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Boccanegra B, Cappellari O, Mantuano P, Trisciuzzi D, Mele A, Tulimiero L, De Bellis M, Cirmi S, Sanarica F, Cerchiara AG, Conte E, Meanti R, Rizzi L, Bresciani E, Denoyelle S, Fehrentz JA, Cruciani G, Nicolotti O, Liantonio A, Torsello A, De Luca A. Growth hormone secretagogues modulate inflammation and fibrosis in mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1119888. [PMID: 37122711 PMCID: PMC10130389 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1119888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Growth hormone secretagogues (GHSs) exert multiple actions, being able to activate GHS-receptor 1a, control inflammation and metabolism, to enhance GH/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)-mediated myogenesis, and to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme. These mechanisms are of interest for potentially targeting multiple steps of pathogenic cascade in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Methods Here, we aimed to provide preclinical evidence for potential benefits of GHSs in DMD, via a multidisciplinary in vivo and ex vivo comparison in mdx mice, of two ad hoc synthesized compounds (EP80317 and JMV2894), with a wide but different profile. 4-week-old mdx mice were treated for 8 weeks with EP80317 or JMV2894 (320 µg/kg/d, s.c.). Results In vivo, both GHSs increased mice forelimb force (recovery score, RS towards WT: 20% for EP80317 and 32% for JMV2894 at week 8). In parallel, GHSs also reduced diaphragm (DIA) and gastrocnemius (GC) ultrasound echodensity, a fibrosis-related parameter (RS: ranging between 26% and 75%). Ex vivo, both drugs ameliorated DIA isometric force and calcium-related indices (e.g., RS: 40% for tetanic force). Histological analysis highlighted a relevant reduction of fibrosis in GC and DIA muscles of treated mice, paralleled by a decrease in gene expression of TGF-β1 and Col1a1. Also, decreased levels of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-6, CD68), accompanied by an increment in Sirt-1, PGC-1α and MEF2c expression, were observed in response to treatments, suggesting an overall improvement of myofiber metabolism. No detectable transcript levels of GHS receptor-1a, nor an increase of circulating IGF-1 were found, suggesting the presence of a novel receptor-independent mechanism in skeletal muscle. Preliminary docking studies revealed a potential binding capability of JMV2894 on metalloproteases involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and cytokine production, such as ADAMTS-5 and MMP-9, overactivated in DMD. Discussion Our results support the interest of GHSs as modulators of pathology progression in mdx mice, disclosing a direct anti-fibrotic action that may prove beneficial to contrast pathological remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigida Boccanegra
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Ornella Cappellari
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Mantuano
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonietta Mele
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Lisamaura Tulimiero
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Michela De Bellis
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Santa Cirmi
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Sanarica
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Elena Conte
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-BICOCCA, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-BICOCCA, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-BICOCCA, Milan, Italy
| | - Severine Denoyelle
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Alain Fehrentz
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247 CNRS-Université Montpellier-ENSCM, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | - Gabriele Cruciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Orazio Nicolotti
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Liantonio
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-BICOCCA, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria De Luca
- Department of Pharmacy – Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
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Mathur N, Mehdi SF, Anipindi M, Aziz M, Khan SA, Kondakindi H, Lowell B, Wang P, Roth J. Ghrelin as an Anti-Sepsis Peptide: Review. Front Immunol 2021; 11:610363. [PMID: 33584688 PMCID: PMC7876230 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.610363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis continues to produce widespread inflammation, illness, and death, prompting intensive research aimed at uncovering causes and therapies. In this article, we focus on ghrelin, an endogenous peptide with promise as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Ghrelin was discovered, tracked, and isolated from stomach cells based on its ability to stimulate release of growth hormone. It also stimulates appetite and is shown to be anti-inflammatory in a wide range of tissues. The anti-inflammatory effects mediated by ghrelin are a result of both the stimulation of anti-inflammatory processes and an inhibition of pro-inflammatory forces. Anti-inflammatory processes are promoted in a broad range of tissues including the hypothalamus and vagus nerve as well as in a broad range of immune cells. Aged rodents have reduced levels of growth hormone (GH) and diminished immune responses; ghrelin administration boosts GH levels and immune response. The anti-inflammatory functions of ghrelin, well displayed in preclinical animal models of sepsis, are just being charted in patients, with expectations that ghrelin and growth hormone might improve outcomes in patients with sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimisha Mathur
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Syed F. Mehdi
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Manasa Anipindi
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Monowar Aziz
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Sawleha A. Khan
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Hema Kondakindi
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Barbara Lowell
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Center for Immunology and Inflammation, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Jesse Roth
- Laboratory of Diabetes, Obesity, and Other Metabolic Disorders, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
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Cui S, Nian Q, Chen G, Wang X, Zhang J, Qiu J, Zhang Z. Ghrelin ameliorates A549 cell apoptosis caused by paraquat via p38-MAPK regulated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Toxicology 2019; 426:152267. [PMID: 31381934 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.152267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Paraquat has relatively strong detrimental effects on humans and animals and can cause acute lung injury with high mortality. Ghrelin is a brain-gut peptide which plays important roles in regulating various physiological processes. This study investigated whether ghrelin could inhibit paraquat-induced lung injuries and attempted to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms. A549 cells were preincubated with different concentrations of ghrelin and then treated with 200 μM of PQ for 24 h. Then cell survival, apoptosis, cellular oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation of A549 cells were detected after different treatments. Subsequently, we analyzed the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and measured caspase-3 activation in A549 cells. In addition, we investigated the activation of the MAPKs pathway and the function of p38-MAPK within mitochondrial apoptosis. Our study indicated that ghrelin administration improved cell viability and reduced apoptosis of PQ-treated A549 cells dose-dependently. Ghrelin treatment reduced the elevation of ROS and MDA, while improved GSH content in A549 cells after paraquat exposure. Moreover, we found that ghrelin dose-dependently increased ΔΨm and decreased caspase-3 activity. The phosphorylated p38 MAPK and JNK levels elevated following PQ exposure, while the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK decreased following ghrelin pretreatment. p38 MAPK siRNA or SB203580 pretreatment ameliorated PQ-caused cell injury and apoptosis related signals, however, the intracellular ROS production was not affected. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a classic antioxidant pretreatment decreased the phosphorylated p38 MAPK level and intracellular ROS production, alleviated cell injury, and inhibited apoptosis. The results showed that p38-MAPK pathway plays an important role in PQ-caused alveolar epithelial cell insult, and ghrelin might attenuate PQ-induced cell injury by inhibiting ROS-induced p38-MAPK modulated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqing Cui
- Standardized Residency Training Center, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Qing Nian
- Department of Emergency, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Vascular Intervention, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Xingyong Wang
- Department of Emergency, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, China
| | - Jianqing Qiu
- Department of Emergency, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou 256603, China.
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Ghrelin Derangements in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Impact of Myocardial Disease Duration and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081152. [PMID: 31375017 PMCID: PMC6723091 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ghrelin may exert positive effects on cardiac structure and function in heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: We assessed ghrelin levels in 266 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients and in 200 age, gender and body mass index (BMI) matched controls. Further, we evaluated the expression of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue-receptor (GHSR) in the myocardium of 41 DCM patients and in 11 controls. Results: DCM patients had significantly lower levels of total, acylated and unacylated ghrelin when compared to controls (p < 0.05 for all). In controls, we observed a negative correlation of ghrelin with age, male gender and BMI. These correlations were lost in the DCM group, except for male gender. Total ghrelin was higher in patients with more recent diagnosis when compared to patients with longer duration of the DCM (p = 0.033). Further, total ghrelin was higher in patients with lower left ventricular systolic function (<40% LVEF, vs. 40% ≤ LVEF < 49% vs. LVEF ≥ 50%: 480.8, vs. 429.7, vs. 329.5 pg/mL, respectively, p = 0.05). Ghrelin prepropeptide was expressed more in DCM patients than in controls (p = 0.0293) while GHSR was expressed less in DCM patients (p < 0.001). Furthermore, ghrelin showed an inverse correlation with its receptor (ρ = −0.406, p = 0.009), and this receptor showed a significant inverse correlation with Interleukin-1β (ρ = −0.422, p = 0.0103). Conclusion: DCM duration and severity are accompanied by alterations in the ghrelin–GHSR system.
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Yu R, Li Z, Liu S, Huwatibieke B, Li Y, Yin Y, Zhang W. Activation of mTORC1 signaling in gastric X/A-like cells induces spontaneous pancreatic fibrosis and derangement of glucose metabolism by reducing ghrelin production. EBioMedicine 2018; 36:304-315. [PMID: 30266297 PMCID: PMC6197745 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic fibrosis is a pathophysiological process associated with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in pancreas, leading to reduced insulin secretion and derangement of glucose metabolism. X/A-like cells, a group of unique endocrine cells in gastric oxyntic mucosa, produce and secret ghrelin to influence energy balance. Whether gastric X/A-like cells affect pancreatic fibrosis and subsequent glucose homeostasis remains unclear. METHODS We established a Ghrl-cre transgene in which the cre enzyme is expressed in X/A-like cells under the control of ghrelin-promoter. TSC1flox/flox mice were bred with Ghrl-cre mice to generate Ghrl-TSC1-/- (TG) mice, within which mTORC1 signaling was activated in X/A-like cells. Pancreatic fibrosis and insulin secretion were analyzed in the TG mice. FINDINGS Activation of mTORC1 signaling by deletion of TSC1 gene in gastric X/A-like cells induced spontaneous pancreatic fibrosis. This alteration was associated with reduced insulin expression and secretion, as well as impaired glucose metabolism. Activation of mTORC1 signaling in gastric X/A-like cells reduced gastric and circulating ghrelin levels. Exogenous ghrelin reversed pancreatic fibrosis and glucose intolerance induced by activation of mTORC1 signaling in these cells. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, reversed the decrease of ghrelin levels and pancreatic fibrosis. INTERPRETATION Activation of mTORC1 signaling in gastric X/A-like cells induces spontaneous pancreatic fibrosis and subsequently impairs glucose homeostasis via suppression of ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ziru Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0346, USA
| | - Shiying Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | | | - Yin Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yue Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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McDonald H, Peart J, Kurniawan N, Galloway G, Royce S, Samuel CS, Chen C. Hexarelin treatment preserves myocardial function and reduces cardiac fibrosis in a mouse model of acute myocardial infarction. Physiol Rep 2018; 6:e13699. [PMID: 29756411 PMCID: PMC5949285 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) have been shown to improve cardiac function in models of IHD. This study determined whether hexarelin (HEX), a synthetic GHS, preserves cardiac function and morphology in a mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). MI was induced by ligation of the left descending coronary artery in C57BL/6J mice followed by vehicle (VEH; n = 10) or HEX (0.3 mg/kg/day; n = 11) administration for 21 days. MI-injured and sham mice (treated with VEH; n = 6 or HEX; n = 5) underwent magnetic resonance imaging for measurement of left ventricular (LV) function, mass and infarct size at 24 h and 14 days post-MI. MI-HEX mice displayed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in LV function compared with MI-VEH mice after 14 days treatment. A significant decrease in LV mass, interstitial collagen and collagen concentration was demonstrated with chronic HEX treatment (for 21 days), accompanied by a decrease in TGF-β1 expression, myofibroblast differentiation and an increase in collagen-degrading MMP-13 expression levels. Furthermore, heart rate variability analysis demonstrated that HEX treatment shifted the balance of autonomic nervous activity toward a parasympathetic predominance and sympathetic downregulation. This was combined with a HEX-dependent decrease in troponin-I, IL-1β and TNF-α levels suggestive of amelioration of cardiomyocyte injury. These results demonstrate that GHS may preserve ventricular function, reduce inflammation and favorably remodel the process of fibrotic healing in a mouse model of MI and hold the potential for translational application to patients suffering from MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley McDonald
- School of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Jason Peart
- Menzies Health Institute of QueenslandGriffith UniversityGold CoastAustralia
| | - Nyoman Kurniawan
- Centre for Advanced ImagingUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Graham Galloway
- Centre for Advanced ImagingUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Simon Royce
- Cardiovascular Disease ProgramBiomedical Discovery Institute and Department of PharmacologyMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
| | - Chrishan S. Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease ProgramBiomedical Discovery Institute and Department of PharmacologyMonash UniversityVictoriaAustralia
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Biomedical ScienceUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
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Brzozowska A, Homa-Mlak I, Mlak R, Gołębiowski P, Mazurek M, Ciesielka M, Małecka-Massalska T. Polymorphism of regulatory region of GHRL gene (-2531C>T) as a promising predictive factor for radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients with head neck cancer. Head Neck 2018; 40:1799-1811. [PMID: 29566446 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; rs1629816) in the regulatory region (c.-2531C>T) of the ghrelin (GHRL) gene and the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS Oral mucositis in 65 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent irradiation were assessed according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)/European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) scale. The DNA from patients with head and neck cancer was isolated from whole blood. The genotypes were determined using the minisequencing method (SNaPshot PCR). RESULTS The frequency of occurrence of the GHRL gene (c.-2531C>T, rs1629816) genotypes were as follows: AA = 21.5%; GA = 40%; and GG = 38.5%. In case of AA genotype, there was a 7-fold decrease of the risk of occurrence of oral mucositis (of grades 2 and 3) in the sixth week of RT (AA vs GA or GG, respectively: 17.9% vs 82.1% patients; odds ratio [OR] 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.98; P = .0481). No statistically significant differences were observed between the volume of oral cavity contours (V30, V40, and V50) depending on the GHRL genotype in patients with head and neck cancer. CONCLUSION The study results have demonstrated an association between the AA genotype of the GHRL gene and the risk of more severe oral mucositis attributed to RT in patients with head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brzozowska
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Homa-Mlak
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Mlak
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Gołębiowski
- Department of Oncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Mazurek
- Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marzanna Ciesielka
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Liu C, Hao Y, Huang J, Li H, Yang Z, Zeng Y, Liu J, Li R. Ghrelin accelerates wound healing in combined radiation and wound injury in mice. Exp Dermatol 2018; 26:186-193. [PMID: 27676309 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Impaired wound healing caused by radiation happens frequently in clinical practice, and the exact mechanisms remain partly unclear. Various countermeasures have been taken to tackle with this issue. Ghrelin was considered as a potent endogenous growth hormone-releasing peptide, and its role in enhancing wound repair and regeneration was firstly investigated in whole-body irradiated (γ-ray) mice in this study. Collagen deposition and neovascularization were mostly discussed. The results demonstrated that ghrelin administration promoted cutaneous wound healing in irradiated mice, followed with reduced average wound closure time, increased spleen index (SI) and improved haematopoiesis. After isolation and analysis of granulation tissues in combined radiation and wound injury (CRWI) mice treated with and without ghrelin, a phenomenon of increased DNA, hexosamine, nitrate and nitrite synthesis, elevated collagen content and enhanced neovascularization was observed after ghrelin treatment. Western blotting indicated that ghrelin also increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), both responsible for wound healing. However, previous administration of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a) blocker blunted these therapeutic effects of ghrelin on CRWI mice. Our results identify ghrelin as a novel peptide that could be used for radiation-induced impaired wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Liu
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhui Hao
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiawei Huang
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Li
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhangyou Yang
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yiping Zeng
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Institute of Combined Injury, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Huynh DN, Elimam H, Bessi VL, Ménard L, Burelle Y, Granata R, Carpentier AC, Ong H, Marleau S. A Linear Fragment of Unacylated Ghrelin (UAG 6-13) Protects Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice in a Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor-Independent Manner. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:798. [PMID: 30692964 PMCID: PMC6340090 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Unacylated ghrelin (UAG), the most abundant form of ghrelin in circulation, has been shown to exert cardioprotective effect in experimental cardiopathies. The present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of a linear bioactive fragment of UAG against myocardial ischemia-induced injury and dysfunction in C57BL/6 wild type mice and the mechanisms involved. Treatments were administered at doses of 100 (UAG), 1,000 and 3,000 (UAG6-13) nmol/kg at 12 h interval during 14 days prior to 30 min left coronary artery ligation and reperfusion for a period of 6 or 48 h. The infarct area was decreased in a dose-dependent manner at 48 h of reperfusion, with a reduction of 54% at the highest dose of UAG6-13 tested. Myocardial hemodynamics were improved as demonstrated by an increase in cardiac output, maximum first derivative of left ventricular pressure, and preload recruitable stroke work, a load-independent contractility index. Six hours after reperfusion, circulating levels of IL-6 and TNF-α pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced, and the effect was maintained at 48 h for TNF-α. 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was activated, while acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) activity was inhibited, along with a decrease in apoptotic protein levels. In isolated hearts, the effect of UAG6-13 was unaffected by the presence of D-Lys3-GHRP-6, a ghrelin receptor (GHSR1a) antagonist, suggesting that the peptide acted through a GHSR1a-independent pathway. The results support the therapeutic application of UAG bioactive peptide fragments against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N. Huynh
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Hanan Elimam
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Sadat, Egypt
| | - Valérie L. Bessi
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Liliane Ménard
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yan Burelle
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Riccarda Granata
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - André C. Carpentier
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Huy Ong
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Huy Ong
| | - Sylvie Marleau
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Sylvie Marleau
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Reano S, Angelino E, Ferrara M, Malacarne V, Sustova H, Sabry O, Agosti E, Clerici S, Ruozi G, Zentilin L, Prodam F, Geuna S, Giacca M, Graziani A, Filigheddu N. Unacylated Ghrelin Enhances Satellite Cell Function and Relieves the Dystrophic Phenotype in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy mdx Model. Stem Cells 2017; 35:1733-1746. [PMID: 28436144 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Muscle regeneration depends on satellite cells (SCs), quiescent precursors that, in consequence of injury or in pathological states such as muscular dystrophies, activate, proliferate, and differentiate to repair the damaged tissue. A subset of SCs undergoes self-renewal, thus preserving the SC pool and its regenerative potential. Unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) is a circulating hormone that protects muscle from atrophy, promotes myoblast differentiation, and enhances ischemia-induced muscle regeneration. Here we show that UnAG increases SC activity and stimulates Par polarity complex/p38-mediated asymmetric division, fostering both SC self-renewal and myoblast differentiation. Because of those activities on different steps of muscle regeneration, we hypothesized a beneficial effect of UnAG in mdx dystrophic mice, in which the absence of dystrophin leads to chronic muscle degeneration, defective muscle regeneration, fibrosis, and, at later stages of the pathology, SC pool exhaustion. Upregulation of UnAG levels in mdx mice reduces muscle degeneration, improves muscle function, and increases dystrophin-null SC self-renewal, maintaining the SC pool. Our results suggest that UnAG has significant therapeutic potential for preserving the muscles in dystrophies. Stem Cells 2017;35:1733-1746.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Reano
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Elia Angelino
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Michele Ferrara
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Valeria Malacarne
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Hana Sustova
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Omar Sabry
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Emanuela Agosti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Sara Clerici
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Giulia Ruozi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Lorena Zentilin
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Flavia Prodam
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Mauro Giacca
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
| | - Nicoletta Filigheddu
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy and Istituto Interuniversitario di Miologia (IIM)
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