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Ma J, Li G, Wang H, Mo C. Comprehensive review of potential drugs with anti-pulmonary fibrosis properties. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116282. [PMID: 38401514 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116282] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by the accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs, which leads to impaired lung function and reduced quality of life. The prognosis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is the most common form of pulmonary fibrosis, is generally poor. The median survival for patients with IPF is estimated to be around 3-5 years from the time of diagnosis. Currently, there are two approved drugs (Pirfenidone and Nintedanib) for the treatment of IPF. However, Pirfenidone and Nintedanib are not able to reverse or cure pulmonary fibrosis. There is a need for new pharmacological interventions that can slow or halt disease progression and cure pulmonary fibrosis. This review aims to provide an updated overview of current and future drug interventions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and to summarize possible targets of potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis drugs, providing theoretical support for further clinical combination therapy or the development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ma
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study, Center for Medical Genetics, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Chunheng Mo
- The Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Paw M, Kusiak AA, Nit K, Litewka JJ, Piejko M, Wnuk D, Sarna M, Fic K, Stopa KB, Hammad R, Barczyk-Woznicka O, Cathomen T, Zuba-Surma E, Madeja Z, Ferdek PE, Bobis-Wozowicz S. Hypoxia enhances anti-fibrotic properties of extracellular vesicles derived from hiPSCs via the miR302b-3p/TGFβ/SMAD2 axis. BMC Med 2023; 21:412. [PMID: 37904135 PMCID: PMC10617123 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03117-w] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibrosis is one of the top killers among fibrotic diseases and continues to be a global unaddressed health problem. The lack of effective treatment combined with the considerable socioeconomic burden highlights the urgent need for innovative therapeutic options. Here, we evaluated the anti-fibrotic properties of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that were cultured under various oxygen concentrations. METHODS EVs were isolated from three hiPSC lines cultured under normoxia (21% O2; EV-N) or reduced oxygen concentration (hypoxia): 3% O2 (EV-H3) or 5% O2 (EV-H5). The anti-fibrotic activity of EVs was tested in an in vitro model of cardiac fibrosis, followed by a detailed investigation of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Sequencing of EV miRNAs combined with bioinformatics analysis was conducted and a selected miRNA was validated using a miRNA mimic and inhibitor. Finally, EVs were tested in a mouse model of angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis. RESULTS We provide evidence that an oxygen concentration of 5% enhances the anti-fibrotic effects of hiPS-EVs. These EVs were more effective in reducing pro-fibrotic markers in activated human cardiac fibroblasts, when compared to EV-N or EV-H3. We show that EV-H5 act through the canonical TGFβ/SMAD pathway, primarily via miR-302b-3p, which is the most abundant miRNA in EV-H5. Our results show that EV-H5 not only target transcripts of several profibrotic genes, including SMAD2 and TGFBR2, but also reduce the stiffness of activated fibroblasts. In a mouse model of heart fibrosis, EV-H5 outperformed EV-N in suppressing the inflammatory response in the host and by attenuating collagen deposition and reducing pro-fibrotic markers in cardiac tissue. CONCLUSIONS In this work, we provide evidence of superior anti-fibrotic properties of EV-H5 over EV-N or EV-H3. Our study uncovers that fine regulation of oxygen concentration in the cellular environment may enhance the anti-fibrotic effects of hiPS-EVs, which has great potential to be applied for heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paw
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka A Kusiak
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Nit
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek J Litewka
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Piejko
- 3Rd Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University - Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Sarna
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Biophysics, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Fic
- Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga B Stopa
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ruba Hammad
- Freiburg iPS Core Facility, Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olga Barczyk-Woznicka
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Freiburg iPS Core Facility, Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ewa Zuba-Surma
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł E Ferdek
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Sylwia Bobis-Wozowicz
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Cell Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Paw M, Wnuk D, Madeja Z, Michalik M. PPARδ Agonist GW501516 Suppresses the TGF-β-Induced Profibrotic Response of Human Bronchial Fibroblasts from Asthmatic Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097721. [PMID: 37175437 PMCID: PMC10178673 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097721] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The airway wall remodeling observed in asthma is associated with subepithelial fibrosis and enhanced activation of human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) in the fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT), induced mainly by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The relationships between asthma severity, obesity, and hyperlipidemia suggest the involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in the remodeling of asthmatic bronchi. In this study, we investigated the effect of PPARδ ligands (GW501516 as an agonist, and GSK0660 as an antagonist) on the FMT potential of HBFs derived from asthmatic patients cultured in vitro. This report shows, for the first time, the inhibitory effect of a PPARδ agonist on the number of myofibroblasts and the expression of myofibroblast-related markers-α-smooth muscle actin, collagen 1, tenascin C, and connexin 43-in asthma-related TGF-β-treated HBF populations. We suggest that actin cytoskeleton reorganization and Smad2 transcriptional activity altered by GW501516 lead to the attenuation of the FMT in HBF populations derived from asthmatics. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that a PPARδ agonist stimulates antifibrotic effects in an in vitro model of bronchial subepithelial fibrosis. This suggests its potential role in the development of a possible novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of subepithelial fibrosis during asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Zivkovic S, Maric G, Cvetinovic N, Lepojevic-Stefanovic D, Bozic Cvijan B. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Supplements-A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061517. [PMID: 36986246 PMCID: PMC10053759 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Since the establishment of the "lipid hypothesis", according to which, cholesterol level is directly correlated to the risk of CVD, many different lipid-lowering agents have been introduced in clinical practice. A majority of these drugs, in addition to their lipid-lowering properties, may also exhibit some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. This hypothesis was based on the observation that a decrease in lipid levels occurs along with a decrease in inflammation. Insufficient reduction in the inflammation during treatment with lipid-lowering drugs could be one of the explanations for treatment failure and recurrent CVD events. Thus, the aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of currently available lipid-lowering medications including statins, ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants (BAS), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and niacin, as well as dietary supplements and novel drugs used in modern times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Zivkovic
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Zvezdara University Medical Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gorica Maric
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Epidemiology, University of Belgrade, Dr. Subotica 8, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Cvetinovic
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, University Medical Center "Dr Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje", 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Bojana Bozic Cvijan
- Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Liu M, Liu S, Li F, Li C, Chen S, Gao X, Wang X. The miR-124-3p regulates the allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in an ovalbumin-asthmatic mouse model by inhibiting S100A4. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e730. [PMID: 36799806 PMCID: PMC9896513 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with an increasing incidence every year. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to have implications for asthma. However, limited information is available regarding the effect of miR-124-3p on this disease. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the possible effects of miR-124-3p and S100A4 on inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in asthma using mouse models. METHOD Ovalbumin was used to induce asthmatic mouse models. Lung injury in mouse models was assessed, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice was collected to determine the number of eosinophilic granulocytes and assess inflammation. The expression levels of miR-124-3p, S100A4, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Snail1, vimentin, and TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway-related proteins were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis. In vitro experiments, cells were transfected with miR-124-3p mimics or inhibitors to test the expression of S100A4 by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and the mutual binding of miR-124-3p and S100A4 was validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS Overexpression of miR-124-3p or inhibition of S100A4 expression attenuated bronchial mucus secretion and collagenous fibers and suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, upon miR-124-3p overexpression or S100A4 suppression, eosinophilic granulocytes were decreased, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 expression levels were reduced in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, serum total IgE level was reduced, and the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway was suppressed. Mechanically, a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay verified the binding relationship between miR-124-3p and S100A4. CONCLUSION miR-124-3p can negatively target S100A4 to attenuate inflammation in asthmatic mouse models by suppressing the EMT process and the TGF-β/smad2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
| | - Fajiu Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
| | - Chenghong Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
| | - Xiaojiang Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineAffiliated Hospital of Jianghan UniversityWuhanHubeiP.R. China
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Su TR, Yu CC, Chao SC, Huang CC, Liao YW, Hsieh PL, Yu CH, Lin SS. Fenofibrate diminishes the self-renewal and metastasis potentials of oral carcinoma stem cells through NF-κB signaling. J Formos Med Assoc 2022; 121:1900-1907. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Wang Y, Yang H, Su X, Cao A, Chen F, Chen P, Yan F, Hu H. TGF-β1/SMOC2/AKT and ERK axis regulates proliferation, migration, and fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation in lung fibroblast, contributing with the asthma progression. Hereditas 2021; 158:47. [PMID: 34876240 PMCID: PMC8653533 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-021-00213-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that influences 300 million people all over the world. However, the pathogenesis of asthma has not been fully elucidated. It has been reported that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) can activate myofibroblasts. Moreover, the fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation (FMT) can be triggered by TGF-β, which is a major mediator of subepithelial fibrosis. Secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) is a member of cysteine (SPARC) family and is involved in the progression of multiple diseases. However, its role in asthma remains poorly understood. RT-qPCR evaluated the expression of SMOC2. Bromodeoxyuridine assay and wound-healing assay detected the proliferation and migration of lung fibroblasts, respectively. IF staining was performed to assess the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot analysis detected the levels of proteins. Flow cytometry was utilized for determination of the number of myofibroblasts. Results We found the expression of SMOC2 was upregulated by the treatment of TGF-β1 in lung fibroblasts. In addition, SMOC2 promoted the proliferation and migration of lung fibroblasts. More importantly, SMOC2 accelerated FMT of lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, SMOC2 was verified to control the activation of AKT and ERK. Rescue assays showed that the inhibition of AKT and ERK pathway reversed the promoting effect of SMOC2 overexpression on proliferation, migration and FMT in lung fibroblasts. Conclusions This work demonstrated that SMOC2 modulated TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration and FMT in lung fibroblasts and may promote asthma, which potentially provided a novel therapeutic target for the management of asthma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41065-021-00213-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuebin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Chengdu City, 610031, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huike Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xian Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, Chengdu City, 610031, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Anqiang Cao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fangtao Yan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Huirong Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Chengdu Third People's Hospital, No.82, Qinglong Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China
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SB203580-A Potent p38 MAPK Inhibitor Reduces the Profibrotic Bronchial Fibroblasts Transition Associated with Asthma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312790. [PMID: 34884593 PMCID: PMC8657816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Subepithelial fibrosis is a component of the remodeling observed in the bronchial wall of patients diagnosed with asthma. In this process, human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) drive the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) in response to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which activates the canonical Smad-dependent signaling. However, the pleiotropic properties of TGF-β1 also promote the activation of non-canonical signaling pathways which can affect the FMT. In this study we investigated the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition by SB203580 on the FMT potential of HBFs derived from asthmatic patients using immunocytofluorescence, real-time PCR and Western blotting methods. Our results demonstrate for the first time the strong effect of p38 MAPK inhibition on the TGF-β1-induced FMT potential throughout the strong attenuation of myofibroblast-related markers: α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, fibronectin and connexin 43 in HBFs. We suggest the pleiotropic mechanism of SB203580 on FMT impairment in HBF populations by the diminishing of TGF-β/Smad signaling activation and disturbances in the actin cytoskeleton architecture along with the maturation of focal adhesion sites. These observations justify future research on the role of p38 kinase in FMT efficiency and bronchial wall remodeling in asthma.
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Sun Z, Xu D, Zhao L, Li X, Li S, Huang X, Li C, Sun L, Liu B, Jiang Z, Zhang L. A new therapeutic effect of fenofibrate in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: The promotion of myostatin degradation. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1237-1250. [PMID: 34553378 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative muscle disease with no effective drug treatment. This study investigated the positive effects of fenofibrate on dystrophic muscles. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Myostatin expression in serum and muscle tissue of DMD patients and mdx mice were tested. Primary myoblasts isolated from mdx mice were challenged with an inflammatory stimulus and treated with fenofibrate. In animal experiments, 6-week-old male mdx mice were treated with fenofibrate (100 mg/kg) administered orally once per day for 6 weeks. Tests of muscle function plus histology and biochemical analyses of serum were conducted to evaluate the effects of fenofibrate. The expressions of myostatin, MuRF1, and atrogin-1 in skeletal muscle were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Total and oxidative myosin heavy chain (MHC) were assessed via immunofluorescence. KEY RESULTS Increased expression of myostatin protein was found in dystrophic muscle of DMD patients and mdx mice. Fenofibrate enhanced myofibre differentiation by downregulating the expression of myostatin protein but not mRNA in primary myoblasts of mdx mice. Fenofibrate significantly improved muscle function while ameliorating muscle damage in mdx mice. These benefits are accompanied by an anti-inflammatory effect. Fenofibrate treatment returned myofibre function by inhibiting the expressions of myostatin, MuRF1, and atrogin-1 protein in the gastrocnemius muscle and diaphragm, while leaving the mRNA level of myostatin unaffected. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Fenofibrate substantially slows muscle dystrophy by promoting the degradation of myostatin protein, which may indicate a new therapeutic focus for DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeren Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dengqiu Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xihua Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sijia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofei Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Adiponectin and Asthma: Knowns, Unknowns and Controversies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168971. [PMID: 34445677 PMCID: PMC8396527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adiponectin is an adipokine associated with the healthy obese phenotype. Adiponectin increases insulin sensitivity and has cardio and vascular protection actions. Studies related to adiponectin, a modulator of the innate and acquired immunity response, have suggested a role of this molecule in asthma. Studies based on various asthma animal models and on the key cells involved in the allergic response have provided important insights about this relation. Some of them indicated protection and others reversed the balance towards negative effects. Many of them described the cellular pathways activated by adiponectin, which are potentially beneficial for asthma prevention or for reduction in the risk of exacerbations. However, conclusive proofs about their efficiency still need to be provided. In this article, we will, briefly, present the general actions of adiponectin and the epidemiological studies supporting the relation with asthma. The main focus of the current review is on the mechanisms of adiponectin and the impact on the pathobiology of asthma. From this perspective, we will provide arguments for and against the positive influence of this molecule in asthma, also indicating the controversies and sketching out the potential directions of research to complete the picture.
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Kikuchi R, Maeda Y, Tsuji T, Yamaguchi K, Abe S, Nakamura H, Aoshiba K. Fenofibrate inhibits TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation and activation in human lung fibroblasts in vitro. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11. [PMID: 34228906 PMCID: PMC8329776 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fenofibrate (FF), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) agonist and a lipid-lowering agent, can decrease experimental pulmonary fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the antifibrotic effect of FF remain unknown. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of FF on transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced myofibroblast differentiation and activation in lung fibroblasts. The results showed that FF inhibited alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor expression, collagen production, cell motility, SMAD3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, and metabolic reprogramming in TGF-β-exposed cells. The inhibitory effect of FF did not decrease with the addition of a PPAR-α antagonist. Moreover, the inhibitory effect given by FF could not be reproduced with the addition of an alternative PPAR-α agonist. FF inhibited mitochondrial respiration. However, rotenone, a complex I inhibitor, did not suppress TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Furthermore, the TGF-β-induced nuclear reduction of protein phosphatase, Mg2+ /Mn2+ -dependent 1A (PPM1A), a SMAD phosphatase, was inhibited by FF. These results showed that FF suppressed TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation and activation independent of PPAR-α activation and impaired mitochondrial respiration. In conclusion, this study provides information on the effects of FF on anti-TGF-β mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Kikuchi
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical CenterInashikiJapan
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Yuki Maeda
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical CenterInashikiJapan
| | - Takao Tsuji
- Department of MedicineOtsuki Municipal HospitalJapan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical CenterInashikiJapan
| | - Shinji Abe
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical UniversityShinjuku‐kuJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical CenterInashikiJapan
| | - Kazutetsu Aoshiba
- Department of Respiratory MedicineTokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical CenterInashikiJapan
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12
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Chetty A, Nielsen HC. Targeting Airway Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy in Asthma: An Approach Whose Time Has Come. J Asthma Allergy 2021; 14:539-556. [PMID: 34079293 PMCID: PMC8164696 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s280247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell dysfunction is an important component of several obstructive pulmonary diseases, particularly asthma. External stimuli such as allergens, dust, air pollutants, and change in environmental temperatures provoke ASM cell hypertrophy, proliferation, and migration without adequate mechanistic controls. ASM cells can switch between quiescent, migratory, and proliferative phenotypes in response to extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and other soluble mediators. While some aspects of airway hypertrophy and remodeling could have beneficial effects, in many cases these contribute to a clinical phenotype of difficult to control asthma. In this review, we discuss the factors responsible for ASM hypertrophy and proliferation in asthma, focusing on cytokines, growth factors, and ion transporters, and discuss existing and potential approaches that specifically target ASM hypertrophy to reduce the ASM mass and improve asthma symptoms. The goal of this review is to highlight strategies that appear ready for translational investigations to improve asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Chetty
- Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakieła B, Bochenek G, Sładek K, Madeja Z, Michalik M. Responsiveness of human bronchial fibroblasts and epithelial cells from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors to the transforming growth factor-β 1 in epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit model. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:19. [PMID: 33711932 PMCID: PMC7953709 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The asthma-related airway wall remodeling is associated i.a. with a damage of bronchial epithelium and subepithelial fibrosis. Functional interactions between human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts are known as the epithelial-mesenchymal trophic unit (EMTU) and are necessary for a proper functioning of lung tissue. However, a high concentration of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the asthmatic bronchi drives the structural disintegrity of epithelium with the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the bronchial epithelial cells, and of subepithelial fibrosis with the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) of the bronchial fibroblasts. Since previous reports indicate different intrinsic properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial fibroblasts which affect their EMT/FMT potential beetween cells derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients, cultured separatelly in vitro, we were interested to see whether corresponding effects could be obtained in a co-culture of the bronchial epithelial cells and bronchial fibroblasts. In this study, we investigate the effects of the TGF-β1 on the EMT markers of the bronchial epithelial cells cultured in the air-liquid-interface and effectiveness of FMT in the bronchial fibroblast populations in the EMTU models. RESULTS Our results show that the asthmatic co-cultures are more sensitive to the TGF-β1 than the non-asthmatic ones, which is associated with a higher potential of the asthmatic bronchial cells for a profibrotic response, analogously to be observed in '2D' cultures. They also indicate a noticeable impact of human bronchial epithelial cells on the TGF-β1-induced FMT, stronger in the asthmatic bronchial fibroblast populations in comparison to the non-asthmatic ones. Moreover, our results suggest the protective effects of fibroblasts on the structure of the TGF-β1-exposed mucociliary differentiated bronchial epithelial cells and their EMT potential. CONCLUSIONS Our data are the first to demonstrate a protective effect of the human bronchial fibroblasts on the properties of the human bronchial epithelial cells, which suggests that intrinsic properties of not only epithelium but also subepithelial fibroblasts affect a proper condition and function of the EMTU in both normal and asthmatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bogdan Jakieła
- Division of Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grażyna Bochenek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sładek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-378, Kraków, Poland.
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14
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Chen Q, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Ye S, Liang X, Wang X, Lin X, Zong R, Chen H, Liu Z. Fenofibrate Inhibits Subretinal Fibrosis Through Suppressing TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and Wnt signaling in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:580884. [PMID: 33442383 PMCID: PMC7797782 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.580884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Subretinal fibrosis is a common pathological change that causes vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Treatment modalities for subretinal fibrosis are limited. In the present study, the effects of fenofibrate, a specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist, on subretinal fibrosis of nAMD were tested, and its molecular mechanisms of action were delineated. Collagen deposition and protein expression of fibrotic markers, such as vimentin, collagen-1, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin, were increased in very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) knockout mouse, indicating Vldlr -/- mice can be used as a model for subretinal fibrosis. Fenofibrate suppressed subretinal fibrosis of Vldlr -/- mice by reducing collagen deposition and protein expression of fibrotic markers. Two fibrotic pathways, TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and Wnt signaling, were significantly up-regulated, while inhibited by fenofibrate in Vldlr -/- retinas. Moreover, fenofibrate significantly reduced the downstream connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression of these two pathways. Müller cells were a major source of CTGF in Vldlr -/- retinas. Fenofibrate was capable of suppressing Müller cell activation and thus reducing the release of CTGF in Vldlr -/- retinas. In cultured Müller cells, fenofibrate reversed TGF-β2-induced up-regulation of Wnt signaling and CTGF expression. These findings suggested that fenofibrate inhibits subretinal fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling and Wnt signaling and reducing CTGF expression, and thus, fenofibrate could be a potential treatment for nAMD with subretinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Sihao Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xu Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiang Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rongrong Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Haoyu Chen
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China
| | - Zuguo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Eye Institute of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen University affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen, China
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15
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Huang C, Yu Y, Du W, Liu Y, Dai R, Tang W, Wang P, Zhang C, Shi G. Fungal and bacterial microbiome dysbiosis and imbalance of trans-kingdom network in asthma. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:42. [PMID: 33110490 PMCID: PMC7583303 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00345-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal and bacterial microbiota play an important role in development of asthma. We aim to characterize airway microbiome (mycobiome, bacteriome) and functional genes in asthmatics and controls. Methods Sputum microbiome of controls, untreated asthma patients and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) receiving patients was detected using high throughput sequencing. Metagenomic sequencing was used to examine the functional genes of microbiome. Results 1. Mycobiome: α diversity was lower in untreated asthma group than that in controls. Mycobiome compositions differed among the three groups. Compared with controls, untreated asthma group has higher abundance of Wallemia, Mortierella and Fusarium. Compared with untreated asthma patients, ICS receiving patients has higher abundance of Fusarium and Mortierella, lower frequency of Wallemia, Alternaria and Aspergillus. 2. Bacteriome: α diversity was lower in untreated asthma group than that in controls. There are some overlaps of bacteriome compositions between controls and untreated asthma patients which were distinct from ICS receiving patients. Untreated asthma group has higher Streptococcus than controls. 3. Potential fungal and bacterial biomarkers of asthma: Trametes, Aspergillus, Streptococcus, Gemella, Neisseria, etc. 4. Correlation network: There are dense and homogenous correlations in controls but a dramatically unbalanced network in untreated asthma and ICS receiving patients, which suggested the existence of disease-specific inter-kingdom and intra-kingdom alterations. 5. Metagenomic analysis: functional pathways were associated with the status of asthma, microbiome and functional genes showed different correlations in different environment. Conclusion We showed mycobiome and bacteriome dysbiosis in asthma featured by alterations in biodiversity, community composition, inter-kingdom and intra-kingdom network. We also observed several functional genes associated with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunrong Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Youchao Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Ranran Dai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800, Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 People's Republic of China
| | - Guochao Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China.,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 People's Republic of China
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16
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Enhanced asthma-related fibroblast to myofibroblast transition is the result of profibrotic TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway intensification and antifibrotic TGF-β/Smad1/5/(8)9 pathway impairment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16492. [PMID: 33020537 PMCID: PMC7536388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway remodelling with subepithelial fibrosis, which abolishes the physiological functions of the bronchial wall, is a major issue in bronchial asthma. Human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) derived from patients diagnosed with asthma display in vitro predestination towards TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), a key event in subepithelial fibrosis. As commonly used anti-asthmatic drugs do not reverse the structural changes of the airways, and the molecular mechanism of enhanced asthma-related TGF-β1-induced FMT is poorly understood, we investigated the balance between the profibrotic TGF-β/Smad2/3 and the antifibrotic TGF-β/Smad1/5/9 signalling pathways and its role in the myofibroblast formation of HBF populations derived from asthmatic and non-asthmatic donors. Our findings showed for the first time that TGF-β-induced activation of the profibrotic Smad2/3 signalling pathway was enhanced, but the activation of the antifibrotic Smad1/5/(8)9 pathway by TGF-β1 was significantly diminished in fibroblasts from asthmatic donors compared to those from their healthy counterparts. The impairment of the antifibrotic TGF-β/Smad1/5/(8)9 pathway in HBFs derived from asthmatic donors was correlated with enhanced FMT. Furthermore, we showed that Smad1 silencing in HBFs from non-asthmatic donors increased the FMT potential in these cells. Additionally, we demonstrated that activation of antifibrotic Smad signalling via BMP7 or isoliquiritigenin [a small-molecule activator of the TGF-β/Smad1/5/(8)9 pathway] administration prevents FMT in HBFs from asthmatic donors through downregulation of profibrotic genes, e.g., α-SMA and fibronectin. Our data suggest that influencing the balance between the antifibrotic and profibrotic TGF-β/Smad signalling pathways using BMP7-mimetic compounds presents an unprecedented opportunity to inhibit subepithelial fibrosis during airway remodelling in asthma.
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17
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Kytikova OY, Perelman JM, Novgorodtseva TP, Denisenko YK, Kolosov VP, Antonyuk MV, Gvozdenko TA. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Asthma. PPAR Res 2020; 2020:8906968. [PMID: 32395125 PMCID: PMC7201810 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8906968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of chronic inflammation in asthma determines its heterogeneity and insufficient treatment effectiveness. Nuclear transcription factors, which include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, that is, PPARs, play an important role in the regulation of initiation and resolution of the inflammatory process. The ability of PPARs to modulate not only lipid homeostasis but also the activity of the inflammatory response makes them an important pathogenetic target in asthma therapy. At present, special attention is focused on natural (polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), endocannabinoids, and eicosanoids) and synthetic (fibrates, thiazolidinediones) PPAR ligands and the study of signaling mechanisms involved in the implementation of their anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. This review summarizes current views on the structure and function of PPARs, as well as their participation in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation in asthma. The potential use of PPAR ligands as therapeutic agents for treating asthma is under discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Yu. Kytikova
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Centre of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitative Treatment, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Juliy M. Perelman
- Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Russian Academy of Sciences, Blagoveshchensk, Russia
| | - Tatyana P. Novgorodtseva
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Centre of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitative Treatment, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Yulia K. Denisenko
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Centre of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitative Treatment, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Viktor P. Kolosov
- Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Russian Academy of Sciences, Blagoveshchensk, Russia
| | - Marina V. Antonyuk
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Centre of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitative Treatment, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Tatyana A. Gvozdenko
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Centre of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitative Treatment, Vladivostok, Russia
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18
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Resolution of allergic asthma. Semin Immunopathol 2019; 41:665-674. [PMID: 31705318 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-019-00770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing and bronchoconstriction. Chronic inflammation may finally lead to structural damage followed by airway remodeling. Various studies in recent years contributed to unravel important aspects of the immunopathogenesis of asthma and adapted new pharmaceutical developments. Here, I consider some novel insights into the immunopathogenesis of asthma and the protective and pathogenic roles of some innate and adaptive immune cells as well as the function of soluble mediators such as cytokines. Particular attention will be given to new concepts on resolution of chronic airway inflammation for prevention of airway structural damage.
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19
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Krzysiek-Maczka G, Wrobel T, Targosz A, Szczyrk U, Strzalka M, Ptak-Belowska A, Czyz J, Brzozowski T. Helicobacter pylori-activated gastric fibroblasts induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric epithelial cells in vitro in a TGF-β-dependent manner. Helicobacter 2019; 24:e12653. [PMID: 31411795 DOI: 10.1111/hel.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colonization of the gastric mucosa with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) leads to the cascade of pathologic events including local inflammation, gastric ulceration, and adenocarcinoma formation. Paracrine loops between tissue cells and Hp contribute to the formation of gastric cancerous loci; however, the specific mechanisms underlying existence of these loops remain unknown. We determined the phenotypic properties of gastric fibroblasts exposed to Hp (cagA+vacA+) infection and their influence on normal epithelial RGM-1 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS RGM-1 cells were cultured in the media conditioned with Hp-activated gastric fibroblasts. Their morphology and phenotypical changes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were assessed by Nomarski and fluorescence microscopy and Western blot analysis. Motility pattern of RGM-1 cells was examined by time-lapse video microscopy and transwell migration assay. The content of TGF-β in Hp-activated fibroblast-conditioned media was determined by ELISA. RESULTS The supernatant from Hp-activated gastric fibroblasts caused the EMT-like phenotypic diversification of RGM-1 cells. The formation of fibroblastoid cell sub-populations, the disappearance of their collective migration, an increase in transmigration potential with downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin proteins, prominent stress fibers, and decreased proliferation were observed. The fibroblast (CAF)-like transition was manifested by increased secretome TGF-β level, α-SMA protein expression, and its incorporation into stress fibers, and the TGF-βR1 kinase inhibitor reduced the rise in Snail, Twist, and E-cadherin mRNA and increased E-cadherin expression induced by CAFs. CONCLUSION Gastric fibroblasts which are one of the main targets for Hp infection contribute to the paracrine interactions between Hp, gastric fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. TGF-β secreted by Hp-activated gastric fibroblasts prompting their differentiation toward CAF-like phenotype promotes the EMT-related phenotypic shifts in normal gastric epithelial cell populations. This mechanism may serve as the prerequisite for GC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracjana Krzysiek-Maczka
- Department of Physiology, The Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wrobel
- Department of Cell Biology, The Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Aneta Targosz
- Department of Physiology, The Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Urszula Szczyrk
- Department of Physiology, The Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Strzalka
- Department of Physiology, The Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Agata Ptak-Belowska
- Department of Physiology, The Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Czyz
- Department of Cell Biology, The Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Brzozowski
- Department of Physiology, The Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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20
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Kim EM, Bae YM, Choi MH, Hong ST. Connexin 43 plays an important role in the transformation of cholangiocytes with Clonochis sinensis excretory-secretory protein and N-nitrosodimethylamine. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006843. [PMID: 30943209 PMCID: PMC6464552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clonorchis sinensis is a group I bio-carcinogen responsible for cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA) in humans. However, the mechanism by which C. sinensis promotes carcinogenesis is unclear. Methodology Using the human cholangiocyte line H69, we investigated cell proliferation and gap junction protein expression after stimulation with the hepatotoxin N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and/or excretory-secretory products (ESP) of C. sinensis, which induce inflammation. NDMA and ESP treatment increased proliferation by 146% and the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase by 37%. Moreover, the expression of the cell proliferation-related proteins E2F1, Ki-67, and cancer related protein cytokeratin 19 and Cox-2 increased in response to combined treatment with NDMA and ESP. The gap-junction proteins connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx26 increased. In contrast, Cx32 expression decreased in cells treated with NDMA and ESP. Silencing of Cx43 reduced cell proliferation and significantly suppressed Cx26 and Cox-2 expression. Conclusions These results suggest that Cx43 is an important factor in CHCA induced by C. sinensis ESP and NDMA and further investigations targeting this pathway may allow prevention of this deadly disease. Clonorchis sinensis, a human fluke, resides in the liver of humans and is commonly found in the common bile duct and gall bladder. This parasite is the main cause of cholangiocarcinoma, also called bile duct cancer, in humans. Of note, the excretory-secretory products (ESP) of C. sinensis are known to cause inflammation in the biliary epithelium, which may ultimately result in neoplasms via production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent DNA damage. Together with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a potent hepatotoxin that can cause fibrosis and tumors in the liver, ESP led to an increase in the growth and proliferation of cholangiocytes. Our results showed that examination of changes in the expression of gap junction proteins, which are related to tumorigenesis, showed that connexin 43 was upregulated with ESPs from C. sinensis and NDMA. Together, our results suggest that exposure to C. sinensis, in addition to low levels of carcinogen could promote carcinogenesis in the bile duct epithelium via uncontrolled cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, silencing of Cx43 reduced cancer related protein. Therefore, Cx 43 can serve as a potential target for developing a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Min Kim
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Research Bank, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Mee Bae
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Choi
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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