GPR18-Mediated Relaxation of Human Isolated Pulmonary Arteries

Resolvin D2 and its receptor GPR18 in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: A promising biomarker and therapeutic target

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of the initiation and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMDs). Anti-inflammation strategies and those that promote inflammation resolution have gradually become potential therapeutic approaches for CVMDs. Resolvin D2 (RvD2), a specialized pro-resolving mediator, exerts anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects through its receptor GPR18, a G protein-coupled receptor. Recently, the RvD2/GPR18 axis has received more attention due to its protective role in CVMDs, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischaemiareperfusion, and diabetes. Here, we introduce basic information about RvD2 and GPR18, summarize their roles in different immune cells, and review the therapeutic potential of the RvD2/GPR18 axis in CVMDs. In summary, RvD2 and its receptor GPR18 play an important role in the occurrence and development of CVMDs and are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Gpr18 agonist dampens inflammation, enhances myogenesis, and restores muscle function in models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Introduction: Muscle wasting in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is caused by myofiber fragility and poor regeneration that lead to chronic inflammation and muscle replacement by fibrofatty tissue. Our recent findings demonstrated that Resolvin-D2, a bioactive lipid derived from omega-3 fatty acids, has the capacity to dampen inflammation and stimulate muscle regeneration to alleviate disease progression. This therapeutic avenue has many advantages compared to glucocorticoids, the current gold-standard treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. However, the use of bioactive lipids as therapeutic drugs also faces many technical challenges such as their instability and poor oral bioavailability. Methods: Here, we explored the potential of PSB-KD107, a synthetic agonist of the resolvin-D2 receptor Gpr18, as a therapeutic alternative for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Results and discussion: We showed that PSB-KD107 can stimulate the myogenic capacity of patient iPSC-derived myoblasts in vitro. RNAseq analysis revealed an enrichment in biological processes related to fatty acid metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, small molecule biosynthesis, and steroid-related processes in PSB-KD107-treated mdx myoblasts, as well as signaling pathways such as Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, AMP-activated protein kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin, and sphingolipid signaling pathways. In vivo, the treatment of dystrophic mdx mice with PSB-KD107 resulted in reduced inflammation, enhanced myogenesis, and improved muscle function. The positive impact of PSB-KD107 on muscle function is similar to the one of Resolvin-D2. Overall, our findings provide a proof-of concept that synthetic analogs of bioactive lipid receptors hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Resolvins Lipid Mediators: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer and Parkinson Disease

Inflammation and resolution are highly programmed processes involving a plethora of immune cells. Lipid mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid metabolism play a pivotal role in orchestrating the signaling cascades in the game of inflammation. The majority of the studies carried out so far on inflammation were aimed at inhibiting the generation of inflammatory molecules, whereas recent research has shifted more towards understanding the resolution of inflammation. Owing to chronic inflammation as evident in neuropathophysiology, the resolution of inflammation together with the class of lipid mediators actively involved in its regulation has attracted the attention of the scientific community as therapeutic targets. Both omega-three polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, orchestrate a vital regulatory role in inflammation development. Resolvins derived from these fatty acids comprise the D-and E-series resolvins. A growing body of evidence using in vitro and in vivo models has revealed the pro-resolving and anti-inflammatory potential of resolvins. This systematic review sheds light on the synthesis, specialized receptors, and resolution of inflammation mediated by resolvins in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Special Issue: "G Protein-Coupled Receptor and Their Kinases in Cell Biology and Disease 2.0"

The second volume of this Special Issue, entitled "G Protein-Coupled Receptor and Their Kinases in Cell Biology and Disease 2 [...].

Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators: New Therapeutic Approaches for Vascular Remodeling

Vascular remodeling is a typical feature of vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, aneurysms or restenosis. Excessive inflammation is a key mechanism underlying vascular remodeling via the modulation of vascular fibrosis, phenotype and function. Recent evidence suggests that not only augmented inflammation but unresolved inflammation might also contribute to different aspects of vascular diseases. Resolution of inflammation is mediated by a family of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that limit immune cell infiltration and initiate tissue repair mechanisms. SPMs (lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, maresins) are generated from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Synthases and receptors for SPMs were initially described in immune cells, but they are also present in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), where they regulate processes important for vascular physiology, such as EC activation and VSMC phenotype. Evidence from genetic models targeting SPM pathways and pharmacological supplementation with SPMs have demonstrated that these mediators may play a protective role against the development of vascular remodeling in atherosclerosis, aneurysms and restenosis. This review focuses on the latest advances in understanding the role of SPMs in vascular cells and their therapeutic effects in the vascular remodeling associated with different cardiovascular diseases.