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A Beginner's Introduction to Skin Stem Cells and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011030. [PMID: 34681688 PMCID: PMC8538579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The primary function of the skin is that of a physical barrier against the environment and diverse pathogens; therefore, its integrity is essential for survival. Skin regeneration depends on multiple stem cell compartments within the epidermis, which, despite their different transcriptional and proliferative capacity, as well as different anatomical location, fall under the general term of skin stem cells (SSCs). Skin wounds can normally heal without problem; however, some diseases or extensive damage may delay or prevent healing. Non-healing wounds represent a serious and life-threatening scenario that may require advanced therapeutic strategies. In this regard, increased focus has been directed at SSCs and their role in wound healing, although emerging therapeutical approaches are considering the use of other stem cells instead, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Given its extensive and broad nature, this review supplies newcomers with an introduction to SSCs, wound healing, and therapeutic strategies for skin regeneration, thus familiarizing the reader with the subject in preparation for future in depth reading.
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Burns in the Elderly: Potential Role of Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134604. [PMID: 32610474 PMCID: PMC7369885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Burns in the elderly continue to be a challenge despite advances in burn wound care management. Elderly burn patients continue to have poor outcomes compared to the younger population. This is secondary to changes in the quality of the aged skin, leading to impaired wound healing, aggravated immunologic and inflammatory responses, and age-related comorbidities. Considering the fast-growing elderly population, it is imperative to understand the anatomic, physiologic, and molecular changes of the aging skin and the mechanisms involved in their wound healing process to prevent complications associated with burn wounds. Various studies have shown that stem cell-based therapies improve the rate and quality of wound healing and skin regeneration; however, the focus is on the younger population. In this paper, we start with an anatomical, physiological and molecular dissection of the elderly skin to understand why wound healing is delayed. We then review the potential use of stem cells in elderly burn wounds, as well as the mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs)-based therapies may impact burn wound healing in the elderly. MSCs improve burn wound healing by stimulating and augmenting growth factor secretion and cell proliferation, and by modulating the impaired elderly immune response. MSCs can be used to expedite healing in superficial partial thickness burns and donor site wounds, improve graft take and prevent graft breakdown.
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Cho Lee AR, Woo I. Local Silencing of Connective Tissue Growth Factor by siRNA/Peptide Improves Dermal Collagen Arrangements. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2018; 15:711-719. [PMID: 30603590 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-018-0166-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Collagen organization within tissues has a critical role in wound regeneration. Collagen fibril diameter, arrangements and maturity between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) small interfering RNA (siRNA) and mismatch scrambled siRNA-treated wound were compared to evaluate the efficacy of CTGF siRNA as a future implement for scar preventive medicine. Methods Nanocomplexes of CTGF small interfering RNA (CTGF siRNA) with cell penetrating peptides (KALA and MPG∆NLS) were formulated and their effects on CTGF downregulation, collagen fibril diameter and arrangement were investigated. Various ratios of CTGF siRNA and peptide complexes were prepared and down-regulation were evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Control and CTGF siRNA modified cells-populated collagen lattices were prepared and rates of contraction measured. Collagen organization in rabbit ear 8 mm biopsy punch wound at 1 day to 8 wks post injury time were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and histology was investigated with Olympus System and TS-Auto software. Conclusion CTGF expression was down-regulated to 40% of control by CTGF siRNA/KALA (1:24) complexes (p < 0.01) and collagen lattice contraction was inhibited. However, down-regulated of CTGF by CTGF siRNA/MPG∆NLS complexes was not statistically significant. CTGF KALA-treated wound appeared with well formed-basket weave pattern of collagen fibrils with mean diameter of 128 ± 22 nm (n = 821). Mismatch siRNA/KALA-treated wound showed a high frequency of parallel small diameter fibrils (mean 90 ± 20 nm, n = 563). Conclusion Controlling over-expression of CTGF by peptide-mediated siRNA delivery could improve the collagen orientation and tissue remodeling in full thickness rabbit ear wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ae-Ri Cho Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, 33 Samyang-ro 144-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul, 01369 Republic of Korea
| | - Inhae Woo
- College of Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, 33 Samyang-ro 144-gil, Dobong-gu, Seoul, 01369 Republic of Korea
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Suresh N, Arul B, Kowsky D, Natanasabapathy V. Successful Regenerative Endodontic Procedure of a Nonvital Immature Permanent Central Incisor Using Amniotic Membrane as a Novel Scaffold. Dent J (Basel) 2018; 6:dj6030036. [PMID: 30072584 PMCID: PMC6162468 DOI: 10.3390/dj6030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful regenerative endodontic procedure was performed in nonvital immature permanent central incisor (Stage-4 root development) using human amniotic membrane (HAM) as a novel scaffold. The treatment was performed according to the American Association of Endodontics guidelines with minimal canal instrumentation, 1% Sodium hypochlorite as irrigant and calcium hydroxide as intracanal medicament. During the second appointment, HAM was placed as a scaffold and Biodentine™ was layered over the HAM with glass ionomer cement and resin composite as coronal seal. Preoperative and post-operative cone beam computed tomography (at three years) was taken to assess the treatment outcome. The resolution of disease process and increase in canal width, as well as positive response to pulp sensitivity tests, were observed by the end of three years. There was approximately 78–86% reduction in the volume of periapical lesion size. This case report confirms that HAM can be used as a scaffold material for successful regenerative endodontic procedure (REP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Suresh
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Alapakkam Main Road, Maduravoyal 600095, India.
| | - Buvaneshwari Arul
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Alapakkam Main Road, Maduravoyal 600095, India.
| | - Dinesh Kowsky
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Alapakkam Main Road, Maduravoyal 600095, India.
| | - Velmurugan Natanasabapathy
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER), Alapakkam Main Road, Maduravoyal 600095, India.
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Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Comprehensive Review of the Background, Role, and Therapeutic Potential. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:6901983. [PMID: 29887893 PMCID: PMC5985130 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6901983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous wound repair is a highly coordinated cascade of cellular responses to injury which restores the epidermal integrity and its barrier functions. Even under optimal healing conditions, normal wound repair of adult human skin is imperfect and delayed healing and scarring are frequent occurrences. Dysregulated wound healing is a major concern for global healthcare, and, given the rise in diabetic and aging populations, this medicoeconomic disease burden will continue to rise. Therapies to reliably improve nonhealing wounds and reduce scarring are currently unavailable. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a powerful technique to improve skin wound healing. Their differentiation potential, ease of harvest, low immunogenicity, and integral role in native wound healing physiology make MSCs an attractive therapeutic remedy. MSCs promote cell migration, angiogenesis, epithelialization, and granulation tissue formation, which result in accelerated wound closure. MSCs encourage a regenerative, rather than fibrotic, wound healing microenvironment. Recent translational research efforts using modern bioengineering approaches have made progress in creating novel techniques for stromal cell delivery into healing wounds. This paper discusses experimental applications of various stromal cells to promote wound healing and discusses the novel methods used to increase MSC delivery and efficacy.
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Taghiyar L, Hosseini S, Hesaraki M, Azam Sayahpour F, Aghdami N, Baghaban Eslaminejad M. Isolation, Characterization and Osteogenic Potential of Mouse Digit Tip Blastema Cells in Comparison with Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro. CELL JOURNAL 2017; 19:585-598. [PMID: 29105393 PMCID: PMC5672097 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2018.4710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Limb regeneration mediated by blastema cells (BlCs) in mammals is limited to the digit tips of neonates.
Due to the lack of access to BlCs in adults and the difficulty in isolating and expanding BlCs from neonates, the use
of a cellular population with similar features of BlCs would be a valuable strategy to direct a non-regenerative wound
towards regeneration. In this study, we have initially isolated and cultured BlCs, and explored their characteristics in
vitro. Next, we compared the capability of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) as an alternative
accessible cell source to BlCs for regeneration of appendages.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, BM-MSCs were isolated from BM and we obtained BlCs from the
neonatal regenerating digit tip of C57B/6 mice. The cells were characterized for expressions of cell surface markers by
flow cytometry. Quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and lineage-specific staining
were used to assess their ability to differentiate into skeletal cell lineages. The colony forming ability, proliferation,
alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content, and osteogenic gene expression were evaluated in both BM-
MSCs and BlCs cultures at days 7, 14, and 21.
Results qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the cells from both sources readily differentiated into mesodermal lineages. There
was significantly higher colony forming ability in BM-MSCs compared to BlCs (P<0.05). Alizarin red staining (ARS), calcium,
and the ALP assay showed the same degree of mineral deposition in both BlCs and BM-MSCs. Gene expression levels of
osteblastic markers indicated similar bone differentiation capacity for both BlCs and BM-MSCs at all time-points.
Conclusion Characteristics of BlCs in vitro appear to be similar to BM-MSCs. Therefore, they could be considered as a
substitute for BlCs for a regenerative approach with potential use in future clinical settings for regenerating human appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Taghiyar
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Hosseini
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hesaraki
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Azam Sayahpour
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Aghdami
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Hart DA, Fortuna R, Herzog W. Messenger RNA profiling of rabbit quadriceps femoris after repeat injections of botulinum toxin: Evidence for a dynamic pattern without further structural alterations. Muscle Nerve 2017; 57:487-493. [DOI: 10.1002/mus.25775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A. Hart
- McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health; University of Calgary; Calgary Alberta Canada
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Rafael Fortuna
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada
| | - Walter Herzog
- McCaig Institute for Bone & Joint Health; University of Calgary; Calgary Alberta Canada
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology; University of Calgary; 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada
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Taghiyar L, Hesaraki M, Sayahpour FA, Satarian L, Hosseini S, Aghdami N, Baghaban Eslaminejad M. Msh homeobox 1 ( Msx1)- and Msx2-overexpressing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells resemble blastema cells and enhance regeneration in mice. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:10520-10533. [PMID: 28461333 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.774265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Amputation of the proximal region in mammals is not followed by regeneration because blastema cells (BCs) and expression of regenerative genes, such as Msh homeobox (Msx) genes, are absent in this animal group. The lack of BCs and positional information in other cells is therefore the main obstacle to therapeutic approaches for limb regeneration. Hence, this study aimed to create blastema-like cells (BlCs) by overexpressing Msx1 and Msx2 genes in mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) to regenerate a proximally amputated digit tip. We transduced mBMSCs with Msx1 and Msx2 genes and compared osteogenic activity and expression levels of several Msx-regulated genes (Bmp4, Fgf8, and keratin 14 (K14)) in BlC groups, including MSX1, MSX2, and MSX1/2 (in a 1:1 ratio) with those in mBMSCs and BCs in vitro and in vivo following injection into the amputation site. We found that Msx gene overexpression increased expression of specific blastemal markers and enhanced the proliferation rate and osteogenesis of BlCs compared with mBMSCs and BCs via activation of Fgf8 and Bmp4 Histological analyses indicated full regrowth of digit tips in the Msx-overexpressing groups, particularly in MSX1/2, through endochondral ossification 6 weeks post-injection. In contrast, mBMSCs and BCs formed abnormal bone and nail. Full digit tip was regenerated only in the MSX1/2 group and was related to boosted Bmp4, Fgf8, and K14 gene expression and to limb-patterning properties resulting from Msx1 and Msx2 overexpression. We propose that Msx-transduced cells that can regenerate epithelial and mesenchymal tissues may potentially be utilized in limb regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Taghiyar
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and.,the Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran 13145-871, Iran
| | - Mahdi Hesaraki
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and
| | - Forough Azam Sayahpour
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and
| | - Leila Satarian
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and
| | - Samaneh Hosseini
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and
| | - Naser Aghdami
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and
| | - Mohamadreza Baghaban Eslaminejad
- From the Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran 1665659911, Iran and
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Cerqueira MT, Pirraco RP, Marques AP. Stem Cells in Skin Wound Healing: Are We There Yet? Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2016; 5:164-175. [PMID: 27076994 PMCID: PMC4817598 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2014.0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance: Cutaneous wound healing is a serious problem worldwide that affects patients with various wound types, resulting from burns, traumatic injuries, and diabetes. Despite the wide range of clinically available skin substitutes and the different therapeutic alternatives, delayed healing and scarring are often observed. Recent Advances: Stem cells have arisen as powerful tools to improve skin wound healing, due to features such as effective secretome, self-renewal, low immunogenicity, and differentiation capacity. They represent potentially readily available biological material that can particularly target distinct wound-healing phases. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to promote cell migration, angiogenesis, and a possible regenerative rather than fibrotic microenvironment at the wound site, mainly through paracrine signaling with the surrounding cells/tissues. Critical Issues: Despite the current insights, there are still major hurdles to be overcome to achieve effective therapeutic effects. Limited engraftment and survival at the wound site are still major concerns, and alternative approaches to maximize stem cell potential are a major demand. Future Directions: This review emphasizes two main strategies that have been explored in this context. These comprise the exploration of hypoxic conditions to modulate stem cell secretome, and the use of adipose tissue stromal vascular fraction as a source of multiple cells, including stem cells and factors requiring minimal manipulation. Nonetheless, the attainment of these approaches to target successfully skin regeneration will be only evident after a significant number of in vivo works in relevant pre-clinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Teixeira Cerqueira
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rogério Pedro Pirraco
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Pinto Marques
- 3B's Research Group—Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
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Zhu Z, Ding J, Tredget EE. The molecular basis of hypertrophic scars. BURNS & TRAUMA 2016; 4:2. [PMID: 27574672 PMCID: PMC4963951 DOI: 10.1186/s41038-015-0026-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are caused by dermal injuries such as trauma and burns to the deep dermis, which are red, raised, itchy and painful. They can cause cosmetic disfigurement or contractures if craniofacial areas or mobile region of the skin are affected. Abnormal wound healing with more extracellular matrix deposition than degradation will result in HTS formation. This review will introduce the physiology of wound healing, dermal HTS formation, treatment and difference with keloids in the skin, and it also review the current advance of molecular basis of HTS including the involvement of cytokines, growth factors, and macrophages via chemokine pathway, to bring insights for future prevention and treatment of HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhensen Zhu
- Wound Healing Research Group, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
- Department of Burn and Reconstructive Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong China
| | - Jie Ding
- Wound Healing Research Group, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
| | - Edward E. Tredget
- Wound Healing Research Group, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta Canada
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Amato B, Compagna R, Amato M, Butrico L, Fugetto F, Chibireva MD, Barbetta A, Cannistrà M, de Franciscis S, Serra R. The role of adult tissue-derived stem cells in chronic leg ulcers: a systematic review focused on tissue regeneration medicine. Int Wound J 2015; 13:1289-1298. [PMID: 26399452 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing is an articulated process that can be impaired in different steps in chronic wounds. Chronic leg ulcers are a special type of non-healing wounds that represent an important cause of morbidity and public cost in western countries. Because of their common recurrence after conventional managements and increasing prevalence due to an ageing population, newer approaches are needed. Over the last decade, the research has been focused on innovative treatment strategies, including stem-cell-based therapies. After the initial interest in embryonic pluripotent cells, several different types of adult stem cells have been studied because of ethical issues. Specific types of adult stem cells have shown a high potentiality in tissue healing, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Aim of this review is to clearly report the newest insights on tissue regeneration medicine, with particular regard for chronic leg ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Amato
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL). International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, Headquarters, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Compagna
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL). International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, Headquarters, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Amato
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Butrico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Fugetto
- School of Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mariia D Chibireva
- School of Medicine, Kazan State Medical University, Kazan, Tatarstan Republic, Russian Federation
| | - Andrea Barbetta
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Cannistrà
- Department of Surgery, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Stefano de Franciscis
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL). International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, Headquarters, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Raffaele Serra
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL). International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, Headquarters, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Kiwanuka E, Hackl F, Caterson EJ, Nowinski D, Junker JPE, Gerdin B, Eriksson E. CCN2 is transiently expressed by keratinocytes during re-epithelialization and regulates keratinocyte migration in vitro by the ras-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. J Surg Res 2013; 185:e109-19. [PMID: 24079812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CCN2 (previously known as connective tissue growth factor) is a multifunctional matricellular protein that has numerous effects on cell life and cell interactions with the connective tissue. Although the importance of CCN2 for the fibrotic process in wound healing has been well studied, the involvement of CCN2 in keratinocyte function has not yet been explored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CCN2 in the epidermis during wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was done on sections from full-thickness porcine wounds. The effect of CCN2 on the migration of cultured human keratinocytes exposed to scratch wounds, the effect on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK), and the effect of adding inhibitors to the ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to human keratinocytes were studied. RESULTS The CCN2 protein was transiently expressed in vivo at the leading keratinocyte edge during re-epithelialization of full-thickness porcine wounds. In vitro, exogenous addition of CCN2 to human keratinocyte cultures regulated keratinocyte migration and resulted in phosphorylation of ERK. The addition of inhibitors of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase counteracted the effect of CCN2 on migration. CONCLUSIONS CCN2 was transiently expressed at the leading keratinocyte edge in vivo. The biologic importance of this was supported in vitro, because CCN2 regulated human keratinocyte migration through activation of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-ERK signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kiwanuka
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Maxson S, Lopez EA, Yoo D, Danilkovitch-Miagkova A, LeRoux MA. Concise review: role of mesenchymal stem cells in wound repair. Stem Cells Transl Med 2012; 1:142-9. [PMID: 23197761 PMCID: PMC3659685 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2011-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 531] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing requires a coordinated interplay among cells, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Central to this process is the endogenous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), which coordinates the repair response by recruiting other host cells and secreting growth factors and matrix proteins. MSCs are self-renewing multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into various lineages of mesenchymal origin such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and fat. In addition to multilineage differentiation capacity, MSCs regulate immune response and inflammation and possess powerful tissue protective and reparative mechanisms, making these cells attractive for treatment of different diseases. The beneficial effect of exogenous MSCs on wound healing was observed in a variety of animal models and in reported clinical cases. Specifically, they have been successfully used to treat chronic wounds and stimulate stalled healing processes. Recent studies revealed that human placental membranes are a rich source of MSCs for tissue regeneration and repair. This review provides a concise summary of current knowledge of biological properties of MSCs and describes the use of MSCs for wound healing. In particular, the scope of this review focuses on the role MSCs have in each phase of the wound-healing process. In addition, characterization of MSCs containing skin substitutes is described, demonstrating the presence of key growth factors and cytokines uniquely suited to aid in wound repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Maxson
- Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Dana Yoo
- Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Columbia, Maryland, USA
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14
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Aktas RG, Kayton RJ. Ultrastructural immunolocalization of basic fibroblast growth factor in endothelial cells: morphologic evidence for unconventional secretion of a novel protein. J Mol Histol 2011; 42:417-25. [PMID: 21830143 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-011-9345-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is one of the most potent angiogenic factors. Unlike many other growth factors, bFGF lacks a classic peptide sequence for its secretion. Recent studies suggest that there is an unconventional secretory pathway for this growth factor. The aim of this study was to identify the specific location of bFGF in endothelial cells and to find morphologic evidences concerning its synthesis, storage and release from endothelial cells. The capillaries in hippocampus, adrenal gland, kidney, peripheral nerves as well as the vessels in connective tissues were analysed by using immunogold labeling techniques at electron microscope level. Results show that endogenous bFGF is mainly located in the nuclei of endothelial cells. Slight immunoreactivity is found in the cytoplasm. Immunolabeling is notably absent in pinocytotic vesicles, Golgi complexes, endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear membrane and intercellular junctions. These results provide morphologic evidence suggesting that endothelial cells might export bFGF via unique cellular pathways that are clearly distinct from classical signal peptide mediated secretion and/or release of this protein could be directly through mechanically induced disruptions of these cells. The current study support the recent hypothesis related with unconventional secretory pathway for bFGF as some other "cargo" proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranan Gulhan Aktas
- Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey.
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15
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Wang J, Hori K, Ding J, Huang Y, Kwan P, Ladak A, Tredget EE. Toll-like receptors expressed by dermal fibroblasts contribute to hypertrophic scarring. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:1265-73. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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16
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Yuan YC, Xia ZK, Mu JJ, Zhang QC, Yin BL. Increased connective tissue growth factor expression in a rat model of chronic heart allograft rejection. J Formos Med Assoc 2009; 108:240-6. [PMID: 19293040 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-6646(09)60058-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Chronic rejection limits the long-term success of cardiac transplantation and the underlying cause of the disease is unknown. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is considered as a mitogenic and chemotactic factor for fibroblasts, and is associated with cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. We evaluated the expression of CTGF in a rat model of heart allograft chronic rejection. METHODS Intra-abdominal heterotopic heart transplantation was performed from 20 Wistar rats to 20 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats that received cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone as immunosuppression. Ten heart allografts were explanted at 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively for analysis of morphologic changes. The hearts from 10 normal Wistar rats served as a control group. Coronary artery density, luminal loss of myocardial coronary arteries, and myocardial fibrosis were measured. The expression of CTGF was studied by immunohistochemistry. Correlation between CTGF expression and development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) or fibrosis was studied. RESULTS Allografts harvested at 8 weeks postoperatively showed more coronary intimal proliferation, fibrosis and CTGF expression compared with the 2-week allografts (p < 0.05) and the controls (p < 0.01), but the coronary artery density was lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, the control group showed negligible CTGF expression. There were strong negative correlations between the gray value of CTGF protein expression and cardiac fibrosis and coronary intimal occlusion (r = -0.734, -0.713; p < 0.01), which demonstrated that CTGF protein expression was positively correlated with cardiac fibrosis and coronary intimal occlusion. CONCLUSION CTGF is expressed in cardiomyocytes in CAV. Increased expression of CTGF in cardiac allografts is associated with development of CAV and fibrosis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chang Yuan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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17
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Gao RP, Brigstock DR. Connective tissue growth factor hammerhead ribozyme attenuates human hepatic stellate cell function. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:3807-13. [PMID: 19673024 PMCID: PMC2726461 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.3807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) on human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) function.
METHODS: CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving sequences were inserted into pTriEx2 to produce pTriCCN2-Rz. Each vector was individually transfected into cultured LX-2 human HSCs, which were then stimulated by addition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to the culture medium. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA levels for CCN2 or collagen I, while protein levels of each molecule in cell lysates and conditioned medium were measured by ELISA. Cell-cycle progression of the transfected cells was assessed by flow cytometry.
RESULTS: In pTriEx2-transfected LX-2 cells, TGF-β1 treatment caused an increase in the mRNA level for CCN2 or collagen I, and an increase in produced and secreted CCN2 or extracellular collagen I protein levels. pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells showed decreased basal CCN2 or collagen mRNA levels, as well as produced and secreted CCN2 or collagen I protein. Furthermore, the TGF-β1-induced increase in mRNA or protein for CCN2 or collagen I was inhibited partially in pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells. Inhibition of CCN2 using hammerhead ribozyme cDNA resulted in fewer of the cells transitioning into S phase.
CONCLUSION: Endogenous CCN2 is a mediator of basal or TGF-β1-induced collagen I production in human HSCs and regulates entry of the cells into S phase.
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Sisco M, Kryger ZB, O'Shaughnessy KD, Kim PS, Schultz GS, Ding XZ, Roy NK, Dean NM, Mustoe TA. Antisense inhibition of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) mRNA limits hypertrophic scarring without affecting wound healing in vivo. Wound Repair Regen 2009; 16:661-73. [PMID: 19128261 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2008.00416.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Augmented expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is observed in healing wounds and in a variety of fibrotic disorders. It appears to enhance many of the effects of transforming growth factor-beta and has been shown to have independent fibrogenic functions. Despite these observations, its importance to dermal wound healing and the transition from wound to scar remains poorly defined. In this study, we use established rabbit models to evaluate the roles of CTGF in dermal wound healing and hypertrophic scarring. We show that CTGF mRNA demonstrates persistent up-regulation in hypertrophic scars. Treatment of wounds with antisense oligonucleotides to CTGF has no measurable effect on early wound closure. However, antisense therapy significantly limits subsequent hypertrophic scarring. Inhibition of CTGF is associated with a marked reduction in the number of myofibroblasts in scars and decreased transcription of TIMP-1 and types I and III collagen. These findings confirm CTGF to be a key mediator of hypertrophic scarring in this model. Its effect on myofibroblasts in this setting suggests a mechanism whereby it plays this role. Its limited participation in early healing implies that it may be a useful and specific target for modulating hypertrophic scarring following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sisco
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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19
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Parker NP, Bailey SS, Walner DL. Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor-2 and hyaluronic acid on tracheal wound healing. Laryngoscope 2009; 119:734-9. [DOI: 10.1002/lary.20131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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20
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Brigstock DR. Strategies for blocking the fibrogenic actions of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2): From pharmacological inhibition in vitro to targeted siRNA therapy in vivo. J Cell Commun Signal 2009; 3:5-18. [PMID: 19294531 PMCID: PMC2686750 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-009-0043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2009] [Accepted: 02/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is a major pro-fibrotic factor that frequently acts downstream of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-mediated fibrogenic pathways. Much of our knowledge of CCN2 in fibrosis has come from studies in which its production or activity have been experimentally attenuated. These studies, performed both in vitro and in animal models, have demonstrated the utility of pharmacological inhibitors (e.g. tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), prostaglandins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonists, statins, kinase inhibitors), neutralizing antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, or small interfering RNA (siRNA) to probe the role of CCN2 in fibrogenic pathways. These investigations have allowed the mechanisms regulating CCN2 production to be more clearly defined, have shown that CCN2 is a rational anti-fibrotic target, and have established a framework for developing effective modalities of therapeutic intervention in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Brigstock
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,
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21
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Li G, Li D, Xie Q, Shi Y, Jiang S, Jin Y. RNA interfering connective tissue growth factor prevents rat hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix production. J Gene Med 2009; 10:1039-47. [PMID: 18613219 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a possible key determinant of progressive fibrosis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a powerful tool for silencing gene expression post-transcriptionally. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether synthetic siRNA target CTGF down-regulates the expression of the CTGF gene in primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and HSC T6, and, furthermore, whether it prevents rat HSC activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. METHODS Primary HSC were obtained by enzymatic perfusion of rat liver. HSC T6, primary HSC were treated with siRNAs that target CTGF or a control siRNA by addition to the culture medium. RESULTS We obtained one siRNA that could sequence-specifically reduce target gene expression by over 90% at a concentration of 200 nM in the cell culture medium for a total of three siRNAs targeting CTGF genes. In HSC T6 cells, the effect of CTGF siRNA was dose-dependent (50-200 nM) and time-limited to a 24-72-h period. The siRNA knockdown of CTGF significantly reduced the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin protein, increased the number of cells, upregulated the ratios of G0/G1 stage in rat HSC at 7 days of culture after plating, and attenuated the expression of type I and III collagen mRNA with a supernatant concentration of hyaluronic acid, and type III procollagen in an activated HSC of culture for 24-72 h. CONCLUSIONS CTGF siRNA could effectively and sequence-specifically down-regulate the expression of CTGF in rat HSC, resulting in significant inhibition of HSC activation and proliferation as well as ECM production. These findings indicate that synthetic siRNA targeting CTGF could prove to be a useful treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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22
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Luo GH, Lu YP, Song J, Yang L, Shi YJ, Li YP. Inhibition of connective tissue growth factor by small interfering RNA prevents renal fibrosis in rats undergoing chronic allograft nephropathy. Transplant Proc 2008; 40:2365-9. [PMID: 18790236 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2008.07.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a highly profibrogenic molecule implicated in renal fibrogenesis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an effective tool to silence gene expression. This study determined whether caudal vein injection of siRNA targeting CTGF inhibited its expression in rat kidneys in vivo, and furthermore whether it protected the kidney from renal fibrosis in chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). METHODS Male inbred Fischer (F344, RT1(lv1)) rat renal grafts were orthotopically transplanted into Lewis (LEW, RT1(1)) rats following the procedure of Kamada with our modification. At 6 weeks, recipients were divided into siRNA, normal saline (NS), and control siRNA groups, using daily siRNA-targeting CTGF (0.1 mg/kg), or NS, or a control siRNA via caudal vein injection for 14 days. At 4, 6, and 8 weeks, we observed the pathologic changes, expression of CTGF, E-cadherin, collagen I and IV, and anti-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). RESULTS Serum creatinine level, Banff score, and the expression of CTGF were significantly lower among the siRNA than the NS or the control siRNA groups at 8 weeks (P < .05). The expressions of collagen I and IV, and alpha-SMA were also significantly downregulated and E-cadherin was lost in the siRNA versus the NS and control siRNA groups at 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that delivery of CTGF siRNA via the caudal vein significantly inhibited expression of CTGF in rat kidneys, effectively preventing fibrosis in CAN. The results suggest that siRNA-targeting of CTGF has the potential to be a novel strategy for amelioration of CAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Luo
- Transplantation Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Chen CC, Lau LF. Functions and mechanisms of action of CCN matricellular proteins. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 41:771-83. [PMID: 18775791 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Revised: 07/25/2008] [Accepted: 07/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Members of the CCN (CYR61/CTGF/NOV) family have emerged as dynamically expressed, extracellular matrix-associated proteins that play critical roles in cardiovascular and skeletal development, injury repair, fibrotic diseases and cancer. The synthesis of CCN proteins is highly inducible by serum growth factors, cytokines, and environmental stresses such as hypoxia, UV exposure, and mechanical stretch. Consisting of six secreted proteins in vertebrate species, CCNs are typically comprised of four conserved cysteine-rich modular domains. They function primarily through direct binding to specific integrin receptors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, thereby triggering signal transduction events that culminate in the regulation of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, gene expression, differentiation, and survival. CCN proteins can also modulate the activities of several growth factors and cytokines, including TGF-beta, TNFalpha, VEGF, BMPs, and Wnt proteins, and may thereby regulate a broad array of biological processes. Recent studies have uncovered novel CCN activities unexpected for matricellular proteins, including their ability to induce apoptosis as cell adhesion substrates, to dictate the cytotoxicity of inflammatory cytokines such as TNFalpha, and to promote hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal. As potent regulators of angiogenesis and chondrogenesis, CCNs are essential for successful cardiovascular and skeletal development during embryogenesis. In the adult, the expression of CCN proteins is associated with injury repair and inflammation, and has been proposed as diagnostic or prognostic markers for diabetic nephropathy, hepatic fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and several types of cancer. Targeting CCN signaling pathways may hold promise as a strategy of rational therapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chiun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
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Yuhua Z, Wanhua R, Chenggang S, Jun S, Yanjun W, Chunqing Z. Disruption of connective tissue growth factor by short hairpin RNA inhibits collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix secretion in hepatic stellate cells. Liver Int 2008; 28:632-9. [PMID: 18433392 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01730.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. This study aimed at investigating that the disruption of CTGF expression by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) could modulate the production of fibrosis-related components in hepatic stellate HSC-T6 cells. METHODS Three plasmids expressing individual shRNA were constructed and transfected into HSC-T6 cells respectively. The levels of CTGF and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Furthermore, the production of collagens and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including type III procollagen (PC III), type IV collagen (collagen IV), laminin (LN) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the CTGF-disrupted cells, were analysed by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Following transfection with the pEGFP-CTGFshRNA1, the expression of CTGF was disrupted in HSC-T6 cells. While the knockdown of CTGF expression failed to modulate the expression of TGF-beta1, it did significantly reduce the production of PC III, collagen IV, LN and HA by HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that shRNA-mediated disruption of CTGF expression can attenuate ECM synthesis. Potentially, our findings may aid in the design of a CTGF-based new therapy for treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Yuhua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong, China
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25
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Wu X, Gao Z, Song N, Chua C, Deng D, Cao Y, Liu W. Creating thick linear scar by inserting a gelatin sponge into rat excisional wounds. Wound Repair Regen 2007; 15:595-606. [PMID: 17650105 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2007.00256.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The rat incisional wound is an important model for wound scarring research, but it is also difficult to mimic thick human incisional scarring. We hypothesized that such a thick linear scarring can be generated by inserting a gelatin sponge into a rat excisional wound. The results demonstrated that the new wound model could generate 11 times wider wound width (at day 7) and 4-5 times wider scar width (at days 14, 21, and 60), respectively, than the widths of incisional wounds (p<0.05) in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The thick linear scar created was grossly apparent in contrast to the grossly unobvious scar of the incisional wound, and a regular linear shape could be achieved with a similar scar width along the wound. The mechanism study revealed several factors that might contribute to the enhanced scarring, including delayed wound healing, enhanced inflammation, increased expression of fibrotic factors, and abnormal wound remodeling due to the insertion of the gelatin sponge. These results indicate that the new wound model of thick linear scar might be valuable for clinically relevant study of scar manipulation. Moreover, this model may serve as a tool for studying gene-mediated tissue regeneration during wound repair using inserted gelatin sponge as a gene carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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26
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Wang Z, Gao Z, Shi Y, Sun Y, Lin Z, Jiang H, Hou T, Wang Q, Yuan X, Zhu X, Wu H, Jin Y. Inhibition of Smad3 expression decreases collagen synthesis in keloid disease fibroblasts. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2007; 60:1193-9. [PMID: 17889631 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2006.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2005] [Revised: 04/30/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keloids represent a dysregulated response to cutaneous wounding that result in an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), especially types I and III collagen. In keloid scars, the ratio of 'type I to type III collagen' varies compared to normal skin. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis by inducing and sustaining activation of keloid fibroblasts. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. RNA interference (RNAi) is an evolutionally conserved mechanism for repressing targeted gene expression. In mammalian cells, RNAi is mediated by small interfering RNA (siRNA). In this paper, we examined the function of Sma and Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3), recently characterized as intracellular effector of TGF-beta signalling, in keloid fibroblasts using siRNA. METHODS Dermal fibroblasts obtained from one female patient aged 21 years were maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Cells (<6 passages) were treated with or without Smad3 siRNA and the expression levels of related genes were examined by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA (Dunnett correction) and the Excel 7.0 software, with significance set at p<0.05. RESULTS The knockdown of Smad3 expression in mRNA and protein levels was confirmed using RT-PCR and Western Blot. Compared to blank, the mRNA levels of types I and III procollagen were also significantly and uniquely decreased following the reduction of Smad3 by siRNA (p<0.05). The results indicate that Smad3 plays an important role in the TGF-beta induced fibrosis in keloid. Downregulation of Smad3 expression in keloid fibroblasts can significantly decrease procollagen gene expression. SiRNA targeting Smad3 was an efficient reagent to reduce ECM deposition and attenuate process of fibrosis. It could be a new promising therapeutic approach to improve skin wound healing and inhibit progression of fibrotic conditions by interrupting the TGF-beta signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Salo P, Bray R, Seerattan R, Reno C, McDougall J, Hart DA. Neuropeptides regulate expression of matrix molecule, growth factor and inflammatory mediator mRNA in explants of normal and healing medial collateral ligament. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 142:1-6. [PMID: 17292490 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2007.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2006] [Revised: 11/25/2006] [Accepted: 01/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Denervation degrades normal ligament properties and impairs ligament healing. This suggests that secreted neuromediators, such as neuropeptides, could be modulating cell metabolism in ligament and scar tissue. To test this hypothesis we investigated the effect of exogenous substance P (SP), neuropeptide Y (NPY) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the mRNA levels for proteins associated with inflammation, angiogenesis, and matrix production in tissue-cultured specimens of normal and injured medial collateral ligament. SP and NPY induced increased mRNA levels for several inflammatory mediators in the 2-week post-injury specimens. All three neuropeptides induced decreases in mRNA levels for healing-associated growth factors and matrix molecules, including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen types I and III. The results indicate that neuropeptides strongly influence the metabolic activity of cells in healing ligament, particularly at early time points after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Salo
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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28
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Wang JF, Jiao H, Stewart TL, Shankowsky HA, Scott PG, Tredget EE. Fibrocytes from burn patients regulate the activities of fibroblasts. Wound Repair Regen 2007; 15:113-21. [PMID: 17244327 DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2006.00192.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing requires an elaborate interplay between numerous cell types that orchestrate a series of regulated and overlapping events. Fibrocytes are a unique leukocyte subpopulation implicated in this process. One role proposed for these cells in wound healing is to synthesize extracellular matrix. Interestingly, using mass spectrometry to quantify hydroxyproline, we discovered that the capacity of fibrocytes from normal subjects or from burn patients to produce collagen is much less than that of dermal fibroblasts. Therefore, we investigated whether fibrocytes could play an indirect, regulatory, role in the healing of burn wounds by affecting the functions of dermal fibroblasts. Dermal fibroblasts treated with medium conditioned by burn patient fibrocytes, but not by those derived from normal subjects, showed an increase in cell proliferation and migration. Using confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting, we found the level of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression to be increased in these treated dermal fibroblasts, which also showed an enhanced ability to contract collagen lattices. To determine whether these effects could be attributed to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta1) or to connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), we measured total TGF-beta1 levels in the conditioned medium by an enzyme-linked immunosorbtion assay and assessed levels of CTGF mRNA and protein in fibroblasts and fibrocytes by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The results showed significantly higher levels of TGF-beta1 and CTGF produced by burn patient fibrocytes. In addition, the application of a TGF-beta1 neutralizing antibody significantly reduced the effect of burn patient fibrocyte medium on dermal fibroblast proliferation, migration, and collagen lattice contraction. Our results suggest that in healing burn wounds, fibrocytes could regulate the activities of local fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Fei Wang
- Wound Healing Research Group, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kydd AS, Reno CR, Tsao HW, Hart DA. Impact of age, systemic glucocorticoids, and progressive knee arthritis on specific mRNA levels in different areas of the rabbit cornea. Cornea 2007; 26:352-61. [PMID: 17413965 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0b013e318033a534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the influence of factors such as age, osteoarthritis (OA), and glucocorticoid treatment on total RNA and mRNA regulation in the cornea and how these factors differ between prepupillary and peripheral areas of the cornea. METHODS Molecular analyses of corneal tissue were performed using rabbits of different age groups and skeletally mature animals that had undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection, an established model of knee OA. Systemic glucocorticoids were administered to cohorts of the osteoarthritic and control animals to determine the influence of distal joint disease on the corneal response. Corneal tissue was analyzed for changes in mRNA levels for several relevant genes: collagen I, collagen III, collagen V, decorin core protein, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glucocorticoid receptor, and the housekeeping gene beta-actin. RESULTS The corneal tissue was found to have diminishing total RNA with age, which is consistent with previous studies in the literature. Interestingly, in skeletally mature animals, distal joint OA was found to affect corneal mRNA levels for several important structural and inflammatory genes (collagen I, decorin core protein, and COX-2) in a manner that progressed with OA progression. Although systemic glucocorticoid treatment did not alter mRNA levels in the normal cornea, it did counteract the changes observed early after OA induction (3 weeks) while having less of an effect in later, more established arthritis (6 weeks). CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that distal joint OA can affect mRNA levels for several structural and inflammatory genes of the cornea, changes that seem to be suppressed by systemic glucocorticoid treatment. These findings indicate that OA has associated systemic factors that influence corneal cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Kydd
- McCaig Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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George J, Tsutsumi M. siRNA-mediated knockdown of connective tissue growth factor prevents N-nitrosodimethylamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Gene Ther 2007; 14:790-803. [PMID: 17344905 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process that involves the interplay of different cell types in the hepatic tissue. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a highly profibrogenic molecule and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. The aim of the present investigation was three-fold. First, we studied the expression of CTGF in the cultured hepatic stellate cells using immunohistochemical technique. Second, we induced hepatic fibrosis in rats through serial intraperitoneal injections of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA; dimethylnitrosamine, DMN) and studied the upregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 during hepatic fibrogenesis. Third, we downregulated CTGF expression using CTGF siRNA and examined the role of CTGF siRNA to prevent the progression of NDMA-induced hepatic fibrosis. The results depicted strong staining of CTGF in the transformed hepatic stellate cells in culture. Serial administrations of NDMA resulted in activation of hepatic stellate cells, upregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 both at mRNA and protein levels and well-developed fibrosis in the liver. Immunostaining, Western blot analysis, semiquantitative and real-time RT-PCR studies showed downregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 after treatment with CTGF siRNA. The results of the present study demonstrated that CTGF gene silencing through siRNA reduces activation of hepatic stellate cells, prevents the upregulation of CTGF and TGF-beta1 gene expression and inhibits accumulation of connective tissue proteins in the liver. The data further suggest that knockdown of CTGF upregulation using siRNA has potential therapeutic application to prevent hepatic fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J George
- Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Taguchi T, Razzaque MS. The collagen-specific molecular chaperone HSP47: is there a role in fibrosis? Trends Mol Med 2007; 13:45-53. [PMID: 17169614 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2006.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Revised: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is a collagen-specific molecular chaperone that is required for molecular maturation of various types of collagens. Recent studies have shown a close association between increased expression of HSP47 and excessive accumulation of collagens in scar tissues of various human and experimental fibrotic diseases. It is presumed that the increased levels of HSP47 in fibrotic diseases assist in excessive assembly and intracellular processing of procollagen molecules and, thereby, contribute to the formation of fibrotic lesions. Studies have also shown that suppression of HSP47 expression can reduce accumulation of collagens to delay the progression of fibrotic diseases in experimental animal models. Because HSP47 is a specific chaperone for collagen synthesis, it provides a selective target to manipulate collagen production, a phenomenon that might have enormous clinical impact in controlling a wide range of fibrotic diseases. Here, we outline the fibrogenic role of HSP47 and discuss the potential usefulness of HSP47 as an anti-fibrotic therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Taguchi
- Department of Pathology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
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Gao Z, Wang Z, Shi Y, Lin Z, Jiang H, Hou T, Wang Q, Yuan X, Zhao Y, Wu H, Jin Y. Modulation of Collagen Synthesis in Keloid Fibroblasts by Silencing Smad2 with siRNA. Plast Reconstr Surg 2006; 118:1328-1337. [PMID: 17051103 DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000239537.77870.2c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keloids represent a dysregulated response to cutaneous wounding that results in an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, especially types I and III collagen. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta plays a central role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis by inducing and sustaining activation of keloid fibroblast. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, the authors examined the function of Smad2, a recently characterized intracellular effector of TGF-beta signaling, in keloid fibroblasts using small interfering RNA (siRNA). METHODS Three pairs of siRNA duplexes targeting human Smad2 were designed; the most efficient one was selected and used for further research. Keloid fibroblasts were treated with or without Smad2 siRNA, and the expression levels of related genes were examined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The down-regulation of Smad2 by siRNA led to a significant decrease in mRNA levels of Smad2 in both a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. The knockdown of Smad2 expression in protein level was confirmed using immunofluorescence. The mRNA levels of types I and III procollagen were also significantly and uniquely decreased following the reduction of Smad2 by siRNA. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that Smad2 plays an important role in TGF-beta-induced fibrosis in keloids. Down-regulation of Smad2 expression in keloid fibroblasts can significantly decrease procollagen gene expression. Also, siRNA targeting Smad2 was an efficient reagent with which to reduce extracellular matrix deposition and attenuate process of fibrosis. It could be a new, promising therapeutic approach for improving skin wound healing and inhibiting progression of fibrotic conditions by interrupting the TGF-beta signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Gao
- Shanghai, People's Republic of China From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University; Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University; and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
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Berglund M, Reno C, Hart DA, Wiig M. Patterns of mRNA expression for matrix molecules and growth factors in flexor tendon injury: differences in the regulation between tendon and tendon sheath. J Hand Surg Am 2006; 31:1279-87. [PMID: 17027787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2006.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2005] [Revised: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 06/01/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Injuries to tendons, particularly flexor tendons, can lead to loss of function after healing due to adhesion formation and other complications. The aim of this study was to increase our understanding of the healing process in tendons and tendon sheaths to develop methods to affect the healing process and improve the outcome of tendon repair in the future. METHODS In a rabbit model of flexor tendon injury, tissues were harvested 3, 6, 12, and 24 days after surgery (n = 6 for each group). After RNA extraction, messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for relevant genes in tendon and tendon sheaths were measured using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Messenger RNA levels for a subset of relevant molecules at different time points after injury were compared with those of uninjured controls for tendons and tendon sheaths. RESULTS Initially after injury, there was a shift in collagen expression with a marked increase in type III mRNA levels in both the tendon and tendon sheath, whereas those for collagen I increased only in the sheath at later time points. Aggrecan and versican mRNA levels were increased in both tissues, but temporal aspects of the changes were different. The mRNA levels for biglycan and lumican were all upregulated throughout the healing interval examined, whereas those for decorin were significantly decreased throughout in the tendon more so than the sheath. The mRNA levels for basic fibroblastic growth factor and transforming growth factor beta were elevated after injury in the tendon but not in the sheath. In contrast, mRNA levels for connective tissue growth factor were unaltered or decreased in both tissues throughout the interval assessed. CONCLUSIONS Healing after injury to the rabbit flexor tendon and tendon sheath follow a reproducible pattern of gene expression; however, the pattern in the tendon is very different from that in the sheath. These findings indicate that interventions developed to improve healing of these tissues will have to address these differences, because they will likely affect the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Berglund
- Department of Hand Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Heep A, Bartmann P, Stoffel-Wagner B, Bos A, Hoving E, Brouwer O, Teelken A, Schaller C, Sival D. Cerebrospinal fluid obstruction and malabsorption in human neonatal hydrocephaly. Childs Nerv Syst 2006; 22:1249-55. [PMID: 16699804 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-006-0102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2005] [Revised: 11/07/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pathophysiology involved in human neonatal high-pressure hydrocephalus (HC) includes both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) malabsorption and obstruction. OBJECTIVE The aim was to estimate the relative contribution between CSF malabsorption and obstruction in three different etiological groups of neonatal high-pressure HC by assessment of specific CSF biomarkers indicative of growth factor- and fibrosis-related CSF malabsorption (transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1), aminoterminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (PC1NP)]. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were subdivided into three groups. Group A: spina bifida HC (n=12); group B: non-haemorrhagic triventricular HC (n=4); and group C: posthaemorrhagic HC (n=6). To exclude for confounding differences in pro-inflammatory state between the three groups, interleukin-6 (IL-6) CSF concentrations were assessed. Consecutively, the CSF concentrations of TGF beta-1 and PC1NP were compared between the different groups. RESULTS Median CSF concentrations of IL-6 were low and did not differ between groups. Median CSF concentrations of PC1NP were significantly lower in group A (median: 180 ng/ml, range 90-808) than in group C (median: 1,060, range 396-1194; p=0.002). TGF beta-1 concentrations were significantly higher in group C (median 355 pg/ml, range 129-843) than in groups A (median 103, range 78-675 pg/ml) and B (median 120 pg/ml, range 91-188; p=0.01 and 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In neonatal posthaemorrhagic HC, high concentrations of malabsorption-related biomarkers contrast with lower concentrations in SB and non-haemorrhagic triventricular HC. During the early development of high pressure HC in SB neonates, CSF biomarkers strongly indicate that CSF obstruction contributes more to the development of HC than malabsorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Heep
- Department of Neonatology, University of Bonn, Adenauerallee 119, 53113, Bonn, Germany.
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Cheng O, Thuillier R, Sampson E, Schultz G, Ruiz P, Zhang X, Yuen PST, Mannon RB. Connective tissue growth factor is a biomarker and mediator of kidney allograft fibrosis. Am J Transplant 2006; 6:2292-306. [PMID: 16889607 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) is a leading cause of kidney graft failure following transplantation. Its causes are complex and include both immunological and nonimmunological factors. Here we have studied the development of CAN in a mouse model of kidney transplantation comparing isografts and allografts. Unlike the normal histology and normal serum creatinine of the uninephrectomized, nonrejecting isografted mice (0.219 +/- 0.024 mg/dL), allografted mice demonstrated severe renal dysfunction (mean serum creatinine 0.519 +/- 0.061 mg/dL; p < 0.005) with progressive inflammation and fibrosis of the kidney. These animals also showed an increased expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), both systemically and within the graft. CTGF was highly expressed in tubuloepithelial cells of allografts, along with alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker of myofibroblasts, and transcriptionally associated with other markers of fibrosis. In vitro studies of tubular epithelium indicate that CTGF is capable of inducing EMT, independent of TGF-beta. Finally, in human transplant recipients, serum and urine CTGF levels are significantly elevated compared to naïve individuals. Urinary levels correlated with the histological presence of CAN. These studies suggest a critical role of CTGF in graft fibrogenesis, for both mouse and man. Thus, CTGF has potential as a biomarker of CAN, and also a therapeutic target in managing graft fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Biopsy
- Blotting, Western
- Cells, Cultured
- Connective Tissue Growth Factor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Fibrosis/complications
- Fibrosis/metabolism
- Fibrosis/pathology
- Gene Expression
- Graft Rejection/complications
- Graft Rejection/metabolism
- Graft Rejection/pathology
- Humans
- Immediate-Early Proteins/genetics
- Immediate-Early Proteins/immunology
- Immediate-Early Proteins/metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/immunology
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/etiology
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/metabolism
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/pathology
- Kidney Transplantation/pathology
- Kidney Tubules/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Transplantation, Homologous
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Affiliation(s)
- O Cheng
- Transplantation Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Kydd AS, Achari Y, Lu T, Sciore P, Rattner JB, Hart DA. The healing rabbit medial collateral ligament of the knee responds to systemically administered glucocorticoids differently than the uninjured tissues of the same joint or the uninjured MCL: a paradoxical shift in impact on specific mRNA levels and MMP-13 protein expression in injured tissues. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2006; 1741:289-99. [PMID: 16023836 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2005.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2004] [Revised: 04/07/2005] [Accepted: 05/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The impact and molecular mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in connective tissues is largely unclear, even though widely used, and whether factors such as injury and inflammation modulate this response has not been elucidated. This study describes the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of mRNA levels for collagens I and III, MMP-13, biglycan, decorin, COX-2 and the glucocorticoid receptor in connective tissues of normal and injured joints in an established rabbit in vivo MCL scar model, and examines the potential mechanism(s) involved. In vitro promoter studies were performed using an MMP-13 promoter-luciferase expression construct in transient transfection assays with a rabbit synovial cell line (HIG-82) to identify sites of glucocorticoid-mediated transcriptional regulation and the promoter elements involved. The in vivo results indicate that scar tissue from different phases of healing (early inflammatory, granulation tissue and neovascular, and later remodelling phases, respectively) displays a different pattern of responsiveness to glucocorticoid treatment than uninjured tissue and that this responsiveness is gene dependent. The most significant impact was seen for genes such as collagen I, collagen III and MMP-13, all of which are involved in connective tissue structure and remodelling. The in vitro studies confirmed the apparent in vivo glucocorticoid-mediated response of MMP-13 mRNA and implicated the AP-1 site of the MMP-13 promoter in this regulation. Immunohistochemistry studies showed increased MMP-13 protein expression, consistent with the mRNA findings, following glucocorticoid treatment in injured tissue but not normal tissues. In conclusion, connective tissue responsiveness to glucocorticoid treatment varies depending on injury and the stage of healing of the tissue, and consequently, glucocorticoid-responsiveness may be modulated differently in states of injury and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison S Kydd
- McCaig Centre for Joint Injury and Arthritis Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1
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Li G, Xie Q, Shi Y, Li D, Zhang M, Jiang S, Zhou H, Lu H, Jin Y. Inhibition of connective tissue growth factor by siRNA prevents liver fibrosis in rats. J Gene Med 2006; 8:889-900. [PMID: 16652398 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a highly profibrogenic molecule implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an effective tool to silence gene expression post-transcriptionally. Therefore, we conducted an investigation to determine if intraportal vein siRNA injection targeting CTGF inhibits CTGF expression on rat liver in vivo and furthermore whether it protects the liver from liver fibrosis. METHODS Some rats received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) by subcutaneous injections every three days for six consecutive weeks, and meantime they also obtained either siRNA (0.1 mg/kg) targeting CTGF, saline or a control siRNA by intraportal vein injection to rats' liver at the same pattern. Other rats received CCl4 by subcutaneous injection for 2 weeks, followed by CCl4 and CTGF siRNA intraportal vein injection for four more weeks. RESULTS Intraportal vein injection of CTGF siRNA specifically reduced the expression of CTGF protein in rat liver, and these effects were maintained for 3 days. Six weeks after CCl4 injection, prominent upregulations were observed in the gene expressions of CTGF, type I, III collagen, laminin, tissue inhibitor metal proteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in saline or control siRNA-treated rats livers. Administrating CTGF siRNA for 4 or 6 weeks, by contrast, markedly attenuated the induction of CTGF, type I, III collagen, laminin, TIMP-1 and TGF-beta1 genes, whereas Smad2, 7 gene expression was not affected. The number of active hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) determined by the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin was also significantly decreased. The CTGF siRNA treatment markedly reduced serum procollagen type III, hepatic hydroxyproline and liver fibrosis staging. CONCLUSIONS Silencing CTGF expression with siRNA demonstrates therapeutic potential to prevent liver fibrosis by inhibiting HSC activation with consequent extracellular matrix accumulation and the upregulation of TGF-beta1 gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangming Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200092, China
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Qi W, Chen X, Polhill TS, Sumual S, Twigg S, Gilbert RE, Pollock CA. TGF-beta1 induces IL-8 and MCP-1 through a connective tissue growth factor-independent pathway. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2005; 290:F703-9. [PMID: 16204411 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00254.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) functions as an important immunomodulatory cytokine in human kidney. Evidence suggests that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is an important downstream mediator of the profibrotic effects of TGF-beta(1). However, the role of CTGF in TGF-beta(1)-induced chemokine production remains unknown. This study was undertaken to determine whether CTGF is involved in mediating TGF-beta(1)-induced chemokine production in renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured. TGF-beta(1) induced an increase in IL-8 and MCP-1 (both P < 0.05) compared with control levels. CTGF was effectively silenced using small interference RNA (siRNA) in HK-2 cells. RT-PCR and real-time PCR confirmed a 94% reduction in CTGF mRNA. In the CTGF-silenced cells, TGF-beta(1)-stimulated IL-8 and MCP-1 secretion was not altered compared with control cells. Similarly, basal secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 was not changed in CTGF-silenced cells. The direct effect of CTGF (20, 200, and 400 ng/ml) on IL-8 and MCP-1 was assessed at 24-, 48-, and 72-h time points and no stimulation was observed. Our studies further demonstrate that in the CTGF gene-silenced cells, CTGF partially mediates TGF-beta(1)-induced fibronectin and collagen IV secretion. These data suggest that TGF-beta(1) induced IL-8 and MCP-1 via CTGF-independent pathway. TGF-beta mediates both fibrosis and chemokine production in the proximal tubule of the kidney. However, CTGF plays a more specific role as a downstream mediator of TGF-beta(1)-induced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weier Qi
- Department of Medicine, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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Qi W, Chen X, Poronnik P, Pollock CA. The renal cortical fibroblast in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2005; 38:1-5. [PMID: 16230044 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2005] [Revised: 08/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Renal cortical fibroblasts have key roles in mediating intercellular communication with neighboring/infiltrating cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) and maintenance of renal tissue architecture. They express a variety of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and cell adhesion molecules, playing an active role in paracrine and autocrine interactions and regulating both fibrogenesis and the interstitial inflammatory response. They additionally have an endocrine function in the production of epoetin. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the common pathological consequence of renal injury, is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix largely due to excessive production in parallel with reduced degradation, and activated fibroblasts characterized by a myofibroblastic phenotype. Fibroblasts in the kidney may derive from resident fibroblasts, from the circulating fibroblast population or from haemopoetic progenitor or stromal cells derived from the bone marrow. Cells exhibiting a myofibroblastic phenotype may derive from these sources and from tubular cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transformation in response to renal injury. The number of interstitial myofibroblasts correlates closely with tubulointerstitial fibrosis and progressive renal failure. Hence inhibiting myofibroblast formation may be an effective strategy in attenuating the development of renal failure in kidney disease of diverse etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weier Qi
- Department of Medicine, University of Sydney, Kolling Institute, Level 3, Wallace Freeborn Professorial Block, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
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Sutherland J, Denyer M, Britland S. Motogenic substrata and chemokinetic growth factors for human skin cells. J Anat 2005; 207:67-78. [PMID: 16011545 PMCID: PMC1571500 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix remodelling and accurate spatio-temporal coordination of growth factor expression are two factors that are believed to regulate mitoses and cell migration in developing and regenerating tissues. The present quantitative videomicroscopical study examined the influence of some of the principal components of extracellular matrix and several growth factors that are known to be expressed in dermal wounds on three important facets of human skin cell behaviour in culture. Keratinocytes, melanocytes and dermal fibroblasts (and myofibroblast controls) exhibited varying degrees of substrate adhesion, division and migration depending on the composition of the culture substrate. Substrates that are recognized components of transitional matrices generally accentuated cell adhesion and proliferation, and were motogenic, when compared with serum-treated control surfaces, whereas components of more stable structures such as basement membrane had less influence. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and alpha fibroblastic growth factor (alphaFGF) all promoted cell proliferation and were chemokinetic to dermal fibroblasts, but not keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) or transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). PDGF, EGF and KGF, but not TGFbeta or alphaFGF, all enhanced proliferation of dermal keratinocytes. The same growth factors, and in addition KGF, all stimulated motility in keratinocytes, but TGFbeta and alphaFGF again had no effect. Developing a better understanding of the interdependency of factors that control crucial cell behaviour may assist those who are interested in the regulation of histogenesis and also inform the development of rational therapeutic strategies for the management of chronic and poorly healed wounds.
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Zhou G, Li C, Cai L. Advanced glycation end-products induce connective tissue growth factor-mediated renal fibrosis predominantly through transforming growth factor beta-independent pathway. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2005; 165:2033-43. [PMID: 15579446 PMCID: PMC1618728 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)63254-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a critical role in diabetic nephropathy by stimulating extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a potent inducer of ECM synthesis and increases in the diabetic kidneys. To determine the critical role of CTGF in AGE-induced ECM accumulation leading to diabetic nephropathy, rats were given AGEs by intravenous injection for 6 weeks. AGE treatment induced a significant renal ECM accumulation, as shown by increases in periodic acid-Schiff-positive materials, fibronectin, and type IV collagen (Col IV) accumulation in glomeruli, and a mild renal dysfunction, as shown by increases in urinary volume and protein content. AGE treatment also caused significant increases in renal CTGF and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 mRNA and protein expression. Direct exposure of rat mesangial cells to AGEs in vitro significantly induced increases in fibronectin and Col IV production, which could be completely prevented by pretreatment with anti-CTGF antibody. AGE treatment also significantly increased both TGF-beta 1 and CTGF mRNA expression; however, inhibition of TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression by shRNA or neutralization of TGF-beta 1 protein by anti-TGF-beta 1 antibody did not significantly prevent AGE-increased expression of CTGF mRNA and protein. These results suggest that AGE-induced CTGF expression, predominantly through a TGF-beta 1-independent pathway, plays a critical role in renal ECM accumulation leading to diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
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