1
|
Liu X, Wang X, Xu L, Fan J, Yuan Q, Zhang F, Liu J, Qiu X, Li Y, Xia C, Liu H. Targeting delivery of a novel TGF-β type I receptor-mimicking peptide to activated hepatic stellate cells for liver fibrosis therapy via inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 977:176708. [PMID: 38843945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Excessive transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) secreted by activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) aggravates liver fibrosis via over-activation of TGF-β1-mediated signaling pathways in a TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI) dependent manner. TβRI with the C-terminal valine truncated (RIPΔ), as a novel TβRI-mimicking peptide, is an appealing anti-fibrotic candidate by competitive binding of TGF-β1 to block TGF-β1 signal transduction. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFβR) is highly expressed on the surface of aHSCs in liver fibrosis. Herein, we designed a novel RIPΔ variant Z-RIPΔ (PDGFβR-specific affibody ZPDGFβR fused to the N-terminus of RIPΔ) for liver fibrosis therapy, and expect to improve the anti-liver fibrosis efficacy by specifically inhibiting the TGF-β1 activity in aHSCs. Target peptide Z-RIPΔ was prepared in Escherichia coli by SUMO fusion system. Moreover, Z-RIPΔ specifically bound to TGF-β1-activated aHSCs, inhibited cell proliferation and migration, and reduced the expression of fibrosis markers (α-SMA and FN) and TGF-β1 pathway-related effectors (p-Smad2/3 and p-p38) in vitro. Furthermore, Z-RIPΔ specifically targeted the fibrotic liver, alleviated the liver histopathology, mitigated the fibrosis responses, and blocked TGF-β1-mediated Smad and p38 MAPK cascades. More importantly, Z-RIPΔ exhibited a higher fibrotic liver-targeting capacity and stronger anti-fibrotic effects than its parent RIPΔ. Besides, Z-RIPΔ showed no obvious toxicity effects in treating both an in vitro cell model and an in vivo mouse model of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, Z-RIPΔ represents a promising targeted candidate for liver fibrosis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China; Department of Cell Biology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Liming Xu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Junjie Fan
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Qi Yuan
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Jieting Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Qiu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Yanqiu Li
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Caiyun Xia
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China; Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, 157011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saxena S, Dagar N, Shelke V, Puri B, Gaikwad AB. Wnt/beta-catenin modulation: A promising frontier in chronic kidney disease management. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 39102849 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.13031] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Being amongst the leading factors of death and distress, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has affected around 850 million people globally. The Wnt/β-catenin axis is vital for maintaining kidney homeostasis, from nephron generation to overall management. The β-catenin growth factor is typically not expressed in the adult kidney; however, its expression is found to increase under stress and injury conditions. It is categorised as canonical and non-canonical based on β-catenin availability, which mounts promising targets for ameliorating CKD. Hence, modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling for CKD management is of utmost relevance. OBJECTIVES The primary aim of this review is to highlight the significance of targeting Wnt/β-catenin signalling for CKD management. METHODS The literature review regarding the role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling and therapies modulating it in CKD was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar. RESULTS The current review summarises the pharmacological therapies modulating the Wnt/β-catenin axis in CKD, building upon promising preclinical studies to establish a foundation for clinical studies in the future. CONCLUSION Wnt/β-catenin signalling is the evolution's most conserved pathway, which plays a pivotal role in CKD progression. Therapies modulating Wnt/β-catenin signalling have emerged as effective means for alleviating CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Saxena
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Neha Dagar
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Vishwadeep Shelke
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhupendra Puri
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Heydari R, Tavassolifar MJ, Fayazzadeh S, Sadatpour O, Meyfour A. Long non-coding RNAs in biomarking COVID-19: a machine learning-based approach. Virol J 2024; 21:134. [PMID: 38849961 PMCID: PMC11161961 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus pandemic that started in 2019 has caused the highest mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. Data on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is scarce. We aimed to elucidate the relationship of three important lncRNAs in the inflammatory states, H19, taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1), and colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) with key factors in inflammation and fibrosis induction including signal transducer and activator of transcription3 (STAT3), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 28 COVID-19 patients and 17 healthy controls were collected. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to evaluate the expression of RNAs and lncRNAs. Western blotting analysis was also performed to determine the expression levels of STAT3 and α-SMA proteins. Machine learning and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were carried out to evaluate the distinguishing ability of lncRNAs. RESULTS The expression levels of H19, TUG1, and CRNDE were significantly overexpressed in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover, STAT3 and α-SMA expression levels were remarkedly increased at both transcript and protein levels in patients with COVID-19 compared to healthy subjects and were correlated with Three lncRNAs. Likewise, IL-6 and TNF-α were considerably upregulated in COVID-19 patients. Machine learning and ROC curve analysis showed that CRNDE-H19 panel has the proper ability to distinguish COVID-19 patients from healthy individuals (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86). CONCLUSION The overexpression of three lncRNAs in COVID-19 patients observed in this study may align with significant manifestations of COVID-19. Furthermore, their co-expression with STAT3 and α-SMA, two critical factors implicated in inflammation and fibrosis induction, underscores their potential involvement in exacerbating cardiovascular, pulmonary and common symptoms and complications associated with COVID-19. The combination of CRNDE and H19 lncRNAs seems to be an impressive host-based biomarker panel for screening and diagnosis of COVID-19 patients from healthy controls. Research into lncRNAs can provide a robust platform to find new viral infection-related mediators and propose novel therapeutic strategies for viral infections and immune disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Heydari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Tavassolifar
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Fayazzadeh
- Bioinformatics and Computational Omics Lab (BioCOOL), Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Sadatpour
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang K, Wen XQ, Zhang W, Wang JX, Liang Y, Li WQ, Wang YH, Liang MM, Jing AR, Ma J, Zhang X, Liu Y, Gao J. Predictive Value of 5-Methoxytryptophan on Long-Term Clinical Outcome after PCI in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction-a Prospective Cohort Study. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s12265-024-10518-6. [PMID: 38683422 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-024-10518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, 5-Methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) has been identified as an endothelial factor with vaso-protective and anti-inflammatory properties. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, a total of 407 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) successfully were enrolled. A 1-year follow-up Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for evaluating the correlation between 5-MTP and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) while Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to identify predictive values of 5-MTP on MACE after AMI. RESULTS Increased 5-MTP level led to a significant downtrend in the incidence of MACE (All Log-rank p < 0.05). Thus, a high baseline 5-MTP could reduce the 1-year incidence of MACE (HR = 0.33, 95%Cl 0.17-0.64, p = 0.001) and heart failure (HF) (HR = 0.28, 95% Cl 0.13-0.62, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis indicated the predictive value of 5-MTP was more significant in patients aged ≤ 65 years and those with higher baseline NT-proBNP, T2DM, STEMI, and baseline HF with preserved LVEF (HFpEF) characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Plasma 5-MTP is an independent and protective early biomarker for 1-year MACE and HF events in patients with AMI, especially in younger patients and those with T2DM, STEMI, and baseline HFpEF characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kui Huang
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No.261 Tai Erzhuang Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300222, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qin Wen
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No.261 Tai Erzhuang Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300222, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Xian Wang
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liang
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qing Li
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Hang Wang
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao-Miao Liang
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - An-Ran Jing
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ma
- Cardiovascular Institute, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No.261 Tai Erzhuang Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300222, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No.261 Tai Erzhuang Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300222, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No.261 Tai Erzhuang Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300222, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Gao
- Thoracic Clinical College, Tianjin Medical University, No.22 Qi Xiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, People's Republic of China.
- Cardiovascular Institute, Tianjin Chest Hospital, No.261 Tai Erzhuang Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300222, People's Republic of China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Emergency and Critical Care, Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
- Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, No.92 Weijin Road Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao TL, Qi Y, Wang YF, Wang Y, Liang H, Pu YB. 5-methoxytryptophan induced apoptosis and PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a phosphorylation in colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:6148-6160. [PMID: 38186686 PMCID: PMC10768408 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i47.6148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy worldwide, and new therapeutic targets urgently need to be found to prolong patient survival. 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is a tryptophan metabolite found in animals and humans. However, the effects of 5-MTP on proliferation and apoptosis of CRC cells are currently unknown. AIM To investigate the effects of 5-MTP on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis abilities of CRC cells. Additionally, we seek to explore whether 5-MTP has the potential to be utilized as a drug for the treatment of CRC. METHODS In order to evaluate the effect of 5-MTP on CRC cells, a series of experiments were conducted for evaluation. Colony formation assay and Cell Counting Kit 8 assays were used to investigate the impact of 5-MTP on the proliferation of CRC cell lines. Cell cycle assays were employed to examine the effect of 5-MTP on cellular growth. In addition, we investigated the effects of 5-MTP on apoptosis and reactive oxygen species in HCT-116 cells. To obtain a deeper understanding of how 5-MTP affects CRC, we conducted a study to examine its influence on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CRC cells. RESULTS This article showed that 5-MTP promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation in CRC cells. In many articles, it has been reported that PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway is one of the most important signaling pathways involved in internal regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Nevertheless, 5-MTP combined with PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway inhibitors significantly promoted apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell proliferation in CRC cells compared with 5-MTP alone in our study. CONCLUSION Therefore, there is strong evidence that 5-MTP can be used as an effective medicine for CRC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Lei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Yue Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Yi-Fan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Ya-Bin Pu
- Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center of PLA, Shanghai 200052, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shuai W, Peng B, Zhu J, Kong B, Fu H, Huang H. 5-Methoxytryptophan alleviates atrial structural remodeling in ibrutinib-associated atrial fibrillation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19501. [PMID: 37810107 PMCID: PMC10558721 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ibrutinib is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for B-cell lymphomas but is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) by altering the structure of the atrium. 5-Methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) inhibits inflammatory and fibrotic processes. This study aimed to determine the effects and mechanisms of 5-MTP on the underlying mechanisms of AF caused by ibrutinib. Methods The effect of 5-MTP on ibrutinib-related AF was investigated in male Sprague Dawley rats using echocardiographic, electrophysiological, immunofluorescent, Masson staining, and molecular analyses. Rusults The ibrutinib+5-MTP group showed (1) a lower incidence and shorter duration of AF and accelerated atrial conduction; (2) a decreased left atrial mass and left atrial diameter; (3) decreased myocardial fibrosis in the left atrium; (4) lower atrial inflammation; (5) increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a protein expression, decreased phosphorylation of phospholamban at Thr17, and decreased sodium/calcium exchanger 1 protein expression and phosphorylation of ryanodine receptor 2 at S2814; and (6) decreased phosphorylation of CaMKII expression. 5-MTP treatment markedly activated the PI3K-Akt signaling. Inhibiting PI3K-Akt signaling significantly reversed the protective effect of 5-MTP on ibrutinib-related AF. Conclusions These findings suggest that 5-MTP administration decreases the vulnerability of ibrutinib-related AF mainly caused by ameliorated maladaptive left atrial remodeling and dysregulation of calcium handling proteins. Mechanistically, 5-MTP treatment markedly enhanced the activation of cardiac PI3K-Akt signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shuai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Bin Kong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ma Y, Wang Z, Wu X, Ma Z, Shi J, He S, Li S, Li X, Li X, Li Y, Yu J. 5-Methoxytryptophan ameliorates endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:1633-1647. [PMID: 37458783 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01769-1] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a complicated and fatal condition with no specific or efficient clinical treatments. 5-Methoxytryptophan (5-MTP), an endogenous metabolite of tryptophan, was revealed to block systemic inflammation. However, the specific mechanism by which 5-MTP affects ALI still needs to be clarified. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 5-MTP protected the lung by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS We used lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated C57BL/6 J mice and MH-S alveolar macrophages to create models of ALI, and 5-MTP (100 mg/kg) administration attenuated pathological lung damage in LPS-exposed mice, which was associated with decreased inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress levels, upregulated protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, and suppressed Caspase-1 activation and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis protein levels. Moreover, Nrf2-deficient mice or MH-S cells were treated with 5-MTP to further confirm the protective effect of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway on lung damage. We found that Nrf2 deficiency partially eliminated the beneficial effect of 5-MTP on reducing oxidative stress levels and inflammatory responses and abrogating the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis induced by LPS. CONCLUSION These findings suggested that 5-MTP could effectively ameliorate ALI by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhixue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zijian Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Jia Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Simeng He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shaona Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangyun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangkun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Jianbo Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Unveiling the Vital Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cardiac Oxidative Stress, Cell Death, and Fibrosis in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122391. [PMID: 36552599 PMCID: PMC9774664 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122391] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a burdensome public health problem. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetes patients. The pathogenesis of DCM is multifactorial and involves metabolic abnormalities, the accumulation of advanced glycation end products, myocardial cell death, oxidative stress, inflammation, microangiopathy, and cardiac fibrosis. Evidence suggests that various types of cardiomyocyte death act simultaneously as terminal pathways in DCM. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts with lengths greater than 200 nucleotides and no apparent coding potential. Emerging studies have shown the critical role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of DCM, along with the development of molecular biology technologies. Therefore, we summarize specific lncRNAs that mainly regulate multiple modes of cardiomyopathy death, oxidative stress, and cardiac fibrosis and provide valuable insights into diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers and strategies for DCM.
Collapse
|
10
|
Maassen S, Warner H, Ioannidis M, Jansma J, Markus H, El Aidy S, Chiara MD, Chiara JL, Maierhofer L, Weavers H, van den Bogaart G. Mitochondrial interaction of fibrosis-protective 5-methoxy tryptophan enhances collagen uptake by macrophages. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 188:287-297. [PMID: 35753585 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.06.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
5-methoxy tryptophan (5-MTP) is an anti-fibrotic metabolite made by fibroblasts and epithelial cells, present in a micromolar concentrations in human blood, and is associated with the progression of fibrotic kidney disease, but the mechanism is unclear. Here, we show by microscopy and functional assays that 5-MTP influences mitochondria in human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages. As a result, the mitochondrial membranes are more rigid, more branched, and are protected against oxidation. The macrophages also change their metabolism by reducing mitochondrial import of acyl-carnitines, intermediates of fatty acid metabolism, driving glucose import. Moreover, 5-MTP increases the endocytosis of collagen by macrophages, and experiments with inhibition of glucose uptake showed that this is a direct result of their altered metabolism. However, 5-MTP does not affect the macrophages following pathogenic stimulation, due to 5-MTP degradation by induced expression of indole-amine oxygenase-1 (IDO-1). Thus, 5-MTP is a fibrosis-protective metabolite that, in absence of pathogenic stimulation, promotes collagen uptake by anti-inflammatory macrophages by altering the physicochemical properties of their mitochondrial membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sjors Maassen
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands
| | - Harry Warner
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands
| | - Melina Ioannidis
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands
| | - Jack Jansma
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands
| | - Hugo Markus
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands
| | - Sahar El Aidy
- Department of Host-Microbe Interactions, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands
| | - María-Dolores Chiara
- Institute of Sanitary Research of the Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain; CIBERONC (Network of Biomedical Research in Cancer), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Chiara
- Institute of General Organic Chemistry, IQOG-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Helen Weavers
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Geert van den Bogaart
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, 050, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Biology and Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 050, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Du XQ, Shi LP, Chen ZW, Hu JY, Zuo B, Xiong Y, Cao WF. Astragaloside IV Ameliorates Isoprenaline-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolites. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:836150. [PMID: 35656031 PMCID: PMC9152365 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.836150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Gut microbiota is of crucial importance to cardiac health. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a main active ingredient of Huangqi, a traditional edible and medicinal herb that has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac fibrosis (CF). However, it is still uncertain whether the consumption of AS-IV alleviates cardiac fibrosis through the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Therefore, we assessed whether the anti-fibrosis effect of AS-IV is associated with changes in intestinal microbiota and fecal metabolites and if so, whether some specific gut microbes are conducive to the benefits of AS-IV. Methods Male C57BL-6J mice were subcutaneously injected with isoprenaline (ISO) to induce cardiac fibrosis. AS-IV was administered to mice by gavage for 14 days. The effects of AS-IV on cardiac function, myocardial enzyme, cardiac weight index (CWI), and histopathology of ISO-induced CF mice were investigated. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to establish gut-microbiota profiles. Fecal-metabolites profiles were established using the liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results AS-IV treatment prevented cardiac dysfunction, ameliorated myocardial damage, histopathological changes, and cardiac fibrosis induced by ISO. AS-IV consumption increased the richness of Akkermansia, Defluviitaleaceae_UCG-011, and Rikenella. AS-IV also modulated gut metabolites in their feces. Among 141 altered gut metabolites, amino acid production was sharply changed. Furthermore, noticeable correlations were found between several specific gut microbes and altered fecal metabolites. Conclusions An increase of Akkermansia, Defluviitaleaceae_UCG-011, and Rikenella abundance, and modulation of amino acid metabolism, may contribute to the anti-fibrosis and cardiac protective effects of Astragaloside IV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qin Du
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Peng Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Yuan Hu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Biao Zuo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Xiong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Fu Cao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Chinese Traditional Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Wen-Fu Cao,
| |
Collapse
|