1
|
Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2024; 12:964-972. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zaman S, Gorelick F. Acute pancreatitis: pathogenesis and emerging therapies. JOURNAL OF PANCREATOLOGY 2024; 7:10-20. [PMID: 38524855 PMCID: PMC10959536 DOI: 10.1097/jp9.0000000000000168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis is a severe inflammatory disorder with limited treatment options. Improved understanding of disease mechanisms has led to new and potential therapies. Here we summarize what we view as some of the most promising new therapies for treating acute pancreatitis, emphasizing the rationale of specific treatments based on disease mechanisms. Targeted pharmacologic interventions are highlighted. We explore potential treatment benefits and risks concerning reducing acute injury, minimizing complications, and improving long-term outcomes. Mechanisms associated with acute pancreatitis initiation, perpetuation, and reconstitution are highlighted, along with potential therapeutic targets and how these relate to new treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saif Zaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - Fred Gorelick
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
- Veteran’s Administration Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Divolis G, Synolaki E, Doulou A, Gavriil A, Giannouli CC, Apostolidou A, Foster ML, Matzuk MM, Skendros P, Galani IE, Sideras P. Neutrophil-derived Activin-A moderates their pro-NETotic activity and attenuates collateral tissue damage caused by Influenza A virus infection. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302489. [PMID: 38476229 PMCID: PMC10929267 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302489] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-neutrophils, while developing in the bone marrow, transcribe the Inhba gene and synthesize Activin-A protein, which they store and release at the earliest stage of their activation in the periphery. However, the role of neutrophil-derived Activin-A is not completely understood. Methods To address this issue, we developed a neutrophil-specific Activin-A-deficient animal model (S100a8-Cre/Inhba fl/fl mice) and analyzed the immune response to Influenza A virus (IAV) infection. More specifically, evaluation of body weight and lung mechanics, molecular and cellular analyses of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, flow cytometry and cell sorting of lung cells, as well as histopathological analysis of lung tissues, were performed in PBS-treated and IAV-infected transgenic animals. Results We found that neutrophil-specific Activin-A deficiency led to exacerbated pulmonary inflammation and widespread hemorrhagic histopathology in the lungs of IAV-infected animals that was associated with an exuberant production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Moreover, deletion of the Activin-A receptor ALK4/ACVR1B in neutrophils exacerbated IAV-induced pathology as well, suggesting that neutrophils themselves are potential targets of Activin-A-mediated signaling. The pro-NETotic tendency of Activin-A-deficient neutrophils was further verified in the context of thioglycollate-induced peritonitis, a model characterized by robust peritoneal neutrophilia. Of importance, transcriptome analysis of Activin-A-deficient neutrophils revealed alterations consistent with a predisposition for NET release. Conclusion Collectively, our data demonstrate that Activin-A, secreted by neutrophils upon their activation in the periphery, acts as a feedback mechanism to moderate their pro-NETotic tendency and limit the collateral tissue damage caused by neutrophil excess activation during the inflammatory response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Divolis
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evgenia Synolaki
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Doulou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ariana Gavriil
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina C. Giannouli
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Apostolidou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Panagiotis Skendros
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna-Evdokia Galani
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paschalis Sideras
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Qin G, Zhao Y, Gan Y, Yu X, Zhao Y, Peng H, Fang S. Alterations in gene expressions of Caco-2 cell responses to LPS and ploy(I:C) stimulation. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15459. [PMID: 37304876 PMCID: PMC10257391 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium barrier serves as a highly dynamic immunologic frontier in the defense against invading pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Hence, understanding of the complicated underlying relationship between enteric pathogens and the intestinal epithelium barrier is vital for developing strategies to improve the intestinal health of farm animals. To this end, Caco-2 cells were stimulated by 1 µg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 h and 5 µg/ml polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (ploy(I:C)) for 4 h to imitate bacterial and viral infection processes, respectively. The specific alterations in gene expression of Caco-2 cells after stimulation were characterized by transcriptome sequencing. Seventy differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified under LPS exposure, and 17 DEGs were observed under ploy(I:C) exposure. We found that most DEGs were specific, and only one common DEG SPAG7 was observed. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis indicated that all DEGs identified in the different treatments were mainly derived from GO terms related to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Moreover, specific DEGs such as SLC39A10, MT2A, and MT1E regulated by LPS treatment, while IFIT2 and RUNX2 mediated by ploy(I:C) treatment, which are derived from immune function modulation related GO terms, were confirmed by both transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR. In addition, both transcriptome sequencing and qRT-PCR results verified that LPS specifically down-regulated the DEGs INHBE and ARF6, which are involved in inflammation responses related to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway including the TGF-beta signaling pathways and the Ras signaling pathway. Ploy(I:C) uniquely suppressed the DEGs GABARAP and LAMTOR3, which participated in viral replication-associated pathways including autophagy and mTOR signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Qin
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuanjie Zhao
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yating Gan
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Yu
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Shaoming Fang
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hatamzade Esfahani N, Day AS. The Role of TGF-β, Activin and Follistatin in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2023; 5:167-186. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord5020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition predominantly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. An increasing prevalence of IBD has been observed globally. The pathogenesis of IBD includes a complex interplay between the intestinal microbiome, diet, genetic factors and immune responses. The consequent imbalance of inflammatory mediators ultimately leads to intestinal mucosal damage and defective repair. Growth factors, given their specific roles in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of the intestinal epithelium, are of particular interest in the setting of IBD. Furthermore, direct targeting of growth factor signalling pathways involved in the regeneration of the damaged epithelium and the regulation of inflammation could be considered as therapeutic options for individuals with IBD. Several members of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, particularly TGF-β, activin and follistatin, are key candidates as they exhibit various roles in inflammatory processes and contribute to maintenance and homeostasis in the GI tract. This article aimed firstly to review the events involved in the pathogenesis of IBD with particular emphasis on TGF-β, activin and follistatin and secondly to outline the potential role of therapeutic manipulation of these pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew S. Day
- Paediatric Department, University of Otago Christchurch, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
McMinn PH, Ahmed A, Huttenlocher A, Beebe DJ, Kerr SC. The lymphatic endothelium-derived follistatin: activin A axis regulates neutrophil motility in response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Integr Biol (Camb) 2023; 15:zyad003. [PMID: 36781971 PMCID: PMC10101905 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays an active role during infection, however the role of lymphatic-neutrophil interactions in host-defense responses is not well understood. During infection with pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia pestis, neutrophils traffic from sites of infection through the lymphatic vasculature, to draining lymph nodes to interact with resident lymphocytes. This process is poorly understood, in part, due to the lack of in vitro models of the lymphatic system. Here we use a 3D microscale lymphatic vessel model to examine neutrophil-lymphatic cell interactions during host defense responses to pathogens. In previous work, we have shown that follistatin is secreted at high concentrations by lymphatic endothelial cells during inflammation. Follistatin inhibits activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, and, together, these molecules form a signaling pathway that plays a role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Although follistatin and activin A are constitutively produced in the pituitary, gonads and skin, their major source in the serum and their effects on neutrophils are poorly understood. Here we report a microfluidic model that includes both blood and lymphatic endothelial vessels, and neutrophils to investigate neutrophil-lymphatic trafficking during infection with P. aeruginosa. We found that lymphatic endothelial cells produce secreted factors that increase neutrophil migration toward P. aeruginosa, and are a significant source of both follistatin and activin A during Pseudomonas infection. We determined that follistatin produced by lymphatic endothelial cells inhibits activin A, resulting in increased neutrophil migration. These data suggest that the follistatin:activin A ratio influences neutrophil trafficking during infection with higher ratios increasing neutrophil migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H McMinn
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Adeel Ahmed
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sheena C Kerr
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Hourani K, Ramamurthy N, Marchi E, Eichinger R, Li L, Fabris P, Drakesmith AH, Klenerman P. Innate triggering and antiviral effector functions of Activin A. Wellcome Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17237.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: First-line defence against viral infection is contingent upon rapid detection of conserved viral structural and genomic motifs by pattern recognition receptors, followed by activation of the type I IFN response and establishment of an antiviral state. Novel antiviral functions of bone morphogenetic protein and related activin cytokines, acting in conjunction with, and independently of, type I IFN, have recently been described. How these antiviral effects are mediated and triggered by viral infection has not been defined. Methods: Microarray and RNAseq data from hepatoma-derived cell lines stimulated with Activin A in vitro were interrogated both by pathway analysis and for evidence of IFN-stimulated gene induction. Liver tissue obtained from patients with chronic HCV were examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for evidence of Activin A induction. Activin expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to nucleic acid analogues was quantified by RT-qCR, whereas induction dynamics in acute infection was investigated in in vitro Sendai virus infection and a murine influenza A. Results: Transcriptomic analyses delineated strikingly congruent patterns of gene regulation in hepatocytes stimulated with recombinant Activin A and IFNα in vitro. Activin A mRNA, encoded by INHBA, is induced upon activation of RIG-I, MDA5 and TLR7/8 viral nucleic acid sensors in vitro, across multiple cell lines and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In vivo, imurine influenza A also upregulated Inhba mRNA in the lung; this local upregulation of Inhba is retained in MAVS knockout mice, indicating roles for non-RIG-I-like receptors in its induction. Activin induction and signalling were also detectable in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Conclusions: These data suggest Activin A is triggered in parallel with type I IFN responses and can trigger related antiviral effector functions, with implications for the development of targeted antiviral therapies and revealing novel facets of Activin biology.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sugii H, Albougha MS, Adachi O, Tomita H, Tomokiyo A, Hamano S, Hasegawa D, Yoshida S, Itoyama T, Maeda H. Activin A Promotes Osteoblastic Differentiation of Human Preosteoblasts through the ALK1-Smad1/5/9 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13491. [PMID: 34948289 PMCID: PMC8704413 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is involved in the regulation of cellular differentiation and promotes tissue healing. Previously, we reported that expression of activin A was upregulated around the damaged periodontal tissue including periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue and alveolar bone, and activin A promoted PDL-related gene expression of human PDL cells (HPDLCs). However, little is known about the biological function of activin A in alveolar bone. Thus, this study analyzed activin A-induced biological functions in preosteoblasts (Saos2 cells). Activin A promoted osteoblastic differentiation of Saos2 cells. Activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 1, an activin type I receptor, was more strongly expressed in Saos2 cells than in HPDLCs, and knockdown of ALK1 inhibited activin A-induced osteoblastic differentiation of Saos2 cells. Expression of ALK1 was upregulated in alveolar bone around damaged periodontal tissue when compared with a nondamaged site. Furthermore, activin A promoted phosphorylation of Smad1/5/9 during osteoblastic differentiation of Saos2 cells and knockdown of ALK1 inhibited activin A-induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/9 in Saos2 cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that activin A promotes osteoblastic differentiation of preosteoblasts through the ALK1-Smad1/5/9 pathway and could be used as a therapeutic product for the healing of alveolar bone as well as PDL tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Sugii
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.A.); (O.A.); (H.T.); (S.H.); (H.M.)
| | - Mhd Safwan Albougha
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.A.); (O.A.); (H.T.); (S.H.); (H.M.)
| | - Orie Adachi
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.A.); (O.A.); (H.T.); (S.H.); (H.M.)
| | - Hiroka Tomita
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.A.); (O.A.); (H.T.); (S.H.); (H.M.)
| | - Atsushi Tomokiyo
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (A.T.); (D.H.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Sayuri Hamano
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.A.); (O.A.); (H.T.); (S.H.); (H.M.)
- OBT Center, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Daigaku Hasegawa
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (A.T.); (D.H.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Shinichiro Yoshida
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (A.T.); (D.H.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Tomohiro Itoyama
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (A.T.); (D.H.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| | - Hidefumi Maeda
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (M.S.A.); (O.A.); (H.T.); (S.H.); (H.M.)
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; (A.T.); (D.H.); (S.Y.); (T.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Törnblom S, Nisula S, Vaara ST, Poukkanen M, Andersson S, Pettilä V, Pesonen E. Neutrophil activation in septic acute kidney injury: A post hoc analysis of the FINNAKI study. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2019; 63:1390-1397. [PMID: 31325317 DOI: 10.1111/aas.13451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation, reflected by high plasma interleukin-6 concentration, is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) in septic patients. Neutrophil activation has pathophysiological significance in experimental septic AKI. We hypothesized that neutrophil activation is associated with AKI in critically ill sepsis patients. METHODS We measured plasma (n = 182) and urine (n = 118) activin A (a rapidly released cytosolic neutrophil protein), interleukin-8 (a chemotactic factor for neutrophils), myeloperoxidase (a neutrophil biomarker released in tissues), and interleukin-6 on intensive care unit admission (plasma and urine) and 24 hours later (plasma) in sepsis patients manifesting their first organ dysfunction between 24 hours preceding admission and the second calendar day in intensive care unit. AKI was defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. RESULTS Plasma admission interleukin-8 (240 [60-971] vs 50 [19-164] pg/mL, P < .001) and activin A (845 [554-1895] vs 469 [285-862] pg/mL, P < .001) were but myeloperoxidase (169 [111-300] vs 144 [88-215] ng/mL, P = .059) was not higher among patients with AKI compared with those without. Urine admission interleukin-8 (50.4 [19.8-145.3] vs 9.5 [2.7-28.7] ng/mL, P < .001) and myeloperoxidase (7.7 [1.5-12.6] vs 1.9 [0.4-6.9] ng/mL, P < .001) were but activin A (9.7 [1.4-42.6] vs 4.0 [0.0-33.0] ng/mL, P = .064) was not higher in AKI than non-AKI patients. Urine myeloperoxidase correlated with urine interleukin-8 (R = .627, P < .001) but not with plasma myeloperoxidase (R = .131, P = .158). CONCLUSION Interleukin-8 in plasma and urine was associated with septic AKI. Elevated plasma activin A indicates intravascular neutrophil activation in septic AKI. Concomitant plasma and urine myeloperoxidase measurements suggest neutrophil accumulation into injured kidneys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanna Törnblom
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Intensive Care Medicine University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Sara Nisula
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Intensive Care Medicine University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Suvi T. Vaara
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Intensive Care Medicine University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Meri Poukkanen
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine Lapland Central Hospital Rovaniemi Finland
| | - Sture Andersson
- Department of Paediatrics Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Ville Pettilä
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Intensive Care Medicine University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Eero Pesonen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Division of Anaesthesiology University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Helsinki Finland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. Activins, follistatin and immunoregulation in the epididymis. Andrology 2019; 7:703-711. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| | - M. P. Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health Hudson Institute of Medical Research Clayton Vic. Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences School of Clinical Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic. Australia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Diller M, Frommer K, Dankbar B, Tarner I, Hülser ML, Tsiklauri L, Hasseli R, Sauerbier M, Pap T, Rehart S, Müller-Ladner U, Neumann E. The activin-follistatin anti-inflammatory cycle is deregulated in synovial fibroblasts. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:144. [PMID: 31182152 PMCID: PMC6558802 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activin A and follistatin exhibit immunomodulatory functions, thus affecting autoinflammatory processes as found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The impact of both proteins on the behavior of synovial fibroblasts (SF) in RA as well as in osteoarthritis (OA) is unknown. Methods Immunohistochemical analyses of synovial tissue for expression of activin A and follistatin were performed. The influence of RASF overexpressing activin A on cartilage invasion in a SCID mouse model was examined. RASF and OASF were stimulated with either IL-1β or TNFα in combination with or solely with activin A, activin AB, or follistatin. Protein secretion was measured by ELISA and mRNA expression by RT-PCR. Smad signaling was confirmed by western blot. Results In human RA synovial tissue, the number of activin A-positive cells as well as its extracellular presence was higher than in the OA synovium. Single cells within the tissue expressed follistatin in RA and OA synovial tissue. In the SCID mouse model, activin A overexpression reduced RASF invasion. In human RASF, activin A was induced by IL-1β and TNFα. Activin A slightly increased IL-6 release by unstimulated RASF, but decreased protein and mRNA levels of follistatin. Conclusion The observed decrease of cartilage invasion by RASF overexpressing activin A in the SCID mouse model appears to be mediated by an interaction between activin/follistatin and other local cells indirectly affecting RASF because activin A displayed certain pro-inflammatory effects on RASF. Activin A even inhibits production and release of follistatin in RASF and therefore prevents itself from being blocked by its inhibitory binding protein follistatin in the local inflammatory joint environment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1926-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Diller
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Klaus Frommer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Berno Dankbar
- Institute of Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ingo Tarner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Marie-Lisa Hülser
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Lali Tsiklauri
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Rebecca Hasseli
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Michael Sauerbier
- Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, BGU Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Pap
- Institute of Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Rehart
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Agaplesion Markus Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ulf Müller-Ladner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Elena Neumann
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Bad Nauheim, Benekestr: 2-8, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM, Meinhardt A, Middendorff R, Ludlow H, Groome NP, Loveland KA, Hedger MP. Activin over-expression in the testis of mice lacking the inhibin α-subunit gene is associated with androgen deficiency and regression of the male reproductive tract. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 470:188-198. [PMID: 29111388 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Regionalised interaction of the activins, follistatin and inhibin was investigated in the male reproductive tract of mice lacking the inhibin α-subunit (Inha-/-). Serum and intratesticular activin B, although not activin A and follistatin, were increased in Inha-/- mice at 25 days of age, but all three proteins were elevated at 56 days. None of these proteins were altered within the epididymis and vas deferens at either age. At 25 days, histology of the epididymis and vas deferens was similar to wild-type. At 56 days, the testis contained extensive somatic cell tumours, leading to Leydig cell regression and testosterone deficiency. The epididymis and vas deferens showed epithelial regression and increased prominence of the interstitial stroma. Immunoregulatory and fibrotic gene expression in the epididymis and vas deferens were unchanged. Thus, absence of the inhibin α-subunit has marginal effects on activins in the epididymis and vas deferens, and regression of these tissues is associated with androgen deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - David M de Kretser
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | - Kate A Loveland
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Spottiswoode N, Armitage AE, Williams AR, Fyfe AJ, Biswas S, Hodgson SH, Llewellyn D, Choudhary P, Draper SJ, Duffy PE, Drakesmith H. Role of Activins in Hepcidin Regulation during Malaria. Infect Immun 2017; 85:e00191-17. [PMID: 28893916 PMCID: PMC5695100 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00191-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological observations have linked increased host iron with malaria susceptibility, and perturbed iron handling has been hypothesized to contribute to the potentially life-threatening anemia that may accompany blood-stage malaria infection. To improve our understanding of these relationships, we examined the pathways involved in regulation of the master controller of iron metabolism, the hormone hepcidin, in malaria infection. We show that hepcidin upregulation in Plasmodium berghei murine malaria infection was accompanied by changes in expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/sons of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) pathway target genes, a key pathway involved in hepcidin regulation. We therefore investigated known agonists of the BMP/SMAD pathway and found that Bmp gene expression was not increased in infection. In contrast, activin B, which can signal through the BMP/SMAD pathway and has been associated with increased hepcidin during inflammation, was upregulated in the livers of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice; hepatic activin B was also upregulated at peak parasitemia during infection with Plasmodium chabaudi Concentrations of the closely related protein activin A increased in parallel with hepcidin in serum from malaria-naive volunteers infected in controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) clinical trials. However, antibody-mediated neutralization of activin activity during murine malaria infection did not affect hepcidin expression, suggesting that these proteins do not stimulate hepcidin upregulation directly. In conclusion, we present evidence that the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway is perturbed in malaria infection but that activins, although raised in malaria infection, may not have a critical role in hepcidin upregulation in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Spottiswoode
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew E Armitage
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alex J Fyfe
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sumi Biswas
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Llewellyn
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon J Draper
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology & Vaccinology, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wijayarathna R, Sarraj MA, Genovese R, Girling JE, Michel V, Ludlow H, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and follistatin interactions in the male reproductive tract: activin expression and morphological abnormalities in mice lacking follistatin 288. Andrology 2017; 5:578-588. [PMID: 28235253 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is an important regulator of testicular and epididymal development and function, as well as inflammation and immunity. In the adult murine reproductive tract, activin A mRNA (Inhba) expression levels are highest in the caput epididymis and decrease progressively towards the distal vas deferens. The activin-binding protein, follistatin (FST), shows the opposite expression pattern, with exceptionally high levels of the Fst288 mRNA variant in the vas deferens. This unique pattern of expression suggests that activin A and follistatin, in particular FST288, play region-specific roles in regulating the epididymis and vas deferens. The cellular distribution of activin and follistatin and structural organization of the male reproductive tract was examined in wild-type and transgenic (TghFST315) mice lacking FST288. Compared to wild-type littermates, TghFST315 mice showed a 50% reduction in serum follistatin and a significant elevation of both activin A and B. Testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights were reduced, but intra-testicular testosterone was normal. A decrease in the epididymal duct diameter in the corpus and thickening of the peritubular smooth muscle in the cauda, together with increased coiling of the proximal vas deferens, were observed in TghFST315 mice. No immune cell infiltrates were detected. Immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelial cells are the main source of activins and follistatin in the epididymis and vas deferens. Activin A, but not activin B, was also localized to sperm heads in the lumen of the epididymis and vas deferens. Expression of Inhba and another immunoregulatory gene, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido-1), was increased approximately twofold in the TghFST315 caput epididymis, but several other genes associated with immunoregulation, inflammation or fibrosis were unaffected. Our novel data indicate that disruption of follistatin expression has significant effects on the testis and epididymis, and suggest an association between activin A and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in the caput epididymis, with implications for the epididymal immunoenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M A Sarraj
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - J E Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - V Michel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Ludlow
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - K L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Namwanje M, Brown CW. Activins and Inhibins: Roles in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021881. [PMID: 27328872 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since their original discovery as regulators of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and erythropoiesis, the TGF-β family members activin and inhibin have been shown to participate in a variety of biological processes, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to highly specialized functions in terminally differentiated cells and tissues. Herein, we present the history, structures, signaling mechanisms, regulation, and biological processes in which activins and inhibins participate, including several recently discovered biological activities and functional antagonists. The potential therapeutic relevance of these advances is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Namwanje
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hardy CL, Rolland JM, O'Hehir RE. The immunoregulatory and fibrotic roles of activin A in allergic asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 45:1510-22. [PMID: 25962695 PMCID: PMC4687413 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-β superfamily of cytokines, was originally identified as an inducer of follicle stimulating hormone release, but has since been ascribed roles in normal physiological processes, as an immunoregulatory cytokine and as a driver of fibrosis. In the last 10–15 years, it has also become abundantly clear that activin A plays an important role in the regulation of asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling. This review provides a brief introduction to the activin A/TGF-β superfamily, focussing on the regulation of receptors and signalling pathways. We examine the contradictory evidence for generalized pro- vs. anti-inflammatory effects of activin A in inflammation, before appraising its role in asthmatic inflammation and airway remodelling specifically by evaluating data from both murine models and clinical studies. We identify key issues to be addressed, paving the way for safe exploitation of modulation of activin A function for treatment of allergic asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Hardy
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - J M Rolland
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| | - R E O'Hehir
- Department of Allergy, Immunology & Respiratory Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., 3004, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The Role of Activin A and B and the Benefit of Follistatin Treatment in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice. Transplant Direct 2016; 2:e87. [PMID: 27830181 PMCID: PMC5087569 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Activins, members of the TGF-β superfamily, are key drivers of inflammation and are thought to play a significant role in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), a process inherent to renal transplantation that negatively impacts early and late allograft function. Follistatin (FS) is a protein that binds activin and inhibits its activity. This study examined the response of activin A and B in mice after renal IRI and the effect of exogenous FS in modulating the severity of renal injury. Methods Mice were treated with recombinant FS288 or vehicle before renal IRI surgery. Activin A, B, and FS levels in the serum and kidney, and renal injury parameters were measured at 3, 6, and 24 hours after reperfusion. Results Serum and kidney activin B levels were increased within 6 hours postrenal IRI, accompanied by renal injury—increased serum creatinine, messenger (m)RNA expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL); endothelial activation—increased E-selectin mRNA; and systemic inflammation—increased serum levels of IL-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and TNF-α. Further injury was potentiated by an upsurge in activin A by 24 hours, with further increases in serum creatinine, KIM-1 and NGAL mRNA expression. Follistatin treatment significantly reduced the level of serum activin B and subsequently blunted the increase in activin A. Renoprotection was evident with the attenuated rise in serum creatinine, KIM-1 and NGAL expression, tubular injury score, renal cell apoptosis, and serum IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels. Conclusions We propose that activin B initiates and activin A potentiates renal injury after IRI. Follistatin treatment, through binding and neutralizing the actions of activin B and subsequently activin A, reduced renal IRI by minimizing endothelial cell activation and dampening the systemic inflammatory response. These data support the potential clinical application of FS treatment to limit IRI during renal transplantation.
Collapse
|
18
|
Peppler WT, Anderson ZG, Sutton CD, Rector RS, Wright DC. Voluntary wheel running attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced liver inflammation in mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 310:R934-42. [PMID: 26887432 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00497.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis induces an acute inflammatory response in the liver, which can lead to organ failure and death. Given the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise, we hypothesized that habitual physical activity could protect against acute sepsis-induced liver inflammation via mechanisms, including heat shock protein (HSP) 70/72. Male C57BL/6J mice (n = 80, ∼8 wk of age) engaged in physical activity via voluntary wheel running (VWR) or cage control (SED) for 10 wk. To induce sepsis, we injected (2 mg/kg ip) LPS or sterile saline (SAL), and liver was harvested 6 or 12 h later. VWR attenuated increases in body and epididymal adipose tissue mass, improved glucose tolerance, and increased liver protein content of PEPCK (P < 0.05). VWR attenuated increases in LPS-induced IL-6 signaling and mRNA expression of other inflammatory markers (TNF-α, chemokine C-C motif ligand 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-10, IL-1β) in the liver; however, this was not reflected at the whole body level, as systemic markers of inflammation were similar between SED and VWR. Insulin tolerance was greater in VWR compared with SED at 6 but not 12 h after LPS. The protective effect of VWR occurred in parallel with increases in the liver protein content of HSP70/72, a molecular chaperone that can protect against inflammatory challenges. This study provides novel evidence that physical activity protects against the inflammatory cascade induced by LPS in the liver and that these effects may be mediated via HSP70/72.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willem T Peppler
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zachary G Anderson
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles D Sutton
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Scott Rector
- Departments of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; and Department of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; and Research Service-Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, Missouri
| | - David C Wright
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Datta-Mannan A, Huang L, Pereira J, Yaden B, Korytko A, Croy JE. Insights into the Impact of Heterogeneous Glycosylation on the Pharmacokinetic Behavior of Follistatin-Fc–Based Biotherapeutics. Drug Metab Dispos 2015; 43:1882-90. [DOI: 10.1124/dmd.115.064519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
20
|
Refaat B, Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG, Azhar E. Activins and Follistatin in Chronic Hepatitis C and Its Treatment with Pegylated-Interferon-α Based Therapy. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:287640. [PMID: 25969625 PMCID: PMC4417604 DOI: 10.1155/2015/287640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pegylated-interferon-α based therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered suboptimal as not all patients respond to the treatment and it is associated with several side effects that could lead to dose reduction and/or termination of therapy. The currently used markers to monitor the response to treatment are based on viral kinetics and their performance in the prediction of treatment outcome is moderate and does not combine accuracy and their values have several limitations. Hence, the development of new sensitive and specific predictor markers could provide a useful tool for the clinicians and healthcare providers, especially in the new era of interferon-free therapy, for the classification of patients according to their response to the standard therapy and only subscribing the novel directly acting antiviral drugs to those who are anticipated not to respond to the conventional therapy and/or have absolute contraindications for its use. The importance of activins and follistatin in the regulation of immune system, liver biology, and pathology has recently emerged. This review appraises the up-to-date knowledge regarding the role of activins and follistatin in liver biology and immune system and their role in the pathophysiology of CHC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Ashshi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Galal El-Shemi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 6515, Egypt
| | - Esam Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
|
22
|
Sugii H, Maeda H, Tomokiyo A, Yamamoto N, Wada N, Koori K, Hasegawa D, Hamano S, Yuda A, Monnouchi S, Akamine A. Effects of Activin A on the phenotypic properties of human periodontal ligament cells. Bone 2014; 66:62-71. [PMID: 24928494 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2014.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue plays an important role in tooth preservation by structurally maintaining the connection between the tooth root and the bone. The mechanisms involved in the healing and regeneration of damaged PDL tissue, caused by bacterial infection, caries and trauma, have been explored. Accumulating evidence suggests that Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily and a dimer of inhibinβa, contributes to tissue healing through cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation of various target cells. In bone, Activin A has been shown to exert an inhibitory effect on osteoblast maturation and mineralization. However, there have been no reports examining the expression and function of Activin A in human PDL cells (HPDLCs). Thus, we aimed to investigate the biological effects of Activin A on HPDLCs. Activin A was observed to be localized in HPDLCs and rat PDL tissue. When PDL tissue was surgically damaged, Activin A and IL-1β expression increased and the two proteins were shown to be co-localized around the lesion. HPDLCs treated with IL-1β or TNF-α also up-regulated the expression of the gene encoding inhibinβa. Activin A promoted chemotaxis, migration and proliferation of HPDLCs, and caused an increase in fibroblastic differentiation of these cells while down-regulating their osteoblastic differentiation. These osteoblastic inhibitory effects of Activin A, however, were only noted during the early phase of HPDLC osteoblastic differentiation, with later exposures having no effect on differentiation. Collectively, our results suggest that Activin A could be used as a therapeutic agent for healing and regenerating PDL tissue in response to disease, trauma or surgical reconstruction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Sugii
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Maeda
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Tomokiyo
- Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre, School of Dentistry, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Naohide Yamamoto
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Naohisa Wada
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Koori
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Daigaku Hasegawa
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Sayuri Hamano
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Asuka Yuda
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Satoshi Monnouchi
- Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akifumi Akamine
- Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Endodontology, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen Y, Rothnie C, Spring D, Verrier E, Venardos K, Kaye D, Phillips DJ, Hedger MP, Smith JA. Regulation and actions of activin A and follistatin in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Cytokine 2014; 69:255-62. [PMID: 25052838 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2014.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is stimulated early in inflammation via the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signalling pathway, which is also activated in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion. Neutralising activin A by treatment with the activin-binding protein, follistatin, reduces inflammation and mortality in several disease models. This study assesses the regulation of activin A and follistatin in a murine myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion model and determines whether exogenous follistatin treatment is protective against injury. Myocardial activin A and follistatin protein levels were elevated following 30 min of ischaemia and 2h of reperfusion in wild-type mice. Activin A, but not follistatin, gene expression was also up-regulated. Serum activin A did not change significantly, but serum follistatin decreased. These responses to ischaemia-reperfusion were absent in TLR4(-/-) mice. Pre-treatment with follistatin significantly reduced ischaemia-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction. In mouse neonatal cardiomyocyte cultures, activin A exacerbated, while follistatin reduced, cellular injury after 3h of hypoxia and 2h of re-oxygenation. Neither activin A nor follistatin affected hypoxia-reoxygenation induced reactive oxygen species production by these cells. However, activin A reduced cardiomyocyte mitochondrial membrane potential, and follistatin treatment ameliorated the effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on cardiomyocyte mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, these data indicate that myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion, through activation of TLR4 signalling, stimulates local production of activin A, which damages cardiomyocytes independently of increased reactive oxygen species. Blocking activin action by exogenous follistatin reduces this damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Christine Rothnie
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USA
| | - Denise Spring
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USA
| | - Edward Verrier
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USA
| | - Kylie Venardos
- Heart Failure Research Group, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - David Kaye
- Heart Failure Research Group, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - David J Phillips
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Epworth Research Institute, Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Victoria 3121, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Julian A Smith
- Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Linko R, Hedger MP, Pettilä V, Ruokonen E, Ala-Kokko T, Ludlow H, de Kretser DM. Serum activin A and B, and follistatin in critically ill patients with influenza A(H1N1) infection. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:253. [PMID: 24885241 PMCID: PMC4101860 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Activin A and its binding protein follistatin (FS) are increased in inflammatory disorders and sepsis. Overexpression of activin A in the lung causes similar histopathological changes as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS and severe respiratory failure are complications of influenza A(H1N1) infection. Interleukin 6 (IL-6), which in experimental studies increases after activin A release, is known to be related to the severity of H1N1 infection. Our aim was to evaluate the levels of activin A, activin B, FS, IL-6 and IL-10 and their association with the severity of respiratory failure in critically ill H1N1 patients. Methods A substudy of a prospective, observational cohort of H1N1 patients in Finnish intensive care units (ICU). Clinical information was recorded during ICU treatment, and serum activin A, activin B, FS, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured at admission to ICU and on days 2 and 7. Results Blood samples from 29 patients were analysed. At the time of admission to intensive care unit, elevated serum levels above the normal range for respective age group and sex were observed in 44% for activin A, 57% for activin B, and 39% for FS. In 13 of the 29 patients, serial samples at all time points were available and in these the highest activin A, activin B and FS were above the normal range in 85%, 100% and 46% of the patients, respectively. No difference in baseline or highest activin A or activin B was found in patients with or without acute lung injury (ALI) or ARDS (P > 0.05 for all). Peak levels of IL-6 were significantly elevated in ALI/ARDS patients. Peak activin A and activin A/FS were associated with ventilatory support free-days, severity of acute illness and length of ICU stay (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions Higher than normal values of these proteins were common in patients with H1N1 infection but we found no association with the severity of their respiratory failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David M de Kretser
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Serum activin A and B levels predict outcome in patients with acute respiratory failure: a prospective cohort study. CRITICAL CARE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE CRITICAL CARE FORUM 2013; 17:R263. [PMID: 24172607 PMCID: PMC4057391 DOI: 10.1186/cc13093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 30 day mortality in patients with Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is approximately 30%, defined as patients requiring ventilator support for more than 6 hours. Novel biomarkers are needed to predict patient outcomes and to guide potential future therapies. The activins A and B, members of the Transforming Growth Factor β family of proteins, and their binding protein, follistatin, have recently been shown to be important regulators of inflammation and fibrosis but no substantial data are available concerning their roles in ARF. METHODS Specific assays for activin A, B and follistatin were used and the results analyzed according to diagnostic groups as well as according to standard measures in intensive care. Multivariable logistic regression was used to create a model to predict death at 90 days and 12 months from the onset of the ARF. RESULTS Serum activin A and B were significantly elevated in most patients and in most of the diagnostic groups. Patients who had activin A and/or B concentrations above the reference maximum were significantly more likely to die in the 12 months following admission [either activin A or B above reference maximum: Positive Likelihood Ratio [LR+] 1.65 [95% CI 1.28-2.12, P = 0.00013]; both activin A and B above reference maximum: LR + 2.78 [95% CI 1.96-3.95, P < 0.00001]. The predictive model at 12 months had an overall accuracy of 80.2% [95% CI 76.6-83.3%]. CONCLUSIONS The measurement of activin A and B levels in these patients with ARF would have assisted in predicting those at greatest risk of death. Given the existing data from animal studies linking high activin A levels to significant inflammatory challenges, the results from this study suggest that approaches to modulate activin A and B bioactivity should be explored as potential therapeutic agents.
Collapse
|
26
|
Hedger MP, de Kretser DM. The activins and their binding protein, follistatin-Diagnostic and therapeutic targets in inflammatory disease and fibrosis. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:285-95. [PMID: 23541927 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The activins, as members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, are pleiotrophic regulators of cell development and function, including cells of the myeloid and lymphoid lineages. Clinical and animal studies have shown that activin levels increase in both acute and chronic inflammation, and are frequently indicators of disease severity. Moreover, inhibition of activin action can reduce inflammation, damage, fibrosis and morbidity/mortality in various disease models. Consequently, activin A and, more recently, activin B are emerging as important diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Activin antagonists such as follistatin, an endogenous activin-binding protein, offer considerable promise as therapies in conditions as diverse as sepsis, liver fibrosis, acute lung injury, asthma, wound healing and ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M P Hedger
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Activin, neutrophils, and inflammation: just coincidence? Semin Immunopathol 2013; 35:481-99. [PMID: 23385857 PMCID: PMC7101603 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-013-0365-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
During the 26 years that have elapsed since its discovery, activin-A, a member of the transforming growth factor β super-family originally discovered from its capacity to stimulate follicle-stimulating hormone production by cultured pituitary gonadotropes, has been established as a key regulator of various fundamental biological processes, such as development, homeostasis, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. Deregulated expression of activin-A has been observed in several human diseases characterized by an immuno-inflammatory and/or tissue remodeling component in their pathophysiology. Various cell types have been recognized as sources of activin-A, and plentiful, occasionally contradicting, functions have been described mainly by in vitro studies. Not surprisingly, both harmful and protective roles have been postulated for activin-A in the context of several disorders. Recent findings have further expanded the functional repertoire of this molecule demonstrating that its ectopic overexpression in mouse airways can cause pathology that simulates faithfully human acute respiratory distress syndrome, a disorder characterized by strong involvement of neutrophils. This finding when considered together with the recent discovery that neutrophils constitute an important source of activin-A in vivo and earlier observations of upregulated activin-A expression in diseases characterized by strong activation of neutrophils may collectively imply a more intimate link between activin-A expression and neutrophil reactivity. In this review, we provide an outline of the functional repertoire of activin-A and suggest that this growth factor functions as a guardian of homeostasis, a modulator of immunity and an orchestrator of tissue repair activities. In this context, a relationship between activin-A and neutrophils may be anything but coincidental.
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu H, Chen Y, Winnall WR, Phillips DJ, Hedger MP. Regulation of activin A release from murine bone marrow-derived neutrophil precursors by tumour necrosis factor-α and insulin. Cytokine 2013; 61:199-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2012.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Revised: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|