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Pickett JR, Wu Y, Zacchi LF, Ta HT. Targeting endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in atherosclerosis: drug discovery and development of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1-directed novel therapeutics. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:2278-2293. [PMID: 37595265 PMCID: PMC10597632 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvad130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) has been well established as a critical contributor to atherosclerosis and consequently as an attractive therapeutic target for anti-atherosclerotic drug candidates. Many publications have demonstrated that disrupting the VCAM-1 function blocks monocyte infiltration into the sub-endothelial space, which effectively prevents macrophage maturation and foam cell transformation necessary for atherosclerotic lesion formation. Currently, most VCAM-1-inhibiting drug candidates in pre-clinical and clinical testing do not directly target VCAM-1 itself but rather down-regulate its expression by inhibiting upstream cytokines and transcriptional regulators. However, the pleiotropic nature of these regulators within innate immunity means that optimizing dosage to a level that suppresses pathological activity while preserving normal physiological function is extremely challenging and oftentimes infeasible. In recent years, highly specific pharmacological strategies that selectively inhibit VCAM-1 function have emerged, particularly peptide- and antibody-based novel therapeutics. Studies in such VCAM-1-directed therapies so far remain scarce and are limited by the constraints of current experimental atherosclerosis models in accurately representing the complex pathophysiology of the disease. This has prompted the need for a comprehensive review that recounts the evolution of VCAM-1-directed pharmaceuticals and addresses the current challenges in novel anti-atherosclerotic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Pickett
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Yuao Wu
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Lucia F Zacchi
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hang T Ta
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Kessels Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
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The Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Tongluo Decoction on Spinal Cord Microglia Activation and ASK1-MKK3-p38 Signal Pathway in Rats with Diabetic Neuropathic Pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:2408265. [PMID: 35646150 PMCID: PMC9135525 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2408265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is one of the most common chronic peripheral neuropathies in diabetes mellitus (DM). Objective. To observe the underlying mechanism of the effects of Yiqi Huoxue Tongluo Decoction (YQHX) on DNP rats. Methods. SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to prepare DNP models and were treated with YQHX for 8 weeks. Results. Studies have shown that the drug restores some levels of MWT, TWL, and MNCV, downregulates the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, downregulates the levels of ASK1-MKK3-p38, and weakens the level of OX42 activation. Conclusion. Yiqi Huoxue Tongluo Decoction can relieve DNP by affecting the activity of spinal cord microglia and the ASK1-MKK3-p38 signaling pathway, thereby reducing the central sensitization caused by the inflammatory response of DNP rats.
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Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Atherosclerosis via RAGE/TLR4 Signaling Mediated-M1 Macrophage Polarization-Dependent Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotypic Conversion. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9763377. [PMID: 35069982 PMCID: PMC8776434 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9763377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the involved mechanisms of advanced glycation end product- (AGE-) exacerbated atherosclerosis (AS). Methods. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor was administrated to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) AS rats. Atherosclerotic plaque, M1 macrophage infiltration, and VSMCs phenotypes were evaluated. AGE-exposed primary macrophages were treated with specific siRNAs knocking down receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and TLR4. Phenotypes of M1 macrophage and VSMCs were identified by fluorescent stains. Contact and noncontact coculture models were established. VSMCs and macrophages were cocultured in these models. ELISA was used to detect inflammatory cytokine concentrations. Relative mRNA expression levels were determined by real-time PCR. Relative protein expression and phosphorylation levels were evaluated by Western blots assays. Results. TLR4 inhibitor treatment significantly reduced arterial stenosis, infiltration of M1 polarized macrophages, and contractile-to-synthetic phenotype conversion of VSMCs in DM AS animals. RAGE and TLR4 silencing dramatically reduced AGE-induced macrophage M1 polarization, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and RAGE/TLR4/forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2)/signaling which inhibited delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) expression in macrophages. AGE-treated macrophages induced VSMC phenotypic conversion via activating Notch pathway in a contact coculture model rather than a noncontact model. The VSMC phenotypic conversion induction capability of macrophages was attenuated by RAGE and TLR4 silencing. Conclusions. AGEs induced activation of RAGE/TLR4/FOXC2 signaling, which featured macrophage with Dll4 high expression during M1 polarization. These macrophages promoted contractile-synthetic phenotypic conversion of VSMCs through the Dll4/Notch pathway after direct cell-to-cell contacts.
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Furuta K, Guo Q, Pavelko KD, Lee JH, Robertson KD, Nakao Y, Melek J, Shah VH, Hirsova P, Ibrahim SH. Lipid-induced endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 promotes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis pathogenesis. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:143690. [PMID: 33476308 PMCID: PMC7954604 DOI: 10.1172/jci143690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocyte homing to the liver and adhesion to the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are key elements in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pathogenesis. We reported previously that VCAM-1 mediates monocyte adhesion to LSECs. However, the pathogenic role of VCAM-1 in NASH is unclear. Herein, we report that VCAM-1 was a top upregulated adhesion molecule in the NASH mouse liver transcriptome. Open chromatin landscape profiling combined with genome-wide transcriptome analysis showed robust transcriptional upregulation of LSEC VCAM-1 in murine NASH. Moreover, LSEC VCAM-1 expression was significantly increased in human NASH. LSEC VCAM-1 expression was upregulated by palmitate treatment in vitro and reduced with inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase (MAP3K) mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3). Likewise, LSEC VCAM-1 expression was reduced in the Mlk3-/- mice with diet-induced NASH. Furthermore, VCAM-1 neutralizing Ab or pharmacological inhibition attenuated diet-induced NASH in mice, mainly via reducing the proinflammatory monocyte hepatic population as examined by mass cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF). Moreover, endothelium-specific Vcam1 knockout mice were also protected against NASH. In summary, lipotoxic stress enhances the expression of LSEC VCAM-1, in part, through MLK3 signaling. Inhibition of VCAM-1 was salutary in murine NASH and might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for human NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong-Heon Lee
- Division of Experimental Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and
| | - Keith D Robertson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Jan Melek
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | | | | | - Samar H Ibrahim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.,Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Li G, Qi W, Li X, Zhao J, Luo M, Chen J. Recent Advances in c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:607-627. [PMID: 32039671 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200210144114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNKs), members of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, play a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer, inflammation, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, JNKs represent new and excellent target by therapeutic agents. Many JNK inhibitors based on different molecular scaffolds have been discovered in the past decade. However, only a few of them have advanced to clinical trials. The major obstacle for the development of JNK inhibitors as therapeutic agents is the JNKisoform selectivity. In this review, we describe the recent development of JNK inhibitors, including ATP competitive and ATP non-competitive (allosteric) inhibitors, bidentatebinding inhibitors and dual inhibitors, the challenges, and the future direction of JNK inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
| | - Wenqing Qi
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN 38105, United States
| | - Xiaoxun Li
- Chengdu Easton Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jinwu Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Songshan Lake Science and Technology Industry Park, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Meihua Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
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Zhao L, Cai H, Tang Z, Cui Q, Liu Z, Lu S. Matrine suppresses advanced glycation end products-induced human coronary smooth muscle cells phenotype conversion by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent Notch signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173257. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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ASK1 inhibition: a therapeutic strategy with multi-system benefits. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:335-348. [PMID: 32060587 PMCID: PMC7080683 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01878-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38α and β) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1, 2, and 3) are key mediators of the cellular stress response. However, prolonged P38 and JNK signalling is associated with damaging inflammatory responses, reactive oxygen species-induced cell death, and fibrosis in multiple tissues, such as the kidney, liver, central nervous system, and cardiopulmonary systems. These responses are associated with many human diseases, including arthritis, dementia, and multiple organ dysfunctions. Attempts to prevent P38- and JNK-mediated disease using small molecule inhibitors of P38 or JNK have generally been unsuccessful. However, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), an upstream regulator of P38 and JNK, has emerged as an alternative drug target for limiting P38- and JNK-mediated disease. Within this review, we compile the evidence that ASK1 mediates damaging cellular responses via prolonged P38 or JNK activation. We discuss the potential benefits of ASK1 inhibition as a therapeutic and summarise the studies that have tested the effects of ASK1 inhibition in cell and animal disease models, in addition to human clinical trials for a variety of disorders.
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Dong N, Xu X, Xue C, Wang C, Li X, Bi C, Shan A. Ethyl pyruvate inhibits LPS induced IPEC-J2 inflammation and apoptosis through p38 and ERK1/2 pathways. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2614-2628. [PMID: 31475609 PMCID: PMC6773235 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1653106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria threatens the intestinal health of livestock. Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has been shown to regulate intestinal immunity and protect against cell and tissue damage. In this study, it was first verified that EP could reduce the secretion of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells. Then, we used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of inflammatory factors induced by LPS in IPEC-J2 cells. It was found that LPS induced the upregulation of 377 genes and the downregulation of 477 genes compared to Vehicle; LPS+EP induced the upregulation of 258 genes and the downregulation of 240 genes compared to Vehicle; and LPS+EP induced the upregulation of 373 genes and the downregulation of 188 genes compared to LPS (fold change > 1.5 and FDR < 0.01). Their enrichment pathways included the MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and other pathways. Furthermore, the mRNA level of cytokines associated with inflammation and apoptosis enriched in the MAPK pathway was verified by qRT-PCR. Western blots and immunofluorescence revealed that EP significantly inhibited phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein expression levels (P < 0.05). The apoptosis due to LPS reduced by EP was significantly inhibited, as shown by Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. According to the results, EP inhibited the expression of IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β as well as apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 in LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Dong
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xinyao Xu
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Xue
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chensi Wang
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xinran Li
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chongpeng Bi
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- From the Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
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