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Liu P, Li S, Tang L. Nerve Growth Factor: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Lung Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179112. [PMID: 34502019 PMCID: PMC8430922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The lungs play a very important role in the human respiratory system. However, many factors can destroy the structure of the lung, causing several lung diseases and, often, serious damage to people's health. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide which is widely expressed in lung tissues. Under different microenvironments, NGF participates in the occurrence and development of lung diseases by changing protein expression levels and mediating cell function. In this review, we summarize the functions of NGF as well as some potential underlying mechanisms in pulmonary fibrosis (PF), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), pulmonary hypertension (PH), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Furthermore, we highlight that anti-NGF may be used in future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piaoyang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China;
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China;
- Correspondence: (S.L.); (L.T.)
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Liu T, Xu P, Qi S, Ke S, Hu Q, Zhao P, Li J. Network Pharmacology-Based Mechanistic Investigation of Jinshui Huanxian Formula Acting on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:8634705. [PMID: 34306156 PMCID: PMC8279870 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8634705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic respiratory disease with high incidence, morbidity, and mortality rates. Jinshui Huanxian formula (JHF) is an empirical formula that targets the pathogenesis of lung-kidney qi deficiency and phlegm-blood stasis in pulmonary fibrosis (PF). The purpose of this study was to explore JHF's potential pharmacological mechanisms in IPF therapy using network intersection analysis. JHF's primary active components and corresponding target genes were predicted using various databases. Two sets of IPF disease genes were obtained from the DisGeNET and GEO databases and two sets of IPF drug targets were collected. The disease and drug target genes were analyzed. The JHF target genes that intersected with IPF's differentially expressed genes were identified to predict JHF's targets of action in IPF. The functions and pathways of predicted targets acting on IPF were analyzed using the DAVID and KEGG pathway databases. Finally, the resulting drug target mechanisms were validated in a rat model of PF. The initial analyses identified 494 active compounds and 1,304 corresponding targets for JHF. The intersection analysis revealed four common genes for the JHF targets, IPF disease, and anti-IPF drugs in the KEGG database. Furthermore, these genes were targeted by several JHF compounds. Seventy-two JHF targets were closely related to IPF, which suggests that they are therapeutically relevant. Target screening revealed that they regulate IPF through 18 pathways. The targets' molecular functions included regulation of oxidoreductase activity, kinase regulator activity, phosphotransferase activity, and transmembrane receptor protein kinase activity. In vivo experiments showed that JHF alleviated the degree of PF, including decreases in collagen deposition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This study systematically explored JHF's mechanisms to identify the specific target pathways involved in IPF. The generated pharmacological network, paired with in vivo validation, elucidates the potential roles and mechanisms of JHF in IPF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Pengli Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Shuishui Qi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Shaorui Ke
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Qin Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
- Co-Construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou 450046, Henan, China
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Springer J, Scholz FR, Peiser C, Dinh QT, Fischer A, Quarcoo D, Groneberg DA. Transcriptional down-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Occup Med Toxicol 2013; 8:29. [PMID: 24138793 PMCID: PMC4015747 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-8-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco is a leading environmental factor in the initiation of respiratory diseases and causes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family members are involved in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases and SOCS-3 has been shown to play an important role in the regulation, onset and maintenance of airway allergic inflammation indicating that SOCS-3 displays a potential therapeutic target for anti-inflammatory respiratory drugs development. Since chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also characterized by inflammatory changes and airflow limitation, the present study assessed the transcriptional expression of SOCS-3 in COPD. METHODS Real-time PCR was performed to assess quantitative changes in bronchial biopsies of COPD patients in comparison to unaffected controls. RESULTS SOCS-3 was significantly down-regulated in COPD at the transcriptional level while SOCS-4 and SOCS-5 displayed no change. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that the presently observed inhibition of SOCS-3 mRNA expression may be related to the dysbalance of cytokine signaling observed in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Springer
- Allergy-Centre-Charité, Pneumology and Immunology, Charité – Unversitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, Berlin D-13353, Germany
- Division of Applied Cachexia Research, Dept. of Medicine, Charité – Unversitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt-University, Berlin D-13353, Germany
| | - Frank R Scholz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Charité – Unversitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, Berlin D-13353, Germany
| | - Christian Peiser
- Allergy-Centre-Charité, Pneumology and Immunology, Charité – Unversitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, Berlin D-13353, Germany
| | - Q Thai Dinh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School of Hannover, Hannover D-30625, Germany
| | - Axel Fischer
- Allergy-Centre-Charité, Pneumology and Immunology, Charité – Unversitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, Berlin D-13353, Germany
| | - David Quarcoo
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
| | - David A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt 60590, Germany
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Avcuoglu S, Wygrecka M, Marsh LM, Günther A, Seeger W, Weissmann N, Fink L, Morty RE, Kwapiszewska G. Neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor B/neurotrophin 4 signaling axis is perturbed in clinical and experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2011; 45:768-80. [PMID: 21330466 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0195oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophins (NTs) are emerging as exciting new participants in normal lung physiology, as well as in several pathological processes in diseased lungs. In this study, the increased expression of NT4/5 and of its cognate receptor, the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor Type 2 (TrkB), was observed in human lungs explanted from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and in lungs from mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The expression of NT4/5 and TrkB localized to hyperplastic alveolar Type II cells (ATII) and fibroblastic foci in affected lungs. Increased concentrations of NT4/5 and TrkB were evident in ATII isolated from the lungs of bleomycin-treated mice. Primary ATII were shown to secrete NT4/5 into the cell culture medium. The profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1, stimulated TrkB, but not NT4/5 gene expression, suggesting that perturbed profibrotic growth factor signaling in affected lungs may drive the expression of TrkB. NT4/5 enhanced the proliferation of ATII through a TrkB/extracellular-regulated kinase/protein kinase B pathway, and could also drive the proliferation of primary human and murine lung fibroblasts, through TrkB-dependent and protein kinase B-dependent pathways. Taken together, these data suggest that a dysregulated TrkB/NT4/5 axis may contribute to several of the pathological lesions associated with pulmonary fibrosis, including ATII hyperplasia and the proliferation of fibroblasts, and we would add IPF to the list of disorders, such as pain and cancer, for which therapeutic targeting of the TrkB/neurotrophin axis has been proposed for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Avcuoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Giessen Lung Center, Justus Liebig University, Klinikstrasse 36, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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García-Suárez O, Pérez-Pinera P, Laurà R, Germana A, Esteban I, Cabo R, Silos-Santiago I, Cobo JL, Vega JA. TrkB is necessary for the normal development of the lung. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 167:281-91. [PMID: 19523540 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Normal development of the lung requires coordinated activation of cascades of signaling pathways initiated by growth factors signaling through their receptors. TrkB and its ligands, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-4, belong to the neurotrophin family of growth factors, which are expressed in a large variety of non-neuronal tissues including the lung. Aberrant neurotrophin signaling underlies the pathogenesis of several lung-related pathologies, including asthma and lung cancer, however, little is known about the role of neurotrophins in the embryonic development of the lung. To fill this gap in knowledge, we analyzed the pattern of TrkB expression in the murine lung and we observed that TrkB is expressed in alveolar macrophages, type II pneumocytes, neuroepithelial bodies and nerves. Analysis of the structure of lung from mice deficient in TrkB revealed that absence of TrkB signaling results in thinner bronchial epithelium and apparent larger air space, and, more importantly, lack of neuroepithelial bodies, an important reduction in the density of nerve fibres in the bronchial smooth muscle, submucous plexus in bronchioles, and pulmonary artery walls. These findings suggest TrkB is essential for the normal development of the lung and the nervous system in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- O García-Suárez
- Departamentos de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, C/Julián Claveria s/n, Oviedo, Spain
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Groneberg DA, Fischer TC, Peckenschneider N, Noga O, Dinh QT, Welte T, Welker P. Cell type-specific regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in states of allergic inflammation. Clin Exp Allergy 2007; 37:1386-91. [PMID: 17845420 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2007.02790.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a molecule influencing neuronal proliferation and differentiation. In states of allergy, it may orchestrate inflammatory changes by linking the immune system with the nervous system. Because the precise regulation of gene transcription in mast cells MCs is not clear, the present studies assessed the gene regulation of BDNF in this inflammatory cell type. METHODS Transcriptional expression of BDNF in human skin was studied in isolated cells using RT-PCR. In situ lesional MC BDNF protein expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and related to the differential staining of MCs and functional effects of BDNF on HaCaT keratinocytes. RESULTS BDNF mRNA expression was found in isolated human skin MCs, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. Also, low levels were found in endothelial cells and melanocytes. BDNF protein expression was found in situ in lesional and non-lesional MCs. A significantly decreased expression of BDNF protein was found in atopic dermatitis lesional MCs when compared with control MC expression. Functional in vitro experiments demonstrated that a decrease in BDNF stimulation led to increased secretion rates for stem cell factor and IL-8 in HaCaT keratinocytes. CONCLUSION The demonstration of a decreased level of BDNF gene transcription in lesional MCs points to a differential regulation of MC-released neutrotrophins in cutaneous allergic inflammation. Topically administered neurotrophin receptor-modulating compounds should be receptor target specific and not universally acting in diseases such as atopic dermatitis or allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Groneberg
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
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Hooda J, Bednarski D, Irish L, Firestine SM. Synthesis and testing of a triaza-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene scaffold as a DNA binding agent. Bioorg Med Chem 2006; 14:1902-9. [PMID: 16298133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2005.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2004] [Revised: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 10/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A novel DNA binding agent based upon a triaza-cyclopenta[b]phenanthrene scaffold, compound 1, has been synthesized. dsDNA binding analysis of this compound using the ethidium bromide displacement assay indicated a preference for GC-rich sequences. However, equilibrium dialysis experiments against a variety of nucleic acids showed that the target compound bound about 20-fold tighter to G-quartet DNA than to dsDNA under physiological salt concentrations. The binding of 1 to G-quartet DNA was verified by the ability of the compound to promote the formation of the quartet and to compete with TmPyP4 for binding to the quadruplex. Given the importance of G-quartet binding agents in the treatment of cancer and in the understanding of drug-DNA interactions, 1 and its related analogs should find utility as a new class of G-quartet specific agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaipal Hooda
- Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Kemi C, Grunewald J, Eklund A, Olgart Höglund C. Differential regulation of neurotrophin expression in human bronchial smooth muscle cells. Respir Res 2006; 7:18. [PMID: 16441896 PMCID: PMC1386667 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-7-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2005] [Accepted: 01/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMC) may regulate airway inflammation by secreting cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. The neurotrophins, including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), have been shown to be elevated during airway inflammation and evoke airway hyperresponsiveness. We studied if HBSMC may be a source of NGF, BDNF and NT-3, and if so, how inflammatory cytokines may influence their production. Methods Basal and cytokine (IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-4)-stimulated neurotrophin expression in HBSMC cultured in vitro was quantified. The mRNA expression was quantified by real-time RT-PCR and the protein secretion into the cell culture medium by ELISA. Results We observed a constitutive NGF, BDNF and NT-3 expression. IL-1β stimulated a transient increase of NGF, while the increase of BDNF had a later onset and was more sustained. COX-inhibitors (indomethacin and NS-398) markedly decreased IL-1β-stimulated secretion of BDNF, but not IL-1β-stimulated NGF secretion. IFN-γ increased NGF expression, down-regulated BDNF expression and synergistically enhanced IL-1β-stimulated NGF expression. In contrast, IL-4 had no effect on basal NGF and BDNF expression, but decreased IL-1β-stimulated NGF expression. NT-3 was not altered by the tested cytokines. Conclusion Taken together, our data indicate that, in addition to the contractile capacity, HBSMC can express NGF, BDNF and NT-3. The expression of these neurotrophins may be differently regulated by inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a dynamic interplay that might have a potential role in airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Kemi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Research Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Grunewald
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Research Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Eklund
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Research Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Olgart Höglund
- Department of Medicine, Division of Respiratory Medicine, Lung Research Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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