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Aguado-Alvaro LP, Garitano N, Pelacho B. Fibroblast Diversity and Epigenetic Regulation in Cardiac Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6004. [PMID: 38892192 PMCID: PMC11172550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116004] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis, a process characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is a common pathological consequence of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) normally resulting in organ failure and death. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play an essential role in deleterious cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. In response to injury, quiescent CFs become activated and adopt a collagen-secreting phenotype highly contributing to cardiac fibrosis. In recent years, studies have been focused on the exploration of molecular and cellular mechanisms implicated in the activation process of CFs, which allow the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. Transcriptomic analyses using single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) have helped to elucidate the high cellular diversity and complex intercellular communication networks that CFs establish in the mammalian heart. Furthermore, a significant body of work supports the critical role of epigenetic regulation on the expression of genes involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis. The study of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling, has provided more insights into CF activation and fibrotic processes. Targeting epigenetic regulators, especially DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), histone acetylases (HAT), or histone deacetylases (HDAC), has emerged as a promising approach for the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies. This review focuses on recent transcriptomic advances regarding CF diversity and molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that modulate the activation process of CFs and their possible clinical applications for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pilar Aguado-Alvaro
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (L.P.A.-A.); (N.G.)
- Program of Cardiovascular Disease, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nerea Garitano
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (L.P.A.-A.); (N.G.)
- Program of Cardiovascular Disease, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pelacho
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (L.P.A.-A.); (N.G.)
- Program of Cardiovascular Disease, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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2
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Liu R, Li Y, Zheng Q, Ding M, Zhou H, Li X. Epigenetic modification in liver fibrosis: Promising therapeutic direction with significant challenges ahead. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1009-1029. [PMID: 38486982 PMCID: PMC10935124 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, characterized by scar tissue formation, can ultimately result in liver failure. It's a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, often associated with chronic liver diseases like hepatitis or alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. However, current treatment options are limited, highlighting the urgent need for the development of new therapies. As a reversible regulatory mechanism, epigenetic modification is implicated in many biological processes, including liver fibrosis. Exploring the epigenetic mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis could provide valuable insights into developing new treatments for chronic liver diseases, although the current evidence is still controversial. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the regulatory mechanisms and critical targets of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA modification, in liver fibrotic diseases. The potential cooperation of different epigenetic modifications in promoting fibrogenesis was also highlighted. Finally, available agonists or inhibitors regulating these epigenetic mechanisms and their potential application in preventing liver fibrosis were discussed. In summary, elucidating specific druggable epigenetic targets and developing more selective and specific candidate medicines may represent a promising approach with bright prospects for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Yajing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Qi Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Mingning Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 22460, USA
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
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Liu N, Gong Z, Li Y, Xu Y, Guo Y, Chen W, Sun X, Yin X, Liu W. CTRP3 inhibits myocardial fibrosis through the P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in SHR rats. J Hypertens 2024; 42:315-328. [PMID: 37850974 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Reducing hypertensive myocardial fibrosis is the fundamental approach to preventing hypertensive ventricular remodelling. C1q/TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP3) is closely associated with hypertension. However, the role and mechanism of CTRP3 in hypertensive myocardial fibrosis are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of CTRP3 on hypertensive myocardial fibrosis and the potential mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS WKY and SHR rats were employed, blood pressure, body weight, heart weight, H/BW were measured, and fibrotic-related proteins, CTRP3 and Collagen I were tested in myocardium at 12 and 20 weeks by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting, respectively. The results showed that compared with the WKY, SBP, DBP, mean arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) were all significantly increased in SHR at 12 and 20 weeks, while heart weight and H/BW were only increased at 20 weeks. Meanwhile, CTRP3 decreased, while Collagen I increased significantly in the SHR rat myocardium at 20 weeks, which compared to the WKY. Moreover, the expression of α-SMA increased from 12 weeks, Collagen I/III and MMP2/9 increased and TIMP-2 decreased until 20 weeks. In order to explore the function and mechanism of CTRP3 in hypertensive fibrosis, Angiotensin II (Ang II) was used to induce hypertension in primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts in vitro . CTRP3 significantly inhibited the Ang II induced activation of fibrotic proteins, purinergic 2X7 receptor (P2X7R)-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. The P2X7R agonist BzATP significantly exacerbated Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, which was decreased by the P2X7R antagonists A43079, CTRP3 and MCC950. CONCLUSION CTRP3 expression was decreased in the myocardium of SHR rats, and exogenous CTRP3 inhibited Ang II-induced fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts by regulating the P2X7R-NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, suggesting that CTRP3 is a potential drug for alleviating myocardial fibrosis in hypertensive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Zhaowei Gong
- Department of Cardiology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Yutong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Wenjia Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
| | - Xinhua Yin
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
- Department of Cardiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxiu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang
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Zhan C, Tang T, Wu E, Zhang Y, He M, Wu R, Bi C, Wang J, Zhang Y, Shen B. From multi-omics approaches to personalized medicine in myocardial infarction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1250340. [PMID: 37965091 PMCID: PMC10642346 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1250340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease characterized by myocardial necrosis resulting from coronary artery ischemia and hypoxia, which can lead to severe complications such as arrhythmia, cardiac rupture, heart failure, and sudden death. Despite being a research hotspot, the etiological mechanism of MI remains unclear. The emergence and widespread use of omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics, have provided new opportunities for exploring the molecular mechanism of MI and identifying a large number of disease biomarkers. However, a single-omics approach has limitations in understanding the complex biological pathways of diseases. The multi-omics approach can reveal the interaction network among molecules at various levels and overcome the limitations of the single-omics approaches. This review focuses on the omics studies of MI, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics. The exploration extended into the domain of multi-omics integrative analysis, accompanied by a compilation of diverse online resources, databases, and tools conducive to these investigations. Additionally, we discussed the role and prospects of multi-omics approaches in personalized medicine, highlighting the potential for improving diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoying Zhan
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Tang
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Erman Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- KeyLaboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengqiao He
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rongrong Wu
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Bi
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- KeyLaboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingbo Zhang
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Department of Cardiology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Ren Z, Zhang Z, Ling L, Liu X, Wang X. Drugs for treating myocardial fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1221881. [PMID: 37771726 PMCID: PMC10523299 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1221881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis, which is a common pathological manifestation of many cardiovascular diseases, is characterized by excessive proliferation, collagen deposition and abnormal distribution of extracellular matrix fibroblasts. In clinical practice, modern medicines, such as diuretic and β receptor blockers, and traditional Chinese medicines, such as salvia miltiorrhiza and safflower extract, have certain therapeutic effects on myocardial fibrosis. We reviewed some representative modern medicines and traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their related molecular mechanisms for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. These drugs alleviate myocardial fibrosis by affecting related signaling pathways and inhibiting myocardial fibrosis-related protein synthesis. This review will provide more references and help for the research and treatment of myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanhong Ren
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Li Ling
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Xiufen Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
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Chowkwale M, Lindsey ML, Saucerman JJ. Intercellular model predicts mechanisms of inflammation-fibrosis coupling after myocardial infarction. J Physiol 2023; 601:2635-2654. [PMID: 35862254 PMCID: PMC9859968 DOI: 10.1113/jp283346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
After myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac cells work together to regulate wound healing of the infarct. The pathological response to MI yields cardiac remodelling comprising inflammatory and fibrosis phases, and the interplay of cellular dynamics that underlies these phases has not been elucidated. This study developed a computational model to identify cytokine and cellular dynamics post-MI to predict mechanisms driving post-MI inflammation, resolution of inflammation, and scar formation. Additionally, this study evaluated the interdependence between inflammation and fibrosis. Our model bypassed limitations of in vivo approaches in achieving cellular specificity and performing specific perturbations such as global knockouts of chemical factors. The model predicted that inflammation is a graded response to initial infarct size that is amplified by a positive feedback loop between neutrophils and interleukin 1β (IL-1β). Resolution of inflammation was driven by degradation of IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), as well as apoptosis of neutrophils. Inflammation regulated TGFβ secretion directly through immune cell recruitment and indirectly through upregulation of macrophage phagocytosis. Lastly, we found that mature collagen deposition was an ultrasensitive switch in response to inflammation, which was amplified primarily by cardiac fibroblast proliferation. These findings describe the relationship between inflammation and fibrosis and highlight how the two responses work together post-MI. This model revealed that post-MI inflammation and fibrosis are dynamically coupled, which provides rationale for designing novel anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving or anti-fibrotic therapies that may improve the response to MI. KEY POINTS: Inflammation and matrix remodelling are two processes involved in wound healing after a heart attack. Cardiac cells work together to facilitate these processes; this is done by secreting cytokines that then regulate the cells themselves or other cells surrounding them. This study developed a computational model of the dynamics of cardiac cells and cytokines to predict mechanisms through which inflammation and matrix remodelling is regulated. We show the roles of various cytokines and signalling motifs in driving inflammation, resolution of inflammation and fibrosis. The novel concept of inflammation-fibrosis coupling, based on the model prediction that inflammation and fibrosis are dynamically coupled, provides rationale for future studies and for designing therapeutics to improve the response after a heart attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukti Chowkwale
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Merry L. Lindsey
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
- Research Service, Nashville VA Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jeffrey J. Saucerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
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Deng HF, Zou J, Wang N, Ma H, Zhu LL, Liu K, Liu MD, Wang KK, Xiao XZ. Nicorandil alleviates cardiac remodeling and dysfunction post -infarction by up-regulating the nucleolin/autophagy axis. Cell Signal 2022; 92:110272. [PMID: 35122988 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110272] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate whether the drug nicorandil can improve cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Mouse MI was established by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and H9C2 cells were cultured to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The degree of myocardial collagen (Col) deposition was evaluated by Masson's staining. The expressions of nucleolin, autophagy and myocardial remodeling-associated genes were measured by Western blotting, qPCR, and immunofluorescence. The apoptosis of myocardial tissue cells and H9C2 cells were detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Autophagosomes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Treatment with nicorandil mitigated left ventricular enlargement, improved the capacity of myocardial diastolic-contractility, decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and inhibited myocardial fibrosis development post-MI. Nicorandil up-regulated the expression of nucleolin, promoted autophagic flux, and decreased the expressions of TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2/3, while enhanced the expression of BMP-7 and phosphorylated Smad1 in myocardium. Nicorandil decreased apoptosis and promoted autophagic flux in H2O2-treated H9C2 cells. Autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3MA) and chloroquine diphosphate salt (CDS) alleviated the effects of nicorandil on apoptosis. Knockdown of nucleolin decreased the effects of nicorandil on apoptosis and nicorandil-promoted autophagic flux of cardiomyocytes treated with H2O2. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with nicorandil alleviated myocardial remodeling post-MI through up-regulating the expression of nucleolin, and subsequently promoting autophagy, followed by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Fei Deng
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, China
| | - Jiang Zou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Heng Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Li Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mei-Dong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kang-Kai Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Xian-Zhong Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Key Laboratory of Sepsis Translational Medicine of Hunan, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Zhou F, Yao L, Lu X, Li Y, Han X, Wang P. Therapeutic Targeting of GSK3β-Regulated Nrf2 and NFκB Signaling Pathways by Salvianolic Acid A Ameliorates Peritoneal Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:804899. [PMID: 35321474 PMCID: PMC8936188 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.804899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal fibrosis is a devastating complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, with no definite therapy yet available. Salvia miltiorrhiza and its major active component Salvianolic acid A (Sal A) have demonstrated a beneficial effect in myriad diseases. However, their effect on peritoneal fibrosis is unknown. In murine models of peritoneal dialysis, daily Sal A treatment substantially improved the peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) elicited peritoneal fibrosis, marked by thickening of the submesothelial compact zone, accumulation of extracellular matrix and increased expression of vimentin and PAI-1, concomitant with attenuation of GSK3β hyperactivity. This coincided with diminished nitrotyrosine in peritoneal tissues and increased Nrf2 nuclear translocation, entailing a lessened oxidative injury and reinforced Nrf2 antioxidant response. Meanwhile, inflammatory infiltration and maladaptive angiogenesis in peritoneal tissues provoked by PDF injury were also mitigated by Sal A, associated with a suppressed NFκB activation. Mechanistically, ectopic expression of the constitutively active GSK3β blunted the NFκB-suppressing and Nrf2-activating efficacy of Sal A in peritoneal mesothelial cells exposed to hypertonic dextrose, suggesting that GSK3β inhibition mediates the protective effect of Sal A. Collectively, our findings may open the avenue for developing a novel therapy based on Sal A for preventing peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lan Yao
- Blood Purification Center, Institute of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Lu
- Blood Purification Center, Institute of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yubao Li
- Blood Purification Center, Institute of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xingmin Han
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pei Wang
- Blood Purification Center, Institute of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Pei Wang
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Li C, Wang N, Rao P, Wang L, Lu D, Sun L. Role of the microRNA-29 family in myocardial fibrosis. J Physiol Biochem 2021; 77:365-376. [PMID: 34047925 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-021-00814-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an inevitable pathological process in the terminal stage of many cardiovascular diseases, often leading to serious cardiac dysfunction and even death. Currently, microRNA-29 (miR-29) is thought to be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target of MF. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of miR-29 that regulate MF will provide a new direction for MF therapy. In the present review, we concentrate on the underlying signaling pathway of miR-29 affecting MF and the crosstalk regulatory relationship among these pathways to illustrate the complex regulatory network of miR-29 in MF. Additionally, based on our mechanistic understanding, we summarize opportunities and challenges of miR-29-based MF diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyan Li
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Peng Rao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China
| | - Limeiting Wang
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China
| | - Di Lu
- Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, 1168 West Chunrong Road, Yuhua Avenue, Chenggong District, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan, China.
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, Yunnan, China.
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Zhao X, Ren Y, Ren H, Wu Y, Liu X, Chen H, Ying C. The mechanism of myocardial fibrosis is ameliorated by myocardial infarction-associated transcript through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to relieve heart failure. J Int Med Res 2021; 49:3000605211031433. [PMID: 34275376 PMCID: PMC8293849 DOI: 10.1177/03000605211031433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) myocardial infarction-associated transcript (MIAT) in a heart failure (HF) model in vivo and in vitro by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. METHODS We established HF models in vivo and in vitro and evaluated the collagen content of these models and other factors. RESULTS We found that when LncRNA MIAT was silenced, vascular endothelial growth factor, phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) mRNA and protein levels were significantly downregulated, which suggested that MIAT activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Akt and PI3K expression was not significantly changed. We also found that when LncRNA MIAT was silenced, collagen expression was significantly downregulated. This finding suggested that MIAT promoted myocardial fibrosis during the development of HF. The levels of inflammatory factors were also significantly reduced with silencing of LncRNA MIAT. This finding suggested that MIAT promoted the expression of inflammatory factors in myocardial fibrosis by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This study indicates that silencing LncRNA MIAT may improve myocardial fibrosis and alleviate HF through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which may be helpful for patients with HF to obtain a better therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingsheng Zhao
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu Ren
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hongkun Ren
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hua Chen
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Chun Ying
- Cardiology Department, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
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Li S, Li P, Liu W, Shang J, Qiu S, Li X, Liu W, Shi H, Zhou M, Liu H. Danhong Injection Alleviates Cardiac Fibrosis via Preventing the Hypermethylation of Rasal1 and Rassf1 in TAC Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:3158108. [PMID: 33456666 PMCID: PMC7787771 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3158108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Danhong injection (DHI) is a Chinese patent drug used for relieving cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have suggested that DNA methylation plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cardiac fibrosis (CF) in cardiovascular diseases. This study was aimed at identifying the effect and the underlying mechanism of DHI on CF, especially the DNA methylation. METHODS A CF murine model was established by thoracic aortic constriction (TAC). A 28-day daily treatment with or without DHI via intraperitoneal injection was carried out immediately following TAC surgery. The changes in cardiac function, pathology, and fibrosis following TAC were measured by echocardiography and immunostaining. We used methyl-seq analysis to assess the DNA methylation changes in whole genes and identified the methylation changes of two Ras signaling-related genes in TAC mice, including Ras protein activator like-1 (Rasal1) and Ras-association domain family 1 (Rassf1). Next, the methylation status and expression levels of Rasal1 and Rassf1 genes were consolidated by bisulfite sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blotting, respectively. To determine the underlying molecular mechanism, the expressions of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (TET3), fibrosis-related genes, and the activity of Ras/ERK were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. RESULTS DHI treatment alleviated CF and significantly improved cardiac function on day 28 of TAC. The methyl-seq analysis identified 42,606 differential methylated sites (DMSs), including 19,618 hypermethylated DMSs and 22,988 hypomethylated DMSs between TAC and sham-operated mice. The enrichment analysis of these DMSs suggested that the methylated regulation of Ras signal transduction and focal adhesion-related genes would be involved in the TAC-induced CF development. The results of bisulfite sequencing revealed that the TAC-induced methylation affected the CpG site in both of Rasal1 and Rassf1 genes, and DHI treatment remarkably downregulated the promoter methylation of Rasal1 and Rassf1 in CF hearts. Furthermore, DHI treatment upregulated the expressions of Rasal1 and Rassf1, inhibited the hyperactivity of Ras/ERK, and decreased the expressions of fibrosis-related genes. Notably, we found that DHI treatment markedly downregulated the expression of DNMT3B in CF hearts, while it did not affect the expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and TET3. CONCLUSION Aberrant DNA methylation of Rasal1 and Rassf1 genes was involved in the CF development. DHI treatment alleviated CF, prevented the hypermethylation of Rasal1 and Rassf1, and downregulated DNMT3B expression in CF hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinai Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Weihong Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Juju Shang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Shenglei Qiu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Haoyue Shi
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Mingxue Zhou
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
- Beijing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Hongxu Liu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
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Overview of Salvia miltiorrhiza as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Various Diseases: An Update on Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9090857. [PMID: 32933217 PMCID: PMC7555792 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9090857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (S. miltiorrhiza) is a medicinal herb that has been used for the treatment for various diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in East Asia including Korea. Considering its extensive usage as a therapeutic agent for multiple diseases, there is a need to review previous research regarding its therapeutic benefits and their mechanisms. Therefore, we searched PubMed and PubMed Central for articles reporting its therapeutic effects on certain disease groups including cancers, cardiovascular, liver, and nervous system diseases. This review provides an overview of therapeutic benefits and targets of S. miltiorrhiza, including inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The findings on multi-functional properties of S. miltiorrhiza discussed in this article support the efficacy of S. miltiorrhiza extract on various diseases, but also call for further research on the multiple mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effects.
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Ding Y, Liu Y, Li H, Li Y, Li M, Liu M, Wang X, Cao F, Wang X. Chinese Medicines for Preventing and Treating Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Injury: Still a Long Way to Go. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:927. [PMID: 31616288 PMCID: PMC6763686 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracic radiotherapy is a mainstay of the treatment for lung, esophageal, and breast cancers. Radiation-induced pulmonary injury (RIPI) is a common side effect of thoracic radiotherapy, which may limit the radiotherapy dose and compromise the treatment results. However, the current strategies for RIPI are not satisfactory and may induce other side effects. Chinese medicines (CMs) have been used for more than a thousand years to treat a wide range of diseases, including lung disorders. In this review, we screened the literature from 2007 to 2017 in different online databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, Wanfang, and PubMed; summarized the effectiveness of CMs in preventing and treating RIPI; explored the most frequently used drugs; and aimed to provide insights into potential CMs for RIPI. Altogether, CMs attenuated the risk of RIPI with an occurrence rate of 11.37% vs. 27.78% (P < 0.001) compared with the control groups. We also found that CMs (alone and combined with Western medical treatment) for treating RIPI exerted a higher efficacy rate than that of the control groups (78.33% vs. 28.09%, P < 0.001). In the screened literature, 38 CMs were used for the prevention and treatment of RIPI. The top five most frequently used CMs were Astragali Radix (with a frequency of 8.47%), Ophiopogonis Radix (with a frequency of 6.78%), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizome (with a frequency of 5.08%), Paeoniae Radix Rubra (with a frequency of 5.08%), and Prunellae Spica (with a frequency of 5.08%). However, further high-quality investigations in CM source, pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms, toxicological aspects, and ethical issues are warranted. Taken together, CMs might have a potential role in RIPI prevention and treatment and still have a long way to investigate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ding
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yuechao Liu
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Minglun Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Ming Liu
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xianhe Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Fengjun Cao
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xuanbin Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Oncology Center, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Biomedical Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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