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Mandal M, Rakib A, Kiran S, Al Mamun MA, Raghavan S, Kumar S, Singla B, Park F, Leo MD, Singh UP. Inhibition of microRNA-34c reduces detrusor ROCK2 expression and urinary bladder inflammation in experimental cystitis. Life Sci 2024; 336:122317. [PMID: 38040245 PMCID: PMC10872291 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122317] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome (PBS), is 2 to 5 times more common in women than in men, yet its cause and pathogenesis remain unclear. In our study using the cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced mouse model of cystitis, histological evaluation of the urinary bladder (UB) lamina propria (LP) showed immune cell infiltrations, indicating moderate to severe inflammation. In this study, we noticed a differential expression of a subset of microRNAs (miRs) in the UB cells (UBs) of CYP-induced cystitis as compared to the control. UB inflammatory scores and inflammatory signaling were also elevated in CYP-induced cystitis as compared to control. We identified eight UBs miRs that exhibited altered expression after CYP induction and are predicted to have a role in inflammation and smooth muscle function (miRs-34c-5p, -34b-3p, -212-3p, -449a-5p, -21a-3p, -376b-3p, -376b-5p and - 409-5p). Further analysis using ELISA for inflammatory markers and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) for differentially enriched miRs identified miR-34c as a potential target for the suppression of UB inflammation in cystitis. Blocking miR-34c by antagomir ex vivo reduced STAT3, TGF-β1, and VEGF expression in the UBs, which was induced during cystitis as compared to control. Interestingly, miR-34c inhibition also downregulated ROCK2 but elevated ROCK1 expression in bladder and detrusor cells. Thus, the present study shows that targeting miR-34c can mitigate the STAT3, TGF-β, and VEGF, inflammatory signaling in UB, and suppress ROCK2 expression in UBs to effectively suppress the inflammatory response in cystitis. This study highlights miR-34c as a potential biomarker and/or serves as the basis for new therapies for the treatment of cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ahmed Rakib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Sonia Kiran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Md Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Somasundaram Raghavan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Bhupesh Singla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Frank Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - M Dennis Leo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Udai P Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 881 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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Shin JH, Ryu CM, Yu HY, Park YS, Shin DM, Choo MS. Therapeutic effects of axitinib, an anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on interstitial cystitis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8329. [PMID: 37221266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the therapeutic effects of axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in an interstitial cystitis (IC) rat model. IC patients with or without Hunner lesion and non-IC controls were enrolled (n = 5/group). Bladder tissues were stained with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and PDGF receptor B (PDGFR-B). The IC group showed extensive VEGFR-2 and PDGFR-B staining compared with controls. Next, ten-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 10/group): sham, hydrochloride (HCl), and axitinib groups. One week after HCl instillation (day 0), the axitinib group received oral axitinib (1 mg/kg) for five consecutive days and pain was evaluated daily. Bladder function, histology and genetics were evaluated on day 7. The pain threshold significantly improved 3 days after axitinib administration. Axitinib decreased non-voiding contraction and increased the micturition interval and micturition volume and alleviated urothelial denudation, angiogenesis, mast cell infiltration, and fibrosis. HCl instillation increased the expression of tyrosine kinase receptors, including VEGFR-2 and PDGFR-B; axitinib administration inhibited their expression. Oral administration of axitinib improved pain, voiding profiles, and urothelial integrity by inhibiting angiogenesis in IC rat model. Axitinib may have potential therapeutic efficacy in IC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hyun Shin
- Department of Urology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chae-Min Ryu
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Center for Cell Therapy, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwan Yeul Yu
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yang Soon Park
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Myung Shin
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Myung-Soo Choo
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Liu Q, Li X, Zhu J, Sun B, Li S. TrkA inhibition alleviates bladder overactivity in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis by targeting hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:701-707. [PMID: 37275761 PMCID: PMC10237166 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68528.14943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To investigate the potential of Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/ bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Materials and Methods Sixty-four female rats were randomly assigned to the control and cyclophosphamide (CYP) groups. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the mRNA level of TrkA. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and TrkA. Immunostaining was used to detect the expression of TrkA in bladder sections. Contractility studies and urodynamic measurements were utilized to test the spontaneous contractions of detrusor muscle strips and the global bladder activity, respectively. Results Rat models of chronic cystitis were successfully established. The mRNA and protein levels of TrkA were significantly increased in the bladders of CYP-treated rats. Also, results of immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining showed that increased TrkA expression in the CYP group was mainly observed in the urothelium layer and bladder interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICC-LCs) but not in the detrusor smooth muscle cells. The specific inhibitor of TrkA, GW441756 (10 μM), significantly suppressed the robust spontaneous contractions of detrusor muscle strips in the CYP group and alleviated the overall bladder overactivity of CYP-treated rats. However, the inhibitory effects of GW441756 (10 μM) on the spontaneous contractions of detrusor muscle strips and the overall bladder activity were eliminated after pretreatments with the specific blocker of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, ZD7288 (50 μM). Conclusion Our results suggested that increased TrkA expression during chronic cystitis promotes the development of bladder overactivity by targeting the HCN channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Clinical Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Urology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Urology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jingzhen Zhu
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bishao Sun
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shadan Li
- Department of Urology, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
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Peng Z, Yang F, Huang S, Tang Y, Wan L. Targeting Vascular endothelial growth factor A with soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 ameliorates nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221094528. [PMID: 35354377 PMCID: PMC9706061 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221094528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a distressing medical condition with few effective treatments. The role of Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in inflammation pain has been confirmed in many researches. However, the mechanism of VEGFA affects neuropathic pain remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that VEGFA plays an important role in spare nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain, which is mediated by enhanced expression and colocalized of VEGFA, p-AKT and TRPV1 in SNI-induced neuropathic pain model. Soluble VEGFR1 (sFlt1) not only relieved mechanical hyperalgesia and the expression of inflammatory markers, but ameliorated the expression of VEGFA, VEGFR2, p-AKT, and TRPV1 in spinal cord. However, these effects of sFlt1 can be blocked by rpVEGFA and by 740 Y-P. Therefore, our study indication that targeting VEGFA with sFlt1 reduces neuropathic pain development via the AKT/TRPV1 pathway in SNI-induced nerve injury. This study elucidates a new therapeutic target for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Peng
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China
| | - Siting Huang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China
| | - Yang Tang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The
State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital,
Guangzhou
Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R.
China,Stem Cell Translational Medicine
Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical
University, Guangzhou, P. R. of China,Li Wan, Department of Pain management, The
Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 250 Changgang Dong Lu,
Guangzhou 510260, P.R. China.
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Clayton DB, Tong CMC, Li B, Taylor AS, De S, Mason MD, Dudley AG, Davidoff O, Kobayashi H, Haase VH. Inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylation protects from cyclophosphamide-induced bladder injury and urinary dysfunction. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 323:F81-F91. [PMID: 35499237 PMCID: PMC9236868 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00344.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the blood-urine barrier can result in acute or chronic inflammatory bladder injury. Activation of the oxygen-regulated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway has been shown to protect mucosal membranes by increasing the expression of cytoprotective genes and by suppressing inflammation. The activity of HIF is controlled by prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) dioxygenases, which have been exploited as therapeutic targets for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease. Here, we established a mouse model of acute cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced blood-urine barrier disruption associated with inflammation and severe urinary dysfunction to investigate the HIF-PHD axis in inflammatory bladder injury. We found that systemic administration of dimethyloxalylglycine or molidustat, two small-molecule inhibitors of HIF-prolyl hydroxylases, profoundly mitigated CYP-induced bladder injury and inflammation as assessed by morphological analysis of transmural edema and urothelial integrity and by measuring tissue cytokine expression. Void spot analysis to examine bladder function quantitatively demonstrated that HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor administration normalized micturition patterns and protected against CYP-induced alteration of urinary frequency and micturition patterns. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of HIF-activating small-molecule compounds for the prevention or therapy of bladder injury and urinary dysfunction due to blood-urine barrier disruption.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Disruption of the blood-urine barrier can result in acute or chronic inflammatory bladder injury. Here, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-prolyl hydroxylation prevented bladder injury and protected from urinary dysfunction in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced disruption of the blood-urine barrier. Our study highlights a potential role for HIF-activating small-molecule compounds in the prevention or therapy of bladder injury and urinary dysfunction and provides a rationale for future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglass B Clayton
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ching Man Carmen Tong
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Belinda Li
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Abby S Taylor
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shuvro De
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew D Mason
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Anne G Dudley
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Olena Davidoff
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Medical and Research Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hanako Kobayashi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Medical and Research Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Volker H Haase
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Medical and Research Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
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6
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Augé C, Dizeyi N, Ramnemark L, Lluel P, Grabe M. Experimental in vivo model to evaluate the impact of Cernitin™ on pain response on induced chronic bladder inflammation. Scand J Urol 2022; 56:320-328. [PMID: 35766197 DOI: 10.1080/21681805.2022.2090602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation of the urinary bladder may cause burdensome pain also called bladder pain syndrome (BPS). A limitation in understanding BPS pathophysiology is the lack of appropriate preclinical model. Previously published clinical and preclinical studies revealed positive impact of Cernitin™ on pain relief in chronic prostatitis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cernitin™ on induced inflammation of the urinary bladder in rats. We also sought to identify biomarkers which might play a role in the management of BPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cystitis was induced by injection of cyclophosphamide (CYP) in female rats. Thereafter, animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups and two control groups. Evaluation of pain scores was assessed by von Frey assay. Expression of pain- and pro-inflammatory biomarkers was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Treatments with Cernitin™ displayed significant anti-nociceptive effects on CYP-induced visceral pain (p < .01). In contrast, vehicle-treated animals showed high pain score even at the lowest force. Furthermore, results of ELISA showed that Cernitin™-treated animals had significantly reduced levels of COX-2 (T60, p < .01; GBX, p < .05) in bladder tissue homogenate. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of bladder tissues showed that Cernitin™-treated animals exhibited less CD45-positive cells, while massive CD45-positive cells infiltration was detected in vehicle-treated animals. IHC also revealed lower SP and PGD2 expression levels in Cernitin™-treated tissues. CONCLUSIONS Cernitin™ components reduced pain score and inflammatory marker COX-2. Our findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for Cernitin™ in the management of BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Magnus Grabe
- Department of Translational Medicine, Urologic Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Perkins ME, Girard BM, Campbell SE, Vizzard MA. Imatinib Mesylate Reduces Voiding Frequency in Female Mice With Acute Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:867875. [PMID: 35645740 PMCID: PMC9135974 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.867875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Lamina propria interstitial cells that express the tyrosine kinase receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) may play a role in urinary sensory signaling. Imatinib mesylate, also referred to as imatinib, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can inhibit PDGFRα and has been widely used in urological research. We evaluated the functional effects of imatinib administration (via oral gavage or intravesical infusion) with two different experimental designs (prevention and treatment), in a cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis (acute, intermediate, and chronic), male and female rodent model using conscious cystometry and somatic sensitivity testing. Imatinib significantly (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05) decreased voiding frequency and increased bladder capacity in acute CYP-induced cystitis, by the prevention (females) and treatment (females and males) designs. Imatinib was not effective in preventing or treating intermediate or chronic CYP-induced cystitis in either sex. Interestingly, in the prevention experiments, imatinib administration increased (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ 0.01) voiding frequency and decreased bladder capacity in control mice. However, in the treatment experiments, imatinib administration decreased (0.01 ≤ p ≤ 0.05) voiding frequency and increased bladder capacity in control mice. Bladder function improvements observed with imatinib treatment in acute CYP-induced cystitis mice remained and additionally improved with a second dose of imatinib 24 hours after CYP treatment. Imatinib administration did not affect pelvic somatic sensitivity in female mice with acute CYP-induced cystitis. Our studies suggest that (1) imatinib improves bladder function in mice with acute CYP-induced cystitis with a prevention and treatment design and (2) interstitial cells may be a useful target to improve bladder function in cystitis.
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8
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Perkins M, Girard BM, Campbell SE, Hennig GW, Vizzard MA. Imatinib Mesylate Reduces Neurotrophic Factors and pERK and pAKT Expression in Urinary Bladder of Female Mice With Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:884260. [PMID: 35528149 PMCID: PMC9072830 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.884260] [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: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-α, -β, stem cell factor receptor (c-KIT), and BCR-ABL. PDGFRα is expressed in a subset of interstitial cells in the lamina propria (LP) and detrusor muscle of the urinary bladder. PDGFRα + interstitial cells may contribute to bladder dysfunction conditions such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) or overactive bladder (OAB). We have previously demonstrated that imatinib prevention via oral gavage or treatment via intravesical infusion improves urinary bladder function in mice with acute (4 hour, h) cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. Here, we investigate potential underlying mechanisms mediating the bladder functional improvement by imatinib using a prevention or treatment experimental design. Using qRT-PCR and ELISAs, we examined inflammatory mediators (NGF, VEGF, BDNF, CCL2, IL-6) previously shown to affect bladder function in CYP-induced cystitis. We also examined the distribution of phosphorylated (p) ERK and pAKT expression in the LP with immunohistochemistry. Imatinib prevention significantly (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05) reduced expression for all mediators examined except NGF, whereas imatinib treatment was without effect. Imatinib prevention and treatment significantly (0.0001 ≤ p ≤ 0.05) reduced pERK and pAKT expression in the upper LP (U. LP) and deeper LP (D. LP) in female mice with 4 h CYP-induced cystitis. Although we have previously demonstrated that imatinib prevention or treatment improves bladder function in mice with cystitis, the current studies suggest that reductions in inflammatory mediators contribute to prevention benefits of imatinib but not the treatment benefits of imatinib. Differential effects of imatinib prevention or treatment on inflammatory mediators may be influenced by the route and frequency of imatinib administration and may also suggest other mechanisms (e.g., changes in transepithelial resistance of the urothelium) through which imatinib may affect urinary bladder function following CYP-induced cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Perkins
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Beatrice M. Girard
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Susan E. Campbell
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Grant W. Hennig
- Department of Pharmacology, The Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Margaret A. Vizzard
- Department of Neurological Sciences, The Larner College of Medicine, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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9
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Hughes FM, Allkanjari A, Odom MR, Jin H, Purves JT. Specialized pro-resolution mediators in the bladder: Receptor expression and recovery of bladder function from cystitis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:700-711. [PMID: 35044873 PMCID: PMC9039492 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211067465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a central process in most benign bladder disorders, and its control is a delicate balance between initiating factors and resolving factors. While recent discoveries have shown a central role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in initiation, the resolving pathways remain unexplored. Resolution is controlled by specialized pro-resolution mediators (SPMs) functioning through seven receptors (six in rodents). Here we demonstrate expression of all seven in humans (six in mice) through immunocytochemistry. Expression was universal in urothelia with most also expressed in smooth muscle. We next explored the therapeutic potential of three SPMs; Resolvin E1 (RvE1), Maresin 1 (MaR1), and Protectin D1 (PD1). SPMs promote epithelial wound/barrier repair and RvE1 triggered dose-dependent wound closure in urothelia in vitro (scratch assay) (EC90 = 12.5 nM). MaR1 and PD1 were equally effective at this concentration. In vivo analyses employed a cyclophosphamide (CP) model of bladder inflammation (Day 0-CP [150 mg/kg], Day 1 to 3 SPM [25 µg/kg/day], Day 4 - analysis). All three SPMs reduced bladder inflammation (Evans blue) and bladder weights to control levels. Effects of RvE1 were also examined by urodynamics. CP decreased void volume, increased frequency and decreased bladder capacity while RvE1 restored values to control levels. Finally, SPMs reduce fibrosis and RvE1 reduced urothelial expression of TGF-β and collagen I to control values. Together these results expand the known SPMs active in the bladder tissue and provide promising therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation in a wide variety of inflammation-associated benign bladder diseases.
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Fan L, Kan H, Chen XT, Sun YY, Chen LP, Shen W. VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling in spinal neurons contributes to bone cancer pain. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221075891. [PMID: 35083936 PMCID: PMC8874205 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221075891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis to bone is often accompanied by a severe pain syndrome (cancer-induced bone pain, CIBP) that is frequently unresponsive to analgesics, which markedly reduces patient quality of life and cancer treatment tolerance in patients. Prolonged pain can induce hypersensitivity via spinal plasticity, and several recent studies have implicated the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) signaling in this process. Here, we speculated that CIBP is associated with VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling in the spinal cord. A mouse model of CIBP was established by intramedullary injection of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells in the mouse femur. Pain sensitization and potential amelioration via VEGF-A/VEGFR2 blockade were measured using paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimulation and paw withdrawal latency to thermal. Spinal VEGF-A/VEGFR2 signaling was blocked by intrathecal injection of the VEGF-A antibody or the specific VEGFR2 inhibitor ZM323881. Changes in the expression levels of VEGF-A, VEGFR2, and other pain-related signaling factors were measured using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Mice after LLC injection demonstrated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, both of which were suppressed via anti-VEGF-A antibody or ZM323881. Conversely, the intrathecal injection of exogenous VEGF-A was sufficient to cause pain hypersensitivity in naïve mice via the VEGFR2-mediated activation of protein kinase C. Moreover, the spinal blockade of VEGF-A or VEGFR2 also suppressed N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation and downstream Ca2+-dependent signaling. Thus, spinal VEGF-A/VEGFR2/NMDAR signaling pathways may be critical mediators of CIBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Fan
- 505488Xuzhou Medical University Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology
| | - Houming Kan
- 505488Xuzhou Medical University Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology
| | - Xue-Tai Chen
- 505488Xuzhou Medical University Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology
| | | | | | - Wen Shen
- 117910Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital
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11
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Xie AX, Iguchi N, Clarkson TC, Malykhina AP. Pharmacogenetic inhibition of lumbosacral sensory neurons alleviates visceral hypersensitivity in a mouse model of chronic pelvic pain. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262769. [PMID: 35077502 PMCID: PMC8789164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The study investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) underlying the symptoms of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) in mice. This work also aimed to test the feasibility of reversing peripheral sensitization in vivo in alleviating UCPPS symptoms. Intravesical instillation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was used to induce UCPPS-like symptoms in mice. Spontaneous voiding spot assays and manual Von Frey tests were used to evaluate the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and visceral hypersensitivity in VEGFA-instilled mice. Bladder smooth muscle strip contractility recordings (BSMSC) were used to identify the potential changes in myogenic and neurogenic detrusor muscle contractility at the tissue-level. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and fluorescent immunohistochemistry were performed to compare the expression levels of VEGF receptors and nociceptors in lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) between VEGFA-instilled mice and saline-instilled controls. To manipulate primary afferent activity, Gi-coupled Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (Gi-DREADD) were expressed in lumbosacral DRG neurons of TRPV1-Cre-ZGreen mice via targeted adeno-associated viral vector (AAVs) injections. A small molecule agonist of Gi-DREADD, clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), was injected into the peritoneum (i. p.) in awake animals to silence TRPV1 expressing sensory neurons in vivo during physiological and behavioral recordings of bladder function. Intravesical instillation of VEGFA in the urinary bladders increased visceral mechanical sensitivity and enhanced RTX-sensitive detrusor contractility. Sex differences were identified in the baseline detrusor contractility responses and VEGF-induced visceral hypersensitivity. VEGFA instillations in the urinary bladder led to significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1 (TRPA1) in lumbosacral DRG, whereas the expression levels of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) and VEGF receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) remained unchanged when compared to saline-instilled animals. Importantly, the VEGFA-induced visceral hypersensitivity was reversed by Gi-DREADD-mediated neuronal silencing in lumbosacral sensory neurons. Activation of bladder VEGF signaling causes sensory neural plasticity and visceral hypersensitivity in mice, confirming its role of an UCPPS biomarker as identified by the Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) research studies. Pharmacogenetic inhibition of lumbosacral sensory neurons in vivo completely reversed VEGFA-induced pelvic hypersensitivity in mice, suggesting the strong therapeutic potential for decreasing primary afferent activity in the treatment of pain severity in UCPPS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Xiaoqiao Xie
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Nao Iguchi
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Taylor C. Clarkson
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Anna P. Malykhina
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, United States of America
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Ni B, Chen Z, Shu L, Shao Y, Huang Y, Tamrat NE, Wei Z, Shen B. Nrf2 Pathway Ameliorates Bladder Dysfunction in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis via Suppression of Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:4009308. [PMID: 34306306 PMCID: PMC8279868 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4009308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect and molecular mechanism of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in interstitial cystitis (IC). METHODS We established a mouse model of IC by cyclophosphamide (CYP) in wild-type mice and Nrf2 gene knockout mice. We examined the histological and functional alterations, the changes of oxidative stress markers, and the expression of the antioxidant genes downstream of Nrf2 pathway. RESULTS After CYP administration, the mice showed urinary frequency and urgency, pain sensitization, decreased contractility, bladder edema, and oxidative stress disorder. Notably, the Nrf2-/- CYP mice had more severe symptoms. The mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant genes downstream of Nrf2 pathway were significantly upregulated in the Nrf2+/+ CYP mice, while there were no significant changes in the Nrf2-/- CYP mice. CONCLUSION Nrf2 pathway protects bladder injury and ameliorates bladder dysfunction in IC, possibly by upregulating antioxidant genes and inhibiting oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Ni
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Zhengsen Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Le Shu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yunpeng Shao
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Nebiyu Elias Tamrat
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Zhongqing Wei
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Baixin Shen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210000, China
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Zhang P, Southey BR, Sweedler JV, Pradhan A, Rodriguez-Zas SL. Enhanced Understanding of Molecular Interactions and Function Underlying Pain Processes Through Networks of Transcript Isoforms, Genes, and Gene Families. Adv Appl Bioinform Chem 2021; 14:49-69. [PMID: 33633454 PMCID: PMC7901473 DOI: 10.2147/aabc.s284986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Molecular networks based on the abundance of mRNA at the gene level and pathway networks that relate families or groups of paralog genes have supported the understanding of interactions between molecules. However, multiple molecular mechanisms underlying health and behavior, such as pain signal processing, are modulated by the abundances of the transcript isoforms that originate from alternative splicing, in addition to gene abundances. Alternative splice variants of growth factors, ion channels, and G-protein-coupled receptors can code for proteoforms that can have different effects on pain and nociception. Therefore, networks inferred using abundance from more agglomerative molecular units (eg, gene family, or gene) have limitations in capturing interactions at a more granular level (eg, gene, or transcript isoform, respectively) do not account for changes in the abundance at the transcript isoform level. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the relative benefits of network inference using abundance patterns at various aggregate levels. Methods Sparse networks were inferred using Gaussian Markov random fields and a novel aggregation criterion was used to aggregate network edges. The relative advantages of network aggregation were evaluated on two molecular systems that have different dimensions and connectivity, circadian rhythm and Toll-like receptor pathways, using RNA-sequencing data from mice representing two pain level groups, opioid-induced hyperalgesia and control, and two central nervous system regions, the nucleus accumbens and the trigeminal ganglia. Results The inferred networks were benchmarked against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes reference pathways using multiple criteria. Networks inferred using more granular information performed better than networks inferred using more aggregate information. The advantage of granular inference varied with the pathway and data set used. Discussion The differences in inferred network structure between data sets highlight the differences in OIH effect between central nervous system regions. Our findings suggest that inference of networks using alternative splicing variants can offer complementary insights into the relationship between genes and gene paralog groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Zhang
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bruce R Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jonathan V Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and the Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Amynah Pradhan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Ma C, Zhou J, Xu X, Wang L, Qin S, Hu C, Nie L, Tu Y. The Construction of a Radiation-Induced Brain Injury Model and Preliminary Study on the Effect of Human Recombinant Endostatin in Treating Radiation-Induced Brain Injury. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9392-9401. [PMID: 31816619 PMCID: PMC6921694 DOI: 10.12659/msm.917537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to construct a radiation-induced brain injury (RBI) model and assess the effects of human recombinant endostatin in the treatment of RBI. Material/Methods In this study, the RBI model was used. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin staining were conducted to detect the mRNA and protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and assess the effects of human recombinant endostatin in the treatment of RBI. Results In this study, we successfully constructed a RBI model. VEGF mRNA expression was decreased after human recombinant endostatin treatment; however, VEGF protein secretion was increased in brain endothelial cells, and the secretion of VEGF protein was decreased in glial cells and nerve cells. Body weight changes indicated that human recombinant endostatin can increase the risk of weight loss. Brain water content results showed that human recombinant endostatin might aggravate cerebral edema in the acute stage of RBI, but it can reduce the progression of cerebral edema in the early delayed stage. Survival analysis showed that human recombinant endostatin improved the survival rate only in the early stage of RBI. Conclusions Radiation can induce vasogenic edema and is associated with the RBI occurrence and development. VEGF protein is highly relevant to the induction of edema and thrombosis in the acute phase of RBI and in the early delayed phase of RBI, including vascular repair and regeneration, thrombus ablation and other events. Human recombinant endostatin can reduce the progression of cerebral edema during the early onset of RBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenying Ma
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Juying Zhou
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Songbin Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Liangqin Nie
- Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Tu
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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