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Hamada M, Varkoly KS, Riyadh O, Beladi R, Munuswamy-Ramanujam G, Rawls A, Wilson-Rawls J, Chen H, McFadden G, Lucas AR. Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) in Inflammation and Disease: A Unique Inflammatory Pathway Activator. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1167. [PMID: 38927374 PMCID: PMC11201033 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061167] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a unique protease binding receptor, now recognized as a key regulator of inflammation. Initially, uPA/uPAR was considered thrombolytic (clot-dissolving); however, recent studies have demonstrated its predominant immunomodulatory functions in inflammation and cancer. The uPA/uPAR complex has a multifaceted central role in both normal physiological and also pathological responses. uPAR is expressed as a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked receptor interacting with vitronectin, integrins, G protein-coupled receptors, and growth factor receptors within a large lipid raft. Through protein-to-protein interactions, cell surface uPAR modulates intracellular signaling, altering cellular adhesion and migration. The uPA/uPAR also modifies extracellular activity, activating plasminogen to form plasmin, which breaks down fibrin, dissolving clots and activating matrix metalloproteinases that lyse connective tissue, allowing immune and cancer cell invasion and releasing growth factors. uPAR is now recognized as a biomarker for inflammatory diseases and cancer; uPAR and soluble uPAR fragments (suPAR) are increased in viral sepsis (COVID-19), inflammatory bowel disease, and metastasis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, function, and current studies examining uPAR and suPAR as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Understanding uPAR is central to developing diagnostic markers and the ongoing development of antibody, small-molecule, nanogel, and virus-derived immune-modulating treatments that target uPAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Hamada
- College of Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (M.H.); (O.R.)
| | - Kyle Steven Varkoly
- Department of Internal Medicine, McLaren Macomb Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 1000 Harrington St., Mt Clemens, MI 48043, USA
| | - Omer Riyadh
- College of Medicine, Kansas City University, 1750 Independence Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA; (M.H.); (O.R.)
| | - Roxana Beladi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ascension Providence Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, 16001 W Nine Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48075, USA;
| | - Ganesh Munuswamy-Ramanujam
- Molecular Biology and Immunobiology Division, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur 603203, India;
| | - Alan Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.R.); (J.W.-R.)
| | - Jeanne Wilson-Rawls
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, 427 E Tyler Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; (A.R.); (J.W.-R.)
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Tumor Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China;
| | - Grant McFadden
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
| | - Alexandra R. Lucas
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 727 E Tyler St., Tempe, AZ 85287, USA;
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2
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Wang Q, Shao G, Zhao X, Wong HH, Chin K, Zhao M, Bai A, Bloom MS, Love ZZ, Chu CR, Cheng Z, Robinson WH. Dysregulated fibrinolysis and plasmin activation promote the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173603. [PMID: 38502232 PMCID: PMC11141881 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173603] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Joint injury is associated with risk for development of osteoarthritis (OA). Increasing evidence suggests that activation of fibrinolysis is involved in OA pathogenesis. However, the role of the fibrinolytic pathway is not well understood. Here, we showed that the fibrinolytic pathway, which includes plasminogen/plasmin, tissue plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), and the uPA receptor (uPAR), was dysregulated in human OA joints. Pharmacological inhibition of plasmin attenuated OA progression after a destabilization of the medial meniscus in a mouse model whereas genetic deficiency of plasmin activator inhibitor, or injection of plasmin, exacerbated OA. We detected increased uptake of uPA/uPAR in mouse OA joints by microPET/CT imaging. In vitro studies identified that plasmin promotes OA development through multiple mechanisms, including the degradation of lubricin and cartilage proteoglycans and induction of inflammatory and degradative mediators. We showed that uPA and uPAR produced inflammatory and degradative mediators by activating the PI3K, 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1, AKT, and ERK signaling cascades and activated matrix metalloproteinases to degrade proteoglycan. Together, we demonstrated that fibrinolysis contributes to the development of OA through multiple mechanisms and suggested that therapeutic targeting of the fibrinolysis pathway can prevent or slow development of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Guoqiang Shao
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection
- Department of Radiology, Stanford Bio-X Program, and
| | - Xiaoyi Zhao
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Heidi H Wong
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Kate Chin
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mackenzie Zhao
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Audrey Bai
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Michelle S Bloom
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Zelda Z Love
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Constance R Chu
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection
- Department of Radiology, Stanford Bio-X Program, and
| | - William H Robinson
- Division of Immunology & Rheumatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Kanno Y. The Roles of Fibrinolytic Factors in Bone Destruction Caused by Inflammation. Cells 2024; 13:516. [PMID: 38534360 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060516] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn's disease, periodontitis, and carcinoma metastasis frequently result in bone destruction. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-17 are known to influence bone loss by promoting the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. Fibrinolytic factors, such as plasminogen (Plg), plasmin, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor (uPAR), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), α2-antiplasmin (α2AP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are expressed in osteoclasts and osteoblasts and are considered essential in maintaining bone homeostasis by regulating the functions of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Additionally, fibrinolytic factors are associated with the regulation of inflammation and the immune system. This review explores the roles of fibrinolytic factors in bone destruction caused by inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Kanno
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, 97-1 Kodo Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan
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Fleischer S, Nash TR, Tamargo MA, Lock RI, Venturini G, Morsink M, Li V, Lamberti MJ, Graney PL, Liberman M, Kim Y, Zhuang RZ, Whitehead J, Friedman RA, Soni RK, Seidman JG, Seidman CE, Geraldino-Pardilla L, Winchester R, Vunjak-Novakovic G. An engineered human cardiac tissue model reveals contributions of systemic lupus erythematosus autoantibodies to myocardial injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583787. [PMID: 38559188 PMCID: PMC10979865 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogenous autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, including the heart. The mechanisms by which myocardial injury develops in SLE, however, remain poorly understood. Here we engineered human cardiac tissues and cultured them with IgG fractions containing autoantibodies from SLE patients with and without myocardial involvement. We observed unique binding patterns of IgG from two patient subgroups: (i) patients with severe myocardial inflammation exhibited enhanced binding to apoptotic cells within cardiac tissues subjected to stress, and (ii) patients with systolic dysfunction exhibited enhanced binding to the surfaces of viable cardiomyocytes. Functional assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that IgGs from patients with systolic dysfunction exerted direct effects on engineered tissues in the absence of immune cells, altering tissue cellular composition, respiration and calcium handling. Autoantibody target characterization by phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-seq) confirmed distinctive IgG profiles between patient subgroups. By coupling IgG profiling with cell surface protein analyses, we identified four pathogenic autoantibody candidates that may directly alter the function of cells within the myocardium. Taken together, these observations provide insights into the cellular processes of myocardial injury in SLE that have the potential to improve patient risk stratification and inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Trevor R Nash
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manuel A Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roberta I Lock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Margaretha Morsink
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vanessa Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan J Lamberti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pamela L Graney
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin Liberman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Youngbin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard Z Zhuang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaron Whitehead
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard A Friedman
- Biomedical Informatics Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rajesh K Soni
- Proteomics and Macromolecular Crystallography Shared Resource, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Christine E Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | | | - Robert Winchester
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia Center for Translational Immunology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Ismail A, Hayek SS. Role of Soluble Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:1797-1810. [PMID: 37948017 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is an immune-derived glycoprotein that is strongly associated with atherosclerotic disease. This review summarizes evidence on suPAR's role in CVD pathogenesis and its potential as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical, genetic, and experimental evidence supports suPAR's role as a pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis. suPAR promotes atherosclerosis through modulation of monocyte activation and function. Clinically, elevated suPAR levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk across diverse populations. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating therapies targeting suPAR signaling. Current evidence positions suPAR as a regulator of myeloid cell function that contributes to vascular inflammation and subsequent cardiovascular events. Additional research is needed to determine whether suPAR measurement can improve CVD risk prediction and enable personalized management. Overall, suPAR is a promising immune-derived biomarker and target for reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Ismail
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, CVC #2709, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Salim S Hayek
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, CVC #2709, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA.
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Tongsri P, Cheng G, Huang Z, Wang Z, Dong F, Wu Z, Kong W, Yu Y, Xu Z. Mucosal immunity and microbiota change in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gills after being challenged with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:109166. [PMID: 37844853 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory structures are crucial for vertebrate survival, as they serve not only to perform gas-exchange processes but also as entry points for opportunistic pathogens. Previous studies have demonstrated that fish contain gill mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue, and harbor a large number of commensal bacteria on their surface and contribute to maintaining fish health. However, by far, very limited information is known regarding the effects of viral infection on gill mucosal immunity and microbiota homeostasis. In this study, we conducted an infection model by bath with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and revealed a 27 % mortality rate among rainbow trout in the first two weeks after infection. Moreover, we found that diseased fish with the highest IHNV loads in gills exhibiting severe damage, as well as increased goblet cell counts in both primary lamellae (PL) and secondary lamellae (SL). Additionally, RT-qPCR and RNA-seq analyses revealed that IHNV infection induced a strong innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses. Interestingly, an antibacterial immune response was also observed, suggesting that a secondary bacterial infection occurred in trout gills after viral infection. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis of trout gills revealed a profound dysbiosis marked by a loss of beneficial taxa and expansion of pathobionts following IHNV infection. Overall, our finding demonstrates that IHNV infection induces significant changes of the microbial community in the fish respiratory surface, thus triggering local antiviral and bacterial mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pajongjit Tongsri
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Gaofeng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Fen Dong
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhengben Wu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Weiguang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yongyao Yu
- Department of Aquatic Animal Medicine, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Breeding Biotechnology and Sustainable Aquaculture, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Pi P, Zeng Z, Zeng L, Han B, Bai X, Xu S. Molecular mechanisms of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218059. [PMID: 37601070 PMCID: PMC10436482 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
As the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first broke out in Hubei Province, China, at the end of 2019. It has brought great challenges and harms to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the lungs and is mainly manifested as pulmonary disease. However, one of the biggest crises arises from the emergence of COVID-19-induced fibrosis. At present, there are still many questions about how COVID-19 induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs and how to treat and regulate its long-term effects. In addition, as an important process of fibrosis, the effect of COVID-19 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be an important factor driving PF. This review summarizes the main pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of COVID-19 related to PF. Starting with the basic mechanisms of PF, such as EMT, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, inflammation, macrophages, innate lymphoid cells, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, hedgehog pathway as well as Notch signaling. Further, we highlight the importance of COVID-19-induced EMT in the process of PF and provide an overview of the related molecular mechanisms, which will facilitate future research to propose new clinical therapeutic solutions for the treatment of COVID-19-induced PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Pi
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Liqing Zeng
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Han
- School of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Xizhe Bai
- College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shousheng Xu
- School of Sports Engineering, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Espín E, Yang C, Shannon CP, Assadian S, He D, Tebbutt SJ. Cellular and molecular biomarkers of long COVID: a scoping review. EBioMedicine 2023; 91:104552. [PMID: 37037165 PMCID: PMC10082390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-COVID (LC) encompasses diverse symptoms lasting months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms can be debilitating and affect the quality of life of individuals with LC and their families. Although the symptoms of LC are well described, the aetiology of LC remains unclear, and consequently, patients may be underdiagnosed. Identification of LC specific biomarkers is therefore paramount for the diagnosis and clinical management of the syndrome. This scoping review describes the molecular and cellular biomarkers that have been identified to date with potential use for diagnosis or prediction of LC. METHODS This review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Scoping Reviews. A search was executed in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, as well as in the grey literature for original studies, published until October 5th, 2022, reporting biomarkers identified in participants with LC symptoms (from all ages, ethnicities, and sex), with a previous infection of SARS-CoV-2. Non-English studies, cross-sectional studies, studies without a control group, and pre-prints were excluded. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies, extracted population data and associated biomarkers. FINDINGS 23 cohort studies were identified, involving 2163 LC patients [median age 51.8 years, predominantly female sex (61.10%), white (75%), and non-vaccinated (99%)]. A total of 239 candidate biomarkers were identified, consisting mainly of immune cells, immunoglobulins, cytokines, and other plasma proteins. 19 of the 239 candidate biomarkers identified were evaluated by the authors, by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. INTERPRETATION Diverse cellular and molecular biomarkers for LC have been proposed. Validation of candidate biomarkers in independent samples should be prioritized. Modest reported performance (particularly in larger studies) suggests LC may encompass many distinct aetiologies, which should be explored e.g., by stratifying by symptom clusters and/or sex. FUNDING Dr. Tebbutt has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (177747) to conduct this work. The funding source was not involved in this scoping review, or in the decision to submit this manuscript for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Espín
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chengliang Yang
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Casey P Shannon
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sara Assadian
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel He
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Scott J Tebbutt
- Prevention of Organ Failure (PROOF) Centre of Excellence, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; UBC Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Han Y, Tu L, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Dong Q, Sun Z. A New Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor‐Targeted Near‐Infrared Fluorescence (NIR) Probe for Glioma Imaging. ChemistrySelect 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202204504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Han
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Le Tu
- Key Laboratory of Pesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education College of Chemistry Central China Normal University Wuhan 430079 China
| | - Yongxue Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430022 China
| | - Qiuyu Liu
- Department of Radiology Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Qingjian Dong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
| | - Ziyan Sun
- Department of Radiology Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 China
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Liu X, Li N. New thoughts and findings on invasion and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from comparative proteomics: multi-target therapy. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03106-8. [PMID: 36745340 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03106-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks as the fourth cancer-related mortality in the world. The extremely low survival rate is closely related to early invasion and distant metastasis. However, effective target therapy for weakening its malignant behavior remains limited. Over the past decades, many proteins correlating with invasion and metastasis of PDAC have been discovered using proteomics. The discovery of these proteins gives us a deeper understanding of the invasive and migratory processes of PDAC. This review is a systemic integration of these proteomics findings over the past 10 years. The discovered proteins were typically associated with the glycolytic process, hypoxic microenvironment, post-translational modification, extracellular matrix, exosomes, cancer stem cells, and immune escape. Some proteins were found to have multiple functions, and, cooperation between different proteins in the invasive and metastatic processes was found. This cooperation, and not just single protein function, may play a more significant role in the poor prognosis of PDAC. Therefore, multi-target therapy against these cooperative networks should be a primary choice in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlu Liu
- 1st Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
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11
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A novel urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-targeted peptide-based probe for in-vivo molecular imaging of glioblastoma. Nucl Med Commun 2023; 44:142-149. [PMID: 36630218 DOI: 10.1097/mnm.0000000000001644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
AIM The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis and therapy. We herein fabricated a new type of uPAR-targeted imaging probe Al18F-NOTA-VC and preliminarily evaluated its potential application in PET imaging of the glioma model in vivo. METHODS Peptide VC was synthesized and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. The IC50 between VC/precursor NOTA-VC and uPAR was then determined before the synthesis and purification of Al18F-NOTA-VC, followed by further studies of in-vitro properties of Al18F-NOTA-VC. Meanwhile, the AE105-based probe followed a similar procedure in-vitro test. Finally, the PET imaging properties, including uPAR-targeting ability and the metabolism of Al18F-NOTA-VC, were investigated. RESULTS The VC and NOTA-VC were obtained successfully and demonstrated a good affinity with uPAR. Followed by Al18F labeling successfully, excellent properties, including the serum stability, water solubility, and specificity of Al18F-NOTA-VC, were obtained in-vitro test compared with AE105 based probe. An excellent tumor uptake and renal excretion data of Al18F-NOTA-VC were acquired from in-vivo U87MG tumor model PET imaging, consistent with the subsequent biodistribution study. CONCLUSION In addition to the excellent specificity and high tumor/normal tissue contrast for uPAR-targeted PET imaging of U87MG tumor, Al18F-NOTA-VC possessed promising clearance ability by renal system route. These excellent properties facilitated Al18F-NOTA-VC to be a promising imaging agent for uPAR high-expressing tumors and, thus, provided a paradigm for developing peptide-based probes for uPAR-associated disease diagnosis.
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The uPA/uPAR System Orchestrates the Inflammatory Response, Vascular Homeostasis, and Immune System in Fibrosis Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021796. [PMID: 36675310 PMCID: PMC9866279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are characterized by tissue overgrowth due to excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Fibrosis progression is caused by ECM overproduction and the inhibition of ECM degradation due to several events, including inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction, and immune abnormalities. Recently, it has been reported that urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR), known to be fibrinolytic factors, orchestrate the inflammatory response, vascular homeostasis, and immune homeostasis system. The uPA/uPAR system may show promise as a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases. This review considers the role of the uPA/uPAR system in the progression of fibrotic diseases.
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Sun H, Cheng R, Zhang D, Guo Y, Li F, Li Y, Li Y, Bai X, Mo J, Huang C. MIF promotes cell invasion by the LRP1-uPAR interaction in pancreatic cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1028070. [PMID: 36703790 PMCID: PMC9871987 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1028070] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by high aggressiveness and a hypoxic tumour microenvironment. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a hypoxia-related pleiotropic cytokine that plays important roles in cancer. However, its role in PDAC progression has not been fully elucidated. Methods The clinical significance of MIF and hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) in PDAC was analysed using immunohistochemical staining on PDAC tissues and data from KM-Plotter database. Spatial distribution of MIF and HIF1A gene expression was visualized by spatial transcriptomics in PDAC cell xenografts. To monitor the role of MIF in PDAC cell malignancy, immunostaining, lentivirus shRNA, migration assays, flow cytometry, transcriptomics and in vivo tumorigenicity were performed. Results The spatial distribution of MIF and HIF1A was highly correlated and that high MIF expression was associated with poor prognosis of PDAC patients. MIF knockdown impaired cell invasion, with a decrease in the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Although PLAUR transcript was not reduced, a uPAR endocytic receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), was upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels after MIF knockdown. The LRP1 antagonist RAP restored uPAR expression and invasiveness. MIF attenuated the nuclear translocation of p53, a transcriptional regulator of LRP1. Furthermore, MIF downregulation blunted the growth of PDAC cell xenografts and inhibited cell proliferation under normoxia and hypoxia. Transcriptome analysis also provided evidence for the role of MIF in cancer-associated pathways. Discussion We demonstrate a novel link between the two pro-invasive agents MIF and uPAR and explain how MIF increases PDAC cell invasion capability. This finding provides a basis for therapeutic intervention of MIF in PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhi Sun
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Runfen Cheng
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Danfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanlei Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Bai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Mo
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Chongbiao Huang, ; Jing Mo,
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Chongbiao Huang, ; Jing Mo,
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Alfieri M, Meo L, Ragno P. Posttranscriptional Regulation of the Plasminogen Activation System by Non-Coding RNA in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020962. [PMID: 36674481 PMCID: PMC9860977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Various species of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) may act as functional molecules regulating diverse biological processes. In cancer cell biology, ncRNAs include RNAs that regulate the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes through various mechanisms. The urokinase (uPA)-mediated plasminogen activation system (PAS) includes uPA, its inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 and its specific cellular receptor uPAR; their increased expression represents a negative prognostic factor in several cancers. Here, we will briefly describe the main uPA-mediated PAS components and ncRNA species; then, we will review more recent evidence of the roles that ncRNAs may play in regulating the expression and functions of uPA-mediated PAS components in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaevelina Alfieri
- Clinical Pathology, Pausilipon Hospital, A.O.R.N Santobono-Pausilipon, 80123 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigia Meo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pia Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-089-969456
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Zhan K, Wang L, Lin H, Fang X, Jia H, Ma X. Novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2023; 17:17534666231199679. [PMID: 37727063 PMCID: PMC10515606 DOI: 10.1177/17534666231199679] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The central role of inflammatory progression in the development of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in severe cases, is indisputable. However, the role of some novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19 remains controversial. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of some novel inflammatory biomarkers in the occurrence and prognosis of COVID-19. METHODS We systematically retrieved the studies related to COVID-19 and the inflammatory biomarkers of interest. The data of each biomarker in different groups were extracted, then were categorized and pooled. The standardized mean difference was chosen as an effect size measure to compare the difference between groups. RESULTS A total of 90 studies with 12,059 participants were included in this study. We found higher levels of endocan, PTX3, suPAR, sRAGE, galectin-3, and monocyte distribution width (MDW) in the COVID-19 positive groups compared to the COVID-19 negative groups. No significant differences for suPAR and galectin-3 were detected between the severe group and mild/moderate group of COVID-19. In addition, the deaths usually had higher levels of PTX3, sCD14-ST, suPAR, and MDW at admission compared to the survivors. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of endocan, galectin-3, sCD14-ST, suPAR, and MDW usually developed poorer comprehensive clinical prognoses. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this meta-analysis provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive evidence for the role of the mentioned novel inflammatory biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19, especially in evaluating death and other poor prognoses, with most biomarkers showing a better discriminatory ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegang Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- College of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Luhan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Lin
- West China School of Clinical Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Fang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Jia
- College of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Xiangyu Ma
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
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Monferrer E, Dobre O, Trujillo S, González Oliva MA, Trubert-Paneli A, Acevedo-León D, Noguera R, Salmeron-Sanchez M. Vitronectin-based hydrogels recapitulate neuroblastoma growth conditions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:988699. [PMID: 36425532 PMCID: PMC9679952 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.988699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in cancer development and the use of 3D in vitro systems that decouple different elements of this microenvironment is critical for the study of cancer progression. In neuroblastoma (NB), vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix protein, has been linked to poor prognosis and appears as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we developed hydrogels that incorporate VN into 3D polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel networks to recapitulate the native NB microenvironment. The stiffness of the VN/PEG hydrogels was modulated to be comparable to the in vivo values reported for NB tissue samples. We used SK-N-BE (2) NB cells to demonstrate that PEGylated VN promotes cell adhesion as the native protein does. Furthermore, the PEGylation of VN allows its crosslinking into the hydrogel network, providing VN retention within the hydrogels that support viable cells in 3D. Confocal imaging and ELISA assays indicate that cells secrete VN also in the hydrogels and continue to reorganize their 3D environment. Overall, the 3D VN-based PEG hydrogels recapitulate the complexity of the native tumor extracellular matrix, showing that VN-cell interaction plays a key role in NB aggressiveness, and that VN could potentially be targeted in preclinical drug studies performed on the presented hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Monferrer
- Department of Pathology Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Dobre
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Trujillo
- INM—Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | | | - Alexandre Trubert-Paneli
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Delia Acevedo-León
- Clinical Analysis Service, Hospital Universitario Dr. Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rosa Noguera
- Department of Pathology Medical School, University of Valencia-INCLIVA Biomedical Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
- Low Prevalence Tumors, Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Rosa Noguera, ; Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez,
| | - Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez
- Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment, Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rosa Noguera, ; Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez,
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Liao TH, Wu HC, Liao MT, Hu WC, Tsai KW, Lin CC, Lu KC. The Perspective of Vitamin D on suPAR-Related AKI in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810725. [PMID: 36142634 PMCID: PMC9500944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed the lives of millions of people around the world. Severe vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of death in people with COVID-19. There is growing evidence that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The kidney effects of SARS-CoV-2 are directly mediated by angiotensin 2-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors. AKI is also caused by indirect causes such as the hypercoagulable state and microvascular thrombosis. The increased release of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) from immature myeloid cells reduces plasminogen activation by the competitive inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, which results in low plasmin levels and a fibrinolytic state in COVID-19. Frequent hypercoagulability in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may exacerbate the severity of thrombosis. Versican expression in proximal tubular cells leads to the proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts through the C3a and suPAR pathways. Vitamin D attenuates the local expression of podocyte uPAR and decreases elevated circulating suPAR levels caused by systemic inflammation. This decrease preserves the function and structure of the glomerular barrier, thereby maintaining renal function. The attenuated hyperinflammatory state reduces complement activation, resulting in lower serum C3a levels. Vitamin D can also protect against COVID-19 by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, increasing ACE2 expression, and inhibiting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. We hypothesized that by reducing suPAR levels, appropriate vitamin D supplementation could prevent the progression and reduce the severity of AKI in COVID-19 patients, although the data available require further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hsien Liao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chang Wu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Min-Tser Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wang Tsai
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chieh Lin
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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The Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Contributes to cAMP-Induced Steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig Cells. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells produce androgens which are essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive functions. Steroidogenesis, as well as expression of several genes in Leydig cells, are stimulated by LH/cAMP and repressed by AMP/AMPK. One of those genes is Plau, which codes for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a secreted serine protease. The role of uPA and the regulation of Plau expression in Leydig cells remain unknown. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown, uPA was required for maximal cAMP-induced STAR and steroid hormone production in MA-10 Leydig cells. Analysis of Plau mRNA levels and promoter activity revealed that its expression is strongly induced by cAMP; this induction is blunted by AMPK. The cAMP-responsive region was located, in part, in the proximal Plau promoter that contains a species-conserved GC box at −56 bp. The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) activated the Plau promoter. Mutation of the GC box at −56 bp abolished KLF6-mediated activation and significantly reduced cAMP-induced Plau promoter activity. These data define a role for uPA in Leydig cell steroidogenesis and provide insights into the regulation of Plau gene expression in these cells.
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