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Taherian M, Bayati P, Mojtabavi N. Stem cell-based therapy for fibrotic diseases: mechanisms and pathways. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:170. [PMID: 38886859 PMCID: PMC11184790 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03782-5] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process, that could result in permanent scarring and impairment of the physiological function of the affected organ; this condition which is categorized under the term organ failure could affect various organs in different situations. The involvement of the major organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality across the world. Fibrotic disorders encompass a broad range of complications and could be traced to various illnesses and impairments; these could range from simple skin scars with beauty issues to severe rheumatologic or inflammatory disorders such as systemic sclerosis as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, the overactivation of immune responses during any inflammatory condition causing tissue damage could contribute to the pathogenic fibrotic events accompanying the healing response; for instance, the inflammation resulting from tissue engraftment could cause the formation of fibrotic scars in the grafted tissue, even in cases where the immune system deals with hard to clear infections, fibrotic scars could follow and cause severe adverse effects. A good example of such a complication is post-Covid19 lung fibrosis which could impair the life of the affected individuals with extensive lung involvement. However, effective therapies that halt or slow down the progression of fibrosis are missing in the current clinical settings. Considering the immunomodulatory and regenerative potential of distinct stem cell types, their application as an anti-fibrotic agent, capable of attenuating tissue fibrosis has been investigated by many researchers. Although the majority of the studies addressing the anti-fibrotic effects of stem cells indicated their potent capabilities, the underlying mechanisms, and pathways by which these cells could impact fibrotic processes remain poorly understood. Here, we first, review the properties of various stem cell types utilized so far as anti-fibrotic treatments and discuss the challenges and limitations associated with their applications in clinical settings; then, we will summarize the general and organ-specific mechanisms and pathways contributing to tissue fibrosis; finally, we will describe the mechanisms and pathways considered to be employed by distinct stem cell types for exerting anti-fibrotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Taherian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Bayati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mojtabavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Nakamura Y, Niho S, Shimizu Y. Cell-Based Therapy for Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases, Current Status, and Potential Applications of iPSC-Derived Cells. Cells 2024; 13:893. [PMID: 38891026 PMCID: PMC11172081 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110893] [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: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (FILDs), e.g., due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are chronic progressive diseases with a poor prognosis. The management of these diseases is challenging and focuses mainly on the suppression of progression with anti-fibrotic drugs. Therefore, novel FILD treatments are needed. In recent years, cell-based therapy with various stem cells has been investigated for FILD, and the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been widely reported and clinical studies are also ongoing. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have also been reported to have an anti-fibrotic effect in FILD; however, these have not been as well studied as MSCs in terms of the mechanisms and side effects. While MSCs show a potent anti-fibrotic effect, the possibility of quality differences between donors and a stable supply in the case of donor shortage or reduced proliferative capacity after cell passaging needs to be considered. The application of iPSC-derived cells has the potential to overcome these problems and may lead to consistent quality of the cell product and stable product supply. This review provides an overview of iPSCs and FILD, followed by the current status of cell-based therapy for FILD, and then discusses the possibilities and perspectives of FILD therapy with iPSC-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Nakamura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu 321-0293, Japan; (Y.N.); (S.N.)
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
| | - Seiji Niho
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu 321-0293, Japan; (Y.N.); (S.N.)
| | - Yasuo Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu 321-0293, Japan; (Y.N.); (S.N.)
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
- Respiratory Endoscopy Center, Dokkyo Medical University Hospital, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
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Ngepah N, Mouteyica AEN. Factors influencing inequality in government health expenditures within African regional economic communities. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:311. [PMID: 38454438 PMCID: PMC10921763 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10783-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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unequal distribution of government health spending within African regional economic groupings is a significant barrier to achieving Universal Health Coverage and reaching health-related Sustainable Development targets. It also hampers the progress toward achieving the African Union's vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa, free of its heavy disease burden. Based on panel data from 36 countries nested into eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs), this study probes the effects of countries' macro-level factors on government health expenditure disparities within eight regional economic communities from 2000 to 2019. METHOD We use the multilevel linear mixed-effect method to show whether countries' trade gains, life expectancy at birth, poverty, urbanization, information and communication technology, and population aging worsen or reduce the differences for two government health expenditure indicators. RESULTS The insignificant effect of GDP per capita suggests that in most regional economic groupings, the health sector is still not considered a high-priority sector regarding overall government expenditures. Countries' poverty levels and urbanization increase the domestic general government health expenditure disparities as a percentage of general government expenditure within the regional groupings. However, trade gains and ICT diffusion reduce these disparities. Furthermore, the results reveal that external health expenditure per capita and life expectancy at birth positively impact within-regional inequalities in the domestic general government health expenditure per capita. In contrast, GDP per capita and trade gains tend to reduce them. CONCLUSIONS This study enriches the research on the determinants of government health expenditure inequality in Africa. Policies that can spur growth in trade and ICT access should be encouraged. Countries should also make more efforts to reduce poverty. Governments should also develop policies promoting economic growth and planned urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ngepah
- School of Economics, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Bayati P, Taherian M, Soleimani M, Farajifard H, Mojtabavi N. Induced pluripotent stem cells modulate the Wnt pathway in the bleomycin-induced model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:343. [PMID: 38017561 PMCID: PMC10685538 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03581-4] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders and malignancies. Hence, we aimed to assess the potential of the induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS) in modulating the expression of the cardinal genes of the Wnt pathway in a mouse model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS C57Bl/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups of Control, Bleomycin (BLM), and BLM + IPS; the BLM mice received intratracheal instillation of bleomycin, BLM + IPS mice received tail vein injection of IPS cells 48 h post instillation of the BLM; The Control group received Phosphate-buffered saline instead. After 3 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and Histologic assessments including hydroxy proline assay, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson-trichrome staining were performed. The expression of the genes for Wnt, β-Catenin, Lef, Dkk1, and Bmp4 was assessed utilizing specific primers and SYBR green master mix. RESULTS Histologic assessments revealed that the fibrotic lesions and inflammation were significantly alleviated in the BLM + IPS group. Besides, the gene expression analyses demonstrated the upregulation of Wnt, β-Catenin, and LEF along with the significant downregulation of the Bmp4 and DKK1 in response to bleomycin treatment; subsequently, it was found that the treatment of the IPF mice with IPS cells results in the downregulation of the Wnt, β-Catenin, and Lef, as well as upregulation of the Dkk1, but not the Bmp4 gene (P values < 0.05). CONCLUSION The current study highlights the therapeutic potential of the IPS cells on the IPF mouse model in terms of regulating the aberrant expression of the factors contributing to the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paria Bayati
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Taherian
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Soleimani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Farajifard
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mojtabavi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhao P, Sun T, Lyu C, Liang K, Du Y. Cell mediated ECM-degradation as an emerging tool for anti-fibrotic strategy. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:29. [PMID: 37653282 PMCID: PMC10471565 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-023-00172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Investigation into the role of cells with respect to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is still in its infancy. Particularly, ECM degradation is an indispensable process during the recovery from fibrosis. Cells with ECM degradation ability due to the secretion of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have emerged as novel contributors to the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we focus on the ECM degradation ability of cells associated with the repertoire of MMPs that facilitate the attenuation of fibrosis through the inhibition of ECM deposition. Besides, innovative approaches to engineering and characterizing cells with degradation ability, as well as elucidating the mechanism of the ECM degradation, are also illustrated. Studies conducted to date on the use of cell-based degradation for therapeutic purposes to combat fibrosis are summarized. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of cells with high degradation ability, hoping to bridge the gap between benchside research and bedside applications in treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tian Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Cheng W, Fan C, Song Q, Chen P, Peng H, Lin L, Liu C, Wang B, Zhou Z. Induced pluripotent stem cell-based therapies for organ fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1119606. [PMID: 37274156 PMCID: PMC10232908 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1119606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases result in organ remodelling and dysfunctional failure and account for one-third of all deaths worldwide. There are no ideal treatments that can halt or reverse progressive organ fibrosis, moreover, organ transplantation is complicated by problems with a limited supply of donor organs and graft rejection. The development of new approaches, especially induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapy, is becoming a hot topic due to their ability to self-renew and differentiate into different cell types that may replace the fibrotic organs. In the past decade, studies have differentiated iPSCs into fibrosis-relevant cell types which were demonstrated to have anti-fibrotic effects that may have the potential to inform new effective precision treatments for organ-specific fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the potential of iPSC-based cellular approaches as therapeutic avenues for treating organ fibrosis, the advantages and disadvantages of iPSCs compared with other types of stem cell-based therapies, as well as the challenges and future outlook in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chengming Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Song
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zijing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Unit of Respiratory Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Cellular and Molecular Control of Lipid Metabolism in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Clinical Application of the Lysophosphatidic Acid Pathway. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040548. [PMID: 36831215 PMCID: PMC9954511 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040548] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a representative disease that causes fibrosis of the lungs. Its pathogenesis is thought to be characterized by sustained injury to alveolar epithelial cells and the resultant abnormal tissue repair, but it has not been fully elucidated. IPF is currently difficult to cure and is known to follow a chronic progressive course, with the patient's survival period estimated at about three years. The disease occasionally exacerbates acutely, leading to a fatal outcome. In recent years, it has become evident that lipid metabolism is involved in the fibrosis of lungs, and various reports have been made at the cellular level as well as at the organic level. The balance among eicosanoids, sphingolipids, and lipid composition has been reported to be involved in fibrosis, with particularly close attention being paid to a bioactive lipid "lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)" and its pathway. LPA signals are found in a wide variety of cells, including alveolar epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and fibroblasts, and have been reported to intensify pulmonary fibrosis via LPA receptors. For instance, in alveolar epithelial cells, LPA signals reportedly induce mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to epithelial damage, or induce the transcription of profibrotic cytokines. Based on these mechanisms, LPA receptor inhibitors and the metabolic enzymes involved in LPA formation are now considered targets for developing novel means of IPF treatment. Advances in basic research on the relationships between fibrosis and lipid metabolism are opening the path to new therapies targeting lipid metabolism in the treatment of IPF.
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8
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Ishida Y, Kuninaka Y, Mukaida N, Kondo T. Immune Mechanisms of Pulmonary Fibrosis with Bleomycin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043149. [PMID: 36834561 PMCID: PMC9958859 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis and structural remodeling of the lung tissue can significantly impair lung function, often with fatal consequences. The etiology of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is diverse and includes different triggers such as allergens, chemicals, radiation, and environmental particles. However, the cause of idiopathic PF (IPF), one of the most common forms of PF, remains unknown. Experimental models have been developed to study the mechanisms of PF, and the murine bleomycin (BLM) model has received the most attention. Epithelial injury, inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), myofibroblast activation, and repeated tissue injury are important initiators of fibrosis. In this review, we examined the common mechanisms of lung wound-healing responses after BLM-induced lung injury as well as the pathogenesis of the most common PF. A three-stage model of wound repair involving injury, inflammation, and repair is outlined. Dysregulation of one or more of these three phases has been reported in many cases of PF. We reviewed the literature investigating PF pathogenesis, and the role of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and matrix feeding in an animal model of BLM-induced PF.
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Yu F, Liu F, Liang X, Duan L, Li Q, Pan G, Ma C, Liu M, Li M, Wang P, Zhao X. iPSC-Derived Airway Epithelial Cells: Progress, Promise, and Challenges. Stem Cells 2023; 41:1-10. [PMID: 36190736 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac074] [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: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated from somatic cell sources are pluripotent and capable of indefinite expansion in vitro. They provide an unlimited source of cells that can be differentiated into lung progenitor cells for potential clinical use in pulmonary regenerative medicine. This review gives a comprehensive overview of recent progress toward the use of iPSCs to generate proximal and distal airway epithelial cells and mix lung organoids. Furthermore, their potential applications and future challenges for the field are discussed, with a focus on the technological hurdles that must be cleared before stem cell therapeutics can be used for clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenggang Yu
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Liu
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Liang
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linwei Duan
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiongqiong Li
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Pan
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyao Ma
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Minmin Liu
- Life Sciences Institute, Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Li
- Yinfeng Biological Group, Ltd., Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Guangxi Yinfeng Stem Cell Engineering Technology Co., Ltd., Yufeng, Liuzhou, Guangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuening Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Gu J, Wang Y, Ding C, Tang S, Chen J. Methods for RPE Sheet Construction Using iPS-CM in Conjunction with Natural Scaffold of Corneal Lenticule Derived from SMILE. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2678:177-182. [PMID: 37326713 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3255-0_13] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In vitro generation of a functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer sheet is useful and promising for RPE cell therapy. Here, we outline a method to construct engineered RPE sheets treated by induced pluripotent stem cell-conditioned medium (iPS-CM) in conjunction with femtosecond laser intrastromal lenticule (FLI-lenticule) scaffold to aid in enhanced RPE characteristics and cilium assembly. Such a strategy to construct RPE sheets is a promising avenue for developing RPE cell therapy, disease models, and drug screening tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Gu
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yini Wang
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengcheng Ding
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
- Changsha Aier Eye Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Rajabi H, Mortazavi D, Konyalilar N, Aksoy GT, Erkan S, Korkunc SK, Kayalar O, Bayram H, Rahbarghazi R. Forthcoming complications in recovered COVID-19 patients with COPD and asthma; possible therapeutic opportunities. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:173. [PMID: 36320055 PMCID: PMC9623941 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00982-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been growing swiftly worldwide. Patients with background chronic pulmonary inflammations such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are likely to be infected with this virus. Of note, there is an argument that COVID-19 can remain with serious complications like fibrosis or other pathological changes in the pulmonary tissue of patients with chronic diseases. Along with conventional medications, regenerative medicine, and cell-based therapy could be alternative approaches to compensate for organ loss or restore injured sites using different stem cell types. Owing to unique differentiation capacity and paracrine activity, these cells can accelerate the healing procedure. In this review article, we have tried to scrutinize different reports related to the harmful effects of SARS-CoV-2 on patients with asthma and COPD, as well as the possible therapeutic effects of stem cells in the alleviation of post-COVID-19 complications. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Rajabi
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Deniz Mortazavi
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nur Konyalilar
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gizem Tuse Aksoy
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Erkan
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seval Kubra Korkunc
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgecan Kayalar
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hasan Bayram
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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12
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Yang Y, Liu Y, Chai Y, Liu K, Hu W, Zhao K, Zhu Y, Gao P, Huang Q, Zhang C. Exosomes in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:927653. [PMID: 36091791 PMCID: PMC9453030 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.927653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a group of interstitial lung diseases that seriously endanger human life and health. Despite the current advances in research on the pathogenesis and treatment of PF, the overall quality of survival and survival rates of PF patients remain low, prompting the search for more effective therapeutic approaches. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles with diameters ranging from approximately 30–150 nm, capable of transporting a variety of molecules in the body and mediating intercellular communication. There is an increasing number of studies focusing on the role of exosomes in PF. This review demonstrates the significance of exosomes in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of PF. Exosomes are able to influence inflammatory, immune, and extracellular matrix deposition processes in PF and regulate the corresponding cytokines. Some exosomes detected in sputum, blood, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid may be used as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PF. Exosomes derived from several cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells, have demonstrated potential as PF therapeutic agents. Drug delivery systems using exosomes may also provide new insights into PF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Keni Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peiyang Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peiyang Gao, ; Qingsong Huang, ; Chuantao Zhang,
| | - Qingsong Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peiyang Gao, ; Qingsong Huang, ; Chuantao Zhang,
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Peiyang Gao, ; Qingsong Huang, ; Chuantao Zhang,
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13
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Promises and Challenges of Cell-Based Therapies to Promote Lung Regeneration in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162595. [PMID: 36010671 PMCID: PMC9406501 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung epithelium is constantly exposed to harmful agents present in the air that we breathe making it highly susceptible to damage. However, in instances of injury to the lung, it exhibits a remarkable capacity to regenerate injured tissue thanks to the presence of distinct stem and progenitor cell populations along the airway and alveolar epithelium. Mechanisms of repair are affected in chronic lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive life-threatening disorder characterized by the loss of alveolar structures, wherein excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components cause the distortion of tissue architecture that limits lung function and impairs tissue repair. Here, we review the most recent findings of a study of epithelial cells with progenitor behavior that contribute to tissue repair as well as the mechanisms involved in mouse and human lung regeneration. In addition, we describe therapeutic strategies to promote or induce lung regeneration and the cell-based strategies tested in clinical trials for the treatment of IPF. Finally, we discuss the challenges, concerns and limitations of applying these therapies of cell transplantation in IPF patients. Further research is still required to develop successful strategies focused on cell-based therapies to promote lung regeneration to restore lung architecture and function.
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14
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Chuliá-Peris L, Carreres-Rey C, Gabasa M, Alcaraz J, Carretero J, Pereda J. Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Pulmonary Fibrosis: EMMPRIN/CD147 Comes into Play. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136894. [PMID: 35805895 PMCID: PMC9267107 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and parenchymal disorganization, which have an impact on the biomechanical traits of the lung. In this context, the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) is lost. Interestingly, several MMPs are overexpressed during PF and exhibit a clear profibrotic role (MMP-2, -3, -8, -11, -12 and -28), but a few are antifibrotic (MMP-19), have both profibrotic and antifibrotic capacity (MMP7), or execute an unclear (MMP-1, -9, -10, -13, -14) or unknown function. TIMPs are also overexpressed in PF; hence, the modulation and function of MMPs and TIMP are more complex than expected. EMMPRIN/CD147 (also known as basigin) is a transmembrane glycoprotein from the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) that was first described to induce MMP activity in fibroblasts. It also interacts with other molecules to execute non-related MMP aactions well-described in cancer progression, migration, and invasion. Emerging evidence strongly suggests that CD147 plays a key role in PF not only by MMP induction but also by stimulating fibroblast myofibroblast transition. In this review, we study the structure and function of MMPs, TIMPs and CD147 in PF and their complex crosstalk between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Chuliá-Peris
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (L.C.-P.); (C.C.-R.); (J.C.)
| | - Cristina Carreres-Rey
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (L.C.-P.); (C.C.-R.); (J.C.)
| | - Marta Gabasa
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.G.); (J.A.)
| | - Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (M.G.); (J.A.)
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julián Carretero
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (L.C.-P.); (C.C.-R.); (J.C.)
| | - Javier Pereda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; (L.C.-P.); (C.C.-R.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Li R, Jia Y, Kong X, Nie Y, Deng Y, Liu Y. Novel drug delivery systems and disease models for pulmonary fibrosis. J Control Release 2022; 348:95-114. [PMID: 35636615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious and progressive lung disease which is possibly life-threatening. It causes lung scarring and affects lung functions including epithelial cell injury, massive recruitment of immune cells and abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). There is currently no cure for PF. Treatment for PF is aimed at slowing the course of the disease and relieving symptoms. Pirfenidone (PFD) and nintedanib (NDNB) are currently the only two FDA-approved oral medicines to slow down the progress of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a specific type of PF. Novel drug delivery systems and therapies have been developed to improve the prognosis of the disease, as well as reduce or minimize the toxicities during drug treatment. The drug delivery routes for these therapies are various including oral, intravenous, nasal, inhalant, intratracheal and transdermal; although this is dependent on specific treatment mechanisms. In addition, researchers have also expanded current animal models that could not fully restore the clinicopathology, and developed a series of in vitro models such as organoids to study the pathogenesis and treatment of PF. This review describes recent advances on pathogenesis exploration, classifies and specifies the progress of drug delivery systems by their delivery routes, as well as an overview on the in vitro and in vivo models for PF research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yizhen Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiaohan Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yang Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
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16
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Wei W, Li G, Liu Z, Yang H, Liu S, Zou X, Jiao Y. Feibi decoction-medicated serum inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and BMDMs. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:110. [PMID: 34976152 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.11033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Feibi decoction (FBD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and has been clinically used in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), which is characterized by diffuse interstitial inflammation and exaggerated collagen accumulation. However, the potential mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of FBD-medicated serum (FBDS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in macrophages. In RAW264.7 macrophages and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), FBDS treatment significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. In addition, it was indicated that FBDS treatment suppressed the activation of NF-κB and Smad2/Smad3 following LPS treatment. Furthermore, FBDS treatment decreased the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and chitinase-3-like protein 1. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that treatment with FBDS inhibited LPS-induced inflammation in RAW264.7 and BMDM cells. These data may improve understanding of the effect of FBD on anti-inflammation and help determine the mechanisms underlying the alleviation of PF via FBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Wei
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China.,Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, P.R. China
| | - Guodong Li
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoheng Liu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Haojie Yang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Shuo Liu
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Xinxin Zou
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Dongfang Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, P.R. China
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17
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Wiśniewska J, Sadowska A, Wójtowicz A, Słyszewska M, Szóstek-Mioduchowska A. Perspective on Stem Cell Therapy in Organ Fibrosis: Animal Models and Human Studies. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101068. [PMID: 34685439 PMCID: PMC8538998 DOI: 10.3390/life11101068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components that result from the disruption of regulatory processes responsible for ECM synthesis, deposition, and remodeling. Fibrosis develops in response to a trigger or injury and can occur in nearly all organs of the body. Thus, fibrosis leads to severe pathological conditions that disrupt organ architecture and cause loss of function. It has been estimated that severe fibrotic disorders are responsible for up to one-third of deaths worldwide. Although intensive research on the development of new strategies for fibrosis treatment has been carried out, therapeutic approaches remain limited. Since stem cells, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show remarkable self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacity, they have been intensively tested in preclinical studies and clinical trials as a potential tool to slow down the progression of fibrosis and improve the quality of life of patients with fibrotic disorders. In this review, we summarize in vitro studies, preclinical studies performed on animal models of human fibrotic diseases, and recent clinical trials on the efficacy of allogeneic and autologous stem cell applications in severe types of fibrosis that develop in lungs, liver, heart, kidney, uterus, and skin. Although the results of the studies seem to be encouraging, there are many aspects of cell-based therapy, including the cell source, dose, administration route and frequency, timing of delivery, and long-term safety, that remain open areas for future investigation. We also discuss the contemporary status, challenges, and future perspectives of stem cell transplantation for therapeutic options in fibrotic diseases as well as we present recent patents for stem cell-based therapies in organ fibrosis.
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18
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Wann SR, Chi PL, Huang WC, Cheng CC, Chang YT. Combination therapy of iPSC-derived conditioned medium with ceftriaxone alleviates bacteria-induced lung injury by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:1299-1314. [PMID: 34612516 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The lung is the first and most frequent organ to fail among sepsis patients. The mortality rate of sepsis-related acute lung injury (ALI) is high. Despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy, no treatment strategies are available for sepsis-induced ALI. Stem cell-mediated paracrine signaling is a potential treatment method for various diseases. This study aimed to examine the effects of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived conditioned medium (iPSC-CM) combined with antibiotics on ALI in a rat model of Escherichia coli-induced sepsis. Rats were administered either iPSC-CM or the vehicle (saline) with antibiotics (ceftriaxone). After 72 h, liquid biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and tissues were harvested for analysis. Survival rates were observed for up to 3 days. Furthermore, we examined the effects of iPSC-CM on cytokine production, metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression, and NLRP3-ASC interaction in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide/interferon-γ (LPS/IFN-γ). Combined treatment of iPSC-CM with antibiotics significantly improved survival in E. coli-infected rats (p = 0.0006). iPSC-CM ameliorated E. coli-induced infiltration of macrophages, reducing the number of cells in BALF, and suppressing interleukin (IL)-1β, MIP-2, IL-6, and MMP-9 messenger RNA in lung sections. iPSC-CM treatment attenuated NLRP3 expression and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation by disrupting NLRP3-mediated ASC complex formation in LPS/IFN-γ-primed RAW264.7 cells. This study reveals the mechanisms underlying iPSC-CM-conferred anti-inflammatory activity in ALI through the attenuation of macrophage recruitment to the lung, thus inactivating NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages. iPSC-CM therapy may be a useful adjuvant treatment to reduce sepsis-related mortality by ameliorating ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shue-Ren Wann
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Pingtung Branch, Pintung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Chi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun Huang
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Therapy, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Chang Cheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Te Chang
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Departement of Nursing, Yuh-Ing Junior College of Health Care and Management, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
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19
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Exosomes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells suppresses M2-type macrophages during pulmonary fibrosis via miR-302a-3p/TET1 axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108075. [PMID: 34435585 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a type of chronic lung disease. Here, we investigated the effect of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived exosomes (iPSC-exosomes) on M2-type macrophages which play a critical role in pulmonary fibrosis. Exosomes were purified from the conditioned medium of iPSCs. Mice models of pulmonary fibrosis were established by intratracheal instillation with 5 mg/kg bleomycin. Thereafter, the histopathological changes and collagen deposition were detected by HE and masson staining. Meanwhile the level of M2-type macrophages was elevated by immunofluorescence staining with F4/80 and Arg-1. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the binding of miR-302a-3p to ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1). Our results showed that, after treatment with iPSC-exosomes, the pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin was relieved, with less collagen deposition. In addition, the increased M2-type macrophages in PF mice were reduced upon treatment with iPSC-exosomes. Moreover, we found that the iPSC-exosomes showed higher level of miR-302a-3p. Interestingly, the level of miR-302a-3p in the lungs of PF mice was increased upon treatment with iPSC-exosomes. Furthermore, we verified that TET1 was a direct target of miR-302a-3p. Up-regulation of miR-302a-3p or TET1 silencing repressed M2-type macrophages. Down-regulation of miR-302a-3p abolished the beneficial effects of iPSC-exosomes on pulmonary fibrosis. Collectively, our study revealed that iPSC-exosomes delivered miR-302a-3p to suppress the M2-type macrophages via targeting TET1, thus mitigating pulmonary fibrosis. This study indicates that iPSC-exosomes may become a potential therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis.
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20
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Li S, Xu A, Li Y, Tan C, La Regina G, Silvestri R, Wang H, Qi W. RS4651 suppresses lung fibroblast activation via the TGF-β1/SMAD signalling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 903:174135. [PMID: 33940030 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease resulting in respiratory failure with no efficient treatment options. We investigated the protective effect of RS4651 on pulmonary fibrosis in mice and the mechanism. METHODS Intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM) was used to induce pulmonary fibrosis in mice. RS4561 was administered intraperitoneally at different doses. Histopathological changes were observed. The level of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were also tested. In vitro, the proliferation and migratory effects of RS4651 treatment on MRC-5 cells pre-treated with transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) were examined. RNA-sequencing was used to detect differentially expressed target genes. Then, the expression of α-SMA, pSMAD2 and SMAD7 were analysed during RS4651 treatment of MRC-5 cells with or without silencing by SMAD7 siRNA. RESULTS Histopathological staining results showed decreased collagen deposition in RS4651 administered mice. Additionally, a lower level of α-SMA was also observed compared to the BLM group. The results of in vitro studies confirmed that RS4651 can inhibit the proliferation and migration, as well as α-SMA and pSMAD2 expression in MRC-5 cells treated with TGF-β1. RNA-sequencing data identified the target gene SMAD7. We found that RS4651 could upregulate SMAD7 expression and inhibit the proliferation and migration of MRC-5 cells via SMAD7, and RS4651 inhibition of α-SMA and pSMAD2 expression was blocked in SMAD7-siRNA MRC-5 cells. In vivo studies further confirmed that RS4651 could upregulate SMAD7 expression in BLM-induced lung fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that RS4651 alleviates BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the TGF-β1/SMAD signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Anjian Xu
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Yanmeng Li
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, PR China
| | - Chunting Tan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Roma, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy - Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Haoyan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Wenjie Qi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China.
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21
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Bao X, Liu X, Liu N, Zhuang S, Yang Q, Ren H, Zhao D, Bai J, Zhou X, Tang L. Inhibition of EZH2 prevents acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-associated pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the macrophage polarization phenotype. Respir Res 2021; 22:194. [PMID: 34217280 PMCID: PMC8255011 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We recently reported histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) as a key epigenetic regulator that contributes to the dysfunction of innate immune responses to sepsis and subsequent lung injury by mediating the imbalance of macrophage polarization. However, the role of EZH2 in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-associated fibrosis remains poorly understood. Methods In this study, we investigated the role and mechanisms of EZH2 in pulmonary fibrosis in a murine model of LPS-induced ARDS and in ex-vivo cultured alveolar macrophages (MH-S) and mouse lung epithelial cell line (MLE-12) by using 3-deazaneplanocin A (3-DZNeP) and EZH2 the small interfering (si) RNA. Results We found that treatment with 3-DZNeP significantly ameliorated the LPS-induced direct lung injury and fibroproliferation by blocking EMT through TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and regulating shift of macrophage phenotypes. In the ex-vivo polarized alveolar macrophages cells, treatment with EZH2 siRNA or 3-DZNeP suppressed the M1 while promoted the M2 macrophage differentiation through modulating the STAT/SOCS signaling pathway and activating PPAR-γ. Moreover, we identified that blockade of EZH2 with 3-DZNeP suppressed the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in co-cultured bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and mouse lung epithelial cell line through down-regulation of TGF-β1, TGF-βR1, Smad2 while up-regulation of Smad7 expression. Conclusions These results indicate that EZH2 is involved in the pathological process of ARDS-associated pulmonary fibrosis. Targeting EZH2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat pulmonary fibrosis post ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Bao
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiandong Liu
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Qian Yang
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Huijuan Ren
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Dongyang Zhao
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Jianwen Bai
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, 150, Jimo Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Lunxian Tang
- Department of Internal Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University, 1800, Yuntai Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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22
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Ptasinski V, Stegmayr J, Belvisi MG, Wagner DE, Murray LA. Targeting Alveolar Repair in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 65:347-365. [PMID: 34129811 PMCID: PMC8525210 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0476tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Current evidence suggests that IPF may be initiated by repeated epithelial injury in the distal lung followed by abnormal wound healing responses which occur due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Mechanisms contributing to chronic damage of the alveolar epithelium in IPF include dysregulated cellular processes such as apoptosis, senescence, abnormal activation of developmental pathways, aging, as well as genetic mutations. Therefore, targeting the regenerative capacity of the lung epithelium is an attractive approach in the development of novel therapies for IPF. Endogenous lung regeneration is a complex process involving coordinated cross-talk between multiple cell types and re-establishment of a normal extracellular matrix environment. This review will describe the current knowledge of reparative epithelial progenitor cells in the alveolar region of the lung and discuss potential novel therapeutic approaches for IPF focusing on endogenous alveolar repair. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ptasinski
- Lund University Faculty of Medicine, 59568, Lund, Sweden.,AstraZeneca R&D Gothenburg, 128698, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - John Stegmayr
- Lunds University Faculty of Medicine, 59568, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria G Belvisi
- Imperial College London, 4615, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Darcy E Wagner
- Lunds Universitet, 5193, Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lynne A Murray
- AstraZeneca PLC, 4625, Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
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23
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Cymbopogon winterianus Essential Oil Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Murine Model. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050679. [PMID: 34065064 PMCID: PMC8150729 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential oil of Cymbopogon winterianus (EOCW) is a natural product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. We studied the effect of EOCW in the progression of histological changes of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in a rodent model. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Intratracheal instillation of bleomycin was performed in 30 rats to induce PF, while Sham animals were subjected to instillation of saline solution. The treatment was performed using daily oral administration of distilled water, EOCW at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, and deflazacort (DFC). After 28 days, hemogram and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were assayed. Histological grading of PF, immunohistochemical expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were also analyzed. The EOCW major compounds were found to be citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. EOCW significantly reduced inflammation in BALF, reduced MDA levels, and increased SOD activity. EOCW attenuated histological grading of PF and reduced immunohistochemical expression of α-SMA and TGF-β in a dose-dependent way, likely due to the reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation.
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24
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Niu S, Zhang Y. Applications and therapeutic mechanisms of action of mesenchymal stem cells in radiation-induced lung injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:212. [PMID: 33766127 PMCID: PMC7993004 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02279-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the most common complications associated with radiotherapy, characterized by early-stage radiation pneumonia and subsequent radiation pulmonary fibrosis. However, effective therapeutic strategies for RILI are currently lacking. Recently, an increasing number of studies reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can enhance the regeneration of damaged tissue, modulate the inflammatory response, reduce the levels of fibrotic cytokines and reactive oxygen species, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Interestingly, MSCs can also exert immunosuppressive effects, which highlights a new potential therapeutic activity of MSCs for managing RILI. Here, we reviewed the potential applications and therapeutic mechanisms of action of MSCs in RILI, which will represent a good compendium of information for researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Niu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250062, Shandong, China.,Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250062, Shandong, China
| | - Yueying Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250062, Shandong, China. .,Department of Experimental Pathology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jinan, 250062, Shandong, China.
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Pardo A, Selman M. The Interplay of the Genetic Architecture, Aging, and Environmental Factors in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 64:163-172. [PMID: 32946290 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0373ps] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic fibrosing lung disease of indeterminate etiology and limited therapeutic options. The initiation, development, and progression of IPF are influenced by genetic predisposition, aging, and host and environmental factors, but the magnitude of the contribution of each of them and the sequence of the pathogenic events are uncertain. Current evidence indicates that accumulated environmental exposures in a genetically predisposed individual, usually over 60 years of age, leads to phenotypic and functional alterations of the lung epithelium. Aberrant activation of epithelial cells results, through a complex release of numerous mediators, in the local expansion of peculiar subsets of aggressive fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which are crucial effector cells of fibrotic remodeling and loss of the normal lung architecture and function. Progressive increase of the mechanical stiffness activates cell-autonomous and matrix-dependent processes contributing to the perpetuation of the fibrotic response. This Perspective provides an integral overview of the major risk factors underpinning the pathogenesis of IPF, including gene variants, aging alterations, environmental factors, host risk factors, and epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Pardo
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, Mexico; and
| | - Moisés Selman
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias "Ismael Cosío Villegas," México City, Mexico
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Li N, Wu K, Feng F, Wang L, Zhou X, Wang W. Astragaloside IV alleviates silica‑induced pulmonary fibrosis via inactivation of the TGF‑β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:16. [PMID: 33448318 PMCID: PMC7834968 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of astragaloside IV (ASV) in silicosis rats, and to further explore the potential underlying molecular mechanisms. A silica-induced rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was successfully constructed. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in lung tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to assess the expression levels of Collagen I, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). A hemocytometer and Giemsa staining were used to evaluate the cytological characteristics of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. ELISA was used to detect the levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of genes associated with the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling pathway. ASV alleviated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and reduced the expression of collagen I, fibronectin and α-SMA. In addition, the results of the present study suggested that the ASV-mediated anti-pulmonary fibrosis response may involve reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress. More importantly, ASV suppressed silica-induced lung fibroblast fibrosis via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the progression of silicosis. In conclusion, the present study indicated that ASV may prevent silicosis-induced fibrosis by reducing the expression of Collagen I, fibronectin and α-SMA, and reducing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, and these effects may be mediated by inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Ke Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Central Hospital of Tai'an of Shandong Province, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Feng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Special Examination, Central Hospital of Tai'an of Shandong Province, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital of Tai'an of Shandong Province, Tai'an, Shandong 271000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
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The Therapy of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Paracoccidioidomycosis: What Are the New Experimental Approaches? J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040217. [PMID: 33050568 PMCID: PMC7712212 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is considered the most important sequela developed in patients suffering from the chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), which leads to the loss of respiratory function in 50% of cases; this residual pulmonary abnormality is present even after antifungal treatment. To date, there is no effective treatment for PF. However, the use of antifungal drugs in combination with other antibiotics or immunomodulatory compounds, as well as biological therapies that include a monoclonal antibody specific to neutrophils, or prophylactic vaccination employing a recombinant antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis that successfully attenuated PF, has been reported. Additionally, mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in combination with antifungal therapy slightly reduced the inflammatory response and profibrotic molecules induced by P. brasiliensis infection. In this review, I report experimental findings from several studies aiming to identify promising therapeutic strategies for treating PF developed in PCM.
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Selman M, Pardo A. The leading role of epithelial cells in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Cell Signal 2020; 66:109482. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Nagilactone D ameliorates experimental pulmonary fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via modulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 389:114882. [PMID: 31953203 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.114882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a prototypic chronic progressive lung disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Novel effective therapeutic agents are urgently needed owing to the limited treatment options in clinic. Herein, nagilactone D (NLD), a natural dinorditerpenoid obtained from Podocarpus nagi, was found to suppress transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-mediated fibrotic process in vitro and bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. NLD attenuated TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrotic markers including type I and III collagen, fibronectin, α-SMA, and CTGF in human pulmonary fibroblasts (WI-38 VA-13 and HLF-1 cells). Mechanism study indicated that NLD suppressed TGF-β1-induced up-regulation of TβR I, and Smad2 phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activation. Moreover, NLD ameliorated BLM-induced histopathological abnormalities in the lungs of experimental fibrotic mice, suppressed synthesis of relative fibrotic markers and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition, as well as BLM-induced up-regulation of TβR I expression and Smad signaling in mouse lungs. These data collectively support NLD to be a potential therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Inhibitory effects of astragaloside IV on silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis via inactivating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 119:109387. [PMID: 31487583 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To observe the effect of astragaloside ASV (ASV) on silicosis fibroblasts, and further investigate its regulatory mechanism on TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. METHODS Silica-induced rats model was established in this study. RT-qPCR was performed to detect α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen III, Smad2, Smad3 and Smad7 expression. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen III and p-Smad3 protein and the nucleoplasmic distribution of p-Smad3.Western-blotting was performed to detect the protein of Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3 and Smad7. RESULTS 20 μg/mL ASV could effectively reduce the expression of α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen III. TGF-β1 stimulated the proliferation of fibroblasts, promoted phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, and down-regulated Smad7 expression. Among them, continuous phosphorylation of Smad3 is a major factor in causing fibrosis. Besides, ASV can inhibit silica-induced lung fibroblast fibrosis through TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the formation of silicosis. CONCLUSION ASV could inhibit the expression of collagen in fibroblasts and the transformation to myofibroblasts, and has an anti-silicosis fibrosis effect, which may be related to the continuous phosphorylation of Smad3 in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Lu Q, El-Hashash AHK. Cell-based therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Stem Cell Investig 2019; 6:22. [PMID: 31559309 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2019.06.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an example of interstitial lung diseases that is characterized by chronic, progressive, and fibrotic lung injuries. During lung fibrosis, normal healthy lung tissues are replaced by remarkably destroyed alveolar architecture and altered extracellular cell matrix. These changes eventually cause severe disruption of the tightly-controlled gas exchange process and reduction of lung compliance that ultimately lead to both respiratory failure and death. In the last decade, progress has been made toward understanding the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, and two novel disease-modifying therapies were approved. However, finding more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis is still a challenge, with its incidence continues to increase globally, which is associated with significantly high mortality, morbidity and economical healthcare burden. Different stem cell types have recently emerged as a promising therapy for human diseases, including lung fibrosis, with numerous studies on the identification, characterization, proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. A large body of both basic and pre-clinical research on stem cells has been recently translated to patient care worldwide. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of IPF, and types of cells used in IPF cell-based therapies, including alveolar and mixed lung epithelial cells, different stem cell types (MSCs, ADSCs, IPSCs…etc.), endogenous lung tissue-specific stem cells, and circulating endothelial progenitors (EPCs). We also discuss recent studies on the applications of these cells in IPF therapy and their delivery routes, effective doses for cell therapy, and timing of delivery. Finally, we discuss attractive recent and current clinical trials conducted on cell-based therapy for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Lu
- The University of Edinburgh-Zhejiang International campus (UoE-ZJU Institute), Haining, China.,Centre of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Schools of Medicine & Basic Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ahmed H K El-Hashash
- The University of Edinburgh-Zhejiang International campus (UoE-ZJU Institute), Haining, China.,Centre of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Schools of Medicine & Basic Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Sun Y, Chen W, Hao Y, Gu X, Liu X, Cai J, Liu S, Chen J, Chen S. Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium Promotes Graft Remodeling of Midsubstance and Intratunnel Incorporation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Rat Model. Am J Sports Med 2019; 47:2327-2337. [PMID: 31306585 DOI: 10.1177/0363546519859324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell-conditioned medium (CM) has been increasingly used in regenerative medicine. However, its effect on graft-host integration after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) remains unclear. PURPOSE To examine the effect of human bone marrow stem cell (hBMSC)-CM on graft-bone integration and graft midsubstance ligamentization in a rat model of ACLR. STUDY DESIGN Controlled laboratory study. METHODS CM was obtained from the supernatant of commercially available hBMSCs in serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM). In a rat model of an ACL injury, isometric ACLR was performed. Three groups were established: CM injection group (CM; n = 40), control injection group (CI; n = 40) with serum-free DMEM injections, and no injection group (NI; n = 40). An intra-articular injection was performed weekly. Micro-computed tomography was conducted at 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Histological and biomechanical analyses were conducted at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The NIH3T3 fibroblast was utilized as a model in vitro to examine the effect of CM using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and immunofluorescence staining of Ki-67, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen 1 (Col 1). RESULTS At 4 and 8 weeks, the femoral and tibial bone tunnel areas as well as the interface between the graft and host bone were smaller, while the bone volume/total volume ratio was higher, in the CM group. Sharpey-like fibers formed at 8 weeks in the CM group. At 4 and 8 weeks, more Col 1 was noticed in the CM group than in the NI group (both P < .001) or CI group (both P < .001). Immunohistochemically, the α-SMA-positive area was up-regulated at the graft-bone interface at 4 weeks (P < .001) and declined at 8 weeks (P < .001) in the CM group compared with the other 2 groups. At the midsubstance, α-SMA expression decreased from 4 to 8 weeks in all groups and was significantly lower in the CM group than in the NI group (P < .01) or CI group (P < .05) at 8 weeks. The CCK-8 assay showed that CM increased NIH3T3 viability (P < .001) and the level of Ki-67 (P < .05), α-SMA (P < .001), and Col 1 (P < .001) in CM-educated NIH3T3 cells. CONCLUSION hBMSC-CM accelerates graft-bone incorporation and midsubstance ligamentization and enhances the proliferation, differentiation, and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Graft-host integration is essential after ACLR. The current study identified a novel agent, that is, hBMSC-CM, as a candidate for promoting integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaying Sun
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbo Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuefeng Hao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northern Branch of Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueping Gu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northern Branch of Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Xingwang Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangyu Cai
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaohua Liu
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiwu Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Gu J, Wang Y, Cui Z, Li H, Li S, Yang X, Yan X, Ding C, Tang S, Chen J. The Construction of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Sheets with Enhanced Characteristics and Cilium Assembly Using iPS Conditioned Medium and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction Derived Lenticules. Acta Biomater 2019; 92:115-131. [PMID: 31075513 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In vitro generation of a functional retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) monolayer sheet is useful and promising for RPE cell therapy. Here, for the first time, we used induced pluripotent stem (iPS) supernatant as the conditioned medium (iPS-CM) and femtosecond laser intrastromal lenticule (FLI-lenticule) as a scaffold to construct an engineered RPE sheet. There are significant enhancements in RPE cell density, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and inhibitions of ultraviolet C (UVC)-irradiated apoptosis when RPE cells are cultured in iPS supernatant/Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)-F12 of 1/2 (iPS-CM) compared with those in normal medium (NM, DMEM-F12). Using the assay of a panel of cytokines, combined with transcriptome and protein analyses, we discover that iPS-CM contains high levels of platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA), insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-α and IGFBP-6, which are responsible for the upregulation of gene and protein markers with RPE phenotypes and downregulation of gene and protein markers with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypes for RPE cells in iPS-CM when compared to those in NM. Moreover, compared to cultures on tissue culture plates (TCP), RPE cells on FLI-lenticule display more microvilli and cilium in accordance with the results in terms of RNA-Seq data, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) expression, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot assays. Furthermore, acellular FLI-lenticule exhibits biocompatibility after rabbit subretinal implantation by 30 days through electroretinography and histological examination. Thus, we determined that engineered RPE sheets treated by iPS-CM in conjunction with FLI-lenticule scaffold aid in enhanced RPE characteristics and cilium assembly. Such a strategy to construct RPE sheets is a promising avenue for developing RPE cell therapy, disease models and drug screening tools. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In vitro generation of a functional RPE monolayer sheet is useful and promising for RPE cell therapy. Here, we constructed engineered RPE sheets treated by iPS-CM in conjunction with FLI-lenticule scaffolds to help in enhanced RPE characteristics and cilium assembly. Such a strategy to generate RPE sheets is a promising avenue for developing RPE cell therapy, disease models and drug screening tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Gu
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Yini Wang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Zekai Cui
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Hong Li
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China
| | - Shenyang Li
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xu Yang
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Xin Yan
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chengcheng Ding
- Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Shibo Tang
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China.
| | - Jiansu Chen
- Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410015, Hunan, PR China; Aier Eye Institute, Changsha 410015, Hunan Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Institute of Ophthalmology, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
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Yang L, Chen PP, Luo M, Shi WL, Hou DS, Gao Y, Xu SF, Deng J. Inhibitory effects of total ginsenoside on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 114:108851. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Chen MJ, Yang GL, Ding YX, Tong ZQ. Efficacy of TCM therapy of tonifying lung-kidney's Qi-deficiency in a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15140. [PMID: 31045757 PMCID: PMC6504330 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a special form of spontaneous, chronic, progressive interstitial fibrotic pneumonia of unknown cause, and treatments for IPF have shown a poor prognosis. This study reports a new treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, for tonifying Qi-deficiency of lung-kidney in a 64-year-old patient with IPF. PATIENT CONCERNS A 64-year-old man, who complained of cough and asthma, was diagnosed as IPF with mild impairment in lung function by thoracic high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function test. He received an 18-month N-acetylcysteine monotherapy but had no improvement in lung function. DIAGNOSES IPF with mild impairment in lung function was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS The Chinese herbal medicine composition was decocted in 300 ml water for oral administration with 150 ml decoction twice daily in June 2017. OUTCOMES The pulmonary function test showed that diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide had increased to 81% of predicted back to normal after 2-month TCM monotherapy. And diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide had increased to 89% of predicted, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio increased to 92% at 14-month follow-up. No adverse events occurred during the 14 months of therapy and observation. LESSONS The treatment by TCM therapy of tonifying lung-kidney's Qi-deficiency for IPF can improve the pulmonary function and reverse disease progression; it may be considered as a complementary treatment for IPF with mild-to-moderate impairment. However, the insights provided in this case report require further exploration and verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jun Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Chinese PLA General Hospital
| | - Ge-Lliang Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Chinese PLA General Hospital
| | | | - Zhan-Qi Tong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Chinese PLA General Hospital
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Zinter MS, Delucchi KL, Kong MY, Orwoll BE, Spicer AS, Lim MJ, Alkhouli MF, Ratiu AE, McKenzie AV, McQuillen PS, Dvorak CC, Calfee CS, Matthay MA, Sapru A. Early Plasma Matrix Metalloproteinase Profiles. A Novel Pathway in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2019; 199:181-189. [PMID: 30114376 PMCID: PMC6353006 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201804-0678oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors may contribute to lung injury through extracellular matrix degradation and modulation of inflammation and fibrosis. OBJECTIVES To test for an association between MMP pathway proteins and inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and clinical outcomes. METHODS We measured MMPs in plasma collected on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Day 1 from 235 children at five hospitals between 2008 and 2017. We used latent class analysis to identify patients with distinct MMP profiles and then associated those profiles with markers of inflammation (IL-1RA, -6, -8, -10, and -18; macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and -1β; tumor necrosis factor-α and -R2), endothelial injury (angiopoietin-2, von Willebrand factor, soluble thrombomodulin), impaired oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2 [P/F] ratio, oxygenation index), morbidity, and mortality. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In geographically distinct derivation and validation cohorts, approximately one-third of patients demonstrated an MMP profile characterized by elevated MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, and -8 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2; and depressed active and total MMP-9. This MMP profile was associated with multiple markers of inflammation, endothelial injury, and impaired oxygenation on Day 1 of ARDS, and conferred fourfold increased odds of mortality or severe morbidity independent of the P/F ratio and other confounders (95% confidence interval, 2.1-7.6; P < 0.001). Logistic regression using both the P/F ratio and MMP profiles was superior to the P/F ratio alone in prognosticating mortality or severe morbidity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.82 vs. area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.73; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric patients with ARDS have specific plasma MMP profiles associated with inflammation, endothelial injury, morbidity, and mortality. MMPs may play a role in the pathobiology of children with ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michele Y. Kong
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama; and
| | | | | | - Michelle J. Lim
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Anna E. Ratiu
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | - Christopher C. Dvorak
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children’s Hospital
| | - Carolyn S. Calfee
- Department of Anesthesia and
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael A. Matthay
- Department of Anesthesia and
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Anil Sapru
- Division of Critical Care and
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children’s Hospital, University of California Los Angeles Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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Serrano-Mollar A. Cell Therapy in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis †. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:medsci6030064. [PMID: 30104544 PMCID: PMC6164035 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6030064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal disease with no effective or curative treatment options. In recent decades, cell-based therapies using stem cells or lung progenitor cells to regenerate lung tissue have experienced rapid growth in both preclinical animal models and translational clinical studies. In this review, the current knowledge of these cell therapies is summarized. Although further investigations are required, these studies indicate that cell therapies are a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Serrano-Mollar
- Departamento de Patología Experimental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona IIBB-CSIC-IDIBAPS, Rosselló, 161, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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Hao Y, Ran Y, Lu B, Li J, Zhang J, Feng C, Fang J, Ma R, Qiao Z, Dai X, Xiong W, Liu J, Zhou Q, Hao J, Li R, Dai J. Therapeutic Effects of Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Canine Radiation-Induced Lung Injury. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2018; 102:407-416. [PMID: 30191872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on canine radiation-induced lung injury. METHODS AND MATERIALS Beagle dogs received localized 15-Gy x-ray radiation to the right lower lung to establish the model of radiation-induced lung injury. After 180 days, dogs were divided into 2 groups (4 per group). The MSC group received intratracheal MSC transplantation, and the saline group received the same volume of normal saline by lavage. The effect of MSC transplantation on lung injury was then evaluated 180 days after transplantation. RESULTS At 180 days after 15-Gy radiation, canine arterial blood oxygen partial pressure was significantly decreased, and the levels of hydroxyproline and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in peripheral blood were significantly increased, whereas that of TGF-α was significantly decreased. Computed tomography evaluation revealed visible honeycomb shadows in the right middle and lower pulmonary pleurae. Blood oxygen partial pressure of the MSC group gradually increased over time, whereas the levels of hydroxyproline and TGF-β in the peripheral blood showed a decreasing trend; TGF-α levels gradually increased, which differed significantly from the results observed in the saline group. In addition, computed tomography and pathologic examination showed that the degree of lung injury in the MSC group was milder. The MSC group also showed significantly increased pulmonary superoxide dismutase levels and significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukein-1, and hyaluronic acid levels. Further study confirmed that MSC transplantation inhibited the activation of TGF-β-Smad2/3 in lung tissues, and in vitro experiments showed that medium conditioned with MSCs effectively inhibited the increase in Smad2 and 3 levels induced by TGF-β1. CONCLUSION Canine radiation-induced lung injury could be observed at 180 days after radiation at 15 Gy. MSC transplantation can reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and TGF-β-Smad2/3 pathway activation, thereby reducing lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Yonghong Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Binghui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunjing Feng
- Institute of Animals, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihui Qiao
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaotian Dai
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Institute of Animals, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Hao
- Institute of Animals, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianwu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Combined Injury, Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Afratis NA, Klepfish M, Karamanos NK, Sagi I. The apparent competitive action of ECM proteases and cross-linking enzymes during fibrosis: Applications to drug discovery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 129:4-15. [PMID: 29627371 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Progressive loss of organ function in most organs is associated with fibrosis, a tissue state associated with abnormal matrix buildup. If highly progressive, the fibrotic process eventually leads to organ failure and death. Fibrosis is a basic connective tissue lesion defined by the increase in the amount of fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) components in a tissue or organ. In addition, intrinsic changes in important structural cells can induce the fibrotic response by regulating the differentiation, recruitment, proliferation and activation of extracellular matrix-producing myofibroblasts. ECM enzymes belonging to the family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and lysyl oxidases (LOXs) play a crucial role in ECM remodeling and regeneration. MMPs have a catalytic role in degradation of ECM, whereas LOX/LOXLs mediate ECM, especially collagen, cross-linking and stiffening. Importantly, enzymes from both families are elevated during the fibrotic response to tissue injury and its resolution. Yet, the apparent molecular competition or antagonistic activities of these enzyme families during the various stages of fibrosis is often overlooked. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of MMPs and LOX/LOXL2 in chronic organ fibrosis. Finally, we review contemporary therapeutic strategies for fibrosis treatment, based on neutralization of MMP and LOX activity, as well as the development of novel drug delivery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos A Afratis
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Mordehay Klepfish
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Res. Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras 26500, Greece
| | - Irit Sagi
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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Li Z, Jiang W, Wu G, Ju X, Wang Y, Liu W. miR-16 inhibits hyperoxia-induced cell apoptosis in human alveolar epithelial cells. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5950-5957. [PMID: 29484411 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification and development of novel therapeutic strategies for acute lung injury is urgently required. It has been previously demonstrated that microRNA (miR)‑16 suppresses the level of transforming growth factor (TGF)‑β in acute lung injury (ALI). Therefore, the present study investigated the role of miR‑16 in the phenotype, cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the involvement of TGF‑β/Smad family member 2 (Smad2) and JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signaling, of primary human alveolar type II epithelial cells (AECII). Following transfection with miR‑16 mimics, AECII cells were exposed to hyperoxia for 24 h. Subsequently, immunofluorescence staining of surfactant protein‑A (SP‑A) was performed, and cell proliferation and apoptosis were investigated by Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays and annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, respectively. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR‑16, TGF‑β, Smad2, phosphorylated‑Smad2, JAK and STAT3 were detected by western blotting and/or reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that miR‑16 levels and SP‑A fluorescence were markedly inhibited by hyperoxia. Furthermore, transfection of AECII cells with miR‑16 mimics increased SP‑A fluorescence in hyperoxia‑treated AECII cells, significantly reversed hyperoxia‑induced reductions in cell proliferation and inhibited hyperoxia‑induced apoptosis. Finally, miR‑16 mimics modulated the mRNA and protein expression of components of the TGF‑β/Smad2 and JAK/STAT3 pathways in AECII cells following hyperoxia. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that overexpression of miR‑16 may exert a protective effect in AECII cells against cell apoptosis and ALI, which may be associated with TGF‑β/Smad2 and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways. This may also represent a promising target for novel therapeutic strategies for acute lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Xueming Ju
- Department of Ultrasound, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Youyu Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Wenying Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
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Li F, Han F, Li H, Zhang J, Qiao X, Shi J, Yang L, Dong J, Luo M, Wei J, Liu X. Human placental mesenchymal stem cells of fetal origins-alleviated inflammation and fibrosis by attenuating MyD88 signaling in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice. Mol Immunol 2017; 90:11-21. [PMID: 28662409 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive lung disease that its pathogenic mechanism currently is incompletely understood. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling has recently been identified as a regulator of inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of different origins offer a great promise in treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However mechanisms of pathogenic roles of TLR signaling and therapeutic effects of MSCs in the IPF remain elusive. In present study, the involvement of TLR signaling and the therapeutic role of MSCs were interrogated in MyD88-deficient mice using human placental MSCs of fetal origins (hfPMSCs). The results showed an alleviated pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)-deficient mice treated with bleomycin (BLM), accompanied with a reduced TGF-β signaling and production of pro-fibrotic cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β. An exposure of HLF1 lung fibroblasts, A549 epithelial cells and RAW264.7 macrophages to BLM led an increased expression of key components of MyD88 and TGF-β signaling cascades. Of interest, enforced expression and inhibition of MyD88 protein resulted in an enhanced and a reduced TGF-β signaling in above cells in the presence of BLM, respectively. However, the addition of TGF-β1 showed a marginally inhibitory effect on MyD88 signaling in these cells in the absence of BLM. Importantly, the administration of hfPMSCs could significantly attenuate BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, along with a reduced hydroxyproline (HYP) deposition, MyD88 and TGF-β signaling activation, and production of pro-fibrotic cytokines. These results may suggest an importance of MyD88/TGF-β signaling axis in the tissue homeostasis and functional integrity of lung in response to injury, which may offer a novel target for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Xia Qiao
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Juan Shi
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Li Yang
- The Center of Experimental Animals, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jianda Dong
- Department of Pathology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Meihui Luo
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Jun Wei
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China; Institute of Human Stem Cell Research, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Xiaoming Liu
- College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750021, China.
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Li LC, Xu L, Hu Y, Cui WJ, Cui WH, Zhou WC, Kan LD. Astragaloside IV Improves Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats by Attenuating Extracellular Matrix Deposition. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:513. [PMID: 28848434 PMCID: PMC5550738 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating lung disorder with mysterious pathogenesis and limited treatment options. It is well-recognized that the uncontrolled proliferation of lung fibroblasts and differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts excessively produce extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins which contribute to the fibrosis change of the lungs. Thus, blocking ECM accumulation would delay fibrosis progression. In this study, we observed the effects of astragaloside IV (ASV) (10 mg/kg/d) on ECM proteins in bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/kg)-treated rats. Our results showed that ASV not only ameliorated BLM-induced body weight loss, lung coefficient increase, histological changes and collagen secretion, but also reduced the levels of type III collagen (Col-III) in lung homogenate, laminin (LN) and hyaluronic acid (HA) in serum, as well as hydroxyproline (HYP) in lung tissue. Besides, ASV significantly down-regulated the levels of high-mobility group box1 (HMGB1) in serum and lung tissue, and inhibited the up-regulated expression of α-SMA (marker of myofibroblasts) in the lungs. Taken together, these findings indicate that ASV attenuates BLM-induced ECM deposition, supporting its use as a promising candidate to treat lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Cheng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jie Cui
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, China
| | - Wen-Cheng Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical UniversityHefei, China
| | - Lian-Di Kan
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, China
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION While many pharmacologic therapies for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been evaluated via randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) conducted over the past two decades, most therapies have been shown to be ineffective or even potentially harmful. However, a number of recently completed RCTs have shown significant efficacy for pirfenidone and nintedanib for the treatment of IPF. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews recent advances in the management of IPF and other forms of fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) with an emphasis on IPF. The material upon which this discussion is based was obtained from various published texts and manuscripts identified via literature searching (e.g. PubMed). Expert commentary: Anti-fibrotic drugs are now available for clinical use and perceived as standard-of-care therapies that have the potential to blunt disease progression for many patients with IPF. However, these agents do not necessarily stop disease progression or have a significant impact on mortality, and more effective pharmacologic therapies are needed for patients with IPF. Additionally, whether anti-fibrotic agents can be effective therapies for other forms of pulmonary fibrosis, which often have radiologic and histopathologic manifestations that mimic IPF, is being evaluated in a number of RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith C Meyer
- a Department of Medicine , University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health - Medicine , K4/910 Clinical Science Center 600 Highland Avenue Madison, Madison , WI , 53792-9988 , USA
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Deb D, Rajaram S, Larsen JE, Dospoy PD, Marullo R, Li LS, Avila K, Xue F, Cerchietti L, Minna JD, Altschuler SJ, Wu LF. Combination Therapy Targeting BCL6 and Phospho-STAT3 Defeats Intratumor Heterogeneity in a Subset of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers. Cancer Res 2017; 77:3070-3081. [PMID: 28377453 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-3052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oncogene-specific changes in cellular signaling have been widely observed in lung cancer. Here, we investigated how these alterations could affect signaling heterogeneity and suggest novel therapeutic strategies. We compared signaling changes across six human bronchial epithelial cell (HBEC) strains that were systematically transformed with various combinations of TP53, KRAS, and MYC-oncogenic alterations commonly found in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We interrogated at single-cell resolution how these alterations could affect classic readouts (β-CATENIN, SMAD2/3, phospho-STAT3, P65, FOXO1, and phospho-ERK1/2) of key pathways commonly affected in NSCLC. All three oncogenic alterations were required concurrently to observe significant signaling changes, and significant heterogeneity arose in this condition. Unexpectedly, we found two mutually exclusive altered subpopulations: one with STAT3 upregulation and another with SMAD2/3 downregulation. Treatment with a STAT3 inhibitor eliminated the upregulated STAT3 subpopulation, but left a large surviving subpopulation with downregulated SMAD2/3. A bioinformatics search identified BCL6, a gene downstream of SMAD2/3, as a novel pharmacologically accessible target of our transformed HBECs. Combination treatment with STAT3 and BCL6 inhibitors across a panel of NSCLC cell lines and in xenografted tumors significantly reduced tumor cell growth. We conclude that BCL6 is a new therapeutic target in NSCLC and combination therapy that targets multiple vulnerabilities (STAT3 and BCL6) downstream of common oncogenes, and tumor suppressors may provide a potent way to defeat intratumor heterogeneity. Cancer Res; 77(11); 3070-81. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruba Deb
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Satwik Rajaram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jill E Larsen
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Patrick D Dospoy
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rossella Marullo
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Long Shan Li
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Kimberley Avila
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Fengtian Xue
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Anesthesiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Leandro Cerchietti
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - John D Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Steven J Altschuler
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Lani F Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Li LC, Kan LD. Traditional Chinese medicine for pulmonary fibrosis therapy: Progress and future prospects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 198:45-63. [PMID: 28038955 PMCID: PMC7127743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, debilitating and often lethal lung disorder. Despite the molecular mechanisms of PF are gradually clear with numerous researchers' efforts, few effective drugs have been developed to reverse human PF or even halt the chronic progression to respiratory failure. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the main component of the medical practice used for more than 5000 years especially in China, often exerts wider action spectrum than previously attempted options in treating human diseases. Recent data have shown the anti-fibrotic benefits of the active ingredients from TCM in this field, which may represent an attractive source of the drug discovery against PF. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review summarizes the pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the benefits of TCM and their active ingredients, and provides a comprehensive information and reliable basis for the exploration of new treatment strategies of botanical drugs in the therapy of PF. METHODS The literature information was obtained from the scientific databases on ethnobotany and ethno medicines (up to Aug 2016), mainly from the Pubmed, Web of Science and CNKI databases, and was to identify the experimental studies on the anti-fibrotic role of the active agents from TCM and the involved mechanisms. The search keywords for such work included: "lung fibrosis" or "pulmonary fibrosis", and "traditional Chinese medicine", "extract" or "herb". RESULTS A number of studies have shown that the active agents of single herbs and TCM formulas, particularly the flavonoids, glycosides and alkaloids, exhibit potential benefits against PF, the mechanisms of which appear to involve the regulation of inflammation, oxidant stress, and pro-fibrotic signaling pathways, etc. Besides, the processing methods for discovering TCM in treating PF were prospectively discussed. CONCLUSION These research work have shown the therapeutic benefits of TCM in the treatment of PF. However, more continued researches should be undertaken to clarify the unconfirmed chemical composition and regulatory mechanisms, conduct standard clinical trials, and evaluate the possible side effects. The insights provided in present review will be needed for further exploration of botanical drugs in the development of PF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Cheng Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
| | - Lian-Di Kan
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China.
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