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Huang T, Zeng Y, Yang Y, Fan H, Deng Y, Chen W, Liu J, Yang F, Li W, Xiao Y. Comprehensive analysis of m 6A methylomes in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2242225. [PMID: 37537976 PMCID: PMC10405774 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2242225] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a serious and fatal disease. Recently, m6A has been reported to play an important role in the lungs of IPAH patients and experimental pulmonary hypertension models. However, the meaning of m6A mRNAs in the peripheral blood of IPAH patients remains largely unexplored. We aimed to construct a transcriptome-wide map of m6A mRNAs in the peripheral blood of IPAH patients. M6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit was utilized to measure the total m6A levels in the peripheral blood of IPAH patients. A combination of MeRIP-seq, RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis was utilized to select m6A-modified hub genes of IPAH. MeRIP-qPCR and RT-qPCR were used to measure the m6A levels and mRNA levels of TP53, RPS27A, SMAD3 and FoxO3 in IPAH patients. Western blot was performed to assess the protein levels of m6A related regulators and m6A related genes in experimental PH animal models, hypoxia-treated and PDGF-BB induced PASMCs. We found that the total m6A levels were increased in peripheral blood of IPAH patients and verified that m6A levels of RPS27A and SMAD3 were significantly elevated and m6A levels of TP53 and FoxO3 were significantly reduced. The mRNA or protein levels of RPS27A, SMAD3, TP53 and FoxO3 were changed in human blood samples, experimental PH animal models and PDGF-BB induced PASMCs. Moreover, METTL3 and YTHDF1 were increased in the hypoxia induced pulmonary hypertension rat model, hypoxia-treated and PDGF-BB induced PASMCs. These finding suggested that m6A may play an important role in IPAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yunhong Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command of PLA, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoqin Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Youcai Deng
- Institute of Material Medical, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjuan Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jinqiao Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yunbin Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
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Gałgańska H, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Gałgański Ł. Carbon dioxide and MAPK signalling: towards therapy for inflammation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:280. [PMID: 37817178 PMCID: PMC10566067 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01306-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] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, although necessary to fight infections, becomes a threat when it exceeds the capability of the immune system to control it. In addition, inflammation is a cause and/or symptom of many different disorders, including metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Comorbidities and advanced age are typical predictors of more severe cases of seasonal viral infection, with COVID-19 a clear example. The primary importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the course of COVID-19 is evident in the mechanisms by which cells are infected with SARS-CoV-2; the cytokine storm that profoundly worsens a patient's condition; the pathogenesis of diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, that contribute to a worsened prognosis; and post-COVID-19 complications, such as brain fog and thrombosis. An increasing number of reports have revealed that MAPKs are regulated by carbon dioxide (CO2); hence, we reviewed the literature to identify associations between CO2 and MAPKs and possible therapeutic benefits resulting from the elevation of CO2 levels. CO2 regulates key processes leading to and resulting from inflammation, and the therapeutic effects of CO2 (or bicarbonate, HCO3-) have been documented in all of the abovementioned comorbidities and complications of COVID-19 in which MAPKs play roles. The overlapping MAPK and CO2 signalling pathways in the contexts of allergy, apoptosis and cell survival, pulmonary oedema (alveolar fluid resorption), and mechanical ventilation-induced responses in lungs and related to mitochondria are also discussed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Gałgańska
- Faculty of Biology, Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wieslawa Jarmuszkiewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gałgański
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Uniwersytetu Poznanskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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3
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Xu WJ, Wu Q, He WN, Wang S, Zhao YL, Huang JX, Yan XS, Jiang R. Interleukin-6 and pulmonary hypertension: from physiopathology to therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1181987. [PMID: 37449201 PMCID: PMC10337993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1181987] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, pulmonary vascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PH is complex and remains unclear. Existing studies have suggested that inflammatory factors are key factors in PH. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. Current studies reveal that IL-6 is elevated in the serum of patients with PH and it is negatively correlated with lung function in those patients. Since IL-6 is one of the most important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation in PH, signaling mechanisms targeting IL-6 may become therapeutic targets for this disease. In this review, we detailed the potential role of IL-6 in accelerating PH process and the specific mechanisms and signaling pathways. We also summarized the current drugs targeting these inflammatory pathways to treat PH. We hope that this study will provide a more theoretical basis for targeted treatment in patients with PH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ni He
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Lin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Xia Huang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Shen Yan
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Zhou Y, Zha Y, Yang Y, Ma T, Li H, Liang J. S100 proteins in cardiovascular diseases. Mol Med 2023; 29:68. [PMID: 37217870 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00662-1] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have become a serious threat to human health and life worldwide and have the highest fatality rate. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases have become a focus for public health experts. The expression of S100 proteins is cell- and tissue-specific; they are implicated in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases and cancer. This review article discusses the progress in the research on the role of S100 protein family members in cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the mechanisms by which these proteins exert their biological function may provide novel concepts for preventing, treating, and predicting cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhou
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zha
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yongqi Yang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tan Ma
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.
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Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020366. [PMID: 36836600 PMCID: PMC9967990 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the critical structural alteration and pathological feature in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and involves changes in the intima, media and adventitia. Pulmonary vascular remodeling consists of the proliferation and phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of the middle membranous pulmonary artery, as well as complex interactions involving external layer pulmonary artery fibroblasts (PAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM). Inflammatory mechanisms, apoptosis and other factors in the vascular wall are influenced by different mechanisms that likely act in concert to drive disease progression. This article reviews these pathological changes and highlights some pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the remodeling process.
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Maruyama H, Sakai S, Dewachter L, Dewachter C, Rondelet B, Naeije R, Ieda M. Prostacyclin receptor agonists induce DUSP1 to inhibit pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation. Life Sci 2023; 315:121372. [PMID: 36608870 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Upregulated p38MAPK signaling is implicated in the accelerated proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PA-SMCs) and the pathogenesis of pulmonary artery remodeling observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Previously, we reported that after endothelin-1 (ET-1) pretreatment, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) activates p38MAPK signaling and accelerates PA-SMC proliferation. The activity of p38MAPK signaling is tightly regulated by the inactivation of dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1). Activated p38MAPK induces DUSP1 expression, forming a negative feedback loop. Prostacyclin IP receptor agonists (prostacyclin and selexipag) are used to treat PAH. In this study, we aimed to verify whether IP receptor agonists affect DUSP1 expression and accelerate the proliferation of PA-SMCs. MAIN METHODS PA-SMCs were treated with BMP2, ET-1, prostacyclin, and MRE-269, an active metabolite of selexipag, either alone or in combination. We quantified mRNA expressions using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pulmonary artery specimens and PA-SMCs were obtained during lung transplantation in patients with PAH. KEY FINDINGS Both prostacyclin and MRE-269 increased DUSP1 expression. Combined treatment with BMP2 and ET-1 induced cyclin D1 and DUSP1 expression and increased PA-SMC proliferation. MRE-269 attenuated BMP2/ET-1-induced cell proliferation. ET-1 increased DUSP1 expression in PA-SMCs from control patients but not in PA-SMCs from patients with PAH. SIGNIFICANCE This study showed that the p38MAPK/DUSP1 negative feedback loop is impaired in PAH, contributing to unregulated p38MAPK activation and PA-SMC hyperplasia. IP receptor agonist MRE-269 increases DUSP1 expression and inhibit p38MAPK-mediated PA-SMC proliferation. Future elucidation of the detailed mechanism underlying reduced DUSP1 expression would be informative for PAH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Maruyama
- Department of Cardiology, National Hospital Organization Kasumigaura Medical Center, 300-8585 Tsuchiura, Japan; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 305-8577 Tsukuba, Japan; Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Satoshi Sakai
- Faculty of Health Science, Tsukuba University of Technology, 305-8520 Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Laurence Dewachter
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Céline Dewachter
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium; Department of Cardiology, Erasme Academic Hospital, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit Rondelet
- Department of Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, CHU UCL Namur, 5530 Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Robert Naeije
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Masaki Ieda
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 305-8577 Tsukuba, Japan
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Li C, Xia J, Yiminniyaze R, Dong L, Li S. Hub Genes and Immune Cell Infiltration in Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension: Bioinformatics Analysis and In Vivo Validation. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2023; 26:2085-2097. [PMID: 36718060 DOI: 10.2174/1386207326666230130093325] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) represents a severe pulmonary disorder with high morbidity and mortality, which necessitates identifying the critical molecular mechanisms underlying HPH pathogenesis. METHODS The mRNA expression microarray GSE15197 (containing 8 pulmonary tissues from HPH and 13 normal controls) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were executed by RStudio software. The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was visualized and established using Cytoscape, and the cytoHubba app from Cytoscape was used to pick out the hub modules. The infiltration of immune cells in HPH was analyzed using the CIBERSORTx. To confirm the potential hub genes, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted using lung tissues of rat HPH models and controls. RESULTS A total of 852 upregulated and 547 downregulated genes were identified. The top terms in biological processes were apoptosis, proliferation, and regulation of the MAPK cascade, including ERK1/2. Cytoplasm, cytosol, and membrane were enriched in cellular component groups. Molecular functions mainly focus on protein binding, protein serine/threonine kinase activity and identical protein binding. KEGG analysis identified pathways in cancer, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and rap1 signaling pathway. There was significantly different immune cell infiltration between HPH and normal control samples. High proportions of the memory subsets of B cells and CD4 cells, Macrophages M2 subtype, and resting Dendritic cells were found in HPH samples, while high proportions of naive CD4 cells and resting mast cells were found in normal control samples. The qRT-PCR results showed that among the ten identified hub modules, FBXL3, FBXL13 and XCL1 mRNA levels were upregulated, while NEDD4L, NPFFR2 and EDN3 were downregulated in HPH rats compared with control rats. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the key genes and the involvement of immune cell infiltration in HPH, thus providing new insight into the pathogenesis of HPH and potential treatment targets for patients with HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwei Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jingwen Xia
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Ruzetuoheti Yiminniyaze
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Shengqing Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
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Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis of Shufeiya Recipe in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7864976. [PMID: 36756383 PMCID: PMC9900250 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7864976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study is aimed at exploring the molecular mechanism of Shufeiya recipe in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) using network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis. Methods Active components and their target proteins in the recipe were screened using the TCMSP database. PH-related core proteins were screened using GeneCards, STRING database, and Cytoscape-v3.8.2. Common proteins were obtained by intersection of the target proteins of these recipe active components and pH-related core proteins. Rx64 4.0.2 software was used to perform GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the common proteins to obtain pathway-enriched proteins, and then core enriched proteins were further screened. We analyzed the relationship between the active components and pathway-enriched proteins using Cytoscape-v3.8.2. AutoDock Vina was used to dock their core proteins into the components. Results Shufeiya recipe contained 67 active components. 61 common proteins of the target proteins of the active components and PH-related core proteins were obtained. The treatment involved both functional and pathway regulations. The core pathway-enriched proteins were prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), and their binding energies to the corresponding components were all less than -5 kJ•mol-1. Conclusion It was found that the main mechanism might be the active components acting on the core pathway-enriched proteins to regulate related signaling pathways, thereby playing roles in anticoagulation, vasodilation, anti-PASMC proliferation, promotion of PAECs apoptosis, inhibition of oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory effects.
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Maruyama H, Sakai S, Ieda M. Endothelin-1 Alters BMP Signaling to Promote Proliferation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:1018-1027. [PMID: 36037530 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2022-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by abnormal outgrowth of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of the media. Abundant expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) has been observed in PAH patients. p38MAPK has been implicated in cell proliferation. An unspecified disturbance in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling may be involved in the development of PAH. Type I receptors (BMPR1A and BMPR1B) and type II receptors (BMPR2) transduce signals via two distinct pathways, i.e., canonical and non-canonical pathways, activating Smad1/5/8 and p38MAPK, respectively. BMPR1B expression was previously reported to be enhanced in the PASMCs of patients with idiopathic PAH. BMP15 binds specifically to BMPR1B. We assessed the effects of ET-1 on BMP receptor expression and cell proliferation. BMP2 increased BMPR1B expression in human PASMCs after pretreatment with ET-1 in vitro. Although BMP2 alone did not affect PASMC proliferation, BMP2 treatment after ET-1 pretreatment significantly accelerated PASMC proliferation. PH-797804, a selective p38MAPK inhibitor, abrogated this proliferation. Similarly, after ET-1 pretreatment, BMP15 significantly accelerated the proliferation of PASMCs, whereas stimulation with BMP15 alone did not. In conclusion, in PASMCs, ET-1 exposure under pathological conditions alters BMP signaling to activate p38MAPK, resulting in cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Maruyama
- National Hospital Organisation Kasumigaura Medical Center Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Tsuchiura, Japan;
| | - Satoshi Sakai
- University of Tsukuba Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan;
| | - Masaki Ieda
- University of Tsukuba Faculty of Medicine, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan;
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Silva GF, da Silva JS, de Alencar AKN, de Moraes Carvalho da Silva M, Montagnoli TL, de Souza Rocha B, de Freitas RHCN, Sudo RT, Fraga CAM, Zapata-Sudo G. Novel p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitor Reverses Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070900. [PMID: 35890198 PMCID: PMC9316801 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling is strongly implicated in cardiovascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricle (RV) failure. The effects of a newly designed p38 inhibitor, LASSBio-1824, were investigated in experimentally induced PH. Male Wistar rats were exposed to hypoxia and SU5416 (SuHx), and normoxic rats were used as controls. Oral treatment was performed for 14 days with either vehicle or LASSBio-1824 (50 mg/kg). Pulmonary vascular resistance and RV structure and function were assessed by echocardiography and catheterization. Histological, immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of lung and RV were performed to investigate cardiovascular remodeling and inflammation. Treatment with LASSBio-1824 normalized vascular resistance by attenuating vessel muscularization and endothelial dysfunction. In the heart, treatment decreased RV systolic pressure, hypertrophy and collagen content, improving cardiac function. Protein content of TNF-α, iNOS, phosphorylated p38 and caspase-3 were reduced both in lung vessels and RV tissues after treatment and a reduced activation of transcription factor c-fos was found in cardiomyocytes of treated SuHx rats. Therefore, LASSBio-1824 represents a potential candidate for remodeling-targeted treatment of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazielle Fernandes Silva
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Cardiologia, Instituto do Coração Edson Saad, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Soares da Silva
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Cardiologia, Instituto do Coração Edson Saad, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, RJ, Brazil
| | - Allan Kardec Nogueira de Alencar
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
| | - Marina de Moraes Carvalho da Silva
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tadeu Lima Montagnoli
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bruna de Souza Rocha
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Cardiologia, Instituto do Coração Edson Saad, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Helena Coimbra Nogueira de Freitas
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
| | - Roberto Takashi Sudo
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Manssour Fraga
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.A.M.F.); or (G.Z.-S.); Tel./Fax: +55-21-39386478 (C.A.M.F.); +55-21-39386505 (G.Z.-S.)
| | - Gisele Zapata-Sudo
- Programa de Pesquisa em Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil; (G.F.S.); (J.S.d.S.); (A.K.N.d.A.); (M.d.M.C.d.S.); (T.L.M.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.H.C.N.d.F.); or (R.T.S.)
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Cardiologia, Instituto do Coração Edson Saad, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: (C.A.M.F.); or (G.Z.-S.); Tel./Fax: +55-21-39386478 (C.A.M.F.); +55-21-39386505 (G.Z.-S.)
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11
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Immunolocalization of zinc transporters and metallothioneins reveals links to microvascular morphology and functions. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:485-496. [PMID: 35849202 PMCID: PMC9630201 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02138-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zinc homeostasis is vital to immune and other organ system functions, yet over a quarter of the world’s population is zinc deficient. Abnormal zinc transport or storage protein expression has been linked to diseases, such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Although recent studies indicate a role for zinc regulation in vascular functions and diseases, detailed knowledge of the mechanisms involved remains unknown. This study aimed to assess protein expression and localization of zinc transporters of the SLC39A/ZIP family (ZIPs) and metallothioneins (MTs) in human subcutaneous microvessels and to relate them to morphological features and expression of function-related molecules in the microvasculature. Microvessels in paraffin biopsies of subcutaneous adipose tissues from 14 patients undergoing hernia reconstruction surgery were analysed for 9 ZIPs and 3 MT proteins by MQCM (multifluorescence quantitative confocal microscopy). Zinc regulation proteins detected in human microvasculature included ZIP1, ZIP2, ZIP8, ZIP10, ZIP12, ZIP14 and MT1-3, which showed differential localization among endothelial and smooth muscle cells. ZIP1, ZIP2, ZIP12 and MT3 showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased immunoreactivities, in association with increased microvascular muscularization, and upregulated ET-1, α-SMA and the active form of p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182 phosphorylated, p38 MAPK-P). These findings support roles of the zinc regulation system in microvascular physiology and diseases.
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12
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Huang L, Zhang H, Liu Y, Long Y. The Role of Gut and Airway Microbiota in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:929752. [PMID: 35910623 PMCID: PMC9326471 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.929752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe clinical condition that is characterized pathologically by perivascular inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling that ultimately leads to right heart failure. However, current treatments focus on controlling vasoconstriction and have little effect on pulmonary vascular remodeling. Better therapies of PAH require a better understanding of its pathogenesis. With advances in sequencing technology, researchers have begun to focus on the role of the human microbiota in disease. Recent studies have shown that the gut and airway microbiota and their metabolites play an important role in the pathogenesis of PAH. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the relationship between the gut and airway microbiota and PAH. We further discuss the key crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the lung associated with PAH, and the potential link between the gut and airway microbiota in the pathogenesis of PAH. In addition, we discuss the potential of using the microbiota as a new target for PAH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Huang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Hongdie Zhang
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Yang Long
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Metabolic Vascular Disease Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
- Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Nephropathy, Luzhou, China
- Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Long
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13
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Liu L, Wei Y, Giunta S, He Q, Xia S. Potential Role of Cellular Senescence in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:1042-1049. [PMID: 35748218 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and chronic lung vasculature disease characterized by pulmonary vasculature remodeling, including abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs). Remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature occurs from maturity to senescence, and it has become apparent that cellular senescence plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various degenerative vascular diseases and pulmonary pathologies. Cellular senescence represents a state of stable proliferative arrest accompanied by the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which entails the copious secretion of proinflammatory signals in the tissue microenvironment. Evidences show that in PAH patients, higher levels of cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory mediators can be detected and correlate with clinical outcome. Moreover, senescent cells accrue with age in epithelial, endothelial, fibroblastic, and immunological compartments within human lungs, and evidence showed that ECs and PASMCs in lungs from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were characterized by a higher number of senescent cells. However, there is little evidence uncovering the molecular pulmonary vasculature senescence in PAH. Herein, we review the cellular senescence in pulmonary vascular remodeling, and emphasize its importance in PAH. We further introduce some signaling pathways which might be involved in vasculature senescence and PAH, with the intent to discuss the possibility of the PAH therapy via targeting cellular senescence and reduce PAH progression and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lumei Liu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China
| | - Yaqin Wei
- Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Sergio Giunta
- Casa di Cura Prof. Nobili-GHC Garofalo Health Care, Bologna, Italy
| | - Qinghu He
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China.,Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua, PR China
| | - Shijin Xia
- Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
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14
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Predescu DN, Mokhlesi B, Predescu SA. The Impact of Sex Chromosomes in the Sexual Dimorphism of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:582-594. [PMID: 35114193 PMCID: PMC8978209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a sex-biased disease with a poorly understood female prevalence. Emerging research suggests that nonhormonal factors, such as the XX or XY sex chromosome complement and sex bias in gene expression, may also lead to sex-based differences in PAH incidence, penetrance, and progression. Typically, one of females' two X chromosomes is epigenetically silenced to offer a gender-balanced gene expression. Recent data demonstrate that the long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript, essential for X chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation of X-linked gene expression, shows elevated levels in female PAH lung specimens compared with controls. This molecular event leads to incomplete inactivation of the females' second X chromosome, abnormal expression of X-linked gene(s) involved in PAH pathophysiology, and a pulmonary artery endothelial cell (PAEC) proliferative phenotype. Moreover, the pathogenic proliferative p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/ETS transcription factor ELK1 (Elk1)/cFos signaling is mechanistically linked to the sexually dimorphic proliferative response of PAECs in PAH. Apprehending the complicated relationship between long noncoding RNA X-inactive specific transcript and X-linked genes and how this relationship integrates into a sexually dimorphic proliferation of PAECs and PAH sex paradox remain challenging. We highlight herein new findings related to how the sex chromosome complement and sex-differentiated epigenetic mechanisms to control gene expression are decisive players in the sexual dimorphism of PAH. Pharmacologic interventions in the light of the newly elucidated mechanisms are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan N Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Babak Mokhlesi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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15
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Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension is an enigmatic, deleterious disease driven by multiple heterogeneous causes with a burgeoning proportion of older patients with complex, chronic comorbidities without adequate treatment options. The underlying endothelial pathophenotypes that direct vasoconstriction and panvascular remodeling remain both controversial and incompletely defined. This review discusses emerging concepts centered on endothelial senescence in pulmonary vascular disease. This principle proposes a more heterogeneous, dynamic pulmonary endothelium in disease; it provides a potentially unifying feature of endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension irrespective of cause; and it supports a clinically relevant link between aging and pulmonary hypertension like other chronic illnesses. Thus, taking cues from studies on aging and age-related diseases, we present possible opportunities and barriers to diagnostic and therapeutic targeting of senescence in pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda K Culley
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Stephen Y Chan
- Center for Pulmonary Vascular Biology and Medicine, Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood Vascular Medicine Institute, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
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16
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Roger I, Milara J, Belhadj N, Cortijo J. Senescence Alterations in Pulmonary Hypertension. Cells 2021; 10:3456. [PMID: 34943963 PMCID: PMC8700581 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is the arrest of normal cell division and is commonly associated with aging. The interest in the role of cellular senescence in lung diseases derives from the observation of markers of senescence in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Accumulation of senescent cells and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in the lung of aged patients may lead to mild persistent inflammation, which results in tissue damage. Oxidative stress due to environmental exposures such as cigarette smoke also promotes cellular senescence, together with additional forms of cellular stress such as mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Growing recent evidence indicate that senescent cell phenotypes are observed in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells of patients with PH, contributing to pulmonary artery remodeling and PH development. In this review, we analyze the role of different senescence cell phenotypes contributing to the pulmonary artery remodeling process in different PH clinical entities. Different molecular pathway activation and cellular functions derived from senescence activation will be analyzed and discussed as promising targets to develop future senotherapies as promising treatments to attenuate pulmonary artery remodeling in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Roger
- Centro de Investigación en Red Enfermedades Respiratorias CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Javier Milara
- Centro de Investigación en Red Enfermedades Respiratorias CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nada Belhadj
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Centro de Investigación en Red Enfermedades Respiratorias CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, 28029 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
- Research and Teaching Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
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17
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Rosenkranz S, Feldman J, McLaughlin VV, Rischard F, Lange TJ, White RJ, Peacock AJ, Gerhardt F, Ebrahimi R, Brooks G, Satler C, Frantz RP. Selonsertib in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (ARROW): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2021; 10:35-46. [PMID: 34425071 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(21)00032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data obtained in human lung tissue and preclinical models suggest that oxidative stress and increased apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) activity might have a prominent role in the pathobiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the ASK1 inhibitor selonsertib compared with placebo in patients with PAH. METHODS We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial at 46 centres located in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and the USA. Participants were aged 18-75 years and had an established diagnosis of idiopathic or hereditary PAH, or PAH associated with connective tissue disease, drugs or toxins, human immunodeficiency virus, or repaired congenital heart defects. Patients were stratified by PAH aetiology and background therapy, and randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) using an interactive voice-response or web-response system to placebo or selonsertib 2 mg, 6 mg, or 18 mg administered orally once daily. Both placebo and selonsertib were in tablet form. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in pulmonary vascular resistance, measured by right heart catheterisation, from baseline to week 24 in the full analysis set. Pair-wise comparisons between each of the selonsertib groups and the placebo group were made with a stratified Wilcoxon (van Elteren) rank sum test for participants without major protocol deviations who received at least one dose of study drug. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02234141. FINDINGS Between Dec 3, 2014, and Nov 13, 2015, 151 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned. Of 150 participants who received selonsertib or placebo, 134 (89%) completed 24 weeks of the randomly assigned treatment; all were on background PAH therapy (138 [92%] on combination therapy). 90 (60%) patients were in functional class II and 60 (40%) in functional class III. Mean baseline pulmonary vascular resistance was 772 (SD 334) dyn·s/cm5. Change in pulmonary vascular resistance was 6·0 dyn·s/cm5 (SD 28·0; n=31) for placebo, and 35·0 (35·4) dyn·s/cm5 (n=35; p=0·21 vs placebo) for 2 mg selonsertib, -28·0 (30·2) dyn·s/cm5 (n=34; p=0·27 vs placebo) for 6 mg selonsertib, and -21·0 (37·9) dyn·s/cm5 (n=36; p=0·60 vs placebo) for 18 mg selonsertib. The most frequent adverse events were headache (17 [15%]), abnormal dreams (eight [7%]), nausea (seven [6%]), and diarrhoea (seven [6%]) in the selonsertib groups, and headache (six [16%]), nausea (five [14%]), and diarrhoea (two [5%]) in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred in 23 (20%) of 113 selonsertib-treated patients and seven (19%) of 37 patients who received placebo. INTERPRETATION Selonsertib once daily for 24 weeks did not lead to a significant reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance or to clinical improvement in patients with PAH, but appeared to be safe and well tolerated. Although these data do not support the clinical use of selonsertib in PAH, further study of the potential of targeting the ASK1-p38 pathway in PAH is warranted. FUNDING Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Rosenkranz
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, and Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Cologne, Germany.
| | | | - Vallerie V McLaughlin
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Tobias J Lange
- Dept of Internal Medicine II, Pulmonology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Germany
| | - R James White
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrew J Peacock
- Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit, Regional Heart & Lung Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | - Felix Gerhardt
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center at the University of Cologne, and Cologne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Robert P Frantz
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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18
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Shafiq M, Jagavelu K, Iqbal H, Yadav P, Chanda D, Verma NK, Ghosh JK, Gaestel M, Hanif K. Inhibition of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)-Activated Protein Kinase 2 (MK2) is Protective in Pulmonary Hypertension. Hypertension 2021; 77:1248-1259. [PMID: 33641361 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shafiq
- From the Division of Pharmacology (M.S., K.J., K.H.), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India (M.S., K.J., K.H.)
| | - Kumaravelu Jagavelu
- From the Division of Pharmacology (M.S., K.J., K.H.), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India (M.S., K.J., K.H.)
| | - Hina Iqbal
- Department of Molecular Bio-Prospection, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India (H.I., P.Y., D.C.)
| | - Pankaj Yadav
- Department of Molecular Bio-Prospection, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India (H.I., P.Y., D.C.)
| | - Debabrata Chanda
- Department of Molecular Bio-Prospection, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India (H.I., P.Y., D.C.)
| | - Neeraj Kumar Verma
- Division of Molecular and Structural Biology (N.K.V., J.K.G.), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Jimut Kanti Ghosh
- Division of Molecular and Structural Biology (N.K.V., J.K.G.), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Matthias Gaestel
- Institute for Zellbiochemie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Hanover, Germany (M.G.)
| | - Kashif Hanif
- From the Division of Pharmacology (M.S., K.J., K.H.), CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India (M.S., K.J., K.H.)
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19
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Veeroju S, Kojonazarov B, Weiss A, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Grimminger F, Seeger W, Novoyatleva T, Schermuly RT. Therapeutic Potential of Regorafenib-A Multikinase Inhibitor in Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031502. [PMID: 33540939 PMCID: PMC7867319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by a progressive elevation of mean arterial pressure followed by right ventricular failure and death. Previous studies have indicated that numerous inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling could be either beneficial or detrimental for the treatment of PH. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of the multi-kinase inhibitor regorafenib (BAY 73-4506) for the treatment of PH. A peptide-based kinase activity assay was performed using the PamStation®12 platform. The 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine proliferation and transwell migration assays were utilized in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Regorafenib was administered to monocrotaline- and hypoxia-induced PH in rats and mice, respectively. Functional parameters were analyzed by hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements. The kinase activity assay revealed upregulation of twenty-nine kinases in PASMCs from patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH), of which fifteen were established as potential targets of regorafenib. Regorafenib showed strong anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects in IPAH-PASMCs compared to the control PASMCs. Both experimental models indicated improved cardiac function and reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling upon regorafenib treatment. In lungs from monocrotaline (MCT) rats, regorafenib reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Overall, our data indicated that regorafenib plays a beneficial role in experimental PH.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/drug therapy
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/enzymology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/etiology
- Hypoxia/complications
- JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects
- Mice
- Monocrotaline/toxicity
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Phenylurea Compounds/pharmacology
- Phenylurea Compounds/therapeutic use
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational/drug effects
- Pulmonary Artery/cytology
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- Pyridines/therapeutic use
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Veeroju
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
| | - Baktybek Kojonazarov
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
- Institute for Lung Health, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Astrid Weiss
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
| | - Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
| | - Werner Seeger
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
- Institute for Lung Health, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Tatyana Novoyatleva
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.N.); (R.T.S.); Tel.: +49-641-994-2421 (R.T.S.); Fax: +49-641-994-2419 (R.T.S.)
| | - Ralph Theo Schermuly
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (S.V.); (B.K.); (A.W.); (H.A.G.); (N.W.); (F.G.); (W.S.)
- Correspondence: (T.N.); (R.T.S.); Tel.: +49-641-994-2421 (R.T.S.); Fax: +49-641-994-2419 (R.T.S.)
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Dannewitz Prosseda S, Ali MK, Spiekerkoetter E. Novel Advances in Modifying BMPR2 Signaling in PAH. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:genes12010008. [PMID: 33374819 PMCID: PMC7824173 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a disease of the pulmonary arteries, that is characterized by progressive narrowing of the pulmonary arterial lumen and increased pulmonary vascular resistance, ultimately leading to right ventricular dysfunction, heart failure and premature death. Current treatments mainly target pulmonary vasodilation and leave the progressive vascular remodeling unchecked resulting in persistent high morbidity and mortality in PAH even with treatment. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Loss of function mutations of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor 2 (BMPR2) are the most common genetic factor in hereditary forms of PAH, suggesting that the BMPR2 pathway is fundamentally important in the pathogenesis. Dysfunctional BMPR2 signaling recapitulates the cellular abnormalities in PAH as well as the pathobiology in experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH). Approaches to restore BMPR2 signaling by increasing the expression of BMPR2 or its downstream signaling targets are currently actively explored as novel ways to prevent and improve experimental PH as well as PAH in patients. Here, we summarize existing as well as novel potential treatment strategies for PAH that activate the BMPR2 receptor pharmaceutically or genetically, increase the receptor availability at the cell surface, or reconstitute downstream BMPR2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Dannewitz Prosseda
- Division Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.D.P.); (M.K.A.)
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Albert-Ludwigs University Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Md Khadem Ali
- Division Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.D.P.); (M.K.A.)
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Edda Spiekerkoetter
- Division Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (S.D.P.); (M.K.A.)
- Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Diseases, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Correspondence:
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21
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Grimes JM, Grimes KV. p38 MAPK inhibition: A promising therapeutic approach for COVID-19. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 144:63-65. [PMID: 32422320 PMCID: PMC7228886 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a major source of morbidity and mortality due to its inflammatory effects in the lungs and heart. The p38 MAPK pathway plays a crucial role in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and has been implicated in acute lung injury and myocardial dysfunction. The overwhelming inflammatory response in COVID-19 infection may be caused by disproportionately upregulated p38 activity, explained by two mechanisms. First, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activity is lost during SARS-CoV-2 viral entry. ACE2 is highly expressed in the lungs and heart and converts Angiotensin II into Angiotensin 1-7. Angiotensin II signals proinflammatory, pro-vasoconstrictive, pro-thrombotic activity through p38 MAPK activation, which is countered by Angiotensin 1-7 downregulation of p38 activity. Loss of ACE2 upon viral entry may tip the balance towards destructive p38 signaling through Angiotensin II. Second, SARS-CoV was previously shown to directly upregulate p38 activity via a viral protein, similar to other RNA respiratory viruses that may hijack p38 activity to promote replication. Given the homology between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter may employ a similar mechanism. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 may induce overwhelming inflammation by directly activating p38 and downregulating a key inhibitory pathway, while simultaneously taking advantage of p38 activity to replicate. Therapeutic inhibition of p38 could therefore attenuate COVID-19 infection. Interestingly, a prior preclinical study showed protective effects of p38 inhibition in a SARS-CoV mouse model. A number of p38 inhibitors are in the clinical stage and should be considered for clinical trials in serious COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Grimes
- Vagelos College of Physicians And Surgeons, Columbia University; 630 W. 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Kevin V Grimes
- Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA; 269 Campus Drive CCSR 3145, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America.
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22
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Combination of Dichloroacetate and Atorvastatin Regulates Excessive Proliferation and Oxidative Stress in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Development via p38 Signaling. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:6973636. [PMID: 32617141 PMCID: PMC7306075 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6973636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease generally characterized by pulmonary artery remodeling. Mitochondrial metabolic disorders have been implicated as a critical regulator of excessively proliferative- and apoptosis-resistant phenotypes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Dichloroacetate (DCA) is an emerging drug that targets aerobic glycolysis in tumor cells. Atorvastatin (ATO) is widely used for hyperlipemia in various cardiovascular diseases. Considering that DCA and ATO regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, respectively, we hypothesized that the combination of DCA and ATO could be a potential treatment for PAH. A notable decrease in the right ventricular systolic pressure accompanied by reduced right heart hypertrophy was observed in the DCA/ATO combination treatment group compared with the monocrotaline treatment group. The DCA/ATO combination treatment alleviated vascular remodeling, thereby suppressing excessive PASMC proliferation and macrophage infiltration. In vitro, both DCA and ATO alone reduced PASMC viability by upregulating oxidative stress and lowering mitochondrial membrane potential. Surprisingly, when combined, DCA/ATO was able to decrease the levels of reactive oxygen species and cell apoptosis without compromising PASMC proliferation. Furthermore, suppression of the p38 pathway through the specific inhibitor SB203580 attenuated cell death and oxidative stress at a level consistent with that of DCA/ATO combination treatment. These observations suggested a complementary effect of DCA and ATO on rescuing PASMCs from a PAH phenotype through p38 activation via the regulation of mitochondrial-related cell death and oxidative stress. DCA in combination with ATO may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for PAH treatment.
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23
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Wilson KS, Buist H, Suveizdyte K, Liles JT, Budas GR, Hughes C, MacLean MR, Johnson M, Church AC, Peacock AJ, Welsh DJ. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibition in in vivo and in vitro models of pulmonary hypertension. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020922810. [PMID: 32523684 PMCID: PMC7235684 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020922810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension, group 1 of the pulmonary hypertension disease family, involves pulmonary vascular remodelling, right ventricular dysfunction and cardiac failure. Oxidative stress, through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases is implicated in these changes. Inhibition of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, an apical mitogen-activated protein kinase, prevented pulmonary arterial hypertension developing in rodent models. Here, we investigate apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 in pulmonary arterial hypertension by examining the impact that its inhibition has on the molecular and cellular signalling in established disease. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibition was investigated in in vivo pulmonary arterial hypertension and in vitro pulmonary hypertension models. In the in vivo model, male Sprague Dawley rats received a single subcutaneous injection of Sugen SU5416 (20 mg/kg) prior to two weeks of hypobaric hypoxia (380 mmHg) followed by three weeks normoxia (Sugen/hypoxic), then animals were either maintained for three weeks on control chow or one containing apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibitor (100 mg/kg/day). Cardiovascular measurements were carried out. In the in vitro model, primary cultures of rat pulmonary artery fibroblasts and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were maintained in hypoxia (5% O2) and investigated for proliferation, migration and molecular signalling in the presence or absence of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibitor. Sugen/hypoxic animals displayed significant pulmonary arterial hypertension compared to normoxic controls at eight weeks. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibitor decreased right ventricular systolic pressure to control levels and reduced muscularised vessels in lung tissue. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibition was found to prevent hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration and cytokine release in rat pulmonary artery fibroblasts and also prevented rat pulmonary artery fibroblast-induced rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibition reversed pulmonary arterial hypertension in the Sugen/hypoxic rat model. These effects may be a result of intrinsic changes in the signalling of adventitial fibroblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S Wilson
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Hanna Buist
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kornelija Suveizdyte
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Colin Hughes
- Central Research Facility, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Margaret R MacLean
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martin Johnson
- Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK
| | - Alistair C Church
- Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK
| | - Andrew J Peacock
- Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit, Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Clydebank, UK
| | - David J Welsh
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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24
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Weiss A, Boehm M, Egemnazarov B, Grimminger F, Savai Pullamsetti S, Kwapiszewska G, Schermuly RT. Kinases as potential targets for treatment of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:31-53. [PMID: 31709514 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive pulmonary vasculopathy that causes chronic right ventricular pressure overload and often leads to right ventricular failure. Various kinase inhibitors have been studied in the setting of PH and either improved or worsened the disease, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific role of the respective kinases in a spatiotemporal cellular context. In this review, we will summarize the knowledge on the role of kinases in PH and focus on druggable targets for which certain criteria are met: (a) deregulation of the kinase in PH; (b) small-molecule inhibitors are available (e.g. from the oncology field); (c) preclinical studies have shown their efficacy in PH models; and (d) when available, therapeutic exploitation in human PH has been initiated. Along this line, clinical considerations such as personalized medicine approaches to predict therapy response and adverse side events such as cardiotoxicity together with their clinical management are discussed. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.1/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Mario Boehm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Grazyna Kwapiszewska
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria.,Otto Loewi Center, Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ralph T Schermuly
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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25
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Tielemans B, Stoian L, Gijsbers R, Michiels A, Wagenaar A, Farre Marti R, Belge C, Delcroix M, Quarck R. Cytokines trigger disruption of endothelium barrier function and p38 MAP kinase activation in BMPR2-silenced human lung microvascular endothelial cells. Pulm Circ 2019; 9:2045894019883607. [PMID: 31692724 PMCID: PMC6811766 DOI: 10.1177/2045894019883607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein receptor II (BMPRII) signaling pathway is impaired
in pulmonary arterial hypertension and mutations in the BMPR2
gene have been observed in both heritable and idiopathic pulmonary arterial
hypertension. However, all BMPR2 mutation carriers do not
develop pulmonary arterial hypertension, and inflammation could trigger the
development of the disease in BMPR2 mutation carriers.
Circulating levels and/or lung tissue expression of cytokines such as tumor
necrosis factor-α or interleukin-18 are elevated in patients with pulmonary
arterial hypertension and could be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary
arterial hypertension. We consequently hypothesized that cytokines could trigger
endothelial dysfunction in addition to impaired BMPRII signaling. Our aim was to
determine whether impairment of BMPRII signaling might affect endothelium
barrier function and adhesiveness to monocytes, in response to cytokines.
BMPR2 was silenced in human lung microvascular endothelial
cells (HLMVECs) using lentiviral vectors encoding microRNA-based hairpins.
Effects of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-18 on HLMVEC adhesiveness to
the human monocyte cell line THP-1, adhesion molecule expression, endothelial
barrier function and activation of P38MAPK were investigated in vitro. Stable
BMPR2 silencing in HLMVECs resulted in impaired endothelial
barrier function and constitutive activation of P38MAPK. Adhesiveness of
BMPR2-silenced HLMVECs to THP-1 cells was enhanced by tumor
necrosis factor-α and interleukin-18 through ICAM-1 adhesion molecule.
Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor-α induced activation of P38MAPK and
disrupted endothelial barrier function in BMPR2-silenced
HLMVECs. Altogether, our findings showed that stable BMPR2
silencing resulted in impaired endothelial barrier function and activation of
P38MAPK in HLMVECs. In BMPR2-silenced HLMVECs, cytokines
enhanced adhesiveness capacities, activation of P38MAPK and impaired endothelial
barrier function suggesting that cytokines could trigger the development of
pulmonary arterial hypertension in a context of impaired BMPRII signaling
pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birger Tielemans
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leanda Stoian
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelies Michiels
- Neurobiology and Gene Therapy, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Leuven Viral Vector Core, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Allard Wagenaar
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ricard Farre Marti
- Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Catharina Belge
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals and Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marion Delcroix
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals and Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rozenn Quarck
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals and Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism & Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Zhu N, Xiang Y, Zhao X, Cai C, Chen H, Jiang W, Wang Y, Zeng C. Thymoquinone suppresses platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and neointimal formation. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:8482-8492. [PMID: 31638340 PMCID: PMC6850929 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are mainly responsible for vascular occlusion diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and restenosis. Our previous study demonstrated thymoquinone (TQ) attenuated monocrotaline‐induced pulmonary arterial hypertension. The aim of the present study is to systematically examine inhibitory effects of TQ on platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB)–induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro and neointimal formation in vivo and elucidate the potential mechanisms. Vascular smooth muscle cells were isolated from the aorta in rats. Cell viability and proliferation were measured in VSMCs using the MTT assay. Cell migration was detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay. Alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and Ki‐67‐positive cells were examined by immunofluorescence staining. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry and terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase–mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) staining, respectively. Molecules including the mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis factors, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), PTEN/AKT and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were determined by Western blot. Neointimal formation was induced by ligation in male Sprague Dawley rats and evaluated by HE staining. Thymoquinone inhibited PDGF‐BB–induced VSMC proliferation and the increase in α‐SMA and Ki‐67‐positive cells. Thymoquinone also induced apoptosis via mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis pathway and p38MAPK. Thymoquinone blocked VSMC migration by inhibiting MMP2. Finally, TQ reversed neointimal formation induced by ligation in rats. Thus, TQ is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of occlusive vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yijia Xiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Xuyong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Changhong Cai
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenbing Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Wenzhou Third Clinical Institute Affiliated To Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunlai Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui Central Hospital, Lishui, China
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27
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Leong ZP, Hikasa Y. Effects of masitinib compared with tadalafil for the treatment of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats. Vascul Pharmacol 2019; 122-123:106599. [PMID: 31629919 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2019.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Targeting vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a challenge given the lack of potent anti-remodeling abilities of the therapeutic drugs. Although sildenafil has been shown to ameliorate cardiopulmonary remodeling, that of tadalafil is questionable. Masitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor appears safer and more potent than imatinib for treatment of malignancies, but its efficacy on PAH is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the anti-remodeling properties of masitinib (5, 15, 50 mg/kg) and tadalafil (5, 10 mg/kg) using a monocrotaline-induced rat model of PAH. The 14-day treatment with masitinib (15, 50 mg/kg) resulted in significantly decreased right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure (RVSP) and hypertrophy (RVH), and pulmonary vascular remodeling, whereas tadalafil showed weaker anti-remodeling properties. Besides, masitinib significantly blocked the mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and reduced phosphodiesterase (PDE)-5 mRNA expression in the lungs. By contrast, tadalafil did not significantly inhibit the MAPK pathway. Further, the 28-day treatment extension revealed that masitinib-treated rats (15 mg/kg) had significantly lower RVSP, and higher heart rate and serum cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) level, whereas those treated with tadalafil (10 mg/kg) showed insignificantly lower RVSP and higher cGMP level. Moreover, the RVH indices, heart rates, body weight gains, and survival rates of rats in both groups were comparable. Collectively, these results suggest that the treatment with a low-dose masitinib was non-inferior than tadalafil. A lower dose of masitinib may represent a novel approach to target both the cardiopulmonary remodeling and the dysregulated vasoconstriction in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi Ping Leong
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Hikasa
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8550, Japan.
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28
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Gao R, Fang Q, Zhang X, Xu Q, Ye H, Guo W, He J, Chen Y, Wang R, Wu Z, Yu J. R5 HIV-1 gp120 Activates p38 MAPK to Induce Rat Cardiomyocyte Injury by the CCR5 Coreceptor. Pathobiology 2019; 86:274-284. [PMID: 31574524 DOI: 10.1159/000502238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective antiretroviral therapy extends the survival of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, but these patients remain at higher risk for heart diseases compared with the general population. Previous studies have suggested that HIV-1 glycoprotein 120 (gp120) may be associated with heart disease. However, the underlying mechanisms by which HIV-1 gp120-mediated myocardial injury occurs remain unknown. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to uncover the mechanism of C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) coreceptor (R5) HIV-1 gp120-induced myocardial injury. METHODS Morphology analysis, determination of the percentage of cell apoptosis, as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) assays were used to analyze whether R5 HIV-1 gp120 induced myocardial cell injury. We analyzed the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) with the CCR5 antagonist D-Ala-peptide T-amide (DAPTA) and NMDA receptor antagonist MK801, detected LDH and CK assays with p38 MAPK antagonist SB203580 (SB), and detected the percentage of cell apoptosis and death with DAPTA to investigate the mechanism of R5 HIV-1 gp120-induced myocardial cell injury. RESULTS R5 HIV-1 gp120 damaged myocardial cells and induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation. SB blocked R5 HIV-1 gp120-induced myocardial cell injury. DAPTA blocked R5 HIV-1 gp120-mediated p38 MAPK phosphorylation, while MK801 did not. DAPTA inhibited R5 HIV-1 gp120-induced myocardial cell injury. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that R5 HIV-1 gp120 activated p38 MAPK to trigger myocardial cell injury by the CCR5 coreceptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiujuan Fang
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qin Xu
- School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hanhui Ye
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiao He
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yahong Chen
- Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruixing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhijuan Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Fujian Province University on Ion Channel and Signal Transduction in Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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29
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Anderluh M, Kocic G, Tomovic K, Kocic H, Smelcerovic A. DPP-4 inhibition: А novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of pulmonary hypertension? Pharmacol Ther 2019; 201:1-7. [PMID: 31095977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disorder characterized by alterations of the vascular structure and function in the lungs. Despite the success in its stabilisation by targeting pulmonary vascular tone and endothelial dysfunction, the prognosis remains poor and new therapeutic approaches via neglected macromolecular targets are needed. In the pathophysiology of PH the early stages of vascular remodelling are considered to be reversible, while endothelial to mesenchymal transition and proliferation/migration of fibroblasts play a critical role in staging the irreversible phase. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)/CD26 is present and active in the lungs and is expressed constitutively on lung fibroblasts, on which it exerts proliferative effects. Further, it is a marker of migrating fibroblasts and of their functional activation, including collagen synthesis and inflammatory cytokine secretion. Inhibiting DPP-4 improves the reversible phases of vascular dysfunction in PH, but is also highly likely to attenuate endothelial to mesenchymal transition and decrease the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts, preventing fibrosis and, consequently, should prolong or even inhibit entrance to the potentially irreversible phase of PH. Proposed mechanisms that support the multifaceted aspects of DPP-4 inhibition in terms of improving PH, involve pathways and mediators in pulmonary vascular and connective tissue remodelling. The latter are affected by the inhibition of this protease resulting in the synergistic beneficial antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. We offer here an evidence-supported hypothesis that DPP-4 inhibitors are likely to be effective in the irreversible phase of remodelling in PH. Accordingly, we propose PH as a possible novel therapeutic indication for existing and new DPP-4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Anderluh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 7, SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Gordana Kocic
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Bulevar Dr Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Katarina Tomovic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Bulevar Dr Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Nis, Serbia
| | - Hristina Kocic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Magdalenski trg 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Andrija Smelcerovic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Bulevar Dr Zorana Djindjica 81, 18000 Nis, Serbia.
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30
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Wilkins MR. Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1 Inhibition in Pulmonary Hypertension. Too Much to ASK? Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 197:286-288. [PMID: 28930481 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201709-1814ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Wilkins
- 1 Department of Medicine Imperial College London London, United Kingdom
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31
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Budas GR, Boehm M, Kojonazarov B, Viswanathan G, Tian X, Veeroju S, Novoyatleva T, Grimminger F, Hinojosa-Kirschenbaum F, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Seeger W, Liles JT, Schermuly RT. ASK1 Inhibition Halts Disease Progression in Preclinical Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 197:373-385. [PMID: 28910144 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201703-0502oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with pathological remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and the right ventricle (RV). Oxidative stress drives the remodeling process through activation of MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases), which stimulate apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether pharmacological inhibition of the redox-sensitive apical MAPK, ASK1 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1), can halt the progression of pulmonary vascular and RV remodeling. METHODS A selective, orally available ASK1 inhibitor, GS-444217, was administered to two preclinical rat models of PAH (monocrotaline and Sugen/hypoxia), a murine model of RV pressure overload induced by pulmonary artery banding, and cellular models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Oral administration of GS-444217 dose dependently reduced pulmonary arterial pressure and reduced RV hypertrophy in PAH models. The therapeutic efficacy of GS-444217 was associated with reduced ASK1 phosphorylation, reduced muscularization of the pulmonary arteries, and reduced fibrotic gene expression in the RV. Importantly, efficacy was observed when GS-444217 was administered to animals with established disease and also directly reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function in a model of isolated RV pressure overload. In cellular models, GS-444217 reduced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) induced by adenoviral overexpression of ASK1 in rat cardiomyocytes and reduced activation/migration of primary mouse cardiac fibroblasts and human pulmonary adventitial fibroblasts derived from patients with PAH. CONCLUSIONS ASK1 inhibition reduced pathological remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and the right ventricle and halted progression of pulmonary hypertension in rodent models. These preclinical data inform the first description of a causal role of ASK1 in PAH disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Boehm
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Baktybek Kojonazarov
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Gayathri Viswanathan
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Xia Tian
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Swathi Veeroju
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Tatyana Novoyatleva
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | | | - Hossein A Ghofrani
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Werner Seeger
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and.,3 Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | - Ralph T Schermuly
- 2 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany; and
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32
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Carman BL, Predescu DN, Machado R, Predescu SA. Plexiform Arteriopathy in Rodent Models of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 189:1133-1144. [PMID: 30926336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As time progresses, our understanding of disease pathology is propelled forward by technological advancements. Much of the advancements that aid in understanding disease mechanics are based on animal studies. Unfortunately, animal models often fail to recapitulate the entirety of the human disease. This is especially true with animal models used to study pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease with two distinct phases. The first phase is defined by nonspecific medial and adventitial thickening of the pulmonary artery and is commonly reproduced in animal models, including the classic models (ie, hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and monocrotaline lung injury model). However, many animal models, including the classic models, fail to capture the progressive, or second, phase of PAH. This is a stage defined by plexogenic arteriopathy, resulting in obliteration and occlusion of the small- to mid-sized pulmonary vessels. Each of these two phases results in severe pulmonary hypertension that directly leads to right ventricular hypertrophy, decompensated right-sided heart failure, and death. Fortunately, newly developed animal models have begun to address the second, more severe, side of PAH and aid in our ability to develop new therapeutics. Moreover, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation emerges as a central molecular mediator of plexiform lesions in both experimental models and human disease. Therefore, this review will focus on plexiform arteriopathy in experimental animal models of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Carman
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dan N Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Roberto Machado
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois.
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33
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Hu CJ, Zhang H, Laux A, Pullamsetti SS, Stenmark KR. Mechanisms contributing to persistently activated cell phenotypes in pulmonary hypertension. J Physiol 2018; 597:1103-1119. [PMID: 29920674 PMCID: PMC6375873 DOI: 10.1113/jp275857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by the accumulation of persistently activated cell types in the pulmonary vessel exhibiting aberrant expression of genes involved in apoptosis resistance, proliferation, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Current therapies for PH, focusing on vasodilatation, do not normalize these activated phenotypes. Furthermore, current approaches to define additional therapeutic targets have focused on determining the initiating signals and their downstream effectors that are important in PH onset and development. Although these approaches have produced a large number of compelling PH treatment targets, many promising human drugs have failed in PH clinical trials. Herein, we propose that one contributing factor to these failures is that processes important in PH development may not be good treatment targets in the established phase of chronic PH. We hypothesize that this is due to alterations of chromatin structure in PH cells, resulting in functional differences between the same factor or pathway in normal or early PH cells versus cells in chronic PH. We propose that the high expression of genes involved in the persistently activated phenotype of PH vascular cells is perpetuated by an open chromatin structure and multiple transcription factors (TFs) via the recruitment of high levels of epigenetic regulators including the histone acetylases P300/CBP, histone acetylation readers including BRDs, the Mediator complex and the positive transcription elongation factor (Abstract figure). Thus, determining how gene expression is controlled by examining chromatin structure, TFs and epigenetic regulators associated with aberrantly expressed genes in pulmonary vascular cells in chronic PH, may uncover new PH therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Jun Hu
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Aya Laux
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Soni S Pullamsetti
- Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Bad Nauheim, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the DZL, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kurt R Stenmark
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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34
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Tzouvelekis A, Herazo-Maya JD, Ryu C, Chu JH, Zhang Y, Gibson KF, Adonteng-Boateng PK, Li Q, Pan H, Cherry B, Ahmad F, Ford HJ, Herzog EL, Kaminski N, Fares WH. S100A12 as a marker of worse cardiac output and mortality in pulmonary hypertension. Respirology 2018; 23:771-779. [PMID: 29611244 DOI: 10.1111/resp.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Molecular biomarkers are needed to refine prognostication and phenotyping of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. S100A12 is an emerging biomarker of various inflammatory diseases. This study aims to determine the prognostic value of S100A12 in PH. METHODS Exploratory microarray analysis performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients suggested an association between S100A12 and both PH and mortality. So the current study was designed to evaluate for an association between S100A12 in peripheral blood collected from two well-phenotyped PH cohorts in two other centres to derive and validate an association between S100A12 protein serum concentrations and mortality. RESULTS The majority of the patients in the discovery and validation cohorts were either World Health Organization (WHO) group 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)) or 3 (lung disease-associated) PH. In the discovery PH cohort, S100A12 was significantly increased in patients with PH (n = 51) compared to controls (n = 22) (29.8 vs 15.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with cardiac output (r = -0.58, P < 0.001) in PH patients. When S100A12 data were pooled from both cohorts, PAH and non-PAH PH patients had higher S100A12 compared to healthy external controls (32.6, 30.9, 15.7 ng/mL; P < 0.001). S100A12 was associated with an increased risk in overall mortality in PH patients in both the discovery (n = 51; P = 0.008) and validation (n = 40; P < 0.001) cohorts. CONCLUSION S100A12 levels are increased in PH patients and are associated with increased mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jose D Herazo-Maya
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Changwan Ryu
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jen-Hwa Chu
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin F Gibson
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Dorothy P. and Richard P. Simmons Center for Interstitial Lung Disease, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Percy K Adonteng-Boateng
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Qin Li
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hongyi Pan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin Cherry
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ferhaan Ahmad
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Hubert J Ford
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Erica L Herzog
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wassim H Fares
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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35
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Vanderpool RR, Tang H, Rischard F, Yuan JXJ. Is p38 MAPK a Dark Force in Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and Failure in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension? Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2018; 57:506-508. [PMID: 29090954 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2017-0197ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Vanderpool
- 1 Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Arizona
| | - Haiyang Tang
- 1 Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Arizona
| | - Franz Rischard
- 1 Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Arizona.,2 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- 3 Division of Translational and Regenerative Medicine and.,4 Department of Physiology University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson, Arizona
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36
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Marshall JD, Bazan I, Zhang Y, Fares WH, Lee PJ. Mitochondrial dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension: cause, effect, or both. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 314:L782-L796. [PMID: 29345195 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00331.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension describes a heterogeneous disease defined by increased pulmonary artery pressures, and progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance due to pathologic remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature involving pulmonary endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. This process occurs under various conditions, and although these populations vary, the clinical manifestations are the same: progressive dyspnea, increases in right ventricular (RV) afterload and dysfunction, RV-pulmonary artery uncoupling, and right-sided heart failure with systemic circulatory collapse. The overall estimated 5-yr survival rate is 72% in highly functioning patients, and as low as 28% for those presenting with advanced symptoms. Metabolic theories have been suggested as underlying the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension with growing evidence of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction involving the major proteins of the electron transport chain, redox-related enzymes, regulators of the proton gradient and calcium homeostasis, regulators of apoptosis, and mitophagy. There remain more studies needed to characterize mitochondrial dysfunction leading to impaired vascular relaxation, increase proliferation, and failure of regulatory mechanisms. The effects on endothelial cells and resulting interactions with their microenvironment remain uncharted territory for future discovery. Additionally, on the basis of observations that the "plexigenic lesions" of pulmonary hypertension resemble the unregulated proliferation of tumor cells, similarities between cancer pathobiology and pulmonary hypertension have been drawn, suggesting interactions between mitochondria and angiogenesis. Recently, mitochondria targeting has become feasible, which may yield new therapeutic strategies. We present a state-of-the-art review of the role of mitochondria in both the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension and potential therapeutic targets in pulmonary vascular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Marshall
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Isabel Bazan
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Yi Zhang
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Wassim H Fares
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Patty J Lee
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine , New Haven, Connecticut
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Maron BA, Gladwin MT, Simon MA. Update in Pulmonary Vascular Disease 2015. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 193:1337-44. [PMID: 27304242 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201601-0143up] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley A Maron
- 1 Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2 Department of Cardiology, Boston Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Mark T Gladwin
- 3 Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Marc A Simon
- 4 Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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38
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Kojonazarov B, Novoyatleva T, Boehm M, Happe C, Sibinska Z, Tian X, Sajjad A, Luitel H, Kriechling P, Posern G, Evans SM, Grimminger F, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Bogaard HJ, Seeger W, Schermuly RT. p38 MAPK Inhibition Improves Heart Function in Pressure-Loaded Right Ventricular Hypertrophy. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 57:603-614. [PMID: 28657795 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0374oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is known to have a role in ischemic heart disease and many other diseases, its contribution to the pathobiology of right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and failure is unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate the role of p38 MAPK in the pathophysiology of pressure overload-induced RV hypertrophy and failure. The effects of the p38 MAPK inhibitor PH797804 were investigated in mice with RV hypertrophy/failure caused by exposure to hypoxia or pulmonary artery banding. In addition, the effects of p38 MAPK inhibition or depletion (by small interfering RNA) were studied in isolated mouse RV fibroblasts. Echocardiography, invasive hemodynamic measurements, immunohistochemistry, collagen assays, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting were performed. Expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK was markedly increased in mouse and human hypertrophied/failed RVs. In mice, PH797804 improved RV function and inhibited cardiac fibrosis compared with placebo. In isolated RV fibroblasts, p38 MAPK inhibition reduced transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced collagen production as well as stress fiber formation. Moreover, p38 MAPK inhibition/depletion suppressed TGF-β-induced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation and myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) nuclear translocation, and prevented TGF-β-induced cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation. Moreover, p38 MAPK inhibition in mice exposed to pulmonary artery banding led to diminished nuclear levels of MRTF-A and phosphorylated SMAD3 in RV fibroblasts. Together, our data indicate that p38 MAPK inhibition significantly improves RV function and inhibits RV fibrosis. Inhibition of p38 MAPK in RV cardiac fibroblasts, resulting in coordinated attenuation of MRTF-A cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation and SMAD3 deactivation, indicates that p38 MAPK signaling contributes to distinct disease-causing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baktybek Kojonazarov
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Tatyana Novoyatleva
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mario Boehm
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Chris Happe
- 2 VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zaneta Sibinska
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Xia Tian
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Amna Sajjad
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Himal Luitel
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Philipp Kriechling
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Guido Posern
- 3 Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Halle, Germany
| | - Steven M Evans
- 4 Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hossein A Ghofrani
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Harm J Bogaard
- 2 VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Werner Seeger
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany.,5 Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ralph T Schermuly
- 1 Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
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Shi R, Wei Z, Zhu D, Fu N, Wang C, Yin S, Liang Y, Xing J, Wang X, Wang Y. Baicalein attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by inhibiting vascular remodeling in rats. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2017; 48:124-135. [PMID: 29133079 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) driven by progressive vascular remodeling. Reversing adverse vascular remodeling is an important concept in the treatment of PAH. Endothelial injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress are three main contributors to pulmonary vascular remodeling. Baicalein is a natural flavonoid that has been shown to possess anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and cardioprotective properties. We hypothesized that baicalein may prevent the progression of PAH and preserve the right heart function by inhibiting pulmonary arterial remodeling. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed randomly into 4 groups: control, monocrotaline (MCT)-exposed, and MCT-exposed plus baicalein treated rats (50 and 100 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks). Hemodynamic changes, RVH, and lung morphological features were examined on day 28. Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining, and the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were detected by qRT-PCR. The changes in oxidative indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured using corresponding commercial kits. The levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB were assessed by western blotting. RESULTS MCT induced an increase in hemodynamic parameters and RVH, which were attenuated by baicalein treatment. Baicalein also blocked MCT-induced pulmonary arterial remodeling. The levels of apoptotic (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3) and inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β) biomarkers in lung tissue were lower in baicalein-treated groups. Baicalein also decreased MDA level, and increased SOD and GSH-Px activity in rat pulmonary tissue. Furthermore, baicalein inhibited MCT-induced activation of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. CONCLUSION Baicalein ameliorates MCT-induced PAH by inhibiting pulmonary arterial remodeling at least partially via the MAPK and NF-κB pathways in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizan Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Zehui Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Diying Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Naijie Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Sha Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yueqin Liang
- Medical Functional Experimental Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Jianfeng Xing
- Medical Functional Experimental Center, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xuening Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Dayi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
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40
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Jiang R, Shi Y, Zeng C, Yu W, Zhang A, Du Y. Protein kinase Cα stimulates hypoxia‑induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation in rats through activating the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:6814-6820. [PMID: 28901444 PMCID: PMC5865839 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) may contribute to vascular remodeling, and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation has an important role in this process. However, no relevant information concerning the role and mechanism of protein kinase C (PKC)α in hypoxia-induced rat PASMC proliferation has been elucidated. The present study aimed to further investigate this by comparison of rat PASMC proliferation among normoxia for 72 h (21% O2), hypoxia for 72 h (3% O2), hypoxia + promoter 12-myristate 13-acetate control, hypoxia + safingol control, hypoxia + PD98059 control and hypoxia + U0126 control groups. The present study demonstrated that protein expression levels of PKCα in rat PASMCs were elevated. In conclusion, through activating the extracellular signal-regulated 1/2 signaling pathway, PKCα is involved in and initiates PASMC proliferation, thus bringing about pulmonary artery hypertension. These results add to the understanding of the mechanism PKCα in PH formation and lays a theoretical basis for prevention as well as treatment of HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Jiang
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Yiwei Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Medical University Affiliated First Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Chao Zeng
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Yu
- Respiratory Department, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, Shandong 255036, P.R. China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, P.R. China
| | - Yongcheng Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030012, P.R. China
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41
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Scott RA, Kharkar PM, Kiick KL, Akins RE. Aortic adventitial fibroblast sensitivity to mitogen activated protein kinase inhibitors depends on substrate stiffness. Biomaterials 2017; 137:1-10. [PMID: 28527302 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) are key determinants of arterial function and critical mediators of arterial disease progression. The effects of altered stiffness, particularly those observed across individuals during normal vascular function, and the mechanisms by which AFs respond to altered stiffness, are not well understood. To study the effects of matrix stiffness on AF phenotype, cytokine production, and the regulatory pathways utilized to interpret basic cell-matrix interactions, human aortic AFs were grown in 5%, 7.5%, and 10% (w/v%) PEG-based hydrogels with Young's moduli of 1.2, 3.3, and 9.6 kPa, respectively. In 5% gels, AFs had higher proliferation rates, elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion, and enhanced monocyte recruitment. Significantly more AFs were α-smooth muscle actin positive in 7.5% gels, indicating myofibroblast development. AFs in 10% gels had low proliferation rates but produced high levels of interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. Importantly, these modulus-dependent changes in AF phenotype were accompanied by alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways contributing to the production of cytokines. These data indicate that complex cell regulatory changes occur with altered tissue stiffness and suggest that therapeutics affecting MAPK pathways may have altered effects on AFs depending on substrate stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Scott
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Prathamesh M Kharkar
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Robert E Akins
- Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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42
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Xu Y, Gu Q, Qu C. Capsaicin pretreatment reversed pulmonary arterial hypertension by alleviating inflammation via p38MAPK pathway. Exp Lung Res 2017; 43:8-18. [PMID: 28281854 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2016.1271481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose/Aim: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a lethal disease associated with pulmonary vascular remodeling as well as inflammation. As a kind of tachykinin secreted by nerves and inflammatory cells, substance P (SP) has been proved to be involved in the progression of PAH. Capsaicin can deplete substance P and provide benefits in PAH. However, the mechanism is still unclear. In this article, we aim to illustrate the possible mechanism involved in the process of capsaicin alleviating PAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single injection of monocrotaline (MCT) to male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was conducted to induce PAH. Capsaicin pretreatment was administered three days before MCT injection to deplete substance P. P38mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activator or inhibitor was given intraperitoneally after MCT injection. After 28 days, hemodynamic studies were carried out, and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular (RV)/left ventricle plus septum (LV+S), RV/body weight (BW), and lung weight (LW)/BW were recorded and calculated. In addition, the pulmonary vascular remodeling (pulmonary arterial medial wall thickness, area, perivascualr fibrosis), pro-inflammatory cytokines, the common signal pathways, such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk), protein kinase B (Akt), and p38MAPK were also detected. RESULTS Capsaicin pretreatment reversed PAH, including decreasing RVSP, RV/(LV+S), RV/BW, and LW/BW, and alleviating inflammation. Phosphorylated-p38 (p-p38) MAPK was up-regulated, which was partially reversed by capsaicin pretreatment. Interestingly, expression of Akt, Erk, and PPARγ was not altered by capsaicin pretreatment. Inhibition of p38MAPK provided the same benefits with capsaicin pretreatment, whereas it failed to provide additional improvement in the presence of capsaicin. Besides, p38MAPK activator abolished the effects of capsaicin pretreatment on PAH, suggesting a key role of p38MPAK pathway in the effects of capsaicin reversing PAH. CONCLUSIONS Capsaicin pretreatment reversed PAH by alleviating inflammation via p38MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- a Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital , The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University, Intensive Care Unit , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Qin Gu
- a Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital , The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University, Intensive Care Unit , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
| | - Chen Qu
- b Geriatric Medicine Department , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , Jiangsu , China
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43
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Tan X, Feng L, Huang X, Yang Y, Yang C, Gao Y. Histone deacetylase inhibitors promote eNOS expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and suppress hypoxia-induced cell growth. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2022-2035. [PMID: 28266122 PMCID: PMC5571528 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia stimulates excessive growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributing to vascular remodelling. Recent studies have shown that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) suppress VSMC proliferation and activate eNOS expression. However, the effects of HDI on hypoxia-induced VSMC growth and the role of activated eNOS in VSMCs are unclear. Using an EdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry analysis, we found that the HDIs, butyrate (Bur) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) significantly suppressed the proliferation of hypoxic VSMC lines and induced apoptosis. Remarkable induction of cleaved caspase 3, p21 expression and reduction of PCNA expression were also observed. Increased eNOS expression and enhanced NO secretion by hypoxic VSMC lines were detected using Bur or SAHA treatment. Knockdown of eNOS by siRNA transfection or exposure of hypoxic VSMCs to NO scavengers weakened the effects of Bur and SAHA on the growth of hypoxic VSMCs. In animal experiments, administration of Bur to Wistar rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 28 days ameliorated the thickness and collagen deposition in pulmonary artery walls. Although the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) was not obviously decreased with Bur in hypoxic rats, right ventricle hypertrophy index (RVHI) was decreased and the oxygen partial pressure of arterial blood was elevated. Furthermore, cell viability was decreased and eNOS and cleaved caspase 3 were induced in HDI-treated rat pulmonary arterial SMCs. These findings imply that HDIs prevent hypoxia-induced VSMC growth, in correlation with activated eNOS expression and activity in hypoxic VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Tan
- Department of High Altitude Physiology & Biology, College of High Altitude Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Feng
- Department of High Altitude Physiology & Biology, College of High Altitude Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyong Huang
- Southwest Eye Hospital, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yidong Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology & High Altitude Pathology, College of High Altitude Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengzhong Yang
- Department of High Altitude Physiology & Biology, College of High Altitude Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuqi Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology & High Altitude Pathology, College of High Altitude Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Grothausmann R, Knudsen L, Ochs M, Mühlfeld C. Digital 3D reconstructions using histological serial sections of lung tissue including the alveolar capillary network. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 312:L243-L257. [PMID: 27913424 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00326.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Grothausmann R, Knudsen L, Ochs M, Mühlfeld C. Digital 3D reconstructions using histological serial sections of lung tissue including the alveolar capillary network. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 312: L243-L257, 2017. First published December 2, 2016; doi:10.1152/ajplung.00326.2016-The alveolar capillary network (ACN) provides an enormously large surface area that is necessary for pulmonary gas exchange. Changes of the ACN during normal or pathological development or in pulmonary diseases are of great functional impact and warrant further analysis. Due to the complexity of the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the ACN, 2D approaches are limited in providing a comprehensive impression of the characteristics of the normal ACN or the nature of its alterations. Stereological methods offer a quantitative way to assess the ACN in 3D in terms of capillary volume, surface area, or number but lack a 3D visualization to interpret the data. Hence, the necessity to visualize the ACN in 3D and to correlate this with data from the same set of data arises. Such an approach requires a large sample volume combined with a high resolution. Here, we present a technically simple and cost-efficient approach to create 3D representations of lung tissue ranging from bronchioles over alveolar ducts and alveoli up to the ACN from more than 1 mm sample extent to a resolution of less than 1 μm. The method is based on automated image acquisition of serially sectioned epoxy resin-embedded lung tissue fixed by vascular perfusion and subsequent automated digital reconstruction and analysis of the 3D data. This efficient method may help to better understand mechanisms of vascular development and pathology of the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Grothausmann
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany.,Swiss National Science Foundation (Schweizerische Nationalfonds, SNF CRSII3 160704)
| | - Lars Knudsen
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Ochs
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany; and
| | - Christian Mühlfeld
- Institute of Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover, Germany.,Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover, Germany; and
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45
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Zhao H, Xue Y, Guo Y, Sun Y, Liu D, Wang X. Inhibition of endocan attenuates monocrotaline-induced connective tissue disease related pulmonary arterial hypertension. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 42:115-121. [PMID: 27912147 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue disease related pulmonary arterial hypertension (CTD-PAH) is characterized by vascular remodeling, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Endocan is a novel endothelial dysfunction marker. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of endocan in CTD-PAH. Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rats were used as the CTD-PAH model. Short hairpin RNA packed in a lentiviral vector used to inhibit endocan expression was intratracheally instilled in rats prior to the MCT injection. Endocan was found to be increased in the serum and lung of MCT-induced PAH rats. Short hairpin RNA mediated knockdown of endocan significantly decreased right ventricular systolic pressure, attenuated pulmonary remodeling and inflammatory responses in the lung. In the in vitro study, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) exposure caused increased endocan expression in the primary cultured rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMECs). Endocan knockdown inhibited the permeability increase and adhesion molecules secretion in RPMECs induced by TNF-α. In addition, TNF-α induced MAPK activation was blocked when endocan gene was knocked down. These data demonstrate that endocan may play an important role in the development of CTD-PAH. This study provides novel evidence to better understand the pathogenesis of CTD-PAH, which may be beneficial for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhao
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxin Xue
- Department of Respiration, Liaoning Jinqiu Hospital, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Guo
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Liu
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, People's Republic of China.
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46
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Huetsch JC, Suresh K, Bernier M, Shimoda LA. Update on novel targets and potential treatment avenues in pulmonary hypertension. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2016; 311:L811-L831. [PMID: 27591245 PMCID: PMC5130539 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00302.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition marked by a combination of constriction and remodeling within the pulmonary vasculature. It remains a disease without a cure, as current treatments were developed with a focus on vasodilatory properties but do not reverse the remodeling component. Numerous recent advances have been made in the understanding of cellular processes that drive pathologic remodeling in each layer of the vessel wall as well as the accompanying maladaptive changes in the right ventricle. In particular, the past few years have yielded much improved insight into the pathways that contribute to altered metabolism, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species signaling and how these pathways promote the proproliferative, promigratory, and antiapoptotic phenotype of the vasculature during PH. Additionally, there have been significant advances in numerous other pathways linked to PH pathogenesis, such as sex hormones and perivascular inflammation. Novel insights into cellular pathology have suggested new avenues for the development of both biomarkers and therapies that will hopefully bring us closer to the elusive goal: a therapy leading to reversal of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Huetsch
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | - Karthik Suresh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
| | - Meghan Bernier
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Larissa A Shimoda
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and
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47
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Zhu N, Zhao X, Xiang Y, Ye S, Huang J, Hu W, Lv L, Zeng C. Thymoquinone attenuates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary artery hypertension via inhibiting pulmonary arterial remodeling in rats. Int J Cardiol 2016; 221:587-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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48
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Awad KS, West JD, de Jesus Perez V, MacLean M. Novel signaling pathways in pulmonary arterial hypertension (2015 Grover Conference Series). Pulm Circ 2016; 6:285-94. [PMID: 27683605 PMCID: PMC5019081 DOI: 10.1086/688034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferative endothelial and smooth muscle cell phenotype, inflammation, and pulmonary vascular remodeling are prominent features of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor (BMPR2) have been identified as the most common genetic cause of PAH and females with BMPR2 mutations are 2.5 times as likely to develop heritable forms of PAH than males. Higher levels of estrogen have also been observed in males with PAH, implicating sex hormones in PAH pathogenesis. Recently, the estrogen metabolite 16α-OHE1 (hydroxyestrone) was implicated in the regulation of miR29, a microRNA involved in modulating energy metabolism. In females, decreased miR96 enhances serotonin's effect by upregulating the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B (5HT1B) receptor. Because PAH is characterized as a quasi-malignant disease, likely due to BMPR2 loss of function, altered signaling pathways that sustain this cancer-like phenotype are being explored. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a critical role in proliferation and cell motility, and dysregulated MAPK signaling is observed in various experimental models of PAH. Wnt signaling pathways preserve pulmonary vascular homeostasis, and dysregulation of this pathway could contribute to limited vascular regeneration in response to injury. In this review, we take a closer look at sex, sex hormones, and the interplay between sex hormones and microRNA regulation. We also focus on MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways in the emergence of a proproliferative, antiapoptotic endothelial phenotype, which then orchestrates an angioproliferative process of vascular remodeling, with the hope of developing novel therapies that could reverse the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keytam S. Awad
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - James D. West
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Margaret MacLean
- Research Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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49
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Yang F, Cao H, Xiao Q, Guo X, Zhuang Y, Zhang C, Wang T, Lin H, Song Y, Hu G, Liu P. Transcriptome Analysis and Gene Identification in the Pulmonary Artery of Broilers with Ascites Syndrome. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156045. [PMID: 27275925 PMCID: PMC4898705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension, also known as Ascites syndrome (AS), remains a clinically challenging disease with a large impact on both humans and broiler chickens. Pulmonary arterial remodeling presents a key step in the development of AS. The precise molecular mechanism of pulmonary artery remodeling regulating AS progression remains unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We obtained pulmonary arteries from two positive AS and two normal broilers for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and pathological observation. RNA-seq analysis revealed a total of 895 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 437 up-regulated and 458 down-regulated genes, which were significantly enriched to 12 GO (Gene Ontology) terms and 4 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways (Padj<0.05) regulating pulmonary artery remodeling and consequently occurrence of AS. These GO terms and pathways include ribosome, Jak-STAT and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways which regulate pulmonary artery remodeling through vascular smooth cell proliferation, inflammation and vascular smooth cell proliferation together. Some notable DEGs within these pathways included downregulation of genes like RPL 5, 7, 8, 9, 14; upregulation of genes such as IL-6, K60, STAT3, STAT5 Pim1 and SOCS3; IKKα, IkB, P38, five cytokines IL-6, IL8, IL-1β, IL-18, and MIP-1β. Six important regulators of pulmonary artery vascular remodeling and construction like CYP1B1, ALDH7A1, MYLK, CAMK4, BMP7 and INOS were upregulated in the pulmonary artery of AS broilers. The pathology results showed that the pulmonary artery had remodeled and become thicker in the disease group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our present data suggested some specific components of the complex molecular circuitry regulating pulmonary arterial remodeling underlying AS progression in broilers. We revealed some valuable candidate genes and pathways that involved in pulmonary artery remodeling further contributing to the AS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Huabin Cao
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Qingyang Xiao
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoquan Guo
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhuang
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Caiying Zhang
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Tiancheng Wang
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Huayuan Lin
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Yalu Song
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
| | - Guoliang Hu
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (GH); (PL)
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Animal Population Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, JiangXi Agriculture University, N.O. 1101, Zhimin Avenue, Nanchang Economic and Technological Development District Nanchang, 330045, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (GH); (PL)
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50
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Qian J, Tian W, Jiang X, Tamosiuniene R, Sung YK, Shuffle EM, Tu AB, Valenzuela A, Jiang S, Zamanian RT, Fiorentino DF, Voelkel NF, Peters-Golden M, Stenmark KR, Chung L, Rabinovitch M, Nicolls MR. Leukotriene B4 Activates Pulmonary Artery Adventitial Fibroblasts in Pulmonary Hypertension. Hypertension 2015; 66:1227-1239. [PMID: 26558820 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.06370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A recent study demonstrated a significant role for leukotriene B4 (LTB4) causing pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension. LTB4 was found to directly injure luminal endothelial cells and promote growth of the smooth muscle cell layer of pulmonary arterioles. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of LTB4 on the pulmonary adventitial layer, largely composed of fibroblasts. Here, we demonstrate that LTB4 enhanced human pulmonary artery adventitial fibroblast proliferation, migration, and differentiation in a dose-dependent manner through its cognate G-protein-coupled receptor, BLT1. LTB4 activated human pulmonary artery adventitial fibroblast by upregulating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase as well as Nox4-signaling pathways. In an autoimmune model of pulmonary hypertension, inhibition of these pathways blocked perivascular inflammation, decreased Nox4 expression, reduced reactive oxygen species production, reversed arteriolar adventitial fibroblast activation, and attenuated pulmonary hypertension development. This study uncovers a novel mechanism by which LTB4 further promotes pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis, beyond its established effects on endothelial and smooth muscle cells, by activating adventitial fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Qian
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Wen Tian
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Xinguo Jiang
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Rasa Tamosiuniene
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yon K Sung
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Eric M Shuffle
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Allen B Tu
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | - Shirley Jiang
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | | | | | | | - Kurt R Stenmark
- University of Colorado Denver, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | | | - Mark R Nicolls
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA 94304.,Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
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