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Srinath A, Nakamura A, Haroon N. Sequence of Events in the Pathogenesis of Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Current Review-2023 SPARTAN Meeting Proceedings. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024; 26:133-143. [PMID: 38324125 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-024-01136-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made to untangle the etiology of inflammation and new bone formation (NBF) associated with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). However, exact mechanisms as to how the disease initiates and develops remain elusive. RECENT FINDINGS Type 3 immunity, centered around the IL-23/IL-17 axis, has been recognized as a key player in the pathogenesis of axSpA. Multiple hypotheses associated with HLA-B*27 have been proposed to account for disease onset and progression of axSpA, potentially by driving downstream T cell responses. However, HLA-B*27 alone is not sufficient to fully explain the development of axSpA. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified several genes that are potentially relevant to disease pathogenesis leading to a better understanding of the immune activation seen in axSpA. Furthermore, gut microbiome studies suggest an altered microbiome in axSpA, and animal studies suggest a pathogenic role for immune cells migrating from the gut to the joint. Recent studies focusing on the pathogenesis of new bone formation (NBF) have highlighted the importance of endochondral ossification, mechanical stress, pre-existing inflammation, and activated anabolic signaling pathways during the development of NBF. Despite the complex etiology of axSpA, recent studies have shed light on pivotal pieces that could lead to a better understanding of the pathogenic events in axSpA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archita Srinath
- Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Akihiro Nakamura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- School of Medicine, Translational Institute of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Kingston Health Science Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Nigil Haroon
- Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Rheumatology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Liu Z, Cai M, Ke H, Deng H, Ye W, Wang T, Chen Q, Cen S. Fibroblast Insights into the Pathogenesis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:6301-6317. [PMID: 38149115 PMCID: PMC10750494 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s439604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of the Review Emerging evidence has shown that ankylosing spondylitis fibroblasts (ASFs) act as crucial participants in inflammation and abnormal ossification in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This review examines the investigations into ASFs and their pathological behavior, which contributes to inflammatory microenvironments and abnormal bone formation. The review spans the period from 2000 to 2023, with a primary focus on the most recent decade. Additionally, the review provides an in-depth discussion on studies on ASF ossification at the cellular level. Recent Findings ASFs organize immune functions by recruiting immune cells and influencing their differentiation and activation, thus mediate the inflammatory response in the early phase of disease. ASFs promote joint destruction at sites of cartilage and actively promote abnormal ossification by recruiting osteoblasts, differentiation into myofibroblasts or ossification directly. Many signaling pathways and cytokines such as Wnt signaling and BMP/TGF-β signaling are involved in ASF ossification. Summary ASFs play a key role in AS inflammation and osteogenesis. Further studies are required to elucidate molecular mechanisms behind that and provide new targets and directions for AS diagnosis and treatment from a new perspective of fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingxi Cai
- The Second Clinical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoteng Ke
- The Second Clinical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huazong Deng
- The Second Clinical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weijia Ye
- The Second Clinical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qifan Chen
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuizhong Cen
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Orthopedic Medical Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People’s Republic of China
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Zheng Z, Wang Y, Guo M, Guo J, Cui J, Zhu W, Cheng W, Liu Y, Cui H. Estradiol is a key candidate for treating Ankylosing Spondylolisthesis with Traditional Chinese Medicine. Comput Biol Med 2023; 164:107206. [PMID: 37515871 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107206] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Some Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) treatment. Wan Bikang (WBK) and Wan Biqing (WBQ) are two traditional empirical formulas for AS. However, the mechanism of their effects on AS is largely unknown. This study deciphered the underlying common molecular mechanisms of these TCM treatments for AS. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) assays were employed to detect herbal ingredients. Target proteins of herbal ingredients were identified by ChEMBL Database. To infer the relationships between ingredients and AS-related proteins, network pharmacology was employed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and core target analyses were carried out with tools Cytoscape and STRING. To find out the molecular basis and target of AS, molecular docking and an in vitro experiment were also conducted. It is found that estradiol may participate in the treatment of AS via the inhibition of inflammatory factors, and Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) appears to be a key target. This research offers insight into the therapeutic mechanism of TCM formulas for AS and furthers our understanding of TCM pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Zheng
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Malong Guo
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Jiayi Guo
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Jiaxuan Cui
- Zhengzhou Foreign Language Middle School. Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenxiao Zhu
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Weidong Cheng
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Yonghui Liu
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Hongxun Cui
- Luoyang Orthopedic-Traumatological Hospital of Henan Province (Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital), Luoyang, Henan, China.
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Yi L, Song C, Liu Y, Li D, Xiao T, Guo X, Wu Y. Down-regulation of long noncoding RNA HULC inhibits the inflammatory response in ankylosing spondylitis by reducing miR-556-5p-mediated YAP1 expression. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:551. [PMID: 37525215 PMCID: PMC10388530 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a progressive systemic disease characterized by a chronic inflammatory response in the sacroiliac joints and spine. Long noncoding RNAs suggest significant actions in the progression of AS. Therefore, a specific lncRNA, highly upregulated in liver cancer (HULC), was studied here regarding its functions and related mechanisms in AS. METHODS Measurements of miR-556-5p, HULC, and YAP1 expression were performed on AS cartilage tissues and chondrocytes. The interaction between miR-556-5p and HULC or YAP1 was verified. CCK-8, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to evaluate the effects of HULC, miR-556-5p, and YAP1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory response of AS chondrocytes. Furthermore, the action of HULC/miR-556-5p/YAP1 was experimentally observed in AS mice. RESULTS HULC and YAP1 levels were augmented, while miR-556-5p levels were suppressed in AS cartilage tissues and chondrocytes. Downregulating HULC or upregulating miR-556-5p stimulated chondrocyte proliferation and inhibited apoptosis and inflammation in AS. miR-556-5p was a downstream factor of HULC, and YAP1 was a potential target of miR-556-5p. The improvement effect of downregulated HULC on AS chondrocytes was saved when YAP1 expression was forced. In addition, silence of HULC improved the pathological injury of spinal cartilage in AS mice by enhancing miR-556-5p-related regulation of YAP1. CONCLUSION HULC inhibition relieves the inflammatory response in AS by reducing miR-556-5p-mediated YAP1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- LuLu Yi
- Department of Rheumatology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - ChangJun Song
- Department of Emergency, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - YuanYuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - DongSheng Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - TianTian Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - XuQin Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - YiCai Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Ganzhou People's Hospital, No. 17, Hongqi Avenue, Zhanggong District, Ganzhou City, 341000, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Jin Q, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Wen X, Chen Z, Tian H, Kang Z, Wu X, Xu H. MYC promotes fibroblast osteogenesis by regulating ALP and BMP2 to participate in ectopic ossification of ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:28. [PMID: 36803548 PMCID: PMC9942334 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03011-z] [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: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ectopic ossification is an important cause of disability in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Whether fibroblasts can transdifferentiate into osteoblasts and contribute to ossification remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the role of stem cell transcription factors (POU5F1, SOX2, KLF4, MYC, etc.) of fibroblasts in ectopic ossification in patients with AS. METHODS Primary fibroblasts were isolated from the ligaments of patients with AS or osteoarthritis (OA). In an in vitro study, primary fibroblasts were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium (ODM) to induce ossification. The level of mineralization was assessed by mineralization assay. The mRNA and protein levels of stem cell transcription factors were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR) and western blotting. MYC was knocked down by infecting primary fibroblasts with lentivirus. The interactions between stem cell transcription factors and osteogenic genes were analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Recombinant human cytokines were added to the osteogenic model in vitro to evaluate their role in ossification. RESULTS We found that MYC was elevated significantly in the process of inducing primary fibroblasts to differentiate into osteoblasts. In addition, the level of MYC was remarkably higher in AS ligaments than in OA ligaments. When MYC was knocked down, the expression of the osteogenic genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2) was decreased, and the level of mineralization was reduced significantly. In addition, the ALP and BMP2 were confirmed to be the direct target genes of MYC. Furthermore, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which showed high expression in AS ligaments, was found to promote the expression of MYC in fibroblasts in the process of ossification in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the role of MYC in ectopic ossification. MYC may act as the critical bridge that links inflammation with ossification in AS, thus providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ectopic ossification in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianmei Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Yaoyang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xingzhu Wen
- Department of General Surgery, 72nd Group Army Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ziqiang Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haijun Tian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zijian Kang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Huji Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China. .,School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Zeng Y, Wang T, Liu Y, Luo T, Li Q, He Y, Fang M, He R. Wnt and Smad signaling pathways synergistically regulated the osteogenic differentiation of fibroblasts in ankylosing spondylitis. Tissue Cell 2022; 77:101852. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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HDAC1 regulates inflammation and osteogenic differentiation of ankylosing spondylitis fibroblasts through the Wnt-Smad signaling pathway. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:343. [PMID: 35794630 PMCID: PMC9258155 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03224-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a refractory autoimmune disease, whose typical pathology is the development of inflammation to ossification and ankylosis. Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) is considered to be a key factor involved in inflammatory gene transduction, but its role in AS remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and possible mechanism of HDAC1 in AS based on the Wnt-Smad pathway. Fibroblasts were isolated from hip synovial tissues of AS patients, adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to regulate the expression of HDAC1, DKK-1 and SIS3 was used to inhibit Wnt and Smad, respectively. The expressions of Wnt-Smad pathway-related proteins were analyzed by WB, and the TRP ion channel proteins were analyzed by immunofluorescence and WB. The proliferation of AS fibroblasts was detected by CCK-8, the expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected by ELISA, and the effects of HDAC1 on osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts were investigated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, intracellular calcium concentration, mineralization and osteogenic proteins expressions. Results showed that HDAC1 significantly affected the protein expressions of the Wnt-Smad pathway in AS fibroblasts, and Wnt inhibitor DKK-1 and Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 could significantly reverse the effect of HDAC1 on the Wnt-Smad pathway. In addition, HDAC1 significantly activated the TRP ion channel and promoted the proliferation, inflammatory response and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts. DKK-1 or SIS3 treatment significantly inhibit the effect of HDAC-1 on AS fibroblasts, suggesting that the Wnt-Smad pathway is involved in the regulation of AS by HDAC1. In conclusion, HDAC1 promotes the proliferation, inflammatory response and osteogenic differentiation of AS fibroblasts through the Wnt-Smad pathway.
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8
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Sun R, Wang X, Sun X, Zhao B, Zhang X, Gong X, Wong SH, Chan MTV, Wu WKK. Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Ankylosing Spondylitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:790924. [PMID: 35222376 PMCID: PMC8866863 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.790924] [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: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, bone erosion, spur formation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. However, the etiology and molecular pathogenesis of AS remain largely unclear. Recently, a growing number of studies showed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) played critical roles in the development and progression of autoimmune and orthopedic conditions, including AS. Studies demonstrated that a myriad of lncRNAs (e.g. H19, MEG3, LOC645166) pertinent to regulation of inflammatory signals were deregulated in AS. A number of lncRNAs might also serve as new biomarkers for the diagnosis and predicting the outcomes of AS. In this review, we summarize lncRNA profiling studies on AS and the functional roles and mechanism of key lncRNAs relevant to AS pathogenesis. We also discuss their potential values as biomarkers and druggable targets for this potentially disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifu Sun
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology of Qingdao Hospital Central, Central Qingdao Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiugong Zhang
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaojin Gong
- Department Spinal of Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao Hospital Central, Qingdao, China
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew Tak Vai Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - William Ka Kei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease and LKS Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Li J, Chen Z, Liao H, Zhong Y, Hua J, Su M, Li J, Xu J, Cui L, Cui Y. Anti-Osteogenic Effect of Danshensu in Ankylosing Spondylitis: An in Vitro Study Based on Integrated Network Pharmacology. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:772190. [PMID: 34899327 PMCID: PMC8656304 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.772190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal bone metabolism, with few effective treatments available. Danshensu [3-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl) lactic acid) is a bioactive compound from traditional Chinese medicine with a variety of pharmacologic effects. In the present study, we investigated the pharmacologic effect and molecular mechanism of Danshensu in AS. Potential targets of Danshensu were identified in four drugs-genes databases; and potential pharmacologic target genes in AS were identified in three diseases-genes databases. Differentially expressed genes related to AS were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Overlapping targets of Danshensu and AS were determined and a disease–active ingredient–target interaction network was constructed with Cytoscape software. Enrichment analyses of the common targets were performed using Bioconductor. To test the validity of the constructed network, an in vitro model was established by treating osteoblasts from newborn rats with low concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Then, the in vitro model and AS fibroblasts were treated with Danshensu (1–10 μM). Osteogenesis was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining and activity assay, alizarin red staining, quantitative PCR, and western blotting. We identified 2944 AS-related genes and 406 Danshensu targets, including 47 that were common to both datasets. The main signaling pathways associated with the targets were the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. A low concentration of TNF-α (0.01 ng/ml) promoted the differentiation of osteoblasts; this was inhibited by Danshensu, which had the same effect on AS fibroblasts but had the opposite effect on normal osteoblasts. Danshensu also decreased the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK in AS fibroblasts. There results provide evidence that Danshensu exerts an anti-osteogenic effect via suppression of JNK and ERK signaling, highlighting its therapeutic potential for the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiao Li
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zexin Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongbo Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yanting Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Junying Hua
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Miaoling Su
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jiahao Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jinrong Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Liao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, and School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yang Cui
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang Y, Chen WG, Yang SZ, Qiu H, Hu X, Qiu YY, Wen X, Zhou Y, Chu TW. Up-regulation of TβRIII facilitates the osteogenesis of supraspinous ligament-derived fibroblasts from patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1613-1623. [PMID: 33410269 PMCID: PMC7875912 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal supraspinous ligament (SL) osteogenesis is the key risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with an unclear pathogenesis. We previously found that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), bone morphogenetic proteins (eg BMP2) and type III TGF‐β1 receptor (TβRIII) expression were markedly up‐regulated in AS‐SLs. However, the roles of these closely related molecules in AS are unknown. Here, we showed that BMP2, TGF‐β1, TβRIII and S100A4 (a fibroblast marker) were abundant in active osteogenic AS‐SL tissues. In vitro, AS‐SL fibroblasts (AS‐SLFs) showed high BMP2, TGF‐β1 and TβRIII expression and auto‐osteogenic capacity. We further evaluated the role of TβRIII in the osteogenesis of normal SLFs. BMP2 combined with TGF‐β1 induced the osteogenesis of TβRIII‐overexpressing SLFs, but the activity was lost in SLFs upon TβRIII knockdown. Moreover, our data suggested that BMP2 combined with TGF‐β1 significantly activated both TGF‐β1/Smad signalling and BMP2/Smad/RUNX2 signalling to induce osteogenesis of SLFs with TβRIII up‐regulation. Furthermore, our multi‐strategy molecular interaction analysis approach indicated that TGF‐β1 presented BMP2 to TβRIII, sequentially facilitating BMP2 recognition by BMPR1A and promoting the osteogenesis of TβRIII‐overexpressing SLFs. Collectively, our results indicate that TGF‐β1 combined with BMP2 may participate in the osteogenic differentiation of AS‐SLF by acting on up‐regulated TβRIII, resulting in excessive activation of both TGF‐β1/Smad and BMP2/BMPR1A/Smad/RUNX2 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wu-Gui Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Si-Zhen Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Qiu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu Hu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Yun Qiu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Wen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong-Wei Chu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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