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Ye L, Liu R, Li Q, Zhou C, Tan X. Dysregulated VEGF/VEGFR-2 Signaling and Plexogenic Lesions in the Embryonic Lungs of Chickens Predisposed to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4489. [PMID: 38674074 PMCID: PMC11049811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084489] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Plexiform lesions are a hallmark of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in humans and are proposed to stem from dysfunctional angioblasts. Broiler chickens (Gallus gallus) are highly susceptible to PAH, with plexiform-like lesions observed in newly hatched individuals. Here, we reported the emergence of plexiform-like lesions in the embryonic lungs of broiler chickens. Lung samples were collected from broiler chickens at embryonic day 20 (E20), hatch, and one-day-old, with PAH-resistant layer chickens as controls. Plexiform lesions consisting of CD133+/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type-2 (VEGFR-2)+ angioblasts were exclusively observed in broiler embryos and sporadically in layer embryos. Distinct gene profiles of angiogenic factors were observed between the two strains, with impaired VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling correlating with lesion development and reduced arteriogenesis. Pharmaceutical inhibition of VEGFR-2 resulted in enhanced lesion development in layer embryos. Moreover, broiler embryonic lungs displayed increased activation of HIF-1α and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), indicating a hypoxic state. Remarkably, we found a negative correlation between lung Nrf2 activation and VEGF-A and VEGFR-2 expression. In vitro studies indicated that Nrf2 overactivation restricted VEGF signaling in endothelial progenitor cells. The findings from broiler embryos suggest an association between plexiform lesion development and impaired VEGF system due to aberrant activation of Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lujie Ye
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qinghao Li
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chunzhen Zhou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xun Tan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Center for Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Potential contribution of early endothelial progenitor cell (eEPC)-to-macrophage switching in the development of pulmonary plexogenic lesion. Respir Res 2022; 23:290. [PMID: 36274148 PMCID: PMC9590182 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02210-7] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plexiform lesions, which have a dynamic appearance in structure and cellular composition, are the histological hallmark of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in humans. The pathogenesis of the lesion development remains largely unknown, although it may be related to local inflammation and dysfunction in early progenitor endothelial cells (eEPCs). We tested the hypothesis that eEPCs contribute to the development of plexiform lesions by differentiating into macrophages in the setting of chronic inflammation. Methods The eEPC markers CD133 and VEGFR-2, macrophage lineage marker mannose receptor C-type 1 (MRC1), TNFα and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in plexiform lesions in a broiler model were determined by immunohistochemistry. eEPCs derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were exposed to TNFα, and macrophage differentiation and angiogenic capacity of the cells were evaluated by phagocytotic and Matrigel plug assays, respectively. The role of Nrf2 in eEPC-to-macrophage transition as well as in MRC1 expression was also evaluated. Intratracheal installation of TNFα was conducted to determine the effect of local inflammation on the formation of plexiform lesions. Results Cells composed of the early lesions have a typical eEPC phenotype whereas those in more mature lesions display molecular and morphological characteristics of macrophages. Increased TNFα production in plexiform lesions was observed with lesion progression. In vitro studies showed that chronic TNFα challenge directed eEPCs to macrophage differentiation accompanied by hyperactivation of Nrf2, a stress-responsive transcription factor. Nrf2 activation (Keap1 knockdown) caused a marked downregulation in CD133 but upregulation in MRC1 mRNA. Dual luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that Nrf2 binds to the promoter of MRC1 to trigger its expression. In good agreement with the in vitro observation, TNFα exposure induced macrophage differentiation of eEPCs in Matrigel plugs, resulting in reduced neovascularization of the plugs. Intratracheal installation of TNFα resulted in a significant increase in plexiform lesion density. Conclusions This work provides evidence suggesting that macrophage differentiation of eEPCs resulting from chronic inflammatory stimulation contributes to the development of plexiform lesions. Given the key role of Nrf2 in the phenotypic switching of eEPCs to macrophages, targeting this molecular might be beneficial for intervention of plexiform lesions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02210-7.
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Shi H, Zhao Z, Jiang W, Zhu P, Zhou N, Huang X. A Review Into the Insights of the Role of Endothelial Progenitor Cells on Bone Biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:878697. [PMID: 35686054 PMCID: PMC9173585 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.878697] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to its important transport functions, the skeletal system is involved in complex biological activities for the regulation of blood vessels. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), as stem cells of endothelial cells (ECs), possess an effective proliferative capacity and a powerful angiogenic capacity prior to their differentiation. They demonstrate synergistic effects to promote bone regeneration and vascularization more effectively by co-culturing with multiple cells. EPCs demonstrate a significant therapeutic potential for the treatment of various bone diseases by secreting a combination of growth factors, regulating cellular functions, and promoting bone regeneration. In this review, we retrospect the definition and properties of EPCs, their interaction with mesenchymal stem cells, ECs, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells in bone regeneration, vascularization, and immunity, summarizing their mechanism of action and contribution to bone biology. Additionally, we generalized their role and potential mechanisms in the treatment of various bone diseases, possibly indicating their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henglei Shi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacia Reconstruction, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Zhenchen Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacia Reconstruction, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Weidong Jiang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacia Reconstruction, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Peiqi Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacia Reconstruction, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Nuo Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacia Reconstruction, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg Deformity, Nanning, China
| | - Xuanping Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Rehabilitation and Disease Treatment, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Craniofacia Reconstruction, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Surg Deformity, Nanning, China
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Shao F, Liu R, Tan X, Zhang Q, Ye L, Yan B, Zhuang Y, Xu J. MSC Transplantation Attenuates Inflammation, Prevents Endothelial Damage and Enhances the Angiogenic Potency of Endogenous MSCs in a Model of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2087-2101. [PMID: 35386223 PMCID: PMC8977867 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s355479] [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] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and fatal pulmonary vascular disease initiated by endothelial dysfunction. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to ameliorate PAH in various rodent models; however, these models do not recapitulate all the histopathological alterations observed in human PAH. Broiler chickens (Gallus gallus) can develop PAH spontaneously with neointimal and plexogenic arteriopathy strikingly similar to that in human patients. Herein, we examined the protective effects of MSC transplantation on the development of PAH in this avian model. Methods Mixed-sex broilers at 15 d of age were received 2×106 MSCs or PBS intravenously. One day later, birds were exposed to cool temperature with excessive salt in their drinking water to induce PAH. Cumulative morbidity from PAH and right-to-left ventricle ratio were recorded. Lung histologic features were evaluated for the presence of endothelial damage, endothelial proliferation and plexiform lesions. Expression of proinflammatory mediators and angiogenic factors in the lung was detected. Matrigel tube formation assay was performed to determine the angiogenic potential of endogenous MSCs. Results MSC administration reduced cumulative PAH morbidity and attenuated endothelial damage, plexiform lesions and production of inflammatory mediators in the lungs. No significant difference in the expression of paracrine angiogenic factors including VEGF-A and TGF-β was determined between groups, suggesting that they are not essential for the beneficial effect of MSC transplantation. Interestingly, the endogenous MSCs from birds receiving MSC transplantation demonstrated endothelial differentiatial capacity in vitro whereas those from the mock birds did not. Conclusion Our results support the therapeutic use of MSC transplantation for PAH treatment and suggest that exogenous MSCs produce beneficial effects through modulating inflammation and endogenous MSC-mediated vascular repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengjin Shao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Tan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoyan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lujie Ye
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingxuan Yan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Preventive Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhuang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxue Xu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Veterinary Medical Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China
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Shao FJ, Ying YT, Tan X, Zhang QY, Liao WT. Metabonomics Profiling Reveals Biochemical Pathways Associated with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Broiler Chickens. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3445-3453. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Jin Shao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Tian Ying
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Xun Tan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Qiao-Yan Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Ting Liao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P. R. China
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