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Wang L, Mu M, Guo Y, Huang J, Zhang R, Zhang M, Hu Y, Wang Y, Gao Z, Liu L, Wang W, Cheng Y, Zhu X, Liu J, Wang W, Ying S. PD-1/PD-L1 Provides Protective Role in Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling. Hypertension 2024; 81:1822-1836. [PMID: 38853755 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22393] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a T helper 17 cell response-driven disease, and PD-1 (programmed cell death 1)/PD-L1 (programmed cell death-ligand 1) inhibitor-associated pulmonary hypertension has been reported recently. This study is designed to explore whether the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway participates in HPH via regulating endothelial dysfunction and T helper 17 cell response. METHODS Lung tissue samples were obtained from eligible patients. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were used to assess protein expression, while immunoprecipitation was utilized to detect ubiquitination. HPH models were established in C57BL/6 WT (wild-type) and PD-1-/- mice, followed by treatment with PD-L1 recombinant protein. Adeno-associated virus vector delivery was used to upregulate PD-L1 in the endothelial cells. Endothelial cell function was assessed through assays for cell angiogenesis and adhesion. RESULTS Expression of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway was downregulated in patients with HPH and mouse models, with a notable decrease in PD-L1 expression in endothelial cells compared with the normoxia group. In comparison to WT mice, PD-1-/- mice exhibited a more severe HPH phenotype following exposure to hypoxia, However, administration of PD-L1 recombinant protein and overexpression of PD-L1 in lung endothelial cells mitigated HPH. In vitro, blockade of PD-L1 with a neutralizing antibody promoted endothelial cell angiogenesis, adhesion, and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, hypoxia downregulated PD-L1 protein expression through ubiquitination. Additionally, both in vivo and in vitro, PD-L1 inhibited T helper 17 cell response through the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway in HPH. CONCLUSIONS PD-1/PD-L1 plays a role in ameliorating HPH development by inhibiting T helper 17 cell response through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and improving endothelial dysfunction, suggesting a novel therapeutic indication for PD-1/PD-L1-based immunomodulatory therapies in the treatment of HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China (L.W.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mi Mu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Eighth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China (M.M.)
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China (J.H., Y.W.)
| | - Ruoyang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing (R.Z.)
| | - Muzhi Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Wang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shaanxi, China (J.H., Y.W.)
| | - Zhenqiang Gao
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuli Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.C., X.Z.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - XinPing Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.C., X.Z.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sun Ying
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Y.G., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine (L.W., Y.G., R.Z., M.Z., Y.H., Z.G., L.L., Wang Wang, J.L., Wei Wang, S.Y.), Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Ren X, Xue R, Luo Y, Wang S, Ge X, Yao X, Li L, Min J, Li M, Luo Z, Wang F. Programmable melanoma-targeted radio-immunotherapy via fusogenic liposomes functionalized with multivariate-gated aptamer assemblies. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5035. [PMID: 38866788 PMCID: PMC11169524 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49482-9] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Radio-immunotherapy exploits the immunostimulatory features of ionizing radiation (IR) to enhance antitumor effects and offers emerging opportunities for treating invasive tumor indications such as melanoma. However, insufficient dose deposition and immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors limit its efficacy. Here we report a programmable sequential therapeutic strategy based on multifunctional fusogenic liposomes (Lip@AUR-ACP-aptPD-L1) to overcome the intrinsic radio-immunotherapeutic resistance of solid tumors. Specifically, fusogenic liposomes are loaded with gold-containing Auranofin (AUR) and inserted with multivariate-gated aptamer assemblies (ACP) and PD-L1 aptamers in the lipid membrane, potentiating melanoma-targeted AUR delivery while transferring ACP onto cell surface through selective membrane fusion. AUR amplifies IR-induced immunogenic death of melanoma cells to release antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for triggering adaptive antitumor immunity. AUR-sensitized radiotherapy also upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression that combined with released ATP to activate ACP through an "and" logic operation-like process (AND-gate), thus triggering the in-situ release of engineered cytosine-phosphate-guanine aptamer-based immunoadjuvants (eCpG) for stimulating dendritic cell-mediated T cell priming. Furthermore, AUR inhibits tumor-intrinsic vascular endothelial growth factor signaling to suppress infiltration of immunosuppressive cells for fostering an anti-tumorigenic TME. This study offers an approach for solid tumor treatment in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xijiao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Rui Xue
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Yan Luo
- Radiation Oncology Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Shuang Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Xinyue Ge
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Xuemei Yao
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Liqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Junxia Min
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital School of Public Health Institute of Translational Medicine State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital School of Public Health Institute of Translational Medicine State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health Hengyang Medical School University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China.
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DesJardin JT, Kime N, Kolaitis NA, Kronmal RA, Lammi MR, Mathai SC, Ventetuolo CE, De Marco T. Investigating the "sex paradox" in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR). J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:901-910. [PMID: 38360160 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2024.02.004] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female sex is a significant risk factor for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), yet males with PAH have worse survival - a phenomenon referred to as the "sex paradox" in PAH. METHODS All adult PAH patients in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry (PHAR) with congruent sex and gender were included. Baseline differences in demographics, hemodynamics, functional parameters, and quality of life were assessed by sex. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate survival by sex. Mediation analysis was conducted with Cox proportional hazards regression by comparing the unadjusted hazard ratios for sex before and after adjustment for covariates. The plausibility of collider-stratification bias was assessed by modeling how large an unmeasured factor would have to be to generate the observed sex-based mortality differences. Subgroup analysis was performed on idiopathic and incident patients. RESULTS Among the 1,891 patients included, 75% were female. Compared to men, women had less favorable hemodynamics, lower 6-minute walk distance, more PAH therapies, and worse functional class; however, sex-based differences were less pronounced when accounting for body surface area or expected variability by gender. On multivariate analysis, women had a 48% lower risk of death compared to men (Hazard Ratio 0.52, 95% Confidence interval 0.36 - 0.74, p < 0.001). Modeling found that under reasonable assumptions collider-stratification could account for sex-based differences in mortality. CONCLUSIONS In this large registry of PAH patients new to a care center, men had worse survival than women despite having more favorable baseline characteristics. Collider-stratification bias could account for the observed greater mortality among men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline T DesJardin
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Noah Kime
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nicholas A Kolaitis
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Richard A Kronmal
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Matthew R Lammi
- Comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center - University Medical Center, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Stephen C Mathai
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Corey E Ventetuolo
- Department of Medicine and Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Teresa De Marco
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Li QH, Zhao QY, Yang WJ, Jiang AF, Ren CE, Meng YH. Beyond Immune Balance: The Pivotal Role of Decidual Regulatory T Cells in Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2697-2710. [PMID: 38707955 PMCID: PMC11070170 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s459263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy failures, which brings tremendous stress to women of childbearing age and seriously affects family well-being. However, the reason in about 50% of cases remains unknown and is defined as unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The immunological perspective in URSA has attracted widespread attention in recent years. The embryo is regarded as a semi-allogeneic graft to the mother. A successful pregnancy requires transition to an immune environment conducive to embryo survival at the maternal-fetal interface. As an important member of regulatory immunity, regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in regulating immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. This review will focus on the phenotypic plasticity and lineage stability of Treg cells to illustrate its relationship with URSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hui Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jing Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ai-Fang Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun-E Ren
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, People’s Republic of China
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Russo I, Dun W, Mehta S, Ahmed S, Tzimas C, Fukuma N, Tsai EJ. Extracellular Matrix Instability and Chronic Inflammation Underlie Maladaptive Right Ventricular Pressure Overload Remodeling and Failure in Male Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.588013. [PMID: 38617374 PMCID: PMC11014567 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.588013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) portends increased death risk for heart failure (HF) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients, regardless of left ventricular function or etiology. In both, RVD arises from the chronic RV pressure overload, and represents advanced cardiopulmonary disease. RV remodeling responses and survival rates of HF and PAH patients, however, differ by sex. Men develop more severe RVD and die at younger ages than do women. Mechanistic details of this sexual dimorphism in RV remodeling are incompletely understood. We sought to elucidate the cardiac pathophysiology underlying the sex-specific RV remodeling phenotypes, RV failure (RVF) versus compensated RVD. Methods We subjected male (M-) and female (F-) adult mice to moderate pulmonary artery banding (PAB) for 9wks. Mice underwent serial echocardiography, cardiac MRI, RV pressure-volume loop recordings, histologic and molecular analyses. Results M-PAB developed severe RVD with RVF, increased RV collagen deposition and degradation, extracellular matrix (ECM) instability, and activation and recruitment of macrophages. Despite the same severity and chronicity of RV pressure overload, F-PAB had more stable ECM, lacked chronic inflammation, and developed mild RVD without RVF. Conclusions ECM destabilization and chronic activation of recruited macrophages are associated with maladaptive RV remodeling and RVF in male PAB mice. Adaptive RV remodeling of female PAB mice lacked these histopathologic changes. Our findings suggest that these two pathophysiologic processes likely contribute to the sexual dimorphism of RV pressure overload remodeling. Further mechanistic studies are needed to assess their pathogenic roles and potential as targets for RVD therapy and RVF prevention. CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE What is new?: In a mouse model of pure PH, males but not females showed an association between ECM instability, chronic inflammation with activation of recruited macrophages, and severe RV dysfunction and failure.What are the clinical implications?: In male HF and PH patients, enhancing ECM stability and countering the recruitment and activation of macrophages may help preserve RV function such that RVF can be prevented or delayed. Further preclinical mechanistic studies are needed to assess the therapeutic potential of such approaches. RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE What new question does this study raise? What question should be addressed next?: What mechanisms regulate RV ECM stability and macrophage recruitment and activation in response to chronic RV pressure overload? Are these regulatory mechanisms dependent upon or independent of sex hormone signaling?
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Dignam JP, Sharma S, Stasinopoulos I, MacLean MR. Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Sex matters. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:938-966. [PMID: 37939796 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16277] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease of multifactorial origin. While registries have demonstrated that women are more susceptible to the disease, females with PAH have superior right ventricle (RV) function and a better prognosis than their male counterparts, a phenomenon referred to as the 'estrogen paradox'. Numerous pre-clinical studies have investigated the involvement of sex hormones in PAH pathobiology, often with conflicting results. However, recent advances suggest that abnormal estrogen synthesis, metabolism and signalling underpin the sexual dimorphism of this disease. Other sex hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone may also play a role. Several non-hormonal factor including sex chromosomes and epigenetics have also been implicated. Though the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are complex, several compounds that modulate sex hormones levels and signalling are under investigation in PAH patients. Further elucidation of the estrogen paradox will set the stage for the identification of additional therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Dignam
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Smriti Sharma
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Ioannis Stasinopoulos
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Margaret R MacLean
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Zuo Y, Li B, Gao M, Xiong R, He R, Li N, Geng Q. Novel insights and new therapeutic potentials for macrophages in pulmonary hypertension. Respir Res 2024; 25:147. [PMID: 38555425 PMCID: PMC10981837 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02772-8] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and immune processes underlie pulmonary hypertension progression. Two main different activated phenotypes of macrophages, classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages, are both involved in inflammatory processes related to pulmonary hypertension. Recent advances suggest that macrophages coordinate interactions among different proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, and other cellular components such as smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. In this review, we summarize the current literature on the role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension, including the origin of pulmonary macrophages and their response to triggers of pulmonary hypertension. We then discuss the interactions among macrophages, cytokines, and vascular adventitial fibroblasts in pulmonary hypertension, as well as the potential therapeutic benefits of macrophages in this disease. Identifying the critical role of macrophages in pulmonary hypertension will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this pathophysiological abnormality, and may provide new perspectives for pulmonary hypertension management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zuo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Boyang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Minglang Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Ruyuan He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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Xia Y, Gao D, Wang X, Liu B, Shan X, Sun Y, Ma D. Role of Treg cell subsets in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1331609. [PMID: 38558816 PMCID: PMC10978666 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the genesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases involving both innate and adaptive immune responses, inflammation plays a pivotal and dual role. Studies in experimental animals indicate that certain immune responses are protective, while others exacerbate the disease. T-helper (Th) 1 cell immune responses are recognized as key drivers of inflammatory progression in cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, the CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are gaining increasing attention for their roles in inflammation and immune regulation. Given the critical role of Tregs in maintaining immune-inflammatory balance and homeostasis, abnormalities in their generation or function might lead to aberrant immune responses, thereby initiating pathological changes. Numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials have unveiled the central role of Tregs in cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of Treg subsets in cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction and remodeling, myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. While the precise molecular mechanisms of Tregs in cardiac protection remain elusive, therapeutic strategies targeting Tregs present a promising new direction for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yunpeng Sun
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dashi Ma
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Gong B, Li Y, Guo Y, Wang J, Liu W, Zhou G, Song J, Pan F, Yang L, Liang B. The impact of pulmonary artery to ascending aorta diameter ratio progression on the prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302233. [PMID: 38348049 PMCID: PMC10859503 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapy, represented by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), is a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Studies have reported that the use of ICIs is associated with an increase in the pulmonary artery to ascending aorta diameter (PAD/AoD) ratio. However, the impact of PAD/AoD ratio progression on the prognosis of patients is unclear. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients with stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICIs at the Wuhan Union Hospital between March 1, 2020, and September 1, 2022. The baseline and post-treatment PAD/AoD ratios of patients were evaluated through chest CT scans. The primary outcome of this study was overall survival (OS), while the secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Results The PAD/AoD ratio increased after the initiation of ICIs (from 0.75 to 0.78; P < 0.001). A total of 441 patients were divided into severe group (n=221) and non-severe group (n=220) according to the median increase of PAD/AoD ratio (1.06). Compared with the non-severe group, the severe group had a lower DCR (87.8% vs. 96.0%, P = 0.005) and ORR (87.5% vs. 96.0%, P = 0.063). Over the entire duration of follow-up (median 22.0 months), 85 (38.5%) patients in the severe group and 30 (7.3%) patients in the non-severe group died. An increased PAD/AoD ratio was associated with shorter PFS (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.48 [95% CI, 1.14 to 1.93]; P = 0.003) and OS (HR: 3.50 [95% CI, 2.30 to 5.30]; P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained across subgroups. Conclusions ICI treatment exacerbates an increase in the PAD/AoD ratio in patients with cancer, and greater increase in the PAD/AoD ratio was associated with a worse prognosis. PAD/AoD ratio could be a biomarker to stratify prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Gong
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Yusheng Guo
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Guofeng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiyu Song
- Department of Pathology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Pan
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Lian Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
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10
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Zhu Y, He L, Zhu Y, Yao H, Jiang J, Lu H. IRF4 affects the protective effect of regulatory T cells on the pulmonary vasculature of a bronchopulmonary dysplasia mouse model by regulating FOXP3. Mol Med 2024; 30:6. [PMID: 38195465 PMCID: PMC10777489 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00770-y] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disease in preterm infants, characterised by compromised alveolar development and pulmonary vascular abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that regulatory T cells (Tregs) may confer protective effects on the vasculature. Knockdown of their transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), has been shown to promote vascular endothelial hyperplasia. However, the involvement of Tregs and IRF4 in the BPD pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of Tregs by IRF4 and elucidate its potential role in pulmonary vasculature development in a BPD mouse model. METHODS The BPD model was established using 85% hyperoxia exposure, with air exposure as the normal control. Lung tissues were collected after 7 or 14 days of air or hyperoxia exposure, respectively. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess lung tissue pathology. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) level, flow cytometry to quantify Treg numbers, and Western blot to assess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3), and IRF4 protein levels. We also examined the co-expression of IRF4 and FOXP3 proteins using immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence double staining. Furthermore, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock down the IRF4 gene and observed changes in the aforementioned indicators to validate its effect on pulmonary vasculature development in mice. RESULTS Elevated IRF4 levels in BPD model mice led to FOXP3 downregulation, reduced Treg numbers, and impaired pulmonary vascular development. Knockdown of IRF4 resulted in improved pulmonary vascular development and upregulated FOXP3 level. CONCLUSION IRF4 may affect the protective role of Tregs in the proliferation of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and pulmonary vascular development in BPD model mice by inhibiting the FOXP3 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Langyue He
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huici Yao
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianfeng Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hongyan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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11
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Hu W, Li J, Cheng X. Regulatory T cells and cardiovascular diseases. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2812-2823. [PMID: 37840195 PMCID: PMC10686601 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002875] [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: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Inflammation is a major underlying mechanism in the progression of numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are typical immune regulatory cells with recognized immunosuppressive properties. Despite the immunosuppressive properties, researchers have acknowledged the significance of Tregs in maintaining tissue homeostasis and facilitating repair/regeneration. Previous studies unveiled the heterogeneity of Tregs in the heart and aorta, which expanded in CVDs with unique transcriptional phenotypes and reparative/regenerative function. This review briefly summarizes the functional principles of Tregs, also including the synergistic effect of Tregs and other immune cells in CVDs. We discriminate the roles and therapeutic potential of Tregs in CVDs such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, abdominal arterial aneurysm, pulmonary arterial hypertension, Kawasaki disease, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Tregs not only exert anti-inflammatory effects but also actively promote myocardial regeneration and vascular repair, maintaining the stability of the local microenvironment. Given that the specific mechanism of Tregs functioning in CVDs remains unclear, we reviewed previous clinical and basic studies and the latest findings on the function and mechanism of Tregs in CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangling Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Jingyong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Immunological Diagnosis and Therapy of Cardiovascular Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
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12
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Chen CN, Hajji N, Yeh FC, Rahman S, Ali S, Wharton J, Baxan N, Zhao L, Xie CY, Chen YG, Frid MG, Chelladurai P, Pullamsetti SS, Stenmark KR, Wilkins MR, Zhao L. Restoration of Foxp3 + Regulatory T Cells by HDAC-Dependent Epigenetic Modulation Plays a Pivotal Role in Resolving Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Pathology. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:879-895. [PMID: 37676930 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202301-0181oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Immune dysregulation is a common feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Histone deacetylase (HDAC)-dependent transcriptional reprogramming epigenetically modulates immune homeostasis and is a novel disease-oriented approach in modern times. Objectives: To identify a novel functional link between HDAC and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in PAH, aiming to establish disease-modified biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and rodent models of pulmonary hypertension (PH): monocrotaline rats, Sugen5416-hypoxia rats, and Treg-depleted mice. HDAC inhibitor vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, SAHA) was used to examine the immune modulatory effects in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. Measurements and Main Results: Increased HDAC expression was associated with reduced Foxp3+ Tregs and increased PD-1 (programmed cell death-1) signaling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with IPAH. SAHA differentially modified a cluster of epigenetic-sensitive genes and induced Foxp3+ Treg conversion in IPAH T cells. Rodent models recapitulated these epigenetic aberrations and T-cell dysfunction. SAHA attenuated PH phenotypes and restored FOXP3 transcription and Tregs in PH rats; interestingly, the effects were more profound in female rats. Selective depletion of CD25+ Tregs in Sugen5416-hypoxia mice neutralized the effects of SAHA. Furthermore, SAHA inhibited endothelial cytokine/chemokine release upon stimulation and subsequent immune chemotaxis. Conclusions: Our results indicated HDAC aberration was associated with Foxp3+ Treg deficiency and demonstrated an epigenetic-mediated mechanism underlying immune dysfunction in PAH. Restoration of Foxp3+ Tregs by HDAC inhibitors is a promising approach to resolve pulmonary vascular pathology, highlighting the potential benefit of developing epigenetic therapies for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Nien Chen
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nabil Hajji
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu-Chiang Yeh
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sunniyat Rahman
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Souad Ali
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Wharton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicoleta Baxan
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lin Zhao
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chong-Yang Xie
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Guan Chen
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria G Frid
- Division of Critical Care Medicine and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Prakash Chelladurai
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Soni Savai Pullamsetti
- Max-Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany; and
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kurt R Stenmark
- Division of Critical Care Medicine and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Martin R Wilkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lan Zhao
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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13
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Cai P, Ni R, Lv M, Liu H, Zhao J, He J, Luo L. VEGF signaling governs the initiation of biliary-mediated liver regeneration through the PI3K-mTORC1 axis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113028. [PMID: 37632748 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary epithelial cells (BECs) are a potential source to repair the damaged liver when hepatocyte proliferation is compromised. Promotion of BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation could be beneficial to the clinical therapeutics of patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, mechanisms underlying the initiation of BEC transdifferentiation remain largely unknown. Here, we show that upon extreme hepatocyte injury, vegfaa and vegfr2/kdrl are notably induced in hepatic stellate cells and BECs, respectively. Pharmacological and genetic inactivation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling would disrupt BEC dedifferentiation and proliferation, thus restraining hepatocyte regeneration. Mechanically, VEGF signaling regulates the activation of the PI3K-mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) axis, which is essential for BEC-to-hepatocyte transdifferentiation. In mice, VEGF signaling exerts conserved roles in oval cell activation and BEC-to-hepatocyte differentiation. Taken together, this study shows VEGF signaling as an initiator of biliary-mediated liver regeneration through activating the PI3K-mTORC1 axis. Modulation of VEGF signaling in BECs could be a therapeutic approach for patients with end-stage liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Cai
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Rui Ni
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Mengzhu Lv
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhao
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jianbo He
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400715, China; School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
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14
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Norlander AE, Abney M, Cephus JY, Roe CE, Irish JM, Shelburne NJ, Newcomb DC, Hemnes AR, Peebles RS. Prostaglandin I 2 Therapy Promotes Regulatory T Cell Generation in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:737-739. [PMID: 37413696 PMCID: PMC10515570 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202304-0716le] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Allison E. Norlander
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Cell Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology and
- Krannert Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Masako Abney
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | | | - Caroline E. Roe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jonathan M. Irish
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nicholas J. Shelburne
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Dawn C. Newcomb
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Anna R. Hemnes
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - R. Stokes Peebles
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; and
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15
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Zhao H, Wang L, Yan Y, Zhao QH, He J, Jiang R, Luo CJ, Qiu HL, Miao YQ, Gong SG, Yuan P, Wu WH. Identification of the shared gene signatures between pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension using bioinformatics analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197752. [PMID: 37731513 PMCID: PMC10507338 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) have common pathophysiological features, such as the significant remodeling of pulmonary parenchyma and vascular wall. There is no effective specific drug in clinical treatment for these two diseases, resulting in a worse prognosis and higher mortality. This study aimed to screen the common key genes and immune characteristics of PF and PH by means of bioinformatics to find new common therapeutic targets. Expression profiles are downloaded from the Gene Expression Database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis is used to identify the co-expression modules related to PF and PH. We used the ClueGO software to enrich and analyze the common genes in PF and PH and obtained the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Then, the differential genes were screened out in another cohort of PF and PH, and the shared genes were crossed. Finally, RT-PCR verification and immune infiltration analysis were performed on the intersection genes. In the result, the positive correlation module with the highest correlation between PF and PH was determined, and it was found that lymphocyte activation is a common feature of the pathophysiology of PF and PH. Eight common characteristic genes (ACTR2, COL5A2, COL6A3, CYSLTR1, IGF1, RSPO3, SCARNA17 and SEL1L) were gained. Immune infiltration showed that compared with the control group, resting CD4 memory T cells were upregulated in PF and PH. Combining the results of crossing characteristic genes in ImmPort database and RT-PCR, the important gene IGF1 was obtained. Knocking down IGF1 could significantly reduce the proliferation and apoptosis resistance in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, pulmonary smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts induced by hypoxia, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), respectively. Our work identified the common biomarkers of PF and PH and provided a new candidate gene for the potential therapeutic targets of PF and PH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- School of Materials and Chemistry & Institute of Bismuth and Rhenium, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Heart Center and Shanghai Institute of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin-Hua Zhao
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ci-Jun Luo
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Ling Qiu
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qing Miao
- School of Materials and Chemistry & Institute of Bismuth and Rhenium, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Gang Gong
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hui Wu
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Xu WJ, Wu Q, He WN, Wang S, Zhao YL, Huang JX, Yan XS, Jiang R. Interleukin-6 and pulmonary hypertension: from physiopathology to therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1181987. [PMID: 37449201 PMCID: PMC10337993 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1181987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, pulmonary vascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PH is complex and remains unclear. Existing studies have suggested that inflammatory factors are key factors in PH. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system. Current studies reveal that IL-6 is elevated in the serum of patients with PH and it is negatively correlated with lung function in those patients. Since IL-6 is one of the most important mediators in the pathogenesis of inflammation in PH, signaling mechanisms targeting IL-6 may become therapeutic targets for this disease. In this review, we detailed the potential role of IL-6 in accelerating PH process and the specific mechanisms and signaling pathways. We also summarized the current drugs targeting these inflammatory pathways to treat PH. We hope that this study will provide a more theoretical basis for targeted treatment in patients with PH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jie Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ni He
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shang Wang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Lin Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Jun-Xia Huang
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Shen Yan
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Zhao Y, Qu Y, Hao C, Yao W. PD-1/PD-L1 axis in organ fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145682. [PMID: 37275876 PMCID: PMC10235450 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145682] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological tissue repair activity in which many myofibroblasts are activated and extracellular matrix are excessively accumulated, leading to the formation of permanent scars and finally organ failure. A variety of organs, including the lung, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, can undergo fibrosis under the stimulation of various exogenous or endogenous pathogenic factors. At present, the pathogenesis of fibrosis is still not fully elucidated, but it is known that the immune system plays a key role in the initiation and progression of fibrosis. Immune checkpoint molecules are key regulators to maintain immune tolerance and homeostasis, among which the programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis has attracted much attention. The exciting achievements of tumor immunotherapy targeting PD-1/PD-L1 provide new insights into its use as a therapeutic target for other diseases. In recent years, the role of PD-1/PD-L1 axis in fibrosis has been preliminarily explored, further confirming the close relationship among PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, immune regulation, and fibrosis. This review discusses the structure, expression, function, and regulatory mechanism of PD-1 and PD-L1, and summarizes the research progress of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wu Yao
- *Correspondence: Wu Yao, ; Changfu Hao,
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18
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He M, Tao K, Xiang M, Sun J. Hpgd affects the progression of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension by regulating vascular remodeling. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:116. [PMID: 37055764 PMCID: PMC10103477 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02401-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a syndrome of abnormally elevated pulmonary artery pressure, and it is mostly caused by vasoconstriction and remodeling of the pulmonary artery induced by long-term chronic hypoxia. There is a high incidence of HPH, a short survival time of the patients, but currently no effective treatments. METHODS In this study, HPH-related single cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data were downloaded from the public database of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) for bioinformatics analysis in order to find out genes with important regulatory roles in the development of HPH. 523 key genes were identified through cell subpopulation identification and trajectory analysis of the downloaded scRNA-seq data, and 41 key genes were identified through weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of the bulk RNA-seq data. Three key genes: Hpgd, Npr3 and Fbln2 were identified by taking intersection of the key genes obtained above, and Hpgd was finally selected for subsequent verification. The human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (hPAECs) were treated with hypoxia for different periods of time, and it was found that the expression of Hpgd decreased in hypoxia-treated hPAECs in a time-dependent manner. In order to further confirm whether Hpgd affects the occurrence and development of HPH, Hpgd was overexpressed in hPAECs. RESULTS Hpgd was confirmed to regulate the proliferation activity, apoptosis level, adhesiveness and angiogenesis ability of hypoxia-treated hPAECs through multiple experiments. CONCLUSIONS Downregulation of Hpgd can improve the proliferation activity, reduce apoptosis, and enhance adhesion and angiogenesis in endothelial cells (ECs), thus promoting the occurrence and development of HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng He
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Kelong Tao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Min Xiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, No. 568 Zhongxing North Road, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, 312000, China.
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19
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Yang L, Wan N, Gong F, Wang X, Feng L, Liu G. Transcription factors and potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary hypertension. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1132060. [PMID: 37009479 PMCID: PMC10064017 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1132060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a refractory and fatal disease characterized by excessive pulmonary arterial cell remodeling. Uncontrolled proliferation and hypertrophy of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), dysfunction of pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAECs), and abnormal perivascular infiltration of immune cells result in pulmonary arterial remodeling, followed by increased pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary pressure. Although various drugs targeting nitric oxide, endothelin-1 and prostacyclin pathways have been used in clinical settings, the mortality of pulmonary hypertension remains high. Multiple molecular abnormalities have been implicated in pulmonary hypertension, changes in numerous transcription factors have been identified as key regulators in pulmonary hypertension, and a role for pulmonary vascular remodeling has been highlighted. This review consolidates evidence linking transcription factors and their molecular mechanisms, from pulmonary vascular intima PAECs, vascular media PASMCs, and pulmonary arterial adventitia fibroblasts to pulmonary inflammatory cells. These findings will improve the understanding of particularly interactions between transcription factor-mediated cellular signaling pathways and identify novel therapies for pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Naifu Wan
- Department of Vascular & Cardiology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanpeng Gong
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xianfeng Wang
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Guizhu Liu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Guizhu Liu,
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Heiss J, Grün K, Tempel L, Matasci M, Schrepper A, Schwarzer M, Bauer R, Förster M, Berndt A, Jung C, Schulze PC, Neri D, Franz M. Targeted Interleukin-9 delivery in pulmonary hypertension: Comparison of immunocytokine formats and effector cell study. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e13907. [PMID: 36377348 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is accompanied by pulmonary vascular remodelling. By targeted delivery of Interleukin-9 (IL9) via the immunocytokine F8IL9, beneficial effects could be demonstrated in a mouse model of PH. This study aimed to compare two immunocytokine formats (single-chain Fv and full IgG) and to identify potential target cells of IL9. METHODS The Monocrotaline mouse model of PH (PH, n = 12) was chosen to evaluate the treatment effects of F8IL9F8 (n = 12) and F8IgGIL9 (n = 6) compared with sham-induced animals (control, n = 10), the dual endothelin receptor antagonist Macitentan (MAC, n = 12) or IL9-based immunocytokines with irrelevant antigen specificity (KSFIL9KSF, n = 12; KSFIgGIL9 n = 6). Besides comparative validation of treatment effects, the study was focused on the detection and quantification of mast cells (MCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs). RESULTS There was a significantly elevated systolic right ventricular pressure (104 ± 36 vs. 45 ± 17 mmHg) and an impairment of right ventricular echocardiographic parameters (RVbasal: 2.52 ± 0.25 vs. 1.94 ± 0.13 mm) in untreated PH compared with controls (p < 0.05). Only the groups treated with F8IL9, irrespective of the format, showed consistent beneficial effects (p < 0.05). Moreover, F8IL9F8 but not F8IgGIL9 treatment significantly reduced lung tissue damage compared with untreated PH mice (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in Tregs in F8IL9-treated compared with control animals, the untreated PH and the MAC group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Beneficial treatment effects of targeted IL9 delivery in a preclinical model of PH could be convincingly validated. IL9-mediated recruitment of Tregs into lung tissue might play a crucial role in the induction of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative mechanisms potentially contributing to a novel disease-modifying concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Heiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Else Kröner Graduate School for Medical Students "JSAM", Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Katja Grün
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Tempel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Schrepper
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Schwarzer
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Förster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Berndt
- Section Pathology, Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Jung
- Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Vascular Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Marcus Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
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21
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Engelbrecht HR, Merrill SM, Gladish N, MacIsaac JL, Lin DTS, Ecker S, Chrysohoou CA, Pes GM, Kobor MS, Rehkopf DH. Sex differences in epigenetic age in Mediterranean high longevity regions. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:1007098. [PMID: 36506464 PMCID: PMC9726738 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.1007098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in aging manifest in disparities in disease prevalence, physical health, and lifespan, where women tend to have greater longevity relative to men. However, in the Mediterranean Blue Zones of Sardinia (Italy) and Ikaria (Greece) are regions of centenarian abundance, male-female centenarian ratios are approximately one, diverging from the typical trend and making these useful regions in which to study sex differences of the oldest old. Additionally, these regions can be investigated as examples of healthy aging relative to other populations. DNA methylation (DNAm)-based predictors have been developed to assess various health biomarkers, including biological age, Pace of Aging, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), and telomere length. Epigenetic clocks are biological age predictors whose deviation from chronological age has been indicative of relative health differences between individuals, making these useful tools for interrogating these differences in aging. We assessed sex differences between the Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, PhenoAge, Skin and Blood, and Pace of Aging predictors from individuals in two Mediterranean Blue Zones and found that men displayed positive epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) compared to women according to all clocks, with significantly greater rates according to GrimAge (β = 3.55; p = 1.22 × 10-12), Horvath (β = 1.07; p = 0.00378) and the Pace of Aging (β = 0.0344; p = 1.77 × 10-08). Other DNAm-based biomarkers findings indicated that men had lower DNAm-predicted serum IL-6 scores (β = -0.00301, p = 2.84 × 10-12), while women displayed higher DNAm-predicted proportions of regulatory T cells than men from the Blue Zone (p = 0.0150, 95% Confidence Interval [0.00131, 0.0117], Cohen's d = 0.517). All clocks showed better correlations with chronological age in women from the Blue Zones than men, but all clocks showed large mean absolute errors (MAE >30 years) in both sexes, except for PhenoAge (MAE <5 years). Thus, despite their equal survival to older ages in these Mediterranean Blue Zones, men in these regions remain biologically older by most measured DNAm-derived metrics than women, with the exception of the IL-6 score and proportion of regulatory T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah-Ruth Engelbrecht
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah M. Merrill
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nicole Gladish
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Julie L. MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David T. S. Lin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Simone Ecker
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giovanni M. Pes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Edwin S. H. Leong Healthy Aging Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Michael S. Kobor, ; David H. Rehkopf,
| | - David H. Rehkopf
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Michael S. Kobor, ; David H. Rehkopf,
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22
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Hilton LR, Rätsep MT, VandenBroek MM, Jafri S, Laverty KJ, Mitchell M, Theilmann AL, Smart JA, Hawke LG, Moore SD, Renaud SJ, Soares MJ, Morrell NW, Ormiston ML. Impaired Interleukin-15 Signaling via BMPR2 Loss Drives Natural Killer Cell Deficiency and Pulmonary Hypertension. Hypertension 2022; 79:2493-2504. [PMID: 36043416 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19178] [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: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cell impairment is a feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and contributes to vascular remodeling in animal models of disease. Although mutations in BMPR2, the gene encoding the BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) type-II receptor, are strongly associated with PAH, the contribution of BMPR2 loss to NK cell impairment remains unknown. We explored the impairment of IL (interleukin)-15 signaling, a central mediator of NK cell homeostasis, as both a downstream target of BMPR2 loss and a contributor to the pathogenesis of PAH. METHODS The expression, trafficking, and secretion of IL-15 and IL-15Rα (interleukin 15 α-type receptor) were assessed in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells, with or without BMPR2 silencing. NK cell development and IL-15/IL-15Rα levels were quantified in mice bearing a heterozygous knock-in of the R899X-BMPR2 mutation (bmpr2+/R899X). NK-deficient Il15-/- rats were exposed to the Sugen/hypoxia and monocrotaline models of PAH to assess the impact of impaired IL-15 signaling on disease severity. RESULTS BMPR2 loss reduced IL-15Rα surface presentation and secretion in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells via impaired trafficking through the trans-Golgi network. bmpr2+/R899X mice exhibited a decrease in NK cells, which was not attributable to impaired hematopoietic development but was instead associated with reduced IL-15/IL-15Rα levels in these animals. Il15-/- rats of both sexes exhibited enhanced disease severity in the Sugen/hypoxia model, with only male Il15-/- rats developing more severe PAH in response to monocrotaline. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies the loss of IL-15 signaling as a novel BMPR2-dependent contributor to NK cell impairment and pulmonary vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rhiannon Hilton
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - Matthew T Rätsep
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - M Martin VandenBroek
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - Salema Jafri
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (S.J., S.D.M., N.W.M.)
| | - Kimberly J Laverty
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - Melissa Mitchell
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - Anne L Theilmann
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - James A Smart
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - Lindsey G Hawke
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
| | - Stephen D Moore
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (S.J., S.D.M., N.W.M.)
| | - Stephen J Renaud
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, Canada (S.J.R.)
| | - Michael J Soares
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City (M.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom (S.J., S.D.M., N.W.M.)
| | - Mark L Ormiston
- Departments of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada (L.B.H., M.T.R., M.M.V., K.J.L., M.M., A.L.T., J.A.S., L.G.H., M.L.O.)
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23
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Jandl K, Marsh LM, Mutgan AC, Crnkovic S, Valzano F, Zabini D, Hoffmann J, Foris V, Gschwandtner E, Klepetko W, Prosch H, Flick H, Brcic L, Kern I, Heinemann A, Olschewski H, Kovacs G, Kwapiszewska G. Impairment of the NKT-STAT1-CXCL9 Axis Contributes to Vessel Fibrosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Lung Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 206:981-998. [PMID: 35763380 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202201-0142oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common, severe comorbidity in interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and it has limited treatment options. Excessive vascular fibrosis and inflammation are often present in PH, but the underlying mechanisms are still not well understood. Objectives: To identify a novel functional link between natural killer T (NKT) cell activation and vascular fibrosis in PF-PH. Methods: Multicolor flow cytometry, secretome, and immunohistological analyses were complemented by pharmacological NKT cell activation in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo. Measurements and Main Results: In pulmonary vessels of patients with PF-PH, increased collagen deposition was linked to a local NKT cell deficiency and decreased IL-15 concentrations. In a mouse model of PH caused by lung fibrosis, pharmacological NKT cell activation using a synthetic α-galactosylceramide analog (KRN7000) restored local NKT cell numbers and ameliorated vascular remodeling and right ventricular systolic pressure. Supplementation with activated NKT cells reduced collagen deposition in isolated human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs) and in ex vivo precision-cut lung slices of patients with end-stage PF-PH. Coculture with activated NKT cells induced STAT1 signaling in hPASMCs. Secretome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells identified CXCL9 and CXCL10 as indicators of NKT cell activation. Pharmacologically, CXCL9, but not CXCL10, potently inhibited collagen deposition in hPASMCs via the chemokine receptor CXCR3. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the absence of NKT cells impairs the STAT1-CXCL9-CXCR3 axis in PF-PH and that restoration of this axis by NKT cell activation may unravel a novel therapeutic strategy to target vascular fibrosis in interstitial lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Jandl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Pharmacology
| | - Leigh M Marsh
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center
| | - Ayse Ceren Mutgan
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center
| | - Slaven Crnkovic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center
| | - Francesco Valzano
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Diana Zabini
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center
| | - Julia Hoffmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Vasile Foris
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | | | | | - Helmut Prosch
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Holger Flick
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Izidor Kern
- Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik, Golnik, Slovenia; and
| | | | - Horst Olschewski
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
| | - Grazyna Kwapiszewska
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Graz, Austria
- Division of Physiology, Otto Loewi Research Center
- Institute for Lung Health, Giessen, Germany
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24
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Systemic Inflammation Is Associated with Pulmonary Hypertension in Isolated Giant Omphalocele: A Population-Based Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101998. [PMID: 36292445 PMCID: PMC9601560 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective is to determine perinatal factors contributing to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with isolated giant omphaloceles (GO). All cases of omphaloceles that underwent prenatal and postnatal care at the University Hospital of Lille between 1996 and 2021 were reviewed. We included all infants with isolated GO, including at least a part of the liver, who were treated by delayed surgical closure. Prenatal and postnatal data were recorded and correlated with postnatal morbidities. We compared outcomes between a group of infants with GO who developed PH and infants with GO with no PH. We identified 120 infants with omphalocele. Fifty isolated GO cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria of our study. The incidence of PH was 30%. We highlighted a prolonged inflammatory state, defined as a CRP superior to 15 mg/L, platelets higher than 500 G/L, and white blood cells higher than 15 G/l for more than 14 days in patients who developed PH. This event occurred in 73% of patients with PH versus 21% of patients without PH (p < 0.05). Late-onset infection was not different between the two groups. We speculate that prolonged inflammatory syndrome promotes PH in infants with GO treated with delayed surgical closure.
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25
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Estrogen Protects against Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulating Th17/Treg Cell Immune Balance. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:7812099. [PMID: 36246554 PMCID: PMC9560860 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7812099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is a critical mediator of renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI), and T lymphocytes exert a key role in the renal IRI-induced inflammation. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is related to the maintenance of T lymphocyte homeostasis. Various preclinical researches have reported that estrogen is a renoprotective agent based on its anti-inflammatory potential. The present research is aimed at studying the role of T lymphocytes activated by Cx43 in 17β-estradiol-mediated protection against renal IRI. Female rats were classified into six groups: control rats, I/R rats, ovariectomized rats, ovariectomized I/R rats, and ovariectomized rats treated with 17β-estradiol or gap27. Levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Paller scoring were dramatically increased in I/R rats, especially in ovariectomized rats. By contrast, these indicators were markedly decreased by administering estradiol or gap27. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that CD4+ T cells infiltrated kidney tissues in the early stage of IRI. In both peripheral blood and renal tissue, the proportion of CD3+CD4+ T cells and ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ were high in I/R rats, especially in ovariectomized rats. The proportion of CD3+CD8+ T cells was low in peripheral blood but high in renal tissues. Administration of estrogen or Gap27 reversed these effects. IL-17 levels in both serum and tissue homogenate were significantly increased in ovariectomized rats subjected to I/R but significantly decreased in estrogen or gap 27 treated rats. The opposite trend was observed for IL-10 levels. Correlation analysis demonstrated that IL-17 was correlated positively with BUN, Scr, and Paller scores, while IL-10 was negatively correlated with these indicators. Western blot showed that Cx43 expression was markedly increased in the peripheral blood T lymphocytes of I/R rats, especially ovariectomized rats. After intervention with estrogen and gap27, Cx43 expression was significantly downregulated. These findings indicate that Cx43 may participate in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance by estrogen against renal IRI.
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26
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Liu SF, Nambiar Veetil N, Li Q, Kucherenko MM, Knosalla C, Kuebler WM. Pulmonary hypertension: Linking inflammation and pulmonary arterial stiffening. Front Immunol 2022; 13:959209. [PMID: 36275740 PMCID: PMC9579293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.959209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease that arises from multiple etiologies and ultimately leads to right heart failure as the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality. In patients, distinct inflammatory responses are a prominent feature in different types of PH, and various immunomodulatory interventions have been shown to modulate disease development and progression in animal models. Specifically, PH-associated inflammation comprises infiltration of both innate and adaptive immune cells into the vascular wall of the pulmonary vasculature—specifically in pulmonary vascular lesions—as well as increased levels of cytokines and chemokines in circulating blood and in the perivascular tissue of pulmonary arteries (PAs). Previous studies suggest that altered hemodynamic forces cause lung endothelial dysfunction and, in turn, adherence of immune cells and release of inflammatory mediators, while the resulting perivascular inflammation, in turn, promotes vascular remodeling and the progression of PH. As such, a vicious cycle of endothelial activation, inflammation, and vascular remodeling may develop and drive the disease process. PA stiffening constitutes an emerging research area in PH, with relevance in PH diagnostics, prognostics, and as a therapeutic target. With respect to its prognostic value, PA stiffness rivals the well-established measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance as a predictor of disease outcome. Vascular remodeling of the arterial extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as vascular calcification, smooth muscle cell stiffening, vascular wall thickening, and tissue fibrosis contribute to PA stiffening. While associations between inflammation and vascular stiffening are well-established in systemic vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis or the vascular manifestations of systemic sclerosis, a similar connection between inflammatory processes and PA stiffening has so far not been addressed in the context of PH. In this review, we discuss potential links between inflammation and PA stiffening with a specific focus on vascular calcification and ECM remodeling in PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Fei Liu
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Netra Nambiar Veetil
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Qiuhua Li
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariya M. Kucherenko
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mariya M. Kucherenko,
| | - Christoph Knosalla
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang M. Kuebler
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Gießen, Germany
- The Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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27
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The Role of T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis: An Update. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by microvasculopathy, autoantibodies (autoAbs), and fibrosis. The pathogenesis of the disease is incompletely understood. Microvasculopathy and autoAbs appear very early in the disease process. AutoAbs, such as those directed against DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I), are disease specific and associated with disease manifestations, and indicate activation of the adaptive immune system. B cells are involved in fibrosis in SSc. T cells are also involved in disease pathogenesis. T cells show signs of antigen-induced activation; T cells of TH2 type are increased and produce profibrotic cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-31; CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are increased in skin lesions, and cause fibrosis and endothelial cell apoptosis; circulating T follicular helper (TFH) cells are increased in SSc produce IL-21 and promote plasmablast antibody production. On the other hand, regulatory T cells are impaired in SSc. These findings provide strong circumstantial evidence for T cell implication in SSc pathogenesis and encourage new T cell-directed therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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28
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Zheng H, Hua J, Li H, He W, Chen X, Ji Y, Li Q. Comprehensive analysis of the expression of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation regulators in pulmonary artery hypertension. Front Genet 2022; 13:974740. [PMID: 36171892 PMCID: PMC9510777 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.974740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling. The development of PAH involves N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. However, the functional role of m6A regulators in PAH and the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown so far. Methods: Microarray data (GSE149713) for monocrotaline induced PAH (MCT-PAH) rat models were downloaded and screened for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and m6A regulators. Next, we screened for differentially expressed m6A regulators in endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), fibroblasts, interstitial macrophages, NK cells, B cells, T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) using scRNA sequencing data. The target DEGs of m6A regulators in ECs, SMCs, fibroblasts, and Tregs were functionally annotated using the Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. In addition, the cellular interaction analysis was performed to reveal the receptor—ligand pairs regulated by m6A regulators. Pseudo-time trajectory analyses were performed and a ceRNA network of lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs was constructed in SMCs. Furthermore, the RNA transcriptome sequencing data for the SMCs isolated from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients (GSE144274) were validated for differentially expressed m6A regulators. Moreover, the HNRNPA2B1 levels in the lung samples from PAH patients and MCT-PAH were determined using immunohistochemistry. Results: The m6A regulators were observed to be dysregulated in PAH. HNRNPA2B1expression level was increased in the PASMCs of scRNAs and IPAH patients. The target DEGs of HNRNPA2B1 were enriched in the regulation of muscle cell differentiation and vasculature development in PASMCs. The HNRNPA2B1 expression levels determined were consistent with the proliferation-related and collagen synthesis-related gene COL4A1. Moreover, the predicted transcription factors (TFs) foxd2/3 and NFκB could be involved in the regulation of HNRNPA2B1. HNRNPA2B1 might be regulating SMCs proliferation and phenotypic transition via rno-miR-330–3p/TGFβR3 and rno-miR-125a-3p/slc39a1. In addition, HNRNPA2B1 was observed to be highly expressed in the lung samples from MCT-PAH rat models and patients with PAH. Conclusion: In summary, the present study identified certain key functional m6A regulators that are involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling. The investigation of m6A patterns might be promising and provide biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of PAH in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yingqun Ji
- *Correspondence: Yingqun Ji, ; Qiang Li,
| | - Qiang Li
- *Correspondence: Yingqun Ji, ; Qiang Li,
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29
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Rafikov R, Rischard F, Vasilyev M, Varghese MV, Yuan JXJ, Desai AA, Garcia JGN, Rafikova O. Cytokine profiling in pulmonary arterial hypertension: the role of redox homeostasis and sex. Transl Res 2022; 247:1-18. [PMID: 35405322 PMCID: PMC10062382 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease with a well-established sexual dimorphism. Activated inflammatory response and altered redox homeostasis, both known to manifest in a sex-specific manner, are implicated in the pathogenic mechanisms involved in PAH development. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sex and plasma redox status on circulating cytokine profiles. Plasma oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), as a substitute measure of redox status, was analyzed in male and female Group 1 PAH and healthy subjects. The profiles of 27 circulating cytokines were compared in 2 PAH groups exhibiting the highest and lowest quartile for plasma ORP, correlated with clinical parameters, and used to predict patient survival. The analysis of the PAH groups with the highest and lowest ORP revealed a correlation between elevated cytokine levels and increased oxidative stress in females. In contrast, in males, cytokine expressions were increased in the lower oxidative environment (except for IL-1b). Correlations of the increased cytokine expressions with PAH severity were highly sex-dependent and corresponded to the increase in PAH severity in males and less severe PAH in females. Machine learning algorithms trained on the combined cytokine and redox profiles allowed the prediction of PAH mortality with 80% accuracy. We conclude that the profile of circulating cytokines in PAH patients is redox- and sex-dependent, suggesting the vital need to stratify the patient cohort subjected to anti-inflammatory therapies. Combined cytokine and/or redox profiling showed promising value for predicting the patients' survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Rafikov
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Franz Rischard
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Mikhail Vasilyev
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Mathews V Varghese
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ankit A Desai
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Joe G N Garcia
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Olga Rafikova
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona.
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30
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Rodriguez-Arias JJ, García-Álvarez A. Sex Differences in Pulmonary Hypertension. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 2:727558. [PMID: 35822006 PMCID: PMC9261364 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.727558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) includes multiple diseases that share as common characteristic an elevated pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular involvement. Sex differences are observed in practically all causes of PH. The most studied type is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which presents a gender bias regarding its prevalence, prognosis, and response to treatment. Although this disease is more frequent in women, once affected they present a better prognosis compared to men. Even if estrogens seem to be the key to understand these differences, animal models have shown contradictory results leading to the birth of the estrogen paradox. In this review we will summarize the evidence regarding sex differences in experimental animal models and, very specially, in patients suffering from PAH or PH from other etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana García-Álvarez
- Cardiology Department, Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Madrid, Spain.,Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Peng H, Weng L, Lei S, Hou S, Yang S, Li M, Zhao D. Hypoxia-hindered methylation of PTGIS in endometrial stromal cells accelerates endometriosis progression by inducing CD16 - NK-cell differentiation. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:890-905. [PMID: 35781537 PMCID: PMC9356144 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00793-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostacyclin (PGI2) plays key roles in shaping the immune microenvironment and modulating vasodilation, whereas its contribution to endometriosis (EMs) remains largely unclear. Our study suggested that prostacyclin synthase (PTGIS)-dependent PGI2 signaling was significantly activated in EMs, which was involved in the hypoxic microenvironment of ectopic lesions and deficient methylation status of the PTGIS promoter. Notably, in vitro assays, hypoxia promoted PTGIS expression through DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-mediated DNA methylation deficiency in endometrial stromal cells (ESCs); PTGIS overexpression enhanced the adhesive ability of ESCs and led to elevated PGI2 production, and PGI2 triggered CD16− (encoded by FCGR3, Fc fragment of IgG receptor IIIa) natural killer (NK)-cell differentiation through PGI2 receptor (IP, PTGIR) in an ESC/NK-cell coculture system. Our rodent model experiment suggested that treatment with the PGI2 analog iloprost and adoptive transfer of fcgr3 knockout (fcgr3−/−) NK cells aggravated EMs progression and that genetic ablation of ptgis (ptgis−/−) in ectopic lesions and treatment with the PTGIR antagonist RO1138452 partially rescued this outcome. Thus, our findings identified the contribution of PGI2 to EMs progression via enhancement of the adhesive ability of ESCs and inhibition of the activity of NK cells. We hypothesized that PGI2 is a target for EMs intervention and provide a rationale for studying pharmacological PTGIR inhibition and PTGIS genetic depletion therapies as therapeutic strategies for EMs. Inhibiting the activity of a critical enzyme found overexpressed in endometriosis lesions could lead to novel therapeutics. Endometriosis affects around 10 per cent of women of reproductive age globally, yet the condition is poorly understood. Endometriosis lesions are known to be in a hypoxic, or low oxygen, state. Zhao Dong at Tongji University in Shanghai, China, and co-workers used human tissue samples and mouse models to determine the roles of a metabolite called prostacyclin (PGI2) and its catalytic enzyme (prostacyclin synthase, PTGIS) in endometriosis. PTGIS levels were significantly elevated in hypoxic endometrial cells, triggering the overproduction of PGI2. This PTGIS/PGI2 increase enhanced the adhesiveness of the cells, promoting survival of developing lesions. PGI2 overproduction also triggered abnormal differentiation of a specific group of immune cells called natural killer cells, disrupting the body’s immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Peng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lichun Weng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shating Lei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shuhui Hou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Shaoliang Yang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Mingqing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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32
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Immune Cells in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Heart Lung Circ 2022; 31:934-943. [PMID: 35361533 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and serious cardiopulmonary disease; it is characterised by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular remodelling accompanied by disordered endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation within pulmonary arterioles and arteries. Although recent reports have suggested that dysregulated immunity and inflammation are key players in PAH pathogenesis, their roles in PAH progression remain unclear. Intriguingly, altered host immune cell distribution, number, and polarisation within the lung arterial vasculature have been linked to disease development. This review mainly focusses on the roles of different immune cells in PAH and discusses the underlying mechanisms.
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33
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Liu Y, Shi JZ, Jiang R, Liu SF, He YY, van der Vorst EPC, Weber C, Döring Y, Yan Y. Regulatory T Cell-Related Gene Indicators in Pulmonary Hypertension. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:908783. [PMID: 35712711 PMCID: PMC9197497 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.908783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical immune modulators to maintain immune homeostasis and limit pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study was aimed to identify Treg-related genes (TRGs) in PH. Methods: The gene expression profile from lungs of PH patients was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The abundance of Tregs was estimated by the xCell algorithm, the correlation of which with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed. DEGs with a |Pearson correlation coefficient| >0.4 were identified as TRGs. Functional annotation and the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network were analyzed. A gene signature for 25 hub TRGs (TRGscore) was generated by a single sample scoring method to determine its accuracy to distinguish PH from control subjects. TRGs were validated in datasets of transcriptional profiling of PH cohorts and in lung tissues of experimental PH mice. Results: A total of 819 DEGs were identified in lungs of 58 PAH patients compared to that of 25 control subjects of dataset GSE117261. In total, 165 of all these DEGs were correlated with the abundance of Tregs and identified as TRGs, with 90 upregulated genes and 75 downregulated genes compared to that of control subjects. The upregulated TRGs were enriched in negative regulation of multiple pathways, such as cAMP-mediated signaling and I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling, and regulated by multiple genes encoding transcriptional factors including HIF1A. Furthermore, 25 hub genes categorized into three clusters out of 165 TRGs were derived, and we identified 27 potential drugs targeting 10 hub TRGs. The TRGscore based on 25 hub TRGs was higher in PH patients and could distinguish PH from control subjects (all AUC >0.7). Among them, 10 genes including NCF2, MNDA/Ifi211, HCK, FGR, CSF3R, AQP9, S100A8, G6PD/G6pdx, PGD, and TXNRD1 were significantly reduced in lungs of severe PH patients of dataset GSE24988 as well as in lungs of hypoxic PH mice compared to corresponding controls. Conclusion: Our finding will shed some light on the Treg-associated therapeutic targets in the progression of PH and emphasize on TRGscore as a novel indicator for PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun-Zhuo Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Department of Cardio-Pulmonary Circulation, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Fei Liu
- Institute of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yang-Yang He
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Emiel P C van der Vorst
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christian Weber
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Yvonne Döring
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Department of Angiology, Swiss Cardiovascular Center, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yi Yan
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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34
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Pulmonary hypertension reported with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a pharmacovigilance study. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:3093-3097. [DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03208-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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35
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Christou H, Khalil RA. Mechanisms of pulmonary vascular dysfunction in pulmonary hypertension and implications for novel therapies. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H702-H724. [PMID: 35213243 PMCID: PMC8977136 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00021.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious disease characterized by various degrees of pulmonary vasoconstriction and progressive fibroproliferative remodeling and inflammation of the pulmonary arterioles that lead to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular hypertrophy, and failure. Pulmonary vascular tone is regulated by a balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator mediators, and a shift in this balance to vasoconstriction is an important component of PH pathology, Therefore, the mainstay of current pharmacological therapies centers on pulmonary vasodilation methodologies that either enhance vasodilator mechanisms such as the NO-cGMP and prostacyclin-cAMP pathways and/or inhibit vasoconstrictor mechanisms such as the endothelin-1, cytosolic Ca2+, and Rho-kinase pathways. However, in addition to the increased vascular tone, many patients have a "fixed" component in their disease that involves altered biology of various cells in the pulmonary vascular wall, excessive pulmonary artery remodeling, and perivascular fibrosis and inflammation. Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) phenotypic switch from a contractile to a synthetic and proliferative phenotype is an important factor in pulmonary artery remodeling. Although current vasodilator therapies also have some antiproliferative effects on PASMCs, they are not universally successful in halting PH progression and increasing survival. Mild acidification and other novel approaches that aim to reverse the resident pulmonary vascular pathology and structural remodeling and restore a contractile PASMC phenotype could ameliorate vascular remodeling and enhance the responsiveness of PH to vasodilator therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Christou
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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36
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Frantz C, Cauvet A, Durand A, Gonzalez V, Pierre R, Do Cruzeiro M, Bailly K, Andrieu M, Orvain C, Avouac J, Ottaviani M, Thuillet R, Tu L, Guignabert C, Lucas B, Auffray C, Allanore Y. Driving Role of Interleukin-2-Related Regulatory CD4+ T Cell Deficiency in the Development of Lung Fibrosis and Vascular Remodeling in a Mouse Model of Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2022; 74:1387-1398. [PMID: 35255201 DOI: 10.1002/art.42111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by severe lung outcomes resulting in reduced life expectancy. Fra-2-transgenic mice offer the opportunity to decipher the relationships between the immune system and lung fibrosis. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the Fra-2-transgenic mouse lung phenotype may result from an imbalance between the effector and regulatory arms in the CD4+ T cell compartment. METHODS We first used multicolor flow cytometry to extensively characterize homeostasis and the phenotype of peripheral CD4+ T cells from Fra-2-transgenic mice and control mice. We then tested different treatments for their effectiveness in restoring CD4+ Treg cell homeostasis, including adoptive transfer of Treg cells and treatment with low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2). RESULTS Fra-2-transgenic mice demonstrated a marked decrease in the proportion and absolute number of peripheral Treg cells that preceded accumulation of activated, T helper cell type 2-polarized, CD4+ T cells. This defect in Treg cell homeostasis was derived from a combination of mechanisms including impaired generation of these cells in both the thymus and the periphery. The impaired ability of peripheral conventional CD4+ T cells to produce IL-2 may greatly contribute to Treg cell deficiency in Fra-2-transgenic mice. Notably, adoptive transfer of Treg cells, low-dose IL-2 therapy, or combination therapy changed the phenotype of Fra-2-transgenic mice, resulting in a significant reduction in pulmonary parenchymal fibrosis and vascular remodeling in the lungs. CONCLUSION Immunotherapies for restoring Treg cell homeostasis could be relevant in SSc. An intervention based on low-dose IL-2 injections, as is already proposed in other autoimmune diseases, could be the most suitable treatment modality for restoring Treg cell homeostasis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Frantz
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Anne Cauvet
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Durand
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | | | - Rémi Pierre
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | | | - Karine Bailly
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Muriel Andrieu
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Cindy Orvain
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Avouac
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Mina Ottaviani
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Thuillet
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Ly Tu
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, and Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Lucas
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Cédric Auffray
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Université de Paris, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, and Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
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37
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Tempol Preserves Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Male Mice with Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Exposure. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020327. [PMID: 35203535 PMCID: PMC8869086 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) exposure associates with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Major sex differences between males and females exist in epidemiology, pathophysiology, and outcome of CVDs. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a vital role in the development and progression of CVDs. PM exposure-induced reduction of EPCs is observed in male, not female, mice with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress. The lung is considered an important source of ROS in mice with PM exposure. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sex differences in pulmonary superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and ROS production, and to test the effect of SOD mimic Tempol on the populations of EPCs in mice with PM exposure. Both male and female C57BL/6 mice (8–10 weeks) were exposed to intranasal PM or vehicle for 6 weeks. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that PM exposure significantly decreased the levels of EPCs (CD34+/CD133+) in both blood and bone marrow with increased ROS production in males, but not in females. ELISA analysis showed higher levels of serum IL-6 and IL-1βin males than in females. Pulmonary expression of the antioxidant enzyme SOD1 was significantly decreased in males after PM exposure, but not in females. Administration of the SOD mimic Tempol in male mice with PM exposure attenuated the production of ROS and inflammatory cytokines, and preserved EPC levels. These data indicated that PM exposure-induced reduction of EPC population in male mice may be due to decreased expression of pulmonary SOD1 in male mice.
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Ho L, Hossen N, Nguyen T, Vo A, Ahsan F. Epigenetic Mechanisms as Emerging Therapeutic Targets and Microfluidic Chips Application in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010170. [PMID: 35052850 PMCID: PMC8773438 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that progress over time and is defined as an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance that frequently leads to right-ventricular (RV) failure and death. Epigenetic modifications comprising DNA methylation, histone remodeling, and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been established to govern chromatin structure and transcriptional responses in various cell types during disease development. However, dysregulation of these epigenetic mechanisms has not yet been explored in detail in the pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension and its progression with vascular remodeling and right-heart failure (RHF). Targeting epigenetic regulators including histone methylation, acetylation, or miRNAs offers many possible candidates for drug discovery and will no doubt be a tempting area to explore for PAH therapies. This review focuses on studies in epigenetic mechanisms including the writers, the readers, and the erasers of epigenetic marks and targeting epigenetic regulators or modifiers for treatment of PAH and its complications described as RHF. Data analyses from experimental cell models and animal induced PAH models have demonstrated that significant changes in the expression levels of multiple epigenetics modifiers such as HDMs, HDACs, sirtuins (Sirt1 and Sirt3), and BRD4 correlate strongly with proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis linked to the pathological vascular remodeling during PAH development. The reversible characteristics of protein methylation and acetylation can be applied for exploring small-molecule modulators such as valproic acid (HDAC inhibitor) or resveratrol (Sirt1 activator) in different preclinical models for treatment of diseases including PAH and RHF. This review also presents to the readers the application of microfluidic devices to study sex differences in PAH pathophysiology, as well as for epigenetic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Ho
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (F.A.); Tel.: +1-916-686-7370 (L.H.); +1-916-686-3529 (F.A.)
| | - Nazir Hossen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
| | - Trieu Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
- East Bay Institute for Research & Education (EBIRE), Mather, CA 95655, USA
| | - Au Vo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Fakhrul Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA; (N.H.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: (L.H.); (F.A.); Tel.: +1-916-686-7370 (L.H.); +1-916-686-3529 (F.A.)
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xu C, Yu J. Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Hypertension Development Induced by Fructose Consumption. Food Funct 2022; 13:1702-1717. [DOI: 10.1039/d1fo03381f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
During the past several decades, there has been a dramatic increase in fructose consumption worldwide in parallel with epidemics of metabolic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested that excessive fructose consumption...
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40
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Perros F, Humbert M, Dorfmüller P. Smouldering fire or conflagration? An illustrated update on the concept of inflammation in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/210161. [PMID: 34937704 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0161-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition that is characterised by a progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistances that leads to right ventricular failure and death, if untreated. The underlying narrowing of the pulmonary vasculature relies on several independent and interdependent biological pathways, such as genetic predisposition and epigenetic changes, imbalance of vasodilating and vasoconstrictive mediators, as well as dysimmunity and inflammation that will trigger endothelial dysfunction, smooth muscle cell proliferation, fibroblast activation and collagen deposition. Progressive constriction of the pulmonary vasculature, in turn, initiates and sustains hypertrophic and maladaptive myocardial remodelling of the right ventricle. In this review, we focus on the role of inflammation and dysimmunity in PAH which is generally accepted today, although existing PAH-specific medical therapies still lack targeted immune-modulating approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Perros
- Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France.,Paris-Porto Pulmonary Hypertension Collaborative Laboratory (3PH), INSERM, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Humbert
- Université Paris-Saclay, School of Medicine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,INSERM UMR S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Dept of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Center, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Peter Dorfmüller
- Institut für Pathologie, Universitätklinikum Giessen und Marburg, Giessen, Germany .,Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung (DZL), Giessen, Germany
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41
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Cheron C, McBride SA, Antigny F, Girerd B, Chouchana M, Chaumais MC, Jaïs X, Bertoletti L, Sitbon O, Weatherald J, Humbert M, Montani D. Sex and gender in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir Rev 2021; 30:30/162/200330. [PMID: 34750113 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0330-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterised by pulmonary vascular remodelling and elevated pulmonary pressure, which eventually leads to right heart failure and death. Registries worldwide have noted a female predominance of the disease, spurring particular interest in hormonal involvement in the disease pathobiology. Several experimental models have shown both protective and deleterious effects of oestrogens, suggesting that complex mechanisms participate in PAH pathogenesis. In fact, oestrogen metabolites as well as receptors and enzymes implicated in oestrogen signalling pathways and associated conditions such as BMPR2 mutation contribute to PAH penetrance more specifically in women. Conversely, females have better right ventricular function, translating to a better prognosis. Along with right ventricular adaptation, women tend to respond to PAH treatment differently from men. As some young women suffer from PAH, contraception is of particular importance, considering that pregnancy in patients with PAH is strongly discouraged due to high risk of death. When contraception measures fail, pregnant women need a multidisciplinary team-based approach. This article aims to review epidemiology, mechanisms underlying the higher female predominance, but better prognosis and the intricacies in management of women affected by PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Cheron
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Susan Ainslie McBride
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Dept of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Fabrice Antigny
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Barbara Girerd
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Margot Chouchana
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pharmacie Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Marie-Camille Chaumais
- Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France.,Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pharmacie Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie, Chatenay Malabry, France
| | - Xavier Jaïs
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Laurent Bertoletti
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Service de Médecine Vasculaire et Thérapeutique, Saint-Etienne, France.,INSERM U1059 et CIC1408, Université Jean-Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Olivier Sitbon
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - Jason Weatherald
- Division of Respirology, Dept of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Marc Humbert
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
| | - David Montani
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France .,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service de Pneumologie et Soins Intensifs Respiratoires, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Inserm UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis Robinson, France
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42
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Han Z, Li X, Cui X, Yuan H, Wang H. The roles of immune system and autoimmunity in pulmonary arterial hypertension: A Review. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2021; 72:102094. [PMID: 34740751 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic disease characterized by increased pulmonary artery pressure which if left untreated, can lead to poor quality of life and ultimately death. It is a group of conditions and includes idiopathic PAH, familial/hereditary PAH and associated PAH. The condition has been studied for many years and its association with the immune system and in particular autoimmunity has been investigated. The mechanisms for the pathobiology of PAH are unclear although research has highlighted the role of adaptive and innate immune systems in its development. Diagnostics and therapeutic approaches range from cytokine treatments to the use of immunomodulating drugs, although there is still scope for improvements in the field. This article discusses the mechanisms linked to PAH, its association with other conditions and recent therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Han
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou 261400, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiujuan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou 261400,Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiuli Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou 261400,Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongjuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou 261400,Shandong Province, China
| | - Haiping Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Laizhou People's Hospital, Laizhou 261400,Shandong Province, China.
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43
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Lu Y, Xia N, Cheng X. Regulatory T Cells in Chronic Heart Failure. Front Immunol 2021; 12:732794. [PMID: 34630414 PMCID: PMC8493934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.732794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a global problem with high hospitalization and mortality rates. Inflammation and immune dysfunction are involved in this disease. Owing to their unique function, regulatory T cells (Tregs) have reacquired attention recently. They participate in immunoregulation and tissue repair in the pathophysiology of heart failure. Tregs are beneficial in heart by suppressing excessive inflammatory responses and promoting stable scar formation in the early stage of heart injury. However, in chronic heart failure, the phenotypes and functions of Tregs changed. They transformed into an antiangiogenic and profibrotic cell type. In this review, we summarized the functions of Tregs in the development of chronic heart failure first. Then, we focused on the interactions between Tregs and their target cells. The target cells of Tregs include immune cells (such as monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells) and parenchymal cells (such as cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells). Next-generation sequencing and gene editing technology make immunotherapy of heart failure possible. So, prospective therapeutic approaches based on Tregs in chronic heart failure had also been evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ni Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy of the Ministry of Education, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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44
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Shu T, Xing Y, Wang J. Autoimmunity in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Evidence for Local Immunoglobulin Production. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:680109. [PMID: 34621794 PMCID: PMC8490641 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.680109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive life-threatening disease. The notion that autoimmunity is associated with PAH is widely recognized by the observations that patients with connective tissue diseases or virus infections are more susceptible to PAH. However, growing evidence supports that the patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) with no autoimmune diseases also have auto-antibodies. Anti-inflammatory therapy shows less help in decreasing auto-antibodies, therefore, elucidating the process of immunoglobulin production is in great need. Maladaptive immune response in lung tissues is considered implicating in the local auto-antibodies production in patients with IPAH. In this review, we will discuss the specific cell types involved in the lung in situ immune response, the potential auto-antigens, and the contribution of local immunoglobulin production in PAH development, providing a theoretical basis for drug development and precise treatment in patients with PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjiang Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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45
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Tian W, Jiang SY, Jiang X, Tamosiuniene R, Kim D, Guan T, Arsalane S, Pasupneti S, Voelkel NF, Tang Q, Nicolls MR. The Role of Regulatory T Cells in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684657. [PMID: 34489935 PMCID: PMC8418274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic, incurable condition characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, perivascular inflammation, and right heart failure. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) stave off autoimmunity, and there is increasing evidence for their compromised activity in the inflammatory milieu of PAH. Abnormal Treg function is strongly correlated with a predisposition to PAH in animals and patients. Athymic Treg-depleted rats treated with SU5416, an agent causing pulmonary vascular injury, develop PAH, which is prevented by infusing missing CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ Tregs. Abnormal Treg activity may also explain why PAH disproportionately affects women more than men. This mini review focuses on the role of Tregs in PAH with a special view to sexual dimorphism and the future promise of Treg therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Tian
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Shirley Y Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Xinguo Jiang
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Rasa Tamosiuniene
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Dongeon Kim
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Torrey Guan
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Siham Arsalane
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Shravani Pasupneti
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Norbert F Voelkel
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Qizhi Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mark R Nicolls
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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46
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Role of the Immune System Elements in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163757. [PMID: 34442052 PMCID: PMC8397145 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a relatively rare disease, but, today, its incidence tends to increase. The severe course of the disease and poor patient survival rate make PAH a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. For this reason, a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease is essential to facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic targets. Research shows that the development of PAH is characterized by a number of abnormalities within the immune system that greatly affect the progression of the disease. In this review, we present key data on the regulated function of immune cells, released cytokines and immunoregulatory molecules in the development of PAH, to help improve diagnosis and targeted immunotherapy.
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47
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Mansueto G, Di Napoli M, Campobasso CP, Slevin M. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from autopsy study: T-cells, B-cells and mastocytes detection as morphological evidence of immunologically mediated pathogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 225:153552. [PMID: 34352438 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by severe vascular remodelling, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the diagnosis of PAH is often inaccurate. Many cases of PAH are incorrectly diagnosed or missed, and they are often associated with death. The aim of this study was to verify the morphological and histological criteria of fatal cases of PAH and evaluate the lymphocytic populations associated to lesions with reactive neo-angiogenesis. METHODS Pulmonary lung sections from 10 cases of sudden unexpected death (SUD) in the absence of previously diagnosed diseases and in an apparent state of well-being, with final histological post autopsy diagnosis of PAH were collected. The pathological findings were compared using ten controls from non-pathological lung from deaths from other causes. The autopsies included 4 males (40%) and 6 females (60%) with an average age of 52.1 ± 10.1 years. Sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were revised for a morphological diagnosis. Subsequently, serial sections were performed and stained with immunohistochemistry for anti-CD20 (B-lymphocytes), anti-CD3 (T-lymphocytes), anti-CD4 (T-helper lumphocytes), anti-CD8 (T-cytotoxic lymphocytes) and anti-CD117/C-Kit (mast cells/MCs) to detect inflammatory infiltrate and different ratios of cell-type. Statistical analysis was conducted using a paired t-test looking at 100 cells in 3 different tissue samples representative of vascular lesion and 3 different random normal lung parenchyma fields without lesion (from 10 normal control lungs), to identify specific lymphocyte subpopulations in inflammatory infiltrates. RESULTS There was a significant percentage increase of CD20 (p < 0.001), CD8 (p = 0.002), CD4 (p < 0.001), and CD117/C-Kit positive (C-Kit+; p < 0.001) cells mainly detected around wall vessels; while increased MCs positivity and C-Kit+ were observed especially in alveolar septa. In addition, reactive angiomatosis was observed. CONCLUSIONS The inflammatory infiltrate should be included for a correct diagnosis of PAH besides the vascular remodelling. The inflammatory infiltrate seems to be implicated as a main factor in the pathogenesis. This finding is important to rule out secondary pulmonary hypertension, to identify SUDs of unknown causes and to add new elements to the literature that can explain the immunologically related pathogenesis of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and SurgicalSciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"; Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Neurological Service, SS Annunziata Hospital, Viale Mazzini 100 Sulmona, 67039 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Carlo Pietro Campobasso
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mark Slevin
- Departmentof Life Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom; University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Scienceand Technology, W1G 7ET Târgu Mures, Romania.
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48
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Norlander AE, Peebles RS. Prostaglandin I 2 and T Regulatory Cell Function: Broader Impacts. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:1231-1234. [PMID: 34265210 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T regulatory cells (Tregs) are an important member of the adaptive immune system and function to reduce and resolve inflammation. Prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) is a lipid mediator that has potent anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells. Several studies have investigated the interplay between PGI2 and Tregs. Together, the data from these studies demonstrate that PGI2 promotes the formation and function of Tregs. This suggests that therapeutic supplementation of PGI2 may be a treatment for various autoimmune or inflammatory diseases through enhancement of Treg function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E Norlander
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R Stokes Peebles
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Research Service, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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49
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Liu X, Xiao Y, Zhu Q, Cui Y, Hao H, Wang M, Cowan PJ, Korthuis RJ, Li G, Sun Q, Liu Z. Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells Are Preserved in Female Mice Exposed to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Independent of Estrogen. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137200. [PMID: 34281260 PMCID: PMC8268796 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Males have a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than females. Ambient fine particulate matter (PM) exposure increases CVD risk with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are important to vascular structure and function and can contribute to the development of CVDs. The aims of the present study were to determine if sex differences exist in the effect of PM exposure on circulating EPCs in mice and, if so, whether oxidative stress plays a role. Male and female C57BL/6 mice (8–10 weeks old) were exposed to PM or a vehicle control for six weeks. ELISA analysis showed that PM exposure substantially increased the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-1β in both males and females, but the concentrations were significantly higher in males. PM exposure only increased the serum levels of TNF-α in males. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that ROS production was significantly increased by PM treatment in males but not in females. Similarly, the level of circulating EPCs (CD34+/CD133+ and Sca-1+/Flk-1+) was significantly decreased by PM treatment in males but not in females. Antioxidants N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively prevented PM exposure-induced ROS and inflammatory cytokine production and restored circulating EPC levels in male mice. In sharp contrast, circulating EPC levels remained unchanged in female mice with PM exposure, an effect that was not altered by ovariectomy. In conclusion, PM exposure selectively decreased the circulating EPC population in male mice via increased oxidative stress without a significant impact on circulating EPCs in females independent of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyou Liu
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Yichao Xiao
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
| | - Qingyi Zhu
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
| | - Yuqi Cui
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
| | - Hong Hao
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
| | - Meifang Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Peter J. Cowan
- Immunology Research Centre, Department of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3065, Australia;
| | - Ronald J. Korthuis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery and Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA;
| | - Qinghua Sun
- College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA; (X.L.); (Y.X.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.); (H.H.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-573-884-3278
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50
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Qin S, Predescu D, Carman B, Patel P, Chen J, Kim M, Lahm T, Geraci M, Predescu SA. Up-Regulation of the Long Noncoding RNA X-Inactive-Specific Transcript and the Sex Bias in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:1135-1150. [PMID: 33836164 PMCID: PMC8176134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a sex-biased disease. Increased expression and activity of the long-noncoding RNA X-inactive-specific transcript (Xist), essential for X-chromosome inactivation and dosage compensation of X-linked genes, may explain the sex bias of PAH. The present studies used a murine model of plexiform PAH, the intersectin-1s (ITSN) heterozygous knockout (KOITSN+/-) mouse transduced with an ITSN fragment (EHITSN) possessing endothelial cell proliferative activity, in conjunction with molecular, cell biology, biochemical, morphologic, and functional approaches. The data demonstrate significant sex-centered differences with regard to EHITSN-induced alterations in pulmonary artery remodeling, lung hemodynamics, and p38/ETS domain containing protein/c-Fos signaling, altogether leading to a more severe female lung PAH phenotype. Moreover, the long-noncoding RNA-Xist is up-regulated in the lungs of female EHITSN-KOITSN+/- mice compared with that in female wild-type mice, leading to sex-specific modulation of the X-linked gene ETS domain containing protein and its target, two molecular events also characteristic to female human PAH lung. More importantly, cyclin A1 expression in the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle of synchronized pulmonary artery endothelial cells of female PAH patients is greater versus controls, suggesting functional hyperproliferation. Thus, Xist up-regulation leading to female pulmonary artery endothelial cell sexual dimorphic behavior may provide a better understanding of the origin of sex bias in PAH. Notably, the EHITSN-KOITSN+/- mouse is a unique experimental animal model of PAH that recapitulates most of the sexually dimorphic characteristics of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Qin
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Quantitative Data Science Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dan Predescu
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Quantitative Data Science Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brandon Carman
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Quantitative Data Science Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Priyam Patel
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jiwang Chen
- Pulmonary Critical Care Sleep and Occupational Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Miran Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tim Lahm
- Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark Geraci
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sanda A Predescu
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois.
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