1
|
Ragia G, Thomopoulos T, Chalikias G, Trikas A, Tziakas DN, Manolopoulos VG. Circulating microRNAs and DNA Methylation as Regulators of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Response in Atrial Fibrillation and Key Elements for the Identification of the Mechanism of Action (miR-CRAFT): Study Design and Patient Enrolment. J Pers Med 2024; 14:562. [PMID: 38929783 PMCID: PMC11205064 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the standard treatment for thromboembolic protection in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and microRNAs, have emerged as potential biomarkers of AF. The epigenetics of DOACs is still an understudied field. It is largely unknown whether epigenetic modifications interfere with DOAC response or whether DOAC treatment induces epigenetic modifications. To fill this gap, we started the miR-CRAFT (Circulating microRNAs and DNA methylation as regulators of Direct Oral Anticoagulant Response in Atrial Fibrillation) research study. In miR-CRAFT, we follow, over time, changes in DNA methylation and microRNAs expression in naïve AF patients starting DOAC treatment. The ultimate goal of miR-CRAFT is to identify the molecular pathways epigenetically affected by DOACs, beyond the coagulation cascade, that are potentially mediating DOAC pleiotropic actions and to propose specific microRNAs as novel circulating biomarkers for DOAC therapy monitoring. We herein describe the study design and briefly present the progress in participant enrolment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Ragia
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions (IMPReS) Center, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Thomas Thomopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, “Elpis” General Hospital of Athens, 11522 Athens, Greece; (T.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Georgios Chalikias
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.C.); (D.N.T.)
| | - Athanasios Trikas
- Department of Cardiology, “Elpis” General Hospital of Athens, 11522 Athens, Greece; (T.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Dimitrios N. Tziakas
- Cardiology Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.C.); (D.N.T.)
| | - Vangelis G. Manolopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions (IMPReS) Center, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Academic General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Dragana Campus, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang M, Yan M, Tan L, Zhao X, Liu G, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Gao H, Qin W. Non-coding RNAs: targets for Chinese herbal medicine in treating myocardial fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337623. [PMID: 38476331 PMCID: PMC10928947 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in urban and rural areas. Myocardial fibrosis is a common pathological manifestation at the adaptive and repair stage of cardiovascular diseases, easily predisposing to cardiac death. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), RNA molecules with no coding potential, can regulate gene expression in the occurrence and development of myocardial fibrosis. Recent studies have suggested that Chinese herbal medicine can relieve myocardial fibrosis through targeting various ncRNAs, mainly including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Thus, ncRNAs are novel drug targets for Chinese herbal medicine. Herein, we summarized the current understanding of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis, and highlighted the contribution of ncRNAs to the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine on myocardial fibrosis. Further, we discussed the future directions regarding the potential applications of ncRNA-based drug screening platform to screen drugs for myocardial fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Maocai Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Liqiang Tan
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaona Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Guoqing Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Zejin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Honggang Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Qin
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oda T, Zeng R, Nakashima H. Editorial: Pathogenic aspects of the innate immune system of the kidney. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1360450. [PMID: 38348338 PMCID: PMC10859395 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1360450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Oda
- Department of Nephrology and Blood Purification, Kidney Disease Center, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rui Zeng
- Tongji Medical College, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hiroyuki Nakashima
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rhode H, Lüse A, Tautkus B, Nabity M, John-Kroegel U, Weigel F, Dost A, Schitke J, Metzing O, Böckhaus J, Rubel D, Kiess W, Gross O. Urinary Protein-Biomarkers Reliably Indicate Very Early Kidney Damage in Children With Alport Syndrome Independently of Albuminuria and Inflammation. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2778-2793. [PMID: 38106579 PMCID: PMC10719601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary type IV collagen disease. It starts shortly after birth, without clinical symptoms, and progresses to end-stage kidney disease early in life. The earlier therapy starts, the more effectively end-stage kidney disease can be delayed. Clearly then, to ensure preemptive therapy, early diagnosis is an essential prerequisite. Methods To provide early diagnosis, we searched for protein biomarkers (BMs) by mass spectrometry in dogs with AS stage 0. At this very early stage, we identified 74 candidate BMs. Of these, using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we evaluated 27 in dogs and 28 in children, 50 with AS and 104 healthy controls. Results Most BMs from blood appeared as fractions of multiple variants of the same protein, as shown by their chromatographic distribution before mass spectrometry. Blood samples showed only minor differences because ELISAs rarely detect disease-specific variants. However, in urine , several proteins, individually or in combination, were promising indicators of very early and preclinical kidney injury. The BMs with the highest sensitivity and specificity were collagen type XIII, hyaluronan binding protein 2 (HABP2), and complement C4 binding protein (C4BP). Conclusion We generated very strong candidate BMs by our approach of first examining preclinical AS in dogs and then validating these BMs in children at early stages of disease. These BMs might serve for screening purposes for AS before the onset of kidney damage and therefore allow preemptive therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Rhode
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexandra Lüse
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Bärbel Tautkus
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mary Nabity
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | | | - Axel Dost
- Department of Pediatrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Schitke
- Department of Pediatrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Metzing
- Department of Pediatrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jan Böckhaus
- Clinics for Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Diana Rubel
- Clinics for Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Oliver Gross
- Clinics for Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang H, Mazzocca A, Gao P. Cadherin dysregulation in gastric cancer: insights into gene expression, pathways, and prognosis. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:2064-2082. [PMID: 37969819 PMCID: PMC10643585 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Cadherin gene family holds immense significance in maintaining the integrity and functionality of stomach tissues, playing crucial roles in cell-cell adhesion, cell migration and differentiation. Dysregulation of cadherin expression and function has been closely associated with various gastric diseases, particularly gastric cancer (GC). Understanding the regulation and clinical implications of cadherin genes in GC is essential to improve our knowledge and to identify new potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Methods In this study, we provide an overview on the role of cadherin family genes in GC using bioinformatics analysis. We analyzed the expression, mutational status, and prognostic value of these genes based on available public datasets. Our methodology involved data mining, differential expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, and survival analysis to explore the association between cadherin gene expression and clinical outcomes in GC patients. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between cadherin expression and immune cell infiltration to gain insights into the tumor microenvironment's role in GC progression. Results Our bioinformatics analysis revealed significant differential expression of 16 cadherin genes in GC samples compared to normal tissues. Approximately up to 52% of the analyzed cancer samples exhibited genomic alterations in these cadherins, indicating their potential relevance in GC development. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that these differentially expressed cadherins were closely associated with critical cellular processes, including cell adhesion and immune-modulation. Remarkably, lower expression levels of most cadherin genes were linked to improved prognosis in GC patients, suggesting their potential importance as valuable prognostic biomarkers. Conclusions The findings deriving from our comprehensive study provide important insights into the dysregulation of cadherin genes in GC and their impact on gene expression, molecular pathways, and prognosis. The associations with clinical outcomes and immune cell infiltration highlight the potential role of cadherin genes as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in GC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | | | - Puyue Gao
- Department of Digestive Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poe A, Martinez Yus M, Wang H, Santhanam L. Lysyl oxidase like-2 in fibrosis and cardiovascular disease. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C694-C707. [PMID: 37458436 PMCID: PMC10635644 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00176.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is an important and essential reparative response to injury that, if left uncontrolled, results in the excessive synthesis, deposition, remodeling, and stiffening of the extracellular matrix, which is deleterious to organ function. Thus, the sustained activation of enzymes that catalyze matrix remodeling and cross linking is a fundamental step in the pathology of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have implicated the amine oxidase lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) in this process and established significantly elevated expression of LOXL2 as a key component of profibrotic conditions in several organ systems. Understanding the relationship between LOXL2 and fibrosis as well as the mechanisms behind these relationships can offer significant insights for developing novel therapies. Here, we summarize the key findings that demonstrate the link between LOXL2 and fibrosis and inflammation, examine current therapeutics targeting LOXL2 for the treatment of fibrosis, and discuss future directions for experiments and biomedical engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Poe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Marta Martinez Yus
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Huilei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and CCM, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hermsen J, Hambley B. The Coagulopathy of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: An Updated Review of Pathophysiology, Risk Stratification, and Clinical Management. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3477. [PMID: 37444587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has a well-established mechanism and a long-term prognosis that exceeds that of any other acute leukemia. These improving outcomes are due, in part, to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), two targeted and highly active agents in this disease. However, there remains a considerable morbidity and mortality risk in APL secondary to clinically significant hemorrhagic and/or thrombotic events. Prevention and treatment of these coagulopathic complications remain significant impediments to further progress in optimizing outcomes for patients with APL. Moreover, the relative rarity of APL hinders adequately powered randomized controlled trials for evaluating APL coagulopathy management strategies. This review draws from peer-reviewed works falling between initial descriptions of APL in 1957 and work published prior to January 2023 and provides an updated overview of the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in APL, outlines risk stratification parameters, and compiles current clinical best practices. An improved understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms driving hemorrhage and thrombosis along with the completion of well-designed trials of management strategies will assist clinicians in developing interventions that mitigate these devastating complications in an otherwise largely curable disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Hermsen
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Bryan Hambley
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 3125 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Airola C, Pallozzi M, Cerrito L, Santopaolo F, Stella L, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Microvascular Thrombosis and Liver Fibrosis Progression: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Cells 2023; 12:1712. [PMID: 37443746 PMCID: PMC10341358 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131712] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an unavoidable consequence of chronic inflammation. Extracellular matrix deposition by fibroblasts, stimulated by multiple pathways, is the first step in the onset of chronic liver disease, and its propagation promotes liver dysfunction. At the same time, chronic liver disease is characterized by alterations in primary and secondary hemostasis but unlike previously thought, these changes are not associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications. In recent years, the role of coagulation imbalance has been postulated as one of the main mechanisms promoting hepatic fibrogenesis. In this review, we aim to investigate the function of microvascular thrombosis in the progression of liver disease and highlight the molecular and cellular networks linking hemostasis to fibrosis in this context. We analyze the predictive and prognostic role of coagulation products as biomarkers of liver decompensation (ascites, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy) and liver-related mortality. Finally, we evaluate the current evidence on the application of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies for prophylaxis of hepatic decompensation or prevention of the progression of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Airola
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oh H, Kwon O, Kong MJ, Park KM, Baek JH. Macrophages promote Fibrinogenesis during kidney injury. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1206362. [PMID: 37425313 PMCID: PMC10325639 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1206362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages (Mø) are widely considered fundamental in the development of kidney fibrosis since Mø accumulation commonly aggravates kidney fibrosis, while Mø depletion mitigates it. Although many studies have aimed to elucidate Mø-dependent mechanisms linked to kidney fibrosis and have suggested various mechanisms, the proposed roles have been mostly passive, indirect, and non-unique to Mø. Therefore, the molecular mechanism of how Mø directly promote kidney fibrosis is not fully understood. Recent evidence suggests that Mø produce coagulation factors under diverse pathologic conditions. Notably, coagulation factors mediate fibrinogenesis and contribute to fibrosis. Thus, we hypothesized that kidney Mø express coagulation factors that contribute to the provisional matrix formation during acute kidney injury (AKI). To test our hypothesis, we probed for Mø-derived coagulation factors after kidney injury and uncovered that both infiltrating and kidney-resident Mø produce non-redundant coagulation factors in AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also identified F13a1, which catalyzes the final step of the coagulation cascade, as the most strongly upregulated coagulation factor in murine and human kidney Mø during AKI and CKD. Our in vitro experiments revealed that the upregulation of coagulation factors in Mø occurs in a Ca2 + -dependent manner. Taken together, our study demonstrates that kidney Mø populations express key coagulation factors following local injury, suggesting a novel effector mechanism of Mø contributing to kidney fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Oh
- Laboratory of Inflammation Research, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Ohbin Kwon
- Laboratory of Inflammation Research, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Min Jung Kong
- Department of Anatomy, BK21Plus, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Kwon Moo Park
- Department of Anatomy, BK21Plus, Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jea-Hyun Baek
- Laboratory of Inflammation Research, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
- School of Life Science, Handong Global University, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [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.
Collapse
|