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Zhang Y, Deng D, Huang Q, Wu J, Xiang Y, Ou B. Serum microRNA-125b-5p expression in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy combined with heart failure and its effect on myocardial fibrosis. SCAND CARDIOVASC J 2024; 58:2373083. [PMID: 39024033 DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2024.2373083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper was performed to decipher the serum microRNA (miR)-125b-5p expression in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) combined with heart failure (HF) and its effect on myocardial fibrosis. METHODS Serum miR-125b-5p expression, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, LVFS, and NT-proBNP levels were evaluated in clinical samples. A rat DCM model was established by continuous intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin and treated with miR-125b-5p agomir and its negative control. Cardiac function, serum TNF-α, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP levels, pathological changes in myocardial tissues, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and the expression levels of miR-125b-5p and fibrosis-related factors were detected in rats. RESULTS In comparison to the control group, the case group had higher levels of LVEDD, LVESD, and NT-pro-BNP, and lower levels of LVEF, LVFS, and miR-125b-5p expression levels. Overexpression of miR-125b-5p effectively led to the improvement of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen arrangement disorder in DCM rats, the reduction of blue-stained collagen fibers in the interstitial myocardium, the reduction of the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP and the expression levels of TGF-1β, Collagen I, and α-SMA, and the reduction of the number of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION Overexpression of miR-125b-5p is effective in ameliorating myocardial fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Animals
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Apoptosis
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/blood
- Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology
- Case-Control Studies
- Circulating MicroRNA/blood
- Circulating MicroRNA/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fibrosis
- Heart Failure/blood
- Heart Failure/genetics
- Heart Failure/metabolism
- Heart Failure/pathology
- MicroRNAs/blood
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Myocardium/pathology
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood
- Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/genetics
- Peptide Fragments/blood
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Stroke Volume
- Ventricular Function, Left
- Ventricular Remodeling
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Daqing Deng
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Quan Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jiaru Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi Xiang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Boqing Ou
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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2
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Fatehi Hassanabad A, Zarzycki AN, Patel VB, Fedak PWM. Current concepts in the epigenetic regulation of cardiac fibrosis. Cardiovasc Pathol 2024; 73:107673. [PMID: 38996851 DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a significant driver of congestive heart failure, a syndrome that continues to affect a growing patient population globally. Cardiac fibrosis results from a constellation of complex processes at the transcription, receptor, and signaling axes levels. Various mediators and signaling cascades, such as the transformation growth factor-beta pathway, have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiac tissue fibrosis. Our understanding of these markers and pathways has improved in recent years as more advanced technologies and assays have been developed, allowing for better delineation of the crosstalk between specific factors. There is mounting evidence suggesting that epigenetic modulation plays a pivotal role in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Transcriptional regulation of key pro- and antifibrotic pathways can accentuate or blunt the rate and extent of fibrosis at the tissue level. Exosomes, micro-RNAs, and long noncoding RNAs all belong to factors that can impact the epigenetic signature in cardiac fibrosis. Herein, we comprehensively review the latest literature about exosomes, their contents, and cardiac fibrosis. In doing so, we highlight the specific transcriptional factors with pro- or antifibrotic properties. We also assimilate the data supporting these mediators' potential utility as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. Finally, we offer insight into where further work can be done to fill existing gaps to translate preclinical findings better and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Fatehi Hassanabad
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Science, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna N Zarzycki
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Science, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vaibhav B Patel
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Section of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiac Science, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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3
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Chen C, Wang J, Zhang S, Zhu X, Hu J, Liu C, Liu L. Epigenetic regulation of diverse regulated cell death modalities in cardiovascular disease: Insights into necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis. Redox Biol 2024; 76:103321. [PMID: 39186883 PMCID: PMC11388786 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103321] [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: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell death constitutes a critical component of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. A growing array of non-apoptotic forms of regulated cell death (RCD)-such as necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and cuproptosis-has been identified and is intimately linked to various cardiovascular conditions. These forms of RCD are governed by genetically programmed mechanisms within the cell, with epigenetic modifications being a common and crucial regulatory method. Such modifications include DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone methylation, histone acetylation, and non-coding RNAs. This review recaps the roles of DNA methylation, RNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs in cardiovascular diseases, as well as the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications regulate key proteins involved in cell death. Furthermore, we systematically catalog the existing epigenetic pharmacological agents targeting novel forms of RCD and their mechanisms of action in cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to underscore the pivotal role of epigenetic modifications in precisely regulating specific pathways of novel RCD in cardiovascular diseases, thus offering potential new therapeutic avenues that may prove more effective and safer than traditional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Xueying Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Lanchun Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
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4
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Long M, Cheng M. Small extracellular vesicles associated miRNA in myocardial fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 727:150336. [PMID: 38959731 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150336] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis involves the loss of cardiomyocytes, myocardial fibroblast proliferation, and a reduction in angiogenesis, ultimately leading to heart failure, Given its significant implications, it is crucial to explore novel therapies for myocardial fibrosis. Recently one emerging avenue has been the use of small extracellular vesicles (sEV)-carried miRNA. In this review, we summarize the regulatory role of sEV-carried miRNA in myocardial fibrosis. We explored not only the potential diagnostic value of circulating miRNA as biomarkers for heart disease but also the therapeutic implications of sEV-carried miRNA derived from various cellular sources and applications of modified sEV. This exploration is paramount for researchers striving to develop innovative, cell-free therapies as potential drug candidates for the management of myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwen Long
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Zhou Y, Jian N, Jiang C, Wang J. m 6A modification in non-coding RNAs: Mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications in fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 179:117331. [PMID: 39191030 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117331] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most prevalent and reversible forms of RNA methylation, with increasing evidence indicating its critical role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. m6A catalyzes messenger RNA(mRNA) as well as regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs. This modification modulates ncRNA fate and cell functions in various bioprocesses, including ncRNA splicing, maturity, export, and stability. Key m6A regulators, including writers, erasers, and readers, have been reported to modify the ncRNAs involved in fibrogenesis. NcRNAs affect fibrosis progression by targeting m6A regulators. The interactions between m6A and ncRNAs can influence multiple cellular life activities. In this review, we discuss the impact of the interaction between m6A modifications and ncRNAs on the pathological mechanisms of fibrosis, revealing the possibility of these interactions as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhou
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Ni Jian
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Canhua Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
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6
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Hao Y, Li B, Yin F, Liu W. tRNA-derived small RNA (tsr007330) regulates myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction through NAT10-mediated ac4C acetylation of EGR3 mRNA. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167267. [PMID: 38810917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167267] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Small non-coding ribonucleic acids (sncRNAs) play an important role in cell regulation and are closely related to the pathogenesis of heart diseases. However, the role and molecular mechanism of transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction (MI) remain unknown. In this study, we identified and validated sncRNAs (mainly miRNA and tsRNA) associated with myocardial fibrosis after MI through PANDORA sequencing of rat myocardial tissue. As a key enzyme of N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) acetylation modification, N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) plays an important role in regulating messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation efficiency. We found that NAT10 is highly expressed in infarcted myocardial tissue, and the results of acetylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (acRIP-seq) analysis suggest that early growth response 3 (EGR3) may be an important molecule in the pathogenesis of NAT10-mediated myocardial fibrosis. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that inhibition of NAT10 can reduce the expression of EGR3 and alleviate myocardial fibrosis after MI. tsRNA can participate in gene regulation by inhibiting target genes. The expression of tsr007330 was decreased in myocardial infarction tissue. We found that overexpression of tsr007330 in rat myocardial tissue could antagonize NAT10, improve myocardial function in MI and alleviate myocardial fibrosis. In conclusion, tsRNAs (rno-tsr007330) may regulate the occurrence of myocardial fibrosis by regulating NAT10-mediated EGR3 mRNA acetylation. This study provides new insights into the improvement of myocardial fibrosis after MI by targeting tsRNA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hao
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China; Department of Cardiology, the fourth affiliated hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Bohan Li
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Feiya Yin
- University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Wei Liu
- Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China; Department of Geriatric Cardiovascular Division, Guangdong Provincial Geriatrics Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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7
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Silva ED, Pereira-Sousa D, Ribeiro-Costa F, Cerqueira R, Enguita FJ, Gomes RN, Dias-Ferreira J, Pereira C, Castanheira A, Pinto-do-Ó P, Leite-Moreira AF, Nascimento DS. Pericardial Fluid Accumulates microRNAs That Regulate Heart Fibrosis after Myocardial Infarction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8329. [PMID: 39125899 PMCID: PMC11313565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158329] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericardial fluid (PF) has been suggested as a reservoir of molecular targets that can be modulated for efficient repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Here, we set out to address the content of this biofluid after MI, namely in terms of microRNAs (miRs) that are important modulators of the cardiac pathological response. PF was collected during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) from two MI cohorts, patients with non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) and patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI), and a control group composed of patients with stable angina and without previous history of MI. The PF miR content was analyzed by small RNA sequencing, and its biological effect was assessed on human cardiac fibroblasts. PF accumulates fibrotic and inflammatory molecules in STEMI patients, namely causing the soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST-2), which inversely correlates with the left ventricle ejection fraction. Although the PF of the three patient groups induce similar levels of fibroblast-to-myofibroblast activation in vitro, RNA sequencing revealed that PF from STEMI patients is particularly enriched not only in pro-fibrotic miRs but also anti-fibrotic miRs. Among those, miR-22-3p was herein found to inhibit TGF-β-induced human cardiac fibroblast activation in vitro. PF constitutes an attractive source for screening diagnostic/prognostic miRs and for unveiling novel therapeutic targets in cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa D. Silva
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Pereira-Sousa
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Centre (ICRC), St. Anne’s Hospital, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco Ribeiro-Costa
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Cerqueira
- Cardiovascular R&D Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (R.C.)
| | - Francisco J. Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Rita N. Gomes
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Dias-Ferreira
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cassilda Pereira
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research (TBIO)/Health Research Network (RISE-Health), ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Chemical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Health (ESS), Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Castanheira
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INL—International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
| | - Perpétua Pinto-do-Ó
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Adelino F. Leite-Moreira
- Cardiovascular R&D Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal; (R.C.)
| | - Diana S. Nascimento
- i3S—Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.D.S.); (F.R.-C.); (R.N.G.); (J.D.-F.); (C.P.); (A.C.); (P.P.-d.-Ó.)
- ICBAS—Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Xing X, Rodeo SA. Emerging roles of non-coding RNAs in fibroblast to myofibroblast transition and fibrotic diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1423045. [PMID: 39114349 PMCID: PMC11303237 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1423045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts (FMT) represents a pivotal process in wound healing, tissue repair, and fibrotic diseases. This intricate transformation involves dynamic changes in cellular morphology, gene expression, and extracellular matrix remodeling. While extensively studied at the molecular level, recent research has illuminated the regulatory roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in orchestrating FMT. This review explores the emerging roles of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in regulating this intricate process. NcRNAs interface with key signaling pathways, transcription factors, and epigenetic mechanisms to fine-tune gene expression during FMT. Their functions are critical in maintaining tissue homeostasis, and disruptions in these regulatory networks have been linked to pathological fibrosis across various tissues. Understanding the dynamic roles of ncRNAs in FMT bears therapeutic promise. Targeting specific ncRNAs holds potential to mitigate exaggerated myofibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. However, challenges in delivery and specificity of ncRNA-based therapies remain. In summary, ncRNAs emerge as integral regulators in the symphony of FMT, orchestrating the balance between quiescent fibroblasts and activated myofibroblasts. As research advances, these ncRNAs appear to be prospects for innovative therapeutic strategies, offering hope in taming the complexities of fibrosis and restoring tissue equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewu Xing
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Orthopedic Soft Tissue Research Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, United States
| | - Scott A. Rodeo
- Orthopedic Soft Tissue Research Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Prieto‐Vila M, Yoshioka Y, Kuriyama N, Okamura A, Yamamoto Y, Muranaka A, Ochiya T. Adult cardiomyocytes-derived EVs for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12461. [PMID: 38940266 PMCID: PMC11211925 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12461] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological feature of cardiovascular diseases that arises from the hyperactivation of fibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, leading to impaired cardiac function and potentially heart failure or arrhythmia. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cardiomyocytes (CMs) regulate various physiological functions essential for myocardial homeostasis, which are disrupted in cardiac disease. Therefore, healthy CM-derived EVs represent a promising cell-free therapy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis. To this end, we optimized the culture conditions of human adult CMs to obtain a large yield of EVs without compromising cellular integrity by using a defined combination of small molecules. EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and their characteristics were analysed. Finally, their effect on fibrosis was tested. Treatment of TGFβ-activated human cardiac fibroblasts with EVs derived from CMs using our culture system resulted in a decrease in fibroblast activation markers and ECM accumulation. The rescued phenotype was associated with specific EV cargo, including multiple myocyte-specific and antifibrotic microRNAs, although their effect individually was not as effective as the EV treatment. Notably, pathway analysis showed that EV treatment reverted the transcription of activated fibroblasts and decreased several signalling pathways, including MAPK, mTOR, JAK/STAT, TGFβ, and PI3K/Akt, all of which are involved in fibrosis development. Intracardiac injection of CM-derived EVs in an animal model of cardiac fibrosis reduced fibrotic area and increased angiogenesis, which correlated with improved cardiac function. These findings suggest that EVs derived from human adult CMs may offer a targeted and effective treatment for cardiac fibrosis, owing to their antifibrotic properties and the specificity of cargo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Prieto‐Vila
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Yusuke Yoshioka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Naoya Kuriyama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
- Department of Vascular SurgeryAsahikawa Medical UniversityAsahikawaHokkaidoJapan
| | - Akihiko Okamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
- Department of Cardiovascular MedicineNara Medical UniversityNaraJapan
| | - Yusuke Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Integrative OncologyNational Cancer Center Research InstituteTokyoJapan
| | - Asao Muranaka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Department of Molecular and Cellular MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityTokyoJapan
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10
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Tudurachi BS, Anghel L, Tudurachi A, Sascău RA, Zanfirescu RL, Stătescu C. Unraveling the Cardiac Matrix: From Diabetes to Heart Failure, Exploring Pathways and Potential Medications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1314. [PMID: 38927520 PMCID: PMC11201699 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) often leads to heart failure (HF) through acute or chronic maladaptive remodeling processes. This establishes coronary artery disease (CAD) and HF as significant contributors to cardiovascular illness and death. Therefore, treatment strategies for patients with CAD primarily focus on preventing MI and lessening the impact of HF after an MI event. Myocardial fibrosis, characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, is central to cardiac remodeling. Understanding these processes is key to identifying new treatment targets. Recent studies highlight SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) as favorable options in managing type 2 diabetes due to their low hypoglycemic risk and cardiovascular benefits. This review explores inflammation's role in cardiac fibrosis and evaluates emerging anti-diabetic medications' effectiveness, such as SGLT2i, GLP1-RAs, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i), in preventing fibrosis in patients with diabetes post-acute MI. Recent studies were analyzed to identify effective medications in reducing fibrosis risk in these patients. By addressing these areas, we can advance our understanding of the potential benefits of anti-diabetic medications in reducing cardiac fibrosis post-MI and improve patient outcomes in individuals with diabetes at risk of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan-Sorin Tudurachi
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (B.-S.T.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (A.T.); (R.-L.Z.)
| | - Larisa Anghel
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (B.-S.T.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (A.T.); (R.-L.Z.)
| | - Andreea Tudurachi
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (A.T.); (R.-L.Z.)
| | - Radu Andy Sascău
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (B.-S.T.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (A.T.); (R.-L.Z.)
| | - Răzvan-Liviu Zanfirescu
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (A.T.); (R.-L.Z.)
- Physiology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Stătescu
- Internal Medicine Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (B.-S.T.); (R.A.S.); (C.S.)
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I. M. Georgescu”, 700503 Iasi, Romania; (A.T.); (R.-L.Z.)
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11
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Chang W, Xiao D, Fang X, Wang J. Oxidative modification of miR-30c promotes cardiac fibroblast proliferation via CDKN2C mismatch. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13085. [PMID: 38849466 PMCID: PMC11161483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63635-2] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The response of cardiac fibroblast proliferation to detrimental stimuli is one of the main pathological factors causing heart remodeling. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. In vivo, we examined the oxidative modification of miRNAs with miRNA immunoprecipitation with O8G in animal models of cardiac fibrosis induced by Ang II injection or ischemia‒reperfusion injury. Furthermore, in vitro, we constructed oxidation-modified miR-30c and investigated its effects on the proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, luciferase reporter assays were used to identify the target of oxidized miR-30c. We found that miR-30c oxidation was modified by Ang II and PDGF treatment and mediated by excess ROS. We demonstrated that oxidative modification of G to O8G occurred at positions 4 and 5 of the 5' end of miR-30c (4,5-oxo-miR-30c), and this modification promoted cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Furthermore, CDKN2C is a negative regulator of cardiac fibroblast proliferation. 4,5-oxo-miR-30c misrecognizes CDKN2C mRNA, resulting in a reduction in protein expression. Oxidized miR-30c promotes cardiac fibroblast proliferation by mismatch mRNA of CDKN2C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Chang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Institute for Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dandan Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianxun Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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12
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Li Z, Williams H, Jackson ML, Johnson JL, George SJ. WISP-1 Regulates Cardiac Fibrosis by Promoting Cardiac Fibroblasts' Activation and Collagen Processing. Cells 2024; 13:989. [PMID: 38891121 PMCID: PMC11172092 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110989] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertension induces cardiac fibrotic remodelling characterised by the phenotypic switching of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and collagen deposition. We tested the hypothesis that Wnt1-inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) promotes CFs' phenotypic switch, type I collagen synthesis, and in vivo fibrotic remodelling. The treatment of human CFs (HCFs, n = 16) with WISP-1 (500 ng/mL) induced a phenotypic switch (α-smooth muscle actin-positive) and type I procollagen cleavage to an intermediate form of collagen (pC-collagen) in conditioned media after 24h, facilitating collagen maturation. WISP-1-induced collagen processing was mediated by Akt phosphorylation via integrin β1, and disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 2 (ADAMTS-2). WISP-1 wild-type (WISP-1+/+) mice and WISP-1 knockout (WISP-1-/-) mice (n = 5-7) were subcutaneously infused with angiotensin II (AngII, 1000 ng/kg/min) for 28 days. Immunohistochemistry revealed the deletion of WISP-1 attenuated type I collagen deposition in the coronary artery perivascular area compared to WISP-1+/+ mice after a 28-day AngII infusion, and therefore, the deletion of WISP-1 attenuated AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrated WISP-1 is a critical mediator in cardiac fibrotic remodelling, by promoting CFs' activation via the integrin β1-Akt signalling pathway, and induced collagen processing and maturation via ADAMTS-2. Thereby, the modulation of WISP-1 levels could provide potential therapeutic targets in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Li
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; (Z.L.); (H.W.); (M.L.J.); (J.L.J.)
| | - Helen Williams
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; (Z.L.); (H.W.); (M.L.J.); (J.L.J.)
| | - Molly L. Jackson
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; (Z.L.); (H.W.); (M.L.J.); (J.L.J.)
| | - Jason L. Johnson
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; (Z.L.); (H.W.); (M.L.J.); (J.L.J.)
| | - Sarah J. George
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; (Z.L.); (H.W.); (M.L.J.); (J.L.J.)
- Bristol Heart Institute, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin St, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
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13
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Chen X, Cao Y, Guo Y, Liu J, Ye X, Li H, Zhang L, Feng W, Xian S, Yang Z, Wang L, Wang T. microRNA-125b-1-3p mediates autophagy via the RRAGD/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway and mitigates atherosclerosis progression. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111136. [PMID: 38471617 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111136] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is characterised by lipid accumulation and formation of foam cells in arterial walls. Dysregulated autophagy is a crucial factor in atherosclerosis development. The significance of microRNA (miR)-125b-1-3p in cardiovascular disease is well-established; however, its precise role in regulating autophagy and impact on atherosclerosis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remain unclear. Here, we observed reduced autophagic activity and decreased miR-125b expression during atherosclerosis progression. miR-125b-1-3p overexpression significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque development in mice; it also led to decreased lipid uptake and deposition in VSMCs, enhanced autophagy, and suppression of smooth muscle cell phenotypic changes in-vitro. An interaction between miR-125b-1-3p and the RRAGD/mTOR/ULK1 pathway was revealed, elucidating its role in promoting autophagy. Therefore, miR-125b-1-3p plays a pivotal role in enhancing autophagic processes, inhibiting foam cell formation in VSMCs and mitigating atherosclerosis progression, partly through RRAGD/mTOR/ULK1 signaling axis modulation. Thus, miR-125b-1-3p is a promising target for preventive and therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Dongguan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Cao
- Dongguan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yining Guo
- Dongguan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Ye
- Dongguan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Li
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenwei Feng
- Dongguan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxiang Xian
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqi Yang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingjun Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Dongguan Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, China; Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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14
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Xu C, Zhang H, Yang C, Wang Y, Wang K, Wang R, Zhang W, Li C, Tian C, Han C, Li M, Liu X, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhang J, Li Y, Luo L, Shang Y, Zhang L, Chen Y, Shen K, Hu D. miR-125b-5p delivered by adipose-derived stem cell exosomes alleviates hypertrophic scarring by suppressing Smad2. BURNS & TRAUMA 2024; 12:tkad064. [PMID: 38765787 PMCID: PMC11102599 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Hypertrophic scarring is the most serious and unmet challenge following burn and trauma injury and often leads to pain, itching and even loss of function. However, the demand for ideal scar prevention and treatment is difficult to satisfy. We aimed to discover the effects and mechanisms of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) exosomes in hypertrophic scarring. Methods ADSC exosomes were isolated from the culture supernatant of ADSCs and identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting. The effect of ADSC exosomes on wound healing and scar formation was detected by the wound model of BALB/c mice. We isolated myofibroblasts from hypertrophic scar tissue and detected the cell viability, proliferation and migration of myofibroblasts. In addition, collagen formation and fibrosis-related molecules were also detected. To further disclose the mechanism of ADSC exosomes on fibrosis in myofibroblasts, we detected the expression of Smad2 in hypertrophic scar tissue and normal skin and the regulatory mechanism of ADSC exosomes on Smad2. Injection of bleomycin was performed in male BALB/c mice to establish an in vivo fibrosis model while ADSC exosomes were administered to observe their protective effect. The tissue injury of mice was observed via hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining and related testing. Results In this study, we found that ADSC exosomes could not only speed up wound healing and improve healing quality but also prevent scar formation. ADSC exosomes inhibited expression of fibrosis-related molecules such as α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I (COL1) and COL3 and inhibited the transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts. In addition, we verified that Smad2 is highly expressed in both hypertrophic scar tissue and hypertrophic fibroblasts, while ADSC exosomes downregulated the expression of Smad2 in hypertrophic fibroblasts. Further regulatory mechanism analysis revealed that microRNA-125b-5p (miR-125b-5p) is highly expressed in ADSC exosomes and binds to the 3' untranslated region of Smad2, thus inhibiting its expression. In vivo experiments also revealed that ADSC exosomes could alleviate bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and downregulate the expression of Smad2. Conclusions We found that ADSC exosomes could alleviate hypertrophic scars via the suppression of Smad2 by the specific delivery of miR-125b-5p.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaolei Xu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Burns and Cosmetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Kejia Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Aerospace Medical Training, School of Aerospace Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Burns and Cosmetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Burns and Cosmetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Chenyang Tian
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Mengyang Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yunwei Wang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yage Shang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Lixia Zhang
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yuxi Chen
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Kuo Shen
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Dahai Hu
- Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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15
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Bao YN, Yang Q, Shen XL, Yu WK, Zhou L, Zhu QR, Shan QY, Wang ZC, Cao G. Targeting tumor suppressor p53 for organ fibrosis therapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:336. [PMID: 38744865 PMCID: PMC11094089 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06702-w] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a reparative and progressive process characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix deposition, contributing to organ dysfunction in chronic diseases. The tumor suppressor p53 (p53), known for its regulatory roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, aging, and metabolism across diverse tissues, appears to play a pivotal role in aggravating biological processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell apoptosis, and cell senescence. These processes are closely intertwined with the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. In this review, we briefly introduce the background and specific mechanism of p53, investigate the pathogenesis of fibrosis, and further discuss p53's relationship and role in fibrosis affecting the kidney, liver, lung, and heart. In summary, targeting p53 represents a promising and innovative therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ni Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Xin-Lei Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Wen-Kai Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Li Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Qing-Ru Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Qi-Yuan Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China.
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16
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Improta-Caria AC, Rodrigues LF, Joaquim VHA, De Sousa RAL, Fernandes T, Oliveira EM. MicroRNAs regulating signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: potential role of the exercise training. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H497-H510. [PMID: 38063810 PMCID: PMC11219062 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00410.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity develop long-term fibrotic processes in the heart, promoting pathological cardiac remodeling, including after myocardial infarction, reparative fibrotic processes also occur. These processes are regulated by many intracellular signaling pathways that have not yet been completely elucidated, including those associated with microRNA (miRNA) expression. miRNAs are small RNA transcripts (18-25 nucleotides in length) that act as posttranscriptionally regulators of gene expression, inhibiting or degrading one or more target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and proven to be involved in many biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, directly affecting the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiac fibrosis. Exercise training can modulate the expression of miRNAs and it is known to be beneficial in various cardiovascular diseases, attenuating cardiac fibrosis processes. However, the signaling pathways modulated by the exercise associated with miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis were not fully understood. Thus, this review aims to analyze the expression of miRNAs that modulate signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis processes that can be regulated by exercise training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Cleber Improta-Caria
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Antonio Joaquim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tiago Fernandes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edilamar Menezes Oliveira
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Exercise, Physical Education and Sport School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Medicine, USF Health Heart Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
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17
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Li X, Sun M, Wang Z, Sun S, Wang Y. Recent advances in mechanistic studies of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and its comorbidities-Role of microRNAs. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14130. [PMID: 38071416 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifaceted syndrome with a complex aetiology commonly associated with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and renal disease. Various diseases induce systemic, chronic and low-grade inflammation; microvascular dysfunction; metabolic stress; tissue ischemia; and fibrosis, leading to HFpEF. An effective treatment for HFpEF is lacking, largely owing to its pathophysiological heterogeneity. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the pathogenesis of HFpEF and its comorbidities. METHODS This narrative review included original articles and reviews published over the past 20 years found through 'PubMed' and 'Web of Science'. The search terms included "HFpEF," "MicroRNAs," "comorbidities," "Microvascular Dysfunction (MVD)," "inflammation," "pathophysiology," "endothelial dysfunction," "energy metabolism abnormalities" "cardiac fibrosis" and "treatment." RESULTS Inflammation, MVD, abnormal energy metabolism, myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis are important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HFpEF. As gene expression regulators, miRNAs may contribute to the pathophysiology of HFpEF and are expected to serve in the stratification of patients with HFpEF and as prognostic indicators for monitoring treatment responses. CONCLUSIONS A customized strategy based on miRNAs has emerged as an effective treatment for HFpEF. In this review, we discuss recent research surrounding miRNAs and HFpEF and propose potential miRNA targets for the pathophysiology of HFpEF and its comorbidities. Although current research concerning miRNAs and their therapeutic potential is in its early stages, miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics hold great promise in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siming Sun
- Department of Clinical Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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18
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Wang M, Yan M, Tan L, Zhao X, Liu G, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Gao H, Qin W. Non-coding RNAs: targets for Chinese herbal medicine in treating myocardial fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337623. [PMID: 38476331 PMCID: PMC10928947 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337623] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in urban and rural areas. Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathological manifestation at the adaptive and repair stage of cardiovascular diseases, easily predisposing to cardiac death. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), RNA molecules with no coding potential, can regulate gene expression in the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis. Recent studies have suggested that Chinese herbal medicine can relieve myocardial fibrosis through targeting various ncRNAs, mainly including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Thus, ncRNAs are novel drug targets for Chinese herbal medicine. Herein, we summarized the current understanding of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis, and highlighted the contribution of ncRNAs to the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine on myocardial fibrosis. Further, we discussed the future directions regarding the potential applications of ncRNA-based drug screening platform to screen drugs for myocardial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Maocai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Liqiang Tan
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaona Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guoqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Zejin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Honggang Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
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19
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Mathur P, Saxena S, Saxena B, Rani V. MicroRNAs Targeting Critical Molecular Pathways in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Emerging Valuable for Therapy. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem 2024; 22:298-307. [PMID: 38265401 DOI: 10.2174/0118715257265947231129074526] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs have emerged as an important regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression studied extensively in many cancers, fetal development, and cardiovascular diseases. Their endogenous nature and easy manipulation have made them potential diagnostic and therapeutic molecules. Diseases with complex pathophysiology such as Diabetic Cardiomyopathy display symptoms at a late stage when the risk of heart failure has become very high. Therefore, the utilization of microRNAs as a tool to study pathophysiology and device-sustainable treatments for DCM could be considered. The present review focuses on the mechanistic insights of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the potential role of microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Mathur
- Center for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector- 62, Noida, 201307, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sharad Saxena
- Center for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector- 62, Noida, 201307, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Bhawna Saxena
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Information Technology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector-62, Noida, 201307, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vibha Rani
- Center for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, A-10, Sector- 62, Noida, 201307, Uttar Pradesh, India
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20
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Lin LC, Liu ZY, Tu B, Song K, Sun H, Zhou Y, Sha JM, Zhang Y, Yang JJ, Zhao JY, Tao H. Epigenetic signatures in cardiac fibrosis: Focusing on noncoding RNA regulators as the gatekeepers of cardiac fibroblast identity. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127593. [PMID: 37898244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127593] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts play a pivotal role in cardiac fibrosis by transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, which synthesis and secrete a large number of extracellular matrix proteins. Ultimately, this will lead to cardiac wall stiffness and impaired cardiac performance. The epigenetic regulation and fate reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts has been advanced considerably in recent decades. Non coding RNAs (microRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs) regulate the functions and behaviors of cardiac fibroblasts, including proliferation, migration, phenotypic transformation, inflammation, pyroptosis, apoptosis, autophagy, which can provide the basis for novel targeted therapeutic treatments that abrogate activation and inflammation of cardiac fibroblasts, induce different death pathways in cardiac fibroblasts, or make it sensitive to established pathogenic cells targeted cytotoxic agents and biotherapy. This review summarizes our current knowledge in this field of ncRNAs function in epigenetic regulation and fate determination of cardiac fibroblasts as well as the details of signaling pathways contribute to cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, we will comment on the emerging landscape of lncRNAs and circRNAs function in regulating signal transduction pathways, gene translation processes and post-translational regulation of gene expression in cardiac fibroblast. In the end, the prospect of cardiac fibroblasts targeted therapy for cardiac fibrosis based on ncRNAs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chan Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Zhi-Yan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Bin Tu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Kai Song
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - He Sun
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Ji-Ming Sha
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China.
| | - Jian-Yuan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Hui Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, PR China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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21
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Hirota K, Yamashita A, Abe E, Yamaji T, Azushima K, Tanaka S, Taguchi S, Tsukamoto S, Wakui H, Tamura K. miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p contributes to pathological activation of angiotensin II-AT1R in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells by the suppression of Atrap. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105478. [PMID: 37981211 PMCID: PMC10755798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105478] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure. Activation of the angiotensin II (Ang II)-Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and subsequent organ damage. AT1R-associated protein (ATRAP) has been identified as an endogenous inhibitory protein of the AT1R pathological activation. We have shown that mouse Atrap (Atrap) represses various Ang II-AT1R-mediated pathologies, including hypertension in mice. The expression of human ATRAP (ATRAP)/Atrap can be altered in various pathological states in humans and mice, such as Ang II stimulation and serum starvation. However, the regulatory mechanisms of ATRAP/Atrap are not yet fully elucidated. miRNAs are 21 to 23 nucleotides of small RNAs that post-transcriptionally repress gene expression. Single miRNA can act on hundreds of target mRNAs, and numerous miRNAs have been identified as the Ang II-AT1R signaling-associated disease phenotype modulator, but nothing is known about the regulation of ATRAP/Atrap. In the present study, we identified miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p as the evolutionarily conserved miRNAs that potentially act on ATRAP/Atrap mRNA. Further analysis revealed that miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p can directly repress both ATRAP and Atrap. In addition, the inhibition of miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p resulted in the suppression of the Ang II-AT1R signaling in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells. Taken together, miR-125a-5p/miR-125b-5p activates Ang II-AT1R signaling by the suppression of ATRAP/Atrap. Our results provide new insights into the potential approaches for achieving the organ-protective effects by the repression of the miR-125 family associated with the enhancement of ATRAP/Atrap expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Hirota
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akio Yamashita
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Eriko Abe
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yamaji
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kengo Azushima
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shohei Tanaka
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinya Taguchi
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Wakui
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kouichi Tamura
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
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22
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Saiki H, Hayashi Y, Yoshii S, Kimura E, Nakagawa K, Kato M, Uema R, Inoue T, Sakatani A, Yoshihara T, Tsujii Y, Shinzaki S, Iijima H, Takehara T. The apelin‑apelin receptor signaling pathway in fibroblasts is involved in tumor growth via p53 expression of cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2023; 63:139. [PMID: 37921070 PMCID: PMC10631769 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5587] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer‑associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are pivotal in tumor progression. TP53‑deficiency in cancer cells is associated with robust stromal activation. The apelin‑apelin receptor (APJ) system has been implicated in suppressing fibroblast‑to‑myofibroblast transition in non‑neoplastic organ fibrosis. The present study aimed to elucidate the oncogenic role of the apelin‑APJ system in tumor fibroblasts. APJ expression and the effect of APJ suppression in fibroblasts were investigated for p53 status in cancer cells using human cell lines (TP53‑wild colon cancer, HCT116, and Caco‑2; TP53‑mutant colon cancer, SW480, and DLD‑1; and colon fibroblasts, CCD‑18Co), resected human tissue samples of colorectal cancers, and immune‑deficient nude mouse xenograft models. The role of exosomes collected by ultracentrifugation were also analyzed as mediators of p53 expression in cancer cells and APJ expression in fibroblasts. APJ expression in fibroblasts co‑cultured with p53‑suppressed colon cancer cells (HCT116sh p53 cells) was significantly lower than in control colon cancer cells (HCT116sh control cells). APJ‑suppressed fibroblasts treated with an antagonist or small interfering RNA showed myofibroblast‑like properties, including increased proliferation and migratory abilities, via accelerated phosphorylation of Sma‑ and Mad‑related protein 2/3 (Smad2/3). In addition, xenografts of HCT116 cells with APJ‑suppressed fibroblasts showed accelerated tumor growth. By contrast, apelin suppressed the upregulation of phosphorylated Smad2/3 in fibroblasts. MicroRNA 5703 enriched in exosomes derived from HCT116sh p53 cells inhibited APJ expression, and inhibition of miR‑5703 diminished APJ suppression in fibroblasts caused by cancer cells. APJ suppression from a specific microRNA in cancer cell‑derived exosomes induced CAF‑like properties in fibroblasts. Thus, the APJ system in fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment may be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotsugu Saiki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Yoshito Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yoshii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Eiji Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Minoru Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Uema
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Takanori Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sakatani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka Police Hospital, Tennoji, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Tsujii
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Shinzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Hideki Iijima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Takehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Osaka 543-0035, Japan
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23
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Haybar H, Sadati NS, Purrahman D, Mahmoudian-Sani MR, Saki N. lncRNA TUG1 as potential novel biomarker for prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Epigenomics 2023; 15:1273-1290. [PMID: 38088089 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0242] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the leading causes of death. In light of the high prevalence and mortality of CVDs, it is imperative to understand the molecules involved in CVD pathogenesis and the signaling pathways that they initiate. This may facilitate the development of more precise and expedient diagnostic techniques, the identification of more effective prognostic molecules and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. Numerous studies have examined the role of lncRNAs, such as TUG1, in CVD pathogenesis in recent years. According to this review article, TUG1 can be considered a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Haybar
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narjes Sadat Sadati
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Daryush Purrahman
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mahmoudian-Sani
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Najmaldin Saki
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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24
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Gocer Z, Elek A, Caska H, Bozgeyik I. MicroRNAs and cardiac fibrosis: A comprehensive update on mechanisms and consequences. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 251:154853. [PMID: 37857035 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological wound-healing mechanism that results by the overactivation of fibroblasts. Fibrosis can become obstructive and deleterious during regeneration of various body tissues including cardiac muscle. This ultimately results in the development of cardiac fibrosis, characterized by an excessive buildup of extracellular matrix proteins. Thus, it could lead to arrhythmias and heart failure which creates a leading public health burden worldwide. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNAs with great potential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Mounting evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the deregulation of tissue homeostasis during myocardial fibrosis. For instance, miRNAs that are implicated in the regulation of TGF-beta signaling pathway have been reported to be significantly altered in myocardial fibrosis. Accordingly, in this comprehensive review, we discuss and highlight recent available data on the role of miRNAs during myocardial fibrosis, providing valuable insights into the miRNA modulation of cardiac fibrosis and miRNAs targets that can be used in the future therapeutic interventions to cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekihan Gocer
- Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Alperen Elek
- Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Halil Caska
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Bozgeyik
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey.
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25
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Saadatian Z, Mansoori Y, Nariman-Saleh-Fam L, Daraei A, Vahed SZ, Navid S, Nariman-Saleh-Fam Z. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells expression of miR-200c, miR-125b, miR-27b, miR-203, and miR-155 in patients with significant or insignificant coronary artery stenosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18438. [PMID: 37891322 PMCID: PMC10611722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45146-8] [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: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the principal causes of death worldwide. Among several predisposing factors, inflammation and inflammatory genes play a significant role in disease pathogenesis. Inflammatory microRNAs, small noncoding RNAs involved in regulating inflammation, are promising candidates for understanding pathogenesis of CAD and developing diagnostic biomarkers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the alteration of miR-200c, miR-125b, miR-27b, miR-203 and, miR-155 in patients suffering from coronary artery stenosis and insignificant coronary artery stenosis compared to healthy subjects. In this study we compared expressions of five inflammatory miRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 72 patients suffering significant coronary artery stenosis (CAD), 74 individuals without coronary artery disease and 30 individuals with insignificant coronary artery stenosis (ICAD). After blood collection, PBMCs were isolated and RNA was extracted. Gene expression levels were assessed by SYBR green based real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was performed using R program. Expression levels of miR-200c, miR-203, and miR-155 were lower in subjects with ICAD than that in CAD patients and subjects of the control group. MiR-125b was downregulated in CAD and ICAD groups compared to the control group. PBMC miR-27b was upregulated in the CAD group as compared to the ICAD and control groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis verified potential of three miRNAs in separating subjects with ICAD from CAD patients and healthy individuals. In conclusion, this original investigation suggested that altered expression of these five miRNAs may serve as a novel diagnostic biomarker discriminating clinical presentations of coronary artery diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Saadatian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Abdolreza Daraei
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Shadan Navid
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Ziba Nariman-Saleh-Fam
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Shohada Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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26
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Xu Y, Huang Y, Cheng X, Hu B, Jiang D, Wu L, Peng S, Hu J. Mechanotransductive receptor Piezo1 as a promising target in the treatment of fibrosis diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1270979. [PMID: 37900917 PMCID: PMC10602816 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1270979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis could happen in every organ, leading to organic malfunction and even organ failure, which poses a serious threat to global health. Early treatment of fibrosis has been reported to be the turning point, therefore, exploring potential correlates in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and how to reverse fibrosis has become a pressing issue. As a mechanism-sensitive cationic calcium channel, Piezo1 turns on in response to changes in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. Piezo1 exerts multiple biological roles, including inhibition of inflammation, cytoskeletal stabilization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stromal stiffness, and immune cell mechanotransduction, interestingly enough. These processes are closely associated with the development of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have shown that deletion or knockdown of Piezo1 attenuates the onset of fibrosis. Therefore, in this paper we comprehensively describe the biology of this gene, focusing on its potential relevance in pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis diseases, except for the role of drugs (agonists), increased intracellular calcium and mechanical stress using this gene in alleviating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Danling Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lidong Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shengliang Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jialing Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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27
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Carvalho A, Ji Z, Zhang R, Zuo W, Qu Y, Chen X, Tao Z, Ji J, Yao Y, Ma G. Inhibition of miR-195-3p protects against cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis after myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol 2023; 387:131128. [PMID: 37356730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis following myocardial infarction is a major risk factor for heart failure. Recent evidence suggests that miR-195-3p is up-regulated in fibrotic diseases, including kidney and liver fibrosis. However, its function and underlying mechanisms in cardiac fibrosis after MI remain unknown. To investigate the role of miR-195-3p in MI-induced cardiac fibrosis, we established acute MI models by ligating adult C57B/L6 mice LAD coronary artery while sham-operated mice were used as controls. In vivo inhibition of miR-195-3p was conducted by intramyocardial injection of AAV9-anti-miR-195-3p. In vitro overexpression and inhibition of miR-195-3p were performed by transfecting cultured Cardiac Fibroblasts (CFs) with synthetic miRNA mimic and inhibitor. Our results showed that MI induced the expression of miR-195-3p and that inhibition of miR-195-3p reduced myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition and protected cardiac function. In vitro stimulation of CFs with TGF-β1 resulted in a significant increase in miR-195-3p expression. Inhibition of miR-195-3p attenuated the TGF-β1-induced expression of ECM proteins, migration, and proliferation. PTEN expression was significantly reduced in the hearts of MI mice, in activated CFs, and in CFs transfected with miR-195-3p mimic. Inhibition of miR-195-3p markedly restored PTEN expression in MI mice and TGF-β1-treated CFs. In conclusion, this study highlights the crucial role of miR-195-3p in promoting cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction after MI. Inhibiting miR-195-3p could be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing cardiac fibrosis and preserving cardiac function after MI. Additionally, the study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the effects of miR-195-3p on fibrosis, including its regulation of PTEN/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdlay Carvalho
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenjun Ji
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjie Zuo
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangyang Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zaixiao Tao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Ji
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuyu Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Genshan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao No. 87, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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28
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Salvatori F, D’Aversa E, Serino ML, Singh AV, Secchiero P, Zauli G, Tisato V, Gemmati D. miRNAs Epigenetic Tuning of Wall Remodeling in the Early Phase after Myocardial Infarction: A Novel Epidrug Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13268. [PMID: 37686073 PMCID: PMC10487654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death in Western countries. An early diagnosis decreases subsequent severe complications such as wall remodeling or heart failure and improves treatments and interventions. Novel therapeutic targets have been recognized and, together with the development of direct and indirect epidrugs, the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) yields great expectancy. ncRNAs are a group of RNAs not translated into a product and, among them, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most investigated subgroup since they are involved in several pathological processes related to MI and post-MI phases such as inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. These processes and pathways are finely tuned by miRNAs via complex mechanisms. We are at the beginning of the investigation and the main paths are still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the recent findings on epigenetic changes involved in the first phases after MI as well as on the role of the several miRNAs. We focused on miRNAs function and on their relationship with key molecules and cells involved in healing processes after an ischemic accident, while also giving insight into the discrepancy between males and females in the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Salvatori
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
| | - Elisabetta D’Aversa
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
| | - Maria Luisa Serino
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ajay Vikram Singh
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Environmental Science and Prevention, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Veronica Tisato
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
- LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Donato Gemmati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (F.S.)
- Centre Haemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Centre for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Shen J, Feng J, Wu Z, Ou Y, Zhang Q, Nong Q, Wu Q, Li C, Tan X, Ye M, Gao Z, Zhang Y, Liang W, Xia L, Qin Y, Huang Y, Zhao N, Hu S. Apelin Prevents and Alleviates Crystalline Silica-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Inhibiting Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1-triggered Fibroblast Activation. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4004-4019. [PMID: 37705751 PMCID: PMC10496498 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.81436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a common and ultimately fatal occupational disease, yet the limited therapeutic option remains the major clinical challenge. Apelin, an endogenous ligand of the G-protein-coupled receptor (APJ), is abundantly expressed in diverse organs. The apelin-APJ axis helps to control pathological and physiological processes in lung. The role of apelin in the pathological process and its possible therapeutic effects on silicosis have not been elucidated. In this study, we found that lung expression and circulating levels of apelin were markedly decreased in silicosis patients and silica-induced fibrotic mice and associated with the severity. Furthermore, in vivo data demonstrated that pre-treatment from day 3 and post-treatment from day 15 with apelin could both alleviate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Besides, apelin inhibited pulmonary fibroblast activation via transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Our study suggested that apelin could prevent and reverse silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the fibroblast activation through TGF-β1 signaling pathway, thus providing a new potential therapeutic strategy for silicosis and other pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayin Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhijia Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yushi Ou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiying Nong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qifeng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Tan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Ye
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongxiang Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihui Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiru Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongshun Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangdong Province Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment, Guangzhou, China
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Majid A, Hassan FO, Hoque MM, Gbadegoye JO, Lebeche D. Bioactive Compounds and Cardiac Fibrosis: Current Insight and Future Prospect. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:313. [PMID: 37504569 PMCID: PMC10380727 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix components in the heart. It is recognized as a major contributor to the development and progression of heart failure. Despite significant research efforts in characterizing and identifying key molecular mechanisms associated with myocardial fibrosis, effective treatment for this condition is still out of sight. In this regard, bioactive compounds have emerged as potential therapeutic antifibrotic agents due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds exhibit the ability to modulate fibrogenic processes by inhibiting the production of extracellular matrix proteins involved in fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation, or by promoting their breakdown. Extensive investigation of these bioactive compounds offers new possibilities for preventing or reducing cardiac fibrosis and its detrimental consequences. This comprehensive review aims to provide a thorough overview of the mechanisms underlying cardiac fibrosis, address the limitations of current treatment strategies, and specifically explore the potential of bioactive compounds as therapeutic interventions for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Majid
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Translational Research Building, Room 318H, 71 S. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Fasilat Oluwakemi Hassan
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Translational Research Building, Room 318H, 71 S. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Md Monirul Hoque
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Translational Research Building, Room 318H, 71 S. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Joy Olaoluwa Gbadegoye
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Translational Research Building, Room 318H, 71 S. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Djamel Lebeche
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Translational Research Building, Room 318H, 71 S. Manassas, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- College of Graduate Health Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Li P, Hao X, Liu J, Zhang Q, Liang Z, Li X, Liu H. miR-29a-3p Regulates Autophagy by Targeting Akt3-Mediated mTOR in SiO 2-Induced Lung Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11440. [PMID: 37511199 PMCID: PMC10380316 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a refractory pneumoconiosis of unknown etiology that is characterized by diffuse lung fibrosis, and microRNA (miRNA) dysregulation is connected to silicosis. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNAs modulate pulmonary fibrosis through autophagy; however, its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In agreement with miRNA microarray analysis, the qRT-PCR results showed that miR-29a-3p was significantly decreased in the pulmonary fibrosis model both in vitro and in vivo. Increased autophagosome was observed via transmission electron microscopy in lung epithelial cell models and lung tissue of silicosis mice. The expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3α/β and Beclin1 were upregulated. The results from using 3-methyladenine, an autophagy inhibitor, or rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, together with TGF-β1, indicated that autophagy attenuates fibrosis by protecting lung epithelial cells. In TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells, transfection with miR-29a-3p mimics activated protective autophagy and reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen I expression. miRNA TargetScan predicted, and dual-luciferase reporter experiments identified Akt3 as a direct target of miR-29a-3p. Furthermore, Akt3 expression was significantly elevated in the silicosis mouse model and TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of the autophagy process. Silencing Akt3 inhibited the transduction of the mTOR signaling pathway and activated autophagy in TGF-β1-treated TC-1 cells. These results show that miR-29a-3p overexpression can partially reverse the fibrotic effects by activating autophagy of the pulmonary epithelial cells regulated by the Akt3/mTOR pathway. Therefore, targeting miR-29a-3p may provide a new therapeutic strategy for silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyuan Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaohui Hao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Qinxin Zhang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Zixuan Liang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Xinran Li
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China; (P.L.); (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Z.L.); (X.L.)
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
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Lu D, Jiang H, Zou T, Jia Y, Zhao Y, Wang Z. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: New insights into vascular calcification. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 213:115579. [PMID: 37589048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115579] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
With the continuous progress of atherosclerosis research, the significant pathological change of it--vascular calcification (VC), gains increasing attention. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that it is an independent predictor of death risk of cardiovascular disease, and it has a strong correlation with poor clinical prognosis. As the world's population continues to age, the occurrence of VC is expected to reach its highest point in the near future. Therefore, it is essential to investigate ways to prevent or even reverse this process for clinical purposes. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) describes the progressive differentiation of endothelial cells into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under various stimuli and acquisition of pluripotent cell characteristics. More and more studies show that EndMT plays a vital role in various cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and heart valvular disease. EndMT is also involved in the formation and progression of VC. This review vividly describes the history, characteristics of EndMT and how it affects the endothelial cell process, then focuses on the relationship between vascular endothelium, EndMT, amino acid metabolism, and vascular calcification. Finally, it overviews the signal pathway of EndMT and drugs targeting EndMT, hoping to provide new ideas and a theoretical basis for studying potential therapeutic targets of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingkun Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Ting Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Yuanwang Jia
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Yunyun Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China
| | - Zhongqun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China.
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Ma T, Qiu F, Gong Y, Cao H, Dai G, Sun D, Zhu D, Lei H, Liu Z, Gao L. Therapeutic silencing of lncRNA RMST alleviates cardiac fibrosis and improves heart function after myocardial infarction in mice and swine. Theranostics 2023; 13:3826-3843. [PMID: 37441584 PMCID: PMC10334841 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cardiac fibrosis is an adverse consequence of aberrant fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition following myocardial infarction (MI). Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in multiple cardiac diseases. However, the biological functions of lncRNA rhabdomyosarcoma 2-associated transcript (RMST) in cardiac fibrosis remain largely unknown. Methods: The role of RMST in regulating cardiac fibroblast (CF) proliferation, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), and ECM production, which were induced by transforming growth factor-β1, was evaluated through immunofluorescence staining, cell contraction assay, cell migration assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot. The therapeutic effect of RMST silencing was assessed in murine and porcine MI models. Results: The present study showed that RMST expression was upregulated and associated with cardiac fibrosis in murine and porcine MI models. Further loss-of-function studies demonstrated that RMST silencing in vitro significantly inhibited CF proliferation, FMT, and ECM production. Accordingly, RMST knockdown in vivo alleviated cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac contractile function in MI mice. Moreover, RMST acted as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR-24-3p. miR-24-3p inhibition abolished, while miR-24-3p agomir reproduced, the RMST knockdown-mediated effects on CF fibrosis by regulating the lysyl oxidase signaling pathway. Finally, the therapeutic potential of RMST knockdown was evaluated in a porcine MI model, and local RMST knockdown significantly inhibited cardiac fibrosis and improved myocardial contractile function in pigs after MI. Conclusion: Our findings identified RMST as a crucial regulator of cardiac fibrosis, and targeting RMST may develop a novel and efficient therapeutic strategy for treating fibrosis-related cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Ma
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200123, China
| | - Fan Qiu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200123, China
- Department of Thoracic Cardiovascular Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Yanshan Gong
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200123, China
| | - Hao Cao
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Gonghua Dai
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Daohan Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning 121001, China
| | - Dongling Zhu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200123, China
| | - Han Lei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Zhongmin Liu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200123, China
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy & Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200123, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
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McElhinney K, Irnaten M, O’Brien C. p53 and Myofibroblast Apoptosis in Organ Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076737. [PMID: 37047710 PMCID: PMC10095465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ fibrosis represents a dysregulated, maladaptive wound repair response that results in progressive disruption of normal tissue architecture leading to detrimental deterioration in physiological function, and significant morbidity/mortality. Fibrosis is thought to contribute to nearly 50% of all deaths in the Western world with current treatment modalities effective in slowing disease progression but not effective in restoring organ function or reversing fibrotic changes. When physiological wound repair is complete, myofibroblasts are programmed to undergo cell death and self-clearance, however, in fibrosis there is a characteristic absence of myofibroblast apoptosis. It has been shown that in fibrosis, myofibroblasts adopt an apoptotic-resistant, highly proliferative phenotype leading to persistent myofibroblast activation and perpetuation of the fibrotic disease process. Recently, this pathological adaptation has been linked to dysregulated expression of tumour suppressor gene p53. In this review, we discuss p53 dysregulation and apoptotic failure in myofibroblasts and demonstrate its consistent link to fibrotic disease development in all types of organ fibrosis. An enhanced understanding of the role of p53 dysregulation and myofibroblast apoptosis may aid in future novel therapeutic and/or diagnostic strategies in organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kealan McElhinney
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm O’Brien
- UCD Clinical Research Centre, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 R2WY Dublin, Ireland
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Gholipour A, Zahedmehr A, Shakerian F, Irani S, Oveisee M, Mowla SJ, Malakootian M. Significance of microRNA-targeted ErbB signaling pathway genes in cardiomyocyte differentiation. Mol Cell Probes 2023; 69:101912. [PMID: 37019292 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2023.101912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE(S) Cardiomyocyte differentiation is a complex process that follows the progression of gene expression alterations. The ErbB signaling pathway is necessary for various stages of cardiac development. We aimed to identify potential microRNAs targeting the ErbB signaling pathway genes by in silico approaches. METHODS Small RNA-sequencing data were obtained from GSE108021 for cardiomyocyte differentiation. Differentially expressed miRNAs were acquired via the DESeq2 package. Signaling pathways and gene ontology processes for the identified miRNAs were determined and the targeted genes of those miRNAs affecting the ErbB signaling pathway were determined. RESULTS Results revealed highly differentially expressed miRNAs were common between the differentiation stages and they targeted the genes involved in the ErbB signaling pathway as follows: let-7g-5p targets both CDKN1A and NRAS, while let-7c-5p and let-7d-5p hit CDKN1A and NRAS exclusively. let-7 family members targeted MAPK8 and ABL2. GSK3B was targeted by miR-199a-5p and miR-214-3p, and ERBB4 was targeted by miR-199b-3p and miR-653-5p. miR-214-3p, miR-199b-3p, miR-1277-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-21-3p targeted CBL, mTOR, Jun, JNKK, and GRB1, respectively. MAPK8 was targeted by miR-214-3p, and ABL2 was targeted by miR-125b-5p and miR-1277-5p, too. CONCLUSION We determined miRNAs and their target genes in the ErbB signaling pathway in cardiomyocyte development and consequently heart pathophysiology progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Gholipour
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zahedmehr
- Cardiovascular Intervention Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Shakerian
- Cardiovascular Intervention Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Malakootian
- Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Nicolini G, Balzan S, Forini F. Activated fibroblasts in cardiac and cancer fibrosis: An overview of analogies and new potential therapeutic options. Life Sci 2023; 321:121575. [PMID: 36933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease and cancer are two major causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized countries, and their increasingly recognized connections are shifting the focus from single disease studies to an interdisciplinary approach. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk is critically involved in the evolution of both pathologies. In healthy myocardium and in non-cancerous conditions, resident fibroblasts are the main cell source for synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and important sentinels of tissue integrity. In the setting of myocardial disease or cancer, quiescent fibroblasts activate, respectively, into myofibroblasts (myoFbs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by increased production of contractile proteins, and by a highly proliferative and secretory phenotype. Although the initial activation of myoFbs/CAFs is an adaptive process to repair the damaged tissue, massive deposition of ECM proteins leads to maladaptive cardiac or cancer fibrosis, a recognized marker of adverse outcome. A better understanding of the key mechanisms orchestrating fibroblast hyperactivity may help developing innovative therapeutic options to restrain myocardial or tumor stiffness and improve patient prognosis. Albeit still unappreciated, the dynamic transition of myocardial and tumor fibroblasts into myoFbs and CAFs shares several common triggers and signaling pathways relevant to TGF-β dependent cascade, metabolic reprogramming, mechanotransduction, secretory properties, and epigenetic regulation, which might lay the foundation for future antifibrotic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight emerging analogies in the molecular signature underlying myoFbs and CAFs activation with the purpose of identifying novel prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers, and to elucidate the potential of drug repositioning strategies to mitigate cardiac/cancer fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Balzan
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Forini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Wen D, Wang J. Noncoding RNAs: Master Regulator of Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Transition in Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1801. [PMID: 36675315 PMCID: PMC9861037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts escape apoptosis and proliferate abnormally under pathological conditions, especially fibrosis; they synthesize and secrete a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as α-SMA and collagen, which leads to the distortion of organ parenchyma structure, an imbalance in collagen deposition and degradation, and the replacement of parenchymal cells by fibrous connective tissues. Fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT) is considered to be the main source of myofibroblasts. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the influencing factors regulating the process of FMT for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of FMT-related diseases. In recent years, non-coding RNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, have attracted extensive attention from scientists due to their powerful regulatory functions, and they have been found to play a vital role in regulating FMT. In this review, we summarized ncRNAs which regulate FMT during fibrosis and found that they mainly regulated signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, MAPK/P38/ERK/JNK, PI3K/AKT, and WNT/β-catenin. Furthermore, the expression of downstream transcription factors can be promoted or inhibited, indicating that ncRNAs have the potential to be a new therapeutic target for FMT-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Wang
- Department of Immunology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Xiangya Road, Changsha 410000, China
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miR-96-5p regulates myocardial infarction-induced cardiac fibrosis via Smad7/Smad3 pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1874-1888. [PMID: 36789690 PMCID: PMC10157616 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic remodelling contributes to heart failure in myocardial infarction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in myocardial fibrosis. However, current antifibrotic therapeutic strategies using miRNAs are far from effective. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of miR-96-5p on cardiac fibrosis. Our work reveals a significant upregulation of miR-96-5p level in the ventricular tissues of myocardial infarction mice, as well as in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β or Ang II as shown by qPCR assay. In myocardial infarction mice, miR-96-5p knockdown using antagomir alleviates the aggravated cardiac fibrosis and exacerbated myocardial function caused by myocardial infarction surgery as shown by the echocardiography and Masson's staining analysis. In contrast, immunofluorescence staining results reveal that miR-96-5p overexpression in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts contributes to an increase in the expressions of fibrosis-associated genes and promotes the proliferation and differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts. Conversely, miR-96-5p downregulation using inhibitor presents adverse consequences. Furthermore, Smad7 expression is downregulated in fibrotic cardiac tissues, and the Smad7 gene is identified as a direct target of miR-96-5p by dual luciferase assay. Indeed, Smad7 knockdown weakens the anti-fibrotic effect of the miR-96-5p inhibitor on cardiac fibroblasts. Moreover, Smad3 phosphorylation is elevated in fibrotic cardiac tissues, and interestingly, the Smad3 inhibitor suppresses the profibrotic effect of the miR-96-5p mimic. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the Smad7/Smad3 signaling pathway mediates the profibrotic effect of miR-96-5p in cardiac fibrosis.
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Endometriosis Stem Cells as a Possible Main Target for Carcinogenesis of Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancer (EAOC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010111. [PMID: 36612107 PMCID: PMC9817684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a serious recurrent disease impairing the quality of life and fertility, and being a risk for some histologic types of ovarian cancer defined as endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOC). The presence of stem cells in the endometriotic foci could account for the proliferative, migrative and angiogenic activity of the lesions. Their phenotype and sources have been described. The similarly disturbed expression of several genes, miRNAs, galectins and chaperones has been observed both in endometriotic lesions and in ovarian or endometrial cancer. The importance of stem cells for nascence and sustain of malignant tumors is commonly appreciated. Although the proposed mechanisms promoting carcinogenesis leading from endometriosis into the EAOC are not completely known, they have been discussed in several articles. However, the role of endometriosis stem cells (ESCs) has not been discussed in this context. Here, we postulate that ESCs may be a main target for the carcinogenesis of EAOC and present the possible sequence of events resulting finally in the development of EAOC.
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Peng T, Liu M, Hu L, Guo D, Wang D, Qi B, Ren G, Hu C, Zhang F, Chun HJ, Song L, Hu J, Li Y. LncRNA Airn alleviates diabetic cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting activation of cardiac fibroblasts via a m6A-IMP2-p53 axis. Biol Direct 2022; 17:32. [PMID: 36384975 PMCID: PMC9670606 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-022-00346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibrosis is a leading cause of cardiac dysfunction in patients with diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of the long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) Airn in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its underlying mechanism. METHODS Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in mice by streptozotocin injection. An intramyocardial adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to manipulate Airn expression. The functional significance and underlying mechanisms in DCM fibrosis were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Diabetic hearts showed a significant impairment in cardiac function, accompanied by obviously increased cardiac fibrosis. Interestingly, lncRNA Airn expression was significantly decreased in both diabetic hearts and high glucose (HG)-treated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). AAV-mediated Airn reconstitution prevented cardiac fibrosis and the development of DCM, while Airn knockdown induced cardiac fibrosis phenotyping DCM. As in vitro, Airn reversed HG-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, aberrant CFs proliferation and section of collagen I. In contrast, Airn knockdown mimicked a HG-induced CFs phenotype. Mechanistically, we identified that Airn exerts anti-fibrotic effects by directly binding to insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IMP2) and further prevents its ubiquitination-dependent degradation. Moreover, we revealed that Airn/IMP2 protected p53 mRNA from degradation in m6A manner, leading to CF cell cycle arrest and reduced cardiac fibrosis. As a result, ablation of p53 blunted the inhibitory effects of Airn on fibroblast activation and cardiac fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated for the first time that Airn prevented the development of cardiac fibrosis in diabetic heart via IMP2-p53 axis in an m6A dependent manner. LncRNA Airn could be a promising therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis in DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingwei Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingchuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Lang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingchao Qi
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaotong Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenchen Hu
- Department of Immunology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hyung J Chun
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Liqiang Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqiang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China.
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Alonso-Villa E, Bonet F, Hernandez-Torres F, Campuzano Ó, Sarquella-Brugada G, Quezada-Feijoo M, Ramos M, Mangas A, Toro R. The Role of MicroRNAs in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: New Insights for an Old Entity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113573. [PMID: 36362356 PMCID: PMC9659086 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113573] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a clinical diagnosis characterized by left ventricular or biventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction. In most cases, DCM is progressive, leading to heart failure (HF) and death. This cardiomyopathy has been considered a common and final phenotype of several entities. DCM occurs when cellular pathways fail to maintain the pumping function. The etiology of this disease encompasses several factors, such as ischemia, infection, autoimmunity, drugs or genetic susceptibility. Although the prognosis has improved in the last few years due to red flag clinical follow-up, early familial diagnosis and ongoing optimization of treatment, due to its heterogeneity, there are no targeted therapies available for DCM based on each etiology. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of DCM will provide novel therapeutic strategies against this cardiac disease and their different triggers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs that play key roles in post-transcriptional gene silencing by targeting mRNAs for translational repression or, to a lesser extent, degradation. A growing number of studies have demonstrated critical functions of miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including DCM, by regulating mechanisms that contribute to the progression of the disease. Herein, we summarize the role of miRNAs in inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibrosis, exclusively in the context of DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alonso-Villa
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.A.-V.); (R.T.)
| | - Fernando Bonet
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Francisco Hernandez-Torres
- Medina Foundation, Technology Park of Health Sciences, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Óscar Campuzano
- Cardiology Service, Hospital Josep Trueta, University of Girona, 17007 Girona, Spain
- Cardiovascular Genetics Center, Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IdIBGi), 17190 Salt, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red, Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Georgia Sarquella-Brugada
- Medical Science Department, School of Medicine, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
- Arrhythmias Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, 08950 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maribel Quezada-Feijoo
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, 28003 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alfonso X el Sabio University, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Ramos
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, 28003 Madrid, Spain
- Medicine School, Alfonso X el Sabio University, 28007 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alipio Mangas
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department, Puerta del Mar University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Rocío Toro
- Research Unit, Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cadiz (INiBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
- Medicine Department, School of Medicine, University of Cadiz, 11002 Cádiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.A.-V.); (R.T.)
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Yuan J, Peng H, Mo B, Yin C, Fang G, Li Y, Wang Y, Chen R, Wang Q. Inhibition of Wdr5 Attenuates Ang-II-Induced Fibroblast-to-Myofibroblast Transition in Cardiac Fibrosis by Regulating Mdm2/P53/P21 Pathway. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1574. [PMID: 36358925 PMCID: PMC9687631 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is an important pathological process in many diseases. Wdr5 catalyzes the trimethylation of lysine K4 on histone H3. The effects of Wdr5 on the cardiac fibrosis phenotype and the activation or transformation of cardiac fibroblasts were investigated by Ang-II-infused mice by osmotic mini-pump and isolated primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts. We found that the Wdr5 expression and histone H3K4me3 modification were significantly increased in Ang-II-infused mice. By stimulating primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts with Ang II, we detected that the expression of Wdr5 and H3K4me3 modification were also significantly increased. Two Wdr5-specific inhibitors, and the lentivirus that transfected Sh-Wdr5, were used to treat primary mouse cardiac fibroblasts, which not only inhibited the histone methylation by Wdr5 but also significantly reduced the activation and migration ability of Ang-II-treated fibroblasts. To explore its mechanism, we found that the inhibition of Wdr5 increased the expression of P53, P21. Cut&Tag-qPCR showed that the inhibition of Wdr5 significantly reduced the enrichment of H3K4me3 in the Mdm2 promoter region. For in vivo experiments, we finally proved that the Wdr5 inhibitor OICR9429 significantly reduced Ang-II-induced cardiac fibrosis and increased the expression of P21 in cardiac fibroblasts. Inhibition of Wdr5 may mediate cardiac fibroblast cycle arrest through the Mdm2/P53/P21 pathway and alleviate cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Binfeng Mo
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Chengye Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Guojian Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yingze Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Yuepeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
| | - Renhua Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Quanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, #388 SunJiang Road, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Qunshan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, #1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200082, China
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Lin P, Zhang G, Peng R, Zhao M, Li H. Increased expression of bone/cartilage-associated genes and core transcription factors in keloids by RNA sequencing. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1586-1596. [PMID: 35730251 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts in keloids undergo cell identity transition with altered transcriptional characteristics. However, the core transcription factors driving this cellular reprogramming remain largely unknown. Here, we report the results of transcriptional profiling from 48 keloid and 24 control dermal tissues. We identified 1187 upregulated differentially expressed genes (foldchange > 2, false discovery rate < 0.05) in keloids, which were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization and bone/cartilage development, with significantly increased expression of bone/cartilage-associated collagens (COL5A1, COL10A1, and COL11A1) and glycoproteins (ACAN, COMP, and SPARC). Deconvolution analysis also revealed significantly increased composition of osteoblasts in keloid dermis. A total of 92 upregulated transcription factors were screened out from differentially expressed genes and mainly enriched in transcription process and skeleton development. Additional sequencing of six keloid individuals with multiple regions and intersection further narrow the list with 10 transcription factors. Finally, AEBP1, CREB3L1, RUNX2, and ZNF469 have been identified as candidate core regulators in promoting the gaining of bone/cartilage-like characteristics in keloids. RNA-sequencing of full-skin keloids consolidated the existence of these four transcription factors. Immunohistochemistry was employed to verify the expression of AEBP1, CREB3L1, RUNX2, and ZNF469 in keloid fibroblasts. In conclusion, we bioinformatically discovered the increased expression of bone/cartilage-associated genes and candidate core transcription factors in keloids. Our findings promise to provide molecular clues to develop novel therapeutic modalities against skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Lin
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
| | - Guohong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis on Dermatoses, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Skin and Immune Diseases, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Cosmetics, Beijing, China
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Huang G, Xu X, Ju C, Zhong N, He J, Tang XX. Identification and validation of autophagy-related gene expression for predicting prognosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997138. [PMID: 36211385 PMCID: PMC9533718 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal fibrotic pulmonary disease with unknow etiology. Owing to lack of reliable prognostic biomarkers and effective treatment measures, patients with IPF usually exhibit poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to establish a risk score prognostic model for predicting the prognosis of patients with IPF based on autophagy-related genes. Methods The GSE70866 dataset was obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The autophagy-related genes were collected from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Gene enrichment analysis for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed to explore the function of DEGs. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), as well as multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify a multi-gene prognostic model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to assess the prediction accuracy of the model. The expression of genes screened from the prognostic model was validated in clinical samples and human lung fibroblasts by qPCR and western blot assays. Results Among the 514 autophagy-related genes, a total of 165 genes were identified as DEGs. These DEGs were enriched in autophagy-related processes and pathways. Based on the univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses, two genes (MET and SH3BP4) were included for establishing the risk score prognostic model. According to the median value of the risk score, patients with IPF were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups. Patients in high-risk group had shorter overall survival (OS) than low-risk group in both training and test cohorts. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that prognostic model can act as an independent prognostic indicator for IPF. ROC curve analysis confirmed the reliable predictive value of prognostic model. In the validation experiments, upregulated MET expression and downregulated SH3BP4 expression were observed in IPF lung tissues and TGF-β1-activated human lung fibroblasts, which is consistent with results from microarray data analysis. Conclusion These findings indicated that the risk score prognostic model based on two autophagy-related genes can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guichuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunrong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nanshan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nanshan Zhong, ; Jianxing He, ; Xiao Xiao Tang,
| | - Jianxing He
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nanshan Zhong, ; Jianxing He, ; Xiao Xiao Tang,
| | - Xiao Xiao Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Nanshan Zhong, ; Jianxing He, ; Xiao Xiao Tang,
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An integral perspective of canonical cigarette and e-cigarette-related cardiovascular toxicity based on the adverse outcome pathway framework. J Adv Res 2022:S2090-1232(22)00193-X. [PMID: 35998874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of chronic disease and premature death, especially cardiovascular disease. As an emerging tobacco product, e-cigarettes have been advocated as alternatives to canonical cigarettes, and thus may be an aid to promote smoking cessation. However, recent studies indicated that e-cigarettes should not be completely harmless to the cardiovascular system. AIM OF REVIEW This review aimed to build up an integral perspective of cigarettes and e-cigarettes-related cardiovascular toxicity. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review adopted the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework as a pivotal tool and aimed to elucidate the association between the molecular initiating events (MIEs) induced by cigarette and e-cigarette exposure to the cardiovascular adverse outcome. Since the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been widely approved to play a critical role in cigarette smoke-related CVD and may also be involved in e-cigarette-induced toxic effects, the ROS overproduction and subsequent oxidative stress are regarded as essential parts of this framework. As far as we know, this should be the first AOP framework focusing on cigarette and e-cigarette-related cardiovascular toxicity, and we hope our work to be a guide in exploring the biomarkers and novel therapies for cardiovascular injury.
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New Insights into the Functions of MicroRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081390. [PMID: 36011301 PMCID: PMC9407613 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a significant global health problem associated with almost all types of heart disease. Extensive cardiac fibrosis reduces tissue compliance and contributes to adverse outcomes, such as cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and even heart failure. It is mainly associated with pathological myocardial remodeling, characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in cardiac parenchymal tissues. In recent years, a growing body of evidence demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a crucial role in the pathological development of cardiac fibrosis. More than sixty miRNAs have been associated with the progression of cardiac fibrosis. In this review, we summarized potential miRNAs and miRNAs-related regulatory mechanisms for cardiac fibrosis and discussed the potential clinical application of miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis.
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Shao J, Liu J, Zuo S. Roles of Epigenetics in Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11152347. [PMID: 35954191 PMCID: PMC9367448 DOI: 10.3390/cells11152347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathophysiologic process associated with numerous cardiovascular diseases, resulting in cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play an important role in the production of the extracellular matrix and are the essential cell type in a quiescent state in a healthy heart. In response to diverse pathologic stress and environmental stress, resident CFs convert to activated fibroblasts, referred to as myofibroblasts, which produce more extracellular matrix, contributing to cardiac fibrosis. Although multiple molecular mechanisms are implicated in CFs activation and cardiac fibrosis, there is increasing evidence that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in this process. Epigenetics is a rapidly growing field in biology, and provides a modulated link between pathological stimuli and gene expression profiles, ultimately leading to corresponding pathological changes. Epigenetic modifications are mainly composed of three main categories: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. This review focuses on recent advances regarding epigenetic regulation in cardiac fibrosis and highlights the effects of epigenetic modifications on CFs activation. Finally, we provide some perspectives and prospects for the study of epigenetic modifications and cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Shao
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China;
| | - Jiao Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Biology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China;
| | - Shengkai Zuo
- The Province and Ministry Co-Sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China;
- Correspondence:
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Targeting Myocardial Fibrosis—A Magic Pill in Cardiovascular Medicine? Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081599. [PMID: 36015225 PMCID: PMC9414721 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, has long been seen as an adaptive process that contributes to tissue healing and regeneration. More recently, however, cardiac fibrosis has been shown to be a central element in many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), contributing to the alteration of cardiac electrical and mechanical functions in a wide range of clinical settings. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of cardiac fibrosis, with a focus on the main pathophysiological pathways involved in its onset and progression, its role in various cardiovascular conditions, and on the potential of currently available and emerging therapeutic strategies to counteract the development and/or progression of fibrosis in CVDs. We also emphasize a number of questions that remain to be answered, and we identify hotspots for future research.
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Dong Y, Peng N, Dong L, Tan S, Zhang X. Non-coding RNAs: Important participants in cardiac fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:937995. [PMID: 35966549 PMCID: PMC9365961 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.937995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac remodeling is a pathophysiological process activated by diverse cardiac stress, which impairs cardiac function and leads to adverse clinical outcome. This remodeling partly attributes to cardiac fibrosis, which is a result of differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and the production of excessive extracellular matrix within the myocardium. Non-coding RNAs mainly include microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. These non-coding RNAs have been proved to have a profound impact on biological behaviors of various cardiac cell types and play a pivotal role in the development of cardiac fibrosis. This review aims to summarize the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs in cardiac fibrosis associated with pressure overload, ischemia, diabetes mellitus, aging, atrial fibrillation and heart transplantation, meanwhile shed light on the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of non-coding RNAs for cardiac fibrosis.
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Gager GM, Eyileten C, Postula M, Gasecka A, Jarosz-Popek J, Gelbenegger G, Jilma B, Lang I, Siller-Matula J. Association Between the Expression of MicroRNA-125b and Survival in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Coronary Multivessel Disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:948006. [PMID: 35872885 PMCID: PMC9304571 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.948006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNA, miR) have an undeniable physiological and pathophysiological significance and act as promising novel biomarkers. The aim of the study was to investigate blood-derived miRNAs and their association with long-term all-cause mortality in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) suffering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Materials and MethodsThis study was an observational prospective study, which included 90 patients with MVD and ACS. Expression of miR-125a, miR-125b, and miR-223 was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients were followed-up for a median of 7.5 years. All-cause mortality was considered as the primary endpoint. Adjusted Cox-regression analysis was performed for prediction of events.ResultsElevated expression of miR-125b (>4.6) at the time-point of ACS was associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality (adjusted [adj.] hazard ratio [HR] = 11.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.15–110.38; p = 0.038). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a satisfactory c-statistics for miR-125b for the prediction of long-term all-cause mortality (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61–0.91; p = 0.034; the negative predictive value of 98%). Kaplan–Meier time to event analysis confirmed an early separation of the survival curves between patients with high vs low expression of miR-125b (p = 0.003). An increased expression of miR-125a and miR-223 was found in patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) as compared to those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (p = 0.043 and p = 0.049, respectively) with no difference in the expression of miR-125b between the type of ACS.ConclusionIn this hypothesis generating study, lower values of miR-125b were related to improved long-term survival in patients with ACS and MVD. Larger studies are needed to investigate whether miR-125b can be used as a suitable predictor for long-term all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M. Gager
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ceren Eyileten
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Genomics Core Facility, Center of New Technologies (CeNT), University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marek Postula
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gasecka
- 1st Chair and Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Jarosz-Popek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Georg Gelbenegger
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernd Jilma
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Lang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jolanta Siller-Matula
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Jolanta Siller-Matula,
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