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Sha X, Ye H, Wang X, Xu Z, Sun A, Xiao W, Zhang T, Yang S, Yang H. GSDMD mediated pyroptosis induced inflammation of Graves' orbitopathy via the NF-κB/ AIM2/ Caspase-1 pathway. Exp Eye Res 2024; 240:109812. [PMID: 38342335 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2024.109812] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is a key executor which triggers pyroptosis as well as an attractive checkpoint in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases but it has yet to prove its function in Graves'orbitopathy (GO). Our aim was to investigate GSDMD levels in orbital connective tissue and serum of GO patients and then assess the association between serum levels and patients' clinical activity score (CAS). Further, GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and the underlying mechanism in inflammatory pathogenesis in the cultured orbital fibroblasts (OFs) of GO patients were examined. OFs were collected after tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or interferon (IFN)-γ treatment or combination treatment at different times, and the expression of GSDMD and related molecular mechanisms were analyzed. Then, we constructed the GSDMD knockout system with siRNA and the system was further exposed to the medium with or without IFN-γ and TNF-α for a specified time. Finally, we evaluated the production of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. We found that serum GSDMD levels were elevated and positively correlated with the CAS in GO patients. Meanwhile, the expression of GSDMD and N-terminal domain (NT-GSDMD) in orbital connective tissue of GO patients was augmented. Also, increased expression of GSDMD and related pyroptosis factors was observed in vitro model of GO. We further demonstrated that GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis induced inflammation via the nuclear factor kB (NF-κB)/absent in melanoma-2 (AIM-2)/caspase-1 pathway. In addition, blocking GSDMD suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production in GO. We concluded that GSDMD may be a biomarker as well as a potential target for the evaluation and treatment of inflammation related with GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Te Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China.
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Hei X, Lin B, Wu P, Li X, Mao Z, Huang S, Zhang F, Zhou M, Ke Y, Yang H, Huang D. Lutein targeting orbital fibroblasts attenuates fibrotic and inflammatory effects in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Exp Eye Res 2023; 232:109515. [PMID: 37207866 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109515] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Lutein (LU) is a carotenoid that has recently been implicated in multiple roles in fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is particularly relevant to these pathological changes. We thus aim to probe the potential therapeutic effects of TAO in an in vitro model. We used LU pre-treating OFs derived from patients with TAO or not, then treated with TGF-β1(or IL-1β)to induce fibrosis (or inflammation). We analyzed the different expressions of related genes and proteins, and the molecular mechanism pathway on TAO OFs was screened by RNA sequencing, which is identified in vitro. We found that LU attenuates fibrotic and inflammatory effects in TAO. LU inhibited ACTA2, COL1A1, FN1, and CTGF mRNA expression and suppressed α-SMA, and FN1 protein expression induced by TGF-β1. Besides, LU suppressed OFs migration. Besides, it is shown that LU suppressed inflammation-related genes, such as IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1, and MCP-1. Moreover, LU inhibited oxidative stress induced by IL-1β, which is analyzed by DHE fluorescent probe staining. RNA sequencing suggested ERK/AP-1 pathway may be the molecular mechanism of LU protective effect on TAO, which is identified by RT-qPCR and western-blot. In summary, this study provides the first evidence that LU significantly attenuates the pathogenic manifestations of TAO by inhibiting the expression of fibrotic and inflammation-related genes and ROS produced by OFs. These data suggested that LU may be a potential medicine for TAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqing Hei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengsen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Danping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Sun A, Ye H, Xu Z, Chen J, Xiao W, Zhang T, Sha X, Bi S, Zhou T, Yang H. Serelaxin Alleviates Fibrosis in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy via the Notch Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098356. [PMID: 37176063 PMCID: PMC10179109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098356] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the late stage of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), resulting in serious complications. Effective therapeutic drugs are still lacking. We aimed to explore the mechanism of TAO fibrosis and to find a targeted drug. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed on orbital connective tissues from twelve patients with TAO and six healthy controls. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and we identified the hub gene by Cytoscape software. Additionally, the RNA sequencing results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatic prediction identified the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Further orbital connective tissue and serum samples of the TAO and control groups were collected for subsequent experiments. Histologic staining, Western blotting (WB), qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), gene overexpression through lentiviral infection or silencing gene by short interfering RNA (siRNA) were performed. We found that the relaxin signaling pathway is an important regulatory pathway in TAO fibrosis pathogenesis. Serelaxin exerts antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in TAO. Furthermore, the downstream Notch pathway was activated by serelaxin and was essential to the antifibrotic effect of serelaxin in TAO. The antifibrotic effect of serelaxin is dependent on RXFP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huijing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jingqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Te Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaotong Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shaowei Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tianyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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Metformin Attenuates Inflammation and Fibrosis in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415508. [PMID: 36555150 PMCID: PMC9778898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415508] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is still unclear, and therapeutic drugs have great limitations. As metformin has multiple therapeutic effects in many autoimmune diseases, we explored the effects of metformin on TAO in an in vitro fibroblast model. We used orbital connective tissues and fibroblasts that were obtained from TAO patients and normal controls. The activity of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the levels of inflammatory or fibrotic factors were examined by immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), cytokine quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent sssay (ELISA), IF, and western blotting (WB) were used to measure the expression of factors related to inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy. To determine the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic mechanisms of metformin, we pretreated cells with metformin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR, an AMPK activator) or compound C (CC, an AMPK inhibitor) for 24 h and used WB to verify the changes in protein levels in the AMPK/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. We determined that the low activity of AMPK in the periorbital tissue of TAO patients may be closely related to the occurrence and development of inflammation and fibrosis, and metformin exerts multiple effects by activating AMPK in TAO. Furthermore, we suggest that AMPK may be a potential target of TAO therapy.
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Wang X, Yang S, Ye H, Chen J, Shi L, Feng L, Wang X, Zhang T, Chen R, Xiao W, Yang H. Disulfiram Exerts Antiadipogenic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antifibrotic Therapeutic Effects in an In Vitro Model of Graves' Orbitopathy. Thyroid 2022; 32:294-305. [PMID: 34605662 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Adipogenesis, glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA) production, inflammation, and fibrosis are the main pathogenic mechanisms responsible for Graves' orbitopathy (GO). We hypothesized that disulfiram (DSF), an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor used to treat alcoholism, would have therapeutic effects on orbital fibroblasts (OFs) in GO. This study aimed at determining the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of DSF on these parameters. Methods: Primary cultures of OFs from six GO patients and six control subjects were established. The OFs were allowed to differentiate into adipocytes and treated with various concentrations of DSF. Lipid accumulation within the cells was evaluated by Oil Red O staining. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to measure the expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, ALDH1A1, ALDH2, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins. Apoptosis assays and reactive oxygen species levels were evaluated by flow cytometry. HA production was measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory molecules were measured by using RT-PCR after interleukin (IL)-1β stimulation with or without DSF. The mRNA expression of markers associated with fibrosis was examined by using RT-PCR after transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 stimulation with or without DSF. The wound-healing assay was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. Results: Under identical adipogenesis conditions, GO OFs effectively differentiated, while normal control (NC) OFs did not. DSF dose dependently suppressed lipid accumulation during adipogenesis in GO OFs. The expression of key adipogenic transcription factors, such as perilipin-1 (PLIN1), PPARγ (PPARG), FABP4, and c/EBPα (CEBPA), was downregulated. Further, DSF inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK by inhibiting ALDH1A1. In addition, DSF attenuated HA production and suppressed inflammatory molecule expression induced by IL-1β in GO OFs and NC OFs. The antifibrotic effects of DSF on TGF-β1 were also observed in GO OFs. Conclusions: In the current study, we provide evidence of the inhibitory effect of DSF on GO OFs adipogenesis, HA production, inflammation, and fibrosis in vitro. The results of this study are noteworthy and indicate the potential use of DSF as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenglan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lujia Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiandai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Te Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Yang S, Wang X, Xiao W, Xu Z, Ye H, Sha X, Yang H. Dihydroartemisinin Exerts Antifibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Graves' Ophthalmopathy by Targeting Orbital Fibroblasts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:891922. [PMID: 35663306 PMCID: PMC9157422 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.891922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a common orbital disease that threatens visual function and appearance. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) are considered key target and effector cells in GO. In addition, hyaluronan (HA) production, inflammation, and orbital fibrosis are intimately linked to the pathogenesis of GO. In this study, we explored the therapeutic effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an antimalarial drug, on GO-derived, primary OFs. CCK8 and EdU assays were applied to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of DHA on OFs. Wound healing assays were conducted to assess OF migration capacity, while qRT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA, and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of fibrosis-related and pro-inflammatory markers in these cells. Moreover, RNA sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DHA-treated OFs, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to explore potential mechanisms mediating the antifibrotic effect of DHA on GO-derived OFs. Results showed that DHA dose-dependently inhibited OF proliferation and downregulated, at the mRNA and protein levels, TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrosis markers, including alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Furthermore, DHA inhibited TGF-β1 induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which suggested that DHA exerted antifibrotic effects via suppression of the ERK and STAT3 signaling pathways. In addition, DHA suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-6, IL-8, CXCL-1, MCP-1, and ICAM-1, and attenuated HA production induced by IL-1β in GO-derived OFs. In conclusion, our study provides first-time evidence that DHA may significantly alleviate pathogenic manifestations of GO by inhibiting proliferation, fibrosis- and inflammation-related gene expression, and HA production in OFs. These data suggest that DHA may be a promising candidate drug for treatment of GO.
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Brovkina AF, Sychev DA, Toropova OS. [Influence of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and NR3C1 genes polymorphism on the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy]. Vestn Oftalmol 2020; 136:125-132. [PMID: 33371640 DOI: 10.17116/oftalma2020136062125] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
For more than 60 years, glucocorticoid therapy has been practically the only method for treating patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy - non-specific autoimmune inflammation of the soft tissues of the orbit. Steroid-resistant forms of this disease are known to exist. The reasons for the formation of glucocorticoid resistance are not fully understood yet. PURPOSE To study the possibilities of pharmacogenetic testing for the polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene NR3C1 and cytochrome P450 in predicting the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with edematous exophthalmos - one of the clinical forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The results of glucocorticoid therapy were analyzed in 75 patients with different clinical forms of endocrine ophthalmopathy aged 27 to 84 years. All patients underwent standard ophthalmological examination, external examination of the eye with assessment of the state of periorbital tissues, determination of the shape and size of the palpebral fissure (vertical size), position of the eye in orbit, Hertel exophthalmometry, ultrasound scanning and computed tomography of the orbits. Genetic analysis of the polymorphism of the studied genes was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR). RESULTS The study did not find patterns in the distribution of homo- and heterozygous genotypes of A6986G polymorphic markers of the CYP3A5 gene, 6 C>T intron of the CYP3A4 gene and rs6190 of the NR3C1 gene in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy and their effect on the glucocorticoid response (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Results of pharmacogenetic testing of the gene for the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 and cytochrome P450 do not provide a reliable confirmation of the influence of the polymorphism of the studied genes on the effectiveness of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with endocrine ophthalmopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Brovkina
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Sychev
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - O S Toropova
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
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Zhu L, Li S, He S, Tong Q, Wang L, Li X, Wu X, Meng Q, Jin E, Zhang C, Li T, Xu N, Huang L, Wang Y, Zhao M. The critical role of m 6A methylation in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy. EYE AND VISION 2020; 7:55. [PMID: 33292635 PMCID: PMC7708247 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-020-00221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS Surgically excised extraocular muscles from 7 patients with GO and 5 subjects without GO were used. The global m6A levels in the specimens were determined using an m6A RNA methylation quantification kit. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to analyze the molecules involved in the regulation of m6A RNA methylation and the differential expression of mRNAs between the two groups (4 eyes, respectively). The expression of m6A RNA modification genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. The functional implications of the gene alterations between the GO and control specimens were determined by Gene Ontology analysis. RESULTS The m6A level was significantly increased in the specimens of GO patients compared to the control specimens (P < 0.05). The expression of m6A methylation regulators, such as WT1 associated protein (WTAP), alkylation repair homolog protein 5 (ALKBH5), E74 like ETS transcription factor 3 (ELF3), YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2 (YTHDF2), YTHDF3 and YTH domain containing 2 (YTHDC2), was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that the most highly upregulated genes and biological pathways were related to the immune response and inflammatory processes such as lymphocyte activation, leukocyte differentiation, cytokine production and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that m6A methylation may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of GO and that targeting genes that regulate m6A methylation may provide a new therapeutic approach for GO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Siyan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Shikun He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Qizhe Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lejin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Qingyu Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Enzhong Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Tianyuan Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ningda Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lvzhen Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Mingwei Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University People's Hospital, Eye Diseases and Optometry Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Retinal and Choroid Diseases, College of Optometry, Peking University Health Science Center, Xizhimen South Street 11, Xi Cheng District, Beijing, 100044, China.
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Wu L, Zhang S, Li X, Yao J, Ling L, Huang X, Hu C, Zhang Y, Sun X, Qin B, Liu G, Zhao C. Integrative transcriptomics and proteomic analysis of extraocular muscles from patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Exp Eye Res 2020; 193:107962. [PMID: 32057773 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.107962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Our study aimed to reveal the underlying pathologic mechanisms of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) by integrative transcriptomics and proteomic analysis of extraocular muscles (EOM). The study involved 11 TAO patients (clinical activity score ≤ 2) and 11 control donors. Total RNA was extracted from EOM samples of 5 TAO patients and 5 control individuals for gene microarray analysis to reveal differentially expressed genes. Concurrently, EOM samples from 3 TAO patients and 3 control individuals were lysed for quantitative proteomic analysis. Differentially expressed genes and proteins were identified, followed by functional and pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network construction. Concordance between proteins and transcripts was examined, and functional annotations were conducted. Expressions of versican (VCAN) and lipocalin 1 (LCN1) in EOM samples from another 3 TAO patients and 3 control individuals were measured by western blotting. In total, 952 genes and 137 proteins were identified as differentially expressed, as well as 96 differentially expressed proteins without significantly changed mRNA abundance. Proteins mainly related to the composition (such as MYH1, MYH2, and MYH13) and contraction force (MYH3, MYH8, ACTN3, and TNNT1) of the muscle fibers were significantly up-regulated in EOM samples of TAO, as well as those (such as VCAN, MPZ, and PTPRC) associated with cell adhesion. In addition, differentially expressed proteins related to the components and metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) (such as COL1A1, COL1A2, COL2A1, VCAN, OGN, and DCN) were identified. Similarly, expressions of genes involved in cell adhesion and ECM metabolism were significantly different between EOM samples of TAO patients and controls. Western blotting verified that VCAN involved in ECM proteoglycans and diseases associated with glycosaminoglycan metabolism was markedly higher in EOM samples of TAO, whereas LCN1 was obviously decreased. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the significantly altered cellular components of EOM, muscle contraction, cell adhesion and ECM metabolism, which might be involved in the pathologic mechanisms and/or consequences of TAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianqun Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Shujie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuyi Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jing Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Ling
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunchun Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiantao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmolgoy, Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, 255 Gangdu Road, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bing Qin
- Department of Ophthalmolgoy, Suqian First Hospital, 120 Suzhi Road, Suqian, China
| | - Guohua Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, 430 Jingshi Road, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Myopia, Ministry of Health, Fudan University, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Virakul S, Somparn P, Pisitkun T, van der Spek PJ, Dalm VASH, Paridaens D, van Hagen PM, Hirankarn N, Palaga T, Dik WA. Integrative Analysis of Proteomics and DNA Methylation in Orbital Fibroblasts From Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:619989. [PMID: 33658982 PMCID: PMC7919747 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.619989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is a frequent extrathyroidal complication of Graves' hyperthyroidism. Orbital fibroblasts contribute to both orbital tissue inflammation and remodeling in GO, and as such are crucial cellular elements in active GO and inactive GO. However, so far it is largely unknown whether GO disease progression is associated with functional reprogramming of the orbital fibroblast effector function. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare both the proteome and global DNA methylation patterns between orbital fibroblasts isolated from active GO, inactive GO and healthy controls. METHODS Orbital fibroblasts from inactive GO (n=5), active GO (n=4) and controls (n=5) were cultured and total protein and DNA was isolated. Labelled and fractionated proteins were analyzed with a liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD022257. Furthermore, bisulphite-treated DNA was analyzed for methylation pattern with the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450K beadchip. In addition, RNA was isolated from the orbital fibroblasts for real-time quantitative (RQ)-PCR. Network and pathway analyses were performed. RESULTS Orbital fibroblasts from active GO displayed overexpression of proteins that are typically involved in inflammation, cellular proliferation, hyaluronan synthesis and adipogenesis, while various proteins associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) biology and fibrotic disease, were typically overexpressed in orbital fibroblasts from inactive GO. Moreover, orbital fibroblasts from active GO displayed hypermethylation of genes that linked to inflammation and hypomethylated genes that linked to adipogenesis and autoimmunity. Further analysis revealed networks that contained molecules to which both hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes were linked, including NF-κB, ERK1/2, Alp, RNA polymerase II, Akt and IFNα. In addition, NF-κB, Akt and IFNα were also identified in networks that were derived from the differentially expressed proteins. Generally, poor correlation between protein expression, DNA methylation and mRNA expression was observed. CONCLUSIONS Both the proteomics and DNA methylation data support that orbital fibroblasts from active GO are involved in inflammation, adipogenesis, and glycosaminoglycan production, while orbital fibroblasts from inactive disease are more skewed towards an active role in extracellular matrix remodeling. This switch in orbital fibroblast effector function may have therapeutic implications and further studies into the underlying mechanism are thus warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Virakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poorichaya Somparn
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Translational Research in Inflammation and Immunology Research Unit (TRIRU), Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Peter J. van der Spek
- Department of Bioinformatics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Virgil A. S. H. Dalm
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dion Paridaens
- Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - P. Martin van Hagen
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Rotterdam Eye Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nattiya Hirankarn
- Center of Excellence in Immunology and Immune Mediated Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanapat Palaga
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Willem A. Dik
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medical Immunology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Willem A. Dik,
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11
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Tao W, Ayala-Haedo JA, Field MG, Pelaez D, Wester ST. RNA-Sequencing Gene Expression Profiling of Orbital Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Population Implicate HOX Genes and WNT Signaling Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:6146-6158. [PMID: 29214313 PMCID: PMC5718600 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize the intrinsic cellular properties of orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC) from patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and healthy controls. Methods Orbital adipose tissue was collected from a total of nine patients: four controls and five patients with TAO. Isolated OASC were characterized with mesenchymal stem cell-specific markers. Orbital adipose-derived stem cells were differentiated into three lineages: chondrocytes, osteocytes, and adipocytes. Reverse transcription PCR of genes involved in the adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis pathways were selected to assay the differentiation capacities. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was performed and results were compared to assess for differences in gene expression between TAO and controls. Selected top-ranked results were confirmed by RT-PCR. Results Orbital adipose-derived stem cells isolated from orbital fat expressed high levels of mesenchymal stem cell markers, but low levels of the pluripotent stem cell markers. Orbital adipose-derived stem cells isolated from TAO patients exhibited an increase in adipogenesis, and a decrease in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. RNA-seq disclosed 54 differentially expressed genes. In TAO OASC, expression of early neural crest progenitor marker (WNT signaling, ZIC genes and MSX2) was lost. Meanwhile, ectopic expression of HOXB2 and HOXB3 was found in the OASC from TAO. Conclusion Our results suggest that there are intrinsic genetic and cellular differences in the OASC populations derived from TAO patients. The upregulation in adipogenesis in OASC of TAO may be is consistent with the clinical phenotype. Downregulation of early neural crest markers and ectopic expression of HOXB2 and HOXB3 in TAO OASC demonstrate dysregulation of developmental and tissue patterning pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wensi Tao
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Juan A. Ayala-Haedo
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Matthew G. Field
- The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Daniel Pelaez
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Sara T. Wester
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
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