM and BLM + O-LM groups), when animals were sacrificed and histopathological, immunohistochemical, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) evaluation, and autoantibodies detection were determined. O-LM significantly reduced BLM-induced enhanced dermal thickness (605 ± 47 vs. 956 ± 59 μm, P < 0.01), collagen deposition, and mast cells infiltration (43.1 ± 1.0 vs. 102 ± 14.1 mast cells, P < 0.05). O-LM administration significantly blocked BLM-induced oxidative damage and the enhanced immunoreactive fibroblasts for α-smooth muscle actin while reduced BLM-induced autoantibodies that strongly react mainly with skin and spleen. O-LM significantly reduced BLM-induced scleroderma through the modulation of antioxidant and immunological pathways.
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Matsushita T, Fujimoto M. Scleroderma: recent lessons from murine models and implications for future therapeutics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17469872.2013.835924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Willenborg S, Eckes B, Brinckmann J, Krieg T, Waisman A, Hartmann K, Roers A, Eming SA. Genetic ablation of mast cells redefines the role of mast cells in skin wound healing and bleomycin-induced fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 134:2005-2015. [PMID: 24406680 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Conclusive evidence for the impact of mast cells (MCs) in skin repair is still lacking. Studies in mice examining the role of MC function in the physiology and pathology of skin regenerative processes have obtained contradictory results. To clarify the specific role of MCs in regenerative conditions, here we used a recently developed genetic mouse model that allows conditional MC ablation to examine MC-specific functions in skin. This mouse model is based on the cell type-specific expression of Cre recombinase in connective tissue-type MCs under control of the Mcpt5 promoter and the Cre-inducible diphtheria toxin receptor-mediated cell lineage ablation by diphtheria toxin. In response to excisional skin injury, genetic ablation of MCs did not affect the kinetics of reepithelialization, the formation of vascularized granulation tissue, or scar formation. Furthermore, genetic ablation of MCs failed to prevent the development of skin fibrosis upon bleomycin challenge. The amount of deposited collagen and the biochemistry of collagen fibril crosslinks within fibrotic lesions were comparable in MC-depleted and control mice. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that significant reduction of MC numbers does not affect skin wound healing and bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice, and provide to our knowledge previously unreported insight in the long-debated contribution of MCs in skin regenerative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beate Eckes
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jürgen Brinckmann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Institute of Virology and Cell Biology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ari Waisman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Mainz, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Karin Hartmann
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Axel Roers
- Institute for Immunology, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine A Eming
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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A Novel Murine Model of Hypertrophic Scarring Using Subcutaneous Infusion of Bleomycin. Plast Reconstr Surg 2014; 133:69-78. [DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000436821.26709.a7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abstract
Relevant animal models are essential tools to investigate in depth the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder that affects particularly the skin. SSc is characterized by vasculopathy, immune disturbances, and fibrosis. Expression of each of the three pathologic features varies among SSc patients leading to disease heterogeneity and variable organ manifestations. Several animal models of SSc are available; however, some models display inflammation followed by fibrosis, whether some others primarily mimic autonomous fibroblast activation. Here, we describe the mouse model of bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis, which mimics early and inflammatory stages of SSc, and is widely used in SSc research.
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Experimental models of dermal fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. Joint Bone Spine 2013; 80:23-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Stawski L, Han R, Bujor AM, Trojanowska M. Angiotensin II induces skin fibrosis: a novel mouse model of dermal fibrosis. Arthritis Res Ther 2012; 14:R194. [PMID: 22913887 PMCID: PMC3580592 DOI: 10.1186/ar4028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Ang II (angiotensin II), a vasoconstrictive peptide, is a well-known inducer of kidney, heart, and liver fibrosis. The goal of this study was to investigate the profibrotic potential of Ang II in the mouse skin. Methods Ang II was administered by subcutaneous osmotic mini pumps to C57BL/6 male mice. Collagen-content measurements were performed with Gomori Trichrome staining and hydroxyproline assay. The mRNA expression level of collagens, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, CTGF, αSMA, CD3, Emr1, CD45/B220, MCP1, and FSP1 were quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immunostaining was performed for markers of inflammation and fibrosis, including, phospho-Smad2, αSMA, CD3, Mac3, CD45/B220, and CD163B. Fibrocytes were identified by double staining with CD45/FSP1 and CD45/PH4. Endothelial cells undergoing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) were identified by double staining with VE-cadherin/FSP1. Results Ang II-infused mice develop prominent dermal fibrosis in the area proximal to the pump, as shown by increased collagen and CTGF mRNA levels, increased hydroxyproline content, and more tightly packed collagen fibers. In addition, elevated mRNA levels of TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 along with increased expression of pSmad2 were observed in the skin of Ang II-treated mice. Dermal fibrosis was accompanied by an increased number of infiltrating fibrocytes, and an increased number of αSMA-positive cells, as well as CD163B+ macrophages in the upper dermis. This correlated with significantly increased mRNA levels of αSMA, Emr1, and MCP1. Infiltration of CD3-, CD45/B220-, and Mac3-positive cells was observed mainly in the hypodermis. Furthermore, an increased number of double-positive VE-cadherin/FSP1 cells were detected in the hypodermis only. Conclusions This work demonstrates that Ang II induces both inflammation and fibrosis in the skin via MCP1 upregulation and accumulation of activated fibroblasts. Additionally, our data suggest that populations of these fibroblasts originate from circulating blood cells. Ang II infusion via osmotic minipumps could serve as a useful mouse model of skin fibrosis to gain new insights into pathogenic mechanisms and to test new antifibrotic therapies.
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Wu M, Schneider DJ, Mayes MD, Assassi S, Arnett FC, Tan FK, Blackburn MR, Agarwal SK. Osteopontin in systemic sclerosis and its role in dermal fibrosis. J Invest Dermatol 2012; 132:1605-14. [PMID: 22402440 PMCID: PMC3365548 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2012.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein with proinflammatory and profibrotic properties. Previous reports demonstrate a role for OPN in wound healing and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we determined whether OPN levels are increased in a large cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and whether OPN contributes to the development of dermal fibrosis. The plasma OPN levels were increased in SSc patients, including patients with limited and diffuse disease, compared with healthy controls. Immunohistology demonstrated OPN on fibroblast-like and inflammatory cells in SSc skin and lesional skin from mice in the bleomycin (bleo)-induced dermal fibrosis model. OPN-deficient (OPN(-/-)) mice developed less dermal fibrosis compared with wild-type (WT) mice in the bleo-induced dermal fibrosis model. Additional in vivo studies have demonstrated that lesional skin from OPN(-/-)mice had fewer Mac-3-positive cells, fewer myofibroblasts, decreased transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and genes in the TGF-β pathway, and decreased numbers of cells expressing phosphorylated SMAD2 (pSMAD) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. In vitro, OPN(-/-) dermal fibroblasts had decreased migratory capacity but similar phosphorylation of SMAD2 by TGF-β. Finally, TGF-β production by OPN-deficient macrophages was reduced compared with WT. These data demonstrate an important role for OPN in the development of dermal fibrosis and suggest that it may be a new therapeutic target in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghua Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Elliott CG, Hamilton DW. Deconstructing fibrosis research: do pro-fibrotic signals point the way for chronic dermal wound regeneration? J Cell Commun Signal 2011; 5:301-15. [PMID: 21503732 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-011-0131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds are characterized by inadequate matrix synthesis, no re-epithelialization, infection and ultimately no wound resolution. In contrast, fibrosis is characterized by overproduction of matrix and excess matrix contraction. As research in the fields of chronic wounds and fibrosis surges forward, important parallels can now be drawn between the dysfunctions in fibrotic diseases and the needs of chronic wounds. These parallels exist at both the macroscopic level and at the molecular level. Thus in finding the individual factors responsible for the progression of fibrotic diseases, we may identify new therapeutic targets for the resolution of chronic wounds. The aim of this review is to discuss how recent advances in fibrosis research have found a home in the treatment of chronic wounds and to highlight the benefits that can be obtained for chronic wound treatments by employing a translational approach to molecules identified in fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Elliott
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Western Ontario, Medical Sciences Building, London, Ontario, N6A 5C1, Canada
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