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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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Torimoto K, Elliott K, Nakayama Y, Yanagisawa H, Eguchi S. Cardiac and perivascular myofibroblasts, matrifibrocytes, and immune fibrocytes in hypertension; commonalities and differences with other cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:567-580. [PMID: 38395029 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae044] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Cardiovascular fibrosis occurs with hypertension and contributes to vascular resistance, aortic stiffness, and cardiac hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to fibroblast activation in hypertension remain largely unknown. There are two types of fibrosis: replacement fibrosis and reactive fibrosis. Replacement fibrosis occurs in response to the loss of viable tissue to form a scar. Reactive fibrosis occurs in response to an increase in mechanical and neurohormonal stress. Although both types of fibrosis are considered adaptive processes, they become maladaptive when the tissue loss is too large, or the stress persists. Myofibroblasts represent a subpopulation of activated fibroblasts that have gained contractile function to promote wound healing. Therefore, myofibroblasts are a critical cell type that promotes replacement fibrosis. Although myofibroblasts were recognized as the fibroblasts participating in reactive fibrosis, recent experimental evidence indicated there are distinct fibroblast populations in cardiovascular reactive fibrosis. Accordingly, we will discuss the updated definition of fibroblast subpopulations, the regulatory mechanisms, and their potential roles in cardiovascular pathophysiology utilizing new knowledge from various lineage tracing and single-cell RNA sequencing studies. Among the fibroblast subpopulations, we will highlight the novel roles of matrifibrocytes and immune fibrocytes in cardiovascular fibrosis including experimental models of hypertension, pressure overload, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and nephrosclerosis. Exploration into the molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation and activation of those fibroblast subpopulations may lead to novel treatments for end-organ damage associated with hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Torimoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine Elliott
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuki Nakayama
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hiromi Yanagisawa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- Department of Cardiovascular Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Zhang H, Dhalla NS. The Role of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in the Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1082. [PMID: 38256155 PMCID: PMC10817020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021082] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
With cardiovascular disease (CVD) being a primary source of global morbidity and mortality, it is crucial that we understand the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms at play. Recently, numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines have been linked to several different CVDs, which are now often considered an adversely pro-inflammatory state. These cytokines most notably include interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, and the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, amongst others. Not only does inflammation have intricate and complex interactions with pathophysiological processes such as oxidative stress and calcium mishandling, but it also plays a role in the balance between tissue repair and destruction. In this regard, pre-clinical and clinical evidence has clearly demonstrated the involvement and dynamic nature of pro-inflammatory cytokines in many heart conditions; however, the clinical utility of the findings so far remains unclear. Whether these cytokines can serve as markers or risk predictors of disease states or act as potential therapeutic targets, further extensive research is needed to fully understand the complex network of interactions that these molecules encompass in the context of heart disease. This review will highlight the significant advances in our understanding of the contributions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in CVDs, including ischemic heart disease (atherosclerosis, thrombosis, acute myocardial infarction, and ischemia-reperfusion injury), cardiac remodeling (hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, cardiac apoptosis, and heart failure), different cardiomyopathies as well as ventricular arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation. In addition, this article is focused on discussing the shortcomings in both pathological and therapeutic aspects of pro-inflammatory cytokines in CVD that still need to be addressed by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zhang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Naranjan S. Dhalla
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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Frangogiannis NG. TGF-β as a therapeutic target in the infarcted and failing heart: cellular mechanisms, challenges, and opportunities. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:45-56. [PMID: 38329809 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2316735] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myocardial fibrosis accompanies most cardiac conditions and can be reparative or maladaptive. Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β is a potent fibrogenic mediator, involved in repair, remodeling, and fibrosis of the injured heart. AREAS COVERED This review manuscript discusses the role of TGF-β in heart failure focusing on cellular mechanisms and therapeutic implications. TGF-β is activated in infarcted, remodeling and failing hearts. In addition to its fibrogenic actions, TGF-β has a broad range of effects on cardiomyocytes, immune, and vascular cells that may have both protective and detrimental consequences. TGF-β-mediated effects on macrophages promote anti-inflammatory transition, whereas actions on fibroblasts mediate reparative scar formation and effects on pericytes are involved in maturation of infarct neovessels. On the other hand, TGF-β actions on cardiomyocytes promote adverse remodeling, and prolonged activation of TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts stimulates progression of fibrosis and heart failure. EXPERT OPINION Understanding of the cell-specific actions of TGF-β is necessary to design therapeutic strategies in patients with myocardial disease. Moreover, to implement therapeutic interventions in the heterogeneous population of heart failure patients, mechanism-driven classification of both HFrEF and HFpEF patients is needed. Heart failure patients with prolonged or overactive fibrogenic TGF-β responses may benefit from cautious TGF-β inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Niu G, Zhao Y, Song H, Song Q, Yin X, Zhu Z, Xu J. Marein Ameliorates Myocardial Fibrosis by Inhibiting HIF-1α and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway in Isoproterenol-stimulated Mice and TGF-β1-stimulated Cardiac Fibroblasts. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:71-80. [PMID: 38151839 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128282062231218075341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocardial fibrosis significantly contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure. OBJECTIVE We probe into the impact of marein, a key bioactive compound in functional food Coreopsis tinctoria, on isoproterenol-stimulated myocardial fibrotic mice and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). METHODS Isoproterenol was administered to the experimental mice via subcutaneous injection, and simultaneous administration of marein (25-100 mg/kg) was performed via oral gavage. CFs were stimulated with TGF- β1 to trigger differentiation and collagen synthesis, followed by treatment with marein at concentrations of 5-20 μM. RESULTS Treatment with marein in mice and CFs resulted in a significant reduction in the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, and collagen type III. Additionally, marein treatment decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), p-Smad2/3, and Smad2/3. Notably, molecular docking analysis revealed that marein directly targets HIF-1α. CONCLUSION Marein might exert a protective function in isoproterenol-stimulated myocardial fibrotic mice and TGF-β1-stimulated CFs, which might result from the reduction of TGF-β1 induced HIF-1α expression, then inhibiting p-Smad2/3 and Smad2/3 expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghao Niu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huafeng Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China
| | - Quan Song
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China
| | - Zengyan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Junchi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, China
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Ferreira RR, de Souza EM, Vilar-Pereira G, Degrave WMS, Abreu RDS, Meuser-Batista M, Ferreira NVC, Ledbeter S, Barker RH, Bailly S, Feige JJ, Lannes-Vieira J, de Araújo-Jorge TC, Waghabi MC. In Chagas disease, transforming growth factor beta neutralization reduces Trypanosoma cruzi infection and improves cardiac performance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1017040. [PMID: 36530434 PMCID: PMC9748701 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1017040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), a progressive inflammatory and fibrosing disease, is the most prominent clinical form of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. During CCC, the parasite remains inside the cardiac cells, leading to tissue damage, involving extensive inflammatory response and irregular fibrosis. Among the fibrogenic factors is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a key cytokine controlling extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. TGF-β is involved in CCC onset and progression, with increased serum levels and activation of its signaling pathways in the cardiac tissue, which crucially contributes to fibrosis. Inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway attenuates T. cruzi infection and prevents cardiac damage in an experimental model of acute Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β neutralization on T. cruzi infection in both in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models, using the 1D11 monoclonal antibody. To this end, primary cultures of cardiac cells were infected with T. cruzi trypomastigote forms and treated with 1D11. For in vivo studies, 1D11 was administered in different schemes for acute and chronic phase models (Swiss mice infected with 104 parasites from the Y strain and C57BL/6 mice infected with 102 parasites from the Colombian strain, respectively). Here we show that the addition of 1D11 to cardiac cells greatly reduces cardiomyocyte invasion by T. cruzi and the number of parasites per infected cell. In both acute and chronic experimental models, T. cruzi infection altered the electrical conduction, decreasing the heart rate, increasing the PR interval and the P wave duration. The treatment with 1D11 reduced cardiac fibrosis and reversed electrical abnormalities improving cardiac performance. Taken together, these data further support the major role of the TGF-β signaling pathways in T. cruzi-infection and their biological consequences on parasite/host interactions. The therapeutic effects of the 1D11 antibody are promising and suggest a new possibility to treat cardiac fibrosis in the chronic phase of Chagas' heart disease by TGF-β neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira, ; Mariana Caldas Waghabi,
| | - Elen Mello de Souza
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wim M. S. Degrave
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rayane da Silva Abreu
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Meuser-Batista
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica e Citopatologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nilma Valéria Caldeira Ferreira
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica e Citopatologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Steve Ledbeter
- Tissue Protection and Repair, Sanofi-Genzyme R&D Center, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Robert H. Barker
- Tissue Protection and Repair, Sanofi-Genzyme R&D Center, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Sabine Bailly
- Laboratory BioSanté, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Feige
- Laboratory BioSanté, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tania C. de Araújo-Jorge
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Caldas Waghabi
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira, ; Mariana Caldas Waghabi,
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Genetic Disruption of Guanylyl Cyclase/Natriuretic Peptide Receptor-A Triggers Differential Cardiac Fibrosis and Disorders in Male and Female Mutant Mice: Role of TGF-β1/SMAD Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911487. [PMID: 36232788 PMCID: PMC9569686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The global targeted disruption of the natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPRA) gene (Npr1) in mice provokes hypertension and cardiovascular dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanisms regulating the development of cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in Npr1 mutant mice. Npr1 knockout (Npr1-/-, 0-copy), heterozygous (Npr1+/-, 1-copy), and wild-type (Npr1+/+, 2-copy) mice were treated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 receptor (TGF-β1R) antagonist GW788388 (2 µg/g body weight/day; ip) for 28 days. Hearts were isolated and used for real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical analyses. The Npr1-/- (0-copy) mice showed a 6-fold induction of cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction with markedly induced expressions of collagen-1α (3.8-fold), monocyte chemoattractant protein (3.7-fold), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, 5.3-fold), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, 6.1-fold), TGF-βRI (4.3-fold), TGF-βRII (4.7-fold), and phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic (pSMAD) proteins, including pSMAD-2 (3.2-fold) and pSMAD-3 (3.7-fold), compared with wild-type mice. The expressions of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase ERK1/2 (pERK1/2), matrix metalloproteinases-2, -9, (MMP-2, -9), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were also significantly upregulated in Npr1 0-copy mice. The treatment of mutant mice with GW788388 significantly blocked the expression of fibrotic markers, SMAD proteins, MMPs, and PCNA compared with the vehicle-treated control mice. The treatment with GW788388 significantly prevented cardiac dysfunctions in a sex-dependent manner in Npr1 0-copy and 1-copy mutant mice. The results suggest that the development of cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction in mutant mice is predominantly regulated through the TGF-β1-mediated SMAD-dependent pathway.
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Ribeiro S, Simões AR, Rocha F, Vala IS, Pinto AT, Ministro A, Poli E, Diegues IM, Pina F, Benadjaoud MA, Flamant S, Tamarat R, Osório H, Pais D, Casal D, Pinto FJ, Matthiesen R, Fiuza M, Constantino Rosa Santos S. Molecular Changes In Cardiac Tissue As A New Marker To Predict Cardiac Dysfunction Induced By Radiotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:945521. [PMID: 35957913 PMCID: PMC9360508 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.945521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of radiotherapy, per se, to late cardiotoxicity remains controversial. To clarify its impact on the development of early cardiac dysfunction, we developed an experimental model in which the hearts of rats were exposed, in a fractionated plan, to clinically relevant doses of ionizing radiation for oncological patients that undergo thoracic radiotherapy. Rat hearts were exposed to daily doses of 0.04, 0.3, and 1.2 Gy for 23 days, achieving cumulative doses of 0.92, 6.9, and 27.6 Gy, respectively. We demonstrate that myocardial deformation, assessed by global longitudinal strain, was impaired (a relative percentage reduction of >15% from baseline) in a dose-dependent manner at 18 months. Moreover, by scanning electron microscopy, the microvascular density in the cardiac apex was significantly decreased exclusively at 27.6 Gy dosage. Before GLS impairment detection, several tools (qRT-PCR, mass spectrometry, and western blot) were used to assess molecular changes in the cardiac tissue. The number/expression of several genes, proteins, and KEGG pathways, related to inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac muscle contraction, were differently expressed in the cardiac tissue according to the cumulative dose. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction occurs in a dose-dependent manner as detected by molecular changes in cardiac tissue, a predictor of the severity of global longitudinal strain impairment. Moreover, there was no dose threshold below which no myocardial deformation impairment was detected. Our findings i) contribute to developing new markers and exploring non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging to assess cardiac tissue changes as an early predictor of cardiac dysfunction; ii) should raise red flags, since there is no dose threshold below which no myocardial deformation impairment was detected and should be considered in radiation-based imaging and -guided therapeutic cardiac procedures; and iii) highlights the need for personalized clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Ribeiro
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Simões
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipe Rocha
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Sofia Vala
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Pinto
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Augusto Ministro
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Esmeralda Poli
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Maria Diegues
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filomena Pina
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mohamed Amine Benadjaoud
- Department of Radiobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stephane Flamant
- Department of Radiobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Radia Tamarat
- Department of Radiobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Hugo Osório
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Ipatimup-Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Pais
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo Casal
- NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fausto José Pinto
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rune Matthiesen
- Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuela Fiuza
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Santa Maria University Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte (CHULN), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Constantino Rosa Santos
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon School of Medicine of the Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Susana Constantino Rosa Santos,
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Li G, Yang J, Zhang D, Wang X, Han J, Guo X. Research Progress of Myocardial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:889706. [PMID: 35958428 PMCID: PMC9357935 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.889706] [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: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aging population and the increasing incidence of basic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes (DM), the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased significantly. AF is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, which can cause heart failure (HF) and ischemic stroke (IS), increasing disability and mortality. Current studies point out that myocardial fibrosis (MF) is one of the most critical substrates for the occurrence and maintenance of AF. Although myocardial biopsy is the gold standard for evaluating MF, it is rarely used in clinical practice because it is an invasive procedure. In addition, serological indicators and imaging methods have also been used to evaluate MF. Nevertheless, the accuracy of serological markers in evaluating MF is controversial. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of MF, serological evaluation, imaging evaluation, and anti-fibrosis treatment to discuss the existing problems and provide new ideas for MF and AF evaluation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangling Li
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Demei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xueya Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xueya Guo,
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10
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Bowers SL, Meng Q, Molkentin JD. Fibroblasts orchestrate cellular crosstalk in the heart through the ECM. NATURE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH 2022; 1:312-321. [PMID: 38765890 PMCID: PMC11101212 DOI: 10.1038/s44161-022-00043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Cell communication is needed for organ function and stress responses, especially in the heart. Cardiac fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, immune cells, and endothelial cells comprise the major cell types in ventricular myocardium that together coordinate all functional processes. Critical to this cellular network is the non-cellular extracellular matrix (ECM) that provides structure and harbors growth factors and other signaling proteins that affect cell behavior. The ECM is not only produced and modified by cells within the myocardium, largely cardiac fibroblasts, it also acts as an avenue for communication among all myocardial cells. In this Review, we discuss how the development of therapeutics to combat cardiac diseases, specifically fibrosis, relies on a deeper understanding of how the cardiac ECM is intertwined with signaling processes that underlie cellular activation and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeffery D. Molkentin
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology; University of Cincinnati, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati, OH
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11
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Tsai CR, Martin JF. Hippo signaling in cardiac fibroblasts during development, tissue repair, and fibrosis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 149:91-121. [PMID: 35606063 PMCID: PMC10898347 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Hippo signaling pathway plays key roles in regulating the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, cell differentiation, organ size control, tissue repair, and regeneration. Recently, the Hippo pathway has been shown to regulate heart fibrosis, defined as excess extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and increased tissue stiffness. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the primary cell type that produces, degrades, and remodels the ECM during homeostasis, aging, inflammation, and tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we review the available evidence from the current literature regarding how the Hippo pathway regulates the formation and function of CFs during heart development and tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ru Tsai
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Cardiomyocyte Renewal Laboratory, Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX, United States.
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12
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Travers JG, Tharp CA, Rubino M, McKinsey TA. Therapeutic targets for cardiac fibrosis: from old school to next-gen. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:148554. [PMID: 35229727 PMCID: PMC8884906 DOI: 10.1172/jci148554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with pathological fibrotic remodeling mediated by activated cardiac myofibroblasts representing a unifying theme across etiologies. Despite the profound contributions of myocardial fibrosis to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure, there currently exist limited clinical interventions that effectively target the cardiac fibroblast and its role in fibrotic tissue deposition. Exploration of novel strategies designed to mitigate or reverse myofibroblast activation and cardiac fibrosis will likely yield powerful therapeutic approaches for the treatment of multiple diseases of the heart, including heart failure with preserved or reduced ejection fraction, acute coronary syndrome, and cardiovascular disease linked to type 2 diabetes. In this Review, we provide an overview of classical regulators of cardiac fibrosis and highlight emerging, next-generation epigenetic regulatory targets that have the potential to revolutionize treatment of the expanding cardiovascular disease patient population.
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13
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) isoforms are upregulated and activated in myocardial diseases and have an important role in cardiac repair and remodelling, regulating the phenotype and function of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells. Cardiac injury triggers the generation of bioactive TGFβ from latent stores, through mechanisms involving proteases, integrins and specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Activated TGFβ signals through the SMAD intracellular effectors or through non-SMAD cascades. In the infarcted heart, the anti-inflammatory and fibroblast-activating actions of TGFβ have an important role in repair; however, excessive or prolonged TGFβ signalling accentuates adverse remodelling, contributing to cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac pressure overload also activates TGFβ cascades, which initially can have a protective role, promoting an ECM-preserving phenotype in fibroblasts and preventing the generation of injurious, pro-inflammatory ECM fragments. However, prolonged and overactive TGFβ signalling in pressure-overloaded cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts can promote cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In the atria, TGFβ-mediated fibrosis can contribute to the pathogenic substrate for atrial fibrillation. Overactive or dysregulated TGFβ responses have also been implicated in cardiac ageing and in the pathogenesis of diabetic, genetic and inflammatory cardiomyopathies. This Review summarizes the current evidence on the role of TGFβ signalling in myocardial diseases, focusing on cellular targets and molecular mechanisms, and discussing challenges and opportunities for therapeutic translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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14
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Carver W, Fix E, Fix C, Fan D, Chakrabarti M, Azhar M. Effects of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, on TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast activation and function. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7440-7449. [PMID: 34041746 PMCID: PMC8530838 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis accompanies a number of pathological conditions and results in altered myocardial structure, biomechanical properties and function. The signaling networks leading to fibrosis are complex, contributing to the general lack of progress in identifying effective therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse this condition. Several studies have shown protective effects of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, in animal models of fibrosis. A number of questions remain regarding the mechanisms whereby emodin impacts fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a potent stimulus of fibrosis and fibroblast activation. In the present study, experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of emodin on activation and function of cardiac fibroblasts following treatment with TGF-β1. We demonstrate that emodin attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and collagen accumulation in vitro. Emodin also inhibits activation of several canonical (SMAD2/3) and noncanonical (Erk1/2) TGF-β signaling pathways, while activating the p38 pathway. These results suggest that emodin may provide an effective therapeutic agent for fibrosis that functions via specific TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Carver
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Ethan Fix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Charity Fix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mrinmay Chakrabarti
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mohamad Azhar
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
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15
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Lotteau S, Zhang R, Hazan A, Grabar C, Gonzalez D, Aynaszyan S, Philipson KD, Ottolia M, Goldhaber JI. Acute Genetic Ablation of Cardiac Sodium/Calcium Exchange in Adult Mice: Implications for Cardiomyocyte Calcium Regulation, Cardioprotection, and Arrhythmia. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019273. [PMID: 34472363 PMCID: PMC8649274 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Sodium‐calcium (Ca2+) exchanger isoform 1 (NCX1) is the dominant Ca2+ efflux mechanism in cardiomyocytes and is critical to maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis during excitation‐contraction coupling. NCX1 activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, but a lack of specific NCX1 blockers complicates experimental interpretation. Our aim was to develop a tamoxifen‐inducible NCX1 knockout (KO) mouse to investigate compensatory adaptations of acute ablation of NCX1 on excitation‐contraction coupling and intracellular Ca2+ regulation, and to examine whether acute KO of NCX1 confers resistance to triggered arrhythmia and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods and Results We used the α‐myosin heavy chain promoter (Myh6)‐MerCreMer promoter to create a tamoxifen‐inducible cardiac‐specific NCX1 KO mouse. Within 1 week of tamoxifen injection, NCX1 protein expression and current were dramatically reduced. Diastolic Ca2+ increased despite adaptive reductions in Ca2+ current and action potential duration and compensatory increases in excitation‐contraction coupling gain, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2 and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase. As these adaptations progressed over 4 weeks, diastolic Ca2+ normalized and SR Ca2+ load increased. Left ventricular function remained normal, but mild fibrosis and hypertrophy developed. Transcriptomics revealed modification of cardiovascular‐related gene networks including cell growth and fibrosis. NCX1 KO reduced spontaneous action potentials triggered by delayed afterdepolarizations and reduced scar size in response to ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions Tamoxifen‐inducible NCX1 KO mice adapt to acute genetic ablation of NCX1 by reducing Ca2+ influx, increasing alternative Ca2+ efflux pathways, and increasing excitation‐contraction coupling gain to maintain contractility at the cost of mild Ca2+‐activated hypertrophy and fibrosis and decreased survival. Nevertheless, KO myocytes are protected against spontaneous action potentials and ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Lotteau
- Smidt Heart Institute Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Smidt Heart Institute Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
| | - Adina Hazan
- Smidt Heart Institute Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
| | - Christina Grabar
- Smidt Heart Institute Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
| | - Devina Gonzalez
- Smidt Heart Institute Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles CA
| | | | - Kenneth D Philipson
- Department of Physiology David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles CA
| | - Michela Ottolia
- Division of Molecular Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles CA
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16
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Liu J, Jin Y, Wang B, Zhang J, Zuo S. C188-9 reduces TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and alleviates ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2033-2040. [PMID: 34056872 PMCID: PMC8255844 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is the final event of heart failure and is associated with almost all forms of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), a major cell type in the heart, are responsible for regulating normal myocardial function and maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis in adverse myocardial remodeling. In this study, we found that C188‐9, a small‐molecule inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), exhibited an antifibrotic function, both in vitro and in vivo. C188‐9 decreased transforming growth factor‐β1‐induced CF activation and fibrotic gene expression. Moreover, C188‐9 treatment alleviated heart injury and cardiac fibrosis in an isoproterenol‐induced mouse model by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation and activation. These findings may help us better understand the role of C188‐9 in cardiac fibrosis and facilitate the development of new treatments for cardiac fibrosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Jin
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengkai Zuo
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China
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17
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de Oliveira Camargo R, Abual'anaz B, Rattan SG, Filomeno KL, Dixon IMC. Novel factors that activate and deactivate cardiac fibroblasts: A new perspective for treatment of cardiac fibrosis. Wound Repair Regen 2021; 29:667-677. [PMID: 34076932 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Heart disease with attendant cardiac fibrosis kills more patients in developed countries than any other disease, including cancer. We highlight the recent literature on factors that activate and also deactivate cardiac fibroblasts. Activation of cardiac fibroblasts results in myofibroblasts phenotype which incorporates aSMA to stress fibres, express ED-A fibronectin, elevated PDGFRα and are hypersecretory ECM components. These cells facilitate both acute wound healing (infarct site) and chronic cardiac fibrosis. Quiescent fibroblasts are associated with normal myocardial tissue and provide relatively slow turnover of the ECM. Deactivation of activated myofibroblasts is a much less studied phenomenon. In this context, SKI is a known negative regulator of TGFb1 /Smad signalling, and thus may share functional similarity to PPARγ activation. The discovery of SKI's potent anti-fibrotic role, and its ability to deactivate and/or myofibroblasts is featured and contrasted with PPARγ. While myofibroblasts are typically recruited from pools of potential precursor cells in a variety of organs, the importance of activation of resident cardiac fibroblasts has been recently emphasised. Myofibroblasts deposit ECM components at an elevated rate and contribute to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction with attendant cardiac fibrosis. A major knowledge gap exists as to specific proteins that may signal for fibroblast deactivation. As SKI may be a functionally pluripotent protein, we suggest that it serves as a scaffold to proteins other than R-Smads and associated Smad signal proteins, and thus its anti-fibrotic effects may extend beyond binding R-Smads. While cardiac fibrosis is causal to heart failure, the treatment of cardiac fibrosis is hampered by the lack of availability of effective pharmacological anti-fibrotic agents. The current review will provide an overview of work highlighting novel factors which cause fibroblast activation and deactivation to underscore putative therapeutic avenues for improving disease outcomes in cardiac patients with fibrosed hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca de Oliveira Camargo
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Besher Abual'anaz
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sunil G Rattan
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Krista L Filomeno
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ian M C Dixon
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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18
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Shi SY, Luo X, Yamawaki TM, Li CM, Ason B, Furtado MB. Recent Advances in Single-Cell Profiling and Multispecific Therapeutics: Paving the Way for a New Era of Precision Medicine Targeting Cardiac Fibroblasts. Curr Cardiol Rep 2021; 23:82. [PMID: 34081224 PMCID: PMC8175296 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01517-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiac fibroblast activation contributes to fibrosis, maladaptive remodeling and heart failure progression. This review summarizes the latest findings on cardiac fibroblast activation dynamics derived from single-cell transcriptomic analyses and discusses how this information may aid the development of new multispecific medicines. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in single-cell gene expression technologies have led to the discovery of distinct fibroblast subsets, some of which are more prevalent in diseased tissue and exhibit temporal changes in response to injury. In parallel to the rapid development of single-cell platforms, the advent of multispecific therapeutics is beginning to transform the biopharmaceutical landscape, paving the way for the selective targeting of diseased fibroblast subpopulations. Insights gained from single-cell technologies reveal critical cardiac fibroblast subsets that play a pathogenic role in the progression of heart failure. Combined with the development of multispecific therapeutic agents that have enabled access to previously "undruggable" targets, we are entering a new era of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Yu Shi
- Department of Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Xin Luo
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Tracy M. Yamawaki
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Chi-Ming Li
- Genome Analysis Unit, Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Brandon Ason
- Department of Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Milena B. Furtado
- Department of Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Discovery Research, Amgen Inc., 1120 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
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19
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SKI activates the Hippo pathway via LIMD1 to inhibit cardiac fibroblast activation. Basic Res Cardiol 2021; 116:25. [PMID: 33847835 PMCID: PMC8043893 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-021-00865-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that overexpression of SKI, an endogenous TGF-β1 repressor, deactivates the pro-fibrotic myofibroblast phenotype in the heart. We now show that SKI also functions independently of SMAD/TGF-β signaling, by activating the Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway and inhibiting the Transcriptional co-Activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ or WWTR1). The mechanism(s) by which SKI targets TAZ to inhibit cardiac fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis remain undefined. A rat model of post-myocardial infarction was used to examine the expression of TAZ during acute fibrogenesis and chronic heart failure. Results were then corroborated with primary rat cardiac fibroblast cell culture performed both on plastic and on inert elastic substrates, along with the use of siRNA and adenoviral expression vectors for active forms of SKI, YAP, and TAZ. Gene expression was examined by qPCR and luciferase assays, while protein expression was examined by immunoblotting and fluorescence microscopy. Cell phenotype was further assessed by functional assays. Finally, to elucidate SKI’s effects on Hippo signaling, the SKI and TAZ interactomes were captured in human cardiac fibroblasts using BioID2 and mass spectrometry. Potential interactors were investigated in vitro to reveal novel mechanisms of action for SKI. In vitro assays on elastic substrates revealed the ability of TAZ to overcome environmental stimuli and induce the activation of hypersynthetic cardiac myofibroblasts. Further cell-based assays demonstrated that SKI causes specific proteasomal degradation of TAZ, but not YAP, and shifts actin cytoskeleton dynamics to inhibit myofibroblast activation. These findings were supported by identifying the bi-phasic expression of TAZ in vivo during post-MI remodeling and fibrosis. BioID2-based interactomics in human cardiac fibroblasts suggest that SKI interacts with actin-modifying proteins and with LIM Domain-containing protein 1 (LIMD1), a negative regulator of Hippo signaling. Furthermore, we found that LATS2 interacts with TAZ, whereas LATS1 does not, and that LATS2 knockdown prevented TAZ downregulation with SKI overexpression. Our findings indicate that SKI’s capacity to regulate cardiac fibroblast activation is mediated, in part, by Hippo signaling. We postulate that the interaction between SKI and TAZ in cardiac fibroblasts is arbitrated by LIMD1, an important intermediary in focal adhesion-associated signaling pathways. This study contributes to the understanding of the unique physiology of cardiac fibroblasts, and of the relationship between SKI expression and cell phenotype.
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20
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Chen S, Wu Y, Qin X, Wen P, Liu J, Yang M. Global gene expression analysis using RNA-seq reveals the new roles of Panax notoginseng Saponins in ischemic cardiomyocytes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113639. [PMID: 33301914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS), the main active ingredients of Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen, have been clinically used for cardiovascular diseases treatment in China as the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Duan et al., 2017). Evidence demonstrated that PNS protected cardiomyocytes from myocardial ischemia, but the more underlying molecular mechanisms of the protective effect are still unclear. The aims of this study are to systematically know the function of PNS and discover new roles of PNS in ischemic cardiomyocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS To confirm PNS function on ischemic cardiomyopathy, we established in vitro myocardial ischemia model on H9C2 cardiomyocyte line, which was induced by oxygen-glucose depletion (OGD). Then RNA-seq was carried out to systematically analyze global gene expression. This study was aimed to systematically investigate the protective effect and more potential molecular mechanisms of PNS on H9C2 cardiomyocytes in vitro through whole-transcriptome analysis with total RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). RESULTS PNS exhibited anti-apoptotic effect in H9C2 cardiomyocytes in OGD-induced myocardial ischemia model. Through RNA-seq, we found that OGD affected expression profiling of many genes, including upregulated and downregulated genes. PNS inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and death through rescuing cell cycle arrest, the DNA double-strand breakage repair process and chromosome segregation. Interestingly, for the canonical signaling pathways regulation, RNA-seq showed PNS could inhibit cardiac hypertrophy, MAPK signaling pathway, and re-activate PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways. Experimental data also confirmed the PNS could protect cardiomyocytes from OGD-induced apoptosis through activating PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways. Moreover, RNA-seq demonstrated that the expression levels of many non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, were significantly affected after PNS treatment, suggesting that PNS could protect cardiomyocytes through regulating non-coding RNAs. CONCLUSION RNA-seq systematically revealed different novel roles of Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) in protecting cardiomyocytes from apoptosis, induced by myocardial ischemia, through rescuing cell cycle arrest and cardiac hypertrophy, re-activating the DNA double-strand breakage repair process, chromosome segregation, PI3K/Akt and AMPK signaling pathways and regulating non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxian Chen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Yueheng Wu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xianyu Qin
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Pengju Wen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Juli Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W Walnut St, Indianapolis, 46202, IN, USA.
| | - Min Yang
- Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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21
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Singh R, Kaundal RK, Zhao B, Bouchareb R, Lebeche D. Resistin induces cardiac fibroblast-myofibroblast differentiation through JAK/STAT3 and JNK/c-Jun signaling. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105414. [PMID: 33524540 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and myofibroblast differentiation. Our previous findings have implicated resistin in cardiac fibrosis; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still unclear. Here we investigated the role of resistin in fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and elucidated the pathways involved in this process. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation was induced with resistin or TGFβ1 in NIH-3T3 and adult cardiac fibroblasts. mRNA and protein expression of fibrotic markers were analyzed by qPCR and immunoblotting. Resistin-knockout mice, challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to stimulate cardiac impairment, were analyzed for cardiac function and fibrosis using histologic and molecular methods. Cardiac fibroblasts stimulated with resistin displayed increased fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion, with increased levels of αSma, col1a1, Fn, Ccn2 and Mmp9, with remarkable differences in the actin network appearance. Mechanistically, resistin promotes fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation and fibrogenesis via JAK2/STAT3 and JNK/c-Jun signaling pathways, independent of TGFβ1. Resistin-null mice challenged with HFD showed an improvement in cardiac function and a decrease in tissue fibrosis and reduced mRNA levels of fibrogenic markers. These findings are the first to delineate the role of resistin in the process of cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation via JAK/STAT3 and JNK/c-Jun pathways, potentially leading to stimulation of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajvir Singh
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ravinder K Kaundal
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Baoyin Zhao
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Rihab Bouchareb
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Djamel Lebeche
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute, Department of Medicine, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Di Gregorio J, Robuffo I, Spalletta S, Giambuzzi G, De Iuliis V, Toniato E, Martinotti S, Conti P, Flati V. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:607483. [PMID: 33409282 PMCID: PMC7779530 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sonia Spalletta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, E. Profili Hospital, Fabriano, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Iuliis
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University "G. d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Tanner MA, Thomas TP, Maitz CA, Grisanti LA. β2-Adrenergic Receptors Increase Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation Through the Gαs/ERK1/2-Dependent Secretion of Interleukin-6. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228507. [PMID: 33198112 PMCID: PMC7697911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts are an important resident cell population in the heart involved in maintaining homeostasis and structure during normal conditions. They are also crucial in disease states for sensing signals and initiating the appropriate repair responses to maintain the structural integrity of the heart. This sentinel role of cardiac fibroblasts occurs, in part, through their ability to secrete cytokines. β-adrenergic receptors (βAR) are also critical regulators of cardiac function in the normal and diseased state and a major therapeutic target clinically. βAR are known to influence cytokine secretion in various cell types and they have been shown to be involved in cytokine production in the heart, but their role in regulating cytokine production in cardiac fibroblasts is not well understood. Thus, we hypothesized that βAR activation on cardiac fibroblasts modulates cytokine production to influence fibroblast function. Using primary fibroblast cultures from neonatal rats and adult mice, increased interleukin (IL)-6 expression and secretion occurred following β2AR activation. The use of pharmacological inhibitors and genetic manipulations showed that IL-6 elevations occurred through the Gαs-mediated activation of ERK1/2 and resulted in increased fibroblast proliferation. In vivo, a lack of β2AR resulted in increased infarct size following myocardial infarction and impaired wound closure in a murine dermal wound healing assay. These findings identify an important role for β2AR in regulating fibroblast proliferation through Gαs/ERK1/2-dependent alterations in IL-6 and may lead to the development of improved heart failure therapies through targeting fibrotic function of β2AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles A. Tanner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.A.T.); (T.P.T.)
| | - Toby P. Thomas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.A.T.); (T.P.T.)
| | - Charles A. Maitz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Laurel A. Grisanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (M.A.T.); (T.P.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +573-884-8852
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AlQudah M, Hale TM, Czubryt MP. Targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:92-108. [PMID: 32422329 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components such as collagen in tissues or organs. Fibrosis can develop in the heart, kidneys, liver, skin or any other body organ in response to injury or maladaptive reparative processes, reducing overall function and leading eventually to organ failure. A variety of cellular and molecular signaling mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) interacts with the potent Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) pro-fibrotic pathway to mediate fibrosis in many cell and tissue types. RAAS consists of both classical and alternative pathways, which act to potentiate or antagonize fibrotic signaling mechanisms, respectively. This review provides an overview of recent literature describing the roles of RAAS in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, particularly in the liver, heart, kidney and skin, and with a focus on RAAS interactions with TGFβ signaling. Targeting RAAS to combat fibrosis represents a promising therapeutic approach, particularly given the lack of strategies for treating fibrosis as its own entity, thus animal and clinical studies to examine the impact of natural and synthetic substances to alter RAAS signaling as a means to treat fibrosis are reviewed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad AlQudah
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, United States
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada.
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25
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Fu X, Liu Q, Li C, Li Y, Wang L. Cardiac Fibrosis and Cardiac Fibroblast Lineage-Tracing: Recent Advances. Front Physiol 2020; 11:416. [PMID: 32435205 PMCID: PMC7218116 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a common pathological change associated with cardiac injuries and diseases. Even though the accumulation of collagens and other extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins may have some protective effects in certain situations, prolonged fibrosis usually negatively affects cardiac function and often leads to deleterious consequences. While the development of cardiac fibrosis involves several cell types, the major source of ECM proteins is cardiac fibroblast. The high plasticity of cardiac fibroblasts enables them to quickly change their behaviors in response to injury and transition between several differentiation states. However, the study of cardiac fibroblasts in vivo was very difficult due to the lack of specific research tools. The development of cardiac fibroblast lineage-tracing mouse lines has greatly promoted cardiac fibrosis research. In this article, we review the recent cardiac fibroblast lineage-tracing studies exploring the origin of cardiac fibroblasts and their complicated roles in cardiac fibrosis, and briefly discuss the translational potential of basic cardiac fibroblast researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Fu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Qianglin Liu
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Chaoyang Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Yuxia Li
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Leshan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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26
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Floy ME, Mateyka TD, Foreman KL, Palecek SP. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac stromal cells and their applications in regenerative medicine. Stem Cell Res 2020; 45:101831. [PMID: 32446219 PMCID: PMC7931507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2020.101831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Recent advances in stem cell biology have led to the development and engineering of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cardiac cells and tissues for application in cellular therapy and cardiotoxicity studies. Initial studies in this area have largely focused on improving differentiation efficiency and maturation states of cardiomyocytes. However, other cell types in the heart, including endothelial and stromal cells, play crucial roles in cardiac development, injury response, and cardiomyocyte function. This review discusses recent advances in differentiation of hPSCs to cardiac stromal cells, identification and classification of cardiac stromal cell types, and application of hPSC-derived cardiac stromal cells and tissues containing these cells in regenerative and drug development applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha E Floy
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Taylor D Mateyka
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Koji L Foreman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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27
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Genetic Dissection of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Myocardial RNA-Seq. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093040. [PMID: 32344918 PMCID: PMC7246737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disorder of the myocardium, and pathogenic mutations in the sarcomere genes myosin heavy chain 7 (MYH7) and myosin-binding protein C (MYBPC3) explain 60%–70% of observed clinical cases. The heterogeneity of phenotypes observed in HCM patients, however, suggests that novel causative genes or genetic modifiers likely exist. Here, we systemically evaluated RNA-seq data from 28 HCM patients and 9 healthy controls with pathogenic variant identification, differential expression analysis, and gene co-expression and protein–protein interaction network analyses. We identified 43 potential pathogenic variants in 19 genes in 24 HCM patients. Genes with more than one variant included the following: MYBPC3, TTN, MYH7, PSEN2, and LDB3. A total of 2538 protein-coding genes, six microRNAs (miRNAs), and 1617 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified differentially expressed between the groups, including several well-characterized cardiomyopathy-related genes (ANKRD1, FHL2, TGFB3, miR-30d, and miR-154). Gene enrichment analysis revealed that those genes are significantly involved in heart development and physiology. Furthermore, we highlighted four subnetworks: mtDNA-subnetwork, DSP-subnetwork, MYH7-subnetwork, and MYBPC3-subnetwork, which could play significant roles in the progression of HCM. Our findings further illustrate that HCM is a complex disease, which results from mutations in multiple protein-coding genes, modulation by non-coding RNAs and perturbations in gene networks.
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28
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Cardiosomal microRNAs Are Essential in Post-Infarction Myofibroblast Phenoconversion. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010201. [PMID: 31892162 PMCID: PMC6982041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of microRNAs (miRNAs) in extracellular microvesicles/exosomes (named cardiosomes when deriving from cardiomyocytes) allows their active transportation and ensures cell-cell communication. We hypothesize that cardiosomal miRNAs play a pivotal role in the activation of myofibroblasts following ischemic injury. Using a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI), we tested our hypothesis by measuring in isolated fibroblasts and cardiosomes the expression levels of a set of miRNAs, which are upregulated in cardiomyocytes post-MI and involved in myofibroblast phenoconversion. We found that miR-195 was significantly upregulated in cardiosomes and in fibroblasts isolated after MI compared with SHAM conditions. Moreover, primary isolated cardiac fibroblasts were activated both when incubated with cardiosomes isolated from ischemic cardiomyocytes and when cultured in conditioned medium of post-MI cardiomyocytes, whereas no significant effect was observed following incubation with cardiosomes or medium from sham cardiomyocytes. Taken together, our findings indicate for the first time that a cardiomyocyte-specific miRNA, transferred to fibroblasts in form of exosomal cargo, is crucial in the activation of myofibroblasts.
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29
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Li X, Zhang S, Wa M, Liu Z, Hu S. MicroRNA-101 Protects Against Cardiac Remodeling Following Myocardial Infarction via Downregulation of Runt-Related Transcription Factor 1. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e013112. [PMID: 31766975 PMCID: PMC6912979 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Myocardial infarction (MI) generally leads to heart failure and sudden death. The hearts of people with MI undergo remodeling with the features of expanded myocardial infarct size and dilated left ventricle. Many microRNAs (miRs) have been revealed to be involved in the remodeling process; however, the participation of miR‐101 remains unknown. Therefore, this study aims to find out the regulatory mechanism of miR‐101 in MI‐induced cardiac remodeling. Methods and Results Microarray data analysis was conducted to screen differentially expressed genes in MI. The rat model of MI was established by left coronary artery ligation. In addition, the relationship between miR‐101 and runt‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) was identified using dual luciferase reporter assay. After that, the rats injected with lentiviral vector expressing miR‐101 mimic, inhibitor, or small interfering RNA against RUNX1 were used to examine the effects of miR‐101 and RUNX1 on transforming growth factor β signaling pathway, cardiac function, infarct size, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. RUNX1 was highly expressed, while miR‐101 was poorly expressed in MI. miR‐101 was identified to target RUNX1. Following that, it was found that overexpression of miR‐101 or silencing of RUNX1 improved the cardiac function and elevated left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameters. Also, miR‐101 elevation or RUNX1 depletion decreased infarct size, myocardial fibrosis, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Moreover, miR‐101 could negatively regulate RUNX1 to inactivate the transforming growth factor β1/Smad family member 2 signaling pathway. Conclusions Taken together, miR‐101 plays a protective role against cardiac remodeling following MI via inactivation of the RUNX1‐dependent transforming growth factor β1/Smad family member 2 signaling pathway, proposing miR‐101 and RUNX1 as potential therapeutic targets for MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xidong Li
- Department of Cardiology Linyi People's Hospital Linyi China
| | - Shouwen Zhang
- Department of Cardiology Linyi People's Hospital Linyi China
| | | | - Zhonghua Liu
- Department of Endocrinology Linyi People's Hospital Linyi China
| | - Shunpeng Hu
- Department of Cardiology Linyi People's Hospital Linyi China
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30
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Bhandary B, Meng Q, James J, Osinska H, Gulick J, Valiente-Alandi I, Sargent MA, Bhuiyan MS, Blaxall BC, Molkentin JD, Robbins J. Cardiac Fibrosis in Proteotoxic Cardiac Disease is Dependent Upon Myofibroblast TGF -β Signaling. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 7:e010013. [PMID: 30371263 PMCID: PMC6474972 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.118.010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) is an important cytokine in mediating the cardiac fibrosis that often accompanies pathogenic cardiac remodeling. Cardiomyocyte‐specific expression of a mutant αB‐crystallin (CryABR120G), which causes human desmin‐related cardiomyopathy, results in significant cardiac fibrosis. During onset of fibrosis, fibroblasts are activated to the so‐called myofibroblast state and TGF‐β binding mediates an essential signaling pathway underlying this process. Here, we test the hypothesis that fibroblast‐based TGF‐β signaling can result in significant cardiac fibrosis in a disease model of cardiac proteotoxicity that has an exclusive cardiomyocyte‐based etiology. Methods and Results Against the background of cardiomyocyte‐restricted expression of CryABR120G, we have partially ablated TGF‐β signaling in cardiac myofibroblasts to observe whether cardiac fibrosis is reduced despite the ongoing pathogenic stimulus of CryABR120G production. Transgenic CryABR120G mice were crossed with mice containing a floxed allele of TGF‐β receptor 2 (Tgfbr2f/f). The double transgenic animals were subsequently crossed to another transgenic line in which Cre expression was driven from the periostin locus (Postn) so that Tgfbr2 would be ablated with myofibroblast conversion. Structural and functional assays were then used to determine whether general fibrosis was affected and cardiac function rescued in CryABR120G mice lacking Tgfbr2 in the myofibroblasts. Ablation of myofibroblast specific TGF‐β signaling led to decreased morbidity in a proteotoxic disease resulting from cardiomyocyte autonomous expression of CryABR120G. Cardiac fibrosis was decreased and hypertrophy was also significantly attenuated, with a significant improvement in survival probability over time, even though the primary proteotoxic insult continued. Conclusions Myofibroblast‐targeted knockdown of Tgfbr2 signaling resulted in reduced fibrosis and improved cardiac function, leading to improved probability of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidur Bhandary
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Qinghang Meng
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Jeanne James
- 2 Division of Pediatric Cardiology Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee WI
| | - Hanna Osinska
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - James Gulick
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Iñigo Valiente-Alandi
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Michelle A Sargent
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Md Shenuarin Bhuiyan
- 3 Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport LA
| | - Burns C Blaxall
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Jeffery D Molkentin
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
| | - Jeffrey Robbins
- 1 Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Cincinnati Children's Hospital Cincinnati OH
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31
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Ni J, Wu QQ, Liao HH, Fan D, Tang QZ. Bcl6 Suppresses Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Function via Directly Binding to Smad4. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:534-540. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tran KV, Tanriverdi K, Aurigemma GP, Lessard D, Sardana M, Parker M, Shaikh A, Gottbrecht M, Milstone Z, Tanriverdi S, Vitseva O, Keaney JF, Kiefe CI, McManus DD, Freedman JE. Circulating extracellular RNAs, myocardial remodeling, and heart failure in patients with acute coronary syndrome. J Clin Transl Res 2019; 5:33-43. [PMID: 31579840 PMCID: PMC6765153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given high on-treatment mortality in heart failure (HF), identifying molecular pathways that underlie adverse cardiac remodeling may offer novel biomarkers and therapeutic avenues. Circulating extracellular RNAs (ex-RNAs) regulate important biological processes and are emerging as biomarkers of disease, but less is known about their role in the acute setting, particularly in the setting of HF. METHODS We examined the ex-RNA profiles of 296 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) survivors enrolled in the Transitions, Risks, and Actions in Coronary Events Center for Outcomes Research and Education Cohort. We measured 374 ex-RNAs selected a priori, based on previous findings from a large population study. We employed a two-step, mechanism-driven approach to identify ex-RNAs associated with echocardiographic phenotypes (left ventricular [LV] ejection fraction, LV mass, LV end-diastolic volume, left atrial [LA] dimension, and LA volume index) then tested relations of these ex-RNAs with prevalent HF (N=31, 10.5%). We performed further bioinformatics analysis of microRNA (miRNAs) predicted targets' genes ontology categories and molecular pathways. RESULTS We identified 44 ex-RNAs associated with at least one echocardiographic phenotype associated with HF. Of these 44 exRNAs, miR-29-3p, miR-584-5p, and miR-1247-5p were also associated with prevalent HF. The three microRNAs were implicated in the regulation p53 and transforming growth factor-β signaling pathways and predicted to be involved in cardiac fibrosis and cell death; miRNA predicted targets were enriched in gene ontology categories including several involving the extracellular matrix and cellular differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Among ACS survivors, we observed that miR-29-3p, miR-584-5p, and miR-1247-5p were associated with both echocardiographic markers of cardiac remodeling and prevalent HF. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS miR-29c-3p, miR-584-5p, and miR-1247-5p were associated with echocardiographic phenotypes and prevalent HF and are potential biomarkers for adverse cardiac remodeling in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanh-Van Tran
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA,Corresponding author: Khanh-Van Tran Cardiovascular Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Kahraman Tanriverdi
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Gerard P. Aurigemma
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Darleen Lessard
- 2Population and Quantitative Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mayank Sardana
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Parker
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Amir Shaikh
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Gottbrecht
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Selim Tanriverdi
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Olga Vitseva
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John F. Keaney
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Catarina I. Kiefe
- 2Population and Quantitative Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - David D. McManus
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA,2Population and Quantitative Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jane E. Freedman
- 1Department of Medicine, Health Sciences University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Zeng SY, Yang L, Lu HQ, Yan QJ, Gao L, Qin XP. Rutaecarpine prevents hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy involving the inhibition of Nox4-ROS-ADAM17 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:4196-4207. [PMID: 30953402 PMCID: PMC6533562 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rutaecarpine attenuates hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy in the rats with abdominal artery constriction (AAC); however, its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. Our previous study indicated that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) promotes angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced cardiac hypertrophy through the pathway between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase‐17 (ADAM17) in primary cardiomyocytes. This research aimed to determine whether the Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway is involved in the protective action of rutaecarpine against hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. AAC‐induced hypertensive rats were adopted to evaluate the role of rutaecarpine in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy. Western blotting and real‐time PCR were used to detect gene expression. Rutaecarpine inhibited hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy in AAC‐induced hypertensive rats. These findings were confirmed by the results of in vitro experiments that rutaecarpine significantly inhibited Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in primary cardiomyocytes. Likewise, rutaecarpine significantly suppressed the Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway and over‐activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway in the left ventricle of AAC‐induced hypertensive rats and primary cardiomyocytes stimulated with Ang II. The inhibition of Nox4‐ROS‐ADAM17 pathway and over‐activation of ERK1/2 might be associated with the beneficial role of rutaecarpine in hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy, thus providing additional evidence for preventing hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy with rutaecarpine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Yu Zeng
- Department of Drug Clinical Trial, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hui-Qin Lu
- Department of Drug Clinical Trial, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiu-Jiang Yan
- Department of Cardiac & Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Ping Qin
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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