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Wang J, Li K, Hao D, Li X, Zhu Y, Yu H, Chen H. Pulmonary fibrosis: pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e744. [PMID: 39314887 PMCID: PMC11417429 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by extensive alterations of cellular fate and function and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, leading to lung tissue scarring and impaired respiratory function. Although our understanding of its pathogenesis has increased, effective treatments remain scarce, and fibrotic progression is a major cause of mortality. Recent research has identified various etiological factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors, which contribute to the onset and progression of PF. Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms by which these factors interact to drive fibrosis are not yet fully elucidated. This review thoroughly examines the diverse etiological factors, cellular and molecular mechanisms, and key signaling pathways involved in PF, such as TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR. It also discusses current therapeutic strategies, including antifibrotic agents like pirfenidone and nintedanib, and explores emerging treatments targeting fibrosis and cellular senescence. Emphasizing the need for omni-target approaches to overcome the limitations of current therapies, this review integrates recent findings to enhance our understanding of PF and contribute to the development of more effective prevention and management strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhai Wang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Department of TuberculosisHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Key Research Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention for State Administration of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin Institute of Respiratory DiseasesTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Haihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Kuan Li
- Department of Respiratory MedicineHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Department of TuberculosisHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Haihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - De Hao
- Department of Respiratory MedicineHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Respiratory MedicineHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Department of TuberculosisHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Haihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryNankai University Affiliated Third Central HospitalTianjinChina
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Third Central Hospital of TianjinTianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical DiseasesArtificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of TianjinTianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary DiseaseTianjinChina
| | - Hongzhi Yu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Haihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Huaiyong Chen
- Department of Respiratory MedicineHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Department of TuberculosisHaihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
- Key Research Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention for State Administration of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin Institute of Respiratory DiseasesTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Haihe HospitalTianjin UniversityTianjinChina
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2
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Qi J, Wu Y, Guo Z, Zhu S, Xiong J, Hu F, Liang X, Ye X. Fibroblast growth factor 21 alleviates idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling and stimulating autophagy. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:132896. [PMID: 38851619 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive pulmonary disease with an unclear pathogenesis and no available specific drug treatment. The principal etiological factors are lung inflammation caused by environmental factors, damage to alveolar epithelial cells, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts. Here, we have demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) ameliorates IPF via the autophagy pathway. We administered FGF21 to bleomycin (BLM)-treated mice, which ameliorated their defects in lung function, reduced the accumulation of collagen, restored tissue structure, reduced the deposition of hydroxyproline, reduced the expression of collagen I and α-SMA and increased the expression of E-cadherin. The expression of LC3BII and the number of autophagosomes were significantly higher in the lungs. The expression of AKT and mTOR was significantly reduced by FGF21 treatment. We also determined the effects of FGF21 in A549 cells treated with TGF-β, and found that FGF21 significantly inhibits activation of the AKT signaling pathway, thereby reducing TGF-β-induced EMT and preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of fibroblasts. We conclude that FGF21 ameliorates IPF by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and activating autophagy, which provides a theoretical basis for FGF21 to be used for the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Qi
- School of chemical engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, 99 Ziyang Avenue, Nanchang 330022, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Zhimou Guo
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Shenglong Zhu
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jingjing Xiong
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Fei Hu
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China; Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Xianlong Ye
- Ganjiang Chinese Medicine Innovation Center, Nanchang 330000, China.
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3
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Shahcheraghi SH, Alimardani M, Lotfi M, Lotfi M, Uversky VN, Guetchueng ST, Palakurthi SS, Charbe NB, Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Aljabali AAA, Gadewar MM, Malik S, Goyal R, El-Tanani M, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Tambuwala MM. Advances in glioblastoma multiforme: Integrating therapy and pathology perspectives. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 257:155285. [PMID: 38653089 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a highly lethal form of brain cancer, is characterized by its aggressive growth and resistance to conventional treatments, often resulting in limited survival. The response to therapy is notably influenced by various patient-specific genetic factors, underscoring the disease's complexity. Despite the utilization of diverse treatment modalities such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, many patients experience local relapse, emphasizing the critical need for improved therapeutic strategies to effectively target these formidable tumors. Recent years have witnessed a surge in interest in natural products derived from plants, particularly alkaloids, for their potential anticancer effects. Alkaloids have shown promise in cancer chemotherapy by selectively targeting crucial signaling pathways implicated in tumor progression and survival. Specifically, they modulate the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, resulting in reduced tumor growth and altered gene expression across various cancer types. Additionally, alkaloids exhibit the capacity to induce cell cycle arrest, further impeding tumor proliferation in several malignancies. This review aims to delineate recent advances in understanding the pathology of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and to explore the potential therapeutic implications of alkaloids in managing this deadly disease. By segregating discussions on GBM pathology from those on alkaloid-based therapies, we provide a structured overview of the current challenges in GBM treatment and the promising opportunities presented by alkaloid-based interventions. Furthermore, we briefly discuss potential future directions in GBM research and therapy beyond alkaloids, including emerging treatment modalities or areas of investigation that hold promise for improving patient outcomes. In conclusion, our efforts offer hope for enhanced outcomes and improved quality of life for GBM patients through alkaloid-based therapies. By integrating insights from pathology and therapeutic perspectives, we underscore the significance of a comprehensive approach in addressing this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Maliheh Alimardani
- Medical Genetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Malihe Lotfi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Abortion Research Center, Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Stephanie Tamdem Guetchueng
- Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, PO Box 6163, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Sushesh Shrivastsa Palakurthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School Of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Nitin B Charbe
- Center for Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka cesta 15, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Manoj M Gadewar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of medical and allied sciences, K.R. Mangalam University, Gurgaon, Haryana 122103, India
| | - Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, India
| | - Rohit Goyal
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Department of Zoology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Pool Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
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Yu Y, Liu H, Yuan L, Pan M, Bei Z, Ye T, Qian Z. Niclosamide - encapsulated lipid nanoparticles for the reversal of pulmonary fibrosis. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:100980. [PMID: 38434573 PMCID: PMC10907778 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100980] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious and progressive fibrotic interstitial lung disease that is possibly life-threatening and that is characterized by fibroblast accumulation and collagen deposition. Nintedanib and pirfenidone are currently the only two FDA-approved oral medicines for PF. Some drugs such as antihelminthic drug niclosamide (Ncl) have shown promising therapeutic potentials for PF treatment. Unfortunately, poor aqueous solubility problems obstruct clinical application of these drugs. Herein, we prepared Ncl-encapsulated lipid nanoparticles (Ncl-Lips) for pulmonary fibrosis therapy. A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) was generated to assess the effects of Ncl-Lips and the mechanisms of reversing fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, cell models treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were used to investigate the mechanism through which Ncl-Lips inhibit fibrosis in vitro. These findings demonstrated that Ncl-Lips could alleviate fibrosis, consequently reversing the changes in the levels of the associated marker. Moreover, the results of the tissue distribution experiment showed that Ncl-Lips had aggregated in the lung. Additionally, Ncl-Lips improved the immune microenvironment in pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM. Furthermore, Ncl-Lips suppressed the TGFβ1-induced activation of fibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells. Based on these results, we demonstrated that Ncl-Lips is an efficient strategy for reversing pulmonary fibrosis via drug-delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Liping Yuan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Meng Pan
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zhongwu Bei
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
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Sun C, Liu H, Chi B, Han J, Koga Y, Afshar K, Liu X. Improvement of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through a combination of Astragalus radix and Angelica sinensis radix via mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway-induced autophagy in rat. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:1397-1411. [PMID: 38505077 PMCID: PMC10944740 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-24-28] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Background There is a major need for effective, well-tolerated treatments for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in clinic. Astragalus radix (AR; Huangqi) and Angelica sinensis radix (AS; Danggui) have been frequently used in the treatment of IPF. This study aimed to reveal the pharmacological effects and the mechanisms of the action of an AR-AS combination in treating IPF. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=5): control, bleomycin (BLM) model, AR, AS, AR + AS, and prednisone (PDN) groups. A transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced MRC-5 cell model were also used. Pulmonary fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy were evaluated by performing hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemical staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, and hydroxyproline assay following the treatment of AR, AS, and the AR-AS herb pair. Results Rats administered the AR-AS herb pair had lower α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin, and vimentin levels in lung tissues, and lower inflammatory cytokine levels in rat serum. In addition, the AR-AS herb pair induced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-mediated autophagy and reduced oxidative stress in BLM-induced rats. The effects of the AR and AS combination were confirmed in MRC-5 cells treated with TGF-β1. Specifically, the combination of AR and AS attenuated MRC-5 cell fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress while inducing autophagy. Conclusions The combination of AR and AS protects against IPF by inducing autophagy via inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway. The synergistic action of AR and AS is superior to that of either AR or AS alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Disease Prevention, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Huaman Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Baihong Chi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Medicine, People’s Hospital Rizhao, Rizhao, China
| | - Jia Han
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yasuhiko Koga
- Department of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kamyar Afshar
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Ishikane S, Arioka M, Takahashi-Yanaga F. Promising small molecule anti-fibrotic agents: Newly developed or repositioned drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 214:115663. [PMID: 37336252 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in all organs and tissues except the brain, and its progression leads to dysfunction of affected organs. Fibrosis-induced organ dysfunction results from the loss of elasticity, strength, and functionality of tissues due to the extracellular matrix secreted by myofibroblasts that express smooth muscle-type actin as a marker. Myofibroblasts, which play a major role in fibrosis, were once thought to originate exclusively from activated fibroblasts; however, it is now clear that myofibroblasts are diverse in origin, from epithelial cells, endothelial cells, adipocytes, macrophages, and other cells. Fibrosis of vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver, is a serious chronic disease that ultimately leads to death. Currently, anti-cancer drugs have made remarkable progress, as evidenced by the development of many molecular-targeted drugs, and are making a significant contribution to improving the prognosis of cancer treatment. However, the development of anti-fibrotic agents, which also play an important role in prognosis, has lagged. In this review, the current knowledge regarding myofibroblasts is summarized, with particular attention given to their origin and transdifferentiation signaling pathways (e.g., TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, YAP/TAZ and AMPK signaling pathways). The development of new small molecule anti-fibrotic agents and the repositioning of existing drugs targeting myofibroblast transdifferentiation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ishikane
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Masaki Arioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Fumi Takahashi-Yanaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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Spathakis M, Tarapatzi G, Filidou E, Kandilogiannakis L, Karatzas E, Steiropoulos P, Mikroulis D, Spyrou GM, Manolopoulos VG, Kolios G, Arvanitidis K. Niclosamide Attenuates Inflammation-Associated Profibrotic Responses in Human Subepithelial Lung Myofibroblasts. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2032. [PMID: 37509671 PMCID: PMC10377180 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Niclosamide is a commonly used helminthicidic drug for the treatment of human parasitosis by helminths. Recently, efforts have been focusing on repurposing this drug for the treatment of other diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Subepithelial lung myofibroblasts (SELMs) isolated from tissue biopsies of patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer were stimulated with TNF-α (50 ng/mL), IL-1α (5 ng/mL), added alone or in combination, and TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL). After treatment with niclosamide at 30 nM and 100 nM concentrations, expression of collagen type I, collagen type III, and fibronectin was studied by total RNA isolation and qRT-PCR and protein collagen secretion with the use of Sircol collagen assay. The migration of SELMs was assessed by a wound-healing assay. Niclosamide had no effect on baseline SELM fibrotic factor expression. When stimulated with TGF-β1, IL-1α, and/or TNF-α, SELM expression of collagen type I, type III, and fibronectin were upregulated, as was the secretion of total collagen in the culture medium. Treatment with niclosamide attenuated the effects of cytokine stimulation leading to a notable decrease in the mRNA expression of collagen type I, type III, and fibronectin in a concentration-dependent manner. SELM collagen secretion was also reduced by niclosamide at 100 nM concentration when examined at the protein level. Migration of both TGF-β1 stimulated and unstimulated SELMs was also inhibited by niclosamide. In this study, we highlight the anti-fibrotic properties of niclosamide on SELMs under stimulation with pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thus proposing this compound as a possible new therapeutic agent against lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Spathakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Gesthimani Tarapatzi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Eirini Filidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Leonidas Kandilogiannakis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evangelos Karatzas
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, BSRC "Alexander Fleming", 16672 Vari, Greece
| | - Paschalis Steiropoulos
- Department of Pneumonology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mikroulis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George M Spyrou
- Bioinformatics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, 2371 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vangelis G Manolopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George Kolios
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitidis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
- Individualised Medicine & Pharmacological Research Solutions Center (IMPReS), 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Ting L, Feng Y, Zhou Y, Tong Z, Dong Z. IL-27 induces autophagy through regulation of the DNMT1/lncRNA MEG3/ERK/p38 axis to reduce pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2023; 24:67. [PMID: 36869378 PMCID: PMC9985266 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies have shown that interleukin-27 (IL-27) can reduce bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). However, the underlying mechanism by which IL-27 attenuates PF is not fully clear. METHODS In this research, we used BLM to construct a PF mouse model, and MRC-5 cells stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were used to construct a PF model in vitro. The lung tissue status was observed by Masson and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. To detect gene expression, RT‒qPCR was used. The protein levels were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. EdU and ELISA were used to detect cell proliferation viability and hydroxyproline (HYP) content, respectively. RESULTS Aberrant IL-27 expression was observed in BLM-induced mouse lung tissues, and the use of IL-27 attenuated mouse lung tissue fibrosis. TGF-β1 induced autophagy inhibition in MRC-5 cells, and IL-27 alleviated MRC-5 cell fibrosis by activating autophagy. The mechanism is inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-mediated lncRNA MEG3 methylation and ERK/p38 signaling pathway activation. Overexpression of DNMT1, knockdown of lncRNA MEG3, autophagy inhibitor or ERK/p38 signaling pathway inhibitors reversed the positive effect of IL-27 in a lung fibrosis model in vitro. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study shows that IL-27 upregulates MEG3 expression through inhibition of DNMT1-mediated lncRNA MEG3 promoter methylation, which in turn inhibits ERK/p38 signaling pathway-induced autophagy and attenuates BLM-induced PF, providing a contribution to the elucidation of the potential mechanisms by which IL-27 attenuates PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ting
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo Huamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Feng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo Huamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongkai Tong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo Huamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaoxing Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Ningbo Huamei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Wang Z, Ren J, Du J, Wang H, Liu J, Wang G. Niclosamide as a Promising Therapeutic Player in Human Cancer and Other Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16116. [PMID: 36555754 PMCID: PMC9782559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Niclosamide is an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug for the treatment of parasitic infections. However, over the past few years, increasing evidence has shown that niclosamide could treat diseases beyond parasitic diseases, which include metabolic diseases, immune system diseases, bacterial and viral infections, asthma, arterial constriction, myopia, and cancer. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the pharmacological activities and therapeutic prospects of niclosamide in human disease and cancer and summarized the related molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, indicating that niclosamide is a promising therapeutic player in various human diseases, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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Jiang H, Li AM, Ye J. The magic bullet: Niclosamide. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1004978. [PMID: 36479072 PMCID: PMC9720275 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1004978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The term 'magic bullet' is a scientific concept proposed by the German Nobel laureate Paul Ehrlich in 1907, describing a medicine that could specifically and efficiently target a disease without harming the body. Oncologists have been looking for a magic bullet for cancer therapy ever since. However, the current therapies for cancers-including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy-pose either pan-cytotoxicity or only single-target efficacy, precluding their ability to function as a magic bullet. Intriguingly, niclosamide, an FDA-approved drug for treating tapeworm infections with an excellent safety profile, displays broad anti-cancer activity in a variety of contexts. In particular, niclosamide inhibits multiple oncogenic pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Ras, Stat3, Notch, E2F-Myc, NF-κB, and mTOR and activates tumor suppressor signaling pathways such as p53, PP2A, and AMPK. Moreover, niclosamide potentially improves immunotherapy by modulating pathways such as PD-1/PDL-1. We recently discovered that niclosamide ethanolamine (NEN) reprograms cellular metabolism through its uncoupler function, consequently remodeling the cellular epigenetic landscape to promote differentiation. Inspired by the promising results from the pre-clinical studies, several clinical trials are ongoing to assess the therapeutic effect of niclosamide in cancer patients. This current review summarizes the functions, mechanism of action, and potential applications of niclosamide in cancer therapy as a magic bullet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowen Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Albert M. Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Jiangbin Ye
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Cancer Biology Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Wu MY, Shi XC, Shan J, Wang R, Wang Y, Li J, Tian DN, Xu HM. Role of non-neuronal cholinergic system in the early stage response of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation related markers in A549 cells induced by coal particles. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11751. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Huang TT, Chen CM, Chen LG, Lan YW, Huang TH, Choo KB, Chong KY. 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via regulating pro-fibrotic signaling pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:997100. [PMID: 36267283 PMCID: PMC9577370 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.997100] [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: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-Glucoside (THSG) is the main active ingredient extracted from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PMT), which has been reported to possess extensive pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, the exact role of THSG in pulmonary fibrosis has not been demonstrated yet. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of THSG against bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in a murine model, and explore the underlying mechanisms of THSG in transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibrogenesis using MRC-5 human lung fibroblast cells. We found that THSG significantly attenuated lung injury by reducing fibrosis and extracellular matrix deposition. THSG treatment significantly downregulated the expression levels of TGF-β1, fibronectin, α-SMA, CTGF, and TGFBR2, however, upregulated the expression levels of antioxidants (SOD-1 and catalase) and LC3B in the lungs of BLM-treated mice. THSG treatment decreased the expression levels of fibronectin, α-SMA, and CTGF in TGF-β1-stimulated MRC-5 cells. Conversely, THSG increased the expression levels of SOD-1 and catalase. Furthermore, treatment of THSG profoundly reduced the TGF-β1-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, THSG restored TGF-β1-induced impaired autophagy, accompany by increasing the protein levels of LC3B-II and Beclin 1. Mechanism study indicated that THSG significantly reduced TGF-β1-induced increase of TGFBR2 expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3, Akt, mTOR, and ERK1/2 in MRC-5 cells. These findings suggest that THSG may be considered as an anti-fibrotic drug for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Teng Huang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Mu Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center and the Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Geeng Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biopharmaceuticals, National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Wei Lan
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, The Perinatal Institute of Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tse-Hung Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Kong Bung Choo
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kowit-Yu Chong
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung, Taiwan
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Medical Research Lab, Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Kowit-Yu Chong,
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