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Markus V. Gut bacterial quorum sensing molecules and their association with inflammatory bowel disease: Advances and future perspectives. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 724:150243. [PMID: 38857558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an enduring inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The complexity of IBD, its profound impact on patient's quality of life, and its burden on healthcare systems necessitate continuing studies to elucidate its etiology, refine care strategies, improve treatment outcomes, and identify potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions. The discovery of a connection between IBD and gut bacterial quorum sensing (QS) molecules has opened exciting opportunities for research into IBD pathophysiology. QS molecules are small chemical messengers synthesized and released by bacteria based on population density. These chemicals are sensed not only by the microbial species but also by host cells and are essential in gut homeostasis. QS molecules are now known to interact with inflammatory pathways, therefore rendering them potential therapeutic targets for IBD management. Given these intriguing developments, the most recent research findings in this area are herein reviewed. First, the global burden of IBD and the disruptions of the gut microbiota and intestinal barrier associated with the disease are assessed. Next, the general QS mechanism and signaling molecules in the gut are discussed. Then, the roles of QS molecules and their connection with IBD are elucidated. Lastly, the review proposes potential QS-based therapeutic targets for IBD, offering insights into the future research trajectory in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Markus
- Near East University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Nicosia, TRNC Mersin 10, Turkey.
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2
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Ganzerla MD, Indolfo NDC, Oliveira LCM, Doratioto TR, Avelino TM, de Azevedo RJ, Tofani LB, Terra MF, Elias GB, de Sousa IL, Alborguetti MR, Rocco SA, Arroteia KF, Figueira ACM. Unveiling the intricacies of BPA and BPS: comprehensive insights into its toxic effects using a cutting-edge microphysiological system. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 98:105849. [PMID: 38772494 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Concerns over Bisphenol A (BPA) and its substitute, Bisphenol S (BPS), have led to innovative exploration due to potential adverse health effects. BPS, replacing BPA in some regions to avoid toxic impacts, remains insufficiently studied. Besides this, the organ-on-a-chip technology emerges as a transformative solution in drug discovery and chemiclas toxicity testing, minimizing costs and aligning with ethical standards by reducing reliance on animal models, by integrating diverse tissues and dynamic cell environments enhances precision in predicting organ function. Here, we employ a 3-organ-on-a-chip microfluidic device with skin, intestine, and liver cultures to assess the effects of BPA and BPS via topical and oral administration. Our evaluation focused on gene markers associated with carcinogenicity, systemic toxicity, and endocrine disruption. BPA exhibited expected absorption profiles, causing liver injury and genetic modulation in related pathways. BPS, a safer alternative, induced adverse effects on gene expression, particularly in topical absorption, with distinct absorption patterns. Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing BPA and BPS toxicity concerns, highlighting the crucial role of organ-on-a-chip technology in understanding associated health risks. The study promotes the organ-on-a-chip methodology as a valuable tool for safe drug development and disease treatments, offering a novel liver toxicity screening alternative to traditional animal tests. This contributes to advancing comprehension of the biological effects of these compounds, fostering improved safety assessments in human health.
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Gao M, Wu J, Zhou S, Chen Y, Wang M, He W, Jiang L, Shu Y, Wang X. Combining fecal microbiome and metabolomics reveals diagnostic biomarkers for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0401223. [PMID: 38497715 PMCID: PMC11064534 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04012-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most predominant subtypes of esophageal cancer. The characteristics of the gut microbiome and its metabolites from patients with ESCC have not been adequately studied and discussed. In this study, 40 fecal samples (20 from ESCC patients and 20 from healthy controls) were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The data sets were analyzed individually and synthesized using various bioinformatics methods. Alpha and beta diversity indicated significant differences in microbial diversity and abundance between ESCC and healthy control feces. At the genus level, the abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Sutterella, and Streptococcus was significantly increased in ESCC. At the genus level, linear discriminant analysis effect size identified two biomarkers: Bacteroides_stercoris and Prevotella_copri. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed 307 differential metabolites between ESCC and healthy control feces, with indoles and derivatives, tropane alkaloids, lipids, and lipid-like molecules in higher relative abundance in ESCC feces than in healthy control feces. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that unsaturated fatty acids (FAs), ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway were significantly associated with differential metabolite. Phenylethanolamine and despropionyl p-fluoro fentanyl could be used as reliable biomarkers to differentiate ESCC from healthy control. The correlation analysis showed that Prevotella may be involved in the synthesis of fatty acyl, carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzenes and substituted derivatives, organic oxygenates, and indoles and derivatives as metabolites. Fusicatenibacter and Lachnospira may be involved in the degradation of indoles and derivatives. Alistipes, Agathobacter, and Parabacteroides may be involved in the synthesis of indoles and derivatives with strong contributions. There is an intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and the levels of several metabolites (e.g., fatty acyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives, indoles, and derivatives). Microbial-associated metabolites can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in therapeutic exploration. Further analysis revealed that Prevotella, Alistipes, Agathobacter, and Parabacteroides might promote ESCC by regulating the synthesis of indoles and their derivatives. The results of this study provide favorable evidence for the early diagnosis of ESCC and subsequent individualized treatment and targeted interventions.IMPORTANCEWe describe for the first time the differences in fecal microbiome composition and metabolites between patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and healthy controls by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The results of this study provide a favorable basis for the early diagnosis of ESCC and subsequent targeted interventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun Wu
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siding Zhou
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Wenbo He
- Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yusheng Shu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou, China
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Tain YL, Hsu CN. The Impact of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor on Antenatal Chemical Exposure-Induced Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Programming. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4599. [PMID: 38731818 PMCID: PMC11083012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Early life exposure lays the groundwork for the risk of developing cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome in adulthood. Various environmental chemicals to which pregnant mothers are commonly exposed can disrupt fetal programming, leading to a wide range of CKM phenotypes. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) has a key role as a ligand-activated transcription factor in sensing these environmental chemicals. Activating AHR through exposure to environmental chemicals has been documented for its adverse impacts on cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as evidenced by both epidemiological and animal studies. In this review, we compile current human evidence and findings from animal models that support the connection between antenatal chemical exposures and CKM programming, focusing particularly on AHR signaling. Additionally, we explore potential AHR modulators aimed at preventing CKM syndrome. As the pioneering review to present evidence advocating for the avoidance of toxic chemical exposure during pregnancy and deepening our understanding of AHR signaling, this has the potential to mitigate the global burden of CKM syndrome in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Lin Tain
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ning Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Thome T, Vugman NA, Stone LE, Wimberly K, Scali ST, Ryan TE. A tryptophan-derived uremic metabolite/Ahr/Pdk4 axis governs skeletal muscle mitochondrial energetics in chronic kidney disease. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e178372. [PMID: 38652558 PMCID: PMC11141944 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.178372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes accumulation of uremic metabolites that negatively affect skeletal muscle. Tryptophan-derived uremic metabolites are agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which has been shown to be activated in CKD. This study investigated the role of the AHR in skeletal muscle pathology of CKD. Compared with controls with normal kidney function, AHR-dependent gene expression (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1) was significantly upregulated in skeletal muscle of patients with CKD, and the magnitude of AHR activation was inversely correlated with mitochondrial respiration. In mice with CKD, muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) was markedly impaired and strongly correlated with the serum level of tryptophan-derived uremic metabolites and AHR activation. Muscle-specific deletion of the AHR substantially improved mitochondrial OXPHOS in male mice with the greatest uremic toxicity (CKD + probenecid) and abolished the relationship between uremic metabolites and OXPHOS. The uremic metabolite/AHR/mitochondrial axis in skeletal muscle was verified using muscle-specific AHR knockdown in C57BL/6J mice harboring a high-affinity AHR allele, as well as ectopic viral expression of constitutively active mutant AHR in mice with normal renal function. Notably, OXPHOS changes in AHRmKO mice were present only when mitochondria were fueled by carbohydrates. Further analyses revealed that AHR activation in mice led to significantly increased pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (Pdk4) expression and phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme. These findings establish a uremic metabolite/AHR/Pdk4 axis in skeletal muscle that governs mitochondrial deficits in carbohydrate oxidation during CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trace Thome
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and
| | | | | | - Keon Wimberly
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and
| | - Salvatore T. Scali
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Terence E. Ryan
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and
- Center for Exercise Science and
- Myology Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Mosa FES, Alqahtani MA, El-Ghiaty MA, Barakat K, El-Kadi AOS. Identifying novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulators from clinically approved drugs: In silico screening and In vitro validation. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109958. [PMID: 38499054 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functions as a vital ligand-activated transcription factor, governing both physiological and pathophysiological processes. Notably, it responds to xenobiotics, leading to a diverse array of outcomes. In the context of drug repurposing, we present here a combined approach of utilizing structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. This approach aims to identify potential AhR modulators from Drugbank repository of clinically approved drugs. By focusing on the AhR PAS-B binding pocket, our screening protocol included binding affinities calculations, complex stability, and interactions within the binding site as a filtering method. Comprehensive evaluations of all DrugBank small molecule database revealed ten promising hits. This included flibanserin, butoconazole, luliconazole, naftifine, triclabendazole, rosiglitazone, empagliflozin, benperidol, nebivolol, and zucapsaicin. Each exhibiting diverse binding behaviors and remarkably very low binding free energy. Experimental studies further illuminated their modulation of AhR signaling, and showing that they are consistently reducing AhR activity, except for luliconazole, which intriguingly enhances the AhR activity. This work demonstrates the possibility of using computational modelling as a quick screening tool to predict new AhR modulators from extensive drug libraries. Importantly, these findings hold immense therapeutic potential for addressing AhR-associated disorders. Consequently, it offers compelling prospects for innovative interventions through drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag E S Mosa
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Alqahtani
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mahmoud A El-Ghiaty
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Ayman O S El-Kadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Sanz-Serrano J, Callewaert E, De Boever S, Drees A, Verhoeven A, Vinken M. Chemical-induced liver cancer: an adverse outcome pathway perspective. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:425-438. [PMID: 38430529 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2326479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The evaluation of the potential carcinogenicity is a key consideration in the risk assessment of chemicals. Predictive toxicology is currently switching toward non-animal approaches that rely on the mechanistic understanding of toxicity. AREAS COVERED Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) present toxicological processes, including chemical-induced carcinogenicity, in a visual and comprehensive manner, which serve as the conceptual backbone for the development of non-animal approaches eligible for hazard identification. The current review provides an overview of the available AOPs leading to liver cancer and discusses their use in advanced testing of liver carcinogenic chemicals. Moreover, the challenges related to their use in risk assessment are outlined, including the exploitation of available data, the need for semantic ontologies, and the development of quantitative AOPs. EXPERT OPINION To exploit the potential of liver cancer AOPs in the field of risk assessment, 3 immediate prerequisites need to be fulfilled. These include developing human relevant AOPs for chemical-induced liver cancer, increasing the number of AOPs integrating quantitative toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic data, and developing a liver cancer AOP network. As AOPs and other areas in the field continue to evolve, liver cancer AOPs will progress into a reliable and robust tool serving future risk assessment and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julen Sanz-Serrano
- In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Callewaert
- In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sybren De Boever
- In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annika Drees
- In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anouk Verhoeven
- In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Holloman BL, Wilson K, Cannon A, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Indole-3-carbinol attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome through activation of AhR: role of CCR2+ monocyte activation and recruitment in the regulation of CXCR2+ neutrophils in the lungs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1330373. [PMID: 38596679 PMCID: PMC11002125 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1330373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is found in cruciferous vegetables and used as a dietary supplement. It is known to act as a ligand for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In the current study, we investigated the role of AhR and the ability of I3C to attenuate LPS-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Methods To that end, we induced ARDS in wild-type C57BL/6 mice, Ccr2gfp/gfp KI/KO mice (mice deficient in the CCR2 receptor), and LyZcreAhRfl/fl mice (mice deficient in the AhR on myeloid linage cells). Additionally, mice were treated with I3C (65 mg/kg) or vehicle to investigate its efficacy to treat ARDS. Results I3C decreased the neutrophils expressing CXCR2, a receptor associated with neutrophil recruitment in the lungs. In addition, LPS-exposed mice treated with I3C revealed downregulation of CCR2+ monocytes in the lungs and lowered CCL2 (MCP-1) protein levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Loss of CCR2 on monocytes blocked the recruitment of CXCR2+ neutrophils and decreased the total number of immune cells in the lungs during ARDS. In addition, loss of the AhR on myeloid linage cells ablated I3C-mediated attenuation of CXCR2+ neutrophils and CCR2+ monocytes in the lungs from ARDS animals. Interestingly, scRNASeq showed that in macrophage/monocyte cell clusters of LPS-exposed mice, I3C reduced the expression of CXCL2 and CXCL3, which bind to CXCR2 and are involved in neutrophil recruitment to the disease site. Discussion These findings suggest that CCR2+ monocytes are involved in the migration and recruitment of CXCR2+ neutrophils during ARDS, and the AhR ligand, I3C, can suppress ARDS through the regulation of immune cell trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Prakash S. Nagarkatti
- Nagarkatti Laboratory, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Columbia, SC, United States
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Gawel K. A Review on the Role and Function of Cinnabarinic Acid, a "Forgotten" Metabolite of the Kynurenine Pathway. Cells 2024; 13:453. [PMID: 38474418 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the human body, the majority of tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway. This consists of several metabolites collectively called the kynurenines and includes, among others, kynurenic acid, L-kynurenine, or quinolinic acid. The wealth of metabolites, as well as the associated molecular targets and biological pathways, bring about a situation wherein even a slight imbalance in the kynurenine levels, both in the periphery and central nervous system, have broad consequences regarding general health. Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is the least known trace kynurenine, and its physiological and pathological roles are not widely understood. Some studies, however, indicate that it might be neuroprotective. Information on its hepatoprotective properties have also emerged, although these are pioneering studies and need to be replicated. Therefore, in this review, I aim to present and critically discuss the current knowledge on CA and its role in physiological and pathological settings to guide future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Str., 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Kim HY, Seok YS, Moon HY, Cho GJ, Ahn KH, Hong SC, Oh MJ, Kim HJ. The Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Vascular Factors Related to Preeclampsia in a Smoking Mouse Model. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:741-752. [PMID: 38248350 PMCID: PMC10814390 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Smoking cigarettes is known to lower the risk of preeclampsia. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of smoking on the expression of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endoglin (sEng)-1 and the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in pregnant mice. We developed a smoking mouse model using a gas-filling system. One or two cigarettes per day were exposed to each of the five pregnant mice for five days a week throughout pregnancy. AhR agonist and antagonist were injected. Serum levels and expression in the placenta of sFlt-1, VEGF, and sEng-1 were analyzed and compared among the cigarette smoke and no-exposure groups after delivery. Compared to the no-smoke exposure group, the serum level of sFlt-1 was significantly decreased in the two-cigarette-exposed group (p < 0.001). When the AhR antagonist was added to the two-cigarette-exposed group, sFlt-1 levels were significantly increased compared to the two-cigarette group (p = 0.002). The levels of sFlt-1 in the AhR antagonist group did not change regardless of two-cigarette exposure (p = 0.064). With the AhR agonist, sFlt-1 decreased significantly compared to the control (p = 0.001) and AhR antagonist group (p = 0.002). The sFlt-1 level was significantly decreased after the injection of the AhR agonist compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Serum levels of VEGF were significantly decreased in the one-cigarette-exposed group compared to the control group; however, there was no difference between the control and the two-cigarette-exposed groups. The placental expression of sFlt-1, VEGF, and sEng were inconsistent. This study offers insights into the potential role of AhR on antiangiogenic sFlt-1 associated with preeclampsia. It may support the invention of a new treatment strategy for preeclampsia using AhR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Yeon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Ye-Seon Seok
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye-Yeon Moon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Geum-Joon Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Ki-Hoon Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Soon-Cheol Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Min-Jeong Oh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
| | - Hai-Joong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (H.-Y.K.); (H.-Y.M.); (K.-H.A.); (S.-C.H.); (H.-J.K.)
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Kou Z, Tran F, Dai W. Heavy metals, oxidative stress, and the role of AhR signaling. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 482:116769. [PMID: 38007072 PMCID: PMC10988536 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor pivotal in responding to environmental stress and maintaining cellular homeostasis. Exposure to specific xenobiotics or industrial compounds in the environment activates AhR and its subsequent signaling, inducing oxidative stress and related toxicity. Past research has also identified and characterized several classes of endogenous ligands, particularly some tryptophan (Trp) metabolic/catabolic products, that act as AhR agonists, influencing a variety of physiological and pathological states, including the modulation of immune responses and cell death. Heavy metals, being non-essential elements in the human body, are generally perceived as toxic and hazardous, originating either naturally or from industrial activities. Emerging evidence indicates that heavy metals significantly influence AhR activation and its downstream signaling. This review consolidates current knowledge on the modulation of the AhR signaling pathway by heavy metals, explores the consequences of co-exposure to AhR ligands and heavy metals, and investigates the interplay between oxidative stress and AhR activation, focusing on the regulation of immune responses and ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Kou
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 341 East 25(th) Street, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Franklin Tran
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 341 East 25(th) Street, New York, NY 10010, United States of America
| | - Wei Dai
- Division of Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, 341 East 25(th) Street, New York, NY 10010, United States of America.
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Lunjani N, Ambikan AT, Hlela C, Levin M, Mankahla A, Heldstab‐Kast JI, Boonpiyathad T, Tan G, Altunbulakli C, Gray C, Nadeau KC, Neogi U, Akdis CA, O'Mahony L. Rural and urban exposures shape early life immune development in South African children with atopic dermatitis and nonallergic children. Allergy 2024; 79:65-79. [PMID: 37534631 PMCID: PMC10952395 DOI: 10.1111/all.15832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunological traits and functions have been consistently associated with environmental exposures and are thought to shape allergic disease susceptibility and protection. In particular, specific exposures in early life may have more significant effects on the developing immune system, with potentially long-term impacts. METHODS We performed RNA-Seq on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 150 children with atopic dermatitis and healthy nonallergic children in rural and urban settings from the same ethnolinguistic AmaXhosa background in South Africa. We measured environmental exposures using questionnaires. RESULTS A distinct PBMC gene expression pattern was observed in those children with atopic dermatitis (132 differentially expressed genes [DEGs]). However, the predominant influences on the immune cell transcriptome were related to early life exposures including animals, time outdoors, and types of cooking and heating fuels. Sample clustering revealed two rural groups (Rural_1 and Rural_2) that separated from the urban group (3413 and 2647 DEGs, respectively). The most significantly regulated pathways in Rural_1 children were related to innate activation of the immune system (e.g., TLR and cytokine signaling), changes in lymphocyte polarization (e.g., TH17 cells), and immune cell metabolism (i.e., oxidative phosphorylation). The Rural_2 group displayed evidence for ongoing lymphocyte activation (e.g., T cell receptor signaling), with changes in immune cell survival and proliferation (e.g., mTOR signaling, insulin signaling). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of the exposome on immune development in early life and identifies potentially protective (e.g., animal) exposures and potentially detrimental (e.g., pollutant) exposures that impact key immunological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonhlanhla Lunjani
- Division of DermatologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Anoop T. Ambikan
- The Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska Institute, ANA FuturaStockholmSweden
| | - Carol Hlela
- Division of DermatologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Levin
- Division of Paediatric Allergy, Department of Paediatrics and Child HealthUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Avumile Mankahla
- The Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and PharmacologyWalter Sisulu UniversityMthathaEastern CapeSouth Africa
| | | | - Tadech Boonpiyathad
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of ZurichDavosSwitzerland
| | - Ge Tan
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of ZurichDavosSwitzerland
| | - Can Altunbulakli
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of ZurichDavosSwitzerland
| | - Clive Gray
- Division of ImmunologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kari C. Nadeau
- Department of Environmental HealthHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - Ujjwal Neogi
- The Systems Virology Lab, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska Institute, ANA FuturaStockholmSweden
| | - Cezmi A. Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of ZurichDavosSwitzerland
- Christine Kühne‐Center for Allergy Research and EducationDavosSwitzerland
| | - Liam O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome IrelandUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Department of MedicineUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- School of MicrobiologyUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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13
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Szychowski KA, Skóra B. Involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in the mechanism of action of elastin-derived peptide (VGVAPG) and its impact on neurosteroidogenesis. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105615. [PMID: 37769996 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor from the family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. Several studies have indicated an important role of AhR signaling pathways in senescence, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. During aging, elastin is degraded and elastin-derived peptides (EDPs) are formed. EDPs have been detected in human blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid. Literature data suggest a role of EDPs in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the impact of EDPs on the AhR signaling pathway has never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of our paper was to study the role of AhR in the mechanism of action of the VGVAPG peptide (one of the EDPs) in mouse primary astrocytes in vitro. Our experiments have shown that AhR plays an important role in the EDP mechanism of action in a model of mouse primary astrocytes. Moreover, due to the involvement of Sirt3, Pparγ, AhR, Glb1, Nf-κb1, Ece1, Ide, and Nepr genes and the production and release of neurosteroids, VGVAPG can accelerate the development of neurodegenerative diseases in which the proper metabolism of astrocytes is crucial. Furthermore, our studies have proved that AhR is likely involved in the co-control of the Sirt1, Glb1, Nf-κb1, Ece1, and Nepr expression in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad A Szychowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225, Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Bartosz Skóra
- Department of Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225, Rzeszow, Poland
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14
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Kim A, Xie F, Abed OA, Moon JJ. Vaccines for immune tolerance against autoimmune disease. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115140. [PMID: 37980949 PMCID: PMC10757742 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence and rising incidence of autoimmune diseases have become a prominent public health issue. Autoimmune disorders result from the immune system erroneously attacking the body's own healthy cells and tissues, causing persistent inflammation, tissue injury, and impaired organ function. Existing treatments primarily rely on broad immunosuppression, leaving patients vulnerable to infections and necessitating lifelong treatments. To address these unmet needs, an emerging frontier of vaccine development aims to restore immune equilibrium by inducing immune tolerance to autoantigens, offering a potential avenue for a cure rather than mere symptom management. We discuss this burgeoning field of vaccine development against inflammation and autoimmune diseases, with a focus on common autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Vaccine-based strategies provide a new pathway for the future of autoimmune disease therapeutics, heralding a new era in the battle against inflammation and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Omar A Abed
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
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15
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Rakateli L, Huchzermeier R, van der Vorst EPC. AhR, PXR and CAR: From Xenobiotic Receptors to Metabolic Sensors. Cells 2023; 12:2752. [PMID: 38067179 PMCID: PMC10705969 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, xenobiotic receptors are known for their role in chemical sensing and detoxification, as receptor activation regulates the expression of various key enzymes and receptors. However, recent studies have highlighted that xenobiotic receptors also play a key role in the regulation of lipid metabolism and therefore function also as metabolic sensors. Since dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for various cardiometabolic diseases, like atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it is of major importance to understand the molecular mechanisms that are regulated by xenobiotic receptors. In this review, three major xenobiotic receptors will be discussed, being the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), pregnane X receptor (PXR) and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). Specifically, this review will focus on recent insights into the metabolic functions of these receptors, especially in the field of lipid metabolism and the associated dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonida Rakateli
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (L.R.); (R.H.)
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for CardioRenal Disease (AMICARE), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Rosanna Huchzermeier
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (L.R.); (R.H.)
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for CardioRenal Disease (AMICARE), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Emiel P. C. van der Vorst
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (L.R.); (R.H.)
- Aachen-Maastricht Institute for CardioRenal Disease (AMICARE), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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16
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Haidar R, Shabo R, Moeser M, Luch A, Kugler J. The nuclear entry of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) relies on the first nuclear localization signal and can be negatively regulated through IMPα/β specific inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19668. [PMID: 37951956 PMCID: PMC10640566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) undergoes continuous shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm. Binding to exogenous or endogenous ligands promotes its rapid nuclear import. The proposed mechanism for the ligand-dependent import is based on exposing the bipartite nuclear localisation signal (NLS) to members of the importin (IMP) superfamily. Among this, the molecular interactions involved in the basal import still need to be clarified. Utilizing fluorescently fused AHR variants, we recapitulated and characterized AHR localization and nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling in living cells. Analysis of AHR variants carrying NLS point mutations demonstrated a mandatory role of first (13RKRRK17) and second (37KR-R40) NLS segments on the basal import of AHR. Further experiments indicated that ligand-induced import is mainly regulated through the first NLS, while the second NLS is supportive but not essential. Additionally, applying IMPα/β specific inhibitors, ivermectin (IVM) and importazole (IPZ), slowed down the ligand-induced import and, correspondingly, decreased the basal nuclear accumulation of the receptor. In conclusion, our data show that ligand-induced and basal nuclear entry of AHR rely on the same mechanism but are controlled uniquely by the two NLS components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Haidar
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Reneh Shabo
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Moeser
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Luch
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Kugler
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Berlin, Germany
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17
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Spencer RK, Jin JQ, Elhage KG, Davis MS, Liao W, Bhutani T. Management of Plaque Psoriasis in Adults: Clinical Utility of Tapinarof Cream. PSORIASIS (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2023; 13:59-69. [PMID: 37905185 PMCID: PMC10613418 DOI: 10.2147/ptt.s393997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Topical medications represent the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of psoriasis. However, topical steroids are mainly limited to short-term or intermittent use, and traditional non-steroidal topicals such as vitamin D analogues, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and topical retinoids are limited by low efficacy and poor local skin tolerability. Tapinarof (GSK2894512, DMVT-505) is a novel, topical aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, which was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Tapinarof acts to improve psoriasis through diminished IL-17A production by CD4+ T cells, increased barrier gene expression in keratinocytes, and reduced production of reactive oxygen species. Both short-term and long-term efficacy and safety have been evaluated in two Phase II and two Phase III (PSOARING 1 and 2) clinical trials in addition to a long-term extension study (PSOARING 3). Overall, the drug has shown beneficial effects in achieving clear skin in adults with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, good local tolerability, and also a long duration of effect even after discontinuation of the drug. Therefore, this therapy provides a new, highly effective and safe non-steroidal option to add to our psoriasis treatment toolbox for both initial clearance and long-term maintenance of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley K Spencer
- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joy Q Jin
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kareem G Elhage
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mitchell S Davis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wilson Liao
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tina Bhutani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Peng B, Dong Q, Li F, Wang T, Qiu X, Zhu T. A Systematic Review of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives: Occurrences, Levels, Biotransformation, Exposure Biomarkers, and Toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:15314-15335. [PMID: 37703436 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivatives constitute a significant class of emerging contaminants that have been ubiquitously detected in diverse environmental matrixes, with some even exhibiting higher toxicities than their corresponding parent PAHs. To date, compared with parent PAHs, fewer systematic summaries and reanalyses are available for PAH derivatives with great environmental concerns. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the chemical species, levels, biotransformation patterns, chemical analytical methods, internal exposure routes with representative biomarkers, and toxicity of PAH derivatives, primarily focusing on nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), halogenated PAHs (XPAHs), and alkylated PAHs (APAHs). A collection of 188 compounds from four categories, 44 NPAHs, 36 OPAHs, 56 APAHs, and 52 XPAHs, has been compiled from 114 studies that documented the environmental presence of PAH derivatives. These compounds exhibited weighted average air concentrations that varied from a lower limit of 0.019 pg/m3 to a higher threshold of 4060 pg/m3. Different analytical methods utilizing comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOF-MS), gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC × GC-QQQ-MS), and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS), that adopted untargeted strategies for the identification of PAH derivatives are also reviewed here. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of biotransformation patterns for each category is provided, including the likelihood of specific biotransformation reaction types. For the toxicity, we primarily summarized key metabolic activation pathways, which could result in the formation of reactive metabolites capable of covalently bonding with DNA and tissue proteins, and potential health outcomes such as carcinogenicity and genotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation and immunotoxicity, and developmental toxicity that might be mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Finally, we pinpoint research challenges and emphasize the need for further studies on identifying PAH derivatives, tracking external exposure levels, evaluating internal exposure levels and associated toxicity, clarifying exposure routes, and considering mixture exposure effects. This review aims to provide a broad understanding of PAH derivatives' identification, environmental occurrence, human exposure, biotransformation, and toxicity, offering a valuable reference for guiding future research in this underexplored area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Peng
- SKL-ESPC and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Qianli Dong
- SKL-ESPC and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Fangzhou Li
- SKL-ESPC and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Teng Wang
- SKL-ESPC and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xinghua Qiu
- SKL-ESPC and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- SKL-ESPC and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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19
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Alluli A, Rijnbout St James W, Eidelman DH, Baglole CJ. Dynamic relationship between the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and long noncoding RNA balances cellular and toxicological responses. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115745. [PMID: 37597813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytosolic transcription factor activated by endogenous ligands and xenobiotic chemicals. Once the AhR is activated, it translocates to the nucleus, dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translator (ARNT) and binds to xenobiotic response elements (XRE) to promote gene transcription, notably the cytochrome P450 CYP1A1. The AhR not only mediates the toxic effects of environmental chemicals, but also has numerous putative physiological functions. This dichotomy in AhR biology may be related to reciprocal regulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). lncRNA are defined as transcripts more than 200 nucleotides in length that do not encode a protein but are implicated in many physiological processes such as cell differentiation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. lncRNA are also linked to disease pathogenesis, particularly the development of cancer. Recent studies have revealed that AhR activation by environmental chemicals affects the expression and function of lncRNA. In this article, we provide an overview of AhR signaling pathways activated by diverse ligands and highlight key differences in the putative biological versus toxicological response of AhR activation. We also detail the functions of lncRNA and provide current data on their regulation by the AhR. Finally, we outline how overlap in function between AhR and lncRNA may be one way in which AhR can be both a regulator of endogenous functions but also a mediator of toxicological responses to environmental chemicals. Overall, more research is still needed to fully understand the dynamic interplay between the AhR and lncRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aeshah Alluli
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Canada
| | - Willem Rijnbout St James
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, Canada; Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Canada.
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20
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Shankar P, Villeneuve DL. AOP Report: Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation Leads to Early-Life Stage Mortality via Sox9 Repression-Induced Craniofacial and Cardiac Malformations. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2063-2077. [PMID: 37341548 PMCID: PMC10772968 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptors (Ahrs) are evolutionarily conserved ligand-dependent transcription factors that are activated by structurally diverse endogenous compounds as well as environmental chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons. Activation of the Ahr leads to several transcriptional changes that can cause developmental toxicity resulting in mortality. Evidence was assembled and evaluated for two novel adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) which describe how Ahr activation (molecular initiating event) can lead to early-life stage mortality (adverse outcome), via either SOX9-mediated craniofacial malformations (AOP 455) or cardiovascular toxicity (AOP 456). Using a key event relationship (KER)-by-KER approach, we collected evidence using both a narrative search and a systematic review based on detailed search terms. Weight of evidence for each KER was assessed to inform overall confidence of the AOPs. The AOPs link to previous descriptions of Ahr activation and connect them to two novel key events (KEs), increase in slincR expression, a newly characterized long noncoding RNA with regulatory functions, and suppression of SOX9, a critical transcription factor implicated in chondrogenesis and cardiac development. In general, confidence levels for KERs ranged between medium and strong, with few inconsistencies, as well as several opportunities for future research identified. While the majority of KEs have only been demonstrated in zebrafish with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin as an Ahr activator, evidence suggests that the two AOPs likely apply to most vertebrates and many Ahr-activating chemicals. Addition of the AOPs into the AOP-Wiki (https://aopwiki.org/) helps expand the growing Ahr-related AOP network to 19 individual AOPs, of which six are endorsed or in progress and the remaining 13 relatively underdeveloped. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2063-2077. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Shankar
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
- University of Wisconsin Madison Sea Grant Fellow at Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
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21
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Oljuskin T, Azodi N, Volpedo G, Bhattacharya P, Markle HL, Hamano S, Matlashewski G, Satoskar AR, Gannavaram S, Nakhasi HL. Leishmania major centrin knock-out parasites reprogram tryptophan metabolism to induce a pro-inflammatory response. iScience 2023; 26:107593. [PMID: 37744403 PMCID: PMC10517402 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that is prevalent in 90 countries, and yet no licensed human vaccine exists against it. Toward control of leishmaniasis, we have developed Leishmania major centrin gene deletion mutant strains (LmCen-/-) as a live attenuated vaccine, which induces a strong IFN-γ-mediated protection to the host. However, the immune mechanisms of such protection remain to be understood. Metabolomic reprogramming of the host cells following Leishmania infection has been shown to play a critical role in pathogenicity and shaping the immune response following infection. Here, we applied untargeted mass spectrometric analysis to study the metabolic changes induced by infection with LmCen-/- and compared those with virulent L. major parasite infection to identify the immune mechanism of protection. Our data show that immunization with LmCen-/- parasites, in contrast to virulent L. major infection promotes a pro-inflammatory response by utilizing tryptophan to produce melatonin and downregulate anti-inflammatory kynurenine-AhR and FICZ-AhR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timur Oljuskin
- Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Nazli Azodi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Greta Volpedo
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Parna Bhattacharya
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Hannah L. Markle
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Shinjiro Hamano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), The Joint Usage/Research Center on Tropical Disease, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Leadership Program, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Greg Matlashewski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Abhay R. Satoskar
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sreenivas Gannavaram
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Hira L. Nakhasi
- Division of Emerging and Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
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22
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Stukas D, Jasukaitiene A, Bartkeviciene A, Matthews J, Maimets T, Teino I, Jaudzems K, Gulbinas A, Dambrauskas Z. Targeting AHR Increases Pancreatic Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Gemcitabine through the ELAVL1-DCK Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13155. [PMID: 37685961 PMCID: PMC10487468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that is commonly upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). AHR hinders the shuttling of human antigen R (ELAVL1) from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it stabilises its target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and enhances protein expression. Among these target mRNAs are those induced by gemcitabine. Increased AHR expression leads to the sequestration of ELAVL1 in the nucleus, resulting in chemoresistance. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between AHR and ELAVL1 in the pathogenesis of PDAC in vitro. AHR and ELAVL1 genes were silenced by siRNA transfection. The RNA and protein were extracted for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB) analysis. Direct binding between the ELAVL1 protein and AHR mRNA was examined through immunoprecipitation (IP) assay. Cell viability, clonogenicity, and migration assays were performed. Our study revealed that both AHR and ELAVL1 inter-regulate each other, while also having a role in cell proliferation, migration, and chemoresistance in PDAC cell lines. Notably, both proteins function through distinct mechanisms. The silencing of ELAVL1 disrupts the stability of its target mRNAs, resulting in the decreased expression of numerous cytoprotective proteins. In contrast, the silencing of AHR diminishes cell migration and proliferation and enhances cell sensitivity to gemcitabine through the AHR-ELAVL1-deoxycytidine kinase (DCK) molecular pathway. In conclusion, AHR and ELAVL1 interaction can form a negative feedback loop. By inhibiting AHR expression, PDAC cells become more susceptible to gemcitabine through the ELAVL1-DCK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Stukas
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Aldona Jasukaitiene
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Arenida Bartkeviciene
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Jason Matthews
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Indrek Teino
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia; (T.M.); (I.T.)
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Antanas Gulbinas
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
| | - Zilvinas Dambrauskas
- Surgical Gastroenterology Laboratory, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (A.B.); (A.G.); (Z.D.)
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Zhang G, Xia Z, Tian C, Xia A, You J, Liu J, Yang S, Li L. Discovery of 5-((1H-indazol-3-yl) methylene)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one derivatives as a new class of AHR agonists with anti-psoriasis activity in a mouse model. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023:129383. [PMID: 37348572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand dependent transcription factor and participates in the regulation of the immune balance of Th17/22 and Treg cells. It has been found to be widely expressed in the skin, and involved in the pathology of psoriasis. Therefore, AHR is thought as a potential intervention target for psoriasis. Here, we report the discovery of 5-((1H-indazol-3-yl) methylene)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one derivatives as a new class of AHR agonists. Structure-activity relationship analyses led to the identification of the most active compound, 5- ((1H-indazol-3-yl)methylene) -3- (prop-2-yn-1-yl) -2-thiooimidazolidin-4-one (24e), which exhibited an EC50 value of 0.015 µM against AHR. Mechanism of action studies showed that 24e regulated the expression of CYP1A1 by activating the AHR pathway. Topical administration of 24e substantially alleviated imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like skin lesion. Overall, compound 24e could be a good lead compound for drug discovery against psoriasis, and hence deserving further in-depth studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ziyi Xia
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chenyu Tian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Anjie Xia
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Research Laboratory of Macular Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jing You
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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24
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Liu HY, Lee CH, Hsu CN, Tain YL. Maternal High-Fat Diet Controls Offspring Kidney Health and Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:2698. [PMID: 37375602 DOI: 10.3390/nu15122698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A balanced diet during gestation is critical for fetal development, and excessive intake of saturated fats during gestation and lactation is related to an increased risk of offspring kidney disease. Emerging evidence indicates that a maternal high-fat diet influences kidney health and disease of the offspring via so-called renal programming. This review summarizes preclinical research documenting the connection between a maternal high-fat diet during gestation and lactation and offspring kidney disease, as well as the molecular mechanisms behind renal programming, and early-life interventions to offset adverse programming processes. Animal models indicate that offspring kidney health can be improved via perinatal polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation, gut microbiota changes, and modulation of nutrient-sensing signals. These findings reinforce the significance of a balanced maternal diet for the kidney health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsi-Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hao Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ning Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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25
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Jeon HJ, Kim C, Kim K, Lee SE. Piperlongumine treatment impacts heart and liver development and causes developmental delay in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 258:114995. [PMID: 37167734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Piperlongumine (PL) and piperine (PP) are alkaloids presented in long pepper (Piper longum), and they exhibit various biological activities, especially anti-cancer properties. With these regards, they are considered as future medicines with high potential. Even they are exposed to humans such a long time, their potential toxicities in the environment have not been studied. Therefore, their ecological toxicities were assessed using zebrafish embryos. PP showed low mortality and no abnormal phenotype up to 10 µM. However, PL exhibited strong acute toxicity at the concentration of 5-10 µM ranges, and abnormal development were frequently found in the range of 1-2.5 µM with pericardial and yolk sac edemas. In transgenic zebrafish embryos, PL induced an increase in the number of intersegmental vessels and delayed the early-stage development. PL treatment affected heart formation and heart rate. The presence of PL induced the expression of cytokines, inflammatory markers, and inflammasome in the embryos. The PL treatment changed the mRNA levels of the ER stress and apoptosis-related genes. In addition, ROS production was observed during early-stage development of PL-treated zebrafish embryos. These results indicate that developing PL as a medicine would require extremely meticulous strategies to prevent potential toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwang-Ju Jeon
- Red River Research Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Bossier City, LA, USA
| | - Chaeeun Kim
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongnam Kim
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Lee
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrative Biology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
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26
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Zhang Y, Feng X, Chen J, Liu J, Wu J, Tan H, Mi Z, Rong P. Controversial role of ILC3s in intestinal diseases: A novelty perspective on immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1134636. [PMID: 37063879 PMCID: PMC10090672 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1134636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
ILC3s have been identified as crucial immune regulators that play a role in maintaining host homeostasis and modulating the antitumor response. Emerging evidence supports the idea that LTi cells play an important role in initiating lymphoid tissue development, while other ILC3s can promote host defense and orchestrate adaptive immunity, mainly through the secretion of specific cytokines and crosstalk with other immune cells or tissues. Additionally, dysregulation of ILC3-mediated overexpression of cytokines, changes in subset abundance, and conversion toward other ILC subsets are closely linked with the occurrence of tumors and inflammatory diseases. Regulation of ILC3 cytokines, ILC conversion and LTi-induced TLSs may be a novel strategy for treating tumors and intestinal or extraintestinal inflammatory diseases. Herein, we discuss the development of ILCs, the biology of ILC3s, ILC plasticity, the correlation of ILC3s and adaptive immunity, crosstalk with the intestinal microenvironment, controversial roles of ILC3s in intestinal diseases and potential applications for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunshu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuefei Feng
- Department of Government & Public Administration, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiahao Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianmin Wu
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongpei Tan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ze Mi
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Ze Mi, ; Pengfei Rong,
| | - Pengfei Rong
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology of National Health Commission, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Ze Mi, ; Pengfei Rong,
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27
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Targeted Therapy and Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041320. [PMID: 36831661 PMCID: PMC9954028 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Multidrug resistance (MDR) has been a large hurdle in reducing BC death rates. The drug resistance mechanisms include increased drug efflux, enhanced DNA repair, senescence escape, epigenetic alterations, tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which make it challenging to overcome. This review aims to explain the mechanisms of resistance in BC further, identify viable drug targets, and elucidate how those targets relate to the progression of BC and drug resistance.
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28
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Markus V, Paul AA, Teralı K, Özer N, Marks RS, Golberg K, Kushmaro A. Conversations in the Gut: The Role of Quorum Sensing in Normobiosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043722. [PMID: 36835135 PMCID: PMC9963693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance in gut microbiota, termed dysbiosis, has been shown to affect host health. Several factors, including dietary changes, have been reported to cause dysbiosis with its associated pathologies that include inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, obesity, depression, and autism. We recently demonstrated the inhibitory effects of artificial sweeteners on bacterial quorum sensing (QS) and proposed that QS inhibition may be one mechanism behind such dysbiosis. QS is a complex network of cell-cell communication that is mediated by small diffusible molecules known as autoinducers (AIs). Using AIs, bacteria interact with one another and coordinate their gene expression based on their population density for the benefit of the whole community or one group over another. Bacteria that cannot synthesize their own AIs secretly "listen" to the signals produced by other bacteria, a phenomenon known as "eavesdropping". AIs impact gut microbiota equilibrium by mediating intra- and interspecies interactions as well as interkingdom communication. In this review, we discuss the role of QS in normobiosis (the normal balance of bacteria in the gut) and how interference in QS causes gut microbial imbalance. First, we present a review of QS discovery and then highlight the various QS signaling molecules used by bacteria in the gut. We also explore strategies that promote gut bacterial activity via QS activation and provide prospects for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Markus
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia 99138, Cyprus
| | - Abraham Abbey Paul
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Kerem Teralı
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus International University, Nicosia 99258, Cyprus
| | - Nazmi Özer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Girne American University, Kyrenia 99428, Cyprus
| | - Robert S. Marks
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Ilse Katz Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Karina Golberg
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- Correspondence: (K.G.); (A.K.); Tel.: +972-74-7795293 (K.G.); +972-747795291 (A.K.)
| | - Ariel Kushmaro
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- The Ilse Katz Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva 84105, Israel
- Correspondence: (K.G.); (A.K.); Tel.: +972-74-7795293 (K.G.); +972-747795291 (A.K.)
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29
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In Vitro and Predictive Computational Toxicology Methods for the Neurotoxic Pesticide Amitraz and Its Metabolites. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020252. [PMID: 36831795 PMCID: PMC9954107 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Varroa destructor parasite is responsible for varroasis in honeybees worldwide, the most destructive disease among parasitic diseases. Thus, different insecticides/acaricides have been widely used within beehives to control these parasitic diseases. Namely, amitraz is the most used acaricide due to its high efficacy shown against Varroa destructor. However, pesticides used for beehive treatments could be incorporated into the honey and accumulate in other hive products. Hence, honeybee health and the impairment of the quality of honey caused by pesticides have gained more attention. Amitraz and its main metabolites, N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl) formamide (2,4-DMF) and 2,4-dimethylaniline (2,4-DMA), are known to be potent neurotoxicants. In this research, the cytotoxicity of amitraz and its metabolites has been assessed by MTT and PC assays in HepG2 cells. In addition, possible target receptors by in silico strategies have been surveyed. Results showed that amitraz was more cytotoxic than its metabolites. According to the in silico ADMEt assays, amitraz and its metabolites were predicted to be compounds that are able to pass the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and induce toxicity in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The main target class predicted for amitraz was the family of A G protein-coupled receptors that comprises responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. This affects, among other things, reproduction, development, locomotion, and feeding. Furthermore, amitraz and its metabolites were predicted as active compounds interacting with diverse receptors of the Tox21-nuclear receptor signaling and stress response pathways.
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Szekerczés T, Selvam AK, Moro CF, Elduayen SP, Dillner J, Björnstedt M, Ghaderi M. Exploration of Patient-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Ex Vivo Tissue for Treatment Response. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12010167. [PMID: 36671030 PMCID: PMC9855166 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12010167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived tissue culture models are valuable tools to investigate drug effects and targeted treatment approaches. Resected tumor slices cultured ex vivo have recently gained interest in precision medicine, since they reflect the complex microenvironment of cancer tissue. In this study, we examined the treatment response to an internally developed ex vivo tissue culture model from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and in vitro analysis. Seven PDAC tissues were cultured and subsequently treated with indole-3-pyruvic acid (IPA). IPA, which is known as an agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, has antioxidant properties. Genome-wide transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed activation of AHR pathway genes (CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, significant upregulation of AHR repressor genes AHRR and TiPARP was also observed (p ≤ 0.05), which is indicative of the negative feedback loop activation of AHR pathway signaling. The overall transcriptomic response to IPA indicated that the tissues are biologically active and respond accordingly to exogenous treatment. Cell culture analysis confirmed the significant induction of selected AHR genes by IPA. A morphological examination of the paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed tissue did not show obvious signs of IPA treatment related to tumor cell damage. This study is a proof of concept that ex vivo patient-derived tissue models offer a valuable tool in precision medicine to monitor the effect of personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Szekerczés
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Arun Kumar Selvam
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soledad Pouso Elduayen
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Dillner
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mehran Ghaderi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 141 52 Huddinge, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (M.G.)
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31
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Wu H, Bao Y, Yan T, Huang H, Jiang P, Zhang Z, Li L, Wu Q. PAH-induced metabolic changes related to inflammation in childhood asthma. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:13739-13754. [PMID: 36136199 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23091-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that PAHs may exert adverse effects on childhood asthma. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate this process in view of metabolic pathways, especially one-carbon metabolism and tryptophan metabolism. Fifty asthmatic children and 50 control subjects were recruited for this study. Serum IgE and IL-17A levels were detected by ELISA. Serum PAH concentrations were measured by GC-MS. One-carbon-related metabolites and tryptophan metabolites were determined by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS. DNA methylation was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing PCR. ChIP assays were used to examine H3K4me3 enrichment on IL-17A gene. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate the association between PAHs and childhood asthma mediated by intermediators. HE staining in lung tissue, IgE and IL-17A in BALF, metabolic profiles in urine, and Ahr, Il-17a, and Cyp1a1 gene expression were determined in PAH-exposed mice. Serum Fla level was associated with childhood asthma (OR = 1.380, 95% CI: 1.063-1.792), and had a great effect on one-carbon metabolites, especially SAH, SAM, and Ser, which exerted significant mediation effects on the relationship between the Fla concentration and asthma. Moreover, we did find significant mediation effects between serum Fla and asthma by LINE-1 DNA methylation and H3K4me3 levels in the IL-17A promoter region. The differential Trp metabolites, such as Trp, tryptamine, IA, IAA, indole, IAld, and IAAld, indicated that asthmatic children had increased indole-AhR pathway. Mediation analysis failed to show a mediator effect of Trp metabolites in the association between PAHs and childhood asthma. An animal study confirmed that PAH exposure increased methylation levels, and altered Trp metabolite-AhR-IL-17A axis, which may be influenced by gender. PAHs disturbed one-carbon metabolism to influence the methyl group refilling DNA methylation and histone methylation, and disturbed tryptophan metabolism to regulate Th17-cell differentiation, which may elevate serum IL-17A concentration in asthmatic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health and Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuling Bao
- Department of Respiratory, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Tongtong Yan
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health and Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health and Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health and Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Lei Li
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health and Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qian Wu
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health and Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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32
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Riaz F, Pan F, Wei P. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: The master regulator of immune responses in allergic diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057555. [PMID: 36601108 PMCID: PMC9806217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a widely studied ligand-activated cytosolic transcriptional factor that has been associated with the initiation and progression of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and allergies. Generally, AhR responds and binds to environmental toxins/ligands, dietary ligands, and allergens to regulate toxicological, biological, cellular responses. In a canonical signaling manner, activation of AhR is responsible for the increase in cytochrome P450 enzymes which help individuals to degrade and metabolize these environmental toxins and ligands. However, canonical signaling cannot be applied to all the effects mediated by AhR. Recent findings indicate that activation of AhR signaling also interacts with some non-canonical factors like Kruppel-like-factor-6 (KLF6) or estrogen-receptor-alpha (Erα) to affect the expression of downstream genes. Meanwhile, enormous research has been conducted to evaluate the effect of AhR signaling on innate and adaptive immunity. It has been shown that AhR exerts numerous effects on mast cells, B cells, macrophages, antigen-presenting cells (APCs), Th1/Th2 cell balance, Th17, and regulatory T cells, thus, playing a significant role in allergens-induced diseases. This review discussed how AhR mediates immune responses in allergic diseases. Meanwhile, we believe that understanding the role of AhR in immune responses will enhance our knowledge of AhR-mediated immune regulation in allergic diseases. Also, it will help researchers to understand the role of AhR in regulating immune responses in autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndromes, and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Riaz
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
| | - Ping Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Ping Wei, ; Fan Pan,
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Mankovich N, Kehoe E, Peterson A, Kirby M. Pathway expression analysis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21839. [PMID: 36528702 PMCID: PMC9759056 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper introduces a pathway expression framework as an approach for constructing derived biomarkers. The pathway expression framework incorporates the biological connections of genes leading to a biologically relevant model. Using this framework, we distinguish between shedding subjects post-infection and all subjects pre-infection in human blood transcriptomic samples challenged with various respiratory viruses: H1N1, H3N2, HRV (Human Rhinoviruses), and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Additionally, pathway expression data is used for selecting discriminatory pathways from these experiments. The classification results and selected pathways are benchmarked against standard gene expression based classification and pathway ranking methodologies. We find that using the pathway expression data along with selected pathways, which have minimal overlap with high ranking pathways found by traditional methods, improves classification rates across experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Mankovich
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Colorado State University, Mathematics, Fort Collins, 80523 USA
| | - Eric Kehoe
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Colorado State University, Mathematics, Fort Collins, 80523 USA
| | - Amy Peterson
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Colorado State University, Mathematics, Fort Collins, 80523 USA
| | - Michael Kirby
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Colorado State University, Mathematics, Fort Collins, 80523 USA
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Forde B, Yao L, Shaha R, Murphy S, Lunjani N, O'Mahony L. Immunomodulation by foods and microbes: Unravelling the molecular tango. Allergy 2022; 77:3513-3526. [PMID: 35892227 PMCID: PMC10087875 DOI: 10.1111/all.15455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic health and immune function are intimately connected via diet and the microbiota. Nearly 90% of all immune cells in the body are associated with the gastrointestinal tract and these immune cells are continuously exposed to a wide range of microbes and microbial-derived compounds, with important systemic ramifications. Microbial dysbiosis has consistently been observed in patients with atopic dermatitis, food allergy and asthma and the molecular mechanisms linking changes in microbial populations with disease risk and disease endotypes are being intensively investigated. The discovery of novel bacterial metabolites that impact immune function is at the forefront of host-microbe research. Co-evolution of microbial communities within their hosts has resulted in intertwined metabolic pathways that affect physiological and pathological processes. However, recent dietary and lifestyle changes are thought to negatively influence interactions between microbes and their host. This review provides an overview of some of the critical metabolite-receptor interactions that have been recently described, which may underpin the immunomodulatory effects of the microbiota, and are of relevance for allergy, asthma and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Forde
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lu Yao
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rupin Shaha
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, UCC, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Nonhlanhla Lunjani
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland.,University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liam O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland.,School of Microbiology, UCC, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Medicine, UCC, Cork, Ireland
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35
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Martin NR, Patel R, Kossack ME, Tian L, Camarillo MA, Cintrón-Rivera LG, Gawdzik JC, Yue MS, Nwagugo FO, Elemans LMH, Plavicki JS. Proper modulation of AHR signaling is necessary for establishing neural connectivity and oligodendrocyte precursor cell development in the embryonic zebrafish brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1032302. [PMID: 36523606 PMCID: PMC9745199 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1032302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-[p]-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent global pollutant that exhibits a high affinity for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a ligand activated transcription factor. Epidemiological studies have associated AHR agonist exposure with multiple human neuropathologies. Consistent with the human data, research studies using laboratory models have linked pollutant-induced AHR activation to disruptions in learning and memory as well as motor impairments. Our understanding of endogenous AHR functions in brain development is limited and, correspondingly, scientists are still determining which cell types and brain regions are sensitive to AHR modulation. To identify novel phenotypes resulting from pollutant-induced AHR activation and ahr2 loss of function, we utilized the optically transparent zebrafish model. Early embryonic TCDD exposure impaired embryonic brain morphogenesis, resulted in ventriculomegaly, and disrupted neural connectivity in the optic tectum, habenula, cerebellum, and olfactory bulb. Altered neural network formation was accompanied by reduced expression of synaptic vesicle 2. Loss of ahr2 function also impaired nascent network development, but did not affect gross brain or ventricular morphology. To determine whether neural AHR activation was sufficient to disrupt connectivity, we used the Gal4/UAS system to express a constitutively active AHR specifically in differentiated neurons and observed disruptions only in the cerebellum; thus, suggesting that the phenotypes resulting from global AHR activation likely involve multiple cell types. Consistent with this hypothesis, we found that TCDD exposure reduced the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and their derivatives. Together, our findings indicate that proper modulation of AHR signaling is necessary for the growth and maturation of the embryonic zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R. Martin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ratna Patel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Michelle E. Kossack
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Lucy Tian
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Manuel A. Camarillo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Layra G. Cintrón-Rivera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joseph C. Gawdzik
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Monica S. Yue
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Favour O. Nwagugo
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Loes M. H. Elemans
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jessica S. Plavicki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States,*Correspondence: Jessica S. Plavicki,
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Badawy AAB, Guillemin GJ. Species Differences in Tryptophan Metabolism and Disposition. Int J Tryptophan Res 2022; 15:11786469221122511. [PMID: 36325027 PMCID: PMC9620070 DOI: 10.1177/11786469221122511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Major species differences in tryptophan (Trp) metabolism and disposition exist
with important physiological, functional and toxicity implications. Unlike
mammalian and other species in which plasma Trp exists largely bound to albumin,
teleosts and other aquatic species possess little or no albumin, such that Trp
entry into their tissues is not hampered, neither is that of environmental
chemicals and toxins, hence the need for strict measures to safeguard their
aquatic environments. In species sensitive to toxicity of excess Trp, hepatic
Trp 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) lacks the free apoenzyme and its glucocorticoid
induction mechanism. These species, which are largely herbivorous, however,
dispose of Trp more rapidly and their TDO is activated by smaller doses of Trp
than Trp-tolerant species. In general, sensitive species may possess a higher
indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity which equips them to resist immune
insults up to a point. Of the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway beyond TDO and
IDO, 2-amino-3-carboxymuconic acid-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD)
determines the extent of progress of the pathway towards NAD+
synthesis and its activity varies across species, with the domestic cat
(Felis catus) being the leading species possessing the
highest activity, hence its inability to utilise Trp for NAD+
synthesis. The paucity of current knowledge of Trp metabolism and disposition in
wild carnivores, invertebrates and many other animal species described here
underscores the need for further studies of the physiology of these species and
its interaction with Trp metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla A-B Badawy
- Formerly School of Health Sciences,
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, Wales, UK,Abdulla A-B Badawy, Formerly School of
Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff,
Wales, CF5 2YB, UK.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, MND Research
Centre, Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
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Alhamad DW, Bensreti H, Dorn J, Hill WD, Hamrick MW, McGee-Lawrence ME. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated signaling as a critical regulator of skeletal cell biology. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:R109-R124. [PMID: 35900841 PMCID: PMC9448512 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has been implicated in regulating skeletal progenitor cells and the activity of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts, thereby impacting bone mass and the risk of skeletal fractures. The AhR also plays an important role in the immune system within the skeletal niche and in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into other cell lineages including chondrocytes and adipocytes. This transcription factor responds to environmental pollutants which can act as AhR ligands, initiating or interfering with various signaling cascades to mediate downstream effects, and also responds to endogenous ligands including tryptophan metabolites. This review comprehensively describes the reported roles of the AhR in skeletal cell biology, focusing on mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, and discusses how AhR exhibits sexually dimorphic effects in bone. The molecular mechanisms mediating AhR's downstream effects are highlighted to emphasize the potential importance of targeting this signaling cascade in skeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dima W. Alhamad
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Husam Bensreti
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer Dorn
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - William D. Hill
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of South Carolina, Thurmond/Gazes Bldg-Room 506A, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29403 Charleston, SC, USA
- Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mark W. Hamrick
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Augusta University, 1460 Laney Walker Blvd CB1101, Augusta, GA, USA
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Zeng C, Cheng TT, Ma X, Liu Y, Hua J, Chen X, Wang SY, Xu YJ. The absence of AhR in CD4 + T cells in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease may be related to insufficient CTCF expression. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:109. [PMID: 36056390 PMCID: PMC9440523 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Accumulating evidence suggests that imbalanced Treg/Th17 ratio accelerates the progression of aGVHD. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor activated through cognate ligand binding. Current evidence supports that AhR plays a critical regulatory role in the differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells. However, the relationship between AhR and aGVHD remains unclear. RESULTS Our results showed that AhR expression was downregulated significantly in CD4+ T cells from patients with aGVHD compared with the non-aGVHD group. We also discovered that after activating AhR deficient CD4+ T cells, the expression levels of the activation markers-CD40L, CD134 and CD137 and cell proliferation activity were significantly higher than those of AhR-expressing CD4+ T cells. Restoring the expression of AhR in aGVHD CD4+ T cells resulted in significantly increased percentage of Tregs and associated gene transcripts, including Foxp3, IL-10 and CD39. In contrast, Th17 cell amounts and the transcription of related genes, including RORγt, IL-17A and IL-17F, were significantly reduced. We confirmed that CTCF recruited EP300 and TET2 to bind to the AhR promoter region and promoted AhR expression by mediating histone H3K9/K14 hyperacetylation and DNA demethylation in this region. The low expression of CTCF caused histone hypoacetylation and DNA hypermethylation of the AhR promoter, resulting in insufficient expression in aGVHD CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS CTCF is an important inducer of AhR transcription. Insufficient expression of CTCF leads to excessive AhR downregulation, resulting in substantial CD4+ T cell activation and Th17/Treg ratio increase, thereby mediating the occurrence of aGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Zeng
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Ting-Ting Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xia Ma
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Hua
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Shi-Yu Wang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Ya-Jing Xu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China. .,Hunan Hematology Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center, Changsha, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Correale J, Hohlfeld R, Baranzini SE. The role of the gut microbiota in multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:544-558. [PMID: 35931825 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00697-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the past decade, research has revealed that the vast community of micro-organisms that inhabit the gut - known as the gut microbiota - is intricately linked to human health and disease, partly as a result of its influence on systemic immune responses. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that these effects on immune function are important in neuroinflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and that modulation of the microbiome could be therapeutically beneficial in these conditions. In this Review, we examine the influence that the gut microbiota have on immune function via modulation of serotonin production in the gut and through complex interactions with components of the immune system, such as T cells and B cells. We then present evidence from studies in mice and humans that these effects of the gut microbiota on the immune system are important in the development and course of MS. We also consider how strategies for manipulating the composition of the gut microbiota could be used to influence disease-related immune dysfunction and form the basis of a new class of therapeutics. The strategies discussed include the use of probiotics, supplementation with bacterial metabolites, transplantation of faecal matter or defined microbial communities, and dietary intervention. Carefully designed studies with large human cohorts will be required to gain a full understanding of the microbiome changes involved in MS and to develop therapeutic strategies that target these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Sergio E Baranzini
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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40
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McGovern K, Castro AC, Cavanaugh J, Coma S, Walsh M, Tchaicha J, Syed S, Natarajan P, Manfredi M, Zhang XM, Ecsedy J. Discovery and Characterization of a Novel Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Inhibitor, IK-175, and Its Inhibitory Activity on Tumor Immune Suppression. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1261-1272. [PMID: 35666806 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that regulates the activity of multiple innate and adaptive immune cells subsequent to binding to numerous endogenous and exogenous ligands. For example, AHR is activated by the metabolite kynurenine, which is secreted into the tumor microenvironment by cancer cells leading to broad immunosuppression. Therefore, AHR inhibition provides a novel and ideal approach to stimulate immune-mediated recognition and subsequent eradication of tumor cells. We report here the discovery and characterization of IK-175, a novel, potent and selective AHR antagonist with favorable ADME and pharmacokinetic profiles in preclinical species. IK-175 inhibits AHR activity in experimental systems derived from multiple species including mouse, rat, monkey, and humans. In human primary immune cells, IK-175 decreased AHR target gene expression and anti-inflammatory cytokine release and increased proinflammatory cytokine release. Moreover, IK-175 led to a decrease in suppressive IL17A-, IL-22+ expressing T cells in a Th17 differentiation assay. IK-175 dose dependently blocks ligand-stimulated AHR activation of Cyp1a1 transcription in mouse liver and spleen, demonstrating on-target in vivo activity. IK-175 increases proinflammatory phenotype of the tumor microenvironment in mouse syngeneic tumors and in adjacent tumor-draining lymph nodes. As a monotherapy and combined with an anti-PD-1 antibody, IK-175 demonstrates antitumor activity in syngeneic mouse models of colorectal cancer and melanoma. IK-175 also demonstrates antitumor activity combined with liposomal doxorubicin in syngeneic mouse tumors. These studies provide rationale for targeting AHR in patients with cancer. IK-175 is being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumors.
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Bacil GP, Cogliati B, Cardoso DR, Barbisan LF, Romualdo GR. Are isothiocyanates and polyphenols from Brassicaceae vegetables emerging as preventive/therapeutic strategies for NAFLD? The landscape of recent preclinical findings. Food Funct 2022; 13:8348-8362. [PMID: 35899794 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01488b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a lipid impairment-related chronic metabolic disease that affects almost 25% of the worldwide population and has become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States of America (USA). NAFLD may progress from simple hepatic steatosis (HS) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which occurs simultaneously in an inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironment and affects approximately 5% of the global population. Recently, NASH has been suggested to be a relevant driver in progressive liver cirrhosis and a population-attributable factor in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Moreover, predictions show that NAFLD-related annual health costs in the USA have reached ∼$100 bi., but effective therapies are still scarce. Thus, new preventative strategies for this hepatic disease urgently need to be developed. The Brassicaceae vegetable family includes almost 350 genera and 3500 species and these are one of the main types of vegetables harvested and produced worldwide. These vegetables are well-known sources of glucobrassicin-derivative molecules, such as isothiocyanates and phenolic compounds, which have shown antioxidant and antilipogenic effects in preclinical NAFLD data. In this review, we gathered prominent evidence of the in vivo and in vitro effects of these vegetable-derived nutraceutical compounds on the gut-liver-adipose axis, which is a well-known regulator of NAFLD and may represent a new strategy for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel P Bacil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- University of São Paulo (USP), School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Department of Pathology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel R Cardoso
- University of São Paulo (USP), São Carlos Institute of Chemistry (IQSC), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R Romualdo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Department of Pathology, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. .,São Paulo State University (UNESP), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, SP, Brazil
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42
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Wang J, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Tu W, Wan R, Shen Y, Zhang Y, Trivedi R, Gao P. Type II alveolar epithelial cell aryl hydrocarbon receptor protects against allergic airway inflammation through controlling cell autophagy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:964575. [PMID: 35935956 PMCID: PMC9355649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.964575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, has been considered as an important regulator for immune diseases. We have previously shown that AhR protects against allergic airway inflammation. The underlying mechanism, however, remains undetermined. Objectives We sought to determine whether AhR specifically in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AT2) modulates allergic airway inflammation and its underlying mechanisms. Methods The role of AhR in AT2 cells in airway inflammation was investigated in a mouse model of asthma with AhR conditional knockout mice in AT2 cells (Sftpc-Cre;AhRf/f ). The effect of AhR on allergen-induced autophagy was examined by both in vivo and in vitro analyses. The involvement of autophagy in airway inflammation was analyzed by using autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. The AhR-regulated gene profiling in AT2 cells was also investigated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. Results Sftpc-Cre;AhRf/f mice showed exacerbation of allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation with elevated Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Notably, an increased allergen-induced autophagy was observed in the lung tissues of Sftpc-Cre;AhRf/f mice when compared with wild-type mice. Further analyses suggested a functional axis of AhR-TGF-β1 that is critical in driving allergic airway inflammation through regulating allergen-induced cellular autophagy. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine significantly suppressed cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation, Th2 cytokines in BALFs, and expression of autophagy-related genes LC3 and Atg5 in the lung tissues. In addition, RNA-seq analysis suggests that autophagy is one of the major pathways and that CALCOCO2/NDP52 and S1009 are major autophagy-associated genes in AT2 cells that may contribute to the AhR-mediated cockroach allergen-induced airway inflammation and, subsequently, allergic asthma. Conclusion These results suggest that AhR in AT2 cells functions as a protective mechanism against allergic airway inflammation through controlling cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Tu
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respirology and Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongjun Wan
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingchun Shen
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yan Zhang
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruchik Trivedi
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Peisong Gao
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Peisong Gao,
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Toutounchi NS, Braber S, Land BV, Thijssen S, Garssen J, Folkerts G, Hogenkamp A. Deoxynivalenol exposure during pregnancy has adverse effects on placental structure and immunity in mice model. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:109-118. [PMID: 35840118 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON), a highly prevalent food contaminant, is known to induce reproductive and immunotoxicity in humans upon exposure. The present study focused on the consequences of exposure to DON during pregnancy for placental barrier and immune function, as well as fetal survival. Female mice received diets contaminated with DON (6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of diet), starting immediately after mating until the end of the experiment. On day 17 of pregnancy the animals were killed, and maternal and fetal samples were collected for further analysis. Feeding on DON-contaminated diets decreased fetal survival, and DON was detected at significant levels in the fetus. Placentae from DON-exposed mice revealed a reduction in expression of junctional proteins, ZO-1, E-cadherin and claudins, upregulation of AHR mRNA expressions, and increase in IFN-ꝩ, IL-6 and IL-4 production. In conclusion, results of this study demonstrate harmful effects of DON on the course of pregnancy and fetal survival, which might be due to immunological changes in maternal immune organs and placenta. Altogether, these data underline the importance of the quality of maternal diet during pregnancy as they clearly demonstrate the potential harmful effects of a commonly present food-contaminant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negisa Seyed Toutounchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia Braber
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Belinda Van't Land
- Department of Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suzan Thijssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Folkerts
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Hogenkamp
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Blocking the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:966-973. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2601-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Roy B, Yang Z, Pan G, Roth K, Agarwal M, Sharma R, Petriello MC, Palaniyandi SS. Exposure to the Dioxin-like Pollutant PCB 126 Afflicts Coronary Endothelial Cells via Increasing 4-Hydroxy-2 Nonenal: A Role for Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060328. [PMID: 35736936 PMCID: PMC9230950 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental pollutants, including dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), play an important role in vascular inflammation and cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) by inducing oxidative stress. Earlier, we demonstrated that oxidative stress-mediated lipid peroxidation derived 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) contributes to CMDs by decreasing the angiogenesis of coronary endothelial cells (CECs). By detoxifying 4HNE, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), a mitochondrial enzyme, enhances CEC angiogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that ALDH2 activation attenuates a PCB 126-mediated 4HNE-induced decrease in CEC angiogenesis. To test our hypothesis, we treated cultured mouse CECs with 4.4 µM PCB 126 and performed spheroid and aortic ring sprouting assays, the ALDH2 activity assay, and Western blotting for the 4HNE adduct levels and real-time qPCR to determine the expression levels of Cyp1b1 and oxidative stress-related genes. PCB 126 increased the gene expression and 4HNE adduct levels, whereas it decreased the ALDH2 activity and angiogenesis significantly in MCECs. However, pretreatment with 2.5 µM disulfiram (DSF), an ALDH2 inhibitor, or 10 µM Alda 1, an ALDH2 activator, before the PCB 126 challenge exacerbated and rescued the PCB 126-mediated decrease in coronary angiogenesis by modulating the 4HNE adduct levels respectively. Finally, we conclude that ALDH2 can be a therapeutic target to alleviate environmental pollutant-induced CMDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipradas Roy
- Division of Hypertension and Vascular Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (B.R.); (G.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Zhao Yang
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (Z.Y.); (K.R.); (R.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Guodong Pan
- Division of Hypertension and Vascular Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (B.R.); (G.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (Z.Y.); (K.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Manisha Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (Z.Y.); (K.R.); (R.S.)
| | - Michael C. Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (Z.Y.); (K.R.); (R.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.C.P.); (S.S.P.); Tel.: +1-313-577-1089 (M.C.P.); +1-313-432-7261 (S.S.P.)
| | - Suresh Selvaraj Palaniyandi
- Division of Hypertension and Vascular Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; (B.R.); (G.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Correspondence: (M.C.P.); (S.S.P.); Tel.: +1-313-577-1089 (M.C.P.); +1-313-432-7261 (S.S.P.)
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Tain YL, Hsu CN. Novel Insights on Dietary Polyphenols for Prevention in Early-Life Origins of Hypertension: A Review Focusing on Preclinical Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126620. [PMID: 35743061 PMCID: PMC9223825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyphenols are the largest group of phytochemicals with health benefits. Early life appears to offer a critical window of opportunity for launching interventions focused on preventing hypertension, as increasing evidence supports the supposition that hypertension can originate in early life. Although polyphenols have antihypertensive actions, knowledge of the potential beneficial action of the early use of polyphenols to avert the development of hypertension is limited. Thus, in this review, we first provide a brief summary of the chemistry and biological function of polyphenols. Then, we present the current epidemiological and experimental evidence supporting the early-life origins of hypertension. We also document animal data on the use of specific polyphenols as an early-life intervention to protect offspring against hypertension in adulthood and discuss underlying mechanisms. Continued research into the use of polyphenols to prevent hypertension from starting early in life will have far-reaching implications for future health.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ning Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-975-368-975; Fax: +886-7733-8009
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Voit EO, Olivença DV. Discrete Biochemical Systems Theory. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:874669. [PMID: 35601832 PMCID: PMC9116487 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.874669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost every biomedical systems analysis requires early decisions regarding the choice of the most suitable representations to be used. De facto the most prevalent choice is a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). This framework is very popular because it is flexible and fairly easy to use. It is also supported by an enormous array of stand-alone programs for analysis, including many distinct numerical solvers that are implemented in the main programming languages. Having selected ODEs, the modeler must then choose a mathematical format for the equations. This selection is not trivial as nearly unlimited options exist and there is seldom objective guidance. The typical choices include ad hoc representations, default models like mass-action or Lotka-Volterra equations, and generic approximations. Within the realm of approximations, linear models are typically successful for analyses of engineered systems, but they are not as appropriate for biomedical phenomena, which often display nonlinear features such as saturation, threshold effects or limit cycle oscillations, and possibly even chaos. Power-law approximations are simple but overcome these limitations. They are the key ingredient of Biochemical Systems Theory (BST), which uses ODEs exclusively containing power-law representations for all processes within a model. BST models cover a vast repertoire of nonlinear responses and, at the same time, have structural properties that are advantageous for a wide range of analyses. Nonetheless, as all ODE models, the BST approach has limitations. In particular, it is not always straightforward to account for genuine discreteness, time delays, and stochastic processes. As a new option, we therefore propose here an alternative to BST in the form of discrete Biochemical Systems Theory (dBST). dBST models have the same generality and practicality as their BST-ODE counterparts, but they are readily implemented even in situations where ODEs struggle. As a case study, we illustrate dBST applied to the dynamics of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a signal transduction system that simultaneously involves time delays and stochasticity.
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Rosmarinus officinalis L. Leaf Extracts and Their Metabolites Inhibit the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Activation In Vitro and in Human Keratinocytes: Potential Impact on Inflammatory Skin Diseases and Skin Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27082499. [PMID: 35458697 PMCID: PMC9029298 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation by environmental agents and microbial metabolites is potentially implicated in a series of skin diseases. Hence, it would be very important to identify natural compounds that could inhibit the AhR activation by ligands of microbial origin as 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), indirubin (IND) and pityriazepin (PZ) or the prototype ligand 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Five different dry Rosmarinus officinalis L. extracts (ROEs) were assayed for their activities as antagonists of AhR ligand binding with guinea pig cytosol in the presence of [3H]TCDD. The methanolic ROE was further assayed towards CYP1A1 mRNA induction using RT-PCR in human keratinocytes against TCDD, FICZ, PZ, and IND. The isolated metabolites, carnosic acid, carnosol, 7-O-methyl-epi-rosmanol, 4′,7-O-dimethylapigenin, and betulinic acid, were assayed for their agonist and antagonist activity in the presence and absence of TCDD using the gel retardation assay (GRA). All assayed ROE extracts showed similar dose-dependent activities with almost complete inhibition of AhR activation by TCDD at 100 ppm. The methanol ROE at 10 ppm showed 99%, 50%, 90%, and 85% inhibition against TCDD, FICZ, IND, and PZ, respectively, in human keratinocytes. Most assayed metabolites exhibited dose-dependent antagonist activity. ROEs inhibit AhR activation by TCDD and by the Malassezia metabolites FICZ, PZ, and IND. Hence, ROE could be useful for the prevention or treatment of skin diseases mediated by activation of AhR.
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Tain YL, Hsu CN. Hypertension of Developmental Origins: Consideration of Gut Microbiome in Animal Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040875. [PMID: 35453625 PMCID: PMC9030804 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the leading cause of global disease burden. Hypertension can arise from early life. Animal models are valuable for giving cogent evidence of a causal relationship between various environmental insults in early life and the hypertension of developmental origins in later life. These insults consist of maternal malnutrition, maternal medical conditions, medication use, and exposure to environmental chemicals/toxins. There is a burgeoning body of evidence on maternal insults can shift gut microbiota, resulting in adverse offspring outcomes later in life. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis is involved in hypertension of developmental origins, while gut microbiota-targeted therapy, if applied early, is able to help prevent hypertension in later life. This review discusses the innovative use of animal models in addressing the mechanisms behind hypertension of developmental origins. We will also highlight the application of animal models to elucidate how the gut microbiota connects with other core mechanisms, and the potential of gut microbiota-targeted therapy as a novel preventive strategy to prevent hypertension of developmental origins. These animal models have certainly enhanced our understanding of hypertension of developmental origins, closing the knowledge gap between animal models and future clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ning Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-975-368-975; Fax: +886-7733-8009
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50
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What If Not All Metabolites from the Uremic Toxin Generating Pathways Are Toxic? A Hypothesis. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14030221. [PMID: 35324718 PMCID: PMC8953523 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14030221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The topic of uremic toxicity has received broad attention from the nephrological community over the past few decades. An aspect that is much less often considered is the possibility that the metabolic pathways that generate uremic toxins also may produce molecules that benefit body functions. Here, we discuss this dualism based on the example of tryptophan-derived metabolites, which comprise elements that are mainly toxic, such as indoxyl sulfate, kynurenine and kynurenic acid, but also beneficial compounds, such as indole, melatonin and indole-3-propionic acid, and ambivalent (beneficial for some aspects and harmful for others) compounds such as serotonin. This dualism can also be perceived at the level of the main receptor of the tryptophan-derived metabolites, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), which has also been linked to both harm and benefit. We hypothesize that these beneficial effects are the reason why uremic toxin generation remained preserved throughout evolution. This duality is also not unique for the tryptophan-derived metabolites, and in this broader context we discuss the remote sensing and signaling theory (RSST). The RSST proposes that transporters (e.g., organic anion transporter 1—OAT1; ATP-binding cassette transporter G—ABCG2) and drug metabolizing enzymes form a large network of proteins interacting to promote small molecule remote communication at the inter-organ (e.g., gut–liver–heart–brain–kidney) and inter-organismal (e.g., gut microbe–host) levels. These small molecules include gut microbe-derived uremic toxins as well as beneficial molecules such as those discussed here. We emphasize that this positive side of uremic metabolite production needs more attention, and that this dualism especially needs to be considered when assessing and conceiving of therapeutic interventions. These homeostatic considerations are central to the RSST and suggest that interventions be aimed at preserving or restoring the balance between positive and negative components rather than eliminating them all without distinction.
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