Bmi-1 alleviates adventitial fibroblast senescence by eliminating ROS in pulmonary hypertension

Actn2 defects accelerates H9c2 hypertrophy via ERK phosphorylation under chronic stress

BACKGROUND

In humans, ACTN2 mutations are identified as highly relevant to a range of cardiomyopathies such as DCM and HCM, while their association with sudden cardiac death has been observed in forensic cases. Although ACTN2 has been shown to regulate sarcomere Z-disc organization, a causal relationship between ACTN2 dysregulation and cardiomyopathies under chronic stress has not yet been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

In this work, we explored the relationship between Actn2 dysregulation and cardiomyopathies under dexamethasone treatment.

METHODS

Previous cases of ACTN2 mutations were collected and the conservative analysis was carried out by MEGA 11, the possible impact on the stability and function of ACTN2 affected by these mutations was predicted by Polyphen-2. ACTN2 was suppressed by siRNA in H9c2 cells under dexamethasone treatment to mimic the chronic stress in vitro. Then the cardiac hypertrophic molecular biomarkers were elevated, and the potential pathways were explored by transcriptome analysis.

RESULTS

Actn2 suppression impaired calcium uptake and increased hypertrophy in H9c2 cells under dexamethasone treatment. Concomitantly, hypertrophic molecular biomarkers were also elevated in Actn2-suppressed cells. Further transcriptome analysis and Western blotting data suggested that Actn2 suppression led to the excessive activation of the MAPK pathway and ERK cascade. In vitro pharmaceutical intervention with ERK inhibitors could partially reverse the morphological changes and inhibit the excessive cardiac hypertrophic molecular biomarkers in H9c2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed a functional role of ACTN2 under chronic stress, loss of ACTN2 function accelerated H9c2 hypertrophy through ERK signaling. A commercial drug, Ibudilast, was identified to reverse cell hypertrophy in vitro.

Connecting epigenetics and inflammation in vascular senescence: state of the art, biomarkers and senotherapeutics

Vascular diseases pose major health challenges, and understanding their underlying molecular mechanisms is essential to advance therapeutic interventions. Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, is a cellular state characterized by cell-cycle arrest, a senescence-associated secretory phenotype macromolecular damage, and metabolic dysregulation. Vascular senescence has been demonstrated to play a key role in different vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, peripheral arterial disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic venous disease, and venous ulcers. Even though cellular senescence was first described in 1961, significant gaps persist in comprehending the epigenetic mechanisms driving vascular senescence and its subsequent inflammatory response. Through a comprehensive analysis, we aim to elucidate these knowledge gaps by exploring the network of epigenetic alterations that contribute to vascular senescence. In addition, we describe the consequent inflammatory cascades triggered by these epigenetic modifications. Finally, we explore translational applications involving biomarkers of vascular senescence and the emerging field of senotherapy targeting this biological process.

Analyzing the molecular mechanism of xuefuzhuyu decoction in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension with network pharmacology and bioinformatics and verifying molecular docking

BACKGROUND

XueFuZhuYu (XFZY), a typical Chinese herbal formula, has remarkable clinical effects for treating Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) with unclear mechanisms. Our research involved the utilization of network pharmacology to explore the traditional Chinese herbal monomers and their related targets within XFZY for PH treatment. Furthermore, molecular docking verification was performed.

METHODS

The XFZY's primary active compounds, along with their corresponding targets, were both obtained from the TCMSP, ChEMBL, and UniProt databases. The target proteins relevant to PH were sifted through OMIM, GeneCards and TTD databases. The common "XFZY-PH" targets were evaluated with Disease Ontology (DO), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses with the assistance of R software. The Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and compound-target-pathway network were constructed and a systematic analysis of network parameters was performed by the powerful software Cytoscape. Molecular docking was employed for assessing and verifying the interactions between the core targets and the top Chinese herbal monomer.

RESULTS

The screening included 297 targets of active compounds in XFZY and 8400 PH-related targets. DO analysis of the above common 268 targets indicated that the treatment of the diseases by XFZY is mediated by genes related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Obstructive Lung Disease (OLD), ischemia, and myocardial infarction. The findings from molecular docking indicated that the binding energies of 57 ligand-receptor pairs in PH and 20 ligand-receptor pairs in COPD-PH were lower than -7kJ•mol-1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that XFZY is a promising option within traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation for combating PH, particularly in cases associated with COPD. Our demonstration of the specific molecular mechanism of XFZY anti-PH and its effective active ingredients provides a theoretical basis for better clinical application of the compound.

Study on Potential Differentially Expressed Genes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis by Bioinformatics and Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive lung disease with reduced quality of life and earlier mortality, but its pathogenesis and key genes are still unclear. In this investigation, bioinformatics was used to deeply analyze the pathogenesis of IPF and related key genes, so as to investigate the potential molecular pathogenesis of IPF and provide guidance for clinical treatment. Next-generation sequencing dataset GSE213001 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between IPF and normal control group. The DEGs between IPF and normal control group were screened with the DESeq2 package of R language. The Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were performed. Using the g:Profiler, the function and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the Integrated Interactions Database (IID) database. Cytoscape with Network Analyzer was used to identify the hub genes. miRNet and NetworkAnalyst databaseswereused to construct the targeted microRNAs (miRNAs), transcription factors (TFs), and small drug molecules. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to validate the hub genes. A total of 958 DEGs were screened out in this study, including 479 up regulated genes and 479 down regulated genes. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in response to stimulus, GPCR ligand binding, microtubule-based process, and defective GALNT3 causes HFTC. In combination with the results of the PPI network, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network, hub genes including LRRK2, BMI1, EBP, MNDA, KBTBD7, KRT15, OTX1, TEKT4, SPAG8, and EFHC2 were selected. Cyclothiazide and rotigotinethe are predicted small drug molecules for IPF treatment. Our findings will contribute to identification of potential biomarkers and novel strategies for the treatment of IPF, and provide a novel strategy for clinical therapy.

Senescent Cells: A Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Diseases

Senescent cell accumulation has been observed in age-associated diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Senescent cells lack proliferative capacity and secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors that may cause or worsen many cardiovascular diseases. Therapies targeting senescent cells, especially senolytic drugs that selectively induce senescent cell removal, have been shown to delay, prevent, alleviate, or treat multiple age-associated diseases in preclinical models. Some senolytic clinical trials have already been completed or are underway for a number of diseases and geriatric syndromes. Understanding how cellular senescence affects the various cell types in the cardiovascular system, such as endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, progenitor cells, and cardiomyocytes, is important to facilitate translation of senotherapeutics into clinical interventions. This review highlights: (1) the characteristics of senescent cells and their involvement in cardiovascular diseases, focusing on the aforementioned cardiovascular cell types, (2) evidence about senolytic drugs and other senotherapeutics, and (3) the future path and clinical potential of senotherapeutics for cardiovascular diseases.

Aqueous extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge reduces blood pressure through inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis of adventitia in primary hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of antihypertensive drugs, alternative treatments are needed due to the adverse events associated with their use. Previous studies have shown that SABP, a combination of aqueous active metabolites of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge DSS, Sal-A, Sal-B and PAL, has a significant antihypertensive effect. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of SABP on vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Additionally, the response of adventitial fibroblasts in SHRs to SABP treatment was also studied, including their proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Methods: SABP or perindopril (positive control) were administered intraperitoneally to SHRs, and systolic blood pressure was measured using a tail-cuff approach. The effects of SABP on oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular remodeling were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, histochemical staining, and Western blot. Adventitial fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from the adventitia of thoracic aorta in SHR and WKY rats. CCK8 assay, wound healing method and immunostaining were used to observe the effect of SABP on fibroblasts proliferation, migration and transformation into myofibroblasts. Moreover, Western blot analysis was also performed to detect the proteins related to oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in adventitial fibroblasts. Results: SHRs displayed higher blood pressure with significant vascular remodeling compared to WKY rats. The thoracic aorta and adventitial fibroblasts of SHRs exhibited significant oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. SABP treatment repressed oxidative stress, inflammatory reaction and vascular remodeling of thoracic aorta in SHR through the ROS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, and inhibited fibrosis of thoracic aorta. Additionally, SABP inhibited the proliferation and migration of adventitial fibroblasts and their transformation to myofibroblasts in vitro through the TGFβ/Smad3 signaling pathway. Conclusion: These findings suggest that SABP have potential as an alternative treatment for hypertension by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of SABP.

MicroRNA-429 Regulates Invasion and Migration of Multiple Myeloma Cells via Bmi1/AKT Pathway

Background: miR-429-mediated progression of multiple myeloma (MM) was studied through mediating B cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1 (Bmi1)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway. Methods: miRNA or siRNA was delivered into MM cell lines to alter cellular proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. Measurements of miR-429 and Bmi1 levels were performed. AKT and p-AKT expression change was measured after regulating miR-429. The interaction between miR-429 and Bmi1 was analyzed. Results: miR-429 elevation disrupted proliferation, anti-apoptosis, migration and invasion properties of MM cells, and inactivated AKT pathway. Bmi1 was a targeting partner of miR-429, which was highly expressed in MM. Bmi1 knockdown phenotyped the effects of overexpressed miR-429 on MM cells. AKT agonist SC70 reversed miR-429-regulated inhibition of MM cell growth. Conclusion: miR-429 suppresses the activation of Bmi1/AKT pathway to down-regulate the malignant functions of MM cells.

EZH2 Regulates ANXA6 Expression via H3K27me3 and Is Involved in Angiotensin II-Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Senescence

Objectives

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has a high risk of rupture of the aorta and is one of the leading causes of death in older adults. This study is aimed at confirming the influence and mechanism of the abnormally expressed ANXA6 gene in AAA.

Methods

Clinical samples were collected for proteome sequencing to screen for differentially expressed proteins. An Ang II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) aging model as well as an AAA animal model was used. Using RT-qPCR to detect the mRNA levels of EZH2, ANXA6, IK-6, and IL-8 in cells and tissues were assessed. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining were used apply for the expression of associated proteins in cells and tissues. SA-β-gal staining, flow cytometry, and DHE staining were used to detect senescent cells and the level of ROS. The cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. Arterial pathology was observed by HE staining. The aging of VSMCs in arterial tissue was assessed by coimmunofluorescence for α-SMA and p53.

Results

There were 24 differentially expressed proteins in the AAA clinical samples, including 10 upregulated protein and 14 downregulated protein, and the differential expression of ANXA6 was associated with vascular disease. Our study found that ANXA6 was highly expressed and EZH2 was lowly expressed in an Ang II-induced VSMC aging model. Knockdown of ANXA6 or overexpression of EZH2 inhibited Ang II-induced ROS, inhibited cell senescence, decreased Ang II evoked G1 arrest, and increased cells in G2 phase, while overexpression of ANXA6 played the opposite role. Overexpression of EZH2 inhibited ANXA6 expression by increasing H3K27me3 modification at the ANXA6 promoter. Simultaneous overexpression of EZH2 and the protective effect of EZH2 on cell senescence were partially reversed by ANXA6. Similarly, ANXA6 was highly expressed and EZH2 was lowly expressed in an Ang II-induced AAA animal model. Knockdown of ANXA6 and overexpression of EZH2 alleviated Ang II-induced VSMC senescence and inhibited AAA progression, while simultaneous overexpression of EZH2 and ANXA6 partially reversed the protective effect of EZH2 on AAA.

Conclusion

EZH2 regulates the ANXA6 promoter H3K27me3 modification, inhibits ANXA6 expression, alleviates Ang II-induced VSMC senescence, and inhibits AAA progression.

Ruyi Jinhuang Powder accelerated diabetic ulcer wound healing by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway of fibroblasts In Vivo and In Vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic ulcer is a common complication of diabetes. Therapies of diabetic ulcer are still challenging due to the complicated aetiology. Ruyi Jinhuang Powder (RJP) is gradually adopted to treat diabetic ulcer and has a significant therapeutic effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic potential for diabetic ulcer in vivo and in vitro, we explored whether and how RJP influences wound healing in mice and fibroblasts at the tissular, cellular and molecular levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical composition of RJP was identified by HPLC. Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice were used to confirm the curative effect of RJP in vivo. Besides, the impact of RJP in stimulating fibroblasts proliferation, migration and reducing inflammation was studied through CCK-8 assay, cell scratch assay, PCR, WB, etc. RESULTS: A total of 17 compounds were identified in RJP by HPLC. Our data indicated that RJP promoted fibroblasts proliferation and migration via activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consistently, RNA-seq analysis of mice skin samples also showed that the shared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between RJP group and control group were most enriched in wnt signaling pathway. These DEGs were closely related with wound repair. In addition, the anti-inflammation effect of RJP was also confirmed through downregulation of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 expression levels. These biological effects were reduced when the Wnt/β-catenin signaling was blocked. The in vivo study also demonstrated the effect of RJP in improving epidermal wound closure, which was consistent with the in vitro results.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical application of RJP was effective in treating diabetic ulcer. This research is helpful to provide new insights and evidence into the role of RJP in accelerating unhealing wound and reducing wound inflammation.

Mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives of baicalin and baicalein on pulmonary hypertension: A comprehensive review

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic and fatal disease, for which new therapeutic drugs and approaches are needed urgently. Baicalein and baicalin, the active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous studies involving in vitro and in vivo models of PH have revealed that the treatment with baicalin and baicalein may be effective. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms driving the beneficial effects of baicalin and baicalein treatment on PH, including anti-inflammatory response, inhibition of pulmonary smooth muscle cell proliferation and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, stabilization of the extracellular matrix, and mitigation of oxidative stress. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds have also been reviewed. The therapeutic potential of baicalin and baicalein warrants their continued study as natural treatments for PH.

Important Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Pulmonary Hypertension

Mitochondria are important organelles that act as a primary site to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, mitochondria play a pivotal role in the regulation of Ca²⁺ signaling, fatty acid oxidation, and ketone synthesis. Dysfunction of these signaling molecules leads to the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH), atherosclerosis, and other vascular diseases. Features of PH include vasoconstriction and pulmonary artery (PA) remodeling, which can result from abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of PA smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). These responses are mediated by increased Rieske iron–sulfur protein (RISP)-dependent mitochondrial ROS production and increased mitochondrial Ca²⁺ levels. Mitochondrial ROS and Ca²⁺ can both synergistically activate nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) to trigger inflammatory responses leading to PH, right ventricular failure, and death. Evidence suggests that increased mitochondrial ROS and Ca²⁺ signaling leads to abnormal synthesis of ketones, which play a critical role in the development of PH. In this review, we discuss some of the recent findings on the important interactive role and molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial ROS and Ca²⁺ in the development and progression of PH. We also address the contributions of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses and ketone-mediated oxidative stress due to abnormal regulation of mitochondrial ROS and Ca²⁺ signaling in PH.

ARID1A knockdown enhances carcinogenesis features and aggressiveness of Caco-2 colon cancer cells: An in vitro cellular mechanism study

Loss of ARID1A, a tumor suppressor gene, is associated with the higher grade of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the progression and aggressiveness of CRC induced by the loss of ARID1A remain poorly understood. Herein, we evaluated cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of ARID1A knockdown on the carcinogenesis features and aggressiveness of CRC cells. A human CRC cell line (Caco-2) was transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific to ARID1A (siARID1A) or scrambled (non-specific) siRNA (siControl). Cell death, proliferation, senescence, chemoresistance and invasion were then evaluated. In addition, formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), self-aggregation (multicellular spheroid) and secretion of an angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were examined. The results showed that ARID1A knockdown led to significant decreases in cell death and senescence. On the other hand, ARID1A knockdown enhanced cell proliferation, chemoresistance and invasion. The siARID1A-transfected cells also had greater number of PGCCs and larger spheroid size and secreted greater level of VEGF compared with the siControl-transfected cells. These data, at least in part, explain the cellular mechanisms of ARID1A deficiency in carcinogenesis and aggressiveness features of CRC.