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Mimicking Gene-Environment Interaction of Higher Altitude Dwellers by Intermittent Hypoxia Training: COVID-19 Preventive Strategies. BIOLOGY 2022; 12:biology12010006. [PMID: 36671699 PMCID: PMC9855005 DOI: 10.3390/biology12010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to protect against hypoxia pathogenesis in several investigations. It has also been utilized as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of COVID-19. COX inhibitors, which have previously been shown to be effective in treating previous viral and malarial infections are strong candidates for improving the COVID-19 therapeutic doctrine. However, another COX inhibitor, ibuprofen, is linked to an increase in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which could increase virus susceptibility. Hence, inhibiting COX2 via therapeutics might not always be protective and we need to investigate the downstream molecules that may be involved in hypoxia environment adaptation. Research has discovered that people who are accustomed to reduced oxygen levels at altitude may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19. It is important to highlight that the study's conclusions only applied to those who regularly lived at high altitudes; they did not apply to those who occasionally moved to higher altitudes but still lived at lower altitudes. COVID-19 appears to be more dangerous to individuals residing at lower altitudes. The downstream molecules in the (COX2) pathway have been shown to adapt in high-altitude dwellers, which may partially explain why these individuals have a lower prevalence of COVID-19 infection. More research is needed, however, to directly address COX2 expression in people living at higher altitudes. It is possible to mimic the gene-environment interaction of higher altitude people by intermittent hypoxia training. COX-2 adaptation resulting from hypoxic exposure at altitude or intermittent hypoxia exercise training (IHT) seems to have an important therapeutic function. Swimming, a type of IHT, was found to lower COX-2 protein production, a pro-inflammatory milieu transcription factor, while increasing the anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Furthermore, Intermittent Hypoxia Preconditioning (IHP) has been demonstrated in numerous clinical investigations to enhance patients' cardiopulmonary function, raise cardiorespiratory fitness, and increase tissues' and organs' tolerance to ischemia. Biochemical activities of IHP have also been reported as a feasible application strategy for IHP for the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we aim to highlight some of the most relevant shared genes implicated with COVID-19 pathogenesis and hypoxia. We hypothesize that COVID-19 pathogenesis and hypoxia share a similar mechanism that affects apoptosis, proliferation, the immune system, and metabolism. We also highlight the necessity of studying individuals who live at higher altitudes to emulate their gene-environment interactions and compare the findings with IHT. Finally, we propose COX2 as an upstream target for testing the effectiveness of IHT in preventing or minimizing the effects of COVID-19 and other oxygen-related pathological conditions in the future.
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Vidal MS, Lintao RCV, Severino MEL, Tantengco OAG, Menon R. Spontaneous preterm birth: Involvement of multiple feto-maternal tissues and organ systems, differing mechanisms, and pathways. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1015622. [PMID: 36313741 PMCID: PMC9606232 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1015622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of preterm birth struggle with multitudes of disabilities due to improper in utero programming of various tissues and organ systems contributing to adult-onset diseases at a very early stage of their lives. Therefore, the persistent rates of low birth weight (birth weight < 2,500 grams), as well as rates of neonatal and maternal morbidities and mortalities, need to be addressed. Active research throughout the years has provided us with multiple theories regarding the risk factors, initiators, biomarkers, and clinical manifestations of spontaneous preterm birth. Fetal organs, like the placenta and fetal membranes, and maternal tissues and organs, like the decidua, myometrium, and cervix, have all been shown to uniquely respond to specific exogenous or endogenous risk factors. These uniquely contribute to dynamic changes at the molecular and cellular levels to effect preterm labor pathways leading to delivery. Multiple intervention targets in these different tissues and organs have been successfully tested in preclinical trials to reduce the individual impacts on promoting preterm birth. However, these preclinical trial data have not been effectively translated into developing biomarkers of high-risk individuals for an early diagnosis of the disease. This becomes more evident when examining the current global rate of preterm birth, which remains staggeringly high despite years of research. We postulate that studying each tissue and organ in silos, as how the majority of research has been conducted in the past years, is unlikely to address the network interaction between various systems leading to a synchronized activity during either term or preterm labor and delivery. To address current limitations, this review proposes an integrated approach to studying various tissues and organs involved in the maintenance of normal pregnancy, promotion of normal parturition, and more importantly, contributions towards preterm birth. We also stress the need for biological models that allows for concomitant observation and analysis of interactions, rather than focusing on these tissues and organ in silos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel S. Vidal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ryan C. V. Lintao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Mary Elise L. Severino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ourlad Alzeus G. Tantengco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ramkumar Menon
- Division of Basic Science and Translational Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States
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You L, Wu W, Wang X, Fang L, Adam V, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Kuca K. The role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 in tumor immune evasion. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:1622-1643. [PMID: 33305856 DOI: 10.1002/med.21771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) plays an indispensable role in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Hypoxia and HIF-1 are involved in multiple aspects of tumor progression, such as metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. In innate and adaptive immune systems, malignant tumor cells avoid their recognition and destruction by HIF-1. Tumor immune evasion allows cancer cells to proliferate and metastasize and is associated with immunotherapy failure and chemoresistance. In the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, HIF-1 signaling suppresses the innate and adaptive immune systems to evade immune attack by inducing the expression of immunosuppressive factors and immune checkpoint molecules, including vascular endothelial growth factor, prostaglandin E2 , and programmed death-ligand 1/programmed death-1. Moreover, HIF-1 blocks tumor-associated antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related/natural killer group 2, member D signaling. Tumor-associated autophagy and the release of tumor-derived exosomes contribute to HIF-1-mediated immune evasion. This review focuses on recent findings on the potential mechanism(s) underlying the effect of hypoxia and HIF-1 signaling on tumor immune evasion in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment. The effects of HIF-1 on immune checkpoint molecules, immunosuppressive molecules, autophagy, and exosomes have been described. Additionally, the potential role of HIF-1 in the regulation of tumor-derived exosomes, as well as the roles of HIF-1 and exosomes in tumor evasion, are discussed. This study will contribute to our understanding of HIF-1-mediated tumor immune evasion, leading to the development of effective HIF-1-targeting drugs and immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li You
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wenda Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liurong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Nasr AM, Rezq S, Shaheen A, Elshazly SM. Renal protective effect of nebivolol in rat models of acute renal injury: role of sodium glucose co-transporter 2. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:956-968. [PMID: 32128711 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-020-00059-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upregulation of the sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT2) is implicated in acute renal injury (ARI) progression and is regulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This study aimed to assess the possible protective effect of nebivolol on renal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) and glycerol-induced ARI targeting SGLT2 via modulating the ERK-HIF1α pathway. METHODS Rats were divided into control, sham, IR or nebivolol-treated group, in which rats were treated with nebivolol (10 mg/kg) for 3 days prior to the induction of IR. The rats were subjected to renal ischemia by bilateral clamping of the pedicles for 45 min, followed by 24 h reperfusion. Another group of rats received the vehicle or nebivolol (10 mg/kg) for 3 days followed by injection of 50% glycerol (8 ml/kg, IM) or saline. Kidney function tests, systolic blood pressure (SBP), oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and NADPH oxidase] and kidney levels of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), HIF1α, ERK phosphorylation and PGE2 were determined. Additionally, renal sections were used for histological grading of renal injury and immunological expression of SGLT2. RESULTS ARI rats showed significantly increased SBP, poor kidney function tests, increased oxidative stress, iNOS, NO, HIF1α levels, decreased PGE2 and ERK phosphorylation and upregulation of SGLT2 expression. Nebivolol treatment protected against the kidney damage both on the biochemical and histological levels. CONCLUSION Nebivolol has a direct renoprotective effect, at least in part, by down-regulating SGLT2 possibly via modulating HIF1α, ERK activity and PGE2 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Nasr
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Egypt
| | - Samar Rezq
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt. .,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, UMMC, 2500 N State St., Jackson, MS, 39216, USA.
| | - Aya Shaheen
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Egypt
| | - Shimaa M Elshazly
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Helmi H, Siddiqui A, Yan Y, Basij M, Hernandez-Andrade E, Gelovani J, Hsu CD, Hassan SS, Mehrmohammadi M. The role of noninvasive diagnostic imaging in monitoring pregnancy and detecting patients at risk for preterm birth: a review of quantitative approaches. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:568-591. [PMID: 32089024 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1722099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ability to predict patients at risk for preterm birth remains a major health challenge. The currently available clinical diagnostics such as cervical length and fetal fibronectin may detect only up to 30% of patients who eventually experience a spontaneous preterm birth. This paper reviews ongoing efforts to improve the ability to conduct a risk assessment for preterm birth. In particular, this work focuses on quantitative methods of imaging using ultrasound-based techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, and optical imaging modalities. While ultrasound imaging is the major modality for preterm birth risk assessment, a summary of efforts to adopt other imaging modalities is also discussed to identify the technical and diagnostic limits associated with adopting them in clinical settings. We conclude the review by proposing a new approach using combined photoacoustic, ultrasound, and elastography as a potential means to better assess cervical tissue remodeling, and thus improve the detection of patients at-risk of PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Helmi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Adeel Siddiqui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Maryam Basij
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Edgar Hernandez-Andrade
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Juri Gelovani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Office of Women's Health, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mohammad Mehrmohammadi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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Rezq S, Nasr AM, Shaheen A, Elshazly SM. Doxazosin down-regulates sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 and exerts a renoprotective effect in rat models of acute renal injury. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 126:413-423. [PMID: 31788938 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) is known to be involved in the progression of acute renal injury (ARI) and is regulated by different mediators in the kidneys including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In the present study, we investigated the possible protective effect of doxazosin on renal ischaemia/reperfusion (IR) and glycerol-induced ARI by determining its effect on SGLT2 via modifying ERK-HIF1α pathway and/or PGE2. Rats were divided into control, sham or IR where the rats received the vehicle, doxazosin (8 mg/kg) or the SGLT2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin (10 mg/kg) for 3 days followed by 45 minutes bilateral renal ischaemia then 24 hours reperfusion. Another group of rats received the vehicle, doxazosin or dapagliflozin for three days followed by injection of 50% glycerol (8 mL/kg, IM) or saline. Kidney function tests, systolic blood pressure (SBP), oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and NADPH oxidase), nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), HIF1α, ERK phosphorylation and PGE2 levels were determined. Additionally, renal sections were used for immunological expression of SGLT2. ARI rats showed significantly increased SBP; worsened kidney function tests; increased oxidative stress, iNOS, NO, HIF1α levels; and decreased PGE2 and ERK phosphorylation along with up-regulated SGLT2. Doxazosin treatment protected against the kidney damage and attenuated the associated biochemical changes. Doxazosin has a direct renoprotective effect possibly by down-regulating SGLT2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Rezq
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Nasr
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Egypt
| | - Aya Shaheen
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Egypt
| | - Shimaa M Elshazly
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Prostaglandin dehydrogenase is a target for successful induction of cervical ripening. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E6427-E6436. [PMID: 28716915 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1704945114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cervix represents a formidable structural barrier for successful induction of labor. Approximately 10% of pregnancies undergo induction of cervical ripening and labor with prostaglandin (PG) E2 or PGE analogs, often requiring many hours of hospitalization and monitoring. On the other hand, preterm cervical ripening in the second trimester predicts preterm birth. The regulatory mechanisms of this paradoxical function of the cervix are unknown. Here, we show that PGE2 uses cell-specific EP2 receptor-mediated increases in Ca2+ to dephosphorylate and translocate histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) to the nucleus for repression of 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). The crucial role of 15-PGDH in cervical ripening was confirmed in vivo. Although PGE2 or 15-PGDH inhibitor alone did not alter gestational length, treatment with 15-PGDH inhibitor + PGE2 or metabolism-resistant dimethyl-PGE2 resulted in preterm cervical ripening and delivery in mice. The ability of PGE2 to selectively autoamplify its own synthesis in stromal cells by signaling transcriptional repression of 15-PGDH elucidates long sought-after molecular mechanisms that govern PG action in the cervix. This report details unique mechanisms of action in the cervix and serves as a catalyst for (i) the use of 15-PGDH inhibitors to initiate or amplify low-dose PGE2-mediated cervical ripening or (ii) EP2 receptor antagonists, HDAC4 inhibitors, and 15-PGDH activators to prevent preterm cervical ripening and preterm birth.
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Yellon SM. Contributions to the dynamics of cervix remodeling prior to term and preterm birth. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:13-23. [PMID: 28395330 PMCID: PMC5803764 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.142844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Major clinical challenges for obstetricians and neonatologists result from early cervix remodeling and preterm birth. Complications related to cervix remodeling or delivery account for significant morbidity in newborns and peripartum mothers. Understanding morphology and structure of the cervix in pregnant women is limited mostly to the period soon before and after birth. However, evidence in rodent models supports a working hypothesis that a convergence of factors promotes a physiological inflammatory process that degrades the extracellular collagen matrix and enhances biomechanical distensibility of the cervix well before the uterus develops the contractile capabilities for labor. Contributing factors to this remodeling process include innervation, mechanical stretch, hypoxia, and proinflammatory mediators. Importantly, the softening and shift to ripening occurs while progesterone is near peak concentrations in circulation across species. Since progesterone is required to maintain pregnancy, the premise of this review is that loss of responsiveness to progesterone constitutes a common final mechanism for remodeling the mammalian cervix in preparation for birth at term. Various inputs are suggested to promote signaling between stromal cells and resident macrophages to drive proinflammatory processes that advance the soft cervix into ripening. With infection, pathophysiological processes may prematurely drive components of this remodeling mechanism and lead to preterm birth. Identification of critical molecules and pathways from studies in various rodent models hold promise for novel endpoints to assess risk and provide innovative approaches to treat preterm birth or promote the progress of ripening at term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Yellon
- Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, Departments of Basic Sciences Division of Physiology and Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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Chigusa Y, Kishore AH, Mogami H, Word RA. Nrf2 Activation Inhibits Effects of Thrombin in Human Amnion Cells and Thrombin-Induced Preterm Birth in Mice. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:2612-21. [PMID: 27050800 PMCID: PMC6287450 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nrf2 is a key transcription factor that modulates cell defense mechanisms against endogenous and exogenous stress. Previously, we reported that thrombin increased matrix metalloproteinases and prostaglandin synthesis in human amnion mesenchymal cells. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether activation of Nrf2 alters the effect of thrombin on prostaglandin synthesis, protease activation, and cytokine release in human amnion. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of Nrf2 activation on thrombin-induced preterm labor in mice. DESIGN Primary human amnion mesenchymal cells and pregnant mice were employed to investigate the effect of Nrf2 on thrombin-induced inflammation and preterm birth. SETTING This was a laboratory-based study using cells and mice. RESULTS As expected, thrombin increased cyclooxygenase-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in amnion mesenchymal cells. Preincubation with Nrf2 activators, diethyl maleate or 15-deoxy-Δ12, 14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), profoundly repressed thrombin-induced gene expression. In addition, Nrf2 activation inhibited thrombin-induced cyclooxygenase-2 protein levels and secretion of prostaglandin E2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the media. Whereas vehicle and 15d-PGJ2 did not alter gestational length, all pregnant mice treated with thrombin delivered preterm. 15d-PGJ2 delayed thrombin-induced preterm birth significantly. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that Nrf2 activation represents a key stress response in amnion mesenchyme cells and in pregnant mice to mitigate the adverse proinflammatory effects of thrombin on the fetal membranes. We suggest, therefore, that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 may prevent the increased risk of preterm premature rupture of the membranes associated with thrombin activation that accompanies subchorionic hemorrhage or bleeding during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitsugu Chigusa
- The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032
| | - Annavarapu Hari Kishore
- The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032
| | - Haruta Mogami
- The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032
| | - Ruth Ann Word
- The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032
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Wei C, Wang H, Liu G, Zhao F, Kijas JW, Ma Y, Lu J, Zhang L, Cao J, Wu M, Wang G, Liu R, Liu Z, Zhang S, Liu C, Du L. Genome-wide analysis reveals adaptation to high altitudes in Tibetan sheep. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26770. [PMID: 27230812 PMCID: PMC4882523 DOI: 10.1038/srep26770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tibetan sheep have lived on the Tibetan Plateau for thousands of years; however, the process and consequences of adaptation to this extreme environment have not been elucidated for important livestock such as sheep. Here, seven sheep breeds, representing both highland and lowland breeds from different areas of China, were genotyped for a genome-wide collection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The FST and XP-EHH approaches were used to identify regions harbouring local positive selection between these highland and lowland breeds, and 236 genes were identified. We detected selection events spanning genes involved in angiogenesis, energy production and erythropoiesis. In particular, several candidate genes were associated with high-altitude hypoxia, including EPAS1, CRYAA, LONP1, NF1, DPP4, SOD1, PPARG and SOCS2. EPAS1 plays a crucial role in hypoxia adaption; therefore, we investigated the exon sequences of EPAS1 and identified 12 mutations. Analysis of the relationship between blood-related phenotypes and EPAS1 genotypes in additional highland sheep revealed that a homozygous mutation at a relatively conserved site in the EPAS1 3' untranslated region was associated with increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume. Taken together, our results provide evidence of the genetic diversity of highland sheep and indicate potential high-altitude hypoxia adaptation mechanisms, including the role of EPAS1 in adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Wei
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihua Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,National Animal Husbandry Service, National Center of Preservation &Utilization of Animal Genetic Resources, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Institute of apicultural research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Liu
- National Animal Husbandry Service, National Center of Preservation &Utilization of Animal Genetic Resources, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuping Zhao
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Youji Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Lu
- National Animal Husbandry Service, National Center of Preservation &Utilization of Animal Genetic Resources, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxue Cao
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingming Wu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangkai Wang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruizao Liu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chousheng Liu
- National Animal Husbandry Service, National Center of Preservation &Utilization of Animal Genetic Resources, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Du
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Center for Molecular Genetics and Breeding of Animal, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Ji Z, Erin Chen Y, Kumar R, Taylor M, Jenny Njauw CN, Miao B, Frederick DT, Wargo JA, Flaherty KT, Jönsson G, Tsao H. MITF Modulates Therapeutic Resistance through EGFR Signaling. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:1863-1872. [PMID: 25789707 PMCID: PMC4466007 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Response to targeted therapies varies significantly despite shared oncogenic mutations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in BRAF (V600E)-mutated melanomas where initial drug response can be striking and yet relapse is commonplace. Resistance to BRAF inhibitors have been attributed to the activation of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), although the underlying mechanisms have been largely uncharacterized. Here, we found that EGFR-induced vemurafenib resistance is ligand dependent. We employed whole-genome expression analysis and discovered that vemurafenib resistance correlated with the loss of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), along with its melanocyte lineage program, and with the activation of EGFR signaling. An inverse relationship between MITF, vemurafenib resistance, and EGFR was then observed in patient samples of recurrent melanoma and was conserved across melanoma cell lines and patients' tumor specimens. Functional studies revealed that MITF depletion activated EGFR signaling and consequently recapitulated the resistance phenotype. In contrast, forced expression of MITF in melanoma and colon cancer cells inhibited EGFR and conferred sensitivity to BRAF/MEK inhibitors. These findings indicate that an "autocrine drug resistance loop" is suppressed by melanocyte lineage signal(s), such as MITF. This resistance loop modulates drug response and could explain the unique sensitivity of melanomas to BRAF inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ji
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yiyin Erin Chen
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Taylor
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ching-Ni Jenny Njauw
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Benchun Miao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dennie T Frederick
- MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Surgical Oncology and Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Göran Jönsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine/Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Kishore AH, Owens D, Word RA. Prostaglandin E2 regulates its own inactivating enzyme, 15-PGDH, by EP2 receptor-mediated cervical cell-specific mechanisms. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:1006-18. [PMID: 24471568 PMCID: PMC3942241 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prostaglandins play important roles in parturition and have been used to induce cervical ripening and labor. Prior to cervical ripening at term, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) is highly expressed in the cervix and metabolizes cyclooxygenase-2-mediated increases in active prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to inactive 15-keto PGE2. At term, 15-PGDH gene expression decreases and PGE2 accumulates, leading to cervical ripening and labor. Previously, we found that the cervical isoform of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF-CX) serves as a progestational transcription factor that represses IL-8 and hypoxia-mediated increases in cyclooxygenase-2. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that PGE2 regulates its own inactivation through MiTF-CX. DESIGN We used human cervical stromal cells to investigate the regulation of 15-PGDH. SETTING This was a laboratory-based study using cells from clinical tissue samples. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We evaluated the mechanisms by which PGE2 regulates 15-PGDH in human cervical stromal cells. RESULTS PGE2 repressed MiTF-CX and 15-PGDH, whereas ectopic overexpression of MiTF-CX induced 15-PGDH expression levels. Stabilization of HIF-1α by deferoxamine resulted in concomitant down-regulation of MiTF-CX and 15-PGDH. Ectopic overexpression of MiTF-CX abrogated PGE2- and deferoxamine-mediated loss of MiTF-CX and 15-PGDH. PGE2-induced loss of MiTF-CX and 15-PGDH was mediated through prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP2) receptors (PTGER2), but not cAMP. CONCLUSIONS The 15-PGDH gene is a MiTF-CX target gene in cervical stromal cells and is down-regulated by PGE2 through EP2 receptors. The findings suggest that EP2 receptor-specific antagonists may be used as an adjunct to present clinical management for the prevention of preterm cervical ripening and preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hari Kishore
- The Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032
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