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Zhang Y, Lu F. Molecular mechanism of triptolide in myocardial fibrosis through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. SCAND CARDIOVASC J 2024; 58:2295785. [PMID: 38164796 DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2023.2295785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a common manifestation of end-stage cardiovascular diseases. Triptolide (TP) provides protection against cardiovascular diseases. This study was to explore the functional mechanism of TP in MF rats via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Methods. The MF rat model was established via subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (ISO) and treated with low/medium/high doses of TP (L-TP/M-TP/H-TP) or Wnt agonist BML-284. Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography. Pathological changes of myocardial tissues were observed by HE and Masson staining. Col-I/Col-III/Vimentin/α-SMA levels were detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. Collagen volume fraction content was measured. Expression levels of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related proteins (β-catenin/c-myc/Cyclin D1) were detected by Western blot. Rat cardiac fibroblasts were utilized for in vitro validation experiments. Results. MF rats had enlarged left ventricle, decreased systolic and diastolic function and cardiac dysfunction, elevated collagen fiber distribution, collagen volume fraction and hydroxyproline content. Levels of Col-I/Col-III/Vimentin/α-SMA, and protein levels of β-catenin/c-myc/Cyclin D1 were increased in MF rats. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated in the myocardial tissues of MF rats. TP treatment alleviated impairments of cardiac function and myocardial tissuepathological injury, decreased collagen fibers, collagen volume fraction, Col-I, Col-III, α-SMA and Vimentin levels, HYP content, inhibited Wnt/β-catenin pathway, with H-TP showing the most significant effects. Wnt agonist BML-284 antagonized the inhibitive effect of TP on MF. TP inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to repress the proliferation and differentiation of mouse cardiac fibroblasts in vitro. Conclusions. TP was found to ameliorate ISO-induced MF in rats by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Zhang W, He Y, Chu Y, Zhai Y, Qian S, Wang X, Jiang P, Cui P, Zhang Y, Wang J. Amorphous curcumin-based hydrogels to reduce the incidence of post-surgical intrauterine adhesions. Regen Biomater 2024; 11:rbae043. [PMID: 38779348 PMCID: PMC11110854 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) has increased with the rising utilization of intrauterine surgery. The postoperative physical barrier methods commonly used, such as balloons and other fillers, have limited effectiveness and may even cause further damage to the remaining endometrial tissue. Herein, we developed an injectable thermosensitive hydrogel using Pluronic F127/F68 as pharmaceutical excipients and curcumin as a natural active molecule. The hydrogel effectively addresses solubility and low bioavailability issues associated with curcumin. In vitro, drug release assays revealed that the amorphous curcumin hydrogel promotes dissolution and sustained release of curcumin. In vitro experiments reveal high biocompatibility of the hydrogel and its ability to enhance vascular formation while inhibiting the expression of fibrotic factor TGF-β1. To assess the effectiveness of preventing IUAs, in vivo experiments were conducted using IUA rats and compared with a class III medical device, a new-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (NCHA) gel. According to the study, curcumin hydrogel is more effective than the NCHA group in improving the regeneration of the endometrium, increasing the blood supply to the endometrium and reducing the abnormal deposition of fibrin, thus preventing IUA more effectively. This study provides a promising strategy for treating and preventing IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin He
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Yun Chu
- Jiangsu Trautec Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Changzhou 213200, P. R. China
| | - Yuanxin Zhai
- Jiangsu Trautec Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Changzhou 213200, P. R. China
| | - Song Qian
- Jiangsu Trautec Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Changzhou 213200, P. R. China
| | - Xinhui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Trautec Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Changzhou 213200, P. R. China
| | - Pengju Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Changzhou 213004, P. R. China
| | - Jianhao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, P. R. China
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Xu Q, Xiao Z, Yang Q, Yu T, Deng X, Chen N, Huang Y, Wang L, Guo J, Wang J. Hydrogel-based cardiac repair and regeneration function in the treatment of myocardial infarction. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:100978. [PMID: 38434571 PMCID: PMC10907859 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
A life-threatening illness that poses a serious threat to human health is myocardial infarction. It may result in a significant number of myocardial cells dying, dilated left ventricles, dysfunctional heart function, and ultimately cardiac failure. Based on the development of emerging biomaterials and the lack of clinical treatment methods and cardiac donors for myocardial infarction, hydrogels with good compatibility have been gradually applied to the treatment of myocardial infarction. Specifically, based on the three processes of pathophysiology of myocardial infarction, we summarized various types of hydrogels designed for myocardial tissue engineering in recent years, including natural hydrogels, intelligent hydrogels, growth factors, stem cells, and microRNA-loaded hydrogels. In addition, we also describe the heart patch and preparation techniques that promote the repair of MI heart function. Although most of these hydrogels are still in the preclinical research stage and lack of clinical trials, they have great potential for further application in the future. It is expected that this review will improve our knowledge of and offer fresh approaches to treating myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaxin Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qianzhi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Xiujiao Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Nenghua Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Lihong Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jun Guo
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jinghao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research on Chronic Diseases, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
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Dai L, Liu B, Lin J, Jiang Y, Li Y, Yao Z, Shen S, Jiang Y, Duan Y, Li J. Long-acting anti-inflammatory injectable DEX-Gel with sustained release and self-healing properties regulates T H1/T H2 immune balance for minimally invasive treatment of allergic rhinitis. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:51. [PMID: 38321547 PMCID: PMC10845556 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02306-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent immune-related allergic disease, and corticosteroid nasal sprays serve as the primary treatment for this patient population. However, their short duration of efficacy and frequent administration pose challenges, leading to drug wastage and potential adverse effects. To overcome these limitations, we devised a novel approach to formulate DEX-Gel by incorporating dexamethasone (DEX) into a blend of Pluronic F127, stearic acid (SA), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400) to achieve sustained-release treatment for AR. RESULTS Following endoscopic injection into the nasal mucosa of AR rats, DEX-Gel exhibited sustained release over a 14-day period. In vivo trials employing various assays, such as flow cytometry (FC), demonstrated that DEX-Gel not only effectively managed allergic symptoms but also significantly downregulated helper T-cells (TH) 2 and TH2-type inflammatory cytokines (e.g., interleukins 4, 5, and 13). Additionally, the TH1/TH2 cell ratio was increased. CONCLUSION This innovative long-acting anti-inflammatory sustained-release therapy addresses the TH1/TH2 immune imbalance, offering a promising and valuable approach for the treatment of AR and other inflammatory nasal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiangtao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yongquan Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhuowei Yao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Silin Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yiming Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yourong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jiping Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Liu J, Du C, Huang W, Lei Y. Injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels: pioneering advancements in biomedical applications. Biomater Sci 2023; 12:8-56. [PMID: 37969066 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01352a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels have established their significance as prominent biomaterials within the realm of biomedical research. However, injectable hydrogels have garnered greater attention compared with their conventional counterparts due to their excellent minimally invasive nature and adaptive behavior post-injection. With the rapid advancement of emerging chemistry and deepened understanding of biological processes, contemporary injectable hydrogels have been endowed with an "intelligent" capacity to respond to various endogenous/exogenous stimuli (such as temperature, pH, light and magnetic field). This innovation has spearheaded revolutionary transformations across fields such as tissue engineering repair, controlled drug delivery, disease-responsive therapies, and beyond. In this review, we comprehensively expound upon the raw materials (including natural and synthetic materials) and injectable principles of these advanced hydrogels, concurrently providing a detailed discussion of the prevalent strategies for conferring stimulus responsiveness. Finally, we elucidate the latest applications of these injectable "smart" stimuli-responsive hydrogels in the biomedical domain, offering insights into their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Chengcheng Du
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yiting Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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