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Li X, Wang Z, Chen N. Perspective and Therapeutic Potential of the Noncoding RNA-Connexin Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6146. [PMID: 38892334 PMCID: PMC11173347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of nucleotide sequences that cannot be translated into peptides. ncRNAs can function post-transcriptionally by splicing complementary sequences of mRNAs or other ncRNAs or by directly engaging in protein interactions. Over the past few decades, the pervasiveness of ncRNAs in cell physiology and their pivotal roles in various diseases have been identified. One target regulated by ncRNAs is connexin (Cx), a protein that forms gap junctions and hemichannels and facilitates intercellular molecule exchange. The aberrant expression and misdistribution of connexins have been implicated in central nervous system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases, and cancer. Current databases and technologies have enabled researchers to identify the direct or indirect relationships between ncRNAs and connexins, thereby elucidating their correlation with diseases. In this review, we selected the literature published in the past five years concerning disorders regulated by ncRNAs via corresponding connexins. Among it, microRNAs that regulate the expression of Cx43 play a crucial role in disease development and are predominantly reviewed. The distinctive perspective of the ncRNA-Cx axis interprets pathology in an epigenetic manner and is expected to motivate research for the development of biomarkers and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China;
| | - Naihong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China;
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Dong W, Liao R, Weng J, Du X, Chen J, Fang X, Liu W, Long T, You J, Wang W, Peng X. USF2 activates RhoB/ROCK pathway by transcriptional inhibition of miR-206 to promote pyroptosis in septic cardiomyocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1093-1108. [PMID: 37347361 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04781-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is one of the most serious complications of sepsis. The present study investigated the role and mechanism of upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) in SCM. Serum samples were extracted from SCM patients and healthy individuals. A murine model of sepsis was induced by caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Myocardial injury was examined by echocardiography and HE staining. ELISA assay evaluated myocardial markers (CK-MB, cTnI) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18). Primary mouse cardiomyocytes were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate sepsis in vitro. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used for analyzing gene and protein levels. CCK-8 assay assessed cell viability. NLRP3 was detected by immunofluorescence. ChIP, RIP and dual luciferase reporter assays were conducted to validate the molecular associations. USF2 was increased in serum from SCM patients, septic mice and primary cardiomyocytes. USF2 silencing improved the survival of septic mice and attenuated sepsis-induced myocardial pyroptosis and inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, USF2 could directly bind to the promoter of miR-206 to transcriptionally inhibit its expression. Moreover, RhoB was confirmed as a target of miR-206 and could promote ROCK activation and NLRP3 inflammasome formation. Moreover, overexpression of RhoB remarkably reversed the protection against LPS-induced inflammation and pyroptosis mediated by USF2 deletion or miR-206 overexpression in cardiomyocytes. The above findings elucidated that USF2 knockdown exerted a cardioprotective effect on sepsis by decreasing pyroptosis and inflammation via miR-206/RhoB/ROCK pathway, suggesting that USF2 may be a novel drug target in SCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruichun Liao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfei Weng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingxiang Du
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Fang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Long
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxiang You
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wensheng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Peng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17, Yong Waizheng Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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Wei Z, Ye H, Li Y, Li X, Liu Y, Chen Y, Yu J, Wang J, Ye X. Mechanically tough, adhesive, self-healing hydrogel promotes annulus fibrosus repair via autologous cell recruitment and microenvironment regulation. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:50-67. [PMID: 38382832 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Annulus fibrosus (AF) defect is an important cause of disc re-herniation after discectomy. The self-regeneration ability of the AF is limited, and AF repair is always hindered by the inflammatory microenvironment after injury. Hydrogels represent one of the most promising materials for AF tissue engineering strategies. However, currently available commercial hydrogels cannot withstand the harsh mechanical load within intervertebral disc. In the present study, an innovative triple cross-linked oxidized hyaluronic acid (OHA)-dopamine (DA)- polyacrylamide (PAM) composite hydrogel, modified with collagen mimetic peptide (CMP) and supplied with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) (OHA-DA-PAM/CMP/TGF-β1 hydrogel) was developed for AF regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited robust mechanical strength, strong bioadhesion, and significant self-healing capabilities. Modified with collagen mimetic peptide, the hydrogel exhibited extracellular-matrix-mimicking properties and sustained the AF cell phenotype. The sustained release of TGF-β1 from the hydrogel was pivotal in recruiting AF cells and promoting extracellular matrix production. Furthermore, the composite hydrogel attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory response and promote ECM synthesis in AF cells via suppressing NFκB/NLRP3 pathway. In vivo, the composite hydrogel successfully sealed AF defects and alleviated intervertebral disk degeneration in a rat tail AF defect model. Histological evaluation showed that the hydrogel integrated well with host tissue and facilitated AF repair. The strategy of recruiting endogenous cells and providing an extracellular-matrix-mimicking and anti-inflammatory microenvironment using the mechanically tough composite OHA-DA-PAM/CMP/TGF-β1 hydrogel may be applicable for AF defect repair in the clinic. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Annulus fibrosus (AF) repair is challenging due to its limited self-regenerative capacity and post-injury inflammation. In this study, a mechanically tough and highly bioadhesive triple cross-linked composite hydrogel, modified with collagen mimetic peptide (CMP) and supplemented with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), was developed to facilitate AF regeneration. The sustained release of TGF-β1 enhanced AF cell recruitment, while both TGF-β1 and CMP could modulate the microenvironment to promote AF cell proliferation and ECM synthesis. In vivo, this composite hydrogel effectively promoted the AF repair and mitigated the intervertebral disc degeneration. This research indicates the clinical potential of the OHA-DA-PAM/CMP/TGF-β1 composite hydrogel for repairing AF defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyuan Wei
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Han Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yucai Li
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Yujie Chen
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jiangming Yu
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Jielin Wang
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Xiaojian Ye
- Laboratory of Key Technology and Materials in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Center for Spinal Minimally Invasive Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200336, China; Department of Orthopaedics, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
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Jiang Y, Lu Y, Xu H, Hu Z, Du R, Zhou Y, Deng Q, Wang X, Liu Y, Wang Y. miR-206a-3p suppresses the proliferation and differentiation of chicken chondrocytes in tibial dyschondroplasia by targeting BMP6. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103534. [PMID: 38401226 PMCID: PMC10906518 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103534] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The poultry skeletal system serves multiple functions, not only providing structural integrity but also maintaining the balance of essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. However, in recent years, the consideration of skeletal traits has been overlooked in the selective breeding of broilers, resulting in an inadequate adaptation of the skeletal system to cope with the rapid increase in body weight. Consequently, this leads to lameness and bone diseases such as tibial dyschondroplasia (TD), which significantly impact the production performance of broilers. Accumulating evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNA) play a crucial role in the differentiation, formation, and disease of cartilage. However, the miRNA-mediated molecular mechanism underlying chicken TD formation is still poorly understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the biological function and regulatory mechanism of miRNA in chicken TD formation. Based on transcriptome sequencing of tibial cartilage in the healthy group and TD group, miR-206a-3p was found to be highly expressed in TD cartilage. The function of miR-206a-3p was explored through the transfection test of miR-206a-3p mimics and miR-206a-3p inhibitor. In this study, we utilized qRT-PCR, CCK-8, EdU, western blot, and flow cytometry to detect the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of chondrocytes. The results revealed that miR-206a-3p suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of TD chondrocytes while promoting their programmed cell death. Furthermore, through biosynthesis and dual luciferase assays, it was determined that BMP6 was the direct target gene of miR-206a-3p. This finding was further supported by rescue experiments which confirmed the involvement of BMP6 in the regulatory pathway governed by miR-206a-3p. Our results suggest that miR-206a-3p can inhibits the proliferation and differentiation promote apoptosis through the target gene BMP-6 and suppressing the Smad2/3 signaling pathway in chicken TD chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuru Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuxiang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Hengyong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Ranran Du
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuxin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qingqing Deng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Li X, An Y, Wang Q, Han X. The new ceRNA crosstalk between mRNAs and miRNAs in intervertebral disc degeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1083983. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1083983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of the intervertebral disc has been linked to lower back pain. To date, pathophysiological mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remain unclear; it is meaningful to find effective diagnostic biomarkers and new therapeutic strategies for IDD. This study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism of IDD pathogenesis from the multidimensional transcriptomics perspective. Here, we acquired IDD bulk omics datasets (GSE67567 and GSE167199) including mRNA, microRNA expression profiles, and single-cell RNA sequencing (GSE199866) from the public Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through principal component analysis and Venn analysis, we found different expression patterns in the IDD transcription level and identified 156 common DEGs in both bulk datasets. GO and KEGG functional analyses showed these dysregulators were mostly enriched in the collagen-containing extracellular matrix, cartilage development, chondrocyte differentiation, and immune response pathways. We also constructed a potentially dysregulated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network between mRNAs and miRNAs related to IDD based on microRNA target information and co-expression analysis of RNA profiles and identified 36 ceRNA axes including ZFP36/miR-155-5p/FOS, BTG2/hsa-miR-185-5p/SOCS3, and COL9A2/hsa-miR-664a-5p/IBA57. Finally, in integrating bulk and single-cell transcriptome data analyses, a total of three marker genes, COL2A1, PAX1, and ZFP36L2, were identified. In conclusion, the key genes and the new ceRNA crosstalk we identified in intervertebral disc degeneration may provide new targets for the treatment of IDD.
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Yu Q, Han F, Yuan Z, Zhu Z, Liu C, Tu Z, Guo Q, Zhao R, Zhang W, Wang H, Mao H, Li B, Zhu C. Fucoidan-loaded nanofibrous scaffolds promote annulus fibrosus repair by ameliorating the inflammatory and oxidative microenvironments in degenerative intervertebral discs. Acta Biomater 2022; 148:73-89. [PMID: 35671874 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Tissue engineering holds potential in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, implantation of tissue engineered constructs may cause foreign body reaction and aggravate the inflammatory and oxidative microenvironment of the degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD). In order to ameliorate the adverse microenvironment of IDD, in this study, we prepared a biocompatible poly (ether carbonate urethane) urea (PECUU) nanofibrous scaffold loaded with fucoidan, a natural marine bioactive polysaccharide which has great anti-inflammatory and antioxidative functions. Compared with pure PECUU scaffold, the fucoidan-loaded PECUU nanofibrous scaffold (F-PECUU) decreased the gene and protein expression related to inflammation and the oxidative stress in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) significantly (p<0.05). Especially, gene expression of Ill 6 and Ptgs2 was decreased by more than 50% in F-PECUU with 3.0 wt% fucoidan (HF-PECUU). Moreover, the gene and protein expression related to the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) were reduced in a fucoidan concentration-dependent manner significantly, with increased almost 3 times gene expression of Col1a2 and Acan in HF-PECUU. Further, in a 'box' defect model, HF-PECUU decreased the expression of COX-2 and deposited more ECM between scaffold layers when compared with pure PECUU. The disc height and nucleus pulposus hydration of repaired IVD reached up to 75% and 85% of those in the sham group. In addition, F-PECUU helped to maintain an integrate tissue structure with a similar compression modulus to that in sham group. Taken together, the F-PECUU nanofibrous scaffolds showed promising potential to promote AF repair in IDD treatment by ameliorating the harsh degenerative microenvironment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue engineering holds potential in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), but is restricted by the inflammatory and oxidative microenvironment of degenerative disc. This study developed a biocompatible polyurethane scaffold (F-PECUU) loaded with fucoidan, a marine bioactive polysaccharide, for ameliorating IDD microenvironment and promoting disc regeneration. F-PECUU alleviated the inflammation and oxidative stress caused by lipopolysaccharide and prevented extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in AF cells. In vivo, it promoted ECM deposition to maintain the height, water content and mechanical property of disc. This work has shown the potential of marine polysaccharides-containing functional scaffolds in IDD treatment by ameliorating the harsh microenvironment accompanied with disc degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifan Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Feng Han
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Zhangqin Yuan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Zhuang Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Changjiang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Zhengdong Tu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Qianping Guo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Runze Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Haijiao Mao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315000, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
| | - Caihong Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China.
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