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Ding X, Liu J, Chen X, Zhang XH. Exploring the mechanism of luteolin improving immune and inflammatory responses in systemic sclerosis based on systems biology and cell experiments. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112587. [PMID: 38972211 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112587] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing trend of applying traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat immune diseases. This study reveals the possible mechanism of luteolin, an active ingredient in the core prescription of TCM, in alleviating systemic sclerosis (SSc) inflammation. Bibliometrics was performed to retrieve the core keywords of SSc inflammation. The key inflammatory indicators in the serum samples of 50 SSc patients were detected by ELISA. Data mining was applied for correlation analysis, association rule analysis, and binary logistic regression analysis on the clinical indicators and medication of 50 SSc patients before and after treatment to determine the core prescription. Network pharmacology was used for identifying candidate genes and pathways; molecular docking was conducted to determine the core monomer components of the prescription, providing a basis for subsequent in vitro molecular mechanism research. The effect of luteolin on SSc-human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) viability and inflammatory factors was evaluated by means of ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blot. The role of TNF in inflammation was explored by using a TNF overexpression vector, NF-κB inhibitor (PKM2), and SSc-HDF. The involvement of TNF/NF-κB pathway was validated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. TCM treatment partially corrected the inflammatory changes in SSc patients, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Atractylodes, Yam, Astragalus root, Poria cocos, Pinellia ternata, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Safflower, Cassia twig, and Angelica were identified as the core prescriptions for improving inflammatory indicators. Luteolin was the main active ingredient in the prescription and showed a strong binding energy with TNF and NF-κB. Luteolin exerted anti-inflammatory effects in vitro by reducing inflammatory cytokines in SSc-HDF and inhibiting the activation of TNF/NF-κB. Mechanistically, luteolin inhibited the activation of the TNF/NF-κB pathway in SSc-HDF, as manifested by an increase in extranuclear p-P65 and TNF but a decrease in intranuclear p-P65. Interestingly, the addition of PKM2 augmented the therapeutic function of luteolin against inflammation in SSc-HDF. Our study showed the TCM alleviates the inflammatory response of SSc by inhibiting the activation of the TNF/NF-κB pathway and is an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Ding
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, PR China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan, Hefei, Anhui 230038, PR China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan, Hefei, Anhui 230038, PR China; Institute of Rheumatology, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, PR China.
| | - Xiaolu Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, PR China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan, Hefei, Anhui 230038, PR China
| | - Xian-Heng Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, PR China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shushan, Hefei, Anhui 230038, PR China
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Campitiello R, Soldano S, Gotelli E, Hysa E, Montagna P, Casabella A, Paolino S, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Cutolo M. The intervention of macrophages in progressive fibrosis characterizing systemic sclerosis: A systematic review. Autoimmun Rev 2024:103637. [PMID: 39255852 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103637] [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: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune mediated connective tissue disease characterized by microvascular dysfunction, aberrant immune response, and progressive fibrosis. Although the immuno-pathophysiological mechanisms underlying SSc are not fully clarified, they are often associated with a dysfunctional macrophage activation toward an alternative (M2) phenotype induced by cytokines [i.e., IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β)] involved in the fibrotic and anti-inflammatory process. A spectrum of macrophage activation state has been identified ranging from M1 to M2 phenotype, gene expression of phenotype markers, and functional aspects. This systematic review aims to analyze the importance of M2 macrophage polatization during the immune mediated process and the identification of specific pathways, cytokines, and chemokines involved in SSc pathogenesis. Moreover, this review provides an overview on the in vitro and in vivo studies aiming to test therapeutic strategies targeting M2 macrophages. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed according to the preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search encompassed the online medical databases PubMed and Embase up to the 30th of June 2024. Original research manuscripts (in vitro study, in vivo study), animal model and human cohort, were considered for the review. Exclusion criteria encompassed reviews, case reports, correspondences, and conference abstracts/posters. The eligible manuscripts main findings were critically analyzed, discussed, and summarized in the correspondent tables. RESULTS Out of the 77 screened abstracts, 49 papers were deemed eligible. Following a critical analysis, they were categorized according to the primary (29 original articles) and secondary (20 original articles) research objectives of this systematic review. The data from the present systematic review suggest the pivotal role of M2 macrophages differentiation and activation together with the dysregulation of the immune system in the SSc pathogenesis. Strong correlations have been found between M2 macrophage presence and clinical manifestations in both murine and human tissue samples. Interestingly, the presence of M2 cell surface markers on peripheral blood monocytes has been highlighted, suggesting a potential biomarker role for this finding. Therapeutic effects reducing M2 macrophage activities have been observed and/or tested for existing and for new drugs, demonstrating potential efficacy in modulating the pro-fibrotic immune response for treatment of SSc. CONCLUSIONS The increased M2 macrophage activation in course of SSc seems to offer new insights on the self-amplifying inflammatory and fibrotic response by the immune system on such disease. Therefore, the revaluation of immunomodulatory and ongoing antifibrotic therapies, as well as novel therapeutical approaches in SSc that contribute to limit the M2 macrophage activation are matter of intense investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Elvis Hysa
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Montagna
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Casabella
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, Flemish Institute for Biotechnology, Inflammation Research Center, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
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Duraloglu C, Baysal I, Yabanoglu-Ciftci S, Arica B. Nintedanib and miR-29b co-loaded lipoplexes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: formulation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2024; 50:671-686. [PMID: 39099436 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2024.2387166] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to develop a cationic lipoplex formulation loaded with Nintedanib and miR-29b (LP-NIN-miR) as an alternative approach in the combination therapy of idiopathic pulmonary dibrosis (IPF) by proving its additive anti-fibrotic therapeutic effects through in vitro lung fibrosis model. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first research article reported that the LP-NIN-MIR formulations in the treatment of IPF. METHODS To optimize cationic liposomes (LPs), quality by design (QbD) approach was carried out. Optimized blank LP formulation was prepared with DOTAP, CHOL, DOPE, and DSPE-mPEG 2000 at the molar ratio of 10:10:1:1. Nintedanib loaded LP (LPs-NIN) were produced by microfluidization method and were incubated with miR-29b at room temperature for 30 min to obtain LP-NIN-miR. To evaluate the cellular uptake of LP-NIN-miR, NIH/3T3 cells were treated with 20 ng.mL-1 transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 96 h to establish the in vitro IPF model and incubated with LP-NIN-miR for 48 h. RESULTS The hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of the LP-NIN-miR were 87.3 ± 0.9 nm, 0.184 ± 0.003, and +24 ± 1 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiencies of Nintedanib and miR-29b were 99.8% ± 0.08% and 99.7% ± 1.2%, respectively. The results of the cytotoxicity study conducted with NIH/3T3 cells indicated that LP-NIN-miR is a safe delivery system. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of the transfection study proved the additive anti-fibrotic therapeutic effect of LP-NIN-miR and suggested that lipoplexes are effective delivery systems for drug and nucleic acid to the NIH/3T3 cells in the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Duraloglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ipek Baysal
- Vocational School of Health Services, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Betul Arica
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Xu S, Jiemy WF, Brouwer E, Burgess JK, Heeringa P, van der Geest KSM, Alba-Rovira R, Corbera-Bellalta M, Boots AH, Cid MC, Sandovici M. Current evidence on the role of fibroblasts in large-vessel vasculitides: From pathogenesis to therapeutics. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103574. [PMID: 38782083 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103574] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Large-vessel vasculitides (LVV) comprise a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the aorta and its major branches. The most common forms of LVV are giant cell arteritis (GCA) and Takayasu arteritis (TAK). Both GCA and TAK are characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall accompanied by a maladaptive immune and vascular response that promotes vascular damage and remodeling. The inflammatory process in LVV starts in the adventitia where fibroblasts constitute the dominant cell population. Fibroblasts are traditionally recognized for synthesizing and renewing the extracellular matrix thereby being major players in maintenance of normal tissue architecture and in tissue repair. More recently, fibroblasts have emerged as a highly plastic cell population exerting various functions, including the regulation of local immune processes and organization of immune cells at the site of inflammation through production of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors as well as cell-cell interaction. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge on fibroblasts in LVV. Furthermore, we identify key questions that need to be addressed to fully understand the role of fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of LVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Xu
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - William F Jiemy
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Brouwer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, the Netherlands
| | - Kornelis S M van der Geest
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Roser Alba-Rovira
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Corbera-Bellalta
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Annemieke H Boots
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands
| | - Maria C Cid
- Vasculitis Research Group, Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Sandovici
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Netherlands.
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Soldano S, Smith V, Montagna P, Gotelli E, Campitiello R, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Sulli A, Cere A, Cutolo M. Nintedanib downregulates the profibrotic M2 phenotype in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages obtained from systemic sclerosis patients affected by interstitial lung disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:74. [PMID: 38509595 PMCID: PMC10953168 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03308-7] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by vasculopathy and progressive fibrosis of skin and several internal organs, including lungs. Macrophages are the main cells involved in the immune-inflammatory damage of skin and lungs, and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages seem to have a profibrotic role through the release of profibrotic cytokines (IL10) and growth factors (TGFβ1). Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting several fibrotic mediators and it is approved for the treatment of SSc-related interstitial lung disease (ILD). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nintedanib in downregulating the profibrotic M2 phenotype in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) obtained from SSc-ILD patients. METHODS Fourteen SSc patients, fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for SSc, 10 SSc patients affected by ILD (SSc-ILD pts), 4 SSc patients non affected by ILD (SSc pts no-ILD), and 5 voluntary healthy subjects (HSs), were recruited at the Division of Clinical Rheumatology-University of Genova, after obtaining Ethical Committee approval and patients' informed consent. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood, differentiated into MDMs, and then maintained in growth medium without any treatment (untreated cells), or treated with nintedanib (0.1 and 1µM) for 3, 16, and 24 h. Gene expression of macrophage scavenger receptors (CD204, CD163), mannose receptor-1 (CD206), Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK), identifying M2 macrophages, together with TGFβ1 and IL10, were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein synthesis was investigated by Western blotting and the level of active TGFβ1 was evaluated by ELISA. Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric Wilcoxon test. RESULTS Cultured untreated SSc-ILD MDMs showed a significant increased protein synthesis of CD206 (p < 0.05), CD204, and MerTK (p < 0.01), together with a significant upregulation of the gene expression of MerTK and TGFβ1 (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) compared to HS-MDMs. Moreover, the protein synthesis of CD206 and MerTK and the gene expression of TGFβ1 were significantly higher in cultured untreated MDMs from SSc-ILD pts compared to MDMs without ILD (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). In cultured SSc-ILD MDMs, nintedanib 0.1 and 1µM significantly downregulated the gene expression and protein synthesis of CD204, CD206, CD163 (p < 0.05), and MerTK (p < 0.01) compared to untreated cells after 24 h of treatment. Limited to MerTK and IL10, both nintedanib concentrations significantly downregulated their gene expression already after 16 h of treatment (p < 0.05). In cultured SSc-ILD MDMs, nintedanib 0.1 and 1µM significantly reduced the release of active TGFβ1 after 24 h of treatment (p < 0.05 vs. untreated cells). CONCLUSIONS In cultured MDMs from SSc-ILD pts, nintedanib seems to downregulate the profibrotic M2 phenotype through the significant reduction of gene expression and protein synthesis of M2 cell surface markers, together with the significant reduction of TGFβ1 release, and notably MerTK, a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paola Montagna
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cere
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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O'Reilly S. S100A4 a classical DAMP as a therapeutic target in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2024; 127:1-7. [PMID: 38219976 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.01.002] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis regardless of aetiology is characterised by persistently activated myofibroblasts that are contractile and secrete excessive amounts of extracellular matrix molecules that leads to loss of organ function. Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) are endogenous host-derived molecules that are released from cells dying or under stress that can be triggered by a variety of insults, either chemical or physical, leading to an inflammatory response. Among these DAMPs is S100A4, part of the S100 family of calcium binding proteins that participate in a variety of cellular processes. S100A4 was first described in context of cancer as a pro-metastatic factor. It is now appreciated that aside from its role in cancer promotion, S100A4 is intimately involved in tissue fibrosis. The extracellular form of S100A4 exerts its effects through multiple receptors including Toll-Like Receptor 4 and RAGE to evoke signalling cascades involving downstream mediators facilitating extracellular matrix deposition and myofibroblast generation and can play a role in persistent activation of myofibroblasts. S100A4 may be best understood as an amplifier of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. S100A4 appears critical in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis and blocking the extracellular form of S100A4 in vivo in various animal models of disease mitigates fibrosis and may even reverse established disease. This review appraises S100A4's position as a DAMP and its role in fibrotic conditions and highlight therapeutically targeting this protein to halt fibrosis, suggesting that it is a tractable target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, United Kingdom.
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Jimenez SA, Piera-Velazquez S. Cellular Transdifferentiation: A Crucial Mechanism of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:388-404. [PMID: 37921216 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971261932231025045400] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with a highly complex pathogenesis that despite extensive investigation is not completely understood. The clinical and pathologic manifestations of the disease result from three distinct processes: 1) Severe and frequently progressive tissue fibrosis causing exaggerated and deleterious accumulation of interstitial collagens and other extracellular matrix molecules in the skin and various internal organs; 2) extensive fibroproliferative vascular lesions affecting small arteries and arterioles causing tissue ischemic alterations; and 3) cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities with the production of numerous autoantibodies, some with very high specificity for SSc. The fibrotic process in SSc is one of the main causes of disability and high mortality of the disease. Owing to its essentially universal presence and the severity of its clinical effects, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of tissue fibrosis have been extensively investigated, however, despite intensive investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several recent studies have suggested that cellular transdifferentiation resulting in the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts may be one important mechanism. Here, we review the potential role that cellular transdifferentiation may play in the development of severe and often progressive tissue fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
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Yan J, Feng G, Yang Y, Zhao X, Ma L, Guo H, Chen X, Wang H, Chen Z, Jin Q. Nintedanib ameliorates osteoarthritis in mice by inhibiting synovial inflammation and fibrosis caused by M1 polarization of synovial macrophages via the MAPK/PI3K-AKT pathway. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23177. [PMID: 37688589 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300944rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Synovial inflammation and fibrosis are important pathological changes associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Herein, we investigated if nintedanib, a drug specific for pulmonary fibrosis, plays a positive role in osteoarthritic synovial inflammation and fibrosis. We assessed the effect of nintedanib on osteoarthritic synovial inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of OA created by destabilization of the medial meniscus and a macrophage M1 polarization model created by stimulating RAW264.7 cells with lipopolysaccharide. Histological staining showed that daily gavage administration of nintedanib significantly alleviated articular cartilage degeneration, reduced the OARSI score, upregulated matrix metalloproteinase-13 and downregulated collagen II expression, and significantly reduced the synovial score and synovial fibrosis in a mouse OA model. In addition, immunofluorescence staining showed that nintedanib significantly decreased the number of M1 macrophages in the synovium of a mouse model of OA. In vitro results showed that nintedanib downregulated the phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK, p38, PI3K, and AKT while inhibiting the expression of macrophage M1 polarization marker proteins (CD86, CD80, and iNOS). In conclusion, this study suggests that nintedanib is a potential candidate for OA treatment. The mechanisms of action of nintedanib include the inhibition of M1 polarization in OA synovial macrophages via the MAPK/PI3K-AKT pathway, inhibition of synovial inflammation and fibrosis, and reduction of articular cartilage degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Yan
- Clinical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Gangning Feng
- Clinical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Long Ma
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Haohui Guo
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaolei Chen
- Clinical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Clinical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zhirong Chen
- Clinical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qunhua Jin
- Clinical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Orthopedics Ward 3, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Montico F, Lamas CDA, Rossetto IMU, Baseggio AM, Cagnon VHA. Lobe-specific responses of TRAMP mice dorsolateral prostate following celecoxib and nintedanib therapy. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:379-403. [PMID: 37335420 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10130-z] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Delayed cancer progression in the ventral prostate of the Transgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) model has been previously reported upon celecoxib and nintedanib co-administration. Herein, we sought to further investigate the effects of these drugs association in some of their direct molecular targets (COX-2, VEGF and VEGFR-2) and in reactive stroma markers (TGF-β, αSMA, vimentin and pro-collagen 1) in the dorsolateral prostate, looking for lobe-specific responses. Male TRAMP mice were treated with celecoxib (10 mg/Kg, i.o.) and/or nintedanib (15 mg/Kg, i.o.) for 6 weeks and prostate was harvested for morphological and protein expression analyses. Results showed that combined therapy resulted in unique antitumor effects in dorsolateral prostate, especially due to the respective stromal or epithelial antiproliferative actions of these drugs, which altogether led to a complete inversion in high-grade (HGPIN) versus low-grade (LGPIN) premalignant lesion incidences in relation to controls. At the molecular level, this duality in drug action was paralleled by the differential down/upregulation of TGF-β signaling by celecoxib/nintedanib, thus leading to associated changes in stroma composition towards regression or quiescence, respectively. Additionally, combined therapy was able to promote decreased expression of inflammatory (COX-2) and angiogenesis (VEGF/VEGFR-2) mediators. Overall, celecoxib and nintedanib association provided enhanced antitumor effects in TRAMP dorsolateral as compared to former registers in ventral prostate, thus demonstrating lobe-specific responses of this combined chemoprevention approach. Among these responses, we highlight the ability in promoting TGF-β signaling and its associated stromal maturation/stabilization, thus yielding a more quiescent stromal milieu and resulting in greater epithelial proliferation impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Montico
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russell Avenue, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil.
| | - Celina de Almeida Lamas
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russell Avenue, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil
| | - Isabela Maria Urra Rossetto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russell Avenue, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil
| | - Andressa Mara Baseggio
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-852, Brazil
| | - Valéria Helena Alves Cagnon
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russell Avenue, Campinas, São Paulo, 13083-865, Brazil
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Cutolo M, Gotelli E, Montagna P, Tardito S, Paolino S, Pizzorni C, Sulli A, Smith V, Soldano S. Correction: Nintedanib downregulates the transition of cultured systemic sclerosis fibrocytes into myofibroblasts and their pro-fibrotic activity. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:134. [PMID: 37516861 PMCID: PMC10386688 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Montagna
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Samuele Tardito
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Richter P, Cardoneanu A, Dima N, Bratoiu I, Rezus C, Burlui AM, Costin D, Macovei LA, Rezus E. Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis: How Can We Manage the Challenge? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119388. [PMID: 37298342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119388] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe and frequent manifestation of connective tissue diseases (CTD). Due to its debilitating potential, it requires serious evaluation and treatment. The prevalence of ILD in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still controversial. Therefore, in order to establish the diagnosis of ILD, an overlap syndrome must be excluded. Increasing the identification of SLE-associated ILD cases should become a target. To treat this complication, various therapies are now being proposed. To date, no placebo-controlled studies were conducted. Regarding another CTD, systemic sclerosis (SSc), SSc-associated ILD is considered one of the leading causes of mortality. The incidence of ILD varies among disease subtypes, being influenced by diagnostic method, but also by disease duration. Due to the high prevalence of this complication, all SSc patients should be investigated for ILD at the time of SSc diagnosis and during the course of the disease. Fortunately, progress was made in terms of treatment. Nintedanib, a tyrosine kinases inhibitor, showed promising results. It appeared to decrease the rate of progression of ILD compared to placebo. This review aimed to provide up-to-date findings related to SLE-associated ILD and SSc-associated ILD, in order to raise awareness of their diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Dima
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- "Sf. Spiridon" Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- "Sf. Spiridon" Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maria Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Damiana Costin
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology, "Grigore T Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare and complex autoimmune connective-tissue disease. Once considered an untreatable and unpredictable condition, research advancements have improved our understanding of its disease pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes and expanded our treatment armamentarium. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, while ongoing efforts to risk stratify patients have a central role in predicting both organ involvement and disease progression. A holistic approach is required when choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy, balancing the side-effect profile with efficacy and tailoring the treatment according to the goals of care of the patient. This Seminar reviews the multiple clinical dimensions of systemic sclerosis, beginning at a precursor very early stage of disease, with a focus on timely early detection of organ involvement. This Seminar also summarises management considerations according to the pathological hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (eg, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy) and highlights unmet needs and opportunities for future research and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University (Hospital), Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Volkmann ER, Andréasson K, Smith V. Systemic sclerosis. Lancet 2023; 401:304-318. [PMID: 36442487 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01692-0.systemic] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare and complex autoimmune connective-tissue disease. Once considered an untreatable and unpredictable condition, research advancements have improved our understanding of its disease pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes and expanded our treatment armamentarium. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, while ongoing efforts to risk stratify patients have a central role in predicting both organ involvement and disease progression. A holistic approach is required when choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy, balancing the side-effect profile with efficacy and tailoring the treatment according to the goals of care of the patient. This Seminar reviews the multiple clinical dimensions of systemic sclerosis, beginning at a precursor very early stage of disease, with a focus on timely early detection of organ involvement. This Seminar also summarises management considerations according to the pathological hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (eg, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy) and highlights unmet needs and opportunities for future research and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University (Hospital), Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Xu K, Zhu Y, Li Y, Huang J, Wan Q, Hao J, Ji Z, Liu Y, Tay FR, Jiao K, Niu L. Clinical and pathologic factors associated with the relapse of fibrous gingival hyperplasia. J Am Dent Assoc 2022; 153:1134-1144.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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15
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Hasan M, Zafar A, Jabbar M, Tariq T, Manzoor Y, Ahmed MM, Hassan SG, Shu X, Mahmood N. Trident Nano-Indexing the Proteomics Table: Next-Version Clustering of Iron Carbide NPs and Protein Corona. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27185754. [PMID: 36144499 PMCID: PMC9500999 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein corona composition and precise physiological understanding of differentially expressed proteins are key for identifying disease biomarkers. In this report, we presented a distinctive quantitative proteomics table of molecular cell signaling differentially expressed proteins of corona that formed on iron carbide nanoparticles (NPs). High-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization coupled with ion trap mass analyzer (HPLC/ESI-Orbitrap) and MASCOT helped quantify 142 differentially expressed proteins. Among these proteins, 104 proteins showed upregulated behavior and 38 proteins were downregulated with respect to the control, whereas 48, 32 and 24 proteins were upregulated and 8, 9 and 21 were downregulated CW (control with unmodified NPs), CY (control with modified NPs) and WY (modified and unmodified NPs), respectively. These proteins were further categorized on behalf of their regularity, locality, molecular functionality and molecular masses using gene ontology (GO). A STRING analysis was used to target the specific range of proteins involved in metabolic pathways and molecular processing in different kinds of binding functionalities, such as RNA, DNA, ATP, ADP, GTP, GDP and calcium ion bindings. Thus, this study will help develop efficient protocols for the identification of latent biomarkers in early disease detection using protein fingerprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtaza Hasan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
- Department of Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (X.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Ayesha Zafar
- Department of Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maryum Jabbar
- Department of Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Tuba Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Yasmeen Manzoor
- Department of Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mahmood Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Shahbaz Gul Hassan
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Xugang Shu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (X.S.); (N.M.)
| | - Nasir Mahmood
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (X.S.); (N.M.)
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16
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Papadimitriou TI, van Caam A, van der Kraan PM, Thurlings RM. Therapeutic Options for Systemic Sclerosis: Current and Future Perspectives in Tackling Immune-Mediated Fibrosis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:316. [PMID: 35203525 PMCID: PMC8869277 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe auto-immune, rheumatic disease, characterized by excessive fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. SSc is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality rates, and unfortunately, few disease-modifying therapies are currently available. Inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis are the key hallmarks of SSc pathology. In this narrative review, we examine the relationship between inflammation and fibrosis and provide an overview of the efficacy of current and novel treatment options in diminishing SSc-related fibrosis based on selected clinical trials. To do this, we first discuss inflammatory pathways of both the innate and acquired immune systems that are associated with SSc pathophysiology. Secondly, we review evidence supporting the use of first-line therapies in SSc patients. In addition, T cell-, B cell-, and cytokine-specific treatments that have been utilized in SSc are explored. Finally, the potential effectiveness of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and other novel therapeutic approaches in reducing fibrosis is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros-Ioannis Papadimitriou
- Department of Rheumatic Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (A.v.C.); (P.M.v.d.K.); (R.M.T.)
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