Alpha-Linolenic Acid Modulates T Cell Incorporation in a 3D Tissue-Engineered Psoriatic Skin Model

Angiogenesis and full thickness wound repair in a cell sheet-based vascularized skin substitute

Skin tissue engineering is undergoing tremendous expansion as a result from clinical needs, mandatory replacement of animal models and development of new technologies. Many approaches have been used to produce vascularized skin substitutes for grafting purposes showing the presence of capillary-like structures but with limited analysis of their in vitro maturation and plasticity. Such knowledge is however important for the development of tissue substitutes with improved implantation success as well as for validation of vascularization in vitro models, including as a readout in pharmacological analyses. For optimal interactions of cells with microenvironment and vasculature, we here used a cell sheet approach consisting in the sole production of matrix by the cells. In this context, we limited the density of endothelial cells seeded for self-assembly and rather relied on the stimulation of angiogenesis for the development of an extensive connected microvascular-like network. After detailed characterization of this network, we challenged its plasticity both during and after establishment of the skin substitute. We show that fine tuning of VEGF concentration and time of application differentially affects formation of capillary-like structures and their perivascular coverage. Furthermore, we performed a deep wound assay that displayed tissue repair and angiogenesis with unique characteristics of the physiological process. These studies demonstrate the importance of cell-derived microenvironment for the establishment of mature yet dynamic vascularized skin models allowing a wide range of pharmacological and basic investigations. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The significant advancements in organ-on-chips and tissue engineering call for more relevant models including microvascularization with remodeling potential. While vascularized skin substitutes have been developed for years, focus has primarily been on the impact of microvascularization on implantation rather than on its in vitro characterization. We here developed a cell sheet-based vascularized skin substitute relying on angiogenesis, i.e. growth of vessel-like structures within the 3D model, rather than solely on endothelial cell self-assembly. We then characterized :1/ vascularization after modulation of angiogenic factor VEGF during the substitute construction; -2/ angiogenesis associated to tissue repair after deep mechanical wounding. These studies establish a solid physiologically relevant model for further investigation of skin cell interactions and in vitro wound healing.

Targeting the Complexity of In Vitro Skin Models: A Review of Cutting-Edge Developments

Skin in vitro models offer much promise for research, testing drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices, reducing animal testing and extensive clinical trials. There are several in vitro approaches to mimicking human skin behavior, ranging from simple cell monolayer to complex organotypic and bioengineered 3-dimensional models. Some have been approved for preclinical studies in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. However, development of physiologically reliable in vitro human skin models remains in its infancy. This review reports on advances in in vitro complex skin models to study skin homeostasis, aging, and skin disease.

Fatty Acid Profile of Erythrocyte Membranes in Patients with Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease with a multifaceted pathomechanism and immunological basis, with the presence of inflammatory skin lesions and joint ailments. Diseases accompanying psoriasis include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. It has been suggested that inflammation is involved in the development of each of these conditions. The main objective of this study was to analyse the fatty acid profile, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, in the erythrocyte membranes of patients suffering from psoriasis. A total of 58 adult patients of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, suffering from psoriasis, were qualified for this study. The patients had undergone an interview and physical examination, during which the severity of psoriasis was assessed. All patients had their weight and height measured to assess their body mass index (BMI). After 3 months of treatment, biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total cholesterol) and inflammatory markers (CRP) in the blood were assessed. In addition, the isolation of fatty acids (PUFAs, SFAs, MUFAs) from erythrocyte membranes and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of their profile using a gas chromatograph were carried out. In patients with severe psoriasis requiring systemic treatment, an altered profile of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes was found, including a significantly lower concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), which have an anti-inflammatory effect; a significantly higher concentration of saturated fatty acids; and a decreased concentration of oleic acid (omega-9), compared to the results obtained in patients with less severe psoriasis receiving topical treatment. In patients with psoriasis and BMI ≥ 25, significantly higher concentrations of AST and ALT in the blood and significantly higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid in erythrocyte membranes were found. Elevated concentrations of saturated (R = 0.31) and monounsaturated fatty acids (R = 0.29) may correlate with a greater severity of psoriasis.

Antiproliferative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Polyphenols Phloretin and Balsacone C in a Coculture of T Cells and Psoriatic Keratinocytes

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease causing red inflamed lesions covered by scales. Leukocytes, including dendritic cells and T cells, participate in the inflammation of the skin by producing multiple cytokines, thus contributing to the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. Lack of effectiveness and toxic side effects are the main concerns with conventional treatments, and research involving new antipsoriatic molecules is essential. In this study, the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of two natural polyphenols, phloretin and balsacone C, were investigated using the coculture of T cells and psoriatic keratinocytes. Phloretin exerted antiproliferative activity by regulating the expression of antigen Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These effects were comparable to those of methotrexate, a reference treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. With balsacone C, the expression of Ki67 was also reduced. Additionally, phloretin decreased the levels of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines: monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The increased interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels with phloretin and methotrexate also represented anti-inflammatory activity. Balsacone C and methotrexate decreased the levels of IL-1α and IL-1β, but methotrexate exerted a higher reduction. In summary, the anti-inflammatory effects of phloretin were more pronounced than those of methotrexate and balsacone C. In addition, the expression of lymphocyte common antigen (CD45) was more similar to that of the healthy condition after using phloretin or methotrexate. Finally, phloretin stood out from the other compounds and appears promising for psoriasis treatment.

Metabolic influences on T cell in psoriasis: a literature review

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that frequently coexists with various other conditions, such as essential hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. The association between these diseases may be attributed to shared inflammatory pathways and abnormal immunomodulatory mechanisms. Furthermore, metabolites also play a regulatory role in the function of different immune cells involved in psoriasis pathogenesis, particularly T lymphocytes. In this review, we have summarized the current research progress on T cell metabolism in psoriasis, encompassing the regulation of metabolites in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and other pathways within T cells affected by psoriasis. We will also explore the interaction and mechanism between psoriatic metabolites and immune cells. Moreover, we further discussed the research progress of metabolomics in psoriasis to gain a deeper understanding of its pathogenesis and identify potential new therapeutic targets through identification of metabolic biomarkers associated with this condition.

Metabolomics Reveals Molecular Signatures for Psoriasis Biomarkers and Drug Targets Discovery

Purpose

Psoriasis is a chronic, multi-system skin disease that can be influenced by immunological, environmental, and genetic factors. Plasma metabolomic analysis can provide a great deal of information on potential diagnostic biomarkers, pathogenesis and personalized treatment. However, the role of metabolites in psoriasis is unknown.

Patients and Methods

We performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis of plasma based on high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry from 10 plaque psoriasis patients and 10 healthy controls.

Results

A total of 301 differential metabolites were detected, of which 10 metabolites were possible potential biomarkers, including vitamins, amino acids, and lipids. At the same time, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed for all detected differential metabolites, and it was found that protein digestion and absorption, amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism may be jointly involved in regulating the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In addition, the proteins ESR1, OPRM1 and HSD11B1 were identified as possible potential topical therapeutic targets for psoriasis through analysis of the metabolite-protein interaction network.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified 10 differential metabolites as possible potential combinatorial biomarkers for the diagnosis of psoriasis. 12 metabolic pathways were significantly enriched that may be closely related to the occurrence and development of psoriasis. Three proteins, ESR1, OPRM1, and HSD11B1, were identified as possible potential therapeutic targets for psoriasis.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Influences the Lipid Profile of an In Vitro Psoriatic Skin Model Produced with T Cells

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and an inappropriate activation of the adaptive immunity. A dysregulation of the skin's lipid mediators is reported in the disease with a predominance of the inflammatory cascade derived from n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFAs). Bioactive lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) are involved in the inflammatory functions of T cells in psoriasis, whereas n-3 PUFAs' derivatives are anti-inflammatory metabolites. Here, we sought to evaluate the influence of a supplementation of the culture media with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the lipid profile of a psoriatic skin model produced with polarized T cells. Healthy and psoriatic skin substitutes were produced following the auto-assembly technique. Psoriatic skin substitutes produced with or without T cells presented increased epidermal and dermal linolenic acid (LA) and AA levels. N-6 PUFA lipid mediators were strongly measured in psoriatic substitutes, namely, 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE). The added EPA elevated the amounts of EPA, n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the epidermal and dermal phospholipids. The EPA supplementation balanced the production of epidermal lipid mediators, with an increase in prostaglandin E3 (PGE3), 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE) and N-eicosapentaenoyl-ethanolamine (EPEA) levels. These findings show that EPA modulates the lipid composition of psoriatic skin substitutes by encouraging the return to a cutaneous homeostatic state.

Eicosapentaenoic acid reduces the proportion of IL-17A-producing T cells in a 3D psoriatic skin model

Psoriasis is a skin disease presenting as erythematous lesions with accentuated proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes, infiltration of leukocytes, and dysregulated lipid metabolism. T cells play essential roles in the disease. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are anti-inflammatory metabolites, which exert an immunosuppressive effect on healthy T cells. However, the precise mechanistic processes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on T cells in psoriasis are still unrevealed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the action of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on T cells in a psoriatic skin model produced with T cells. A coculture of psoriatic keratinocytes and polarized T cells was prepared using culture media, which was either supplemented with 10 μM EPA or left unsupplemented. Healthy and psoriatic skin substitutes were produced according to the self-assembly method. In the coculture model, EPA reduced the proportion of IL-17A-positive cells, while increasing that of FOXP3-positive cells, suggesting an increase in the polarization of regulatory T cells. In the 3D psoriatic skin model, EPA normalized the proliferation of psoriatic keratinocytes and diminished the levels of IL-17A. The expression of the proteins of the signal transducer and activator of transcription was influenced following EPA supplementation with downregulation of the phosphorylation levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in the dermis. Finally, the NFκB signaling pathway was modified in the EPA-supplemented substitutes with an increase in Fas amounts. Ultimately, our results suggest that in this psoriatic model, EPA exerts its anti-inflammatory action by decreasing the proportion of IL-17A-producing T cells.

Ceratonia siliqua pods (Carob) methanol extract alleviates doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anti-neoplastic therapy, but its use is limited by its deleterious toxic effects including nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. This work aimed at assessing the potential protective effect of Ceratonia siliqua methanol extract (CME) on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in 5 groups of Wistar rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced experimentally by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of DOX (15 mg/kg). DOX increased serum creatinine, urea, sodium, and potassium levels. It elevated MDA levels in the renal tissue but decreased the concentration of GSH and the activity of GST, CAT, and SOD. Meanwhile, it decreased the level of immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory mediators: IL-10 and TGF-β, as well as the activity of MPO but increased the level of IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 in the renal tissue. DOX has upregulated COX-2, caspase-9, and Bax gene expression and downregulated the Bcl-2 gene expression. Immunolabeling of renal tubular epithelium in DOX-intoxicated rats was moderate to strong against Bax, COX-2, and NF-kβ and weak against Bcl-2. Treatment with CME significantly restored the levels of kidney function parameters and the levels of oxidative stress markers. It stimulated the production of IL-10 and TGF-β and decreased the level of IL-6 and TNF-α. CME reverted the gene expression of COX-2, caspase-9, and Bax. Microscopically, CME alleviated the DOX-induced renal damage. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 26 compounds in the CME. No signs of acute toxicity were recorded by CME up to 4000 mg/kg b. wt. orally into mice. Finally, CME could effectively alleviate the deleterious effects of DOX on the kidney. The safety of carob extract encourages its use in the preparation of valuable therapeutic agents.

Ceratonia siliqua pods (Carob) methanol extract alleviates doxorubicin – induced nephrotoxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2217042/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective antitumor therapy but its use is limited by its deleterious toxic effects including nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The aim of this work was to assess the potential protective effect of Ceratonia siliqua methanol extract (CME) on DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in 5 groups of rats. Rats in groups 1and 2 were given normal saline while groups 3–5 were given Vitamin C (reference antioxidant, 250mg/kg), CME (500mg/kg) and CME (1000 mg/kg) for 5 days. On the 5th day, 1 hour after the last treatment dose, rats of groups 2–5 were given DOX in a dose of 15 mg/kg IP. DOX increased serum creatinine, urea, sodium and potassium and decreased GSH concentration, GST, CAT, SOD and MPO activities but increased MDA. It increased the inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κβ) but decreased the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and the Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). DOX has up-regulated COX-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax and NF- κβ transcripts and down-regulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 as assessed by immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis. CME significantly improved the levels of kidney function parameters and restored the levels of the oxidative stress markers. It also decreased the level of COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κβ and stimulated the production of IL-10 and TGF-β. CME down-regulated the expression levels of the Bax, Cox-2 and caspases and up-regulated the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Microscopically, CME alleviated the DOX-induced renal damage in dose dependent manner. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 26 compounds among which 4 major compounds (over 5%) in the CME. Acute toxicity test revealed that CME is not toxic up to 5 g/kg orally into rats. In conclusion, CME could effectively alleviate the deleterious effects of DOX on the kidney. The safety of carob extract encourages its use in the preparation of valuable therapeutic agents.

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Non-Photic Zeitgebers and Circadian Clock Synchronizers

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) are well-known for their actions on immune/inflammatory and neurological pathways, functions that are also under circadian clock regulation. The daily photoperiod represents the primary circadian synchronizer (‘zeitgeber’), although diverse studies have pointed towards an influence of dietary FAs on the biological clock. A comprehensive literature review was conducted following predefined selection criteria with the aim of updating the evidence on the molecular mechanisms behind circadian rhythm regulation by ω-3 FAs. We collected preclinical and clinical studies, systematic reviews, and metanalyses focused on the effect of ω-3 FAs on circadian rhythms. Twenty animal (conducted on rodents and piglets) and human trials and one observational study providing evidence on the regulation of neurological, inflammatory/immune, metabolic, reproductive, cardiovascular, and biochemical processes by ω-3 FAs via clock genes were discussed. The evidence suggests that ω-3 FAs may serve as non-photic zeitgebers and prove therapeutically beneficial for circadian disruption-related pathologies. Future work should focus on the role of clock genes as a target for the therapeutic use of ω-3 FAs in inflammatory and neurological disorders, as well as on the bidirectional association between the molecular clock and ω-3 FAs.

Dietary Ground Flaxseed Increases Serum Alpha-Linolenic Acid Concentrations in Adult Cats

We evaluated effects of dietary ground flaxseed on fecal and serum alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) concentrations, nutrient digestibility, and stool quality in female and male adult cats (n = 20 (8 males, 12 females); 3.95 ± 1.49 years of age (mean ± SD); 3.88 ± 0.82 kg BW). We hypothesized that adding ground flaxseed would increase serum ALA compared with feeding no flax, without changing nutrient digestibility. Cats were fed as-is 2.6% added-flaxseed (flax, n = 10) or no-flax (control, n = 10) diets (2.66 vs. 0.78% ALA of total fatty acids; crude protein 35%, fat 20%, fiber 3% as-fed) twice daily to maintain body weight for 28 days. Fecal collections were conducted on days 23−27 for total-tract nutrient digestibility, stool quality (scale 1−5; 1 = watery diarrhea, 5 = hard, dry, crumbly) and long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) analyses. Blood was collected on days 0, 14, and 28 for serum LCFA and chemistry analysis. Digestibility and fecal data were analyzed by ANOVA (SAS v9.4, Cary, NC, USA) and a repeated measures ANOVA for serum ALA. Flax-fed cats, compared with control-fed, had greater (p < 0.05) serum ALA after 14 days (4.00 vs. 0.71 µg/mL) and 28 days (7.83 and 3.67 µg/mL). No differences were observed in stool quality, and dry matter, protein, fat, and ALA digestibility. However, metabolizable energy was greater in the flax vs. control diet (4.18 vs. 3.91 kcal/g; p < 0.05). Overall, these data demonstrate that ground flaxseed added to cat diets increases serum ALA within 14 days, with no detriments to nutrient digestibility. We conclude that flaxseed can be used as a bioavailable source of ALA in cat diets.

Gene Profiling of a 3D Psoriatic Skin Model Enriched in T Cells: Downregulation of PTPRM Promotes Keratinocyte Proliferation through Excessive ERK1/2 Signaling

Psoriasis is a complex, immune-mediated skin disease involving a wide range of epithelial and immune cells. The underlying mechanisms that govern the epidermal defects and immunological dysfunction observed in this condition remain largely unknown. In recent years, the emergence of new, more sophisticated models has allowed the evolution of our knowledge of the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The development of psoriatic skin biomaterials that more closely mimic native psoriatic skin provides advanced preclinical models that will prove relevant in predicting clinical outcomes. In this study, we used a tissue-engineered, two-layered (dermis and epidermis) human skin substitute enriched in T cells as a biomaterial to study both the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in psoriasis’ pathogenesis. Gene profiling on microarrays revealed significant changes in the profile of genes expressed by the psoriatic skin substitutes compared with the healthy ones. Two genes, namely, PTPRM and NELL2, whose products influence the ERK1/2 signaling pathway have been identified as being deregulated in psoriatic substitutes. Deregulation of these genes supports excessive activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in psoriatic skin substitutes. Most importantly, electrophoresis mobility shift assays provided evidence that the DNA-binding properties of two downstream nuclear targets of ERK1/2, both the NF-κB and Sp1 transcription factors, are increased under psoriatic conditions. Moreover, the results obtained with the inhibition of RSK, a downstream effector of ERK1/2, supported the therapeutic potential of inhibiting this signaling pathway for psoriasis treatment. In conclusion, this two-layered human psoriatic skin substitute enriched in T cells may prove particularly useful in deciphering the mechanistic details of psoriatic pathogenesis and provide a relevant biomaterial for the study of potential therapeutic targets.

Current knowledge of the implication of lipid mediators in psoriasis

The skin is an organ involved in several biological processes essential to the proper functioning of the organism. One of these essential biological functions of the skin is its barrier function, mediated notably by the lipids of the stratum corneum, and which prevents both penetration from external aggression, and transepidermal water loss. Bioactive lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) constitute a complex bioactive lipid network greatly involved in skin homeostasis. Bioactive lipid mediators derived from n-3 and n-6 PUFAs have well-documented anti- and pro-inflammatory properties and are recognized as playing numerous and complex roles in the behavior of diverse skin diseases, including psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with many comorbidities and is associated with enhanced levels of pro-inflammatory lipid mediators. Studies have shown that a high intake of n-3 PUFAs can influence the development and progression of psoriasis, mainly by reducing the severity and frequency of psoriatic plaques. Herein, we provide an overview of the differential effects of n-3 and n-6 PUFA lipid mediators, including prostanoids, hydroxy-fatty acids, leukotrienes, specialized pro-resolving mediators, N-acylethanolamines, monoacylglycerols and endocannabinoids. This review summarizes current findings on lipid mediators playing a role in the skin and their potential as therapeutic targets for psoriatic patients.