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Shima N, Yamamura A, Fujiwara M, Amano T, Matsumoto K, Sekine T, Okano H, Kondo R, Suzuki Y, Yamamura H. Up-regulated expression of two-pore domain K + channels, KCNK1 and KCNK2, is involved in the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1343804. [PMID: 38410243 PMCID: PMC10894933 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1343804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and rare disease in the cardiopulmonary system. Its pathogenesis involves vascular remodeling of the pulmonary artery, which results in progressive increases in pulmonary arterial pressure. Chronically increased pulmonary arterial pressure causes right ventricular hypertrophy and subsequent right heart failure. Pulmonary vascular remodeling is attributed to the excessive proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), which are induced by enhanced Ca2+ signaling following the up-/down-regulation of ion channel expression. Objectives In the present study, the functional expression of two-pore domain potassium KCNK channels was investigated in PASMCs from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients and experimental pulmonary hypertensive (PH) animals. Results In IPAH-PASMCs, the expression of KCNK1/TWIK1 and KCNK2/TREK1 channels was up-regulated, whereas that of KCNK3/TASK1 and KCNK6/TWIK2 channels was down-regulated. The similar up-regulated expression of KCNK1 and KCNK2 channels was observed in the pulmonary arterial smooth muscles of monocrotaline-induced PH rats, Sugen 5416/hypoxia-induced PH rats, and hypoxia-induced PH mice. The facilitated proliferation of IPAH-PASMCs was suppressed by the KCNK channel blockers, quinine and tetrapentylammonium. The migration of IPAH-PASMCs was also suppressed by these channel blockers. Furthermore, increases in the proliferation and migration were inhibited by the siRNA knockdown of KCNK1 or KCNK2 channels. The siRNA knockdown also caused membrane depolarization and subsequent decrease in cytosolic [Ca2+]. The phosphorylated level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was elevated in IPAH-PASMCs compared to normal-PASMCs. The increased phosphorylation was significantly reduced by the siRNA knockdown of KCNK1 or KCNK2 channels. Conclusion Collectively, these findings indicate that the up-regulated expression of KCNK1 and KCNK2 channels facilitates the proliferation and migration of PASMCs via enhanced Ca2+ signaling and JNK signaling pathway, which is associated with vascular remodeling in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Shima
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Aya Yamamura
- Department of Physiology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Moe Fujiwara
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taiki Amano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Taiga Sekine
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Haruka Okano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rubii Kondo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hisao Yamamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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Lunin SM, Novoselova EG, Glushkova OV, Parfenyuk SB, Kuzekova AA, Novoselova TV, Sharapov MG, Mubarakshina EK, Goncharov RG, Khrenov MO. Protective effect of exogenous peroxiredoxin 6 and thymic peptide thymulin on BBB conditions in an experimental model of multiple sclerosis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 746:109729. [PMID: 37633587 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109729] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effects of the immunomodulator thymulin, a thymic peptide with anti-inflammatory effects, and peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), an antioxidant enzyme with dual peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activities, on the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) condition and general health status of animals with relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is a model of multiple sclerosis in humans. Both thymulin and Prdx6 significantly improved the condition of the BBB, which was impaired by EAE induction, as measured by Evans blue dye accumulation, tight-junction protein loss in brain tissue, and lymphocyte infiltration through the BBB. The effect was associated with significant amelioration of EAE symptoms. Thymulin treatment was accompanied by a decrease in immune cell activation as judged by interleukin-6, -17, and interferon-gamma cytokine levels in serum and NF-kappaB cascade activation in splenocytes of mice with EAE. Prdx6 did not induce significant immunomodulatory effects but abruptly decreased EAE-induced NOX1 and NOX4 gene expression in brain tissue, which may be one of the possible mechanisms of its beneficial effects on BBB conditions and health status. The simultaneous administration of thymulin and Prdx6 resulted in complete symptomatic restoration of mice with EAE. The results demonstrate prospective strategies for multiple sclerosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Lunin
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia.
| | - E G Novoselova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - O V Glushkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - S B Parfenyuk
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - A A Kuzekova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - T V Novoselova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - M G Sharapov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - E K Mubarakshina
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - R G Goncharov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
| | - M O Khrenov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia
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Qin T, Kong B, Dai C, Xiao Z, Fang J, Shuai W, Huang H. Protective effects of Dapagliflozin on the vulnerability of ventricular arrhythmia in rats with pulmonary artery hypertension induced by monocrotaline. Bioengineered 2022; 13:2697-2709. [PMID: 35042435 PMCID: PMC8974039 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2017652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) has been reported to cause right heart failure (RHF). Moreover, Right heart diseases have been determined to cause ventricular arrhythmia (VA). So we can conclude that MCT-induced PAH increases the incidence of VA. In addition, Previous studies have determined the benefits of Dapagliflozin (DA) on the cardiac system, but the responses of MCT-induced RHF to DA are not fully reported. So the present study sought to evaluate the effects of DA on the MCT-induced PAH. A dose intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) was carried out to induce a rat model with PAH. DA (60 mg/l) was administered for 4 weeks following MCT injection. Echocardiography, body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, electrophysiological study, and Western blot were performed. Four weeks after the MCT injection, MCT-treated rats decreased body weight, blood glucose and blood pressure. In addition, MCT caused the formation of PAH and RHF. Moreover, MCT-induced PAH rats increased the incidence of VA, prolonged action potential duration (APD), and shortened effective refractory period (ERP). Additionally, PAH rats significantly prevented the activated expressions of Ion channel proteins such as potassium channel (Kv1.5, Kv2.1, Kv4.2, Kv4.3) and L-type Ca channel (Cav1.2). As we expected, these changes above in PAH rats were reversed when DA was administered. Mechanistically, DA significantly reduced the levels of toll-like receptor (TLR4), the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in MCT-treated rats. In conclusion, these findings determine that DA reduces the vulnerability of VA in PAH rats through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyou Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Kong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Dai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Xiao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Shuai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
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Cheng J, Ahmat M, Guo H, Wei X, Zhang L, Cheng Q, Zhang J, Wang J, Si D, Zhang Y, Zhang R. Expression, Purification and Characterization of a Novel Hybrid Peptide CLP with Excellent Antibacterial Activity. Molecules 2021; 26:7142. [PMID: 34885732 PMCID: PMC8659006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
CLP is a novel hybrid peptide derived from CM4, LL37 and TP5, with significantly reduced hemolytic activity and increased antibacterial activity than parental antimicrobial peptides. To avoid host toxicity and obtain high-level bio-production of CLP, we established a His-tagged SUMO fusion expression system in Escherichia coli. The fusion protein can be purified using a Nickel column, cleaved by TEV protease, and further purified in flow-through of the Nickel column. As a result, the recombinant CLP with a yield of 27.56 mg/L and a purity of 93.6% was obtained. The purified CLP exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against gram+ and gram- bacteria. Furthermore, the result of propidium iodide staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that CLP can induce the membrane permeabilization and cell death of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. The analysis of thermal stability results showed that the antibacterial activity of CLP decreases slightly below 70 °C for 30 min. However, when the temperature was above 70 °C, the antibacterial activity was significantly decreased. In addition, the antibacterial activity of CLP was stable in the pH range from 4.0 to 9.0; however, when pH was below 4.0 and over 9.0, the activity of CLP decreased significantly. In the presence of various proteases, such as pepsin, papain, trypsin and proteinase K, the antibacterial activity of CLP remained above 46.2%. In summary, this study not only provides an effective strategy for high-level production of antimicrobial peptides and evaluates the interference factors that affect the biological activity of hybrid peptide CLP, but also paves the way for further exploration of the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yueping Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (M.A.); (H.G.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (Q.C.); (J.Z.); (J.W.); (D.S.)
| | - Rijun Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (M.A.); (H.G.); (X.W.); (L.Z.); (Q.C.); (J.Z.); (J.W.); (D.S.)
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5
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Zhang L, Wei X, Zhang R, Koci M, Si D, Ahmad B, Guo H, Hou Y. C-Terminal Amination of a Cationic Anti-Inflammatory Peptide Improves Bioavailability and Inhibitory Activity Against LPS-Induced Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 11:618312. [PMID: 33613547 PMCID: PMC7892475 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.618312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been implicated as a major cause of inflammation and an uncontrolled LPS response increases the risk of localized inflammation and sepsis. While some native peptides are helpful in the treatment of LPS-induced inflammation, the use of these peptides is limited due to their potential cytotoxicity and poor anti-inflammatory activity. Hybridization is an effective approach for overcoming this problem. In this study, a novel hybrid anti-inflammatory peptide that combines the active center of Cathelicidin 2 (CATH2) with thymopentin (TP5) was designed [CTP, CATH2 (1–13)-TP5]. CTP was found to have higher anti-inflammatory effects than its parental peptides through directly LPS neutralization. However, CTP scarcely inhibited the attachment of LPS to cell membranes or suppressed an established LPS-induced inflammation due to poor cellular uptake. The C-terminal amine modification of CTP (CTP-NH2) was then designed based on the hypothesis that C-terminal amidation can enhance the cell uptake by increasing the hydrophobicity of the peptide. Compared with CTP, CTP-NH2 showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and lower cytotoxicity. CTP-NH2 not only has strong LPS neutralizing activity, but also can significantly inhibit the LPS attachment and the intracellular inflammatory response. The intracellular anti-inflammatory effect of CTP-NH2 was associated with blocking of LPS binding to the Toll-like receptor 4-myeloid differentiation factor 2 complex and inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of CTP-NH2 was confirmed using a murine LPS-induced sepsis model. Collectively, these findings suggest that CTP-NH2 could be developed into a novel anti-inflammatory drug. This successful modification provides a design strategy to improve the cellular uptake and anti-inflammatory activity of peptide agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xubiao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Rijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Matthew Koci
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Dayong Si
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Henan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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6
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Exercise preconditioning prevents left ventricular dysfunction and remodeling in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. Porto Biomed J 2020; 5:e081. [PMID: 33195871 PMCID: PMC7657575 DOI: 10.1097/j.pbj.0000000000000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) directly affects the right ventricle (RV), important structural, functional, and molecular changes also occur in left ventricle (LV). The objective of our study was to analyze the hypothetical cardioprotective effects of exercise preconditioning on LV in rats with monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly separated in sedentary (SED) and trained group (EX; running sessions of 60 min/day, 5 days/wk, at 25 m/min, for 4 weeks). After 4 weeks, animals were injected with MCT (60 mg/kg; SED + MCT; EX + MCT) or vehicle (SED + V). Following an additional period of 4 weeks where all animals remained sedentary, we completed LV hemodynamic evaluation in baseline and isovolumic conditions and collected LV samples for histological and molecular analysis. Results: Preconditioning with exercise was capable to restore LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction in both baseline and isovolumic conditions (P < .05). This improved was paralleled with prevention of LV cardiomyocytes atrophy, fibrosis, and endothelin 1 mRNA levels (P < .05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that exercise preconditioning can prevent LV dysfunction secondary to MCT-induced PAH, which is of particular interest for the familial form of the disease that is manifested by greater severity or earlier onset.
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Prenatal and childhood exposures are associated with thymulin concentrations in young adolescent children in rural Nepal. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 11:127-135. [PMID: 31475652 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The thymus undergoes a critical period of growth and development early in gestation and, by mid-gestation, immature thymocytes are subject to positive and negative selection. Exposure to undernutrition during these periods may permanently affect phenotype. We measured thymulin concentrations, as a proxy for thymic size and function, in children (n = 290; aged 9-13 years) born to participants in a cluster-randomized trial of maternal vitamin A or β-carotene supplementation in rural Nepal (1994-1997). The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) thymulin concentration was 1.37 ng/ml (1.27, 1.47). A multivariate model of early-life exposures revealed a positive association with gestational age at delivery (β = 0.02; P = 0.05) and higher concentrations among children born to β-carotene-supplemented mothers (β = 0.19; P < 0.05). At ∼9-12 years of age, thymulin was positively associated with all anthropometric measures, with height retained in our multivariate model (β = 0.02; P < 0.001). There was significant seasonal variation: concentrations tended to be lower pre-monsoon (β = -0.13; P = 0.15), during the monsoon (β = -0.22; P = 0.04), and pre-harvest (β = -0.34; P = 0.01), relative to the post-harvest season. All early-life associations, except supplementation, were mediated in part by nutritional status at follow-up. Our findings underscore the known sensitivity of the thymus to nutrition, including potentially lasting effects of early nutritional exposures. The relevance of these findings to later disease risk remains to be explored, particularly given the role of thymulin in the neuroendocrine regulation of inflammation.
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Zhang L, Wei X, Zhang R, Si D, Petitte JN, Ahmad B, Zhang M. A Novel Peptide Ameliorates LPS-Induced Intestinal Inflammation and Mucosal Barrier Damage via Its Antioxidant and Antiendotoxin Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3974. [PMID: 31443263 PMCID: PMC6720008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal inflammation is an inflammatory disease resulting from immune dysregulation in the gut. It can increase the risk of enteric cancer, which is a common malignancy globally. As a new class of anti-inflammatory agents, native peptides have potential for use in the treatment of several intestinal inflammation conditions; however, their potential cytotoxicity and poor anti-inflammatory activity and stability have prevented their development. Hybridization has been proposed to overcome this problem. Thus, in this study, we designed a hybrid peptide (LL-37-TP5, LTP) by combing the active centre of LL-37 (13-36) with TP5. The half-life and cytotoxicity were tested in vitro, and the hybrid peptide showed a longer half-life and lower cytotoxicity than its parental peptides. We also detected the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of LTP on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation in murine model. The results showed that LTP effectively prevented LPS-induced weight loss, impairment of intestinal tissues, leukocyte infiltration, and histological evidence of inflammation. Additionally, LTP decreased the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-6; increased the expression of zonula occludens-1 and occludin; and reduced permeability in the jejunum of LPS-treated mice. Notably, LTP appeared to be more potent than the parental peptides LL-37 and TP5. The anti-inflammatory effects of LTP may be associated with the neutralization of LPS, inhibition of oxidative stress, and inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway. The findings of this study suggest that LTP might be an effective therapeutic agent for treating intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xubiao Wei
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Rijun Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Dayong Si
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - James N Petitte
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Baseer Ahmad
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Manyi Zhang
- Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Isoliquiritigenin Attenuates Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension via Inhibition of the Inflammatory Response and PASMCs Proliferation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4568198. [PMID: 31239860 PMCID: PMC6556334 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4568198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive and serious disease, where exacerbated inflammatory response plays a critical role. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), an important flavonoid isolated from Glycyrrhizae radix, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological actions including anti-inflammation. Previously we found ISL alleviated hypoxia-induced PH; in the present study, to extend this, we evaluated the effects of ISL on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH and the relevant mechanisms. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT, followed by intragastric treatments with ISL (10 mg/kg/d or 30 mg/kg/d) once a day for 28 days. The MCT administration increased the right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) (p < 0.001), the median width of pulmonary arteries (p < 0.01), and the weight ratio of the right ventricular wall/left ventricular wall plus septum (Fulton index) (p < 0.01) in rats; however, these changes were inhibited by both doses of ISL (p < 0.05). In addition, treatment with ISL suppressed the upregulated production of serum interleukin-6 (p < 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.05) by MCT and reversed the increases in the numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells (p < 0.01) in the medial wall of pulmonary arteries. In in vitro experiments, ISL (10 μM, 30 μM, and 100 μM) inhibited excessive proliferation of cultured primary pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner and prevented an increase in the expressions of PCNA (p < 0.01) and phospho-Akt (p < 0.05) in PASMCs induced by hypoxia. These results suggest that ISL can attenuate MCT-induced PH via its anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative actions.
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Nasseri B, Zaringhalam J, Daniali S, Manaheji H, Abbasnejad Z, Nazemian V. Thymulin treatment attenuates inflammatory pain by modulating spinal cellular and molecular signaling pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 70:225-234. [PMID: 30851702 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thymulin is a peptide hormone which is mainly produced by thymic epithelial cells and it has immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of different doses and various timings of thymulin intraperitoneal administration on spinal microglial activity and intracellular pathways in an inflammatory rat model of Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Thymulin treatment was implemented following CFA-induced inflammation for 21 days. After conducting behavioral tests (edema and hyperalgesia), the cellular and molecular aspects were examined to detect the thymulin effect on inflammatory factors and microglial activity. We demonstrated that thymulin treatment notably reduced thermal hyperalgesia and paw edema induced by CFA. Furthermore, molecular investigations showed that thymulin reduced CFA-induced activation of microglia cells, phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and the production of spinal pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) during the study. Our results suggest that thymulin treatment attenuates CFA-induced inflammation. This effect may be mediated by inhibition of spinal microglia and production of central inflammatory mediators which seems to be associated with the ability of thymulin to reduce p38 MAPK phosphorylation. These data provide evidence of the anti-hyperalgesic effect of thymulin on inflammatory pain and characterize some of the underlying spinal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Nasseri
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Zaringhalam
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samira Daniali
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Manaheji
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neuroscience Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Abbasnejad
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vida Nazemian
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Safieh-Garabedian B, Nomikos M, Saadé N. Targeting inflammatory components in neuropathic pain: The analgesic effect of thymulin related peptide. Neurosci Lett 2018; 702:61-65. [PMID: 30503917 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is considered to be pathological in nature and has been shown to involve, at least partially, dysregulated inflammatory processes. It is a severe chronic disease that can develop following lesions to the central nervous system or to peripheral nerves. The peripheral nerve damage can be caused by either diseases such as diabetes, or by trauma. A common underlying mechanism of neuropathic pain is the presence of inflammation at the site of the damaged or affected nerve(s). This inflammatory response, especially when unresolved, initiates and maintains a cascade of events resulting in the activation of innate immune cells at the site of tissue injury. The release of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, neurotrophic factors, and chemokines initiates local actions and can result in a more generalized immune response. The resultant neuroinflammatory environment can cause activation of glial cells, which can release, in an uncontrolled manner, more of these mediators and exasperate the situation, thus having a prominent role in nociception. The neuropathic pain pathophysiology is complex and includes peripheral and central neuronal alterations as well as neuro-immune interactions, which become more prominent during inflammatory reactions. This report focuses on how targeting inflammatory mediators may result in novel therapeutic approaches to neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nayef Saadé
- Department of Cell Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Das M, Zawada WM, West J, Stenmark KR. JNK2 regulates vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension. Pulm Circ 2018; 8:2045894018778156. [PMID: 29718758 PMCID: PMC6055330 DOI: 10.1177/2045894018778156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial (PA) wall modifications are key pathological features of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although such abnormalities correlate with heightened phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 (JNK1/2) in a rat model of PH, the contribution of specific JNK isoforms to the pathophysiology of PH is unknown. Hence, we hypothesized that activation of either one, or both JNK isoforms regulates PA remodeling in PH. We detected increased JNK1/2 phosphorylation in the thickened vessels of PH patients' lungs compared to that in lungs of healthy individuals. JNK1/2 phosphorylation paralleled a marked reduction in MAP kinase phosphatase 1 (JNK dephosphorylator) expression in patients' lungs. Association of JNK1/2 activation with vascular modification was confirmed in the calf model of severe hypoxia-induced PH. To ascertain the role of each JNK isoform in pathophysiology of PH, wild-type (WT), JNK1 null (JNK1-/-), and JNK2 null (JNK2-/-) mice were exposed to chronic hypoxia (10% O2 for six weeks) to develop PH. In hypoxic WT lungs, an increase in JNK1/2 phosphorylation was associated with PH-like pathology. Hallmarks of PH pathophysiology, i.e. excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and vessel muscularization with medial wall thickening, was also detected in hypoxic JNK1-/- lungs, but not in hypoxia-exposed JNK2-/- lungs. However, hypoxia-induced increases in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and in right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were similar in all three genotypes. Our findings suggest that JNK2 participates in PA remodeling (but likely not in vasoconstriction) in murine hypoxic PH and that modulating JNK2 actions might quell vascular abnormalities and limit the course of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mita Das
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine Phoenix, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - W. Michael Zawada
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, A. T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona, Mesa, AZ, USA
| | - James West
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kurt R. Stenmark
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Novoselova EG, Lunin SM, Glushkova OV, Khrenov MO, Parfenyuk SB, Zakharova NM, Fesenko EE. Thymulin, free or bound to PBCA nanoparticles, protects mice against chronic septic inflammation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197601. [PMID: 29795607 PMCID: PMC5967805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present work, we aimed to study the effects of free and polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticle-bound thymulin on immune cell activity in mice with chronic inflammation. NF-κB, MAPK, and PKC-θ signaling pathway activity was assessed, alongside Hsp72, Hsp90-α, and TLR4 expression and levels of apoptosis. In addition, plasma cytokines and blood and brain melatonin and serotonin levels were measured. In mice treated with gradually raised doses of lipopolysaccharide, significant increases in the activity of the signaling pathways tested, heat-shock protein and TLR4 expression, lymphocyte apoptosis, and plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels were noted. Moreover, we observed significantly heightened serotonin concentrations in the plasma and especially the brains of mice with inflammation. In contrast, melatonin levels were reduced in the tissues examined, particularly so in the brain. Treatment of these mice with thymulin alleviated fever, reduced apoptosis, increased splenic cell number, and decreased cytokine production, Hsp72, Hsp90, and TLR4 expression, and the activity of the signaling pathways examined. In addition, thymulin partially restored brain and blood serotonin and melatonin levels. Thus, thymulin suppressed the proinflammatory response in LPS-treated mice, indicating the potential of thymulin co-therapy in the treatment of sepsis. Nanoparticle-bound thymulin was more effective in several respects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergey M. Lunin
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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A new adenovector system for implementing thymulin gene therapy for inflammatory disorders. Mol Immunol 2017; 87:180-187. [PMID: 28501652 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Thymulin is a thymic peptide possessing anti-inflammatory effects. In order to manipulate thymulin expression in gene therapy studies, we built a bidirectional regulatable two-vector Tet-Off system and the corresponding control system. The experimental two-vector system, ETV, consists of a recombinant adenovector (RAd) harboring an expression cassette centered on a Tet-Off bidirectional promoter flanked by a synthetic gene for thymulin and the gene for humanized Green Fluorescent Protein (hGFP). The second adenovector of this system, RAd-tTA, constitutively expresses the regulatory protein tTA. When cells are co-transduced by the two adenovector components, tTA activates the bidirectional promoter and both transgenes are expressed. In the presence of the antibiotic doxycycline (DOX) transgene expression is deactivated. The control two-vector system, termed CTV, is similar to ETV but only expresses hGFP. In CHO-K1, BHK, and C2C12 cells, ETV and CTV induced a dose-dependent hGFP expression. In CHO-K1 cells, transgene expression was almost completely inhibited by DOX (1mg/ml). After intracerebroventricular injection of ETV in rats, thymulin levels increased significantly in the cerebrospinal fluid and there was high hGFP expression in the ependymal cell layer. When injected intramuscularly the ETV system induced a progressive increase in serum thymulin levels, which were inhibited when DOX was added to the drinking water. We conclude that our regulatable two-adenovector system is an effective molecular tool for implementing short and long-term anti-inflammatory thymulin gene therapy in animal models of acute or chronic inflammation.
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Signaling pathways underlying skeletal muscle wasting in experimental pulmonary arterial hypertension. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:2722-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Exploring the monocrotaline animal model for the study of pulmonary arterial hypertension: A network approach. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2015; 35:8-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Nogueira-Ferreira R, Moreira-Gonçalves D, Silva AF, Duarte JA, Leite-Moreira A, Ferreira R, Henriques-Coelho T. Exercise preconditioning prevents MCT-induced right ventricle remodeling through the regulation of TNF superfamily cytokines. Int J Cardiol 2015; 203:858-66. [PMID: 26599752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise training has been recognized as a non-pharmacological therapeutic approach in several chronic diseases; however it remains to be tested if exercise preconditioning can positively interfere with the natural history of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This is important since the majority of these patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, when right ventricle (RV) impairment is already present. OBJECTIVES In the current study, we evaluated the preventive effect of exercise preconditioning on RV failure secondary to PAH, with a focus on the signaling pathways modulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines from TNF superfamily. METHODS We analyzed the RV muscle from adult male Wistar rats exposed to a 4-week treadmill exercise training or sedentary regime, prior to the administration of monocrotaline (MCT) to induce PAH or with saline solution (controls). RESULTS Data indicate that exercise preconditioning prevented cardiac hypertrophy and RV diastolic dysfunction. At a molecular level, exercise modulated the TWEAK/NF-κB signaling axis and prevented the shift in MHC isoforms towards an increased expression of beta-MHC. Exercise preconditioning also prevented the increase of atrogin-1 expression, and induced a shift of MMP activity from MMP-9 to MMP-2 activity. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, data support exercise as a preventive strategy for the management of PAH, which is of particular relevance for the familial form of PAH that is manifested by greater severity or earlier onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nogueira-Ferreira
- QOPNA, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Moreira-Gonçalves
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Filipa Silva
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Adelino Leite-Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Cardiovascular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hospital of São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- QOPNA, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tiago Henriques-Coelho
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Qin N, Yang W, Feng D, Wang X, Qi M, Du T, Sun H, Wu S. Total ginsenosides suppress monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats: involvement of nitric oxide and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. J Ginseng Res 2015; 40:285-91. [PMID: 27616905 PMCID: PMC5005363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ginsenosides have been shown to exert beneficial pharmacological effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. We sought to determine whether total ginsenosides (TG) inhibit monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods MCT-intoxicated rats were treated with gradient doses of TG, with or without NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. The levels of molecules involving the regulation of nitric oxide and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways were determined. Results TG ameliorated MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension in a dose-dependent manner, as assessed by the right ventricular systolic pressure, the right ventricular hypertrophy index, and pulmonary arterial remodeling. Furthermore, TG increased the levels of pulmonary nitric oxide, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate. Lastly, TG increased mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression and promoted the dephosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2. Conclusion TG attenuates MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension, which may involve in part the regulation of nitric oxide and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qin
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Pharmacy, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital, Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dongxu Feng
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinwen Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Hong Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Muyao Qi
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tianxin Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital, Orthopedics Hospital of Henan Province, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Hongzhi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shufang Wu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Di Gioia S, Trapani A, Castellani S, Carbone A, Belgiovine G, Craparo EF, Puglisi G, Cavallaro G, Trapani G, Conese M. Nanocomplexes for gene therapy of respiratory diseases: Targeting and overcoming the mucus barrier. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2015; 34:8-24. [PMID: 26192479 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapy, i.e. the delivery and expression of therapeutic genes, holds great promise for congenital and acquired respiratory diseases. Non-viral vectors are less toxic and immunogenic than viral vectors, although they are characterized by lower efficiency. However, they have to overcome many barriers, including inflammatory and immune mediators and cells. The respiratory and airway epithelial cells, the main target of these vectors, are coated with a layer of mucus, which hampers the effective reaching of gene therapy vectors carrying either plasmid DNA or small interfering RNA. This barrier is thicker in many lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. This review summarizes the most important advancements in the field of non-viral vectors that have been achieved with the use of nanoparticulate (NP) systems, composed either of polymers or lipids, in the lung gene delivery. In particular, different strategies of targeting of respiratory and airway lung cells will be described. Then, we will focus on the two approaches that attempt to overcome the mucus barrier: coating of the nanoparticulate system with poly(ethylene glycol) and treatment with mucolytics. Our conclusions are: 1) Ligand and physical targeting can direct therapeutic gene expression in specific cell types in the respiratory tract; 2) Mucopenetrating NPs are endowed with promising features to be useful in treating respiratory diseases and should be now advanced in pre-clinical trials. Finally, we discuss the development of such polymer- and lipid-based NPs in the context of in vitro and in vivo disease models, such as lung cancer, as well as in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Adriana Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Castellani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Annalucia Carbone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy; Medical Genetics Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Commenda 12, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Belgiovine
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Fabiola Craparo
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Puglisi
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Catania, Viale A. Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Biological Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), Laboratory of Biocompatible Polymers, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trapani
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale L. Pinto 1, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
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Lunin SM, Khrenov MO, Novoselova TV, Parfenyuk SB, Glushkova OV, Fesenko EE, Novoselova EG. Modulation of inflammatory response in mice with severe autoimmune disease by thymic peptide thymulin and an inhibitor of NF-kappaB signalling. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 25:260-6. [PMID: 25662754 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To investigate some cellular and molecular aspects of the autoimmune response and anti-inflammatory efficiency of potential therapeutic agents in a severe form of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (sEAE), an inhibitor of NF-kappaB signalling, IKK Inhibitor XII, and/or thymic peptide thymulin, were injected intraperitoneally at 1.8 and 0.15mg/kg e.o.d, respectively, to C57BL/6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and several adjuvants. The immunization induced high lethality in three weeks. The biphasic cytokine response observed in earlier and delayed phases was attributed to the activity of Th1 and Th17 cells, respectively. Phosphorylation of RelA protein from the NF-kappaB family increased during the earlier phase and decreased in the delayed phase. SAPK/JNK signalling protein and heat shock protein Hsp72 significantly increased in lymphocytes. Both the IKK Inhibitor XII and thymulin reduced disease severity, attenuated immune imbalance, and increased mouse life-span. Co-administration of the agents produced no additive effect. Both the inhibitor and thymulin reduced the Th1 response but not the Th17 response. Therefore, RelA-associated Th1 activation and RelA-independent Th17 activation occurred in sEAE. Thymulin and the inhibitor demonstrate similar patterns of activity, potentially through the RelA pathway inhibition, resulting in a partial therapeutic effect on the animals' health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Lunin
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia.
| | - M O Khrenov
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - T V Novoselova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - S B Parfenyuk
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - O V Glushkova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - E E Fesenko
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
| | - E G Novoselova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
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Morales-Cano D, Menendez C, Moreno E, Moral-Sanz J, Barreira B, Galindo P, Pandolfi R, Jimenez R, Moreno L, Cogolludo A, Duarte J, Perez-Vizcaino F. The flavonoid quercetin reverses pulmonary hypertension in rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114492. [PMID: 25460361 PMCID: PMC4252144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid which exerts vasodilator, antiplatelet and antiproliferative effects and reduces blood pressure, oxidative status and end-organ damage in humans and animal models of systemic hypertension. We hypothesized that oral quercetin treatment might be protective in a rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Three weeks after injection of monocrotaline, quercetin (10 mg/kg/d per os) or vehicle was administered for 10 days to adult Wistar rats. Quercetin significantly reduced mortality. In surviving animals, quercetin decreased pulmonary arterial pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy and muscularization of small pulmonary arteries. Classic biomarkers of pulmonary arterial hypertension such as the downregulated expression of lung BMPR2, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, upregulated survivin, endothelial dysfunction and hyperresponsiveness to 5-HT were unaffected by quercetin. Quercetin significantly restored the decrease in Kv currents, the upregulation of 5-HT2A receptors and reduced the Akt and S6 phosphorylation. In vitro, quercetin induced pulmonary artery vasodilator effects, inhibited pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. In conclusion, quercetin is partially protective in this rat model of PAH. It delayed mortality by lowering PAP, RVH and vascular remodeling. Quercetin exerted effective vasodilator effects in isolated PA, inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in PASMCs. These effects were associated with decreased 5-HT2A receptor expression and Akt and S6 phosphorylation and partially restored Kv currents. Therefore, quercetin could be useful in the treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Morales-Cano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Menendez
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Enrique Moreno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Moral-Sanz
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Bianca Barreira
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Galindo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rachele Pandolfi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosario Jimenez
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura Moreno
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angel Cogolludo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Duarte
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Perez-Vizcaino
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Ciber Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
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Anti-inflammatory effects of IKK inhibitor XII, thymulin, and fat-soluble antioxidants in LPS-treated mice. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:724838. [PMID: 25045213 PMCID: PMC4089567 DOI: 10.1155/2014/724838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of several agents applied in vivo, namely, a synthetic inhibitor of the NF-κB cascade, fat-soluble antioxidants, and the thymic peptide thymulin. Cytokine response in LPS-treated mice was analysed in tandem with the following parameters: the synthesis of inducible forms of the heat shock proteins HSP72 and HSP90α; activity of the NF-κB and SAPK/JNK signalling pathways; and TLR4 expression. Inflammation-bearing Balb/c male mice were pretreated with an inhibitor of IKK-α/β kinases (IKK Inhibitor XII); with thymulin; with dietary coenzyme Q9, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene; or with combinations of the inhibitor and peptide or antioxidants. Comparable anti-inflammatory effects were observed in inflammation-bearing mice treated separately with thymulin or with dietary antioxidants administered daily for two weeks before LPS treatment. When LPS-injected mice were treated with the inhibitor and antioxidants together, neither plasma cytokines, signal proteins, nor heat shock proteins recovered more efficiently than when mice were treated with these agents separately. In contrast to antioxidant diet, the thymulin was shown to increase the effect of IKK Inhibitor XII in preventing IKK activation in LPS-treated mice.
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Nogueira-Ferreira R, Ferreira R, Henriques-Coelho T. Cellular interplay in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Implications for new therapies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:885-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2014.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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da Silva AL, Martini SV, Abreu SC, Samary CDS, Diaz BL, Fernezlian S, de Sá VK, Capelozzi VL, Boylan NJ, Goya RG, Suk JS, Rocco PRM, Hanes J, Morales MM. DNA nanoparticle-mediated thymulin gene therapy prevents airway remodeling in experimental allergic asthma. J Control Release 2014; 180:125-33. [PMID: 24556417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Thymulin has been shown to present anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties in experimental lung diseases. We hypothesized that a biologically active thymulin analog gene, methionine serum thymus factor, delivered by highly compacted DNA nanoparticles may prevent lung inflammation and remodeling in a mouse model of allergic asthma. The DNA nanoparticles are composed of a single molecule of plasmid DNA compacted with block copolymers of poly-L-lysine and polyethylene glycol (CK30PEG), which have been found safe in a human phase I/II clinical trial. Thymulin plasmids were detected in the lungs of ovalbumin-challenged asthmatic mice up to 27days after administration of DNA nanoparticles carrying thymulin plasmids. A single dose of DNA nanoparticles carrying thymulin plasmids prevented lung inflammation, collagen deposition and smooth muscle hypertrophy in the lungs of a murine model of ovalbumin-challenged allergic asthma, leading to improved lung mechanics. In the present model of chronic allergic asthma, highly compacted DNA nanoparticles using thymulin analog gene modulated the inflammatory and remodeling processes improving lung mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana L da Silva
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sabrina V Martini
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Soraia C Abreu
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cynthia dos S Samary
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruno L Diaz
- Laboratory of Immunology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sandra Fernezlian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Karen de Sá
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Luiza Capelozzi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nicholas J Boylan
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA; The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rodolfo Gustavo Goya
- Institute for Biochemical Research at La Plata (INIBIOLP), and Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Jung Soo Suk
- The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Patricia R M Rocco
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Investigation, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Justin Hanes
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA; The Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Marcelo M Morales
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Maarman G, Lecour S, Butrous G, Thienemann F, Sliwa K. A comprehensive review: the evolution of animal models in pulmonary hypertension research; are we there yet? Pulm Circ 2013; 3:739-56. [PMID: 25006392 PMCID: PMC4070827 DOI: 10.1086/674770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disorder that develops as a result of remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and is characterized by narrowing/obliteration of small pulmonary arteries, leading to increased mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Subsequently, PH increases the right ventricular afterload, which leads to right ventricular hypertrophy and eventually right ventricular failure. The pathophysiology of PH is not fully elucidated, and current treatments have only a modest impact on patient survival and quality of life. Thus, there is an urgent need for improved treatments or a cure. The use of animal models has contributed extensively to the current understanding of PH pathophysiology and the investigation of experimental treatments. However, PH in current animal models may not fully represent current clinical observations. For example, PH in animal models appears to be curable with many therapeutic interventions, and the severity of PH in animal models is also believed to correlate poorly with that observed in humans. In this review, we discuss a variety of animal models in PH research, some of their contributions to the field, their shortcomings, and how these have been addressed. We highlight the fact that the constant development and evolution of animal models will help us to more closely model the severity and heterogeneity of PH observed in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Maarman
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa (HICRA), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sandrine Lecour
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa (HICRA), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ghazwan Butrous
- Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute, Kent Enterprise Hub, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Friedrich Thienemann
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Sliwa
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa (HICRA), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lunin S, Glushkova O, Khrenov M, Novoselova T, Parfenyuk S, Fesenko E, Novoselova E. Thymic peptides restrain the inflammatory response in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Immunobiology 2013; 218:402-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Revised: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Safieh-Garabedian B, Mayasi Y, Saadé NE. Targeting neuroinflammation for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative pathologies: a role for the peptide analogue of thymulin (PAT). Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:1065-73. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.714773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Current pathophysiological concepts and management of pulmonary hypertension. Int J Cardiol 2012; 155:350-61. [PMID: 21641060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH), increasingly recognized as a major health burden, remains underdiagnosed due mainly to the unspecific symptoms. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been extensively investigated. Pathophysiological knowledge derives mostly from experimental models. Paradoxically, common non-PAH PH forms remain largely unexplored. Drugs targeting lung vascular tonus became available during the last two decades, notwithstanding the disease progresses in many patients. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances in epidemiology, pathophysiology and management with particular focus on associated myocardial and systemic compromise and experimental therapeutic possibilities. PAH, currently viewed as a panvasculopathy, is due to a crosstalk between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, inflammatory activation and altered subcellular pathways. Cardiac cachexia and right ventricular compromise are fundamental determinants of PH prognosis. Combined vasodilator therapy is already mainstay for refractory cases, but drugs directed at these new pathophysiological pathways may constitute a significant advance.
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Lunin SM, Novoselova EG. Thymus hormones as prospective anti-inflammatory agents. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2010; 14:775-86. [PMID: 20536297 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2010.499127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Inflammatory diseases are characterized by severe immune imbalances, leading to excessive or inappropriate release of mediators, which, in turn, result in massive damage to organs and systems. Effective means to control inappropriate immune reactions are often life-critical needs. Available data on the role of thymus-derived hormones in inflammation show their great potential. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW The review aims to systematize information for the last two decades on immune system regulation by thymic peptide hormones, with a primary focus on the role of these hormones in the systemic inflammatory response and inflammatory diseases. Anti-inflammatory potential of three thymic hormones - thymulin, thymosin-alpha, and thymopoietin - is discussed, reviewing recently published clinical and experimental studies. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Our analysis revealed the regulation of inflammatory processes via thymic hormones that could be prospective for therapeutic application. This regulation may be mediated through thymic hormone effects on peripheral immune cell activities and bidirectional coupling between thymic hormones and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE In view of the role of thymic hormones in immune and neuroendocrine systems, they could be suitable as therapeutic agents for inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey M Lunin
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia.
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Huang J, Wolk JH, Gewitz MH, Mathew R. Progressive endothelial cell damage in an inflammatory model of pulmonary hypertension. Exp Lung Res 2010; 36:57-66. [PMID: 20128682 DOI: 10.3109/01902140903104793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Monocrotaline (MCT)-induces progressive disruption of endothelial cell membrane and caveolin-1 leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Treatment instituted early rescues caveolin-1 and attenuates PAH. To test the hypothesis that the poor response to therapy in established PAH is due to progressive deregulation of multiple signaling pathways, the authors investigated time-dependent changes in the expression of caveolin-1, gp130, PY-STAT3, Bcl-xL, and the molecules involved in NO signaling pathway (endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS], heat sock protein 90 [HSP90], Akt, soluble guanylate cyclase [sGC] alpha1 and beta1 subunits). PAH and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were observed at 2 and 3 weeks. Progressive loss of endothelial caveolin-1 and sGC (alpha1, beta1), PY-STAT3 activation, and Bcl-xL expression were observed at 1 to 3 weeks post-MCT. The expression of gp130 increased at 48 hours and 1 week, with a subsequent loss at 2 and 3 weeks. The expression of eNOS increased at 48 hours and 1 week post-MCT, with a significant loss at 3 weeks. The expression of HSP90 and Akt decreased at 2 and 3 weeks post-MCT concomitant with PAH. Thus, MCT induces progressive loss of membrane and cytosolic proteins, resulting in the activation of proliferative and antiapoptotic factors, and deregulation of NO signaling leading to PAH. An attractive therapeutic approach to treat PAH may be an attempt to rescue endothelial cell membrane integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York 10595, USA
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Gonçalves H, Henriques-Coelho T, Bernardes J, Rocha AP, Brandão-Nogueira A, Leite-Moreira A. Analysis of heart rate variability in a rat model of induced pulmonary hypertension. Med Eng Phys 2010; 32:746-52. [PMID: 20547091 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2010.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2010] [Accepted: 04/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Monocrotaline (MCT) is commonly used to experimentally induce pulmonary hypertension (PH), which might lead to chronic heart failure. In this study, linear and non-linear heart rate (HR) dynamics were weekly assessed in MCT-treated and non-treated Wistar rats. The HR of 10 adult Wistar rats injected with MCT (MCT group) and of 10 similar rats injected with vehicle (non-MCT group), anesthetized with Ketamine, was weekly recorded during 4 weeks. The first four segments of 1-min length of each HR recording were analysed using linear, time and frequency domains, and approximate (ApEn) and sample (SampEn) entropy indices, considering recently proposed values for the threshold parameter of ApEn and SampEn. Statistical analysis was performed using 95% confidence intervals and statistical tests. Along the study period, an overall weekly maintenance of HR indices, or a decrease, namely in weeks 1-2, was manifest, in the MCT group, except for LF and LF/HF, in week 1, denoting a short-term increase in sympathetic activity without any other changes. On the other hand, a maintenance of HR indices, or an increase, namely on week 4, was observed in the non-MCT group, except for LF/HF, denoting a long-term increase of the overall activity of HR control systems, with a parasympathetic like dominance. Studies on long-term HR dynamics should be performed in very carefully controlled experimental settings, as significant weekly changes may occur, both among anesthetized MCT-treated and non-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernâni Gonçalves
- Departamento de Geociências, Ambiente e Ordenamento do Território, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
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Santos M, Henriques-Coelho T, Leite-Moreira A. Immunomodulatory role of thymulin in lung diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2010; 14:131-41. [DOI: 10.1517/14728220903512991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Haddad JJ. Thymulin and zinc (Zn2+)-mediated inhibition of endotoxin-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and activation in the alveolar epithelium: unraveling the molecular immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory effect of thymulin/Zn2+ in vitro. Mol Immunol 2009; 47:205-14. [PMID: 19850345 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2009.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory potential of thymulin and zinc (Zn(2+)) in the perinatal alveolar epithelium is not well characterized. In an in vitro model of fetal alveolar type II epithelial cells (FATEII), we have investigated the exhibition of an anti-inflammatory activity of this peptide hormone. Thymulin selectively ameliorated, in a dose-dependent manner, the endotoxin (ET/LPS [lipopolysaccharide])-induced release of IL-1beta, but not IL-6 or TNF-alpha. Furthermore, Zn(2+), an anti-inflammatory antioxidant, which is required for the biological activity of thymulin, independently reduced the secretion of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, at a supraphysiologic dose (1 mM), IL-6. The underlying cellular and molecular pathways associated with the anti-inflammatory effect of thymulin and Zn(2+) in the alveolar epithelium are not well established. Further in this study, the role of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the anti-inflammatory effect of thymulin was investigated, in addition to unraveling the possible involvement of the NF-kappaB pathway. Interestingly, thymulin upregulated, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, the release of the nucleotide cAMP. To understand whether the inhibitory effect of thymulin on cytokine release is cAMP-dependent, Forskolin, a labdane diterpene known to elevate intracellular cAMP, was shown to reduce the secretion of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but not IL-6, an effect mimicked by dibutyryl-cAMP (dbcAMP), an analog of cAMP. Alveolar epithelial cells treated with thymulin markedly showed a downregulation of the nuclear translocation of RelA (p65), the major transactivating member of the NF-kappaB family, in addition to NF-kappaB(1) (p50) and c-Rel (p75), an effect mildly substantiated with Zn(2+). Furthermore, thymulin/Zn(2+) reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB (RelA/p65). These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of thymulin, which is mediated by cAMP, is NF-kappaB-dependent and involves the downregulation of the release of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-1beta, an effect synergistically amplified, at least in part, by Zn(2+). The molecular regulation of thymulin via a NF-kappaB-dependent pathway is critical to understanding the anti-inflammatory alleviating role of this nonapeptide in regulating proinflammatory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Haddad
- Cellular and Molecular Signaling Research Group, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Science and Technology, Aschrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon.
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