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Barbosa JMC, Pedra-Rezende Y, Mata-Santos HA, Vilar-Pereira G, Melo TGD, Ramos IP, Gibaldi D, Moreira OC, Nunes DF, Batista MM, Lannes-Vieira J, Daliry A, Salomão K. Preclinical evaluation of combined therapy with amiodarone and low-dose benznidazole in a mouse model of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116742. [PMID: 38754265 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagasic chronic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the primary clinical manifestation of Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. Current therapeutic options for CD are limited to benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox. Amiodarone (AMD) has emerged as most effective drug for treating the arrhythmic form of CCC. To address the effects of Bz and AMD we used a preclinical model of CCC. Female C57BL/6 mice were infected with T. cruzi and subjected to oral treatment for 30 consecutive days, either as monotherapy or in combination. AMD in monotherapy decreased the prolonged QTc interval, the incidence of atrioventricular conduction disorders and cardiac hypertrophy. However, AMD monotherapy did not impact parasitemia, parasite load, TNF concentration and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiac tissue. Alike Bz therapy, the combination of Bz and AMD (Bz/AMD), improved cardiac electric abnormalities detected T. cruzi-infected mice such as decrease in heart rates, enlargement of PR and QTc intervals and increased incidence of atrioventricular block and sinus arrhythmia. Further, Bz/AMD therapy ameliorated the ventricular function and reduced parasite burden in the cardiac tissue and parasitemia to a degree comparable to Bz monotherapy. Importantly, Bz/AMD treatment efficiently reduced TNF concentration in the cardiac tissue and plasma and had beneficial effects on immunological abnormalities. Moreover, in the cardiac tissue Bz/AMD therapy reduced fibronectin and collagen deposition, mitochondrial damage and production of ROS, and improved sarcomeric and gap junction integrity. Our study underlines the potential of the Bz/AMD therapy, as we have shown that combination increased efficacy in the treatment of CCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Magalhães Chaves Barbosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Pedra-Rezende
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hílton Antônio Mata-Santos
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Análise e Desenvolvimento de Inibidores Enzimáticos e Laboratório Multiusuário de Análises por RMN, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Galvão de Melo
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isalira Peroba Ramos
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacilio C Moreira
- Laboratório de Virologia e Parasitologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniela Ferreira Nunes
- Laboratório de Virologia e Parasitologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meuser Batista
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anissa Daliry
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia Clínica e Experimental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kelly Salomão
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Flori L, Lazzarini G, Spezzini J, Pirone A, Calderone V, Testai L, Miragliotta V. The isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis: A biochemical and histological investigation. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116534. [PMID: 38565062 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis is considered a reliable and repeatable experimental model characterized by a relatively low mortality rate. Although is well-known that ISO stimulates the β1 adrenergic receptors at the myocardial level, a high degree of heterogeneity emerges around the doses and duration of the treatment generating unclear results. Therefore, we propose to gain insights into the progression of ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis, in order to critically analyze and optimize the experimental model. Male Wistar rats (12-14-week-old) were submitted to subcutaneous injection of ISO, in particular, two doses were selected: the commonly used dose of 5 mg/kg and a lower dose of 1 mg/kg, administered for 3 and 6 days. Biochemical and histological examinations were conducted either immediately after the last administration or after a recovering period of 7 or 14 days from the initial administration. Noteworthy, from our investigation emerged that even the lower dose of ISO was able to induce the maximal biochemical and histological alterations, suggesting that lower doses should be considered to control the progression of the damage more precisely and to identify a prodromic phase in which intervention with pharmacological or nutraceutical tools can be effectively attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Flori
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzarini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Delle Piagge 2-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Jacopo Spezzini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Delle Piagge 2-56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy; CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Lara Testai
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, via Bonanno 6-56120, Pisa, Italy; CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa 56126, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Miragliotta
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Delle Piagge 2-56124, Pisa, Italy; CISUP, Centro per l'Integrazione della Strumentazione dell'Università di Pisa, Lungarno Pacinotti 43, Pisa 56126, Italy
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3
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Dufeys C, Bodart J, Bertrand L, Beauloye C, Horman S. Fibroblasts and platelets: a face-to-face dialogue at the heart of cardiac fibrosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H655-H669. [PMID: 38241009 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00559.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis is a feature found in most cardiac diseases and a key element contributing to heart failure and its progression. It has therefore become a subject of particular interest in cardiac research. Mechanisms leading to pathological cardiac remodeling and heart failure are diverse, including effects on cardiac fibroblasts, the main players in cardiac extracellular matrix synthesis, but also on cardiomyocytes, immune cells, endothelial cells, and more recently, platelets. Although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a primary regulator of fibrosis development, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger its activation after cardiac injury remain poorly understood. Different types of anti-TGF-β drugs have been tested for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and have been associated with side effects. Therefore, a better understanding of these mechanisms is of great clinical relevance and could allow us to identify new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, it has been shown that platelets infiltrate the myocardium at an early stage after cardiac injury, producing large amounts of cytokines and growth factors. These molecules can directly or indirectly regulate cells involved in the fibrotic response, including cardiac fibroblasts and immune cells. In particular, platelets are known to be a major source of TGF-β1. In this review, we have provided an overview of the classical cellular effectors involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis, focusing on the emergent role of platelets, while discussing opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Dufeys
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Bodart
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Bertrand
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Division of Cardiology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Horman
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Nisimura LM, Ferreira RR, Coelho LL, de Oliveira GM, Gonzaga BM, Meuser-Batista M, Lannes-Vieira J, Araujo-Jorge T, Garzoni LR. Vascular Growth Factor Inhibition with Bevacizumab Improves Cardiac Electrical Alterations and Fibrosis in Experimental Acute Chagas Disease. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1414. [PMID: 37998013 PMCID: PMC10669550 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is a neglected illness and a major reason for cardiomyopathy in endemic areas. The existing therapy generally involves trypanocidal agents and therapies that control cardiac alterations. However, there is no treatment for the progressive cardiac remodeling that is characterized by inflammation, microvasculopathy and extensive fibrosis. Thus, the search for new therapeutic strategies aiming to inhibit the progression of cardiac injury and failure is necessary. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) is the most potent regulator of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and has been implicated in inducing exacerbated angiogenesis and fibrosis in chronic inflammatory diseases. Since cardiac microvasculopathy in CD is also characterized by exacerbated angiogenesis, we investigated the effect of inhibition of the VEGF signaling pathway using a monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab) on cardiac remodeling and function. Swiss Webster mice were infected with Y strain, and cardiac morphological and molecular analyses were performed. We found that bevacizumab significantly increased survival, reduced inflammation, improved cardiac electrical function, diminished angiogenesis, decreased myofibroblasts in cardiac tissue and restored collagen levels. This work shows that VEGF is involved in cardiac microvasculopathy and fibrosis in CD and the inhibition of this factor could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindice Mitie Nisimura
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
| | - Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
- Laboratory of Applied Genomics and Bioinnovations, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LAGABI-IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Laura Lacerda Coelho
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
| | - Gabriel Melo de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LBC-IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Beatriz Matheus Gonzaga
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
| | - Marcelo Meuser-Batista
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LBI-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil;
| | - Tania Araujo-Jorge
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.N.); (R.R.F.); (L.L.C.); (B.M.G.); (M.M.-B.); (T.A.-J.)
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5
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Narasimhan B, Gandhi K, Moras E, Wu L, Da Wariboko A, Aronow W. Experimental drugs for supraventricular tachycardia: an analysis of early phase clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:825-838. [PMID: 37728554 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2259309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) are a diverse group of commonly encountered arrhythmias arising at or above the atrioventricular (AV) node. Conventional anti-arrhythmic medications are restricted by extensive side-effect profiles and limited efficacy. Catheter ablation has emerged as a first-line therapy for many arrhythmias but is not a suitable option for all patients. This has prompted the exploration of novel pharmacological approaches targeting specific molecular mechanisms of SVT. AREAS COVERED This review article aims to summarize recent advancements in pharmacological therapeutics for SVT and their clinical implications. The understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying these arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, has opened up new possibilities for targeted interventions. Beyond the manipulation of ion channels and membrane potentials, pharmacotherapy now focuses on upstream targets such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and structural remodeling. This review strives to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in pharmacological therapeutics directed at the management of SVT. We begin by providing a brief summary of the mechanisms and management of commonly encountered SVT before delving into individual agents, which in turn are stratified based on their molecular treatment targets. EXPERT OPINION The evolving landscape of pharmacologic therapy offers hope for more personalized and tailored interventions in the management of SVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Narasimhan
- DeBakey Cardiovascular Institute, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kruti Gandhi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Errol Moras
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lingling Wu
- Department of Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Akanibo Da Wariboko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wilbert Aronow
- Department of Cardiology, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
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6
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Marin-Neto JA, Rassi A, Oliveira GMM, Correia LCL, Ramos Júnior AN, Luquetti AO, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Sousa ASD, Paola AAVD, Sousa ACS, Ribeiro ALP, Correia Filho D, Souza DDSMD, Cunha-Neto E, Ramires FJA, Bacal F, Nunes MDCP, Martinelli Filho M, Scanavacca MI, Saraiva RM, Oliveira Júnior WAD, Lorga-Filho AM, Guimarães ADJBDA, Braga ALL, Oliveira ASD, Sarabanda AVL, Pinto AYDN, Carmo AALD, Schmidt A, Costa ARD, Ianni BM, Markman Filho B, Rochitte CE, Macêdo CT, Mady C, Chevillard C, Virgens CMBD, Castro CND, Britto CFDPDC, Pisani C, Rassi DDC, Sobral Filho DC, Almeida DRD, Bocchi EA, Mesquita ET, Mendes FDSNS, Gondim FTP, Silva GMSD, Peixoto GDL, Lima GGD, Veloso HH, Moreira HT, Lopes HB, Pinto IMF, Ferreira JMBB, Nunes JPS, Barreto-Filho JAS, Saraiva JFK, Lannes-Vieira J, Oliveira JLM, Armaganijan LV, Martins LC, Sangenis LHC, Barbosa MPT, Almeida-Santos MA, Simões MV, Yasuda MAS, Moreira MDCV, Higuchi MDL, Monteiro MRDCC, Mediano MFF, Lima MM, Oliveira MTD, Romano MMD, Araujo NNSLD, Medeiros PDTJ, Alves RV, Teixeira RA, Pedrosa RC, Aras Junior R, Torres RM, Povoa RMDS, Rassi SG, Alves SMM, Tavares SBDN, Palmeira SL, Silva Júnior TLD, Rodrigues TDR, Madrini Junior V, Brant VMDC, Dutra WO, Dias JCP. SBC Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Cardiomyopathy of Chagas Disease - 2023. Arq Bras Cardiol 2023; 120:e20230269. [PMID: 37377258 PMCID: PMC10344417 DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Marin-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | - Anis Rassi
- Hospital do Coração Anis Rassi , Goiânia , GO - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Alejandro Ostermayer Luquetti
- Centro de Estudos da Doença de Chagas , Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás , Goiânia , GO - Brasil
| | | | - Andréa Silvestre de Sousa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Antônio Carlos Sobral Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe , São Cristóvão , SE - Brasil
- Hospital São Lucas , Rede D`Or São Luiz , Aracaju , SE - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Edecio Cunha-Neto
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade, São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Felix Jose Alvarez Ramires
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Fernando Bacal
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Martino Martinelli Filho
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Maurício Ibrahim Scanavacca
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Roberto Magalhães Saraiva
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Adalberto Menezes Lorga-Filho
- Instituto de Moléstias Cardiovasculares , São José do Rio Preto , SP - Brasil
- Hospital de Base de Rio Preto , São José do Rio Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Adriana Sarmento de Oliveira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Ana Yecê das Neves Pinto
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | - Andre Schmidt
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | - Andréa Rodrigues da Costa
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | - Barbara Maria Ianni
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Carlos Eduardo Rochitte
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
- Hcor , Associação Beneficente Síria , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Charles Mady
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Christophe Chevillard
- Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Marselha - França
| | | | | | | | - Cristiano Pisani
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Edimar Alcides Bocchi
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Evandro Tinoco Mesquita
- Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro da Faculdade Federal Fluminense , Niterói , RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Henrique Horta Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | - Henrique Turin Moreira
- Hospital das Clínicas , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Universidade de São Paulo , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - João Paulo Silva Nunes
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
- Fundação Zerbini, Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luiz Cláudio Martins
- Universidade Estadual de Campinas , Faculdade de Ciências Médicas , Campinas , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Marcos Vinicius Simões
- Universidade de São Paulo , Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto , Ribeirão Preto , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria de Lourdes Higuchi
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | - Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia (INC), Rio de Janeiro, RJ - Brasil
| | - Mayara Maia Lima
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde , Ministério da Saúde , Brasília , DF - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Renato Vieira Alves
- Instituto René Rachou , Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , MG - Brasil
| | - Ricardo Alkmim Teixeira
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | - Roberto Coury Pedrosa
- Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho , Instituto do Coração Edson Saad - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Silvia Marinho Martins Alves
- Ambulatório de Doença de Chagas e Insuficiência Cardíaca do Pronto Socorro Cardiológico Universitário da Universidade de Pernambuco (PROCAPE/UPE), Recife , PE - Brasil
| | | | - Swamy Lima Palmeira
- Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde , Ministério da Saúde , Brasília , DF - Brasil
| | | | | | - Vagner Madrini Junior
- Instituto do Coração do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , SP - Brasil
| | | | | | - João Carlos Pinto Dias
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Rio de Janeiro , RJ - Brasil
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7
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Gabaldón-Figueira JC, Martinez-Peinado N, Escabia E, Ros-Lucas A, Chatelain E, Scandale I, Gascon J, Pinazo MJ, Alonso-Padilla J. State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation. Res Rep Trop Med 2023; 14:1-19. [PMID: 37337597 PMCID: PMC10277022 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s415273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nieves Martinez-Peinado
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Escabia
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Ros-Lucas
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joaquim Gascon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Pinazo
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julio Alonso-Padilla
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic—University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBERINFEC, ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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8
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Oliveira AC, Vicentino ARR, Andrade D, Pereira IR, Saboia-Vahia L, Moreira ODC, Carvalho-Pinto CE, Mota JBD, Maciel L, Vilar-Pereira G, Pesquero JB, Lannes-Vieira J, Sirois P, Campos de Carvalho AC, Scharfstein J. Genetic Ablation and Pharmacological Blockade of Bradykinin B1 Receptor Unveiled a Detrimental Role for the Kinin System in Chagas Disease Cardiomyopathy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082888. [PMID: 37109224 PMCID: PMC10144326 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, the parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, afflicts about 6 million people in Latin America. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that T. cruzi may fuel heart parasitism by activating B1R, a G protein-coupled (brady) kinin receptor whose expression is upregulated in inflamed tissues. Studies in WT and B1R-/- mice showed that T. cruzi DNA levels (15 days post infection-dpi) were sharply reduced in the transgenic heart. FACS analysis revealed that frequencies of proinflammatory neutrophils and monocytes were diminished in B1R-/- hearts whereas CK-MB activity (60 dpi) was exclusively detected in B1R+/+ sera. Since chronic myocarditis and heart fibrosis (90 dpi) were markedly attenuated in the transgenic mice, we sought to determine whether a pharmacological blockade of the des-Arg9-bradykinin (DABK)/B1R pathway might alleviate chagasic cardiomyopathy. Using C57BL/6 mice acutely infected by a myotropic T. cruzi strain (Colombian), we found that daily treatment (15-60 dpi) with R-954 (B1R antagonist) reduced heart parasitism and blunted cardiac injury. Extending R-954 treatment to the chronic phase (120-160 dpi), we verified that B1R targeting (i) decreased mortality indexes, (ii) mitigated chronic myocarditis, and (iii) ameliorated heart conduction disturbances. Collectively, our study suggests that a pharmacological blockade of the proinflammatory KKS/DABK/B1R pathway is cardioprotective in acute and chronic Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Oliveira
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Amanda Roberta Revoredo Vicentino
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Daniele Andrade
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Isabela Resende Pereira
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Saboia-Vahia
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Otacílio da Cruz Moreira
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Carla Eponina Carvalho-Pinto
- Departamento de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24020-141, Brazil
| | - Julia Barbalho da Mota
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Maciel
- Programa de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa em Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias Campus, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - João B Pesquero
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Pierre Sirois
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Antônio Carlos Campos de Carvalho
- Programa de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bio-Imagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Medicina Regenerativa, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Julio Scharfstein
- Programa de Imunobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
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9
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Silva Grijó Farani P, Iandra da Silva Ferreira B, Begum K, Vilar-Pereira G, Pereira IR, Fernández-Figueroa EA, Cardenas-Ovando RA, Almeida IC, Roy S, Lannes-Vieira J, Moreira OC. Treatment with benznidazole and pentoxifylline regulates microRNA transcriptomic profile in a murine model of Chagas chronic cardiomyopathy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011223. [PMID: 36972298 PMCID: PMC10121046 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disorders in endemic areas of Chagas disease (CD), a neglected tropical illness caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. CCC is characterized by parasite persistence and inflammatory response in the heart tissue, which occur parallel to microRNA (miRNA) alterations. Here, we investigated the miRNA transcriptome profiling in the cardiac tissue of chronically T. cruzi-infected mice treated with a suboptimal dose of benznidazole (Bz), the immunomodulator pentoxifylline alone (PTX), or the combination of both (Bz+PTX), following the CCC onset. At 150 days post-infection, Bz, PTX, and Bz+PTX treatment regimens improved electrocardiographic alterations, reducing the percentage of mice afflicted by sinus arrhythmia and second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB2) when compared with the vehicle-treated animals. miRNA Transcriptome profiling revealed considerable changes in the differential expression of miRNAs in the Bz and Bz+PTX treatment groups compared with the control (infected, vehicle-treated) group. The latter showed pathways related to organismal abnormalities, cellular development, skeletal muscle development, cardiac enlargement, and fibrosis, likely associated with CCC. Bz-Treated mice exhibited 68 differentially expressed miRNAs related to signaling pathways like cell cycle, cell death and survival, tissue morphology, and connective tissue function. Finally, the Bz+PTX-treated group revealed 58 differentially expressed miRNAs associated with key signaling pathways related to cellular growth and proliferation, tissue development, cardiac fibrosis, damage, and necrosis/cell death. The T. cruzi-induced upregulation of miR-146b-5p, previously shown in acutely infected mice and in vitro T. cruzi-infected cardiomyocytes, was reversed upon Bz and Bz+PTX treatment regimens when further experimentally validated. Our results further our understanding of molecular pathways related to CCC progression and evaluation of treatment response. Moreover, the differentially expressed miRNAs may serve as drug targets, associated molecular therapy, or biomarkers of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Silva Grijó Farani
- Real-Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Parasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Iandra da Silva Ferreira
- Real-Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Parasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Khodeza Begum
- Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela Resende Pereira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edith A. Fernández-Figueroa
- Computational and Integrative Genomics, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Arenal Tepepan, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Igor C. Almeida
- Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sourav Roy
- Border Biomedical Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Biology of the Interactions, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacilio Cruz Moreira
- Real-Time PCR Platform RPT09A, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Parasitology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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10
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Rayford KJ, Cooley A, Strode AW, Osi I, Arun A, Lima MF, Misra S, Pratap S, Nde PN. Trypanosoma cruzi dysregulates expression profile of piRNAs in primary human cardiac fibroblasts during early infection phase. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1083379. [PMID: 36936778 PMCID: PMC10017870 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1083379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas Disease, causes severe morbidity, mortality, and economic burden worldwide. Though originally endemic to Central and South America, globalization has led to increased parasite presence in most industrialized countries. About 40% of infected individuals will develop cardiovascular, neurological, and/or gastrointestinal pathologies. Accumulating evidence suggests that the parasite induces alterations in host gene expression profiles in order to facilitate infection and pathogenesis. The role of regulatory gene expression machinery during T. cruzi infection, particularly small noncoding RNAs, has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we aim to evaluate dysregulation of a class of sncRNAs called piRNAs during early phase of T. cruzi infection in primary human cardiac fibroblasts by RNA-Seq. We subsequently performed in silico analysis to predict piRNA-mRNA interactions. We validated the expression of these selected piRNAs and their targets during early parasite infection phase by stem loop qPCR and qPCR, respectively. We found about 26,496,863 clean reads (92.72%) which mapped to the human reference genome. During parasite challenge, 441 unique piRNAs were differentially expressed. Of these differentially expressed piRNAs, 29 were known and 412 were novel. In silico analysis showed several of these piRNAs were computationally predicted to target and potentially regulate expression of genes including SMAD2, EGR1, ICAM1, CX3CL1, and CXCR2, which have been implicated in parasite infection, pathogenesis, and various cardiomyopathies. Further evaluation of the function of these individual piRNAs in gene regulation and expression will enhance our understanding of early molecular mechanisms contributing to infection and pathogenesis. Our findings here suggest that piRNAs play important roles in infectious disease pathogenesis and can serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J. Rayford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ayorinde Cooley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Anthony W. Strode
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Inmar Osi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Ashutosh Arun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Maria F. Lima
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Smita Misra
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
- Bioinformatics Core, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Pius N. Nde
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, United States
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11
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The AP-1 transcription factor Fosl-2 drives cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias under immunofibrotic conditions. Commun Biol 2023; 6:161. [PMID: 36759717 PMCID: PMC9911788 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04534-6] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic changes in the myocardium and cardiac arrhythmias represent fatal complications in systemic sclerosis (SSc), however the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Mice overexpressing transcription factor Fosl-2 (Fosl-2tg) represent animal model of SSc. Fosl-2tg mice showed interstitial cardiac fibrosis, disorganized connexin-43/40 in intercalated discs and deregulated expression of genes controlling conduction system, and developed higher heart rate (HR), prolonged QT intervals, arrhythmias with prevalence of premature ventricular contractions, ventricular tachycardias, II-degree atrio-ventricular blocks and reduced HR variability. Following stimulation with isoproterenol Fosl-2tg mice showed impaired HR response. In contrast to Fosl-2tg, immunodeficient Rag2-/-Fosl-2tg mice were protected from enhanced myocardial fibrosis and ECG abnormalities. Transcriptomics analysis demonstrated that Fosl-2-overexpression was responsible for profibrotic signature of cardiac fibroblasts, whereas inflammatory component in Fosl-2tg mice activated their fibrotic and arrhythmogenic phenotype. In human cardiac fibroblasts FOSL-2-overexpression enhanced myofibroblast signature under proinflammatory or profibrotic stimuli. These results demonstrate that under immunofibrotic conditions transcription factor Fosl-2 exaggerates myocardial fibrosis, arrhythmias and aberrant response to stress.
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12
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Cytokine imbalance in acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103209. [PMID: 36228998 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) are autoimmune sequelae of Group A Streptococcus infection with significant global disease burden. The pathogenesis of these diseases is poorly understood, and no immune modulating therapies are available to stop progression from ARF to RHD. Cytokines and chemokines are immune signaling molecules critical to the development of autoimmune diseases. An increasing number of studies point to a central role for pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in ARF and RHD pathogenesis, in particular IL-6, IL-8/CXCL8, and TNFα, which are elevated in circulation in both ARF and RHD patients. Histological studies of RHD valve tissue implicates Th1 and Th17 associated pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokine CXCL9, and the fibrosis-associated cytokine TGF-β in progressive cycles of inflammatory damage and fibrotic repair. Taken together, this suggests immune molecules contribute to both the acute inflammatory disease stage of ARF, as well as cardiac remodeling and valve dysfunction in RHD. Monoclonal antibody blockade of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα are approved therapies for many autoimmune diseases and the most successful immunomodulating therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. Current evidence suggests possible benefit for ARF patients from IL-6 and TNFα blockade, in particular to interrupt progression to RHD, and warrants immediate investigation.
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13
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Ferreira RR, de Souza EM, Vilar-Pereira G, Degrave WMS, Abreu RDS, Meuser-Batista M, Ferreira NVC, Ledbeter S, Barker RH, Bailly S, Feige JJ, Lannes-Vieira J, de Araújo-Jorge TC, Waghabi MC. In Chagas disease, transforming growth factor beta neutralization reduces Trypanosoma cruzi infection and improves cardiac performance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1017040. [PMID: 36530434 PMCID: PMC9748701 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1017040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), a progressive inflammatory and fibrosing disease, is the most prominent clinical form of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. During CCC, the parasite remains inside the cardiac cells, leading to tissue damage, involving extensive inflammatory response and irregular fibrosis. Among the fibrogenic factors is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a key cytokine controlling extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. TGF-β is involved in CCC onset and progression, with increased serum levels and activation of its signaling pathways in the cardiac tissue, which crucially contributes to fibrosis. Inhibition of the TGF-β signaling pathway attenuates T. cruzi infection and prevents cardiac damage in an experimental model of acute Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TGF-β neutralization on T. cruzi infection in both in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical models, using the 1D11 monoclonal antibody. To this end, primary cultures of cardiac cells were infected with T. cruzi trypomastigote forms and treated with 1D11. For in vivo studies, 1D11 was administered in different schemes for acute and chronic phase models (Swiss mice infected with 104 parasites from the Y strain and C57BL/6 mice infected with 102 parasites from the Colombian strain, respectively). Here we show that the addition of 1D11 to cardiac cells greatly reduces cardiomyocyte invasion by T. cruzi and the number of parasites per infected cell. In both acute and chronic experimental models, T. cruzi infection altered the electrical conduction, decreasing the heart rate, increasing the PR interval and the P wave duration. The treatment with 1D11 reduced cardiac fibrosis and reversed electrical abnormalities improving cardiac performance. Taken together, these data further support the major role of the TGF-β signaling pathways in T. cruzi-infection and their biological consequences on parasite/host interactions. The therapeutic effects of the 1D11 antibody are promising and suggest a new possibility to treat cardiac fibrosis in the chronic phase of Chagas' heart disease by TGF-β neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira, ; Mariana Caldas Waghabi,
| | - Elen Mello de Souza
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Wim M. S. Degrave
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rayane da Silva Abreu
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Meuser-Batista
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica e Citopatologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nilma Valéria Caldeira Ferreira
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica e Citopatologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Steve Ledbeter
- Tissue Protection and Repair, Sanofi-Genzyme R&D Center, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Robert H. Barker
- Tissue Protection and Repair, Sanofi-Genzyme R&D Center, Framingham, MA, United States
| | - Sabine Bailly
- Laboratory BioSanté, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Feige
- Laboratory BioSanté, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM, CEA, Grenoble, France
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tania C. de Araújo-Jorge
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Caldas Waghabi
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira, ; Mariana Caldas Waghabi,
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14
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Nisimura LM, Ferreira RR, Coelho LL, de Souza EM, Gonzaga BM, Ferrão PM, Waghabi MC, de Mesquita LB, Pereira MCDS, Moreira ODC, Lannes-Vieira J, Garzoni LR. Increased angiogenesis parallels cardiac tissue remodelling in experimental acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220005. [PMID: 36417626 PMCID: PMC9677593 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220005] [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: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiogenesis has been implicated in tissue injury in several noninfectious diseases, but its role in Chagas disease (CD) physiopathology is unclear. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Trypanosoma cruzi infection on cardiac angiogenesis during the acute phase of experimental CD. METHODS The signalling pathway involved in blood vessel formation and cardiac remodelling was evaluated in Swiss Webster mice infected with the Y strain of T. cruzi. The levels of molecules involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), Flk-1, phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated protein kinase (pERK), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), CD31, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and also the blood vessel growth were analysed during T. cruzi infection. Hearts were analysed using conventional histopathology, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. FINDINGS In this study, our data demonstrate that T. cruzi acute infection in mice induces exacerbated angiogenesis in the heart and parallels cardiac remodelling. In comparison with noninfected controls, the cardiac tissue of T. cruzi-infected mice presented higher levels of (i) HIF-1α, VEGF-A, Flk-1 and pERK; (ii) angiogenesis; (iii) α-SMA+ cells in the tissue; and (iv) collagen -1 deposition around blood vessels and infiltrating throughout the myocardium. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We observed cardiac angiogenesis during acute experimental T. cruzi infection parallels cardiac inflammation and remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindice Mitie Nisimura
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Laura Lacerda Coelho
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Elen Mello de Souza
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Beatriz Matheus Gonzaga
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Patrícia Mello Ferrão
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil,Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Mariana Caldas Waghabi
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Liliane Batista de Mesquita
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Otacilio da Cruz Moreira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luciana Ribeiro Garzoni
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil,+ Corresponding author:
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15
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Phowira J, Ahmed FW, Bakhashab S, Weaver JU. Upregulated miR-18a-5p in Colony Forming Unit-Hill’s in Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease and Metformin Therapy; MERIT Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092136. [PMID: 36140236 PMCID: PMC9496122 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colony forming unit-Hill’s (CFU-Hill’s) colonies are hematopoietic-derived cells that participate in neovasculogenesis and serve as a biomarker for vascular health. In animals, overexpression of miR-18a-5p was shown to be pro-atherogenic. We had shown that well-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by an inflammatory state, endothelial dysfunction, and reduced number of CFU-Hill’s, a model of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). MERIT study explored the role of miR-18a-5p expression in CFU-Hill’s colonies in T1DM, and the cardioprotective effect of metformin in subclinical CVD. In T1DM, miR-18a-5p was significantly upregulated whereas metformin reduced it to HC levels. MiR-18a-5p was inversely correlated with CFU-Hill’s colonies, CD34+, CD34+CD133+ cells, and positively with IL-10, C-reactive protein, vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D), and thrombomodulin. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated, miR-18a-5p as a biomarker of T1DM, and upregulated miR-18a-5p defining subclinical CVD at HbA1c of 44.5 mmol/mol (pre-diabetes). Ingenuity pathway analysis documented miR-18a-5p inhibiting mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, estrogen receptor-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α cellular communication network factor-2, and protein inhibitor of activated STAT 3, whilst metformin upregulated these mRNAs via transforming growth factor beta-1 and VEGF. We confirmed the pro-atherogenic effect of miR-18a-5p in subclinical CVD and identified several target genes for future CVD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Phowira
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Fahad W. Ahmed
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Diabetes, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne NE9 6SH, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Madinah 42522, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherin Bakhashab
- Biochemistry Department, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80218, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jolanta U. Weaver
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Diabetes, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne NE9 6SH, UK
- Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-191-445-2181
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Extracellular Vesicles in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: Immunomodulatory Effects and Future Perspectives as Potential Control Tools against Chagas Disease. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:5230603. [PMID: 36033396 PMCID: PMC9402373 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5230603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoa parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease and a major public health problem affecting more than 6 million people worldwide. Many challenges remain in the quest to control Chagas disease: the diagnosis presents several limitations and the two available treatments cause several side effects, presenting limited efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease. In addition, there are no preventive vaccines or biomarkers of therapeutic response or disease outcome. Trypomastigote form and T. cruzi-infected cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are involved in cell-to-cell communication and can modulate the host immune response. Importantly, EVs have been described as promising tools for the development of new therapeutic strategies, such as vaccines, and for the discovery of new biomarkers. Here, we review and discuss the role of EVs secreted during T. cruzi infection and their immunomodulatory properties. Finally, we briefly describe their potential for biomarker discovery and future perspectives as vaccine development tools for Chagas Disease.
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Gómez-Ochoa SA, Bautista-Niño PK, Rojas LZ, Hunziker L, Muka T, Echeverría LE. Circulating MicroRNAs and myocardial involvement severity in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:922189. [PMID: 36004323 PMCID: PMC9393411 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.922189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCM) is characterized by a unique pathophysiology in which inflammatory, microvascular and neuroendocrine processes coalesce in the development of one of the most severe cardiomyopathies affecting humans. Despite significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in this disease, scarce information is available regarding microRNAs and clinical parameters of disease severity. We aimed to evaluate the association between circulating levels of six microRNAs with markers of myocardial injury and prognosis in this population. Methods Patients with CCM and reduced ejection fraction were included in a prospective exploratory cohort study. We assessed the association of natural log-transformed values of six circulating microRNAs (miR-34a-5p, miR-208a-5p, miR-185-5p, miR-223-5p, let-7d-5p, and miR-454-5p) with NT-proBNP levels and echocardiographic variables using linear regression models adjusted for potential confounders. By using Cox Proportional Hazard models, we examined whether levels of microRNAs could predict a composite outcome (CO), including all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, and implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Finally, for mRNAs showing significant associations, we predicted the target genes and performed pathway analyses using Targetscan and Reactome Pathway Browser. Results Seventy-four patients were included (59% males, median age: 64 years). After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and heart failure medications, only increasing miR-223-5p relative expression levels were significantly associated with better myocardial function markers, including left atrium area (Coef. -10.2; 95% CI -16.35; -4.09), end-systolic (Coef. -45.3; 95% CI -74.06; -16.61) and end-diastolic volumes (Coef. -46.1; 95% CI -81.99; -10.26) of the left ventricle. Moreover, we observed that higher miR-223-5p levels were associated with better left-ventricle ejection fraction and lower NT-proBNP levels. No associations were observed between the six microRNAs and the composite outcome. A total of 123 target genes for miR-223-5p were obtained. From these, several target pathways mainly related to signaling by receptor tyrosine kinases were identified. Conclusions The present study found an association between miR-223-5p and clinical parameters of CCM, with signaling pathways related to receptor tyrosine kinases as a potential mechanism linking low levels of miR-223-5p with CCM worsening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lyda Z. Rojas
- Research Group and Development of Nursing Knowledge (GIDCEN-FCV), Research Center, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
| | - Lukas Hunziker
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Taulant Muka
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Taulant Muka,
| | - Luis E. Echeverría
- Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Clinic, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia
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de Castro Nobre AC, Pimentel CF, do Rêgo GMS, Paludo GR, Pereira Neto GB, de Castro MB, Nitz N, Hecht M, Dallago B, Hagström L. Insights from the use of erythropoietin in experimental Chagas disease. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 19:65-80. [PMID: 35772309 PMCID: PMC9253553 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the long-established role in erythropoiesis, erythropoietin (Epo) has protective functions in a variety of tissues, including the heart. This is the most affected organ in chronic Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite seven million people being infected with T. cruzi worldwide, there is no effective treatment preventing the disease progression to the chronic phase when the pathological involvement of the heart is often observed. Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy has a wide variety of manifestations, like left ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Since Epo may help maintain cardiac function by reducing myocardial necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, this study aimed to evaluate whether the Epo has positive effects on experimental Chagas disease. For that, we assessed the earlier (acute phase) and also the later (chronic phase) use of Epo in infected C57BL/6 mice. Blood cell count, biochemical parameters, parasitic load, and echocardiography data were evaluated. In addition, histopathological analysis was carried out. Our data showed that Epo had no trypanocide effect nor did it modify the production of anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Epo-treated groups exhibited parasitic burden much lower in the heart compared to blood. No pattern of hematological changes was observed combining infection with treatment with Epo. Chronic Epo administration reduced CK-MB serum activity from d0 to d180, irrespectively of T. cruzi infection. Likewise, echocardiography and histological results indicate that Epo treatment is more effective in the chronic phase of experimental Chagas disease. Since treatment is one of the greatest challenges of Chagas disease, alternative therapies should be investigated, including Epo combined with benznidazole.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Fernando Pimentel
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - George Magno Sousa do Rêgo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Giane Regina Paludo
- Laboratory of Veterinary Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Bueno Pereira Neto
- Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Márcio Botelho de Castro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nadjar Nitz
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana Hecht
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Bruno Dallago
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil; Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Luciana Hagström
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Biosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil; Faculty of Physical Education, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula FTZ Protects against Cardiac Fibrosis by Suppressing the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5642307. [PMID: 35497919 PMCID: PMC9042631 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5642307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Fu fang Zhen Zhu Tiao Zhi (FTZ) is a patented preparation of Chinese herbal medicine that has been used as a natural medicine to treat several chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease. However, its effects on cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of FTZ in treating cardiac fibrosis. Methods FTZ was administered to mice by oral gavage daily at a dosage of 1.2 g/kg or 2.4 g/kg of body weight for 7 weeks after a transverse aorta constriction (TAC) surgery. Doppler echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were used to assess the effect of FTZ on the cardiac structure and function of mice that had undergone TAC. EdU and wound-healing assays were performed to measure the proliferative and migratory abilities of cardiac fibroblasts. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the expression of TGFβ1, Col1A2, Col3, and α-SMA proteins and mRNA levels. Results FTZ treatment reduced collagen synthesis, attenuated cardiac fibrosis, and improved cardiac function in mice subjected to TAC. Moreover, FTZ treatment prevented the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts and reduced Ang-II-induced collagen synthesis. Furthermore, FTZ downregulated the expression of TGFβ1, p-smad2, and p-smad3 and inhibited the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway in the setting of cardiac fibrosis. Conclusion FTZ alleviated the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts and suppressed collagen synthesis via the TGFβ1-Smad2/3 pathway during the progression of cardiac fibrosis. These findings indicated the therapeutic potential of FTZ in treating cardiac fibrosis.
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20
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Emerging Antiarrhythmic Drugs for Atrial Fibrillation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084096. [PMID: 35456912 PMCID: PMC9029767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, is driven by complex mechanisms that differ between subgroups of patients. This complexity is apparent from the different forms in which AF presents itself (post-operative, paroxysmal and persistent), each with heterogeneous patterns and variable progression. Our current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for initiation, maintenance and progression of the different forms of AF has increased significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, antiarrhythmic drugs for the management of AF have not been developed based on the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms and none of the currently used drugs were specifically developed to target AF. With the increased knowledge on the mechanisms underlying different forms of AF, new opportunities for developing more effective and safer AF therapies are emerging. In this review, we provide an overview of potential novel antiarrhythmic approaches based on the underlying mechanisms of AF, focusing both on the development of novel antiarrhythmic agents and on the possibility of repurposing already marketed drugs. In addition, we discuss the opportunity of targeting some of the key players involved in the underlying AF mechanisms, such as ryanodine receptor type-2 (RyR2) channels and atrial-selective K+-currents (IK2P and ISK) for antiarrhythmic therapy. In addition, we highlight the opportunities for targeting components of inflammatory signaling (e.g., the NLRP3-inflammasome) and upstream mechanisms targeting fibroblast function to prevent structural remodeling and progression of AF. Finally, we critically appraise emerging antiarrhythmic drug principles and future directions for antiarrhythmic drug development, as well as their potential for improving AF management.
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Lannes-Vieira J. Multi-therapeutic strategy targeting parasite and inflammation-related alterations to improve prognosis of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: a hypothesis-based approach. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e220019. [PMID: 35320825 PMCID: PMC8944190 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, presents as main clinical manifestation the chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC). CCC afflicts millions of people, mostly in Latin America, and vaccine and effective therapy are still lacking. Comprehension of the host/parasite interplay in the chronic phase of T. cruzi infection may unveil targets for rational trait-based therapies to improve CCC prognosis. In the present viewpoint, I critically summarise a collection of data, obtained by our network of collaborators and other groups on CCC and preclinical studies on pathogenesis, targeting identification for intervention and the use of drugs with immunomodulatory properties to improve CCC. In the last two decades, models combining mouse lineages and T. cruzi strains allowed replication of crucial clinical, histopathological, and immunological traits of CCC. This condition includes conduction changes (heart rate changes, arrhythmias, atrioventricular blocks, prolongation of the QRS complex and PR and corrected QT intervals), ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, CD8-enriched myocarditis, tissue remodeling and progressive fibrosis, and systemic inflammatory profile, resembling “cytokine storm”. Studies on Chagas’ heart disease pathogenesis begins to unveil the molecular mechanisms underpinning the inflammation-related cardiac tissue damage, placing IFNγ, TNF and NFκB signaling as upstream regulators of miRNAs and mRNAs associated with critical biological pathways as cell migration, inflammation, tissue remodeling and fibrosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Further, data on preclinical trials using hypothesis-based tools, targeting parasite and inflammation-related alterations, opened paths for multi-therapeutic approaches in CCC. Despite the long path taken using experimental CD models replicating relevant aspects of CCC and testing new therapies and therapeutic schemes, these findings may get lost in translation, as conceptual and economical challenges, underpinning the valley of death across preclinical and clinical trials. It is hoped that such difficulties will be overcome in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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22
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At the Intersection of Cardiology and Oncology: TGFβ as a Clinically Translatable Therapy for TNBC Treatment and as a Major Regulator of Post-Chemotherapy Cardiomyopathy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061577. [PMID: 35326728 PMCID: PMC8946238 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Specific/targeted therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain cancers. Unfortunately, there is currently no targeted therapy for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is why this subtype of breast cancer is associated with poor patient prognosis. While there is an immense focus on the development of new therapies, the issue of cardiotoxicity following chemotherapeutic treatment is commonly overlooked, despite its role as a leading cause of mortality in cancer survivors. This review aims to discuss the connection of TGF-β signaling and its role in modulating cardiac fibrosis and remodeling, as well as its role in TNBC tumor progression, cancer stem cell enrichment, chemoresistance and relapse. Together, we highlight the modulation of TGF-β as a method to target two of the greatest causes of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients. Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that accounts for the majority of breast cancer-related deaths due to the lack of specific targets for effective treatments. While there is immense focus on the development of novel therapies for TNBC treatment, a persistent and critical issue is the rate of heart failure and cardiomyopathy, which is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity amongst cancer survivors. In this review, we highlight mechanisms of post-chemotherapeutic cardiotoxicity exposure, evaluate how this is assessed clinically and highlight the transforming growth factor-beta family (TGF-β) pathway and its significance as a mediator of cardiomyopathy. We also highlight recent findings demonstrating TGF-β inhibition as a potent method to prevent cardiac remodeling, fibrosis and cardiomyopathy. We describe how dysregulation of the TGF-β pathway is associated with negative patient outcomes across 32 types of cancer, including TNBC. We then highlight how TGF-β modulation may be a potent method to target mesenchymal (CD44+/CD24−) and epithelial (ALDHhigh) cancer stem cell (CSC) populations in TNBC models. CSCs are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, relapse, resistance and diminished patient prognosis; however, due to plasticity and differential regulation, these populations remain difficult to target and continue to present a major barrier to successful therapy. TGF-β inhibition represents an intersection of two fields: cardiology and oncology. Through the inhibition of cardiomyopathy, cardiac damage and heart failure may be prevented, and through CSC targeting, patient prognoses may be improved. Together, both approaches, if successfully implemented, would target the two greatest causes of cancer-related morbidity in patients and potentially lead to a breakthrough therapy.
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Selenium, TGF-Beta and Infectious Endemic Cardiopathy: Lessons from Benchwork to Clinical Application in Chagas Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030349. [PMID: 35327541 PMCID: PMC8944995 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For over 60 years, selenium (Se) has been known as an essential microelement to many biological functions, including cardiovascular homeostasis. This review presents a compilation of studies conducted in the past 20 years related to chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, a neglected disease that represents a global burden, especially in Latin America. Experimental and clinical data indicate that Se may be used as a complementary therapy to prevent heart failure and improve heart function. Starting from the main questions “Is Se deficiency related to heart inflammation and arrhythmogenesis in CCC?” and “Could Se be recommended as a therapeutic strategy for CCC?”, we show evidence implicating the complex and multidetermined CCC physiopathology, discussing its possible interplays with the multifunctional cytokine TGF-β as regulators of immune response and fibrosis. We present two new proposals to face this global public health challenge in vulnerable populations affected by this parasitic disease: fibrosis modulation mediated by TGF-β pathways and the possible use of selenoproteins as antioxidants regulating the increased reactive oxygen stress present in CCC inflammatory environments. We assess the opportunity to consider the beneficial effects of Se in preventing heart failure as a concept to be applied for CCC patients.
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Experimental Combination Therapy with Amiodarone and Low-Dose Benznidazole in a Mouse Model of Trypanosoma cruzi Acute Infection. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0185221. [PMID: 35138142 PMCID: PMC8826820 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01852-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, affects approximately 6 to 7 million people in Latin America, with cardiomyopathy being the clinical manifestation most commonly associated with patient death during the acute phase. The etiological treatment of CD is restricted to benznidazole (Bz) and nifurtimox (Nif), which involve long periods of administration, frequent side effects, and low efficacy in the chronic phase. Thus, combined therapies emerge as an important tool in the treatment of CD, allowing the reduction of Bz dose and treatment duration. In this sense, amiodarone (AMD), the most efficient antiarrhythmic drug currently available and prescribed to CD patients, is a potential candidate for combined treatment due to its known trypanocidal activity. However, the efficacy of AMD during the acute phase of CD and its interaction with Bz or Nif are still unknown. In the present study, using a well-established murine model of the acute phase of CD, we observed that the Bz/AMD combination was more effective in reducing the peak parasitemia than both monotherapy treatments. Additionally, the Bz/AMD combination reduced (i) interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in cardiac tissue, (ii) P-wave duration, and (iii) frequency of arrhythmia in infected animals and (iv) restored gap junction integrity in cardiac tissue. Therefore, our study validates AMD as a promising candidate for combined therapy with Bz, reinforcing the strategy of combined therapy for CD. IMPORTANCE Chagas disease affects approximately 6 to 7 million people worldwide, with cardiomyopathy being the clinical manifestation that most commonly leads to patient death. The etiological treatment of Chagas disease is limited to drugs (benznidazole and nifurtimox) with relatively high toxicity and therapeutic failures. In this sense, amiodarone, the most effective currently available antiarrhythmic drug prescribed to patients with Chagas disease, is a potential candidate for combined treatment due to its known trypanocidal effect. In the present study, we show that combined treatment with benznidazole and amiodarone improves the trypanocidal effect and reduces cardiac damage in acutely T. cruzi-infected mice.
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ATAD3B and SKIL polymorphisms associated with antipsychotic-induced QTc interval change in patients with schizophrenia: a genome-wide association study. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:56. [PMID: 35136033 PMCID: PMC8825824 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01825-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
QTc interval prolongation is one of the most common antipsychotic-induced side effects which could lead to ventricular tachycardia or Torsade de Pointes, even cardiac arrest. There is very limited understanding on the genetic factors that associated with antipsychotic-induced QTc interval change. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of antipsychotic-induced QTc interval change among patients with schizophrenia. A total of 2040 patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to six groups (olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and first-generation antipsychotics; first-generation antipsychotics including haloperidol or perphenazine were also assigned randomly) and received 6-week antipsychotic treatment. We identified two novel loci (rs200050752 in ATAD3B and rs186507741 in SKIL) that were associated with antipsychotic-induced QTc interval change at a genome-wide significance level. The combination of polygenic risk score (PRS), based the GWAS of myocardial infarction from BioBank Japan project, and clinical data (sex, heart rate and QTc interval at baseline) could be applied to predict whether patients with schizophrenia have QTc interval prolongation (10 ms was applied as threshold, P < 0.001, area under the curve [AUC] was 0.797), especially for the first episode patients (P < 0.001, AUC was 0.872). We identified two loci located within genes related to mitochondrial function and cell growth and differentiation, which were both associated with schizophrenia and heart function. The combination of PRS and clinical data could predict whether patients with schizophrenia have the side effect of QTc interval prolongation, which could fundamentally guide the choice of antipsychotic in patients with schizophrenia, especially for the first-episode patients.
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Ferreira RR, Waghabi MC, Bailly S, Feige JJ, Hasslocher-Moreno AM, Saraiva RM, Araujo-Jorge TC. The Search for Biomarkers and Treatments in Chagas Disease: Insights From TGF-Beta Studies and Immunogenetics. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:767576. [PMID: 35186778 PMCID: PMC8847772 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.767576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays an important role in Chagas disease (CD), a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. In this review we revisited clinical studies in CD patients combined with in vitro and in vivo experiments, presenting three main sections: an overview of epidemiological, economic, and clinical aspects of CD and the need for new biomarkers and treatment; a brief panorama of TGF-β roles and its intracellular signaling pathways, and an update of what is known about TGF-β and Chagas disease. In in vitro assays, TGF-β increases during T. cruzi infection and modulates heart cells invasion by the parasite fostering its intracellular parasite cycle. TGF-β modulates host immune response and inflammation, increases heart fibrosis, stimulates remodeling, and slows heart conduction via gap junction modulation. TGF-β signaling inhibitors reverts these effects opening a promising therapeutic approach in pre-clinical studies. CD patients with higher TGF-β1 serum level show a worse clinical outcome, implicating a predictive value of serum TGF-β as a surrogate biomarker of clinical relevance. Moreover, pre-clinical studies in chronic T. cruzi infected mice proved that inhibition of TGF-β pathway improved several cardiac electric parameters, reversed the loss of connexin-43 enriched intercellular plaques, reduced fibrosis of the cardiac tissue, restored GATA-6 and Tbox-5 transcription, supporting cardiac recovery. Finally, TGF-β polymorphisms indicate that CD immunogenetics is at the base of this phenomenon. We searched in a Brazilian population five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (-800 G>A rs1800468, -509 C>T rs1800469, +10 T>C rs1800470, +25 G>C rs1800471, and +263 C>T rs1800472), showing that CD patients frequently express the TGF-β1 gene genotypes CT and TT at position -509, as compared to noninfected persons; similar results were observed with genotypes TC and CC at codon +10 of the TGF-β1 gene, leading to the conclusion that 509 C>T and +10 T>C TGF-β1 polymorphisms are associated with Chagas disease susceptibility. Studies in genetically different populations susceptible to CD will help to gather new insights and encourage the use of TGF-β as a CD biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LAGFB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Tania C. Araujo-Jorge, ; Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira,
| | - Mariana Caldas Waghabi
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LAGFB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sabine Bailly
- Laboratory Biology of Cancer and Infection, Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Feige
- Laboratory Biology of Cancer and Infection, Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Alejandro M. Hasslocher-Moreno
- Clinical Research Laboratory of Chagas Disease, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Disease, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Roberto M. Saraiva
- Clinical Research Laboratory of Chagas Disease, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Disease, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tania C. Araujo-Jorge
- Laboratory of Innovations in Therapies, Education and Bioproducts, Oswaldo Cruz Institute (LITEB-IOC/Fiocruz), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Tania C. Araujo-Jorge, ; Roberto Rodrigues Ferreira,
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27
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Dantas-Pereira L, Menna-Barreto R, Lannes-Vieira J. Extracellular Vesicles: Potential Role in Remote Signaling and Inflammation in Trypanosoma cruzi-Triggered Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:798054. [PMID: 34988085 PMCID: PMC8721122 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.798054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as cell communicators and immune response modulators and may be employed as disease biomarkers and drug delivery systems. In infectious diseases, EVs can be released by the pathogen itself or by the host cells (infected or uninfected), potentially impacting the outcome of the immune response and pathological processes. Chagas disease (CD) is caused by infection by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and is the main cause of heart failure in endemic areas. This illness attracted worldwide attention due to the presence of symptomatic seropositive subjects in North America, Asia, Oceania, and Europe. In the acute phase of infection, nonspecific signs, and symptoms contribute to miss diagnosis and early etiological treatment. In this phase, the immune response is crucial for parasite control; however, parasite persistence, dysregulated immune response, and intrinsic tissue factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic CD. Most seropositive subjects remain in the indeterminate chronic form, and from 30 to 40% of the subjects develop cardiac, digestive, or cardio-digestive manifestations. Identification of EVs containing T. cruzi antigens suggests that these vesicles may target host cells and regulate cellular processes and the immune response by molecular mechanisms that remain to be determined. Parasite-released EVs modulate the host-parasite interplay, stimulate intracellular parasite differentiation and survival, and promote a regulatory cytokine profile in experimental models of CD. EVs derived from the parasite-cell interaction inhibit complement-mediated parasite lysis, allowing evasion. EVs released by T. cruzi-infected cells also regulate surrounding cells, maintaining a proinflammatory profile. After a brief review of the basic features of EVs, the present study focuses on potential participation of T. cruzi-secreted EVs in cell infection and persistence of low-grade parasite load in the chronic phase of infection. We also discuss the role of EVs in shaping the host immune response and in pathogenesis and progression of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luíza Dantas-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) isoforms are upregulated and activated in myocardial diseases and have an important role in cardiac repair and remodelling, regulating the phenotype and function of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, immune cells and vascular cells. Cardiac injury triggers the generation of bioactive TGFβ from latent stores, through mechanisms involving proteases, integrins and specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Activated TGFβ signals through the SMAD intracellular effectors or through non-SMAD cascades. In the infarcted heart, the anti-inflammatory and fibroblast-activating actions of TGFβ have an important role in repair; however, excessive or prolonged TGFβ signalling accentuates adverse remodelling, contributing to cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac pressure overload also activates TGFβ cascades, which initially can have a protective role, promoting an ECM-preserving phenotype in fibroblasts and preventing the generation of injurious, pro-inflammatory ECM fragments. However, prolonged and overactive TGFβ signalling in pressure-overloaded cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts can promote cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In the atria, TGFβ-mediated fibrosis can contribute to the pathogenic substrate for atrial fibrillation. Overactive or dysregulated TGFβ responses have also been implicated in cardiac ageing and in the pathogenesis of diabetic, genetic and inflammatory cardiomyopathies. This Review summarizes the current evidence on the role of TGFβ signalling in myocardial diseases, focusing on cellular targets and molecular mechanisms, and discussing challenges and opportunities for therapeutic translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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29
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Waghabi MC, Ferreira RR, Abreu RDS, Degrave W, de Souza EM, Bailly S, Feige JJ, de Araújo-Jorge TC. Transforming growth factor-ß as a therapeutic target for the cardiac damage of Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2022; 117:e210395. [PMID: 35239842 PMCID: PMC8896758 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760210395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is deeply involved on the pathogenesis of Chagas disease. Our group has been investigating the participation of this pleiotropic cytokine in different aspects of Chagas disease over the last 20 years. Important observations have been made, such as: (i) the ability of Trypanosoma cruzi in activating latent TGF-β; (ii) the potential involvement of TGF-β pathway on T. cruzi invasion of host cells; (iii) association of TGF-β with parasite intracellular replication; (iv) cardiac fibrosis development and maintenance; (v) disruption of Connexin-43 plaque structures and (vi) inflammation and immune response. In this perspective article we intend to discuss the advances of the potential use of new therapies targeting TGF-β to treat the cardiac alterations of Chagas disease-affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sabine Bailly
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, France
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30
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Zhong C, Min K, Zhao Z, Zhang C, Gao E, Huang Y, Zhang X, Baldini M, Roy R, Yang X, Koch WJ, Bennett AM, Yu J. MAP Kinase Phosphatase-5 Deficiency Protects Against Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:790511. [PMID: 34992607 PMCID: PMC8724134 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.790511] [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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis, a pathological condition due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the myocardium, is associated with nearly all forms of heart disease. The processes and mechanisms that regulate cardiac fibrosis are not fully understood. In response to cardiac injury, macrophages undergo marked phenotypic and functional changes and act as crucial regulators of myocardial fibrotic remodeling. Here we show that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-5 (MKP-5) in macrophages is involved in pressure overload-induced cardiac fibrosis. Cardiac pressure overload resulting from transverse aortic constriction (TAC) leads to the upregulation of Mkp-5 gene expression in the heart. In mice lacking MKP-5, p38 MAPK and JNK were hyperactivated in the heart, and TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis were attenuated. MKP-5 deficiency upregulated the expression of the ECM-degrading matrix metalloproteinase-9 (Mmp-9) in the Ly6Clow (M2-type) cardiac macrophage subset. Consistent with in vivo findings, MKP-5 deficiency promoted MMP-9 expression and activity of pro-fibrotic macrophages in response to IL-4 stimulation. Furthermore, using pharmacological inhibitors against p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK, we demonstrated that MKP-5 suppresses MMP-9 expression through a combined effect of p38 MAPK/JNK/ERK, which subsequently contributes to the inhibition of ECM-degrading activity. Taken together, our study indicates that pressure overload induces MKP-5 expression and facilitates cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. MKP-5 deficiency attenuates cardiac fibrosis through MAPK-mediated regulation of MMP-9 expression in Ly6Clow cardiac macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhong
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Translational Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Kisuk Min
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Erhe Gao
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Xinbo Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Margaret Baldini
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rajika Roy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Walter J. Koch
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anton M. Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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31
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Wu J, Cao J, Fan Y, Li C, Hu X. Comprehensive analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and potential drugs in chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy across human and mouse. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:283. [PMID: 34844599 PMCID: PMC8628461 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01134-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is the leading cause of heart failure in Latin America and often causes severe inflammation and fibrosis in the heart. Studies on myocardial function and its molecular mechanisms in patients with Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy are very limited. In order to understand the development and progression of Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy and find targets for its diagnosis and treatment, the field needs to better understand the exact molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Methods The mRNA microarray datasets GSE84796 (human) and GSE24088 (mouse) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Homologous genes between the two species were identified using the online database mining tool Biomart, followed by differential expression analysis, gene enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Cytohubba plug-in of Cytoscape software was used to identify Hub gene, and miRNet was used to construct the corresponding miRNA–mRNA regulatory network. miRNA-related databases: miRDB, Targetscan and miRWalk were used to further evaluate miRNAs in the miRNA–mRNA network. Furthermore, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and L1000 Platform were used to identify hub gene-related drugs. Results A total of 86 homologous genes were significantly differentially expressed in the two datasets, including 73 genes with high expression and 13 genes with low expression. These differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the terms of innate immune response, signal transduction, protein binding, Natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, Tuberculosis, Chemokine signaling pathway, Chagas disease and PI3K−Akt signaling pathway. The top 10 hub genes LAPTM5, LCP1, HCLS1, CORO1A, CD48, TYROBP, RAC2, ARHGDIB, FERMT3 and NCF4 were identified from the PPI network. A total of 122 miRNAs were identified to target these hub genes and 30 of them regulated two or more hub genes at the same time. miRDB, Targetscan and miRWalk were further analyzed and screened out hsa-miR-34c-5p, hsa-miR-34a-5p and hsa-miR-16-5p as miRNAs regulating these hub genes. Finally, Progesterone, Flutamide, Nimesulide, Methotrexate and Temozolomide were identified to target these hub genes and might be targeted therapies for Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. Conclusions In this study, the potential genes associated with Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy are identified and a miRNA–mRNA regulatory network is constructed. This study explores the molecular mechanisms of Chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy and provides important clues for finding new therapeutic targets. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-021-01134-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahe Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianlei Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yongzhen Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenze Li
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaorong Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 169 Donghu Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430071, China. .,Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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32
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Pedra-Rezende Y, Barbosa JMC, Bombaça ACS, Dantas-Pereira L, Gibaldi D, Vilar-Pereira G, Dos Santos HAM, Ramos IP, Silva-Gomes NL, Moreira OC, Lannes-Vieira J, Menna-Barreto RFS. Physical Exercise Promotes a Reduction in Cardiac Fibrosis in the Chronic Indeterminate Form of Experimental Chagas Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:712034. [PMID: 34804007 PMCID: PMC8599157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical disease and a health problem in Latin America. Etiological treatment has limited effectiveness in chronic CD; thus, new therapeutic strategies are required. The practice of physical exercises has been widely advocated to improve the quality of life of CD patients. The most frequent clinical CD manifestation is the chronic indeterminate form (CIF), and the effect of physical exercises on disease progression remains unknown. Here, in a CIF model, we aimed to evaluate the effect of physical exercises on cardiac histological, parasitological, mitochondrial, and oxidative metabolism, electro and echocardiographic profiles, and immunological features. To establish a CIF model, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were infected with 100 and 500 trypomastigotes of the Y T. cruzi strain. At 120 days postinfection (dpi), all mouse groups showed normal PR and corrected QT intervals and QRS complexes. Compared to BALB/c mice, C57BL/6 mice showed a lower parasitemia peak, mortality rate, and less intense myocarditis. Thus, C57BL/6 mice infected with 500 parasites were used for subsequent analyses. At 120 dpi, a decrease in cardiac mitochondrial oxygen consumption and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected. When we increased the number of analyzed mice, a reduced heart rate and slightly prolonged corrected QT intervals were detected, at 120 and 150 dpi, which were then normalized at 180 dpi, thus characterizing the CIF. Y-infected mice were subjected to an exercise program on a treadmill for 4 weeks (from 150 to 180 dpi), five times per week in a 30–60-min daily training session. At 180 dpi, no alterations were detected in cardiac mitochondrial and oxidative metabolism, which were not affected by physical exercises, although ROS production increased. At 120 and 180 dpi, comparing infected and non-infected mice, no differences were observed in the levels of plasma cytokines, indicating that a crucial biomarker of the systemic inflammatory profile was absent and not affected by exercise. Compared with sedentary mice, trained Y-infected mice showed similar parasite loads and inflammatory cells but reduced cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, our data show that physical exercises promote beneficial changes that may prevent CD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Pedra-Rezende
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana M C Barbosa
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina S Bombaça
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiza Dantas-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Gibaldi
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Vilar-Pereira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Brasileiro de Medicina de Reabilitação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hílton Antônio Mata Dos Santos
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Laboratório de Análise e Desenvolvimento de Inibidores Enzimáticos e Laboratório Multiusuário de Análises por RMN, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isalira Peroba Ramos
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natália Lins Silva-Gomes
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacilio C Moreira
- Plataforma de PCR em Tempo Real RPT09A, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joseli Lannes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Biologia das Interações, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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33
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Wang X, Liu T, Huang Y, Dai Y, Lin H. Regulation of transforming growth factor-β signalling by SUMOylation and its role in fibrosis. Open Biol 2021; 11:210043. [PMID: 34753319 PMCID: PMC8580444 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an abnormal healing process that only repairs the structure of an organ after injury and does not address damaged functions. The pathogenesis of fibrosis is multifactorial and highly complex; numerous signalling pathways are involved in this process, with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway playing a central role. TGF-β regulates the generation of myofibroblasts and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating transcription and translation of downstream genes and precisely regulating fibrogenesis. The TGF-β signalling pathway can be modulated by various post-translational modifications, of which SUMOylation has been shown to play a key role. In this review, we focus on the function of SUMOylation in canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signalling and its role in fibrosis, providing promising therapeutic strategies for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Huang
- First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Dai
- Second Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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34
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Mateus J, Nocua P, Lasso P, López MC, Thomas MC, Egui A, Cuervo C, González JM, Puerta CJ, Cuéllar A. CD8 + T Cell Response Quality Is Related to Parasite Control in an Animal Model of Single and Mixed Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi Infections. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:723121. [PMID: 34712620 PMCID: PMC8546172 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.723121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease (ChD) is a chronic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This highly diverse intracellular parasite is classified into seven genotypes or discrete typing units (DTUs) and they overlap in geographic ranges, vectors, and clinical characteristics. Although studies have suggested that ChD progression is due to a decline in the immune response quality, a direct relationship between T cell responses and disease outcome is still unclear. To investigate the relationship between parasite control and immune T cell responses, we used two distinct infection approaches in an animal model to explore the histological and parasitological outcomes and dissect the T cell responses in T. cruzi-infected mice. First, we performed single infection experiments with DA (TcI) or Y (TcII) T. cruzi strains to compare the infection outcomes and evaluate its relationship with the T cell response. Second, because infections with diverse T. cruzi genotypes can occur in naturally infected individuals, mice were infected with the Y or DA strain and subsequently reinfected with the Y strain. We found different infection outcomes in the two infection approaches used. The single chronic infection showed differences in the inflammatory infiltrate level, while mixed chronic infection by different T. cruzi DTUs showed dissimilarities in the parasite loads. Chronically infected mice with a low inflammatory infiltrate (DA-infected mice) or low parasitemia and parasitism (Y/Y-infected mice) showed increases in early-differentiated CD8+ T cells, a multifunctional T cell response and lower expression of inhibitory receptors on CD8+ T cells. In contrast, infected mice with a high inflammatory infiltrate (Y-infected mice) or high parasitemia and parasitism (DA/Y-infected mice) showed a CD8+ T cell response distinguished by an increase in late-differentiated cells, a monofunctional response, and enhanced expression of inhibitory receptors. Overall, our results demonstrated that the infection outcomes caused by single or mixed T. cruzi infection with different genotypes induce a differential immune CD8+ T cell response quality. These findings suggest that the CD8+ T cell response might dictate differences in the infection outcomes at the chronic T. cruzi stage. This study shows that the T cell response quality is related to parasite control during chronic T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Mateus
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Nocua
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Lasso
- Grupo de Inmunobiología y Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Carlos López
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - M Carmen Thomas
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Adriana Egui
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Claudia Cuervo
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - John Mario González
- Grupo de Ciencias Básicas Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Concepción J Puerta
- Grupo de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Cuéllar
- Grupo de Ciencias de Laboratorio Clínico, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
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35
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Abstract
Transforming Growth Factor-β is a potent regulator of the immune system, acting at every stage from thymic differentiation, population of the periphery, control of responsiveness, tissue repair and generation of memory. It is therefore a central player in the immune response to infectious pathogens, but its contribution is often clouded by multiple roles acting on different cells in time and space. Hence, context is all-important in understanding when TGF-β is beneficial or detrimental to the outcome of infection. In this review, a full range of infectious agents from viruses to helminth parasites are explored within this framework, drawing contrasts and general conclusions about the importance of TGF-β in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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36
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Chagas disease: Immunology of the disease at a glance. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 62:15-22. [PMID: 34696979 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease is an important neglected disease that affects 6-7 million people worldwide. The disease has two phases: acute and chronic, in which there are different clinical symptoms. Controlling the infection depends on innate and acquired immune responses, which are activated during the initial infection and are critical for host survival. Furthermore, the immune system plays an important role in the therapeutic success. Here we summarize the importance of the immune system cytokines in the pathology outcome, as well as in the treatment.
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37
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Guo Y, Sun Z, Chen M, Lun J. LncRNA TUG1 Regulates Proliferation of Cardiac Fibroblast via the miR-29b-3p/TGF-β1 Axis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:646806. [PMID: 34540908 PMCID: PMC8446361 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.646806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very common clinical arrhythmia, accompanied by the overproliferation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). This study aimed to investigate the role of the long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) in the proliferation of CFs and further investigated its underlying mechanism. Methods: One hundred four paroxysmal AF patients and 94 healthy controls were recruited. Human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) were applied to establish an AF cell model through treatment with angiotensin II (AngII). qRT-PCR was used for the measurement of gene levels. The cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). Luciferase reporter assay was performed for target gene analysis. Results: Elevated levels of TUG1 and low expression of miR-29b-3p were detected in the serum of AF patients compared with the healthy controls. Pearson's correlation analysis exhibited an inverse relationship between TUG1 and miR-29b-3p expression in AF patients (r = −7.106, p < 0.001). Knockdown of TUG1 inhibited AngII-induced CF proliferation. Taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-29b-3p, and downregulation of miR-29b-3p reversed the role of TUG1 in CF proliferation. TGF-β1 is a direct target gene of miR-29b-3p. Conclusions: Long non-coding RNA taurine upregulated gene 1 is a key regulator in the occurrence of AF. Slicing TUG1 inhibits CF proliferation by regulating the miR-29b-3p/TGF-β1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Guo
- First Department of Cardiology, Changle People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Zongli Sun
- Second Department of Cardiology, Changle People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Minghe Chen
- Second Department of Cardiology, Changle People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Junjie Lun
- Department of Oncology, Changle People's Hospital, Weifang, China
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38
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Valizadeh A, Asghari S, Mansouri P, Alemi F, Majidinia M, Mahmoodpoor A, Yousefi B. The roles of signaling pathways in cardiac regeneration. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2142-2166. [PMID: 34521319 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210914115411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, knowledge of cardiac regeneration mechanisms has dramatically expanded. Regeneration can replace lost parts of organs, common among animal species. The heart is commonly considered an organ with terminal development, which has no reparability potential during post-natal life; however, some intrinsic regeneration capacity has been reported for cardiac muscle, which opens novel avenues in cardiovascular disease treatment. Different endogenous mechanisms were studied for cardiac repairing and regeneration in recent decades. Survival, proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis, cell-cell communication, cardiomyogenesis, and anti-aging pathways are the most important mechanisms that have been studied in this regard. Several in vitro and animal model studies focused on proliferation induction for cardiac regeneration reported promising results. These studies have mainly focused on promoting proliferation signaling pathways and demonstrated various signaling pathways such as Wnt, PI3K/Akt, IGF-1, TGF-β, Hippo, and VEGF signaling cardiac regeneration. Therefore, in this review, we intended to discuss the connection between different critical signaling pathways in cardiac repair and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Valizadeh
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Samira Asghari
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Parinaz Mansouri
- Students Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Forough Alemi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia. Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
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Hoffman KA, Villar MJ, Poveda C, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Tweardy DJ, Jones KM. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 Modulation of Cardiac Pathology in Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:708325. [PMID: 34504808 PMCID: PMC8421853 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.708325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) is a severe clinical manifestation that develops in 30%–40% of individuals chronically infected with the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is thus an important public health problem. Parasite persistence during chronic infection drives pathologic changes in the heart, including myocardial inflammation and progressive fibrosis, that contribute to clinical disease. Clinical manifestations of CCC span a range of symptoms, including cardiac arrhythmias, thromboembolic disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. This study aimed to investigate the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) in cardiac pathology in a mouse model of CCC. STAT3 is a known cellular mediator of collagen deposition and fibrosis. Mice were infected with T. cruzi and then treated daily from 70 to 91 days post infection (DPI) with TTI-101, a small molecule inhibitor of STAT3; benznidazole; a combination of benznidazole and TTI-101; or vehicle alone. Cardiac function was evaluated at the beginning and end of treatment by echocardiography. By the end of treatment, STAT3 inhibition with TTI-101 eliminated cardiac fibrosis and fibrosis biomarkers but increased cardiac inflammation; serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IFN−γ; cardiac gene expression of STAT1 and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB); and upregulation of IL-6 and Type I and Type II IFN responses. Concurrently, decreased heart function was measured by echocardiography and myocardial strain. These results indicate that STAT3 plays a critical role in the cardiac inflammatory–fibrotic axis during CCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyn A Hoffman
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria Jose Villar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cristina Poveda
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - David J Tweardy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine and Department of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kathryn M Jones
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Section of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, United States
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40
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Yan H, Xu J, Xu Z, Yang B, Luo P, He Q. Defining therapeutic targets for renal fibrosis: Exploiting the biology of pathogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112115. [PMID: 34488081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a failed wound-healing process of the kidney tissue after chronic, sustained injury, which is a common pathway and pathological marker of virtually every type of chronic kidney disease (CKD), regardless of cause. However, there is a lack of effective treatment specifically targeting against renal fibrosis per se to date. The main pathological feature of renal fibrosis is the massive activation and proliferation of renal fibroblasts and the excessive synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited in the renal interstitium, leading to structural damage, impairment of renal function, and eventually end-stage renal disease. In this review, we summarize recent advancements regarding the participation and interaction of many types of kidney residents and infiltrated cells during renal fibrosis, attempt to comprehensively discuss the mechanism of renal fibrosis from the cellular level and conclude by highlighting novel therapeutic targets and approaches for development of new treatments for patients with renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yan
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiangxin Xu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhifei Xu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Peihua Luo
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of Zhejiang University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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41
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Effects of TGF-β1 Receptor Inhibitor GW788388 on the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094739. [PMID: 33947038 PMCID: PMC8124410 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effectiveness of the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β) receptor inhibitor GW788388 on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) using human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) and examined the effectiveness of GW788388 on the peritoneal membrane using a peritoneal fibrosis mouse model. HPMCs were treated with TGF-β with or without GW788388. Animal experiments were conducted on male C57/BL6 mice. Peritoneal fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of chlorhexidine gluconate. GW788388 was administered by once-daily oral gavage. The morphological change, cell migration, and invasion resulted from TGF-β treatment, but these changes were attenuated by cotreatment with GW788388. TGF-β-treated HPMCs decreased the level of the epithelial cell marker and increased the levels of the mesenchymal cell markers. Cotreatment with GW788388 reversed these changes. Phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 protein levels were stimulated with TGF-β and the change was attenuated by cotreatment with GW788388. For the peritoneal fibrosis mice, thickness and collagen deposition of parietal peritoneum was increased, but this change was attenuated by cotreatment with GW788388. GW788388, an orally available potent TGF-β receptor type 1 inhibitor, effectively attenuated TGF-β-induced EMT in HPMCs. Cotreatment with GW788388 improved peritoneal thickness and fibrosis, and recovered peritoneal membrane function in a peritoneal fibrosis mouse model.
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42
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Tang B, Kang P, Zhu L, Xuan L, Wang H, Zhang H, Wang X, Xu J. Simvastatin protects heart function and myocardial energy metabolism in pulmonary arterial hypertension induced right heart failure. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2021; 53:1-12. [PMID: 33394312 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-020-09867-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The favorable effect of simvastatin on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been well defined despite the unknown etiology of PAH. However, whether simvastatin exerts similar effects on PAH induced right heart failure (RHF) remains to be determined. We aimed to investigate the function of simvastatin in PAH induced RHF. Rats in the RHF and simvastatin groups were injected intraperitoneally with monocrotaline to establish PAH-induced RHF model. The expression of miR-21-5p in rat myocardium was detected and miR-21-5p expression was inhibited using antagomiRNA. The effect of simvastatin on hemodynamic indexes, ventricular remodeling of myocardial tissues, myocardial energy metabolism, and calmodulin was explored. Dual-luciferase reporter system was used to verify the binding relationship between miR-21-5p and Smad7. In addition, the regulatory role of simvastatin in Smad7, TGFBR1 and Smad2/3 was investigated. Simvastatin treatment improved hemodynamic condition, myocardial tissue remodeling, and myocardial energy metabolism, as well as increasing calmodulin expression in rats with PAH-induced RHF. After simvastatin treatment, the expression of miR-21-5p in myocardium of rats was decreased significantly. miR-21-5p targeted Smad7 and inhibited the expression of Smad7. Compared with RHF rats, the expressions of TGFBR1 and Smad2/3 in myocardium of simvastatin-treated rats were decreased significantly. Collectively, we provided evidence that simvastatin can protect ATPase activity and maintain myocardial ATP energy reserve through the miR-21-5p/Smad/TGF-β axis, thus ameliorating PAH induced RHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Pinfang Kang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Xuan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongju Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Clinical and Basic Provincial Laboratory of Respiratory System Diseases of Anhui Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiali Xu
- Department of Paediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, No. 287, Changhuai Road, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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43
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Frohlich J, Vinciguerra M. Candidate rejuvenating factor GDF11 and tissue fibrosis: friend or foe? GeroScience 2020; 42:1475-1498. [PMID: 33025411 PMCID: PMC7732895 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-020-00279-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11 or bone morphogenetic protein 11, BMP11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is closely related to other family member-myostatin (also known as GDF8). GDF11 was firstly identified in 2004 due to its ability to rejuvenate the function of multiple organs in old mice. However, in the past few years, the heralded rejuvenating effects of GDF11 have been seriously questioned by many studies that do not support the idea that restoring levels of GDF11 in aging improves overall organ structure and function. Moreover, with increasing controversies, several other studies described the involvement of GDF11 in fibrotic processes in various organ setups. This review paper focuses on the GDF11 and its pro- or anti-fibrotic actions in major organs and tissues, with the goal to summarize our knowledge on its emerging role in regulating the progression of fibrosis in different pathological conditions, and to guide upcoming research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Frohlich
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarska 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
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44
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Development of a ultra-performance LC-MS/MS method for quantification of GW788388 and its applications in pharmacokinetic study in rats. Bioanalysis 2020; 12:1681-1688. [PMID: 33179532 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2020-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: GW788388 is a selective and orally active TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor that shows potent activity in renal fibrosis. We aimed to establish and validate a simple and sensitive ultra-performance LC-MS/MS method for the determination of GW788388 in plasma samples. Methodology & results: GW788388 in rat plasma was processed with protein precipitation method and then separated on a C18 column. The calibration curve presented a good linearity in the range of 1.0-1200 ng/ml, with satisfactory accuracy (relative error, [-17.5% < relative error <11.7%) and precision (CV <8.9%) for all quality control samples. After oral administration, GW788388 was absorbed quickly and reached a peak concentration of 595.3 ± 60.2 ng/ml after 20 min. Conclusion: The validated method provides a quantification method of GW788388 in rat plasma in detail, and can be utilized to successfully describe the pharmacokinetic profile of GW788388.
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45
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Hanna A, Humeres C, Frangogiannis NG. The role of Smad signaling cascades in cardiac fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 77:109826. [PMID: 33160018 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Most myocardial pathologic conditions are associated with cardiac fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Although replacement fibrosis plays a reparative role after myocardial infarction, excessive, unrestrained or dysregulated myocardial ECM deposition is associated with ventricular dysfunction, dysrhythmias and adverse prognosis in patients with heart failure. The members of the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β superfamily are critical regulators of cardiac repair, remodeling and fibrosis. TGF-βs are released and activated in injured tissues, bind to their receptors and transduce signals in part through activation of cascades involving a family of intracellular effectors the receptor-activated Smads (R-Smads). This review manuscript summarizes our knowledge on the role of Smad signaling cascades in cardiac fibrosis. Smad3, the best-characterized member of the family plays a critical role in activation of a myofibroblast phenotype, stimulation of ECM synthesis, integrin expression and secretion of proteases and anti-proteases. In vivo, fibroblast Smad3 signaling is critically involved in scar organization and exerts matrix-preserving actions. Although Smad2 also regulates fibroblast function in vitro, its in vivo role in rodent models of cardiac fibrosis seems more limited. Very limited information is available on the potential involvement of the Smad1/5/8 cascade in cardiac fibrosis. Dissection of the cellular actions of Smads in cardiac fibrosis, and identification of patient subsets with overactive or dysregulated myocardial Smad-dependent fibrogenic responses are critical for design of successful therapeutic strategies in patients with fibrosis-associated heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Hanna
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Claudio Humeres
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, is a common pathophysiologic companion of many different myocardial conditions. Fibrosis may reflect activation of reparative or maladaptive processes. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the main source of matrix proteins. Immune cells, vascular cells and cardiomyocytes may also acquire a fibrogenic phenotype under conditions of stress, activating fibroblast populations. Fibrogenic growth factors (such as transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factors), cytokines [including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4], and neurohumoral pathways trigger fibrogenic signalling cascades through binding to surface receptors, and activation of downstream signalling cascades. In addition, matricellular macromolecules are deposited in the remodelling myocardium and regulate matrix assembly, while modulating signal transduction cascades and protease or growth factor activity. Cardiac fibroblasts can also sense mechanical stress through mechanosensitive receptors, ion channels and integrins, activating intracellular fibrogenic cascades that contribute to fibrosis in response to pressure overload. Although subpopulations of fibroblast-like cells may exert important protective actions in both reparative and interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, ultimately fibrotic changes perturb systolic and diastolic function, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. This review article discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis in various myocardial diseases, including myocardial infarction, heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, genetic cardiomyopathies, and diabetic heart disease. Development of fibrosis-targeting therapies for patients with myocardial diseases will require not only understanding of the functional pluralism of cardiac fibroblasts and dissection of the molecular basis for fibrotic remodelling, but also appreciation of the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of fibrosis-associated myocardial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Frangogiannis
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), The Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue Forchheimer G46B, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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47
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Effect of Oral Losartan on Orthobiologics: Implications for Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Concentrate-A Rabbit Study. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197374. [PMID: 33036225 PMCID: PMC7584049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent efforts have focused on customizing orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC), to improve tissue repair. We hypothesized that oral losartan (a TGF-β1 blocker with anti-fibrotic properties) could decrease TGF-β1 levels in leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) and fibrocytes in BMC. Ten rabbits were randomized into two groups (N = 5/group): osteochondral defect + microfracture (control, group 1) and osteochondral defect + microfracture + losartan (losartan, group 2). For group 2, a dose of 10mg/kg/day of losartan was administrated orally for 12 weeks post-operatively. After 12 weeks, whole blood (WB) and bone marrow aspirate (BMA) samples were collected to process LP-PRP and BMC. TGF-β1 concentrations were measured in WB and LP-PRP with multiplex immunoassay. BMC cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry with CD31, CD44, CD45, CD34, CD146 and CD90 antibodies. There was no significant difference in TGF-β1 levels between the losartan and control group in WB or LP-PRP. In BMC, the percentage of CD31+ cells (endothelial cells) in the losartan group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.008), while the percentage of CD45+ cells (hematopoietic cells-fibrocytes) in the losartan group was significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.03).
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48
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Pérez-Mazliah D, Ward AI, Lewis MD. Host-parasite dynamics in Chagas disease from systemic to hyper-local scales. Parasite Immunol 2020; 43:e12786. [PMID: 32799361 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is a remarkably versatile parasite. It can parasitize almost any nucleated cell type and naturally infects hundreds of mammal species across much of the Americas. In humans, it is the cause of Chagas disease, a set of mainly chronic conditions predominantly affecting the heart and gastrointestinal tract, which can progress to become life threatening. Yet around two thirds of infected people are long-term asymptomatic carriers. Clinical outcomes depend on many factors, but the central determinant is the nature of the host-parasite interactions that play out over the years of chronic infection in diverse tissue environments. In this review, we aim to integrate recent developments in the understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of T. cruzi infections with established and emerging concepts in host immune responses in the corresponding phases and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damián Pérez-Mazliah
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Alexander I Ward
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Michael D Lewis
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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49
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Rada J, Donato M, Penas FN, Alba Soto C, Cevey ÁC, Pieralisi AV, Gelpi R, Mirkin GA, Goren NB. IL-10-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms Are Involved in the Cardiac Pathology Modulation Mediated by Fenofibrate in an Experimental Model of Chagas Heart Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:572178. [PMID: 33072115 PMCID: PMC7541836 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.572178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in the modulation of the immune response in many pathological conditions, including infectious diseases. Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), the etiological agent of Chagas disease, results in an ongoing inflammatory response that may cause heart dysfunction, ultimately leading to heart failure. Given its infectious and inflammatory nature, in this work we analyzed whether the lack of IL-10 hinders the anti-inflammatory effects of fenofibrate, a PPARα ligand, in a murine model of Chagas heart disease (CHD) using IL-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mice. Our results show fenofibrate was able to restore the abnormal cardiac function displayed by T. cruzi-infected mice lacking IL-10. Treatment with fenofibrate reduced creatine kinase (CK) levels in sera of IL-10 KO mice infected with T. cruzi. Moreover, although fenofibrate could not modulate the inflammatory infiltrates developing in the heart, it was able to reduce the increased collagen deposition in infected IL-10 KO mice. Regarding pro-inflammatory mediators, the most significant finding was the increase in serum IL-17. These were reduced in IL-10 KO mice upon fenofibrate treatment. In agreement with this, the expression of RORγt was reduced. Infection of IL-10 KO mice increased the expression of YmI, FIZZ and Mannose Receptor (tissue healing markers) that remained unchanged upon treatment with fenofibrate. In conclusion, our work emphasizes the role of anti-inflammatory mechanisms to ameliorate heart function in CHD and shows, for the first time, that fenofibrate attains this through IL-10-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimena Rada
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Donato
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico N Penas
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Catalina Alba Soto
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ágata C Cevey
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Azul V Pieralisi
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Gelpi
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiopatología Cardiovascular, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gerardo A Mirkin
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora B Goren
- Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA, CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Arun A, Rayford KJ, Cooley A, Rachakonda G, Villalta F, Pratap S, Lima MF, Sheibani N, Nde PN. Thrombospondin-1 Plays an Essential Role in Yes-Associated Protein Nuclear Translocation during the Early Phase of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Heart Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144912. [PMID: 32664627 PMCID: PMC7403984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. This neglected tropical disease causes severe morbidity and mortality in endemic regions. About 30% of T. cruzi infected individuals will present with cardiac complications. Invasive trypomastigotes released from infected cells can be carried in the vascular endothelial system to infect neighboring and distant cells. During the process of cellular infection, the parasite induces host cells, to increase the levels of host thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), to facilitate the process of infection. TSP-1 plays important roles in the functioning of vascular cells, including vascular endothelial cells with important implications in cardiovascular health. Many signal transduction pathways, including the yes-associated protein 1 (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator, with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling, which are upstream of TSP-1, have been linked to the pathophysiology of heart damage. The molecular mechanisms by which T. cruzi signals, and eventually infects, heart endothelial cells remain unknown. To evaluate the importance of TSP-1 expression in heart endothelial cells during the process of T. cruzi infection, we exposed heart endothelial cells prepared from Wild Type and TSP-1 Knockout mouse to invasive T. cruzi trypomastigotes at multiple time points, and evaluated changes in the hippo signaling cascade using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays. We found that the parasite turned off the hippo signaling pathway in TSP-1KO heart endothelial cells. The levels of SAV1 and MOB1A increased to a maximum of 2.70 ± 0.23 and 5.74 ± 1.45-fold at 3 and 6 h, respectively, in TSP-1KO mouse heart endothelial cells (MHEC), compared to WT MHEC, following a parasite challenge. This was accompanied by a significant continuous increase in the nuclear translocation of downstream effector molecule YAP, to a maximum mean nuclear fluorescence intensity of 10.14 ± 0.40 at 6 h, compared to wild type cells. Furthermore, we found that increased nuclear translocated YAP significantly colocalized with the transcription co-activator molecule pan-TEAD, with a maximum Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.51 ± 0.06 at 6 h, compared to YAP-Pan-TEAD colocalization in the WT MHEC, which decreased significantly, with a minimum Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.30 ± 0.01 at 6 h. Our data indicate that, during the early phase of infection, upregulated TSP-1 is essential for the regulation of the hippo signaling pathway. These studies advance our understanding of the molecular interactions occurring between heart endothelial cells and T. cruzi, in the presence and absence of TSP-1, providing insights into processes linked to parasite dissemination and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Arun
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.A.); (K.J.R.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Kayla J. Rayford
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.A.); (K.J.R.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Ayorinde Cooley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.A.); (K.J.R.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Girish Rachakonda
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.A.); (K.J.R.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Fernando Villalta
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.A.); (K.J.R.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (S.P.); (M.F.L.)
| | - Maria F. Lima
- School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (S.P.); (M.F.L.)
- Department of Molecular Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, The City College of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Nader Sheibani
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Biomedical Engineering and Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Pius N. Nde
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; (A.A.); (K.J.R.); (A.C.); (G.R.); (F.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-615-327-6997
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