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Mohamed HE, Abdelhady MA, Elmaghraby AM, Elrashidy RA. Empagliflozin and pirfenidone confer renoprotection through suppression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and promotion of tubular regeneration in rats with induced metabolic syndrome. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 485:116892. [PMID: 38492675 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is largely coupled with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway drives tubular injury in animal models of acute kidney injury; but its contribution in CKD is still elusive. This study investigated the effect empagliflozin and/or pirfenidone against MetS-induced kidney dysfunction, and to clarify additional underpinning mechanisms particularly the GSK-3β signaling pathway. Adult male rats received 10%w/v fructose in drinking water for 20 weeks to develop MetS, then treated with either drug vehicle, empagliflozin (30 mg/kg/day) and/or pirfenidone (100 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for subsequent 4 weeks, concurrently with the high dietary fructose. Age-matched rats receiving normal drinking water were used as controls. After 24 weeks, blood and kidneys were harvested for subsequent analyses. Rats with MetS showed signs of kidney dysfunction, structural changes and interstitial fibrosis. Activation of GSK-3β, decreased cyclinD1 expression and enhanced apoptotic signaling were found in kidneys of MetS rats. There was abundant alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression along with up-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 in kidneys of MetS rats. These derangements were almost alleviated by empagliflozin or pirfenidone, with evidence that the combined therapy was more effective than either individual drug. This study emphasizes a novel mechanism underpinning the beneficial effects of empagliflozin and pirfenidone on kidney dysfunction associated with MetS through targeting GSK-3β signaling which can mediate the regenerative capacity, anti-apoptotic effects and anti-fibrotic properties of such drugs. These findings recommend the possibility of using empagliflozin and pirfenidone as promising therapies for management of CKD in patients with MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda E Mohamed
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Merna A Abdelhady
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M Elmaghraby
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Rania A Elrashidy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
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2
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Giordo R, Tulasigeri Totiger S, Caggiari G, Cossu A, Manunta AF, Posadino AM, Pintus G. Protective Effect of Knee Postoperative Fluid on Oxidative-Induced Damage in Human Knee Articular Chondrocytes. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:188. [PMID: 38397786 PMCID: PMC10886415 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The oxidative-stress-elicited deterioration of chondrocyte function is the initial stage of changes leading to the disruption of cartilage homeostasis. These changes entail a series of catabolic damages mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and aggrecanases, which increase ROS generation. Such uncontrolled ROS production, inadequately balanced by the cellular antioxidant capacity, eventually contributes to the development and progression of chondropathies. Several pieces of evidence show that different growth factors, single or combined, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, can stimulate chondrogenesis and improve cartilage repair and regeneration. In this view, hypothesizing a potential growth-factor-associated action, we investigate the possible protective effect of post-operation knee fluid from patients undergoing prosthesis replacement surgery against ROS-induced damage on normal human knee articular chondrocytes (HKACs). To this end, HKACs were pre-treated with post-operation knee fluid and then exposed to H2O2 to mimic oxidative stress. Intracellular ROS levels were measured by using the molecular probe H2DCFDA; cytosolic and mitochondrial oxidative status were assessed by using HKACs infected with lentiviral particles harboring the redox-sensing green fluorescent protein (roGFP); and cell proliferation was determined by measuring the rate of DNA synthesis with BrdU incorporation. Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione levels from the cell lysates of treated cells were also measured. Postoperative peripheral blood sera from the same patients were used as controls. Our study shows that post-operation knee fluid can counteract H2O2-elicited oxidative stress by decreasing the intracellular ROS levels, preserving the cytosolic and mitochondrial redox status, maintaining the proliferation of oxidatively stressed HKACs, and upregulating chondrocyte antioxidant defense. Overall, our results support and propose an important effect of post-operation knee fluid substances in maintaining HKAC function by mediating cell antioxidative system upregulation and protecting cells from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (R.G.); (S.T.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Smitha Tulasigeri Totiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (R.G.); (S.T.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Gianfilippo Caggiari
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, University Hospital, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (A.F.M.)
| | - Annalisa Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (R.G.); (S.T.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrea Fabio Manunta
- Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, University Hospital, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.C.); (A.F.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (R.G.); (S.T.T.); (A.C.)
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (R.G.); (S.T.T.); (A.C.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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3
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May J, Mitchell JA, Jenkins RG. Beyond epithelial damage: vascular and endothelial contributions to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e172058. [PMID: 37712420 PMCID: PMC10503802 DOI: 10.1172/jci172058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scarring disease of the lung with poor survival. The incidence and mortality of IPF are rising, but treatment remains limited. Currently, two drugs can slow the scarring process but often at the expense of intolerable side effects, and without substantially changing overall survival. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying IPF is likely to lead to improved therapies. The current paradigm proposes that repetitive alveolar epithelial injury from noxious stimuli in a genetically primed individual is followed by abnormal wound healing, including aberrant activity of extracellular matrix-secreting cells, with resultant tissue fibrosis and parenchymal damage. However, this may underplay the importance of the vascular contribution to fibrogenesis. The lungs receive 100% of the cardiac output, and vascular abnormalities in IPF include (a) heterogeneous vessel formation throughout fibrotic lung, including the development of abnormal dilated vessels and anastomoses; (b) abnormal spatially distributed populations of endothelial cells (ECs); (c) dysregulation of endothelial protective pathways such as prostacyclin signaling; and (d) an increased frequency of common vascular and metabolic comorbidities. Here, we propose that vascular and EC abnormalities are both causal and consequential in the pathobiology of IPF and that fuller evaluation of dysregulated pathways may lead to effective therapies and a cure for this devastating disease.
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4
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Fukihara J, Kondoh Y. COVID-19 and interstitial lung diseases: A multifaceted look at the relationship between the two diseases. Respir Investig 2023; 61:601-617. [PMID: 37429073 PMCID: PMC10281233 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it has been a fatal disease for many patients, the development of treatment strategies and vaccines have progressed over the past 3 years, and our society has become able to accept COVID-19 as a manageable common disease. However, as COVID-19 sometimes causes pneumonia, post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF), and worsening of preexisting interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), it is still a concern for pulmonary physicians. In this review, we have selected several topics regarding the relationships between ILDs and COVID-19. The pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced ILD is currently assumed based mainly on the evidence of other ILDs and has not been well elucidated specifically in the context of COVID-19. We have summarized what has been clarified to date and constructed a coherent story about the establishment and progress of the disease. We have also reviewed clinical information regarding ILDs newly induced or worsened by COVID-19 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Inflammatory and profibrotic responses induced by COVID-19 or vaccines have been thought to be a risk for de novo induction or worsening of ILDs, and this has been supported by the evidence obtained through clinical experience over the past 3 years. Although COVID-19 has become a mild disease in most cases, it is still worth looking back on the above-reviewed information to broaden our perspectives regarding the relationship between viral infection and ILD. As a representative etiology for severe viral pneumonia, further studies in this area are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fukihara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, 160 Nishioiwake-cho, Seto, Aichi, 489-8642, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kondoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, 160 Nishioiwake-cho, Seto, Aichi, 489-8642, Japan.
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5
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Meyer FEU, Santos GL, Doan TP, DeGrave AN, Bues B, Lutz S. Pirfenidone affects human cardiac fibroblast proliferation and cell cycle activity in 2D cultures and engineered connective tissues. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1687-1699. [PMID: 36800014 PMCID: PMC10338590 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The anti-fibrotic drug pirfenidone (PFD) is currently in clinical testing for the treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; however, its effects on human cardiac cells have not been fully investigated. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the impact of PFD on human cardiac fibroblasts (CF) in 2D culture as well as in 3D-engineered connective tissues (ECT). We analyzed proliferation by automated cell counting and changes in signaling by immunoblotting. We generated ECT with different geometries to modify the cellular phenotype and investigated the effects of PFD on cell number and viability as well as on cell cycle activity. We further studied its effect on ECT compaction, contraction, stiffening, and strain resistance by ECT imaging, pole deflection analysis, and ultimate tensile testing. Our data demonstrate that PFD inhibits human CF proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.43 mg/ml and its anti-mitogenic effect was further corroborated by an inhibition of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and riboprotein S6 (rpS6) phosphorylation. In ECT, a lower cell cycle activity was found in PFD-treated ECT and fewer cells resided in these ECT after 5 days of culture compared to the control. Moreover, ECT compaction as well as ECT contraction was impaired. Consequently, biomechanical analyses demonstrated that PFD reduced the stiffness of ECT. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the anti-fibrotic action of PFD on human CF is based on its anti-mitogenic effect in 2D cultures and ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Leao Santos
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Kings College London, London, UK
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Thao Phuong Doan
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Alisa Nicole DeGrave
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bastian Bues
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Lutz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center, Goettingen, Germany.
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Partner Site, Goettingen, Germany.
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6
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Dsouza NN, Alampady V, Baby K, Maity S, Byregowda BH, Nayak Y. Thalidomide interaction with inflammation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:1167-1182. [PMID: 36966238 PMCID: PMC10039777 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01193-1] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The "Thalidomide tragedy" is a landmark in the history of the pharmaceutical industry. Despite limited clinical trials, there is a continuous effort to investigate thalidomide as a drug for cancer and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lepromatous leprosy, and COVID-19. This review focuses on the possibilities of targeting inflammation by repurposing thalidomide for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Articles were searched from the Scopus database, sorted, and selected articles were reviewed. The content includes the proven mechanisms of action of thalidomide relevant to IPF. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic mechanisms are major pathogenic factors in IPF. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the major biomarker of IPF. Thalidomide is an effective anti-inflammatory drug in inhibiting TGF-β, interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Thalidomide binds cereblon, a process that is involved in the proposed mechanism in specific cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple myeloma, and lung cancer. Cereblon is involved in activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-TGF-β/Smad signalling, thereby attenuating fibrosis. The past few years have witnessed an improvement in the identification of biomarkers and diagnostic technologies in respiratory diseases, partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, investment in clinical trials with a systematic plan can help repurpose thalidomide for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikitha Naomi Dsouza
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Varun Alampady
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Krishnaprasad Baby
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Swastika Maity
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Bharath Harohalli Byregowda
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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7
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Morsi AA, Faruk EM, Mogahed MM, Baioumy B, Hussein AYA, El-Shafey RS, Mersal EA, Abdelmoneim AM, Alanazi MM, Elshazly AME. Modeling the Effects of Cypermethrin Toxicity on Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Pneumonitis Rats: Macrophage Phenotype Differentiation and p38/STAT6 Signaling Are Candidate Targets of Pirfenidone Treatment. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070994. [PMID: 37048067 PMCID: PMC10093303 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the classic form of asthma is characterized by chronic pneumonitis with eosinophil infiltration and steroid responsivity, asthma has multifactorial pathogenesis and various clinical phenotypes. Previous studies strongly suggested that chemical exposure could influence the severity and course of asthma and reduce its steroid responsiveness. Cypermethrin (CYP), a common pesticide used in agriculture, was investigated for the possible aggravation of the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic pneumonitis and the possible induction of steroid resistance in rats. Additionally, it was investigated whether pirfenidone (PFD) could substitute dexamethasone, as an alternative treatment option, for the induced steroid resistance. Fifty-six male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, PFD alone, allergic pneumonitis, CYP alone, allergic pneumonitis/CYP-exposed, allergic pneumonitis/CYP/dexamethasone (Dex), and allergic pneumonitis/CYP/PFD-treated groups. Allergic pneumonitis was induced by three intraperitoneal OVA injections administered once a week, followed by an intranasal OVA instillation challenge. CYP (25 mg/kg/d), Dex (1 mg/kg/d), and PFD (100 mg/kg/d) were administered orally from day 15 to the end of the experiment. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for cytokine levels. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-stained lung sections were prepared. Immunohistochemical identification of p38 MAPK and lung macrophages was performed. The inflammatory/oxidative status of the lung and PCR-quantification of the STAT6, p38 MAPK, MUC5AC, and IL-13 genes were carried out. The allergic pneumonitis-only group showed eosinophil-mediated inflammation (p < 0.05). Further CYP exposure aggravated lung inflammation and showed steroid-resistant changes, p38 activation, neutrophil-mediated, M1 macrophage-related inflammation (p < 0.05). All changes were reversed (p < 0.05) by PFD, meanwhile not by dexamethasone treatment. Pirfenidone could replace dexamethasone treatment in the current rat model of CYP-induced severe steroid-resistant asthma via inhibiting the M1 macrophage differentiation through modulation of the STAT6/p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Morsi
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63511, Egypt
| | - Eman Mohamed Faruk
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24382, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
| | - Mysara Mohamed Mogahed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
| | - Bodour Baioumy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Y A Hussein
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
| | - Rabab Shaban El-Shafey
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13511, Egypt
| | - Ezat A Mersal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Vision Colleges, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Abdelmoneim
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63511, Egypt
| | - Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Antar SA, Saleh MA, Al-Karmalawy AA. Investigating the possible mechanisms of pirfenidone to be targeted as a promising anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumor, and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2. Life Sci 2022; 309:121048. [PMID: 36209833 PMCID: PMC9536875 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121048] [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] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pirfenidone (PFD) is a non-peptide synthetic chemical that inhibits the production of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and collagen 1 (COL1A1), all of which have been linked to the prevention or removal of excessive scar tissue deposition in many organs. PFD has been demonstrated to decrease apoptosis, downregulate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor expression, reduce inflammation through many routes, and alleviate oxidative stress in pneumocytes and other cells while protecting them from COVID-19 invasion and cytokine storm. Based on the mechanism of action of PFD and the known pathophysiology of COVID-19, it was recommended to treat COVID-19 patients. The use of PFD as a treatment for a range of disorders is currently being studied, with an emphasis on outcomes related to reduced inflammation and fibrogenesis. As a result, rather than exploring the molecule's chemical characteristics, this review focuses on innovative PFD efficacy data. Briefly, herein we tried to investigate, discuss, and illustrate the possible mechanisms of actions for PFD to be targeted as a promising anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumor, and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2 candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Antar
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta 34518, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, the United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Al-Karmalawy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6th of October City, Giza 12566, Egypt.
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9
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Extracellular Lipids in the Lung and Their Role in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071209. [PMID: 35406772 PMCID: PMC8997955 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids are major actors and regulators of physiological processes within the lung. Initial research has described their critical role in tissue homeostasis and in orchestrating cellular communication to allow respiration. Over the past decades, a growing body of research has also emphasized how lipids and their metabolism may be altered, contributing to the development and progression of chronic lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. In this review, we first describe the current working model of the mechanisms of lung fibrogenesis before introducing lipids and their cellular metabolism. We then summarize the evidence of altered lipid homeostasis during pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on their extracellular forms. Finally, we highlight how lipid targeting may open avenues to develop therapeutic options for patients with lung fibrosis.
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10
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Failure Analysis of TEVG’s II: Late Failure and Entering the Regeneration Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060939. [PMID: 35326390 PMCID: PMC8946846 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) are a promising alternative to treat vascular disease under complex hemodynamic conditions. However, despite efforts from the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields, the interactions between the material and the biological and hemodynamic environment are still to be understood, and optimization of the rational design of vascular grafts is an open challenge. This is of special importance as TEVGs not only have to overcome the surgical requirements upon implantation, they also need to withhold the inflammatory response and sustain remodeling of the tissue. This work aims to analyze and evaluate the bio-molecular interactions and hemodynamic phenomena between blood components, cells and materials that have been reported to be related to the failure of the TEVGs during the regeneration process once the initial stages of preimplantation have been resolved, in order to tailor and refine the needed criteria for the optimal design of TEVGs.
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11
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Posadino AM, Erre GL, Cossu A, Emanueli C, Eid AH, Zinellu A, Pintus G, Giordo R. NADPH-derived ROS generation drives fibrosis and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis: Potential cross talk with circulating miRNAs. Biomol Concepts 2022; 13:11-24. [PMID: 35189048 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2021-0023] [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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune disorder characterized by diffuse fibrosis and vascular abnormalities of the affected organs. Although the etiopathology of this disease is largely unknown, endothelial damage and oxidative stress appear implicated in its initiation and maintenance. Here, we show for the first time that circulating factors present in SSc sera increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, collagen synthesis, and proliferation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). The observed phenomena were also associated with endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) as indicated by decreased von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression and increased alpha-smooth muscle actin, respectively, an endothelial and mesenchymal marker. SSc-induced fibroproliferative effects were prevented by HPMECs exposition to the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, demonstrating ROS's causative role and suggesting their cellular origin. Sera from SSc patients showed significant changes in the expression of a set of fibrosis/EndMT-associated microRNAs (miRNA), including miR-21, miR-92a, miR-24, miR-27b, miR-125b, miR-29c, and miR-181b, which resulted significantly upregulated as compared to healthy donors sera. However, miR29b resulted downregulated in SSc sera, whereas no significant differences were found in the expression of miR-29a in the two experimental groups of samples. Taking together our data indicate NADPH oxidase-induced EndMT as a potential mechanism of SSc-associated fibrosis, suggesting fibrosis-associated miRNAs as potentially responsible for initiating and sustaining the vascular alterations observed in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital (AOUSS) and University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN England, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Estornut C, Milara J, Bayarri MA, Belhadj N, Cortijo J. Targeting Oxidative Stress as a Therapeutic Approach for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:794997. [PMID: 35126133 PMCID: PMC8815729 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.794997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by an abnormal reepithelialisation, an excessive tissue remodelling and a progressive fibrosis within the alveolar wall that are not due to infection or cancer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a key molecular process in pulmonary fibrosis development and different components of the redox system are altered in the cellular actors participating in lung fibrosis. To this respect, several activators of the antioxidant machinery and inhibitors of the oxidant species and pathways have been assayed in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models and in different clinical trials. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress in the development and progression of IPF and its underlying mechanisms as well as the evidence of oxidative stress in human IPF. Finally, we analyze the mechanism of action, the efficacy and the current status of different drugs developed to inhibit the oxidative stress as anti-fibrotic therapy in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Estornut
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cristina Estornut, ; Javier Milara,
| | - Javier Milara
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Cristina Estornut, ; Javier Milara,
| | - María Amparo Bayarri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nada Belhadj
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Pharmacy Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
- CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
- Research and Teaching Unit, University General Hospital Consortium, Valencia, Spain
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Pei X, Zheng F, Li Y, Lin Z, Han X, Feng Y, Tian Z, Ren D, Cao K, Li C. Niclosamide Ethanolamine Salt Alleviates Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Modulating the PI3K-mTORC1 Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030346. [PMID: 35159160 PMCID: PMC8834116 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an interstitial pneumonia characterized by chronic progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to respiratory failure and early mortality. Although not fully explored, the major causative factors in IPF pathogenesis are dysregulated fibroblast proliferation and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by myofibroblasts differentiated from pulmonary fibroblasts. More signalling pathways, including the PI3K-Akt-mTOR and autophagy pathways, are involved in IPF pathogenesis. Niclosamide ethanolamine salt (NEN) is a highly effective multitarget small-molecule inhibitor reported in antitumor studies. Here, we reported that in an IPF animal model treated with NEN for 14 days, attractive relief of pulmonary function and hydroxyproline content were observed. To further explore, the therapeutic effect of NEN in IPF and pathological changes in bleomycin-challenged mouse lung sections were assessed. Additionally, the effects of NEN on abnormal proliferation and ECM production in IPF cell models established with TGF-β1-stimulated A549 cells or DHLF-IPF cells were studied. In nonclinical studies, NEN ameliorated lung function and histopathological changes in bleomycin-challenged mice, and the lung hydroxyproline content was significantly diminished with NEN treatment. In vitro, NEN inhibited PI3K-mTORC1 signalling and arrested the cell cycle to prevent uncontrolled fibroblast proliferation. Additionally, NEN inhibited TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ECM accumulation via the mTORC1-4EBP1 axis. Furthermore, NEN-activated noncanonical autophagy resensitized fibroblasts to apoptosis. The above findings demonstrated the potential antifibrotic effect of NEN mediated via modulation of the PI3K-mTORC1 and autophagy pathways. These data provide strong evidence for a therapeutic role for NEN in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
| | - Fangxu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
| | - Yin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
| | - Zhoujun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
| | - Xiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
| | - Ya Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
| | - Zhenhuan Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China;
| | - Dunqiang Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, China;
| | - Ke Cao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou 121001, China
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (C.L.)
| | - Chenggang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China; (X.P.); (F.Z.); (Y.L.); (Z.L.); (X.H.); (Y.F.)
- Correspondence: (K.C.); (C.L.)
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14
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Acat M, Yildiz Gulhan P, Oner S, Turan MK. Comparison of pirfenidone and corticosteroid treatments at the COVID-19 pneumonia with the guide of artificial intelligence supported thoracic computed tomography. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14961. [PMID: 34624155 PMCID: PMC8646554 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term pirfenidone treatment on prolonged COVID-19 pneumonia. METHOD Hospital files of patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of critical COVID-19 pneumonia from November 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Chest computed tomography images taken both before treatment and 2 months after treatment, demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients receiving pirfenidone + methylprednisolone (n = 13) and only methylprednisolones (n = 9) were recorded. Pulmonary function tests were performed after the second month of the treatment. CT involvement rates were determined by machine learning. RESULTS A total of 22 patients, 13 of whom (59.1%) were using methylprednisolone + pirfenidone and 9 of whom (40.9%) were using only methylprednisolone were included. When the blood gas parameters and pulmonary function tests of the patients were compared at the end of the second month, it was found that the FEV1, FEV1%, FVC and FVC% values were statistically significantly higher in the methylprednisolone + pirfenidone group compared with the methylprednisolone group (P = .025, P = .012, P = .026 and P = .017, respectively). When the rates of change in CT scans at diagnosis and second month of treatment were examined, it was found that the involvement rates in the methylprednisolone + pirfenidone group were statistically significantly decreased (P < .001). CONCLUSION Antifibrotic agents can reduce fibrosis that may develop in the future. These can also help dose reduction and/or non-use strategy for methylprednisolone therapy, which has many side effects. Further large series and randomised controlled studies are needed on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Acat
- Department of Pulmonary DiseasesKarabuk UniversityKarabuk Training and Research HospitalKarabukTurkey
| | | | - Serkan Oner
- Department of RadiologyBakırcay UniversityCigli Regional Training and Research HospitalIzmirTurkey
| | - Muhammed Kamil Turan
- Department of Medical Biology and GeneticsKarabuk University, Faculty of MedicineKarabukTurkey
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15
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Zang C, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Li L. The effects and safety of pirfenidone in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Eur J Med Res 2021; 26:129. [PMID: 34717762 PMCID: PMC8557612 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-021-00601-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is necessary to systematically evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of pirfenidone in the treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS Pubmed et al. databases were searched up to March 15, 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of pirfenidone in the treatment of IPF. Two authors collected and compared the indicators including progression-free survival (PFS), vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), and adverse reactions. RevMan 5.3 software and Stata 15.0 software were used for meta-analysis. RESULTS A total of 8 reports with 9 RCTs involving 1824 IPF patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the control group, pirfenidone could prolong the PFS phase of IPF patients (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.55 ~ 0.76, P < 0.001), slow down the VC of IPF patients (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI 0.21 ~ 0.66, P < 0.001), and decrease FVC (SMD = 0.31, 95% CI 0.14 ~ 0.48, P < 0.001). The main adverse reactions of pirfenidone were gastrointestinal reactions, photosensitivity and skin rashes. CONCLUSION Pirfenidone is beneficial to prolong the PFS of IPF patients, improve lung function, and it is safe for clinical use. However, more high-quality RCTs are still needed to provide reliable evidence for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Zang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Qingdao Hiser Hospital), No.4 Renmin Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of General Practice, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Qingdao Hiser hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Qingdao Hiser Hospital), No.4 Renmin Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lisha Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Qingdao Hiser Hospital), No.4 Renmin Road, Shibei District, Qingdao, 266000, Shandong Province, China.
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16
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Zhu QY, Tai S, Tang L, Xiao YC, Tang JJ, Chen YQ, Shen L, He J, Ouyang MQ, Zhou SH. N-acetyl cysteine ameliorates aortic fibrosis by promoting M2 macrophage polarization in aging mice. Redox Rep 2021; 26:170-175. [PMID: 34530696 PMCID: PMC8451627 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2021.1976568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Vascular fibrosis is a universal phenomenon associated with aging, and oxidative stress plays an important role in the genesis of vascular damage in line with the aging process. However, whether antioxidants can ameliorate vascular fibrosis remains unclear. Objectives: The present study was to determine antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could ameliorates aortic fibrosis in aging wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Methods: The aortas were harvested from both 12-week and 60-week wild-type mice. The 60-week mice were treated with and without the NAC for 12 weeks starting at the age of 48 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's trichrome staining of aortic samples were performed, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), RNA expression of GAPDH, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, SIRT-1, SIRT-3, FOXO-1, and macrophage polarization were determined. Results: There is a positive relationship between collagen deposition and the M1/M2 macrophage ratio in the aortic wall of aged wild-type C57BL/6 mice. The higher collagen area percentage in the aortas of 60-week-old mice than in 12-week-old mice was reversed by NAC. NAC could not impact the total number of macrophages, but partly promoted M2 macrophage polarization. By performing qRT-PCR using aortic samples from these mice, we identified that SIRT-1, SIRT-3, FOXO-1 could be somehow responsible for aging-related fibrosis. Conclusions: NAC ameliorates aortic fibrosis in aging wild type mice partly by promoting M2 macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Yi Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Tai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Chao Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Jun Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Qin Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qi Ouyang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Hua Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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17
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Giordo R, Thuan DTB, Posadino AM, Cossu A, Zinellu A, Erre GL, Pintus G. Iloprost Attenuates Oxidative Stress-Dependent Activation of Collagen Synthesis Induced by Sera from Scleroderma Patients in Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Molecules 2021; 26:4729. [PMID: 34443317 PMCID: PMC8399120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26164729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell injury is an early event in systemic sclerosis (SSc) pathogenesis and several studies indicate oxidative stress as the trigger of SSc-associated vasculopathy. Here, we show that circulating factors present in sera of SSc patients increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and collagen synthesis in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). In addition, the possibility that iloprost, a drug commonly used in SSc therapy, might modulate the above-mentioned biological phenomena has been also investigated. In this regard, as compared to sera of SSc patients, sera of iloprost-treated SSc patients failed to increased ROS levels and collagen synthesis in HPMEC, suggesting a potential antioxidant mechanism of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordo
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Duong Thi Bich Thuan
- Faculty of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Vinhomes Ocean Park, Gia Lam District, Hanoi 132002, Vietnam;
| | - Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Annalisa Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital (AOUSS) and University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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18
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Sharma S, Advani D, Das A, Malhotra N, Khosla A, Arora V, Jha A, Yadav M, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Pharmacological intervention in oxidative stress as a therapeutic target in neurological disorders. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 74:461-484. [PMID: 34050648 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgab064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oxidative stress is a major cellular burden that triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants that modulate signalling mechanisms. Byproducts generated from this process govern the brain pathology and functions in various neurological diseases. As oxidative stress remains the key therapeutic target in neurological disease, it is necessary to explore the multiple routes that can significantly repair the damage caused due to ROS and consequently, neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs). Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase is the critical player of oxidative stress that can also be used as a therapeutic target to combat NDDs. KEY FINDINGS Several antioxidants signalling pathways are found to be associated with oxidative stress and show a protective effect against stressors by increasing the release of various cytoprotective enzymes and also exert anti-inflammatory response against this oxidative damage. These pathways along with antioxidants and reactive species can be the defined targets to eliminate or reduce the harmful effects of neurological diseases. SUMMARY Herein, we discussed the underlying mechanism and crucial role of antioxidants in therapeutics together with natural compounds as a pharmacological tool to combat the cellular deformities cascades caused due to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Sharma
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Dia Advani
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Ankita Das
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Nishtha Malhotra
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Akanksha Khosla
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Vanshika Arora
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Ankita Jha
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Megha Yadav
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University (Formerly DCE), Delhi, India
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Paliogiannis P, Fois SS, Fois AG, Cossu A, Palmieri G, Pintus G. Repurposing Anticancer Drugs for the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Antifibrotic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancer: State of the Art. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2234-2247. [PMID: 32748739 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200730173748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aggressive pulmonary disease which shares several molecular, pathophysiological and clinical aspects with lung cancer, including high mortality rates. The antifibrotic drugs Nintedanib and Pirfenidone have recently been introduced in clinical practice for the treatment of IPF. Nintedanib is also used for the treatment of several malignancies, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with Docetaxel, while Pirfenidone showed some anti-neoplastic effects in preclinical studies. On the other hand, novel targeted agents and immunotherapies have been introduced in the last decade for the treatment of NSCLC, and some of them showed anti-fibrotic properties in recent studies. These evidences, based on the common pathophysiological backgrounds of IPF and lung cancer, make possible the mutual or combined use of anti-fibrotic and anti-neoplastic drugs to treat these highly lethal diseases. The aim of the present review is to depict the current scientific landscape regarding the repurposing of anti-neoplastic drugs in IPF and anti-fibrotic drugs in lung cancer, and to identify future research perspectives on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Solveig Fois
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuseppe Fois
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Palmieri
- Unit of Cancer Genetics, Institute Biomolecular Chemistry, CNR, Traversa La Crucca 3, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, P.O. Box: 27272, United Arab Emirates
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20
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Posadino AM, Cossu A, Giordo R, Piscopo A, Abdel-Rahman WM, Piga A, Pintus G. Antioxidant Properties of Olive Mill Wastewater Polyphenolic Extracts on Human Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Foods 2021; 10:foods10040800. [PMID: 33917908 PMCID: PMC8068214 DOI: 10.3390/foods10040800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This work aims to analyze the chemical and biological evaluation of two extracts obtained by olive mill wastewater (OMW), an olive oil processing byproduct. The exploitation of OMW is becoming an important aspect of development of the sustainable olive oil industry. Here we chemically and biologically evaluated one liquid (L) and one solid (S) extract obtained by liquid–liquid extraction followed by acidic hydrolysis (LLAC). Chemical characterization of the two extracts indicated that S has higher phenol content than L. Hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol were the more abundant phenols in both OMW extracts, with hydroxytyrosol significantly higher in S as compared to L. Both extracts failed to induce cell death when challenged with endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells in cell viability experiments. On the contrary, the higher extract dosages employed significantly affected cell metabolic activity, as indicated by the MTT tests. Their ability to counteract H2O2-induced oxidative stress and cell death was assessed to investigate potential antioxidant activities of the extracts. Fluorescence measurements obtained with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe H2DCF-DA indicated strong antioxidant activity of the two OMW extracts in both cell models, as indicated by the inhibition of H2O2-induced ROS generation and the counteraction of the oxidative-induced cell death. Our results indicate LLAC-obtained OMW extracts as a safe and useful source of valuable compounds harboring antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Annalisa Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.G.); (W.M.A.-R.)
| | - Amalia Piscopo
- Department of AGRARIA, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Vito Reggio Calabria, Italy;
| | - Wael M. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.G.); (W.M.A.-R.)
| | - Antonio Piga
- Department of Agricultural Environmental Sciences and Food Biotechnology, University of Sassari, Viale Italia 39, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.P.); (A.C.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates; (R.G.); (W.M.A.-R.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (G.P.)
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21
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Jiang F, Wang T, Li S, Jiang Y, Chen Z, Liu W. Effect of Fluorofenidone Against Paraquat-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Based on Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e930166. [PMID: 33790218 PMCID: PMC8023277 DOI: 10.12659/msm.930166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is an anti-fibrotic small-molecule compound. Its mechanism of action on paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary fibrosis is still unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-eight SD rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, PQ group, PQ+AKF-PD group, and AKF-PD group. The pathological changes of lung tissues were observed by Masson and HE staining. The UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis was performed to detect the differences in metabolites among groups, then the possible mechanisms of the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of fluorofenidone were further revealed by network pharmacology analysis. Biological methods were used to verify the results of the network pharmacology analysis. RESULTS The results showed that fluorofenidone treatment significantly alleviated paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Metabolomics analysis showed that 18 metabolites were disordered in the serum of paraquat-poisoned rats, of which 13 were restored following fluorofenidone treatment. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the drug screened a total of 12 targets and mainly involved multiple signaling pathways and metabolic pathways to jointly exert anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects. Autophagy is the main pathway of fluorofenidone in treatment pulmonary fibrosis. The western blot results showed that fluorofenidone upregulated the expression of LC3-II/I and E-cadherin, and downregulated the expression of p62, alpha-SMA, and TGF-ß1, which validated that fluorofenidone could inhibit the development of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by increasing autophagy. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, metabolomics combined with network pharmacology research strategy revealed that fluorofenidone has a multi-target and multi-path mechanism of action in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiya Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital Affiliated with Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital Affiliated with Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Jiang
- Emergency Medical Research Institute, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Xiangya College of Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital Affiliated with Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
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Abstract
A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread across the world. Today, we present an interesting case of a patient with no prior history of pulmonary disease who was diagnosed with COVID-19, recovered after a prolonged hospital course, and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis requiring oxygen therapy thereafter. The patient is currently on pirfenidone and has had a significant improvement in his functional status. His oxygen requirements have decreased, and repeat computed tomography (CT) scanning has demonstrated improvement in the extent of his pulmonary fibrosis. This case highlights the possibility of pulmonary fibrosis being a major complication among COVID-19 survivors and the importance of using pirfenidone in the management of such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Malik
- Internal Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Flint/Michigan State University, Flint, USA
| | - Basel Abdelazeem
- Internal Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Flint/Michigan State University, Flint, USA
| | - Abhijeet Ghatol
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Flint, USA
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23
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Resveratrol-Elicited PKC Inhibition Counteracts NOX-Mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Human Retinal Endothelial Cells Exposed to High Glucose. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020224. [PMID: 33540918 PMCID: PMC7913144 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-associated long-term hyperglycaemia leads to oxidative stress-mediated fibrosis in different tissues and organs. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EndMT) appears to play a role in diabetes-associated fibrotic conditions. Here, we investigate whether EndMT is implicated in the diabetic retinopathy fibrotic process and evaluate the possibility that resveratrol could counteract EndMT by inhibiting high glucose (HG)-induced increases in ROS. Primary Human Retinal Endothelial Cells (HRECs) were either pre-treated for 24 h with 1 µM resveratrol or left untreated, then glucose (30 mM) was applied at 3-day intervals for 10 days. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to detect mRNA or protein expression of endothelial markers (CD31, CDH5, vWF) or mesenchymal markers (VIM, αSMA and collagen I), respectively. Intracellular ROS levels were measured with carboxy-DCFDA, while NOX-associated ROS levels were evaluated using the NADPH-specific redox biosensor p47-roGFP. Treatment of HRECs with HG increased intracellular ROS levels and promoted phenotype shifting towards EndMT, evidenced by decreased expression of endothelial markers concomitant with increased expression of mesenchymal ones. HG-induced EndMT appears to be mediated by NADPH-associated ROS generation as pre-treatment of HRECs with resveratrol or the NADPH inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI), attenuated ROS production and EndMT transition, suggesting that the effect of resveratrol on HG-induced ROS occurs via down-regulation of NADPH oxidase. It is worth noting that resveratrol or Chelerythrine, a Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, reduce ROS and EndMT in HG-exposed cells, suggesting that NADPH activation occurs via a PKC-dependent mechanism. Taken together, our results provide the basis for a resveratrol-based potential protective therapy to prevent diabetic-associated complications.
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24
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Kayarat B, Khanna P, Sarkar S. Pulmonary Fibrosis in COVID-19 Recovered Patients: Problem and Potential Management. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021; 25:242-244. [PMID: 33707912 PMCID: PMC7922461 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-23733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
How to cite this article: B, Khanna P, Sarkar S. Pulmonary Fibrosis in COVID-19 Recovered Patients: Problem and Potential Management. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(2):242–244.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavana Kayarat
- Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Puneet Khanna
- Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Soumya Sarkar
- Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
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25
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Phan THG, Paliogiannis P, Nasrallah GK, Giordo R, Eid AH, Fois AG, Zinellu A, Mangoni AA, Pintus G. Emerging cellular and molecular determinants of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:2031-2057. [PMID: 33201251 PMCID: PMC7669490 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03693-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the most common form of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, is a progressive, irreversible, and typically lethal disease characterized by an abnormal fibrotic response involving vast areas of the lungs. Given the poor knowledge of the mechanisms underpinning IPF onset and progression, a better understanding of the cellular processes and molecular pathways involved is essential for the development of effective therapies, currently lacking. Besides a number of established IPF-associated risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, environmental factors, comorbidities, and viral infections, several other processes have been linked with this devastating disease. Apoptosis, senescence, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, endothelial-mesenchymal transition, and epithelial cell migration have been shown to play a key role in IPF-associated tissue remodeling. Moreover, molecules, such as chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, adenosine, glycosaminoglycans, non-coding RNAs, and cellular processes including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hypoxia, and alternative polyadenylation have been linked with IPF development. Importantly, strategies targeting these processes have been investigated to modulate abnormal cellular phenotypes and maintain tissue homeostasis in the lung. This review provides an update regarding the emerging cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thị Hằng Giang Phan
- Department of Immunology and Pathophysiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar. .,Biomedical Research Center Qatar University, P.O Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali Hussein Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, PO Box 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alessandro Giuseppe Fois
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Arduino Aleksander Mangoni
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
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Evani SJ, Karna SLR, Seshu J, Leung KP. Pirfenidone regulates LPS mediated activation of neutrophils. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19936. [PMID: 33203891 PMCID: PMC7672086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive inflammation or its absence may result in impaired wound healing. Neutrophils are among the first innate immune cells to arrive at the injury site. They participate in infection control and debris removal to initiate healing. If not timely resolved, neutrophils can cause excessive tissue inflammation and damage. Drugs with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects are of promise for improving healing by balancing the primary defensive functions and excessive tissue damage actions. Of interest, pirfenidone (Pf), an FDA approved anti-fibrotic drug to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, has been shown to ameliorate inflammation in several animal models including mouse deep partial-thickness burn wounds. However, there is a lack of mechanistic insights into Pf drug action on inflammatory cells such as neutrophils. Here, we examined the treatment effects of Pf on LPS-stimulated neutrophils as a model of non-sterile inflammation. Firstly, Pf reduced chemotaxis and production of pro-inflammatory ROS, cytokines, and chemokines by LPS-activated neutrophils. Secondly, Pf increased anti-inflammatory IL-1RA and reduced neutrophil degranulation, phagocytosis, and NETosis. Thirdly, Pf affected downstream signaling kinases which might directly or indirectly influence neutrophil responses to LPS. In conclusion, the results suggest that Pf lessens the inflammatory phenotypes of LPS-activated neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar J Evani
- Division of Combat Wound Repair, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, 3698 Chambers Pass, Building 3610, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, 78234-7767, USA
| | - S L Rajasekhar Karna
- Division of Combat Wound Repair, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, 3698 Chambers Pass, Building 3610, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, 78234-7767, USA
| | - Janakiram Seshu
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases (STCEID) and Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Kai P Leung
- Division of Combat Wound Repair, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, 3698 Chambers Pass, Building 3610, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, 78234-7767, USA.
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Seifirad S. Pirfenidone: A novel hypothetical treatment for COVID-19. Med Hypotheses 2020; 144:110005. [PMID: 32575019 PMCID: PMC7297676 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cytokine storm, multiorgan failure, and particularly acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with COVID-19. A fulminant ARDS kills the majority of COVID-19 victims. Pirfenidone (5-methyl-1-phenyl-2-[1H]-pyridone), is a novel anti-fibrotic agent with trivial adverse effects. Pirfenidone is approved for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) for patients with mild to moderate disease. Pirfenidone could inhibit apoptosis, downregulate ACE receptors expression, decrease inflammation by several mechanisms and ameliorate oxidative stress and hence protect pneumocytes and other cells from COVID-19 invasion and cytokine storm simultaneously. Based on the pirfenidone mechanism of action and the known pathophysiology of COVID-19, I believe that pirfenidone has the potential for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Seifirad
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Montclair, NJ, USA.
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28
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Effects of Pirfenidone and Nintedanib on Markers of Systemic Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Preliminary Report. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9111064. [PMID: 33143144 PMCID: PMC7692317 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In vitro evidence suggests that pirfenidone and nintedanib, approved agents for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. We aimed to investigate such effects in vivo in IPF patients. Methods: Systemic circulating markers of oxidative stress [nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), thiobarbituric acid- reactive substances (TBARS), homocysteine (Hcy), cysteine (Cys), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and ADMA/Arginine ratio, glutathione (GSH), plasma protein –SH (PSH), and taurine (Tau)] and inflammation [Kynurenine (Kyn), Tryptophan (Trp) and Kyn/Trp ratio] were measured at baseline and after 24-week treatment in 18 IPF patients (10 treated with pirfenidone and 8 with nintedanib) and in 18 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results: Compared to controls, IPF patients had significantly lower concentrations of reduced blood GSH (457 ± 73 µmol/L vs 880 ± 212 µmol/L, p < 0.001) and plasma PSH (4.24 ± 0.95 µmol/g prot vs 5.28 ± 1.35 µmol/g prot, p = 0.012). Pirfenidone treatment significantly decreased the Kyn/Trp ratio (0.030 ± 0.011 baseline vs 0.025 ± 0.010 post-treatment, p = 0.048) whilst nintedanib treatment significantly increased blood GSH (486 ± 70 μmol/L vs 723 ± 194 μmol/L, p = 0.006) and reduced ADMA concentrations (0.501 ± 0.094 vs. 0.468 ± 0.071 μmol/L, p = 0.024). Conclusion: pirfenidone and nintedanib exert beneficial effects on specific markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in IPF patients.
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29
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Artigas L, Coma M, Matos-Filipe P, Aguirre-Plans J, Farrés J, Valls R, Fernandez-Fuentes N, de la Haba-Rodriguez J, Olvera A, Barbera J, Morales R, Oliva B, Mas JM. In-silico drug repurposing study predicts the combination of pirfenidone and melatonin as a promising candidate therapy to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection progression and respiratory distress caused by cytokine storm. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240149. [PMID: 33006999 PMCID: PMC7531795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
From January 2020, COVID-19 is spreading around the world producing serious respiratory symptoms in infected patients that in some cases can be complicated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, sepsis and septic shock, multiorgan failure, including acute kidney injury and cardiac injury. Cost and time efficient approaches to reduce the burthen of the disease are needed. To find potential COVID-19 treatments among the whole arsenal of existing drugs, we combined system biology and artificial intelligence-based approaches. The drug combination of pirfenidone and melatonin has been identified as a candidate treatment that may contribute to reduce the virus infection. Starting from different drug targets the effect of the drugs converges on human proteins with a known role in SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle. Simultaneously, GUILDify v2.0 web server has been used as an alternative method to corroborate the effect of pirfenidone and melatonin against the infection of SARS-CoV-2. We have also predicted a potential therapeutic effect of the drug combination over the respiratory associated pathology, thus tackling at the same time two important issues in COVID-19. These evidences, together with the fact that from a medical point of view both drugs are considered safe and can be combined with the current standard of care treatments for COVID-19 makes this combination very attractive for treating patients at stage II, non-severe symptomatic patients with the presence of virus and those patients who are at risk of developing severe pulmonary complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Matos-Filipe
- Anaxomics Biotech, Barcelona, Spain
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Joaquim Aguirre-Plans
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | - Narcis Fernandez-Fuentes
- Department of Biosciences, U Science Tech, Universitat de Vic—Universitat Central de Catalunya, Vic, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Juan de la Haba-Rodriguez
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute, Reina Sofia Hospital, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Alex Olvera
- Institut de Recerca de la Sida—IrsiCaixa, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Jose Barbera
- Servicio de Medicina interna—Unidad de Infecciosas, La Mancha—Centro Hospital, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
| | - Rafael Morales
- Servicio de Medicina interna—Unidad de Infecciosas, La Mancha—Centro Hospital, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain
| | - Baldo Oliva
- Structural Bioinformatics Group, Research Programme on Biomedical Informatics, Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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Pirfenidone Inhibits Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension through the NADPH/ROS/p38 Pathway in Adventitial Fibroblasts in the Pulmonary Artery. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:2604967. [PMID: 32587469 PMCID: PMC7305537 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2604967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a devastating disease characterized by progressive vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. Pirfenidone (PFD) inhibits the progression of HPH, though the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. This study is aimed at determining the role and mechanism of PFD in HPH in human pulmonary artery adventitial fibroblasts (HPAAFs), which were cultured under normal or hypoxic conditions. NOX4 and Rac1 were inhibited or overexpressed by shRNA or pcDNA3.1, respectively. Proliferation of HPAAFs was quantified by colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assays to assess cellular metabolic activity, cell counts, and ethynyldeoxyuridine (EdU) assays to detect DNA synthesis. Migration of HPAAFs was assessed by a wound healing assay. The expression levels of smooth muscle alpha-actin (a-SMA) and procollagen I (COL1A1) were assessed by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. PFD suppressed hypoxia-induced proliferation and migration of HPAAFs. Compared with the hypoxic control group, PFD reduced the expression of a-SMA and procollagen I (COL1A1). PFD reduced hypoxia-induced phosphorylation of p38 through the NOX4/reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway. Moreover, Rac1 also decreased hypoxia-induced phosphorylation of p38, without any cross-interaction with NOX4. These findings demonstrate that PFD is a novel therapeutic agent to prevent cell proliferation, migration, and fibrosis, which might be useful in inhibiting vascular remodeling in patients with HPH.
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31
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Giordo R, Nasrallah GK, Al-Jamal O, Paliogiannis P, Pintus G. Resveratrol Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Prevents Mitochondrial Damage Induced by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3838. [PMID: 32481628 PMCID: PMC7312482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their wide industrial use, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a high toxic potential while concerns of their health-related risks are still present, urging additional in vivo clarification studies. Oxidative stress is recognized as the primary trigger of NP-associated toxicity, suggesting antioxidants as a promising counteractive approach. Here, we investigated the protective effect of the natural antioxidant resveratrol against ZnO NP-induced toxicity in vivo using the zebrafish model. Our findings demonstrate that resveratrol counteracts ZnO NP-induced zebrafish lethality preventing cardiac morphological and functional damage. NP-induced vascular structural abnormalities during embryonic fish development were significantly counteracted by resveratrol treatment. Mechanistically, we further showed that resveratrol inhibits ROS increase, prevents mitochondrial membrane potential dysfunction, and counteracts cell apoptosis/necrosis elicited by ZnO NP. Overall, our data provide further evidence demonstrating the primary role of oxidative stress in NP-induced damage, and highlight new insights concerning the protective mechanism of antioxidants against nanomaterial toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Giordo
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.G.); (O.A.-J.)
| | - Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.G.); (O.A.-J.)
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Ola Al-Jamal
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar; (R.G.); (O.A.-J.)
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Surgery, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, UAE
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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32
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Cui Y, Zhang M, Leng C, Blokzijl T, Jansen BH, Dijkstra G, Faber KN. Pirfenidone Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Collagen I Production of Primary Human Intestinal Fibroblasts. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030775. [PMID: 32235767 PMCID: PMC7140656 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease. So far, there is no safe and effective drug for intestinal fibrosis. Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic compound available for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we explored the anti-proliferative and anti-fibrotic properties of pirfenidone on primary human intestinal fibroblasts (p-hIFs). p-hIFs were cultured in the absence and presence of pirfenidone. Cell proliferation was measured by a real-time cell analyzer (xCELLigence) and BrdU incorporation. Cell motility was monitored by live cell imaging. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were analyzed by Sytox green, Caspase-3 and Water Soluble Tetrazolium Salt-1 (WST-1) assays. Gene expression of fibrosis markers was determined by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling was analyzed by Western blotting and type I collagen protein expression additionally by immunofluorescence microscopy. Pirfenidone dose-dependently inhibited p-hIF proliferation and motility, without inducing cell death. Pirfenidone suppressed mRNA levels of genes that contribute to extracellular matrix production, as well as basal and TGF-β1-induced collagen I protein production, which was associated with inhibition of the rapamycin-sensitive mTOR/p70S6K pathway in p-hIFs. Thus, pirfenidone inhibits the proliferation of intestinal fibroblasts and suppresses collagen I production through the TGF-β1/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, which might be a novel and safe anti-fibrotic strategy to treat intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Cui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (T.B.); (B.H.J.); (G.D.)
| | - Mengfan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (T.B.); (B.H.J.); (G.D.)
| | - Changsen Leng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, section Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Tjasso Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (T.B.); (B.H.J.); (G.D.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bernadien H. Jansen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (T.B.); (B.H.J.); (G.D.)
| | - Gerard Dijkstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (T.B.); (B.H.J.); (G.D.)
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (T.B.); (B.H.J.); (G.D.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-50-3612364
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Shen Y, Chen X, Chi C, Wang H, Xue J, Su D, Wang H, Li M, Liu B, Dong Q. Smooth muscle cell-specific knockout of FBW7 exacerbates intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104584. [PMID: 31445163 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS), the most common cause of stroke worldwide, is associated with high risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. F-box and WD repeat domain containing protein 7 (FBW7), an ubiquitin E3 ligase, is recently suggested to be involved in atherogenesis. However, whether FBW7 affects cerebrovascular remodeling during ICAS remains unknowns. We found that the expression of FBW7 was decreased in mouse brain microvessels from high-fat diet (HFD)-fed atherosclerotic mice. The reduced FBW7 expression was negatively associated with the remodeling of middle cerebral artery (MCA). Specific loss of FBW7 in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) markedly potentiated brain vascular SMC (VSMC) proliferation, migration and subsequent MCA remodeling in atherosclerotic mice. The increase of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity in brain microvessels and VSMCs were enhanced after knockout of FBW7, while the mitochondria-derived ROS was unchanged. Analysis of several key subunits of NADPH oxidase revealed that FBW7 deficiency augmented HFD-induced the increase of Nox1 expression, but had no effect on p47phox and p67phox phosphorylation as well as p22phox expression. Both NADPH oxidase specific inhibitor and Nox1 downregulation abrogated the effects of FBW7 deficiency on MCA remodeling. Immunoprecipitation assay identified that FBW7 interacted with Nox1. FBW7 knockout increased Nox1 protein stability by inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Collectively, our study demonstrates that SMC-specific deficiency of FBW7 exacerbates ICAS by facilitating Nox1-derived ROS generation, VSMC proliferation and cerebrovascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shen
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiufen Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunling Chi
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Jun Xue
- Department of Neurology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Danying Su
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Qi Dong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Flavin Oxidase-Induced ROS Generation Modulates PKC Biphasic Effect of Resveratrol on Endothelial Cell Survival. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060209. [PMID: 31151226 PMCID: PMC6628153 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dietary intake of natural antioxidants is thought to impart protection against oxidative-associated cardiovascular diseases. Despite many in vivo studies and clinical trials, this issue has not been conclusively resolved. Resveratrol (RES) is one of the most extensively studied dietary polyphenolic antioxidants. Paradoxically, we have previously demonstrated that high RES concentrations exert a pro-oxidant effect eventually elevating ROS levels leading to cell death. Here, we further elucidate the molecular determinants underpinning RES-induced oxidative cell death. Methods: Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), the effect of increasing concentrations of RES on DNA synthesis and apoptosis was studied. In addition, mRNA and protein levels of cell survival or apoptosis genes, as well as protein kinase C (PKC) activity were determined. Results: While high concentrations of RES reduce PKC activity, inhibit DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis, low RES concentrations elicit an opposite effect. This biphasic concentration-dependent effect (BCDE) of RES on PKC activity is mirrored at the molecular level. Indeed, high RES concentrations upregulate the proapoptotic Bax, while downregulating the antiapoptotic Bcl-2, at both mRNA and protein levels. Similarly, high RES concentrations downregulate the cell cycle progression genes, c-myc, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and cyclin D1 protein levels, while low RES concentrations display an increasing trend. The BCDE of RES on PKC activity is abrogated by the ROS scavenger Tempol, indicating that this enzyme acts downstream of the RES-elicited ROS signaling. The RES-induced BCDE on HUVEC cell cycle machinery was also blunted by the flavin inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), implicating flavin oxidase-generated ROS as the mechanistic link in the cellular response to different RES concentrations. Finally, PKC inhibition abrogates the BCDE elicited by RES on both cell cycle progression and pro-apoptotic gene expression in HUVECs, mechanistically implicating PKC in the cellular response to different RES concentrations. Conclusions: Our results provide new molecular insight into the impact of RES on endothelial function/dysfunction, further confirming that obtaining an optimal benefit of RES is concentration-dependent. Importantly, the BCDE of RES could explain why other studies failed to establish the cardio-protective effects mediated by natural antioxidants, thus providing a guide for future investigation looking at cardio-protection by natural antioxidants.
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