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Hoffmann MH, Kirchner H, Krönke G, Riemekasten G, Bonelli M. Inflammatory tissue priming: novel insights and therapeutic opportunities for inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:1233-1253. [PMID: 38702177 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224092] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Due to optimised treatment strategies and the availability of new therapies during the last decades, formerly devastating chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis (SSc) have become less menacing. However, in many patients, even state-of-the-art treatment cannot induce remission. Moreover, the risk for flares strongly increases once anti-inflammatory therapy is tapered or withdrawn, suggesting that underlying pathological processes remain active even in the absence of overt inflammation. It has become evident that tissues have the ability to remember past encounters with pathogens, wounds and other irritants, and to react more strongly and/or persistently to the next occurrence. This priming of the tissue bears a paramount role in defence from microbes, but on the other hand drives inflammatory pathologies (the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde aspect of tissue adaptation). Emerging evidence suggests that long-lived tissue-resident cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, long-lived plasma cells and tissue-resident memory T cells, determine inflammatory tissue priming in an interplay with infiltrating immune cells of lymphoid and myeloid origin, and with systemically acting factors such as cytokines, extracellular vesicles and antibodies. Here, we review the current state of science on inflammatory tissue priming, focusing on tissue-resident and tissue-occupying cells in arthritis and SSc, and reflect on the most promising treatment options targeting the maladapted tissue response during these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henriette Kirchner
- Institute for Human Genetics, Epigenetics and Metabolism Lab, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
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Reiter L, Niehoff N, Weiland D, Helbig D, Eming SA, Krieg T, Etich J, Brachvogel B, Wiesner RJ, Knuever J. Mitochondrial DNA mutations attenuate Bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis by inhibiting differentiation into myofibroblasts. Matrix Biol 2024; 132:72-86. [PMID: 39009171 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2024.07.002] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Post-mitotic, non-proliferative dermal fibroblasts have crucial functions in maintenance and restoration of tissue homeostasis. They are involved in essential processes such as wound healing, pigmentation and hair growth, but also tumor development and aging-associated diseases. These processes are energetically highly demanding and error prone when mitochondrial damage occurs. However, mitochondrial function in fibroblasts and the influence of mitochondrial dysfunction on fibroblast-specific demands are still unclear. To address these questions, we created a mouse model in which accelerated cell-specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage accumulates. We crossed mice carrying a dominant-negative mutant of the mitochondrial replicative helicase Twinkle (RosaSTOP system) with mice that express fibroblast-specific Cre Recombinase (Collagen1A2 CreERT) which can be activated by Tamoxifen (TwinkleFIBRO). Thus, we are able to induce mtDNA deletions and duplications in specific cells, a process which resembles the physiological aging process in humans, where this damage accumulates in all tissues. Upon proliferation in vitro, Tamoxifen induced Twinkle fibroblasts deplete most of their mitochondrial DNA which, although not disturbing the stoichiometry of the respiratory chain complexes, leads to reduced ROS production and mitochondrial membrane potential as well as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic profile of the cells. In Sodium Azide treated wildtype fibroblasts, without a functioning respiratory chain, we observe the opposite, a rather pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signature. Upon accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutations in vivo the TwinkleFIBRO mice are protected from fibrosis development induced by intradermal Bleomycin injections. This is due to dampened differentiation of the dermal fibroblasts into α-smooth-muscle-actin positive myofibroblasts in TwinkleFIBRO mice. We thus provide evidence for striking differences of the impact that mtDNA mutations have in contrast to blunted mitochondrial function in dermal fibroblasts and skin homeostasis. These data contribute to improved understanding of mitochondrial function and dysfunction in skin and provide mechanistic insight into potential targets to treat skin fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Reiter
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nadine Niehoff
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniela Weiland
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Doris Helbig
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabine A Eming
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Institute of Zoology, Developmental Biology Unit, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Medical Faculty, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Etich
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Experimental Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Bent Brachvogel
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Experimental Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Rudolf J Wiesner
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute of Vegetative Physiology, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jana Knuever
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany.
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Wu T, Wang Y, Xia Y, Sun C, Ji J, Guo H, Zhao R, Li J, Tao X, Gu Z. Causal association of basal metabolic rate on systemic sclerosis: a bidirectional mendelian randomization study. Arch Dermatol Res 2024; 316:553. [PMID: 39172247 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Prior evidence suggests that altered energy metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of fibrotic diseases. Recent research indicates that systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients have potentially benefited from energy management, implying that basal metabolic rate (BMR), a vital energy metabolic parameter, may be related to SSc. However, the causal effect of BMR on SSc remains unknown. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the causal links between BMR and SSc. Based on summary statistics from the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) database, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was applied to explore causality between BMR and SSc. The causal relationships were assessed employing inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median (WM) methods. Meanwhile, several sensitivity analyses were carried out to ensure the robustness of the findings. There was an underlying genetic association of BMR on SSc (OR = 0.505, 95% CI: 0.272-0.936, P = 0.030). Moreover, no significant causal effect between SSc and BMR was observed in the reverse MR analysis (OR = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.997-1.001, P = 0.292). According to the sensitivity analysis, the presence of heterogeneity and genetic pleiotropy was not detected. Our findings, derived from a genetic perspective, provide robust evidence of a causal connection between BMR and SSc. To verify these results and clarify the potential mechanisms, further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunfei Xia
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chi Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Juan Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xinyu Tao
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhifeng Gu
- Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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Masoumi M, Bodaghi AB, Khorramdelazad H, Ebadi E, Houshmandfar S, Saeedi-Boroujeni A, Karami J. Unraveling the immunometabolism puzzle: Deciphering systemic sclerosis pathogenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35445. [PMID: 39170585 PMCID: PMC11336762 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35445] [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: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The article delves into the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with an emphasis on immunometabolism dysfunctions. SSc is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disorder with skin and organ fibrosis manifestation, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation. A growing amount of research indicates that immunometabolism plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including SSc. The review explores the intricate interplay between immune dysfunction and metabolic alterations, focusing on the metabolism of glucose, lipids, amino acids, the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle, and oxidative stress in SSc disease. According to recent research, there are changes in various metabolic pathways that could trigger or perpetuate the SSc disease. Glycolysis and TCA pathways play a pivotal role in SSc pathogenesis through inducing fibrosis. Dysregulated fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) and consequent lipid metabolism result in dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown and fibrosis induction. The altered metabolism of amino acids can significantly be involved in SSc pathogenesis through various mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has a crucial role in tissue damage in SSc patients. Indeed, immunometabolism involvement in SSc is highlighted, which offers potential therapeutic avenues. The article underscores the need for comprehensive studies to unravel the multifaceted mechanisms driving SSc pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Masoumi
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Ali Bayat Bodaghi
- Student Research Committee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Erfan Ebadi
- Student Research Committee, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Sheyda Houshmandfar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Ali Saeedi-Boroujeni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Jafar Karami
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
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Wang F, Lyu XY, Qin YM, Xie MJ. Relationships between systemic sclerosis and atherosclerosis: screening for mitochondria-related biomarkers. Front Genet 2024; 15:1375331. [PMID: 39050259 PMCID: PMC11266065 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1375331] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are known to have higher incidence of atherosclerosis (AS). Mitochondrial injuries in SSc can cause endothelial dysfunction, leading to AS; thus, mitochondria appear to be hubs linking SSc to AS. This study aimed to identify the mitochondria-related biomarkers of SSc and AS. Methods We identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SSc (GSE58095) and AS (GSE100927) datasets of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Considering the intersection between genes with identical expression trends and mitochondrial genes, we used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) as well as random forest (RF) algorithms to identify four mitochondria-related hub genes. Diagnostic nomograms were then constructed to predict the likelihood of SSc and AS. Next, we used the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate immune infiltration in both disorders, predicted the transcription factors for the hub genes, and validated these genes for the two datasets. Results A total of 112 genes and 13 mitochondria-related genes were identified; these genes were then significantly enriched for macrophage differentiation, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, collagen binding, antigen processing and presentation, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and apoptosis. Four mitochondria-related hub DEGs (IFI6, FSCN1, GAL, and SGCA) were also identified. The nomograms showed good diagnostic values for GSE58095 (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.903) and GSE100927 (AUC = 0.904). Further, memory B cells, γδT cells, M0 macrophages, and activated mast cells were significantly higher in AS, while the resting memory CD4+ T cells were lower and M1 macrophages were higher in SSc; all of these were closely linked to multiple immune cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that IFI6 and FSCN1 were involved in immune-related pathways in both AS and SSc; GAL and SGCA are related to mitochondrial metabolism pathways in both SSc and AS. Twenty transcription factors (TFs) were predicted, where two TFs, namely BRCA1 and PPARγ, were highly expressed in both SSc and AS. Conclusion Four mitochondria-related biomarkers were identified in both SSc and AS, which have high diagnostic value and are associated with immune cell infiltration in both disorders. Hence, this study provides new insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying SSc and AS. The specific roles and action mechanisms of these genes require further clinical validation in SSc patients with AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Yan Lyu
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Ming Qin
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Juan Xie
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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O'Reilly S. Emerging therapeutic targets in systemic sclerosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:465-478. [PMID: 38386070 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02424-w] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which is characterised by vascular perturbations, inflammation, and fibrosis. Although huge progress recently into the underlying molecular pathways that are perturbed in the disease, currently no therapy exists that targets the fibrosis element of the disease and consequently there is a huge unmet medical need. Emerging studies reveal new dimensions of complexity, and multiple aberrant pathways have been uncovered that have shed light on disturbed signalling in the disease, primarily in inflammatory pathways that can be targeted with repurposed drugs. Pre-clinical animal models using these inhibitors have yielded proof of concept for targeting these signalling systems and progressing to clinical trials. This review will examine the recent evidence of new perturbed pathways in SSc and how these can be targeted with new or repurposed drugs to target a currently intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, UK.
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Protasoni M, Taanman JW. Remodelling of the Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Pathways in Human Cultured Fibroblasts with Carbohydrates. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1002. [PMID: 37508431 PMCID: PMC10376623 DOI: 10.3390/biology12071002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation defects underlie many neurological and neuromuscular diseases. Patients' primary dermal fibroblasts are one of the most commonly used in vitro models to study mitochondrial pathologies. However, fibroblasts tend to rely more on glycolysis than oxidative phosphorylation for their energy when cultivated in standard high-glucose medium, rendering it difficult to expose mitochondrial dysfunctions. This study aimed to systematically investigate to which extent the use of galactose- or fructose-based medium switches the fibroblasts' energy metabolism to a more oxidative state. Highly proliferative cells depend more on glycolysis than less proliferative cells. Therefore, we investigated two primary dermal fibroblast cultures from healthy subjects: a highly proliferative neonatal culture and a slower-growing adult culture. Cells were cultured with 25 mM glucose, galactose or fructose, and 4 mM glutamine as carbon sources. Compared to glucose, both galactose and fructose reduce the cellular proliferation rate, but the galactose-induced drop in proliferation is much more profound than the one observed in cells cultivated in fructose. Both galactose and fructose result in a modest increase in mitochondrial content, including mitochondrial DNA, and a disproportionate increase in protein levels, assembly, and activity of the oxidative phosphorylation enzyme complexes. Galactose- and fructose-based media induce a switch of the prevalent biochemical pathway in cultured fibroblasts, enhancing aerobic metabolism when compared to glucose-based medium. While both galactose and fructose stimulate oxidative phosphorylation to a comparable degree, galactose decreases the cellular proliferation rate more than fructose, suggesting that a fructose-based medium is a better choice when studying partial oxidative phosphorylation defects in patients' fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Protasoni
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Royal Free Campus (M12), Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
| | - Jan-Willem Taanman
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Royal Free Campus (M12), Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK
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