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Zhuo L, Hu Z, Chang J, Guo Q, Guo J. MicroRNA‑203a‑3p improves bleomycin and pingyangmycin sensitivity by inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway in hemangioma. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:80. [PMID: 38274341 PMCID: PMC10809328 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12369] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have been found to play a fundamental role in the pathology and progression of hemangioma. Of note, miR-203a-3p prevents hemangioma progression via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Bleomycin and pingyangmycin are drugs used in sclerotherapy, but certain hemangioma patients experience drug resistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. The present study aimed to explore the impact of miR-203a-3p on bleomycin and pingyangmycin sensitivity in hemangioma, as well as the involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway. miR-203a-3p or negative control mimics were transfected into human hemangioma endothelial cells, which were treated with 0-20 µM bleomycin or pingyangmycin. Subsequently, 740 Y-P, a PI3K/AKT pathway agonist, was added. Cell viability, rate of apoptosis and the expression levels of proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT pathway, including phosphorylated (p)-PI3K, PI3K, p-AKT and AKT, were detected. miR-203a-3p overexpression significantly decreased the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of bleomycin (5.84±0.87 vs. 14.23±2.17 µM; P<0.01) and pingyangmycin (5.13±0.55 vs. 12.04±1.86 µM; P<0.01), compared with untreated cells. In addition, under bleomycin or pingyangmycin treatment, miR-203a-3p overexpression significantly reduced the proportion of EdU positive cells (both P<0.05) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL2) protein expression levels (both P<0.05), whilst increasing cell apoptosis rate (both P<0.05) and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression levels (both P<0.05) compared with untreated controls. Furthermore, miR-203a-3p overexpression significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT (both P<0.05), an effect that was significantly diminished by 740 Y-P treatment (both P<0.01). In addition, 740 Y-P significantly increased IC50 values of bleomycin (P<0.01) and pingyangmycin (P<0.001) and also significantly increased the proportion of EdU-positive cells and BCL2 protein expression levels, while decreasing the apoptosis rate and cleaved caspase 3 protein expression levels in cells treated with bleomycin or pingyangmycin (all P<0.05). Of note, 740 Y-P weakened the effect of miR-203a-3p overexpression on the aforementioned cellular characteristics. The present study demonstrated that miR-203a-3p improved the sensitivity of cells to bleomycin and pingyangmycin treatment by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling in hemangioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhuo
- Department of General Surgery IV, (Department of Plastic Surgery), Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Zhenfeng Hu
- Department of General Surgery II (Department of Plastic Surgery), Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Jin Chang
- Department of General Surgery IV, (Department of Plastic Surgery), Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056002, P.R. China
| | - Qing Guo
- The Fourth Wards of Department of Oncology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Guo
- The Fourth Wards of Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056001, P.R. China
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2
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Zheng Y, Schupp JC, Adams T, Clair G, Justet A, Ahangari F, Yan X, Hansen P, Carlon M, Cortesi E, Vermant M, Vos R, De Sadeleer LJ, Rosas IO, Pineda R, Sembrat J, Königshoff M, McDonough JE, Vanaudenaerde BM, Wuyts WA, Kaminski N, Ding J. Unagi: Deep Generative Model for Deciphering Cellular Dynamics and In-Silico Drug Discovery in Complex Diseases. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3676579. [PMID: 38196613 PMCID: PMC10775382 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3676579/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Human diseases are characterized by intricate cellular dynamics. Single-cell sequencing provides critical insights, yet a persistent gap remains in computational tools for detailed disease progression analysis and targeted in-silico drug interventions. Here, we introduce UNAGI, a deep generative neural network tailored to analyze time-series single-cell transcriptomic data. This tool captures the complex cellular dynamics underlying disease progression, enhancing drug perturbation modeling and discovery. When applied to a dataset from patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), UNAGI learns disease-informed cell embeddings that sharpen our understanding of disease progression, leading to the identification of potential therapeutic drug candidates. Validation via proteomics reveals the accuracy of UNAGI's cellular dynamics analyses, and the use of the Fibrotic Cocktail treated human Precision-cut Lung Slices confirms UNAGI's predictions that Nifedipine, an antihypertensive drug, may have antifibrotic effects on human tissues. UNAGI's versatility extends to other diseases, including a COVID dataset, demonstrating adaptability and confirming its broader applicability in decoding complex cellular dynamics beyond IPF, amplifying its utility in the quest for therapeutic solutions across diverse pathological landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zheng
- Quantitative Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonas C. Schupp
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Taylor Adams
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Geremy Clair
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Aurelien Justet
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Farida Ahangari
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xiting Yan
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Paul Hansen
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marianne Carlon
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Cortesi
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Vermant
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Vos
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laurens J. De Sadeleer
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ricardo Pineda
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John E. McDonough
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Bart M. Vanaudenaerde
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim A. Wuyts
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jun Ding
- Quantitative Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila - Quebec AI Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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3
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Sung EA, Park MH, Song S, Alanya H, Henegariu O, Liu J, Erson-Omay EZ, Sime PJ, Chae WJ. Thrombocyte-derived Dickkopf1 promotes macrophage polarization in the Bleomycin-induced lung injury model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1247330. [PMID: 38162655 PMCID: PMC10757334 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1247330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune responses are crucial to maintaining tissue homeostasis upon tissue injury. Upon various types of challenges, macrophages play a central role in regulating inflammation and tissue repair processes. While an immunomodulatory role of Wnt antagonist Dickkopf1 (DKK1) has been implicated, the role of Wnt antagonist DKK1 in regulating macrophage polarization in inflammation and the tissue repair process remains elusive. Here we found that DKK1 induces gene expression profiles to promote inflammation and tissue repair in macrophages. Importantly, DKK1 induced various genes, including inflammation and tissue repair, via JNK (c-jun N-terminal kinase) in macrophages. Furthermore, DKK1 potentiated IL-13-mediated macrophage polarization and activation. The co-inhibition of JNK and STAT6 markedly decreased gene expressions relevant to inflammation and fibrosis by DKK1 and IL-13. Interestingly, thrombocyte-specific deletion of DKK1 in mice reduced collagen deposition and decreased Arg1, CD206, HIF1α, and IL1β protein expressions in monocyte-derived alveolar macrophages in the acute sterile bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung injury model. These data suggested that thrombocytes communicate with macrophages via DKK1 to orchestrate inflammation and repair in this model. Taken together, our study demonstrates DKK1's role as an important regulatory ligand for macrophage polarization in the injury-induced inflammation and repair process in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ah Sung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Min Hee Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - SuJeong Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Hasan Alanya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Octavian Henegariu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - E Zeynep Erson-Omay
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Patricia J. Sime
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
- Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Phillips Oral Health Research Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA, United States
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4
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May J, Mitchell JA, Jenkins RG. Beyond epithelial damage: vascular and endothelial contributions to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e172058. [PMID: 37712420 PMCID: PMC10503802 DOI: 10.1172/jci172058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scarring disease of the lung with poor survival. The incidence and mortality of IPF are rising, but treatment remains limited. Currently, two drugs can slow the scarring process but often at the expense of intolerable side effects, and without substantially changing overall survival. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying IPF is likely to lead to improved therapies. The current paradigm proposes that repetitive alveolar epithelial injury from noxious stimuli in a genetically primed individual is followed by abnormal wound healing, including aberrant activity of extracellular matrix-secreting cells, with resultant tissue fibrosis and parenchymal damage. However, this may underplay the importance of the vascular contribution to fibrogenesis. The lungs receive 100% of the cardiac output, and vascular abnormalities in IPF include (a) heterogeneous vessel formation throughout fibrotic lung, including the development of abnormal dilated vessels and anastomoses; (b) abnormal spatially distributed populations of endothelial cells (ECs); (c) dysregulation of endothelial protective pathways such as prostacyclin signaling; and (d) an increased frequency of common vascular and metabolic comorbidities. Here, we propose that vascular and EC abnormalities are both causal and consequential in the pathobiology of IPF and that fuller evaluation of dysregulated pathways may lead to effective therapies and a cure for this devastating disease.
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5
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Kooistra EJ, Dahm K, van Herwaarden AE, Gerretsen J, Nuesch Germano M, Mauer K, Smeets RL, van der Velde S, van den Berg MJW, van der Hoeven JG, Aschenbrenner AC, Schultze JL, Ulas T, Kox M, Pickkers P. Molecular mechanisms and treatment responses of pulmonary fibrosis in severe COVID-19. Respir Res 2023; 24:196. [PMID: 37559053 PMCID: PMC10413531 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients can develop pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which is associated with impaired outcome. We assessed specific leukocytic transcriptome profiles associated with PF and the influence of early dexamethasone (DEXA) treatment on the clinical course of PF in critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS We performed a pre-post design study in 191 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) spanning two treatment cohorts: the pre-DEXA- (n = 67) and the DEXA-cohort (n = 124). PF was identified based on radiological findings, worsening of ventilatory parameters and elevated circulating PIIINP levels. Longitudinal transcriptome profiles of 52 pre-DEXA patients were determined using RNA sequencing. Effects of prednisone treatment on clinical fibrosis parameters and outcomes were analyzed between PF- and no-PF-patients within both cohorts. RESULTS Transcriptome analyses revealed upregulation of inflammatory, coagulation and neutrophil extracellular trap-related pathways in PF-patients compared to no-PF patients. Key genes involved included PADI4, PDE4D, MMP8, CRISP3, and BCL2L15. Enrichment of several identified pathways was associated with impaired survival in a external cohort of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Following prednisone treatment, PF-related profiles reverted towards those observed in the no-PF-group. Likewise, PIIINP levels decreased significantly following prednisone treatment. PF incidence was 28% and 25% in the pre-DEXA- and DEXA-cohort, respectively (p = 0.61). ICU length-of-stay (pre-DEXA: 42 [29-49] vs. 18 [13-27] days, p < 0.001; DEXA: 42 [28-57] vs. 13 [7-24] days, p < 0.001) and mortality (pre-DEXA: 47% vs. 15%, p = 0.009; DEXA: 61% vs. 19%, p < 0.001) were higher in the PF-groups compared to the no-PF-groups within both cohorts. Early dexamethasone therapy did not influence these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS ICU patients with COVID-19 who develop PF exhibit upregulated coagulation, inflammation, and neutrophil extracellular trap-related pathways as well as prolonged ICU length-of-stay and mortality. This study indicates that early dexamethasone treatment neither influences the incidence or clinical course of PF, nor clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Kooistra
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kilian Dahm
- Translational Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Wuerzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonius E van Herwaarden
- Radboudumc Laboratory for Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle Gerretsen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Karoline Mauer
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ruben L Smeets
- Radboudumc Laboratory for Diagnostics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Laboratory for Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjef van der Velde
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J W van den Berg
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes G van der Hoeven
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna C Aschenbrenner
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim L Schultze
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Ulas
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Matthijs Kox
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Pickkers
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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6
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Stylianaki EA, Magkrioti C, Ladopoulou EM, Papavasileiou KD, Lagarias P, Melagraki G, Samiotaki M, Panayotou G, Dedos SG, Afantitis A, Aidinis V, Matralis AN. "Hit" to lead optimization and chemoinformatic studies for a new series of Autotaxin inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115130. [PMID: 36702053 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115130] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Robust experimental evidence has highlighted the role of Autotaxin (ATX)/Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) axis not only in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory conditions and especially in fibroproliferative diseases but also in several types of cancer. As a result, different series of substrate-, lipid-based and small-molecule ATX inhibitors have been identified thus far by both academia and pharma. The "crowning achievement" of these drug discovery campaigns was the development and entry of the first-in-class ATX inhibitor (ziritaxestat, GLPG-1690) in advanced clinical trials against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Herein, the potency optimization efforts of a new series of Autotaxin inhibitors, namely 2-substituted-2,6-dihydro-4H-thieno[3,4-c]pyrazol-1-substituted amide, is described using a previously identified novel chemical scaffold as a "hit". The mode of inhibition of the most promising ATX inhibitors was investigated, while their cellular activity, aqueous solubility and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Our pharmacological results were corroborated by chemoinformatic tools (molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations) deployed, to provide insight into the binding mechanism of the synthesized inhibitors to ATX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elli-Anna Stylianaki
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Christiana Magkrioti
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni M Ladopoulou
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece; Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Georgia Melagraki
- Division of Physical Sciences and Applications, Hellenic Military Academy, Vari, Greece
| | - Martina Samiotaki
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - George Panayotou
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece
| | - Skarlatos G Dedos
- Department of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Zografou, Athens, Greece
| | - Antreas Afantitis
- NovaMechanics Ltd, Larnaca, Cyprus; NovaMechanics MIKE, Piraeus, Greece.
| | - Vassilis Aidinis
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece.
| | - Alexios N Matralis
- Bioinnovation Institute, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming, Athens, Greece.
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7
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Chioma OS, Mallott E, Shah-Gandhi B, Wiggins Z, Langford M, Lancaster AW, Gelbard A, Wu H, Johnson JE, Lancaster L, Wilfong EM, Crofford LJ, Montgomery CG, Van Kaer L, Bordenstein S, Newcomb DC, Drake WP. Low Gut Microbial Diversity Augments Estrogen-Driven Pulmonary Fibrosis in Female-Predominant Interstitial Lung Disease. Cells 2023; 12:766. [PMID: 36899902 PMCID: PMC10000459 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although profibrotic cytokines, such as IL-17A and TGF-β1, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD), the interactions between gut dysbiosis, gonadotrophic hormones and molecular mediators of profibrotic cytokine expression, such as the phosphorylation of STAT3, have not been defined. Here, through chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis of primary human CD4+ T cells, we show that regions within the STAT3 locus are significantly enriched for binding by the transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha (ERa). Using the murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, we found significantly increased regulatory T cells compared to Th17 cells in the female lung. The genetic absence of ESR1 or ovariectomy in mice significantly increased pSTAT3 and IL-17A expression in pulmonary CD4+ T cells, which was reduced after the repletion of female hormones. Remarkably, there was no significant reduction in lung fibrosis under either condition, suggesting that factors outside of ovarian hormones also contribute. An assessment of lung fibrosis among menstruating females in different rearing environments revealed that environments favoring gut dysbiosis augment fibrosis. Furthermore, hormone repletion following ovariectomy further augmented lung fibrosis, suggesting pathologic interactions between gonadal hormones and gut microbiota in relation to lung fibrosis severity. An analysis of female sarcoidosis patients revealed a significant reduction in pSTAT3 and IL-17A levels and a concomitant increase in TGF-β1 levels in CD4+ T cells compared to male sarcoidosis patients. These studies reveal that estrogen is profibrotic in females and that gut dysbiosis in menstruating females augments lung fibrosis severity, supporting a critical interaction between gonadal hormones and gut flora in lung fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozioma S. Chioma
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Elizabeth Mallott
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Binal Shah-Gandhi
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - ZaDarreyal Wiggins
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Madison Langford
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | | | - Alexander Gelbard
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Hongmei Wu
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joyce E. Johnson
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Lisa Lancaster
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Erin M. Wilfong
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Leslie J. Crofford
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Courtney G. Montgomery
- Genes and Human Disease Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Seth Bordenstein
- Department of Biology and Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, College Station, PA 16801, USA
| | - Dawn C. Newcomb
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Wonder Puryear Drake
- Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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8
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Chioma OS, Mallott E, Shah-Gandhi B, Wiggins Z, Langford M, Lancaster AW, Gelbard A, Wu H, Johnson JE, Lancaster L, Wilfong EM, Crofford LJ, Montgomery CG, Van Kaer L, Bordenstein S, Newcomb DC, Drake WP. Low Gut Microbial Diversity Augments Estrogen-driven Pulmonary Fibrosis in Female-Predominant Interstitial Lung Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.15.528630. [PMID: 36824732 PMCID: PMC9948999 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.15.528630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Although profibrotic cytokines such as IL-17A and TGF-β1 have been implicated in interstitial lung disease (ILD) pathogenesis, interactions between gut dysbiosis, gonadotrophic hormones and molecular mediators of profibrotic cytokine expression, such as phosphorylation of STAT3, have not been defined. Here we show by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis of primary human CD4+ T cells that regions within the STAT3 locus are significantly enriched for binding by the transcription factor estrogen receptor alpha (ERa). Using the murine model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, we found significantly increased regulatory T cells compared to Th17 cells in the female lung. Genetic absence of ESR1 or ovariectomy in mice significantly increased pSTAT3 and IL-17A expression in pulmonary CD4+ T cells, which was reduced after repletion of female hormones. Remarkably, there was no significant reduction in lung fibrosis under either condition, suggesting that factors outside of ovarian hormones also contribute. Assessment of lung fibrosis among menstruating females in different rearing environments revealed that environments favoring gut dysbiosis augment fibrosis. Furthermore, hormone repletion following ovariectomy further augmented lung fibrosis, suggesting pathologic interactions between gonadal hormones and gut microbiota on lung fibrosis severity. Analysis in female sarcoidosis patients revealed a significant reduction in pSTAT3 and IL-17A levels and a concomitant increase in TGF-β1 levels in CD4+ T cells, compared to male sarcoidosis patients. These studies reveal that estrogen is profibrotic in females and that gut dysbiosis in menstruating females augments lung fibrosis severity, supporting a critical interaction between gonadal hormones and gut flora in lung fibrosis pathogenesis.
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9
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Yang X, Xu Z, Hu S, Shen J. Perspectives of PDE inhibitor on treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1111393. [PMID: 36865908 PMCID: PMC9973527 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1111393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease (ILD) without an identifiable cause. If not treated after diagnosis, the average life expectancy is 3-5 years. Currently approved drugs for the treatment of IPF are Pirfenidone and Nintedanib, as antifibrotic drugs, which can reduce the decline rate of forced vital capacity (FVC) and reduce the risk of acute exacerbation of IPF. However these drugs can not relieve the symptoms associated with IPF, nor improve the overall survival rate of IPF patients. We need to develop new, safe and effective drugs to treat pulmonary fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that cyclic nucleotides participate in the pathway and play an essential role in the process of pulmonary fibrosis. Phosphodiesterase (PDEs) is involved in cyclic nucleotide metabolism, so PDE inhibitors are candidates for pulmonary fibrosis. This paper reviews the research progress of PDE inhibitors related to pulmonary fibrosis, so as to provide ideas for the development of anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudan Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | | | - Songhua Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Juan Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
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10
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Herrmann FE, Hesslinger C, Wollin L, Nickolaus P. BI 1015550 is a PDE4B Inhibitor and a Clinical Drug Candidate for the Oral Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:838449. [PMID: 35517783 PMCID: PMC9065678 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.838449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory abilities of oral selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors enabled the approval of roflumilast and apremilast for use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, respectively. However, the antifibrotic potential of PDE4 inhibitors has not yet been explored clinically. BI 1015550 is a novel PDE4 inhibitor showing a preferential enzymatic inhibition of PDE4B. In vitro, BI 1015550 inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and phytohemagglutinin-induced interleukin-2 synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as LPS-induced TNF-α synthesis in human and rat whole blood. In vivo, oral BI 1015550 shows potent anti-inflammatory activity in mice by inhibiting LPS-induced TNF-α synthesis ex vivo and in Suncus murinus by inhibiting neutrophil influx into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid stimulated by nebulized LPS. In Suncus murinus, PDE4 inhibitors induce emesis, a well-known gastrointestinal side effect limiting the use of PDE4 inhibitors in humans, and the therapeutic ratio of BI 1015550 appeared to be substantially improved compared with roflumilast. Oral BI 1015550 was also tested in two well-known mouse models of lung fibrosis (induced by either bleomycin or silica) under therapeutic conditions, and appeared to be effective by modulating various model-specific parameters. To better understand the antifibrotic potential of BI 1015550 in vivo, its direct effect on human fibroblasts from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was investigated in vitro. BI 1015550 inhibited transforming growth factor-β-stimulated myofibroblast transformation and the mRNA expression of various extracellular matrix proteins, as well as basic fibroblast growth factor plus interleukin-1β-induced cell proliferation. Nintedanib overall was unremarkable in these assays, but interestingly, the inhibition of proliferation was synergistic when it was combined with BI 1015550, leading to a roughly 10-fold shift of the concentration–response curve to the left. In summary, the unique preferential inhibition of PDE4B by BI 1015550 and its anticipated improved tolerability in humans, plus its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic potential, suggest BI 1015550 to be a promising oral clinical candidate for the treatment of IPF and other fibro-proliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lutz Wollin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Peter Nickolaus
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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11
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Udalov S, Dumitrascu R, Pullamsetti SS, Al-Tamari HM, Weissmann N, Ghofrani HA, Guenther A, Voswinckel R, Seeger W, Grimminger F, Schermuly RT. Correction to: Effects of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibition on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:113. [PMID: 35351085 PMCID: PMC8966348 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-01876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Udalov
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rio Dumitrascu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Soni Savai Pullamsetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hamza M Al-Tamari
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Guenther
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Robert Voswinckel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | - Ralph T Schermuly
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany. .,Department of Lung Development and Remodeling, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
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12
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Bourne MH, Kottom TJ, Hebrink DM, Choudhury M, Leof EB, Limper AH. Vardenafil Activity in Lung Fibrosis and In Vitro Synergy with Nintedanib. Cells 2021; 10:3502. [PMID: 34944010 PMCID: PMC8699915 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains an intractably fatal disorder, despite the recent advent of anti-fibrotic medication. Successful treatment of IPF, like many chronic diseases, may benefit from the concurrent use of multiple agents that exhibit synergistic benefit. In this light, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is), have been studied in IPF primarily for their established pulmonary vascular effects. However, recent data suggest certain PDE5-Is, particularly vardenafil, may also reduce transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, making them a potential target for therapy for IPF. We evaluated fibroblast TGF-β1-driven extracellular matrix (ECM) generation and signaling as well as epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) with pretreatment using the PDE5-I vardenafil. In addition, combinations of vardenafil and nintedanib were evaluated for synergistic suppression of EMC using a fibronectin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, the effects of vardenafil on fibrosis were investigated in a bleomycin mouse model. Our findings demonstrate that vardenafil suppresses ECM generation alone and also exhibits significant synergistic suppression of ECM in combination with nintedanib in vitro. Interestingly, vardenafil was shown to improve fibrosis markers and increase survival in bleomycin-treated mice. Vardenafil may represent a potential treatment for IPF alone or in combination with nintedanib. However, additional studies will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrew H. Limper
- Thoracic Diseases Research Unit, Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, 8-24 Stabile, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (M.H.B.J.); (T.J.K.); (D.M.H.); (M.C.); (E.B.L.)
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13
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Sriram K, Insel MB, Insel PA. Inhaled β2 Adrenergic Agonists and Other cAMP-Elevating Agents: Therapeutics for Alveolar Injury and Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:488-526. [PMID: 34795026 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhaled long-acting β-adrenergic agonists (LABAs) and short-acting β-adrenergic agonists are approved for the treatment of obstructive lung disease via actions mediated by β2 adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) that increase cellular cAMP synthesis. This review discusses the potential of β2-AR agonists, in particular LABAs, for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We emphasize ARDS induced by pneumonia and focus on the pathobiology of ARDS and actions of LABAs and cAMP on pulmonary and immune cell types. β2-AR agonists/cAMP have beneficial actions that include protection of epithelial and endothelial cells from injury, restoration of alveolar fluid clearance, and reduction of fibrotic remodeling. β2-AR agonists/cAMP also exert anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system by actions on several types of immune cells. Early administration is likely critical for optimizing efficacy of LABAs or other cAMP-elevating agents, such as agonists of other Gs-coupled G protein-coupled receptors or cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Clinical studies that target lung injury early, prior to development of ARDS, are thus needed to further assess the use of inhaled LABAs, perhaps combined with inhaled corticosteroids and/or long-acting muscarinic cholinergic antagonists. Such agents may provide a multipronged, repurposing, and efficacious therapeutic approach while minimizing systemic toxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) after pulmonary alveolar injury (e.g., certain viral infections) is associated with ∼40% mortality and in need of new therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the pathobiology of ARDS, focusing on contributions of pulmonary and immune cell types and potentially beneficial actions of β2 adrenergic receptors and cAMP. Early administration of inhaled β2 adrenergic agonists and perhaps other cAMP-elevating agents after alveolar injury may be a prophylactic approach to prevent development of ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Sriram
- Departments of Pharmacology (K.S., P.A.I.) and Medicine (P.A.I.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Medicine (M.B.I.) University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Michael B Insel
- Departments of Pharmacology (K.S., P.A.I.) and Medicine (P.A.I.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Medicine (M.B.I.) University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Paul A Insel
- Departments of Pharmacology (K.S., P.A.I.) and Medicine (P.A.I.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; Department of Medicine (M.B.I.) University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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14
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Conte E. Targeting monocytes/macrophages in fibrosis and cancer diseases: Therapeutic approaches. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 234:108031. [PMID: 34774879 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Over almost 140 years since their identification, the knowledge about macrophages has unbelievably evolved. The 'big eaters' from being thought of as simple phagocytic cells have been recognized as master regulators in immunity, homeostasis, healing/repair and organ development. Long considered to originate exclusively from bone marrow-derived circulating monocytes, macrophages have been also demonstrated to be the first immune cells colonizing tissues in the developing embryo and persisting in adult life by self-renewal, as long-lived tissue resident macrophages. Therefore, heterogeneous populations of macrophages with different ontogeny and functions co-exist in tissues. Macrophages act as sentinels of homeostasis and are intrinsically programmed to lead the wound healing and repair processes that occur after injury. However, in certain pathological circumstances macrophages get dysfunctional, and impaired or aberrant macrophage activities become key features of diseases. For instance, in both fibrosis and cancer, that have been defined 'wounds that do not heal', dysfunctional monocyte-derived macrophages overall play a key detrimental role. On the other hand, due to their plasticity these cells can be 're-educated' and exert anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer functions. Therefore macrophages represent an important therapeutic target in both fibrosis and cancer diseases. The current review will illustrate new insights into the role of monocytes/macrophages in these devastating diseases and summarize new therapeutic strategies and applications of macrophage-targeted drug development in their clinical setting.
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15
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Kawamatawong T. Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors for Non-COPD Respiratory Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:518345. [PMID: 34434103 PMCID: PMC8381854 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.518345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors are a class of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs for treating chronic inflammatory diseases. Modulation of systemic and airway inflammation is their pivotal mechanism of action. Furthermore, PDE inhibitors modulate cough reflex and inhibit airway mucus secretion. Roflumilast, a selective PDE4 inhibitor, has been extensively studied for the efficacy and safety in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. According to the mechanisms of action, the potential roles of PDE inhibitors in treating chronic respiratory diseases including severe asthma, asthma-COPD overlap (ACO), noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and chronic cough are discussed. Since roflumilast inhibits airway eosinophilia and neutrophilia in COPD patients, it reduces COPD exacerbations in the presence of chronic bronchitis in addition to baseline therapies. The clinical studies in asthma patients have shown the comparable efficacy of roflumilast to inhaled corticosteroids for improving lung function. However, the clinical trials of roflumilast in severe asthma have been limited. Although ACO is common and is also associated with poor outcomes, there is no clinical trial regarding its efficacy in patients with ACO despite a promising role in reducing COPD exacerbation. Since mucus hypersecretion is a result of neutrophil secretagogue in patients with chronic bronchitis, experimental studies have shown that PDE4s are regulators of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in human airway epithelial cells. Besides, goblet cell hyperplasia is associated with an increased expression of PDE. Bronchiectasis and chronic bronchitis are considered neutrophilic airway diseases presenting with mucus hypersecretion. They commonly coexist and thus lead to severe disease. The role of roflumilast in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is under investigation in clinical trials. Lastly, PDE inhibitors have been shown modulating cough from bronchodilation, suppressing transient receptors potential (TRP), and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, there is the potential role of the drug in the management of unexplained cough. However, clinical trials for examining its antitussive efficacy are pivotal. In conclusion, selective PDE4 inhibitors may be potential treatment options for chronic respiratory diseases apart from COPD due to their promising mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerasuk Kawamatawong
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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16
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Mokra D, Mokry J. Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors in Acute Lung Injury: What Are the Perspectives? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1929. [PMID: 33669167 PMCID: PMC7919656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in understanding the pathophysiology of acute lung damage, currently approved treatment possibilities are limited to lung-protective ventilation, prone positioning, and supportive interventions. Various pharmacological approaches have also been tested, with neuromuscular blockers and corticosteroids considered as the most promising. However, inhibitors of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) also exert a broad spectrum of favorable effects potentially beneficial in acute lung damage. This article reviews pharmacological action and therapeutical potential of nonselective and selective PDE inhibitors and summarizes the results from available studies focused on the use of PDE inhibitors in animal models and clinical studies, including their adverse effects. The data suggest that xanthines as representatives of nonselective PDE inhibitors may reduce acute lung damage, and decrease mortality and length of hospital stay. Various (selective) PDE3, PDE4, and PDE5 inhibitors have also demonstrated stabilization of the pulmonary epithelial-endothelial barrier and reduction the sepsis- and inflammation-increased microvascular permeability, and suppression of the production of inflammatory mediators, which finally resulted in improved oxygenation and ventilatory parameters. However, the current lack of sufficient clinical evidence limits their recommendation for a broader use. A separate chapter focuses on involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and PDE-related changes in its metabolism in association with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The chapter illuminates perspectives of the use of PDE inhibitors as an add-on treatment based on actual experimental and clinical trials with preliminary data suggesting their potential benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mokra
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Mokry
- Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
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17
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Xu M, Li S, Wang J, Huang S, Zhang A, Zhang Y, Gu W, Yu X, Jia Z. Cilomilast Ameliorates Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis by Inhibiting the TGF-β1-Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:626140. [PMID: 33553218 PMCID: PMC7859332 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.626140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the key pathological feature in chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) with no satisfactory therapies in clinic. Cilomilast is a second-generation, selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, but its role in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD remains unclear. Material and Methods: Cilomilast was applied to the mice with unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) and renal fibroblast cells (NRK-49F) stimulated by TGF-β1. Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation after UUO or TGF-β1 stimulation were examined by histology, Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. KIM-1 and NGAL were detected to evaluate tubular injury in UUO mice. Results:In vivo, immunohistochemistry and western blot data demonstrated that cilomilast treatment inhibited extracellular matrix deposition, profibrotic gene expression, and the inflammatory response. Furthermore, cilomilast prevented tubular injury in UUO mice, as manifested by reduced expression of KIM-1 and NGAL in the kidney. In vitro, cilomilast attenuated the activation of fibroblast cells stimulated by TGF-β1, as shown by the reduced expression of fibronectin, α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. Cilomilast also inhibited the activation of TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling in TGF-β1-treated fibroblast cells. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that cilomilast is protective against renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in CKD, possibly through the inhibition of TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling, indicating the translational potential of this drug in treating CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Songming Huang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowen Yu
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanjun Jia
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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18
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Roflumilast: A potential drug for the treatment of cognitive impairment? Neurosci Lett 2020; 736:135281. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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Yougbare I, Belemnaba L, Morin C, Abusnina A, Senouvo YF, Keravis T, Lugnier C, Rousseau E. NCS 613, a Potent PDE4 Inhibitor, Displays Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Proliferative Properties on A549 Lung Epithelial Cells and Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Explants. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1266. [PMID: 32973507 PMCID: PMC7466439 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a deleterious process occurring in several pulmonary diseases; it is a driving force promoting tumorigenesis. By regulating local cyclic nucleotide concentration, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDE) govern important biological processes, including inflammation and proliferation. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of NCS 613, a specific PDE4 inhibitor, on TNFα-treated human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and on human lung adenocarcinoma explants. PDE4 isoforms and inflammatory pathways mediated by p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and IκBα were analyzed by Western blot and immunostainings. Proliferation were performed using [3H]-thymidine incorporation under different experimental conditions. TNFα-stimulation increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and NF-κB translocation into the nucleus, which was abolished by NCS 613 treatment. Concomitantly, NCS 613 restores IκBα detection level in human adenocarcinoma. An IC50 value of 8.5 μM was determined for NCS 613 on anti-proliferative properties while ERK1/2 signaling was down-regulated in A549 cells and lung adenocarcinoma explants. These findings shed light on PDE4 signaling as a key regulator of chronic inflammation and cancer epithelial cell proliferation. It suggests that PDE4 inhibition by NCS 613 represent potential and interesting strategy for therapeutic intervention in tackling chronic inflammation and cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issaka Yougbare
- Le Bilarium, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,UMR CNRS 7213, Biophotonics and Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Lazare Belemnaba
- UMR CNRS 7213, Biophotonics and Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Caroline Morin
- Le Bilarium, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Abdurazzag Abusnina
- UMR CNRS 7213, Biophotonics and Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Yannick F Senouvo
- Le Bilarium, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Thérèse Keravis
- UMR CNRS 7213, Biophotonics and Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Claire Lugnier
- UMR CNRS 7213, Biophotonics and Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France.,Institute of Physiology, FMTS-EA 3072, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric Rousseau
- Le Bilarium, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Penke LR, Peters-Golden M. Molecular determinants of mesenchymal cell activation in fibroproliferative diseases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:4179-4201. [PMID: 31563998 PMCID: PMC6858579 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Uncontrolled scarring, or fibrosis, can interfere with the normal function of virtually all tissues of the body, ultimately leading to organ failure and death. Fibrotic diseases represent a major cause of death in industrialized countries. Unfortunately, no curative treatments for these conditions are yet available, highlighting the critical need for a better fundamental understanding of molecular mechanisms that may be therapeutically tractable. The ultimate indispensable effector cells responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix proteins that comprise scars are mesenchymal cells, namely fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. In this review, we focus on the biology of these cells and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their pertinent functions. We discuss key pro-fibrotic mediators, signaling pathways, and transcription factors that dictate their activation and persistence. Because of their possible clinical and therapeutic relevance, we also consider potential brakes on mesenchymal cell activation and cellular processes that may facilitate myofibroblast clearance from fibrotic tissue-topics that have in general been understudied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loka R Penke
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 6301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5642, USA
| | - Marc Peters-Golden
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 6301 MSRB III, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5642, USA.
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21
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Celada LJ, Kropski JA, Herazo-Maya JD, Luo W, Creecy A, Abad AT, Chioma OS, Lee G, Hassell NE, Shaginurova GI, Wang Y, Johnson JE, Kerrigan A, Mason WR, Baughman RP, Ayers GD, Bernard GR, Culver DA, Montgomery CG, Maher TM, Molyneaux PL, Noth I, Mutsaers SE, Prele CM, Peebles RS, Newcomb DC, Kaminski N, Blackwell TS, Van Kaer L, Drake WP. PD-1 up-regulation on CD4 + T cells promotes pulmonary fibrosis through STAT3-mediated IL-17A and TGF-β1 production. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/460/eaar8356. [PMID: 30257954 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aar8356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive inflammatory disease with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Previous genetic and immunologic investigations suggest common intersections between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), sarcoidosis, and murine models of pulmonary fibrosis. To identify immune responses that precede collagen deposition, we conducted molecular, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric analysis of human and murine specimens. Immunohistochemistry revealed programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) up-regulation on IPF lymphocytes. PD-1+CD4+ T cells with reduced proliferative capacity and increased transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/interleukin-17A (IL-17A) expression were detected in IPF, sarcoidosis, and bleomycin CD4+ T cells. PD-1+ T helper 17 cells are the predominant CD4+ T cell subset expressing TGF-β. Coculture of PD-1+CD4+ T cells with human lung fibroblasts induced collagen-1 production. Strikingly, ex vivo PD-1 pathway blockade resulted in reductions in TGF-β and IL-17A expression from CD4+ T cells, with concomitant declines in collagen-1 production from fibroblasts. Molecular analysis demonstrated PD-1 regulation of the transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3). Chemical blockade of STAT3, using the inhibitor STATTIC, inhibited collagen-1 production. Both bleomycin administration to PD-1 null mice or use of antibody against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) demonstrated significantly reduced fibrosis compared to controls. This work identifies a critical, previously unrecognized role for PD-1+CD4+ T cells in pulmonary fibrosis, supporting the use of readily available therapeutics that directly address interstitial lung disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay J Celada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Jonathan A Kropski
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jose D Herazo-Maya
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Weifeng Luo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Amy Creecy
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Andrew T Abad
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ozioma S Chioma
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Grace Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Natalie E Hassell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Guzel I Shaginurova
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Yufen Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joyce E Johnson
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Amy Kerrigan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Wendi R Mason
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Robert P Baughman
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Gregory D Ayers
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Gordon R Bernard
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Daniel A Culver
- Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Courtney G Montgomery
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73126, USA
| | - Toby M Maher
- National Institute for Health Research Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Fibrosis Research Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Philip L Molyneaux
- National Institute for Health Research Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW7 2AZ, UK.,Fibrosis Research Group, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Imre Noth
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Steven E Mutsaers
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Cecilia M Prele
- Centre for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Institute for Respiratory Health, Centre for Respiratory Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - R S Peebles
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Dawn C Newcomb
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Naftali Kaminski
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Timothy S Blackwell
- Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Luc Van Kaer
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Wonder P Drake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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22
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Roberts MJ, Broome RE, Kent TC, Charlton SJ, Rosethorne EM. The inhibition of human lung fibroblast proliferation and differentiation by Gs-coupled receptors is not predicted by the magnitude of cAMP response. Respir Res 2018; 19:56. [PMID: 29625570 PMCID: PMC5889558 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fibrotic lung disease for which there is no cure. Current therapeutics are only able to slow disease progression, therefore there is a need to explore alternative, novel treatment options. There is increasing evidence that the 3′, 5′ cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway is an important modulator in the development of fibrosis, with increasing levels of cAMP able to inhibit cellular processes associated with IPF. In this study we investigate the expression of Gs-coupled G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) on human lung fibroblasts (HLF), and explore which can increase cAMP levels, and are most efficacious at inhibiting proliferation and differentiation. Methods Using TaqMan arrays we determined that fibroblasts express a range of Gs-coupled GPCR. The function of selected agonists at expressed receptors was then tested in a cAMP assay, and for their ability to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Results Expression analysis of GPCR showed that the prostacyclin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor 2 and 4, melanocortin-1, β2 adrenoceptor, adenosine 2B, dopamine-1, and adenosine 2A receptors were expressed in HLF. Measuring cAMP accumulation in the presence of selected Gs-coupled receptor ligands as well as an adenylyl cyclase activator and inhibitors of phosphodiesterase showed formoterol, PGE2, treprostinil and forskolin elicited maximal cAMP responses. The agonists that fully inhibited both fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, BAY60–6583 and MRE-269, were partial agonists in the cAMP accumulation assay. Conclusions In this study we identified a number of ligands that act at a range of GPCR that increase cAMP and inhibit fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, suggesting that they may provide novel targets to develop new IPF treatments. From these results it appears that although the cAMP response is important in driving the anti-fibrotic effects we have observed, the magnitude of the acute cAMP response is not a good predictor of the extent of the inhibitory effect. This highlights the importance of monitoring the kinetics and localisation of intracellular signals, as well as multiple pathways when profiling novel compounds, as population second messenger assays may not always predict phenotypic outcomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12931-018-0759-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine J Roberts
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Toby C Kent
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham, UK
| | - Steven J Charlton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Rosethorne
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. .,Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Horsham, UK.
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23
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Jung WJ, Lee SY, Choi SI, Kim BK, Lee EJ, In KH, Lee MG. Toll-like receptor expression in pulmonary sensory neurons in the bleomycin-induced fibrosis model. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29518161 PMCID: PMC5843166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway sensory nerves are known to express several receptors and channels that are activated by exogenous and endogenous mediators that cause coughing. Toll-like receptor (TLR) s are expressed in nociceptive neurons and play an important role in neuroinflammation. However, there have been very few studies of TLR expression in lung-derived sensory neurons or their relevance to respiratory symptoms such as cough. We used the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model to investigate the change in TLR expression in pulmonary neurons and the association of TLRs with transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in pulmonary neurons. After 2 weeks of bleomycin or saline administration, pulmonary fibrosis changes were confirmed using tissue staining and the SIRCOL collagen assay. TLRs (TLR 1-9) and TRP channel expression was analyzed using single cell reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in isolated sensory neurons from the nodose/jugular ganglion and the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Pulmonary sensory neurons expressed TLR2 and TLR5. In the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model, TLR2 expression was detected in 29.5% (18/61) and 26.9% (21/78) of pulmonary nodose/jugular neurons and DRG neurons, respectively. TLR5 was also detected in 55.7% (34/61) and 42.3% (33/78) of pulmonary nodose/jugular neurons and DRG neurons, respectively, in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model. TLR5 was expressed in 63.4% of TRPV1 positive cells and 43.4% of TRPM8 positive cells. In conclusion, TLR2 and TLR5 expression is enhanced, especially in vagal neurons, in the bleomycin-induced fibrosis model group when compared to the saline treated control group. Co-expression of TLR5 and TRP channels in pulmonary sensory neurons was also observed. This work sheds new light on the role of TLRs in the control and manifestation of clinical symptoms, such as cough. To understand the role of TLRs in pulmonary sensory nerves, further study will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Jai Jung
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Yeub Lee
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Sue In Choi
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung-Keun Kim
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Joo Lee
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang Ho In
- Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Goo Lee
- Department of Physiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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24
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Honkanen HK, Izzi V, Petäistö T, Holopainen T, Harjunen V, Pihlajaniemi T, Alitalo K, Heljasvaara R. Elevated VEGF-D Modulates Tumor Inflammation and Reduces the Growth of Carcinogen-Induced Skin Tumors. Neoplasia 2017; 18:436-46. [PMID: 27435926 PMCID: PMC4954931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D) promotes the lymph node metastasis of cancer by inducing the growth of lymphatic vasculature, but its specific roles in tumorigenesis have not been elucidated. We monitored the effects of VEGF-D in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) by subjecting transgenic mice overexpressing VEGF-D in the skin (K14-mVEGF-D) and VEGF-D knockout mice to a chemical skin carcinogenesis protocol involving 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatments. In K14-mVEGF-D mice, tumor lymphangiogenesis was significantly increased and the frequency of lymph node metastasis was elevated in comparison with controls. Most notably, the papillomas regressed more often in K14-mVEGF-D mice than in littermate controls, resulting in a delay in tumor incidence and a remarkable reduction in the total tumor number. Skin tumor growth and metastasis were not obviously affected in the absence of VEGF-D; however, the knockout mice showed a trend for reduced lymphangiogenesis in skin tumors and in the untreated skin. Interestingly, K14-mVEGF-D mice showed an altered immune response in skin tumors. This consisted of the reduced accumulation of macrophages, mast cells, and CD4+ T-cells and an increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells. Cytokine profiling by flow cytometry and quantitative real time PCR revealed that elevated VEGF-D expression results in an attenuated Th2 response and promotes M1/Th1 and Th17 polarization in the early stage of skin carcinogenesis, leading to an anti-tumoral immune environment and the regression of primary tumors. Our data suggest that VEGF-D may be beneficial in early-stage tumors since it suppresses the pro-tumorigenic inflammation, while at later stages VEGF-D-induced tumor lymphatics provide a route for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne-Kaisa Honkanen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tiina Petäistö
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tanja Holopainen
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vanessa Harjunen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Pihlajaniemi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Biology Program, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ritva Heljasvaara
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Biocenter Oulu and Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, FIN-90014, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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25
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Kawamatawong T. Roles of roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, in airway diseases. J Thorac Dis 2017; 9:1144-1154. [PMID: 28523172 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2017.03.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic respiratory diseases. Both diseases have incompletely distinct pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and treatment responsiveness. Pulmonary and systemic inflammations are the hallmarks of COPD. Most asthma responds to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment. In contrast, COPD is a corticosteroid-resistant disease. Bronchodilators are a preferred treatment method of COPD, with the aim of improving symptoms and preventing exacerbation. In addition, corticosteroid insensitivity is an underlying mechanism in severe asthma. An overlap of features between asthma and COPD, which was described as asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) is not uncommon in practice. Novel nonsteroidal therapies focusing on inflammation in asthma and COPD have been developed. Selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor is a promising class of drugs that has been studied for the treatment of COPD. Selective PDE4 inhibitor is different from xanthine in terms of mechanisms and pharmacokinetic profiles. This review focuses on clinical data on PDE4 inhibitors and its future roles in asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, ACOS and other chronic non-pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerasuk Kawamatawong
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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26
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Maier C, Ramming A, Bergmann C, Weinkam R, Kittan N, Schett G, Distler JHW, Beyer C. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) reduces dermal fibrosis by interfering with the release of interleukin-6 from M2 macrophages. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:1133-1141. [PMID: 28209630 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the disease-modifying effects of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition in preclinical models of systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS We studied the effects of PDE4 inhibition in a prevention and a treatment model of bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis, in the topoisomerase mouse model as well as in a model of sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease. To better understand the mode of action of PDE4 blockade in preclinical models of SSc, we investigated fibrosis-relevant mediators in fibroblasts and macrophages from healthy individuals and patients suffering from diffuse-cutaneous SSc on blockade of PDE4. RESULTS Specific inhibition of PDE4 by rolipram and apremilast had potent antifibrotic effects in bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis models, in the topoisomerase I mouse model and in murine sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease. Fibroblasts were not the direct targets of the antifibrotic effects of PDE4 blockade. Reduced leucocyte infiltration in lesional skin on PDE4 blockade suggested an immune-mediated mechanism. Further analysis revealed that PDE4 inhibition decreased the differentiation of M2 macrophages and the release of several profibrotic cytokines, resulting in reduced fibroblast activation and collagen release. Within these profibrotic mediators, interleukin-6 appeared to play a central role. CONCLUSIONS PDE4 inhibition reduces inflammatory cell activity and the release of profibrotic cytokines from M2 macrophages, leading to decreased fibroblast activation and collagen release. Importantly, apremilast is already approved for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, PDE4 inhibitors might be further developed as potential antifibrotic therapies for patients with SSc. Our findings suggest that particularly patients with inflammation-driven fibrosis might benefit from PDE4 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rita Weinkam
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolai Kittan
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Beyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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27
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Lentivirus expressing soluble ST2 alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 30:188-193. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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28
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Raja J, Denton CP. Cytokines in the immunopathology of systemic sclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 37:543-57. [PMID: 26152640 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines and growth factors are key regulators of immune activation, vascular alteration and excessive production of extracellular matrix which are hallmark events in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). They modulate cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In particular, cytokines play a central role in the immunopathogenesis of SSc on the basis of molecular pathways which are complex and not completely understood. The majority of cytokines that may be involved in SSc pathogenesis have effect upon or are derived from cells of the immune system, including both the innate and adaptive compartments. Novel therapies that block key mediators that drive the fibrotic response are being developed and appear as potential therapeutic tools in the treatment of SSc, highlighting the importance for an effective therapy targeted towards the molecular and cellular pathways. This article reviews cytokine biology in that context, with particular emphasis on immunopathology of the disease, therapeutic targeting and the way that current or emerging treatments for SSc might impact on cytokine biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Raja
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, NW3 2QG, UK
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29
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Kosanovic D, Luitel H, Dahal BK, Cornitescu T, Janssen W, Danser AHJ, Garrelds IM, De Mey JGR, Fazzi G, Schiffers P, Iglarz M, Fischli W, Ghofrani HA, Weissmann N, Grimminger F, Seeger W, Reiss I, Schermuly RT. Chymase: a multifunctional player in pulmonary hypertension associated with lung fibrosis. Eur Respir J 2015; 46:1084-94. [PMID: 26113671 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00018215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Limited literature sources implicate mast-cell mediator chymase in the pathologies of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis. However, there is no evidence on the contribution of chymase to the development of pulmonary hypertension associated with lung fibrosis, which is an important medical condition linked with increased mortality of patients who already suffer from a life-threatening interstitial lung disease.The aim of this study was to investigate the role of chymase in this particular pulmonary hypertension form, by using a bleomycin-induced pulmonary hypertension model.Chymase inhibition resulted in attenuation of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis, as evident from improved haemodynamics, decreased right ventricular remodelling/hypertrophy, pulmonary vascular remodelling and lung fibrosis. These beneficial effects were associated with a strong tendency of reduction in mast cell number and activity, and significantly diminished chymase expression levels. Mechanistically, chymase inhibition led to attenuation of transforming growth factor β1 and matrix-metalloproteinase-2 contents in the lungs. Furthermore, chymase inhibition prevented big endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction of the pulmonary arteries.Therefore, chymase plays a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension associated with pulmonary fibrosis and may represent a promising therapeutic target. In addition, this study may provide valuable insights on the contribution of chymase in the pulmonary hypertension context, in general, regardless of the pulmonary hypertension form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djuro Kosanovic
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Himal Luitel
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bhola Kumar Dahal
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany Risk Factor Modification Centre (RFMC), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Teodora Cornitescu
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Janssen
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - A H Jan Danser
- Dept of Pharmacology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid M Garrelds
- Dept of Pharmacology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jo G R De Mey
- Dept of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark Dept of Pharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gregorio Fazzi
- Dept of Pharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Schiffers
- Dept of Pharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Iglarz
- Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwill, Switzerland
| | | | - Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Irwin Reiss
- Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands Both authors contributed equally
| | - Ralph Theo Schermuly
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany Both authors contributed equally
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30
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Seimetz M, Parajuli N, Pichl A, Bednorz M, Ghofrani HA, Schermuly RT, Seeger W, Grimminger F, Weissmann N. Cigarette Smoke-Induced Emphysema and Pulmonary Hypertension Can Be Prevented by Phosphodiesterase 4 and 5 Inhibition in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129327. [PMID: 26058042 PMCID: PMC4461257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a widespread disease, with no curative therapies available. Recent findings suggest a key role of NO and sGC-cGMP signaling for the pathogenesis of the disease. Previous data suggest a downregulation/inactivation of the cGMP producing soluble guanylate cyclase, and sGC stimulation prevented cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in mice. We thus aimed to investigate if the inhibition of the cGMP degrading phosphodiesterase (PDE)5 has similar effects. Results were compared to the effects of a PDE 4 inhibitor (cAMP elevating) and a combination of both. Methods C57BL6/J mice were chronically exposed to cigarette smoke and in parallel either treated with Tadalafil (PDE5 inhibitor), Piclamilast (PDE4 inhibitor) or both. Functional measurements (lung compliance, hemodynamics) and structural investigations (alveolar and vascular morphometry) as well as the heart ratio were determined after 6 months of tobacco smoke exposure. In addition, the number of alveolar macrophages in the respective lungs was counted. Results Preventive treatment with Tadalafil, Piclamilast or a combination of both almost completely prevented the development of emphysema, the increase in lung compliance, tidal volume, structural remodeling of the lung vasculature, right ventricular systolic pressure, and right ventricular hypertrophy induced by cigarette smoke exposure. Single, but not combination treatment prevented or reduced smoke-induced increase in alveolar macrophages. Conclusion Cigarette smoke-induced emphysema and PH could be prevented by inhibition of the phosphodiesterases 4 and 5 in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Seimetz
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Nirmal Parajuli
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Pichl
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Mariola Bednorz
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Hossein Ardeschir Ghofrani
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Ralph Theo Schermuly
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Grimminger
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
| | - Norbert Weissmann
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Germany
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31
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Sliman SM, Patel RB, Cruff JP, Kotha SR, Newland CA, Schrader CA, Sherwani SI, Gurney TO, Magalang UJ, Parinandi NL. Adiponectin protects against hyperoxic lung injury and vascular leak. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 67:399-414. [PMID: 22183615 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-011-9330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adiponectin (Ad), an adipokine exclusively secreted by the adipose tissue, has emerged as a paracrine metabolic regulator as well as a protectant against oxidative stress. Pharmacological approaches of protecting against clinical hyperoxic lung injury during oxygen therapy/treatment are limited. We have previously reported that Ad inhibits the NADPH oxidase-catalyzed formation of superoxide from molecular oxygen in human neutrophils. Based on this premise, we conducted studies to determine whether (i) exogenous Ad would protect against the hyperoxia-induced barrier dysfunction in the lung endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro, and (ii) endogenously synthesized Ad would protect against hyperoxic lung injury in wild-type (WT) and Ad-overexpressing transgenic (AdTg) mice in vivo. The results demonstrated that exogenous Ad protected against the hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress, loss of glutathione (GSH), cytoskeletal reorganization, barrier dysfunction, and leak in the lung ECs in vitro. Furthermore, the hyperoxia-induced lung injury, vascular leak, and lipid peroxidation were significantly attenuated in AdTg mice in vivo. Also, AdTg mice exhibited elevated levels of total thiols and GSH in the lungs as compared with WT mice. For the first time, our studies demonstrated that Ad protected against the hyperoxia-induced lung damage apparently through attenuation of oxidative stress and modulation of thiol-redox status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Sliman
- Lipid Signaling, Lipidomics, and Vasculotoxicity Laboratory, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 473 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Abstract
Pathogenic processes that underlie the development and progression of systemic sclerosis (SSc) are being defined in preclinical, clinical and genetic studies. Important evidence of interplay between the vasculature, connective tissue and specialized epithelial structures is emerging, and abnormalities of both the innate and adaptive immune systems have been identified. In this context, information regarding pivotal mediators, pathways or cell types that could be targets for therapeutic intervention, and that might offer potential for true disease modification, is accruing. Precedent for the regression of some aspects of the pathology has been set in clinical studies showing that potential exists to improve tissue structure and function as well as to prevent disease progression. This article reviews the concept of targeted therapies and considers potential pathways and processes that might be attenuated by therapeutic intervention in SSc. As well as improving outcomes, such approaches will undoubtedly provide information about pathogenesis. The concept of translational medicine is especially relevant in SSc, and we anticipate that the elusive goal of an effective antifibrotic treatment will emerge from one of the several clinical trials currently underway or planned in this disease. Therapeutic advances in SSc would have implications and potential beyond autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disease, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 2QG, UK.
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33
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Park CS, Bang BR, Kwon HS, Moon KA, Kim TB, Lee KY, Moon HB, Cho YS. Metformin reduces airway inflammation and remodeling via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 84:1660-70. [PMID: 23041647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2012.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have suggested that metformin has anti-inflammatory and anti-tissue remodeling properties. We investigated the potential effect of metformin on airway inflammation and remodeling in asthma. The effect of metformin treatment on airway inflammation and pivotal characteristics of airway remodeling were examined in a murine model of chronic asthma generated by repetitive challenges with ovalbumin and fungal-associated allergenic protease. To investigate the underlying mechanism of metformin, oxidative stress levels and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation were assessed. To further elucidate the role of AMPK, we examined the effect of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) as a specific activator of AMPK and employed AMPKα1-deficient mice as an asthma model. The role of metformin and AMPK in tissue fibrosis was evaluated using a bleomycin-induced acute lung injury model and in vitro experiments with cultured fibroblasts. Metformin suppressed eosinophilic inflammation and significantly reduced peribronchial fibrosis, smooth muscle layer thickness, and mucin secretion. Enhanced AMPK activation and decreased oxidative stress in lungs was found in metformin-treated asthmatic mice. Similar results were observed in the AICAR-treated group. In addition, the enhanced airway inflammation and fibrosis in heterozygous AMPKα1-deficient mice were induced by both allergen and bleomycin challenges. Fibronectin and collagen expression was diminished by metformin through AMPKα1 activation in cultured fibroblasts. Therefore metformin reduced both airway inflammation and remodeling at least partially through the induction of AMPK activation and decreased oxidative stress. These data provide insight into the beneficial role of metformin as a novel therapeutic drug for chronic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Sun Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Tannheimer SL, Wright CD, Salmon M. Combination of roflumilast with a beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonist inhibits proinflammatory and profibrotic mediator release from human lung fibroblasts. Respir Res 2012; 13:28. [PMID: 22452977 PMCID: PMC3342220 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-13-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Small airway narrowing is an important pathology which impacts lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts contribute to inflammation, remodeling and fibrosis by production and release of mediators such as cytokines, profibrotic factors and extracellular matrix proteins. This study investigated the effects of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor roflumilast, combined with the long acting β2 adrenergic agonist indacaterol, both approved therapeutics for COPD, on fibroblast functions that contribute to inflammation and airway fibrosis. Methods The effects of roflumilast and indacaterol treatment were characterized on transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-treated normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF). NHLF were evaluated for expression of the profibrotic mediators endothelin-1 (ET-1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), expression of the myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin (FN) secretion. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was used to induce secretion of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10), chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) from NHLF and drug inhibition was assessed. Results Evaluation of roflumilast (1-10 μM) showed no significant inhibition alone on TGFβ1-induced ET-1 and CTGF mRNA transcripts, ET-1 and FN protein production, alpha smooth muscle expression, or TNF-α-induced secretion of CXCL10, CCL5 and GM-CSF. A concentration-dependent inhibition of ET-1 and CTGF was shown with indacaterol treatment, and a submaximal concentration was chosen for combination studies. When indacaterol (0.1 nM) was added to roflumilast, significant inhibition was seen on all inflammatory and fibrotic mediators evaluated, which was superior to the inhibition seen with either drug alone. Roflumilast plus indacaterol combination treatment resulted in significantly elevated phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), an effect that was protein kinase A-dependent. Inhibition of protein kinase A was also found to reverse the inhibition of indacaterol and roflumilast on CTGF. Conclusions These results demonstrate that addition of roflumilast to a LABA inhibits primary fibroblast/myofibroblast function and therapeutically this may impact lung fibroblast proinflammatory and profibrotic mediator release which contributes to small airway remodeling and airway obstruction in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Tannheimer
- Respiratory Research, Gilead Sciences, 199 East Blaine St, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
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Aoki Y, Kojo Y, Yamada S, Onoue S. Respirable dry powder formulation of bleomycin for developing a pulmonary fibrosis animal model. J Pharm Sci 2012; 101:2074-81. [PMID: 22388976 DOI: 10.1002/jps.23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The main purpose of the present study was to develop a respirable powder (RP) formulation of bleomycin (BLM) as a research tool for developing a pulmonary fibrosis animal model. The BLM-RP was prepared with a jet-milling system, the physicochemical properties of which were characterized focusing on morphology, stability, particle size distribution, and inhalation performance. Under an accelerated condition, the BLM-RP was superior to BLM solution in terms of its stability. Cascade impactor analyses demonstrated high inhalation performance with emitted dose and fine particle fraction of approximately 99% and 46%, respectively. Intratracheal administration of the BLM-RP (3 mg BLM/kg) in rats led to significant increases in collagen production and recruitment of inflammatory cells in lung by approximately 1.5- and 29-fold, respectively. The collagen overexpression was consistent with the results from picrosirius red staining of lung tissues in the rats treated with BLM-RP. Inhaled tranilast (TL; 100 μg/rat), an antifibrotic agent, could ameliorate inflammatory/fibrotic responses with reductions of recruited inflammatory cells and collagen content by 32% and 59%, respectively, validating the pulmonary fibrosis animal model. From these findings, the BLM-RP with improved stability could be a beneficial research tool for developing a pulmonary fibrosis model in drug discovery for antifibrotic drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Aoki
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics and Global Center of Excellence Program, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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Fouras A, Allison BJ, Kitchen MJ, Dubsky S, Nguyen J, Hourigan K, Siu KKW, Lewis RA, Wallace MJ, Hooper SB. Altered Lung Motion is a Sensitive Indicator of Regional Lung Disease. Ann Biomed Eng 2011; 40:1160-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-011-0493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Xu JF, Qu JM, Li HP. N-Acetylcysteine modulates acute lung injury induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2011; 38:345-51. [PMID: 21401696 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05515.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
1. In critically ill patients, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced pneumonia and the lung injury associated with infection are major causes of mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective properties of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in rats infected with P. aeruginosa and the role of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) protein in this process. 2. Pneumonia was induced in rats by infecting them with P. aeruginosa intratracheally. One group of rats was treated with NAC (150 mg/kg per day, i.p., for 7 days). An untreated group served as the control. Samples were collected both before (0 h) and after infection (24 h). Bacterial loads in lung tissue, the lung wet : dry (W/D) ratio and pulmonary vascular permeability were assessed. Total cell and polymorphonuclear leucocyte cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. The expression of inducible (i) NOS and endothelial (e) NOS protein was analysed and correlated with indices of lung injury using Pearson's correlation analysis. 3. Bacterial load, lung injury indices and NOS expression increased after infection. Pretreatment with NAC mitigated lung injury although it did not significantly change bacterial loads. Furthermore, NAC treatment increased eNOS protein expression, but decreased iNOS expression, in lung tissues after infection. The expression of iNOS protein was positively correlated with indices of lung injury, whereas there was a negative correlation between eNOS expression and lung injury indices. 4. N-Acetylcysteine modulated P. aeruginosa-induced lung injury in rats. The results suggest that this effect maybe due to regulation of iNOS and eNOS protein expression by NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Fu Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yougbare I, Morin C, Senouvo FY, Sirois C, Albadine R, Lugnier C, Rousseau E. NCS 613, a potent and specific PDE4 inhibitor, displays anti-inflammatory effects on human lung tissues. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 301:L441-50. [PMID: 21784969 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00407.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of pulmonary diseases, which leads to lung parenchyma destruction (emphysema) and obstructive bronchiolitis occurring in both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Inflammation is strongly correlated with low intracellular cAMP levels and increase in specific cAMP hydrolyzing activity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the cyclic phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) in human lung and to determine the effects of NCS 613, a new PDE4 inhibitor, on lung inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. High cAMP-PDE activities were found in the cytosoluble fractions from human lung parenchyma and distal bronchi. PDE4 (rolipram sensitive) represented 40% and 56% of total cAMP-PDE activities in the above-corresponding tissues. Moreover, PDE4A, PDE4B, PDE4C, and PDE4D isoforms were detected in all three subcellular fractions (cytosolic, microsomal, and nuclear) with differential distributions according to specific variants. Pharmacological treatments with NCS 613 significantly decreased PDE4 activity and reduced IκBα degradation in cultured parenchyma, both of which are usually correlated with a lower inflammation status. Moreover, NCS 613 pretreatment potentiated isoproterenol-induced relaxations in human distal bronchi, while reducing TNF-α-induced hyperresponsiveness in cultured bronchi, as assessed in the presence of methacholine, U-46619, or histamine. This reducing effect of NCS 613 on human bronchi hyperresponsiveness triggered by TNF-α was related to a lower expression level of PDE4B and PDE4C, as well as a downregulation of the phosphorylated forms of p38-MAPK, CPI-17, and MYPT-1, which are known to control tone. In conclusion, specific PDE4 inhibitors, such as NCS 613, may represent an alternative and isoform-specific approach toward reducing human lung inflammation and airway overreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issaka Yougbare
- Le Bilarium, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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