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Wang H, Gao Y, Bai J, Liu H, Li Y, Zhang J, Ma C, Zhao X, Zhang L, Wan K, Zhu D. CircLMBR1 inhibits phenotypic transformation of hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery smooth muscle via the splicing factor PUF60. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 980:176855. [PMID: 39059570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176855] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) contributes to vascular remodeling in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recent studies have suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) may play important roles in the vascular remodeling of hypoxia-induced PH. However, whether circRNAs cause pulmonary vascular remodeling by regulating the phenotypic transformation in PH has not been investigated. Microarray and RT-qPCR analysis identified that circLMBR1, a novel circRNA, decreased in mouse lung tissues of the hypoxia-SU5416 PH model, as well as in human PASMCs and mouse PASMCs exposed to hypoxia. Overexpression of circLMBR1 in the Semaxinib (SU5416) mouse model ameliorated hypoxia-induced PH and vascular remodeling in the lungs. Notably, circLMBR1 was mainly distributed in the nucleus and bound to the splicing factor PUF60. CircLMBR1 suppressed the phenotypic transformation of human PASMCs and vascular remodeling by inhibiting PUF60 expression. Furthermore, we identified U2AF65 as the downstream regulatory factor of PUF60. U2AF65 directly interacted with the pre-mRNA of the contractile phenotype marker smooth muscle protein 22-α (SM22α) and inhibited its splicing. Meanwhile, hypoxia exposure increased the formation of the PUF60-U2AF65 complex, thereby inhibiting SM22α production and inducing the transition of human PASMCs from a contractile phenotype to a synthetic phenotype. Overall, our results verified the important role of circLMBR1 in the pathological process of PH. We also proposed a new circLMBR1/PUF60-U2AF65/pre-SM22α pathway that could regulate the phenotypic transformation and proliferation of human PASMCs. This study may provide new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of PH.
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MESH Headings
- Pulmonary Artery/metabolism
- Pulmonary Artery/pathology
- Pulmonary Artery/drug effects
- Animals
- Humans
- Mice
- Vascular Remodeling/drug effects
- Vascular Remodeling/genetics
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phenotype
- RNA, Circular/genetics
- RNA, Circular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Male
- Splicing Factor U2AF/genetics
- Splicing Factor U2AF/metabolism
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/metabolism
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/pathology
- Hypertension, Pulmonary/genetics
- Hypoxia/metabolism
- Hypoxia/genetics
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Cell Hypoxia
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Pyrroles
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongdan Wang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Yupei Gao
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - June Bai
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Huiyu Liu
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Yiying Li
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Junting Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China
| | - Cui Ma
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Xijuan Zhao
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Kuiyu Wan
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China
| | - Daling Zhu
- Central Laboratory of Harbin Medical University (Daqing), Daqing, 163319, PR China; College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Medicine Research, Ministry of Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, PR China.
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2
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Lu M, Gong X, Zhang YM, Guo YW, Zhu Y, Zeng XB, Gao JH, Liu LM, Shu D, Ma R, Liang HF, Zhang RY, Xu Y, Zhang BX, Lu YJ, Ming ZY. Platelets promote primary hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through TGF-β1-mediated cancer cell autophagy. Cancer Lett 2024; 600:217161. [PMID: 39117067 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217161] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has revealed that platelets promote tumor metastasis by binding to circulating tumor cells (CTCs). However, the role of platelets in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells at the primary tumor site, the crucial initial step of tumor metastasis, remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that platelet releasate enhanced EMT and motility of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells via AMPK/mTOR-induced autophagy. RNA-seq indicated that platelet releasate altered TGF-β signaling pathway of cancer cells. Inhibiting TGFBR or deleting platelet TGF-β1 suppressed AMPK/mTOR pathway activation and autophagy induced by platelet releasate. Compared with Pf4cre-; Tgfb1fl/fl mice, HCC orthotopic models established on Pf4cre+; Tgfb1fl/fl mice showed reduced TGF-β1 in primary tumors, which corresponded with decreased cancer cell EMT, autophagy, migration ability and tumor metastasis. Inhibition of autophagy via Atg5 knockdown in cancer cells negated EMT and metastasis induced by platelet-released TGF-β1. Clinically, higher platelet count correlated with increased TGF-β1, LC3 and N-cad expression in primary tumors of HCC patients, suggesting a link between platelets and HCC progression. Our study indicates that platelets promote cancer cell EMT in the primary tumor and HCC metastasis through TGF-β1-induced HCC cell autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. These findings offer novel insights into the role of platelets in HCC metastasis and the potential therapeutic targets for HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Min Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Wei Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang-Bin Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia-Hui Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Man Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Shu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China; Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ru-Yi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Yun Xu
- Center for Medical Device Evaluation, National Medical Products Administration, Beijing, China
| | - Bi-Xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong-Jie Lu
- Center for Biomarkers and Therapeutics, Bart's Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Zhang-Yin Ming
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation, Wuhan, China; Tongji-Rongcheng Center for Biomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Zhu W, Guo S, Sun J, Zhao Y, Liu C. Lactate and lactylation in cardiovascular diseases: current progress and future perspectives. Metabolism 2024; 158:155957. [PMID: 38908508 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155957] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are often linked to structural and functional impairments, such as heart defects and circulatory dysfunction, leading to compromised peripheral perfusion and heightened morbidity risks. Metabolic remodeling, particularly in the context of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of CVDs. Metabolic syndromes further predispose individuals to these conditions, underscoring the need to elucidate the metabolic underpinnings of CVDs. Lactate, a byproduct of glycolysis, is now recognized as a key molecule that connects cellular metabolism with the regulation of cellular activity. The transport of lactate between different cells is essential for metabolic homeostasis and signal transduction. Disruptions to lactate dynamics are implicated in various CVDs. Furthermore, lactylation, a novel post-translational modification, has been identified in cardiac cells, where it influences protein function and gene expression, thereby playing a significant role in CVD pathogenesis. In this review, we summarized recent advancements in understanding the role of lactate and lactylation in CVDs, offering fresh insights that could guide future research directions and therapeutic interventions. The potential of lactate metabolism and lactylation as innovative therapeutic targets for CVD is a promising avenue for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wengen Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Siyu Guo
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Junyi Sun
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yudan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430023, PR China.
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation and Vascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
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4
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Zhang Y, Li X, Li S, Zhou Y, Zhang T, Sun L. Immunotherapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: From the Pathogenesis to Clinical Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8427. [PMID: 39125996 PMCID: PMC11313500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive cardiovascular disease, which may lead to severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction. As one of the main PH disease groups, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular dysfunction. Increased pulmonary artery resistance consequently causes right heart failure, which is the major reason for morbidity and mortality in this disease. Although various treatment strategies have been available, the poor clinical prognosis of patients with PAH reminds us that further studies of the pathological mechanism of PAH are still needed. Inflammation has been elucidated as relevant to the initiation and progression of PAH, and plays a crucial and functional role in vascular remodeling. Many immune cells and cytokines have been demonstrated to be involved in the pulmonary vascular lesions in PAH patients, with the activation of downstream signaling pathways related to inflammation. Consistently, this influence has been found to correlate with the progression and clinical outcome of PAH, indicating that immunity and inflammation may have significant potential in PAH therapy. Therefore, we reviewed the pathogenesis of inflammation and immunity in PAH development, focusing on the potential targets and clinical application of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tiantai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Lan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.)
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5
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Wang L, Wang H, Zhu M, Ni X, Sun L, Wang W, Xie J, Li Y, Xu Y, Wang R, Han S, Zhang P, Peng J, Hou M, Hou Y. Platelet-derived TGF-β1 induces functional reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in immune thrombocytopenia. Blood 2024; 144:99-112. [PMID: 38574321 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Platelet α-granules are rich in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which is associated with myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) biology. Responders to thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) revealed a parallel increase in the number of both platelets and MDSCs. Here, anti-CD61 immune-sensitized splenocytes were transferred into severe combined immunodeficient mice to establish an active murine model of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Subsequently, we demonstrated that TPO-RAs augmented the inhibitory activities of MDSCs by arresting plasma cells differentiation, reducing Fas ligand expression on cytotoxic T cells, and rebalancing T-cell subsets. Mechanistically, transcriptome analysis confirmed the participation of TGF-β/Smad pathways in TPO-RA-corrected MDSCs, which was offset by Smad2/3 knockdown. In platelet TGF-β1-deficient mice, TPO-RA-induced amplification and enhanced suppressive capacity of MDSCs was waived. Furthermore, our retrospective data revealed that patients with ITP achieving complete platelet response showed superior long-term outcomes compared with those who only reach partial response. In conclusion, we demonstrate that platelet TGF-β1 induces the expansion and functional reprogramming of MDSCs via the TGF-β/Smad pathway. These data indicate that platelet recovery not only serves as an end point of treatment response but also paves the way for immune homeostasis in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Wang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mingfang Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaofei Ni
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wanru Wang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Xie
- Department of Hematology, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yubin Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yitong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ruting Wang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shouqing Han
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Peng
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming Hou
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Liu Z, Fu Q, Yu Q, Ma X, Yang R. Assessing causal associations of blood counts and biochemical indicators with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a Mendelian randomization study and results from national health and nutrition examination survey 2003-2018. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1418835. [PMID: 38952391 PMCID: PMC11215008 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1418835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Blood counts and biochemical markers are among the most common tests performed in hospitals and most readily accepted by patients, and are widely regarded as reliable biomarkers in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationship between blood counts, biochemical indicators and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causal relationship between blood counts and biochemical indicators with PAH. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for blood counts and biochemical indicators were obtained from the UK Biobank (UKBB), while the GWAS for PAH were sourced from the FinnGen Biobank. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary analysis method, supplemented by three sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of the results. And we conducted an observational study using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018 to verify the relationship. Results The MR analysis primarily using the IVW method revealed genetic variants of platelet count (OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.56-4.22, P<0.001), platelet crit(OR=1.87, 95% CI1.17-7.65, P=0.022), direct bilirubin (DBIL)(OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.18-2.47,P=0.004), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)(OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.96, P=0.038), Lipoprotein A (Lp(a))(OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.98, P=0.037) and total bilirubin (TBIL)(OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.96, P=0.038) were significantly associated with PAH. In NHANES, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between platelet count and volume and the risk of PAH, and a significant negative correlation between total bilirubin and PAH. Conclusion Our study reveals a causal relationship between blood counts, biochemical indicators and pulmonary arterial hypertension. These findings offer novel insights into the etiology and pathological mechanisms of PAH, and emphasizes the important value of these markers as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhekang Liu
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qingan Fu
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qingyun Yu
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaowei Ma
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Renqiang Yang
- Cardiovascular Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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7
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Xin Y, Zhang Z, Lv S, Xu S, Liu A, Li H, Li P, Han H, Liu Y. Elucidating VSMC phenotypic transition mechanisms to bridge insights into cardiovascular disease implications. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1400780. [PMID: 38803664 PMCID: PMC11128571 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1400780] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, despite advances in understanding cardiovascular health. Significant barriers still exist in effectively preventing and managing these diseases. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are crucial for maintaining vascular integrity and can switch between contractile and synthetic functions in response to stimuli such as hypoxia and inflammation. These transformations play a pivotal role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, facilitating vascular modifications and disease advancement. This article synthesizes the current understanding of the mechanisms and signaling pathways regulating VSMC phenotypic transitions, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Xin
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zipei Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Shan Lv
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Shan Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Aidong Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Huize Han
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yinghui Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
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8
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Wang J, Liu C, Huang SS, Wang HF, Cheng CY, Ma JS, Li RN, Lian TY, Li XM, Ma YJ, Jing ZC. Functions and novel regulatory mechanisms of key glycolytic enzymes in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 970:176492. [PMID: 38503401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive vascular disease characterized by remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, ultimately leading to right heart failure and death. Despite its clinical significance, the precise molecular mechanisms driving PAH pathogenesis warrant confirmation. Compelling evidence indicates that during the development of PAH, pulmonary vascular cells exhibit a preference for energy generation through aerobic glycolysis, known as the "Warburg effect", even in well-oxygenated conditions. This metabolic shift results in imbalanced metabolism, increased proliferation, and severe pulmonary vascular remodeling. Exploring the Warburg effect and its interplay with glycolytic enzymes in the context of PAH has yielded current insights into emerging drug candidates targeting enzymes and intermediates involved in glucose metabolism. This sheds light on both opportunities and challenges in the realm of antiglycolytic therapy for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shen-Shen Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Hui-Fang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Chun-Yan Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University. Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jing-Si Ma
- Department of School of Pharmacy, Henan University, North Section of Jinming Avenue, Longting District, Kaifeng, 475100, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Li
- Department of School of Pharmacy, Henan University, North Section of Jinming Avenue, Longting District, Kaifeng, 475100, China
| | - Tian-Yu Lian
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University. Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xian-Mei Li
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yue-Jiao Ma
- National Infrastructures for Translational Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Zhi-Cheng Jing
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University. Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Zhang Y, Lu YB, Zhu WJ, Gong XX, Qian R, Lu YJ, Li Y, Yao WF, Bao BH, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Cheng FF. Leech extract alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117737. [PMID: 38228229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Leech, as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of blood circulation and blood stasis, was also widely used to cure pulmonary fibrosis in China. In clinical practice, some traditional Chinese medicine preparation such as Shui Zhi Xuan Bi Hua Xian Tang and Shui Zhi Tong Luo Capsule composed of leech, could improve the clinical symptoms and pulmonary function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the material basis of the leech in the treatment of IPF were not yet clear. AIM OF THE STUDY Screen out the components of leech that have the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects, and further explore the therapeutic mechanism of the active components. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, the different molecular weight components of leech extract samples were prepared using the semi-permeable membranes with different pore sizes. The therapeutic effects of the leech extract groups with molecular weight greater than 10 KDa (>10 KDa group), between 3 KDa and 10 KDa (3-10 KDa group), and less than 3 KDa (<3 KDa group) on pulmonary fibrosis were firstly investigated by cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay (MTT), cell wound healing assay, immunofluorescence staining (IF) and Western blot (WB) assay through the TGF-β1-induced fibroblast cell model. Then bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BML-induced PF) mouse model was constructed to investigate the pharmacological activities of the active component group of leech extract in vivo. Pathological changes of the mouse lung were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining (Masson). The hydroxyproline (HYP) content of lung tissues was quantified by HYP detection kit. The levels of extracellular matrix-related fibronectin (FN) and collagen type Ⅰ (Collagen Ⅰ), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) monomer and Smad7 protein were determined via WB method. PKM2 and Smad7 protein were further characterized by IF assays. RESULTS Using TGF-β1-induced HFL1 cell line as a PF cell model, the in vitro results demonstrated that the >10 KDa group could significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the expression level of cytoskeletal protein vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and reduced the deposition of FN and Collagen Ⅰ. In the BML-induced PF mouse model, the >10 KDa group significantly reduced the content of HYP, downregulated the expression levels of FN and Collagen Ⅰ in lung tissues, and delayed the pathological changes of lung tissue structure. The results of WB and IF assays further indicated that the >10 KDa group could up-regulate the expression level of PKM2 monomer and Smad7 protein in the cellular level, thereby delaying the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that the >10 KDa group was the main material basis of the leech extract that inhibited pulmonary fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yong-Bo Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Xi Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Rui Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Jing Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Feng Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Bei-Hua Bao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.
| | - Fang-Fang Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of TCM Formulae, National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.
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Wang Y, Gao M, Zhang M, Pang Y, Xu Z, Zeng L, Yuan S. Tgfb1 deficiency impairs the self-renewal capacity of murine hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 703:149686. [PMID: 38367513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFB1) refers to a pleiotropic cytokine exerting contrasting roles in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) functions in vitro and in vivo. However, the understanding of hematopoiesis in vivo, when TGFB1 is constantly deactivated, is still unclear, mainly due to significant embryonic lethality and the emergence of a fatal inflammatory condition, which makes doing these investigations challenging. Our study aims to find the specific role of TGFB1 in regulating hematopoiesis in vivo. We engineered mice strains (Vav1 or Mx1 promoter-driven TGFB1 knockout) with conditional knockout of TGFB1 to study its role in hematopoiesis in vivo. In fetal and adult hematopoiesis, TGFB1 KO mice displayed deficiency and decreased self-renewal capacity of HSCs with myeloid-biased differentiation. The results were different from the regulating role of TGFB1 in vitro. Additionally, our results showed that TGFB1 deficiency from fetal hematopoiesis stage caused more severe defect of HSCs than in the adult stage. Mechanistically, our findings identified TGFB1-SOX9-FOS/JUNB/TWIST1 signal axis as an essential regulating pathway in HSCs homeostasis. Our study may provide a scientific basis for clinical HSC transplantation and expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Wang
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingming Gao
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Ye Pang
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihan Xu
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingyu Zeng
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shengnan Yuan
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Blood Diseases Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Stem Cell, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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11
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Yang G, Cheng J, Xu J, Shen C, Lu X, He C, Huang J, He M, Cheng J, Wang H. Metabolic heterogeneity in clear cell renal cell carcinoma revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. J Transl Med 2024; 22:210. [PMID: 38414015 PMCID: PMC10900752 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04848-x] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a prototypical tumor characterized by metabolic reprogramming, which extends beyond tumor cells to encompass diverse cell types within the tumor microenvironment. Nonetheless, current research on metabolic reprogramming in renal cell carcinoma mostly focuses on either tumor cells alone or conducts analyses of all cells within the tumor microenvironment as a mixture, thereby failing to precisely identify metabolic changes in different cell types within the tumor microenvironment. METHODS Gathering 9 major single-cell RNA sequencing databases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, encompassing 195 samples. Spatial transcriptomics data were selected to conduct metabolic activity analysis with spatial localization. Developing scMet program to convert RNA-seq data into scRNA-seq data for downstream analysis. RESULTS Diverse cellular entities within the tumor microenvironment exhibit distinct infiltration preferences across varying histological grades and tissue origins. Higher-grade tumors manifest pronounced immunosuppressive traits. The identification of tumor cells in the RNA splicing state reveals an association between the enrichment of this particular cellular population and an unfavorable prognostic outcome. The energy metabolism of CD8+ T cells is pivotal not only for their cytotoxic effector functions but also as a marker of impending cellular exhaustion. Sphingolipid metabolism evinces a correlation with diverse macrophage-specific traits, particularly M2 polarization. The tumor epicenter is characterized by heightened metabolic activity, prominently marked by elevated tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis while the pericapsular milieu showcases a conspicuous enrichment of attributes associated with vasculogenesis, inflammatory responses, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The scMet facilitates the transformation of RNA sequencing datasets sourced from TCGA into scRNA sequencing data, maintaining a substantial degree of correlation. CONCLUSIONS The tumor microenvironment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma demonstrates significant metabolic heterogeneity across various cell types and spatial dimensions. scMet exhibits a notable capability to transform RNA sequencing data into scRNA sequencing data with a high degree of correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanwen Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180Th Fengling Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiangting Cheng
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180Th Fengling Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiayi Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180Th Fengling Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chenyang Shen
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180Th Fengling Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuwei Lu
- Department of Urology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Chang He
- Department of Urology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Urology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Minke He
- Department of Urology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201199, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Department of Urology, Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, 966Th Huaihai Middle Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Hang Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180Th Fengling Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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12
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Ni T, Chu Z, Tao L, Zhao Y, Lv M, Zhu M, Luo Y, Sunagawa M, Wang H, Liu Y. Celastrus orbiculatus extract suppresses gastric cancer stem cells through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. J Nat Med 2024; 78:100-113. [PMID: 37817006 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01748-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are the primary source of tumor recurrence and chemoresistance, which complicates tumor treatment and has a significant impact on poor patient prognosis. Therefore, the discovery of inhibitors that specifically target CSCs is warranted. Previous research has established that the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway is critical for the maintenance of CSCs phenotype, thus facilitating CSCs transformation. In this regard, Celastrus orbiculatus ethyl acetate extract (COE) was shown to exert anticancer properties; however, its therapeutic impact on gastric cancer stem cells (GCSCs) remains unknown. We here demonstrate that COE displayed a strong inhibitory effect on GCSCs growth and CSCs markers. Moreover, COE was shown to efficiently inhibit the development of tumor spheres and accelerate GCSCs apoptosis. Mechanistically, we established that COE could suppress the stemness phenotype of GCSCs by inhibiting the activity of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. To summarize, our data indicate that COE suppresses the malignant biological phenotype of GCSCs via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. These findings shed new light on the anticancer properties of COE and suggest new strategies for the development of efficient GCSCs therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengyang Ni
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zewen Chu
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Zhu
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China
| | - Masataka Sunagawa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, 142, Japan
| | - Haibo Wang
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanqing Liu
- TCM Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, No. 136, Jiangyang Middle Road, Yangzhou, 225001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Reid HM, Maginn M, Perkins CM, Mulvaney EP, Boyce M, Yamamoto T, Kinsella BT. Evaluation of NTP42, a novel thromboxane receptor antagonist, in a first-in-human phase I clinical trial. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1296188. [PMID: 38178863 PMCID: PMC10764490 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1296188] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The thromboxane receptor (TP) antagonist NTP42 is in clinical development for treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this randomized, placebo-controlled Phase I clinical trial, NTP42, administered as the oral formulation NTP42:KVA4, was evaluated for safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) in healthy males. Methods: The first-in-human trial had three Parts: A, single ascending dose (SAD) study with seven groups given 0.25-243 mg NTP42:KVA4 or placebo; B, food effect study where one SAD group (9 mg) was also given NTP42:KVA4 or placebo after a high-fat breakfast; C, multiple ascending dose study with three groups given 15-135 mg NTP42:KVA4 or placebo once-daily for 7 days. Results: Seventy-nine volunteers participated. No serious adverse events occurred, where any drug- or placebo-related adverse events were mild to moderate, with no correlation to NTP42:KVA4 dose. NTP42 was rapidly absorbed, yielding dose proportional increases in exposure after single and repeat dosing. PK confirmed that, with a clearance (T1/2) of 18.7 h, NTP42:KVA4 is suited to once-daily dosing, can be taken with or without food, and does not accumulate on repeat dosing. At doses ≥1 mg, NTP42 led to complete and sustained inhibition of thromboxane-, but not ADP-, induced platelet aggregation ex vivo, with direct correlation between NTP42 exposure and duration of PD effects. Conclusion: Orally administered NTP42:KVA4 was well tolerated, with favorable PK/PD profiles and evidence of specific TP target engagement. These findings support continued clinical development of NTP42:KVA4 for cardiopulmonary or other relevant diseases with unmet needs. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04919863.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M. Reid
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Maginn
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C. Michael Perkins
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eamon P. Mulvaney
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Malcolm Boyce
- Hammersmith Medicines Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - B. Therese Kinsella
- ATXA Therapeutics Limited, UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Liu X, Zhou H, Zhang H, Jin H, He Y. Advances in the research of sulfur dioxide and pulmonary hypertension. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1282403. [PMID: 37900169 PMCID: PMC10602757 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1282403] [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: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal disease caused by progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling (PVR). Currently, the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of PVR remain unclear, and effective therapeutic approaches to reverse PVR and PH are lacking. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2)/aspartate transaminase system has emerged as a novel research focus in the fields of PH and PVR. As a gaseous signaling molecule, SO2 metabolism is tightly regulated in the pulmonary vasculature and is associated with the development of PH as it is involved in the regulation of pathological and physiological activities, such as pulmonary vascular cellular inflammation, proliferation and collagen metabolism, to exert a protective effect against PH. In this review, we present an overview of the studies conducted to date that have provided a theoretical basis for the development of SO2-related drug to inhibit or reverse PVR and effectively treat PH-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - He Zhou
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Hongsheng Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongfang Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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15
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Ye Y, Xu Q, Wuren T. Inflammation and immunity in the pathogenesis of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1162556. [PMID: 37215139 PMCID: PMC10196112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162556] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is a complicated vascular disorder characterized by diverse mechanisms that lead to elevated blood pressure in pulmonary circulation. Recent evidence indicates that HPH is not simply a pathological syndrome but is instead a complex lesion of cellular metabolism, inflammation, and proliferation driven by the reprogramming of gene expression patterns. One of the key mechanisms underlying HPH is hypoxia, which drives immune/inflammation to mediate complex vascular homeostasis that collaboratively controls vascular remodeling in the lungs. This is caused by the prolonged infiltration of immune cells and an increase in several pro-inflammatory factors, which ultimately leads to immune dysregulation. Hypoxia has been associated with metabolic reprogramming, immunological dysregulation, and adverse pulmonary vascular remodeling in preclinical studies. Many animal models have been developed to mimic HPH; however, many of them do not accurately represent the human disease state and may not be suitable for testing new therapeutic strategies. The scientific understanding of HPH is rapidly evolving, and recent efforts have focused on understanding the complex interplay among hypoxia, inflammation, and cellular metabolism in the development of this disease. Through continued research and the development of more sophisticated animal models, it is hoped that we will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of HPH and implement more effective therapies for this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ye
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- High-Altitude Medicine Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Xining, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
- Qinghai-Utah Key Laboratory of High-Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Qiying Xu
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- High-Altitude Medicine Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Xining, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
- Qinghai-Utah Key Laboratory of High-Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
| | - Tana Wuren
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- High-Altitude Medicine Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Xining, China
- Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
- Qinghai-Utah Key Laboratory of High-Altitude Medicine, Xining, China
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16
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Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020366. [PMID: 36836600 PMCID: PMC9967990 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the critical structural alteration and pathological feature in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and involves changes in the intima, media and adventitia. Pulmonary vascular remodeling consists of the proliferation and phenotypic transformation of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of the middle membranous pulmonary artery, as well as complex interactions involving external layer pulmonary artery fibroblasts (PAFs) and extracellular matrix (ECM). Inflammatory mechanisms, apoptosis and other factors in the vascular wall are influenced by different mechanisms that likely act in concert to drive disease progression. This article reviews these pathological changes and highlights some pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the remodeling process.
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Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension forms the first and most severe of the 5 categories of pulmonary hypertension. Disease pathogenesis is driven by progressive remodeling of peripheral pulmonary arteries, caused by the excessive proliferation of vascular wall cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, and perivascular inflammation. Compelling evidence from animal models suggests endothelial cell dysfunction is a key initial trigger of pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is characterised by hyperproliferation and early apoptosis followed by enrichment of apoptosis-resistant populations. Dysfunctional pulmonary arterial endothelial cells lose their ability to produce vasodilatory mediators, together leading to augmented pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell responses, increased pulmonary vascular pressures and right ventricular afterload, and progressive right ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure. It is recognized that a range of abnormal cellular molecular signatures underpin the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension and are enhanced by loss-of-function mutations in the BMPR2 gene, the most common genetic cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension and associated with worse disease prognosis. Widespread metabolic abnormalities are observed in the heart, pulmonary vasculature, and systemic tissues, and may underpin heterogeneity in responsivity to treatment. Metabolic abnormalities include hyperglycolytic reprogramming, mitochondrial dysfunction, aberrant polyamine and sphingosine metabolism, reduced insulin sensitivity, and defective iron handling. This review critically discusses published mechanisms linking metabolic abnormalities with dysfunctional BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2) signaling; hypothesized mechanistic links requiring further validation; and their relevance to pulmonary arterial hypertension pathogenesis and the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iona Cuthbertson
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas W Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Caruso
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Heart and Lung Research Institute, United Kingdom
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