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Nguyen QC, Nguyen HA, Pham TA, Tran VTH, Nguyen TD, Pham DV. Mimosa pudica L. extract ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis via modulation of MAPK signaling pathways and FOXO3 stabilization. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118226. [PMID: 38670401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrosing pulmonary disorder that has a poor prognosis and high mortality. Although there has been extensive effort to introduce several new anti-fibrotic agents in the past decade, IPF remains an incurable disease. Mimosa pudica L., an indigenous Vietnamese plant, has been empirically used to treat respiratory disorders. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effects of M. pudica (MP) on lung fibrosis and the mechanisms underlying those effects remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the protective effect of a crude ethanol extract of the above-ground parts of MP against pulmonary fibrogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Inflammatory responses triggered by TNFα in structural lung cells were examined in normal human lung fibroblasts and A549 alveolar epithelial cells using Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, and immunocytochemistry. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was examined via cell morphology observations, F-actin fluorescent staining, gene and protein expression measurements, and a wound-healing assay. Anti-fibrotic assays including collagen release, differentiation, and measurements of fibrosis-related gene and protein expression levels were performed on TGFβ-stimulated human lung fibroblasts and lung fibroblasts derived from mice with fibrotic lungs. Finally, in vitro anti-fibrotic activities were validated using a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS MP alleviated the inflammatory responses of A549 alveolar epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts, as revealed by inhibition of TNFα-induced chemotactic cytokine and chemokine expression, along with inactivation of the MAPK and NFκB signalling pathways. MP also partially reversed the TGFβ-promoted EMT via downregulation of mesenchymal markers in A549 cells. Importantly, MP decreased the expression levels of fibrosis-related genes/proteins including collagen I, fibronectin, and αSMA; moreover, it suppressed collagen secretion and prevented myofibroblast differentiation in lung fibroblasts. These effects were mediated by FOXO3 stabilization through suppression of TGFβ-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. MP consistently protected mice from the onset and progression of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSION This study explored the multifaceted roles of MP in counteracting the pathobiological processes of lung fibrosis. The results suggest that further evaluation of MP could yield candidate therapies for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh-Chi Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang-Anh Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tuan-Anh Pham
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Van Thi-Hong Tran
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Vietnam National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thuy-Duong Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Duc-Vinh Pham
- Department of Pharmacology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
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Kamata T, Yoshida S, Tada Y, Sato T. Pilot study of incidence of gastroesophageal reflux after lung resection. J Thorac Dis 2024; 16:4678-4684. [PMID: 39144358 PMCID: PMC11320289 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Patients undergoing lung resection may be at risk of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and silent aspiration following surgery. Defining high-risk patients may lead to prevention strategies for silent aspiration and subsequent exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease. A pilot study of 50 patients was performed to investigate postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and the pepsin concentration in saliva. Patients answered a questionnaire concerning GERD symptoms before lung surgery and at the time of discharge. Saliva samples were obtained before surgery, on the third postoperative day and at discharge. Pepsin concentration was measured with Peptest. The pepsin concentration in saliva following resection was significantly elevated on postoperative day 3, but it returned to the baseline level at discharge. Patients undergoing resection of four or more lung subsegments had a continuously elevated pepsin concentration in saliva on postoperative day 3 [mean difference 65.63 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.130-122.1] and at discharge (mean difference 76.22 ng/mL, 95% CI: 19.72-132.7). Patients with a >10% reduction of forced expiration volume in one second also had a continuous elevated pepsin concentration from the 3rd postoperative day. Lung resection resulted in elevated pepsin concentration in the saliva, which persisted in patients who received resections equivalent to or more than right middle lobectomy in volume. Resection of large volumes of lung may lead to anatomical changes and changes in breathing patterns and result in GER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiko Kamata
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine, Narita, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami Hospital, Atami, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Yoshida
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, School of Medicine, Narita, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami Hospital, Atami, Japan
| | - Yuji Tada
- Department of Respirology, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami Hospital, Atami, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Sato
- Department of Respirology, International University of Health and Welfare, Atami Hospital, Atami, Japan
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Oh JH, Chae G, Song JW. Blood lipid profiles as a prognostic biomarker in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2024; 25:285. [PMID: 39026259 PMCID: PMC11264581 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02905-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is implicated in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the association between the blood lipid profiles and the prognosis of IPF is not well defined. We aimed to identify the impacts of lipid profiles on prognosis in patients with IPF. METHODS Clinical data of 371 patients with IPF (145 and 226 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively), including serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I [Apo A-I], and apolipoprotein B), were retrospectively collected. The association with mortality was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS In the derivation cohort, the mean age was 67.5 years, 86.2% were men, and 30.3% died during the follow-up (median: 18.0 months). Non-survivors showed lower lung function and greater gender-age-physiology scores than survivors. Among the serum lipid profiles, the levels of triglyceride and Apo A-I were significantly lower in non-survivors than in survivors. In the multivariate Cox analysis, low Apo A-I levels (< 140 mg/dL) were independently associated with the risk of mortality (hazard ratio 3.910, 95% confidence interval 1.170-13.069; P = 0.027), when adjusted for smoking history, body mass index, GAP score, and antifibrotic agent use. In both derivation and validation cohorts, patients with low Apo A-I levels (< 140 mg/dL) had worse survival (median survival: [derivation] 34.0 months vs. not reached, P = 0.003; [validation] 40.0 vs. 53.0 months, P = 0.027) than those with high Apo A-I levels in the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that low serum Apo A-1 levels are an independent predictor of mortality in patients with IPF, suggesting the utility of serum Apo A-I as a prognostic biomarker in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Hyun Oh
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ganghee Chae
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Song
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpagu, Seoul, 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Li MD, Chen LH, Xiang HX, Jiang YL, Lv BB, Xu DX, Zhao H, Fu L. Benzo[a]pyrene evokes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis through AhR-mediated Nrf2-p62 signaling. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134560. [PMID: 38759404 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and its metabolic end product benzo(a)pyren-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), are known toxic environmental pollutants. This study aimed to analyze whether sub-chronic BPDE exposure initiated pulmonary fibrosis and the potential mechanisms. In this work, male C57BL6/J mice were exposed to BPDE by dynamic inhalation exposure for 8 weeks. Our results indicated that sub-chronic BPDE exposure evoked pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in mice. Both in vivo and in vitro, BPDE exposure promoted nuclear translocation of Snail. Further experiments indicated that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and p62 were upregulated in BPDE-exposed alveolar epithelial cells. Moreover, Nrf2 siRNA transfection evidently attenuated BPDE-induced p62 upregulation. Besides, p62 shRNA inhibited BPDE-incurred Snail nuclear translocation and EMT. Mechanically, BPDE facilitated physical interaction between p62 and Snail in the nucleus, then repressed Snail protein degradation by p62-dependent autophagy-lysosome pathway, and finally upregulated transcriptional activity of Snail. Additionally, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) was activated in BPDE-treated alveolar epithelial cells. Dual-luciferase assay indicated activating AhR could bind to Nrf2 gene promoter. Moreover, pretreatment with CH223191 or α-naphthoflavone (α-NF), AhR antagonists, inhibited BPDE-activated Nrf2-p62 signaling, and alleviated BPDE-induced EMT and pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Taken together, AhR-mediated Nrf2-p62 signaling contributes to BaP-induced EMT and pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Die Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Li-Hong Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - Hui-Xian Xiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 611130, China
| | - Ya-Lin Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Bozhou People's Hospital, Bozhou, Anhui 236800, China
| | - Bian-Bian Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China
| | - De-Xiang Xu
- Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Center for Big Data and Population Health of IHM, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
| | - Lin Fu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China; Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, China.
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Li Z, Jiao Y, Wu Z, Liu H, Li Y, Cai Y, Wei W, Cao F. The role of quercetin in ameliorating bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis: insights into autophagy and the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:795. [PMID: 39001907 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09752-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by a constant incidence rate. Unfortunately, effective pharmacological treatments for this condition are lacking and the identification of novel therapeutic approaches and underlying pathological mechanisms are required. This study investigated the potential of quercetin in alleviating pulmonary fibrosis by promoting autophagy and activation of the SIRT1/AMPK pathway. METHODS Mouse models of IPF were divided into four treatment groups: control, bleomycin (BLM), quercetin (Q), and quercetin + EX-527 (Q + E) treatment. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in the mouse models through intratracheal instillation of BLM. Various indexes were identified through histological staining, Western blotting analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS Quercetin treatment ameliorated the pathology of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis of mice by reducing α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I (Col I), and collagen III (Col III) levels, and also improved the level of E-cadherin in lung tissue. Furthermore, Quercetin significantly enhanced LC3II/LC3I levels, decreased P62 expression, and increased the number of autophagosomes in lung tissue. These effects were accompanied by the activation of the SIRT1/AMPK pathway. Treatment with EX-527, an inhibitor for SIRT1, reversed all effects induced by quercetin. CONCLUSION This study showed that quercetin could alleviate pulmonary fibrosis and improve epithelial-mesenchymal transition by acting on the SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway, which may be achieved by regulating the level of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Li
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Zhisong Wu
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, China
| | - Haoge Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yang Li
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yaodong Cai
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wan Wei
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, China.
| | - Fang Cao
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, China.
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Liu J, Bao T, Zhou Y, Ma M, Tian Z. Deficiency of Secreted Phosphoprotein 1 Alleviates Hyperoxia-induced Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Neonatal Mice. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02088-1. [PMID: 38951356 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02088-1] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disorder characterized by impaired proximal airway and bronchoalveolar development in premature births. Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is involved in lung development and lung injury events, while its role was not explored in BPD. For establishing the in vivo models of BPD, a mouse model of hyperoxia-induced lung injury was generated by exposing neonatal mice to hyperoxia for 7 days after birth. Alveolar myofibroblasts (AMYFs) were treated with hyperoxia to establish the in vitro models of BPD. Based on the scRNA-seq analysis of lungs of mice housed under normoxia or hyperoxia conditions, mouse macrophages and fibroblasts were main different cell clusters between the two groups, and differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts were screened. Further GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the pathways related to cell proliferation, apoptosis as well as the PI3K-AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways. SPP1 was found up-regulated in the lung tissues of hyperoxia mice. We also demonstrated the up-regulation of SPP1 in the BPD patients, the mouse model of hyperoxia-induced lung injury, and hyperoxia-induced cells. SPP1 deficiency was revealed to reduce the hyperoxia-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation and increase the viability of AMYFs. In the mouse model of hyperoxia induced lung injury, SPP1 deficiency was demonstrated to reverse the hyperoxia-induced alveolar growth disruption, oxidative stress and inflammation. Overall, SPP1 exacerbates BPD progression in vitro and in vivo by regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory response via the PI3K-AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways, which might provide novel therapeutic target for BPD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin District Huaian, Jiangsu, 223300, China
| | - Tianping Bao
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin District Huaian, Jiangsu, 223300, China
| | - Yajuan Zhou
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin District Huaian, Jiangsu, 223300, China
| | - Mengmeng Ma
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin District Huaian, Jiangsu, 223300, China
| | - Zhaofang Tian
- Department of Neonatology, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin District Huaian, Jiangsu, 223300, China.
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Zhu M, Yi Y, Jiang K, Liang Y, Li L, Zhang F, Zheng X, Yin H. Single-cell combined with transcriptome sequencing to explore the molecular mechanism of cell communication in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18499. [PMID: 38887981 PMCID: PMC11184282 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common, chronic, and progressive lung disease that severely impacts human health and survival. However, the intricate molecular underpinnings of IPF remains elusive. This study aims to delve into the nuanced molecular interplay of cellular interactions in IPF, thereby laying the groundwork for innovative therapeutic approaches in the clinical field of IPF. Sophisticated bioinformatics methods were employed to identify crucial biomarkers essential for the progression of IPF. The GSE122960 single-cell dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) compendium, and intercellular communication potentialities were scrutinized via CellChat. The random survival forest paradigm was established using the GSE70866 dataset. Quintessential genes were selected through Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, while immune infiltration examinations, functional enrichment critiques and nomogram paradigms were inaugurated. Analysis of intercellular communication revealed an intimate potential connections between macrophages and various cell types, pinpointing five cardinal genes influencing the trajectory and prognosis of IPF. The nomogram paradigm, sculpted from these seminal genes, exhibits superior predictive prowess. Our research meticulously identified five critical genes, confirming their intimate association with the prognosis, immune infiltration and transcriptional governance of IPF. Interestingly, we discerned these genes' engagement with the EPITHELIAL_MESENCHYMAL_TRANSITION signalling pathway, which may enhance our understanding of the molecular complexity of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggao Zhu
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuhu Yi
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Kui Jiang
- Department of NephrologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yongzhi Liang
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Lijun Li
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Feng Zhang
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Xinglong Zheng
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Haiyan Yin
- Intensive Care UnitThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Gao Z, Xu M, Liu C, Gong K, Yu X, Lu K, Zhu J, Guan H, Zhu Q. Structural Modification and Optimisation of Hyperoside Oriented to Inhibit TGF-β-Induced EMT Activity in Alveolar Epithelial Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:584. [PMID: 38794154 PMCID: PMC11124421 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050584] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a disease characterised by diffuse nonspecific alveolar inflammation with interstitial fibrosis, which clinically manifests as dyspnoea and a significant decline in lung function. Many studies have shown that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Based on our previous findings, hypericin (Hyp) can effectively inhibit the process of the EMT to attenuate lung fibrosis. Therefore, a series of hyperoside derivatives were synthesised via modifying the structure of hyperoside, and subsequently evaluated for A549 cytotoxicity. Among these, the pre-screening of eight derivatives inhibits the EMT. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Z6, the most promising hyperoside derivative, in reversing TGF-β1-induced EMTs and inhibiting the EMT-associated migration of A549 cells. After the treatment of A549 cells with Z6 for 48 h, RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that Z6 inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMTs in epithelial cells by supressing morphological changes in A549 cells, up-regulating E-cadherin (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), and down-regulating Vimentin (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). This treatment significantly reduced the mobility of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated cells (p < 0.001) as assessed by wound closure, while increasing the adhesion rate of A549 cells (p < 0.001). In conclusion, our results suggest that hyperoside derivatives, especially compound Z6, are promising as potential lead compounds for treating pulmonary fibrosis, and therefore deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziye Gao
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Mengzhen Xu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Chuanguo Liu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China;
| | - Kai Gong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Xin Yu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Kaihui Lu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Haixing Guan
- Experimental Center, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Qingjun Zhu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; (Z.G.); (M.X.); (K.G.); (X.Y.); (K.L.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classical Theory, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
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9
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Karunarathne WAHM, Lee KT, Choi YH, Kang CH, Lee MH, Kim SH, Kim GY. Investigating rutin as a potential transforming growth factor-β type I receptor antagonist for the inhibition of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Biofactors 2024; 50:477-492. [PMID: 38006284 DOI: 10.1002/biof.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic lung condition characterized by the abnormal regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we investigated the potential of rutin, a natural flavonoid, in attenuating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced ECM regulation and EMT through the inhibition of the TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI)-mediated suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) signaling pathway. We found that non-toxic concentrations of rutin attenuated TGF-β-induced ECM-related genes, including fibronectin, elastin, collagen 1 type 1, and TGF-β, as well as myoblast differentiation from MRC-5 lung fibroblast cells accompanied by the downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin. Rutin also inhibited TGF-β-induced EMT processes, such as wound healing, migration, and invasion by regulating EMT-related gene expression. Additionally, rutin attenuated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice, thus providing a potential therapeutic option for IPF. The molecular docking analyses in this study predict that rutin occludes the active site of TβRI and inhibits SMAD-mediated fibrotic signaling pathways in lung fibrosis. These findings highlight the potential of rutin as a promising anti-fibrotic prodrug for lung fibrosis and other TGF-β-induced fibrotic and cancer-related diseases; however, further studies are required to validate its safety and effectiveness in other experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyoung Tae Lee
- Forest Bioresources Department, Forest Microbiology Division, National Institute of Forest Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yung Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Korean Medicine, Dong-Eui University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hee Kang
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hwa Lee
- Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hun Kim
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Gi-Young Kim
- Department of Marine Life Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
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Yuan D, Bao Y, El-Hashash A. Mesenchymal stromal cell-based therapy in lung diseases; from research to clinic. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF STEM CELLS 2024; 13:37-58. [PMID: 38765802 PMCID: PMC11101986 DOI: 10.62347/jawm2040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important for the cell-based therapy of diseased or injured lung due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties as well as limited side effects in experimental animal models. Preclinical studies have shown that MSCs have also a remarkable effect on the immune cells, which play major roles in the pathogenesis of multiple lung diseases, by modulating their activity, proliferation, and functions. In addition, MSCs can inhibit both the infiltrated immune cells and detrimental immune responses in the lung and can be used in treating lung diseases caused by a virus infection such as Tuberculosis and SARS-COV-2. Moreover, MSCs are a source for alveolar epithelial cells such as type 2 (AT2) cells. These MSC-derived functional AT2-like cells can be used to treat and diminish serious lung disorders, including acute lung injury, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis in animal models. As an alternative MSC-based therapy, extracellular vesicles that are derived from MSC-derived can be employed in regenerative medicine. Herein, we discussed the key research findings from recent clinical and preclinical studies on the functions of MSCs in treating some common and well-studied lung diseases. We also discussed the mechanisms underlying MSC-based therapy of well-studied lung diseases, and the recent employment of MSCs in both the attenuation of lung injury/inflammation and promotion of the regeneration of lung alveolar cells after injury. Finally, we described the role of MSC-based therapy in treating major pulmonary diseases such as pneumonia, COPD, asthma, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dailin Yuan
- Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Yufei Bao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of SydneyDarlington, NSW 2008, Australia
| | - Ahmed El-Hashash
- Texas A&M University, 3258 TAMU, College StationTX 77843-3258, USA
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11
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Lee YJ, Kim M, Kim HS, Kang JL. Administration of Gas6 attenuates lung fibrosis via inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast activation. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:20. [PMID: 38578518 PMCID: PMC10997547 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09858-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast activation are major events in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis. Here, we investigated whether growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) plays a protective role in lung fibrosis via suppression of the EMT and fibroblast activation. rGas6 administration inhibited the EMT in isolated mouse ATII cells 14 days post-BLM treatment based on morphologic cellular alterations, changes in mRNA and protein expression profiles of EMT markers, and induction of EMT-activating transcription factors. BLM-induced increases in gene expression of fibroblast activation-related markers and the invasive capacity of primary lung fibroblasts in primary lung fibroblasts were reversed by rGas6 administration. Furthermore, the hydroxyproline content and collagen accumulation in interstitial areas with damaged alveolar structures in lung tissue were reduced by rGas6 administration. Targeting Gas6/Axl signaling events with specific inhibitors of Axl (BGB324), COX-2 (NS-398), EP1/EP2 receptor (AH-6809), or PGD2 DP2 receptor (BAY-u3405) reversed the inhibitory effects of rGas6 on EMT and fibroblast activation. Finally, we confirmed the antifibrotic effects of Gas6 using Gas6-/- mice. Therefore, Gas6/Axl signaling events play a potential role in inhibition of EMT process and fibroblast activation via COX-2-derived PGE2 and PGD2 production, ultimately preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ji Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Hee-Sun Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Jihee Lee Kang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea.
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea.
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12
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Karande S, Das B, Acharya SS, Kumar A, Patel H, Sharma A, Gupta M, Ahmad I, Bhandare V, Sharma K, Kundu CN, Patil C. Computational and in vitro screening validates the repositioning potential of Coxibs as anti-fibrotic agents. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38433403 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2318655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a life-threatening disease with a survival rate of <5 years. The TGF-β plays a significant role in the progression and severity of IPF. The TGF-β receptor type1 TGFBR1 antagonists inhibit the process of fibrosis and may have a role in the treatment of IPF. The main objective of the study was to identify promising drug candidates against IPF using In-silico and In-vitro evaluation methods. An in-silico screening was carried out of the marketed Coxibs to find their TGFBR1 inhibitory potential considering their structural resemblance with the JZO-a co-crystalized ligand of the crystal structure of the TGFBR1. The virtual screening yielded rofecoxib as a TGFBR1 ligand with a significant docking score. To further validate the outcome of molecular docking studies, MD simulation of 200 ns was carried out followed by the determination of conformational stability, binding free energy calculation using MMPBSA/MMGBSA, and Free Energy Landscape (FEL). The therapeutic efficacy of rofecoxib was compared with that of nintedanib (a therapeutic agent used in the treatment of IPF) at equimolar concentrations (5 µM). The model of TGF-β1 (1 ng/ml)-induced EMT of A549 was used to determine the effect of rofecoxib on the EMT markers like cellular morphology, cytokine expressions, fibrosis associated protein, E-cadherin, and α-smooth muscle actin. In vitro results indicated that rofecoxib significantly suppresses the TGF-β1-induced EMT of A549 cells and validates the possible preventive/protective role of rofecoxib in pulmonary fibrosis. In conclusion, rofecoxib may be considered for repositioning as an anti-fibrotic agent.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biswajit Das
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Anoop Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, DPSRU, New Delhi, India
| | - Harun Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Department of Pharmacognosy, DPSRU, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, DPSRU, New Delhi, India
| | - Iqrar Ahmad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
| | | | | | - Chanakya Nath Kundu
- KIIT School of Biotechnology, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Chandragouda Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, India
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Yao L, Xu Z, Davies DE, Jones MG, Wang Y. Dysregulated bidirectional epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk: a core determinant of lung fibrosis progression. CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 2024; 2:27-33. [PMID: 38558961 PMCID: PMC7615773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Progressive lung fibrosis is characterised by dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. Understanding of disease pathogenesis remains limited and has prevented the development of effective treatments. While an abnormal wound healing response is strongly implicated in lung fibrosis initiation, factors that determine why fibrosis progresses rather than regular tissue repair occurs are not fully explained. Within human lung fibrosis there is evidence of altered epithelial and mesenchymal lung populations as well as cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a dynamic and reversible biological process by which epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and down-regulate cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion to gain migratory properties. This review will focus upon the role of EMT and dysregulated epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk in progressive lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liudi Yao
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Zijian Xu
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Donna E. Davies
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Mark G. Jones
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Yihua Wang
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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14
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Guan Y, Zhang J, Cai X, Cai Y, Song Z, Huang Y, Qian W, Pan Z, Zhang X. Astragaloside IV inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pulmonary fibrosis via lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway. Gene 2024; 897:148040. [PMID: 38065426 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148040] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive lung disease involving multiple factors and genes. Astragaloside IV (ASV) is one of the main bioactive ingredients extracted from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, which plays an important role in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and improve cardiopulmonary function. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key driver of the process of pulmonary fibrosis, and Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) can promote pulmonary fibrosis in an EMT-dependent manner. Here, we found that ASV effectively inhibited the ZEB1 and EMT in both bleomycin (BLM)-induced rat pulmonary fibrosis and TGF-β1-treated A549 cells. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying effects of ASV in IPF, we explored the truth using bioinformatics, plasmid construction, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and other experiments. Dual luciferase reporter assay and bioinformatics proved that miR-200c not only acts as an upstream regulatory miRNA of ZEB1 but also has binding sites for the lncRNA-ATB. In A549 cell-based EMT models, ASV reduced the expression of lncRNA-ATB and upregulated miR-200c. Furthermore, overexpression of lncRNA-ATB and silencing of miR-200c reversed the down-regulation of ZEB1 and the inhibition of EMT processes by ASV. In addition, the intervention of ASV prevented lncRNA-ATB as a ceRNA from regulating the expression of ZEB1 through sponging miR-200c. Taken together, the results showed that ASV inhibited the EMT process through the lncRNA-ATB/miR-200c/ZEB1 signaling pathway, which provides a novel approach to the treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyun Guan
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Xinrui Cai
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Yanan Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Tai'an 88 Hospital, Tai'an 271000, China
| | - Ziqiong Song
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Weibin Qian
- Department of Lung Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China.
| | - Zhifeng Pan
- Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250062, China.
| | - Xingguo Zhang
- Department of Poisoning and Occupational Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China.
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15
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Chen S, Zhao T, Xie S, Wan X. Epithelial IL5RA promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pulmonary fibrosis via Jak2/STAT3 cascade. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2024; 84:102286. [PMID: 38191068 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2024.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and debilitating lung disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the lung parenchyma. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely elusive, and the treatment options available for pulmonary fibrosis are limited. Interleukin 5 receptor, alpha (IL5RA) is a well-established regulator of eosinophil activation, involved in eosinophil-mediated anti-parasitic activities and allergic reactions. Recent studies have indicated additional roles of IL5RA in lung epithelium and fibroblasts. Nevertheless, its involvement in pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear. In present study, we employed single-cell analyses alongside molecular and cellular assays to unveil the expression of IL5RA in lung epithelial cells. Moreover, using both in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrated a notable upregulation of epithelial IL5RA during the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. This upregulated IL5RA expression subsequently promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), leading to the generation of mesenchymal phenotype with augmented capability for ECM production. Importantly, our findings uncovered that the pro-fibrotic function of IL5RA is mediated by Jak2/STAT3 signaling cascades. Inhibiting IL5RA has the potential to deactivate Jak2/STAT3 and suppress the downstream EMT process and ECM production, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyun Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Shiguang Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China
| | - Xuan Wan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, PR China.
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16
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Epigenetic Regulation of EMP/EMT-Dependent Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2775. [PMID: 38474021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis represents a process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. It often represents the evolution of pathological conditions, causes organ failure, and can, in extreme cases, compromise the functionality of organs to the point of causing death. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying fibrotic evolution and to identify possible therapeutic strategies. Great interest has been aroused by the discovery of a molecular association between epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), in particular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and fibrogenesis, which has led to the identification of complex molecular mechanisms closely interconnected with each other, which could explain EMT-dependent fibrosis. However, the result remains unsatisfactory from a therapeutic point of view. In recent years, advances in epigenetics, based on chromatin remodeling through various histone modifications or through the intervention of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have provided more information on the fibrotic process, and this could represent a promising path forward for the identification of innovative therapeutic strategies for organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize current research on epigenetic mechanisms involved in organ fibrosis, with a focus on epigenetic regulation of EMP/EMT-dependent fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, I-70124 Bari, Italy
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17
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Jin F, Fan P, Wu Y, Yang Q, Li J, Liu H. Efficacy and Mechanisms of Natural Products as Therapeutic Interventions for Chronic Respiratory Diseases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:57-88. [PMID: 38353634 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases are long-term conditions affecting the airways and other lung components that are characterized by a high prevalence, disability rate, and mortality rate. Further optimization of their treatment is required. Natural products, primarily extracted from organisms, possess specific molecular and structural formulas as well as distinct chemical and physical properties. These characteristics grant them the advantages of safety, gentleness, accessibility, and minimal side effects. The numerous advances in the use of natural products for treating chronic respiratory diseases have provided a steady source of motivation for new drug research and development. In this paper, we introduced the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases and natural products. Furthermore, we classified natural products according to their mechanism for treating chronic respiratory diseases and describe the ways in which these products can alleviate the pathological symptoms. Simultaneously, we elaborate on the signal transduction pathways and biological impacts of natural products' targeting. Additionally, we present future prospects for natural products, considering their combination treatment approaches and administration methods. The significance of this review extends to both the research on preventing and treating chronic respiratory diseases, as well as the advancement of novel drug development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanli Jin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases, Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Pengbei Fan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases, Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases, Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qingzhen Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, P. R. China
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC) Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P. R. China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases, Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Han Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases, Co-Constructed by Henan Province and Education Ministry of China Zhengzhou, P. R. China
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18
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Surendran A, Huang C, Liu L. Circular RNAs and their roles in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2024; 25:77. [PMID: 38321530 PMCID: PMC10848557 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02716-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and fatal lung disease with limited treatment options. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as a novel class of non-coding RNAs with diverse functions in cellular processes. This review paper aims to explore the potential involvement of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of IPF and their diagnostic and therapeutic implications. We begin by providing an overview of the epidemiology and risk factors associated with IPF, followed by a discussion of the pathophysiology underlying this complex disease. Subsequently, we delve into the history, types, biogenesis, and functions of circRNAs and then emphasize their regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of IPF. Furthermore, we examine the current methodologies for detecting circRNAs and explore their diagnostic applications in IPF. Finally, we discuss the potential utility of circRNAs in the treatment of IPF. In conclusion, circRNAs hold great promise as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Surendran
- The Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- The Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Lin Liu
- The Lundberg-Kienlen Lung Biology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, Oklahoma State University, 264 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
- Oklahoma Center for Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
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19
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Dong Y, He L, Zhu Z, Yang F, Ma Q, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Liu X. The mechanism of gut-lung axis in pulmonary fibrosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1258246. [PMID: 38362497 PMCID: PMC10867257 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1258246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a terminal change of a lung disease that is marked by damage to alveolar epithelial cells, abnormal proliferative transformation of fibroblasts, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), and concomitant inflammatory damage. Its characteristics include short median survival, high mortality rate, and limited treatment effectiveness. More in-depth studies on the mechanisms of PF are needed to provide better treatment options. The idea of the gut-lung axis has emerged as a result of comprehensive investigations into the microbiome, metabolome, and immune system. This theory is based on the material basis of microorganisms and their metabolites, while the gut-lung circulatory system and the shared mucosal immune system act as the connectors that facilitate the interplay between the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. The emergence of a new view of the gut-lung axis is complementary and cross-cutting to the study of the mechanisms involved in PF and provides new ideas for its treatment. This article reviews the mechanisms involved in PF, the gut-lung axis theory, and the correlation between the two. Exploring the gut-lung axis mechanism and treatments related to PF from the perspectives of microorganisms, microbial metabolites, and the immune system. The study of the gut-lung axis and PF is still in its early stages. This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of PF related to the gut-lung axis, providing ideas for subsequent research and treatment of related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lanlan He
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhongbo Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Quan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuhui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gansu Provincial Prescription Mining and Innovative Translational Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Gansu Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine New Product Creation Engineering Laboratory, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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20
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Adel RM, Helal H, Ahmed Fouad M, Sobhy Abd-Elhalem S. Regulation of miRNA-155-5p ameliorates NETosis in pulmonary fibrosis rat model via inhibiting its target cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β1. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 127:111456. [PMID: 38159555 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111456] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an age-related inflammatory disease with no cure up till now.It is accompanied by neutrophils infiltration as the main responders to inflammation and fibrosis. Importantly, neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) through NETosis process. The function of microRNAs during inflammation became of great biological attention. Owing to microRNAs' central role in immune system, microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p) is intensely involved in the inflammatory response. Capsaicin (Cap) is a bioactive compound that exhibits antioxidative and anti-inflammatory functions. Recent studies have shown its role in regulation of certain microRNAs' expressions. Accordingly, the present study aims to investigate the effect of miR-155-5p regulation in suppressing NETs production via ameliorating its target inflammatory cytokines, IL-1ß, TNF-α and TGF-ß1, in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model treated by Cap. The obtained results demonstrated that miR-155-5p downregulation was associated with significant decrease in IL-1ß, TNF-α, TGF-β1, which consequently, reduced hydroxyproline (HYP), NETs activity markers as NE and PAD-4, and alleviated CTGF levels in lung tissues of animals treated by Cap. Furthermore, NETosis ultrastructure examination by transmission electron microscope (TEM), MPO immunohistochemical staining and histopathological studies confirmed an abolishment in NETs formation and an improvement in lung tissue architecture in Cap-treated rats. This study concluded that Cap quenched the inflammatory response through interrupting IL-1β, TNF-α and TGF-β1 pathway via modulating miR-155-5p expression. In addition, Cap was able to alleviate pulmonary NETosis markers by restraining NETs activity markers. These findings provide novel insight into the application of Cap-based treatment in ameliorating pulmonary damage in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Mostafa Adel
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, 11757, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Hamed Helal
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, 11884, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mona Ahmed Fouad
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, 11757, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Sahar Sobhy Abd-Elhalem
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, 11757, Cairo, Egypt.
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Han S, Lee JE, Kang S, So M, Jin H, Lee JH, Baek S, Jun H, Kim TY, Lee YS. Standigm ASK™: knowledge graph and artificial intelligence platform applied to target discovery in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae035. [PMID: 38349059 PMCID: PMC10862655 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Standigm ASK™ revolutionizes healthcare by addressing the critical challenge of identifying pivotal target genes in disease mechanisms-a fundamental aspect of drug development success. Standigm ASK™ integrates a unique combination of a heterogeneous knowledge graph (KG) database and an attention-based neural network model, providing interpretable subgraph evidence. Empowering users through an interactive interface, Standigm ASK™ facilitates the exploration of predicted results. Applying Standigm ASK™ to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a complex lung disease, we focused on genes (AMFR, MDFIC and NR5A2) identified through KG evidence. In vitro experiments demonstrated their relevance, as TGFβ treatment induced gene expression changes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics. Gene knockdown reversed these changes, identifying AMFR, MDFIC and NR5A2 as potential therapeutic targets for IPF. In summary, Standigm ASK™ emerges as an innovative KG and artificial intelligence platform driving insights in drug target discovery, exemplified by the identification and validation of therapeutic targets for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokjin Han
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Ewhayeodae-gil, 03760, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seolhee Kang
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minyoung So
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Ewhayeodae-gil, 03760, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang Ho Lee
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghyeob Baek
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjin Jun
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Standigm Inc., Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, 06234, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Sil Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Ewhayeodae-gil, 03760, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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22
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Abd Elrazik NA, Helmy SA. Betanin protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by regulating the NLRP3/IL-1β/TGF-β1 pathway-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Food Funct 2024; 15:284-294. [PMID: 38083874 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03464j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a life-threatening disease that leads to dyspnea and progressive loss of lung function. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of betanin (BET), the major pigment in red beetroot, on pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in rats and to assess the underlying mechanisms. In this view, total and differential cell counts and LDH activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were estimated. Furthermore, MDA and GSH contents in the lungs were colorimetrically measured, while hydroxyproline, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, TGF-β1, and vimentin levels in lung tissue were evaluated using the ELISA technique. Moreover, IL-1β, E-cadherin, and α-SMA expressions were analyzed by immunostaining of lung specimens. BET treatment protects against pulmonary fibrosis as indicated by the reduction in total and differential cell counts, LDH activity, hydroxyproline, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 levels. MDA content was also decreased following BET administration, while GSH content was elevated. Additionally, BET suppressed the EMT process as evidenced by an increase in E-cadherin expression besides the reduction in vimentin and α-SMA expressions. To conclude, these results revealed the protective effect of BET against pulmonary fibrosis that might be attributed to the attenuation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/TGF-β1 signaling pathway and EMT process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesma A Abd Elrazik
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Sahar A Helmy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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23
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Tang A, Liu Y, Ding Q, Huang G, Sha Z, Yang C, Cao F. Tuberostemonine may alleviates proliferation of lung fibroblasts caused by pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2024; 38:3946320241274225. [PMID: 39140804 PMCID: PMC11325469 DOI: 10.1177/03946320241274225] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tuberostemonine has several biological activity, the aim of study examined the impact of tuberostemonine on the proliferation of TGF-β1 induced cell model, and its ability to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis stimulated by bleomycin in mice. METHODS In vitro, we assessed the effect of tuberostemonine (350, 550 and 750 µM) on the proliferation of cells stimulated by TGF-β1 (10 μg/L), as well as on parameters such as α-SMA vitality, human fibronectin, collagen, and hydroxyproline levels in cells. In vivo, we analyzed inflammation, hydroxyproline, collagen activity and metabolomics in the lungs of mice. Additionally, a comprehensive investigation into the TGF-β/smad signaling pathway was undertaken, targeting lung tissue as well as HFL cells. RESULTS Within the confines of an in vitro setup, the tuberostemonine manifested a discerned IC50 of 1.9 mM. Furthermore, a significant reduction of over fifty percent was ascertained in the secretion levels of hydroxyproline, fibronectin, collagen type I, collagen type III and α-SMA. In vivo, tuberostemonine obviously improved the respiratory function percentage over 50% of animal model and decreased the hydroxyproline, lung inflammation and collagen deposition. A prominent decline in TGF-β/smad pathway functioning was identified within both the internal and external cellular contexts. CONCLUSIONS Tuberostemonine is considered as a modulator to alleviate fibrosis and may become a new renovation for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amei Tang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Qian Ding
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Gao Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zongge Sha
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Changfu Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Feng Cao
- School of Health Care, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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Zeyada MS, Eraky SM, El-Shishtawy MM. Trigonelline mitigates bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis: Insight into NLRP3 inflammasome and SPHK1/S1P/Hippo signaling modulation. Life Sci 2024; 336:122272. [PMID: 37981228 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122272] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease with an increasing incidence following the COVID-19 outbreak. Pirfenidone (Pirf), an FDA-approved pulmonary anti-fibrotic drug, is poorly tolerated and exhibits limited efficacy. Trigonelline (Trig) is a natural plant alkaloid with diverse pharmacological actions. We investigated the underlying prophylactic and therapeutic mechanisms of Trig in ameliorating bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF and the possible synergistic antifibrotic activity of Pirf via its combination with Trig. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single dose of BLM was administered intratracheally to male Sprague-Dawley rats for PF induction. In the prophylactic study, Trig was given orally 3 days before BLM and then for 28 days. In the therapeutic study, Trig and/or Pirf were given orally from day 8 after BLM until the 28th day. Biochemical assay, histopathology, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry were performed on lung tissues. KEY FINDINGS Trig prophylactically and therapeutically mitigated the inflammatory process via targeting NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling. Trig activated the autophagy process which in turn attenuated alveolar epithelial cells apoptosis and senescence. Remarkably, Trig attenuated lung SPHK1/S1P axis and its downstream Hippo targets, YAP-1, and TAZ, with a parallel decrease in YAP/TAZ profibrotic genes. Interestingly, Trig upregulated lung miR-375 and miR-27a expression. Consequently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lung tissues was reversed upon Trig administration. These results were simultaneously associated with profound improvement in lung histological alterations. SIGNIFICANCE The current study verifies Trig's prophylactic and antifibrotic effects against BLM-induced PF via targeting multiple signaling. Trig and Pirf combination may be a promising approach to synergize Pirf antifibrotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menna S Zeyada
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Salma M Eraky
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mamdouh M El-Shishtawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
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25
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Hao W, Yu TT, Zuo DZ, Hu HZ, Zhou PP. Stevioside attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating the Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways. Exp Lung Res 2023; 49:205-219. [PMID: 38044666 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2023.2286465] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of stevioside (STE) on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and the potential mechanisms. Methods: In this study, a mouse model of PF was established by a single intratracheal injection of bleomycin (BLM, 3 mg/kg). The experiment consisted of four groups: control group, BLM group, and STE treatment groups (STE 50 and 100 mg/kg). ELISA and biochemical tests were conducted to determine the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NO, hydroxyproline (HYP), SOD, GSH, and MDA. Histopathological changes and collagen deposition in lung tissues were observed by HE and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the levels of collagen I-, collagen III-, TGF-β1- and p-Smad2/3-positive cells. Western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including α-SMA, vimentin, E-cadherin, and ZO-1, as well as proteins related to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway in lung tissues. Results: STE significantly alleviated BLM-induced body weight loss and lung injury in mice, decreased HYP levels, and reduced the levels of collagen I- and collagen III-positive cells, thereby decreasing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Moreover, STE markedly improved oxidative stress (MDA levels were decreased, while SOD and GSH activity were enhanced), the inflammatory response (the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NO were reduced), and EMT (the expression of α-SMA and vimentin was downregulated, and the expression of E-cadherin and ZO-1 was upregulated). Further mechanistic analysis revealed that STE could activate the Nrf2 pathway and inhibit the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathways. Conclusion: STE may alleviate oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway, suppress the inflammatory response by downregulating the NF-κB pathway, and inhibit EMT progression by blocking the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, thereby improving BLM-induced PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hao
- Department of Functional Experimental Training Center, Basic Medical College, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Yu
- Department of Functional Experimental Training Center, Basic Medical College, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Dong-Ze Zuo
- Department of Pharmacy, Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, China
| | - Heng-Zhao Hu
- School of Anesthesiology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Ping-Ping Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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26
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Wu HM, Chen LH, Huang HY, Wang HS, Tsai CL. EGF-Enhanced GnRH-II Regulation in Decidual Stromal Cell Motility through Twist and N-Cadherin Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15271. [PMID: 37894950 PMCID: PMC10607070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Crucial roles in embryo implantation and placentation in humans include the invasion of the maternal decidua by extravillous trophoblasts and the motile behavior of decidual endometrial stromal cells. The effects of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and GnRH-II in the endometrium take part in early pregnancy. In the present study, we demonstrated the coaction of EGF- and GnRH-II-promoted motility of human decidual endometrial stromal cells, indicating the possible roles of EGF and GnRH-II in embryo implantation and early pregnancy. After obtaining informed consent, we obtained human decidual endometrial stromal cells from decidual tissues from normal pregnancies at 6 to 12 weeks of gestation in healthy women undergoing suction dilation and curettage. Cell motility was evaluated with invasion and migration assays. The mechanisms of EGF and GnRH-II were performed using real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis. The results showed that human decidual tissue and stromal cells expressed the EGF and GnRH-I receptors. GnRH-II-mediated cell motility was enhanced by EGF and was suppressed by the knockdown of the endogenous GnRH-I receptor and EGF receptor with siRNA, revealing that GnRH-II promoted the cell motility of human decidual endometrial stromal cells through the GnRH-I receptor and the activation of Twist and N-cadherin signaling. This new concept regarding the coaction of EGF- and GnRH-promoted cell motility suggests that EGF and GnRH-II potentially affect embryo implantation and the decidual programming of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (L.-H.C.); (H.-Y.H.); (H.-S.W.); (C.-L.T.)
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Velázquez-Enríquez JM, Reyes-Avendaño I, Santos-Álvarez JC, Reyes-Jiménez E, Vásquez-Garzón VR, Baltiérrez-Hoyos R. Identification of Hub Genes in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Their Association with Lung Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis. Adv Respir Med 2023; 91:407-431. [PMID: 37887075 PMCID: PMC10604190 DOI: 10.3390/arm91050032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible disease with a high mortality rate worldwide. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of IPF have not yet been fully described. Moreover, lung cancer is a significant complication of IPF and is associated with increased mortality. Nevertheless, identifying common genes involved in developing IPF and its progression to lung cancer remains an unmet need. The present study aimed to identify hub genes related to the development of IPF by meta-analysis. In addition, we analyzed their expression and their relationship with patients' progression in lung cancer. METHOD Microarray datasets GSE24206, GSE21369, GSE110147, GSE72073, and GSE32539 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Next, we conducted a series of bioinformatics analysis to explore possible hub genes in IPF and evaluated the expression of hub genes in lung cancer and their relationship with the progression of different stages of cancer. RESULTS A total of 1888 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 1105 upregulated and 783 downregulated genes. The 10 hub genes that exhibited a high degree of connectivity from the PPI network were identified. Analysis of the KEGG pathways showed that hub genes correlate with pathways such as the ECM-receptor interaction. Finally, we found that these hub genes are expressed in lung cancer and are associated with the progression of different stages of lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS Based on the integration of GEO microarray datasets, the present study identified DEGs and hub genes that could play an essential role in the pathogenesis of IPF and its association with the development of lung cancer in these patients, which could be considered potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Velázquez-Enríquez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (I.R.-A.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (E.R.-J.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Itayetzi Reyes-Avendaño
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (I.R.-A.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (E.R.-J.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Jovito Cesar Santos-Álvarez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (I.R.-A.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (E.R.-J.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Edilburga Reyes-Jiménez
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (I.R.-A.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (E.R.-J.); (V.R.V.-G.)
| | - Verónica Rocío Vásquez-Garzón
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (I.R.-A.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (E.R.-J.); (V.R.V.-G.)
- CONAHCYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
| | - Rafael Baltiérrez-Hoyos
- Laboratorio de Fibrosis y Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico; (J.M.V.-E.); (I.R.-A.); (J.C.S.-Á.); (E.R.-J.); (V.R.V.-G.)
- CONAHCYT-Facultad de Medicina y Cirugía, Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca, Ex Hacienda de Aguilera S/N, Sur, San Felipe del Agua, Oaxaca 68020, Mexico
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Xu Y, Huang Y, Cheng X, Hu B, Jiang D, Wu L, Peng S, Hu J. Mechanotransductive receptor Piezo1 as a promising target in the treatment of fibrosis diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1270979. [PMID: 37900917 PMCID: PMC10602816 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1270979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis could happen in every organ, leading to organic malfunction and even organ failure, which poses a serious threat to global health. Early treatment of fibrosis has been reported to be the turning point, therefore, exploring potential correlates in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and how to reverse fibrosis has become a pressing issue. As a mechanism-sensitive cationic calcium channel, Piezo1 turns on in response to changes in the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. Piezo1 exerts multiple biological roles, including inhibition of inflammation, cytoskeletal stabilization, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stromal stiffness, and immune cell mechanotransduction, interestingly enough. These processes are closely associated with the development of fibrotic diseases. Recent studies have shown that deletion or knockdown of Piezo1 attenuates the onset of fibrosis. Therefore, in this paper we comprehensively describe the biology of this gene, focusing on its potential relevance in pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis diseases, except for the role of drugs (agonists), increased intracellular calcium and mechanical stress using this gene in alleviating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yiqian Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Danling Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lidong Wu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shengliang Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jialing Hu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Kizawa R, Araya J, Fujita Y. Divergent roles of the Hippo pathway in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: tissue homeostasis and fibrosis. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:45. [PMID: 37735707 PMCID: PMC10512581 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00295-1] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive aging-related lung disease with a poor prognosis. Despite extensive research, the cause of IPF remains largely unknown and treatment strategies are limited. Proposed mechanisms of the pathogenesis of IPF are a combination of excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix and dysfunctional lung tissue regeneration. Epithelial cell dysfunction, in addition to fibroblast activation, is considered a key process in the progression of IPF. Epithelial cells normally maintain homeostasis of the lung tissue through regulated proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and cellular senescence. However, various stresses can cause repetitive damage to lung epithelial cells, leading to dysfunctional regeneration and acquisition of profibrotic functions. The Hippo pathway is a central signaling pathway that maintains tissue homeostasis and plays an essential role in fundamental biological processes. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including IPF. However, the role of the Hippo pathway in the pathogenesis of IPF remains unclear, particularly given the pathway's opposing effects on the 2 key pathogenic mechanisms of IPF: epithelial cell dysfunction and fibroblast activation. A deeper understanding of the relationship between the Hippo pathway and the pathogenesis of IPF will pave the way for novel Hippo-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryusuke Kizawa
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
- Division of Next-Generation Drug Development, Research Center for Medical Sciences, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Araya
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yu Fujita
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
- Division of Next-Generation Drug Development, Research Center for Medical Sciences, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Daido W, Nakashima T, Masuda T, Sakamoto S, Yamaguchi K, Horimasu Y, Miyamoto S, Iwamoto H, Fujitaka K, Hamada H, Hattori N. Nestin and Notch3 collaboratively regulate angiogenesis, collagen production, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition in lung endothelial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:247. [PMID: 37735673 PMCID: PMC10512559 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01099-z] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nestin, an intermediate filament protein, participates in various pathophysiological processes, including wound healing, angiogenesis, endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and fibrosis. However, the pathophysiological roles of lung nestin-expressing cells remain unclear due to conflicting reports. The objective of this study is to elucidate the characteristics and functions of lung nestin-expressing cells. METHODS We conducted a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments using endothelial cell line MS1 and nestin-GFP mice. This animal model allows for nestin-expressing cell detection without the use of anti-nestin antibodies. RESULTS Lung nestin-expressing cells occurred in approximately 0.2% of CD45- cells and was co-expressed with epithelial, endothelial, and mesenchymal cell-surface markers. Importantly, virtually all nestin-expressing cells co-expressed CD31. When compared to lung nestin-nonexpressing endothelial cells, nestin-expressing endothelial cells showed robust angiogenesis with frequent co-expression of PDGFRβ and VEGFR2. During TGFβ-mediated EndoMT, the elevation of Nes mRNA expression preceded that of Col1a1 mRNA, and nestin gene silencing using nestin siRNA resulted in further upregulation of Col1a1 mRNA expression. Furthermore, Notch3 expression was regulated by nestin in vitro and in vivo; nestin siRNA resulted in reduced Notch3 expression accompanied with enhanced EndoMT. Contrary to previous reports, neither Nes mRNA expression nor nestin-expressing cells were increased during pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that (1) lung nestin-expressing cells are an endothelial lineage but are distinct from nestin-nonexpressing endothelial cells; (2) nestin regulates Notch3 and they act collaboratively to regulate angiogenesis, collagen production, and EndoMT; and (3) nestin plays novel roles in lung angiogenesis and fibrosis. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakako Daido
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Taku Nakashima
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Masuda
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shinjiro Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kakuhiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Yasushi Horimasu
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shintaro Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iwamoto
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Kazunori Fujitaka
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Hironobu Hamada
- Department of Physical Analysis and Therapeutic Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Noboru Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
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Ji J, Zheng S, Liu Y, Xie T, Zhu X, Nie Y, Shen Y, Han X. Increased expression of OPN contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and indicates a poor prognosis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:640. [PMID: 37726818 PMCID: PMC10510122 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is fibrotic lung disease with no effective treatment. It is characterized by destruction of alveolar structure and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, leading to dyspnea and even asphyxia death of patients. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered to be a driving factor in the pathogenesis of IPF. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted protein widely present in the extracellular matrix and involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases. METHODS The original datasets were obtained from NCBI GEO databases analyzed with the online tool GEO2R and EasyGEO. Bleomycin induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model and OPN/OPN-biotin treated mouse model were established to investigate the role of OPN in mouse pulmonary fibrosis and the target cells of OPN. A549 cells and HBE cells were used to explore the mechanism of OPN-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in epithelial cells and mass spectrometry was used to detect OPN downstream receptors. Precision-cut lung slices and lentivirus-treated mice with pulmonary fibrosis were used to examine the therapeutic effect of OPN and its downstream pathways on pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS We demonstrate that the content of OPN in IPF bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is high compared to the normal groups, and its expression level is correlated with prognosis. At the animal level, OPN was highly expressed at all stages of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) could accurately reflect its expression in the lung. Next, we reveal that OPN was mainly expressed by macrophages and the main target cells of OPN were epithelial cells. Mice developed pulmonary fibrosis accompanied after treating the mice with OPN. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that OPN could induce EMT of alveolar epithelial cells. Mechanistically, OPN binding triggered phosphorylation of FAK by CD44, thus activating snail1-mediated profibrotic protein synthesis. Inhibition of FAK phosphorylation and its downstream pathways can effectively alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in precision sections of lung tissue (PCLS) assay. OPN knockdown in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis mice led to significantly less fibrosis. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that OPN mediates lung fibrosis through EMT, implicating its potential therapeutic target and prognostic indicator role for IPF. OPN may be a target for the diagnosis and treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Shudan Zheng
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Tian Xie
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yang Nie
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Medical College of Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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Vats A, Chaturvedi P. The Regenerative Power of Stem Cells: Treating Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis. Stem Cells Cloning 2023; 16:43-59. [PMID: 37719787 PMCID: PMC10505024 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s419474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease with no known cure, characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the lungs, leading to respiratory failure. Although the exact cause of IPF remains unclear, the condition is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. One of the most widely used animal models to study IPF is the bleomycin-induced lung injury model in mice. In this model, the administration of the chemotherapeutic agent bleomycin causes pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, which closely mimics the pathological features of human IPF. Numerous recent investigations have explored the functions of various categories of stem cells in the healing process of lung injury induced by bleomycin in mice, documenting the beneficial effects and challenges of this approach. Differentiation of stem cells into various cell types and their ability to modulate tissue microenvironment is an emerging aspect of the regenerative therapies. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of stem cells in repairing bleomycin-induced lung injury. It delves into the mechanisms through which various types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and lung resident stem cells, exert their therapeutic effects in this specific model. We have also discussed the unique set of intermediate markers and signaling factors that can influence the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells both during lung repair and homeostasis. Finally, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with translating stem cell therapy to the clinic for IPF patients. The novelty and implications of this review extend beyond the understanding of the potential of stem cells in treating IPF to the broader field of regenerative medicine. We believe that the review paves the way for further advancements in stem cell therapies, offering hope for patients suffering from this debilitating and currently incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Vats
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Pankaj Chaturvedi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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Liu Q, Liu X, Wang G, Wu F, Hou Y, Liu H. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of Astragalus and Danshen on the intervention of myofibroblast activation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:325. [PMID: 37667288 PMCID: PMC10478235 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, is characterized by continuous damage to alveolar epithelial cells, abnormal repair of alveolar tissue, and alveolar wall scar formation. Currently, the recommended treatment for IPF in Western medicine is relatively limited. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine and compound prescriptions show advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of IPF, which can be attributed to their multi-channel and multi-target characteristics and minimal side-effects. The purpose of this study was to further corroborate the effectiveness and significance of the traditional Chinese medications Astragalus and Danshen in IPF treatment. METHODS We performed whole-genome methylation analysis on nine rat lung tissue samples to determine the epigenetic variation between IPF and non-fibrotic lungs using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. RESULTS We identified differentially methylated regions and 105 associated key functional genes in samples related to IPF and Chinese medicine treatment. Based on the methylation levels and gene expression profiles between the Chinese medicine intervention and pulmonary fibrosis model groups, we speculated that Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza (traditionally known as Danshen) act on the Isl1, forkhead box O3, and Sonic hedgehog genes via regulation at transcriptional and epigenetic levels during IPF. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel insights into the epigenetic regulation of IPF, indicate the effectiveness of Astragalus and Danshen in treating IPF, and suggest several promising therapeutic targets for preventing and treating IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyin Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, Daxue Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan City, 250355, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369, Jing Shi Road, Jinan City, 250013, China
| | - Guoyu Wang
- Capital Medical University, No. 10, Xizhang Road, Youanmenwai, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, Daxue Road, University Science Park, Changqing District, Jinan City, 250355, China
| | - Yuan Hou
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369, Jing Shi Road, Jinan City, 250013, China
| | - Huaman Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 16369, Jing Shi Road, Jinan City, 250013, China.
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Cucinotta L, Mannino D, Casili G, Repici A, Crupi L, Paterniti I, Esposito E, Campolo M. Prolyl oligopeptidase inhibition ameliorates experimental pulmonary fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro. Respir Res 2023; 24:211. [PMID: 37626373 PMCID: PMC10463606 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02519-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease characterized by lung remodeling due to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Although the etiology remains unknown, aberrant angiogenesis and inflammation play an important role in the development of this pathology. In this context, recent scientific research has identified new molecules involved in angiogenesis and inflammation, such as the prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP), a proteolytic enzyme belonging to the serine protease family, linked to the pathology of many lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a selective inhibitor of PREP, known as KYP-2047, in an in vitro and in an in vivo model of pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS The in vitro model was performed using human alveolar A549 cells. Cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 10 μg/ml and then, cells were treated with KYP-2047 at the concentrations of 1 μM, 10 μM and 50 μM. Cell viability was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) bromide colorimetric assay, while inflammatory protein expression was assessed by western blots analysis. The in vivo model was induced in mice by intra-tracheal administration of bleomycin (1 mg/kg) and then treated intraperitoneally with KYP-2047 at doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg once daily for 12 days and then mice were sacrificed, and lung tissues were collected for analyses. RESULTS The in vitro results demonstrated that KYP-2047 preserved cell viability, reduced inflammatory process by decreasing IL-18 and TNF-α, and modulated lipid peroxidation as well as nitrosative stress. The in vivo pulmonary fibrosis has demonstrated that KYP-2047 was able to restore histological alterations reducing lung injury. Our data demonstrated that KYP-2047 significantly reduced angiogenesis process and the fibrotic damage modulating the expression of fibrotic markers. Furthermore, KYP-2047 treatment modulated the IκBα/NF-κB pathway and reduced the expression of related pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Moreover, KYP-2047 was able to modulate the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, highly involved in pulmonary fibrosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study demonstrated the involvement of PREP in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and that its inhibition by KYP-2047 has a protective role in lung injury induced by BLM, suggesting PREP as a potential target therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. These results speculate the potential protective mechanism of KYP-2047 through the modulation of JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cucinotta
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Deborah Mannino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Casili
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Alberto Repici
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Lelio Crupi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy.
| | - Michela Campolo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 7 Viale Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres, 31-98166, Messina, Italy
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李 明, 孙 美, 贾 渊, 任 徽, 刘 含. [Biomechanical properties of epithelial mesenchymal transition in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis]. SHENG WU YI XUE GONG CHENG XUE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING = SHENGWU YIXUE GONGCHENGXUE ZAZHI 2023; 40:632-637. [PMID: 37666752 PMCID: PMC10477379 DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202206016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive scar-forming disease with a high mortality rate that has received widespread attention. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important part of the pulmonary fibrosis process, and changes in the biomechanical properties of lung tissue have an important impact on it. In this paper, we summarize the changes in the biomechanical microenvironment of lung tissue in IPF-EMT in recent years, and provide a systematic review on the effects of alterations in the mechanical microenvironment in pulmonary fibrosis on the process of EMT, the effects of mechanical factors on the behavior of alveolar epithelial cells in EMT and the biomechanical signaling in EMT, in order to provide new references for the research on the prevention and treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- 明艳 李
- 河南中医药大学 中医药科学院 呼吸疾病中医药防治省部共建协同创新中心 河南省中医药防治呼吸病重点实验室(郑州 450016)Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan & Ministry of Education of PR China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Zhengzhou 450016, P.R. China
| | - 美好 孙
- 河南中医药大学 中医药科学院 呼吸疾病中医药防治省部共建协同创新中心 河南省中医药防治呼吸病重点实验室(郑州 450016)Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan & Ministry of Education of PR China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Zhengzhou 450016, P.R. China
| | - 渊博 贾
- 河南中医药大学 中医药科学院 呼吸疾病中医药防治省部共建协同创新中心 河南省中医药防治呼吸病重点实验室(郑州 450016)Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan & Ministry of Education of PR China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Zhengzhou 450016, P.R. China
| | - 徽 任
- 河南中医药大学 中医药科学院 呼吸疾病中医药防治省部共建协同创新中心 河南省中医药防治呼吸病重点实验室(郑州 450016)Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan & Ministry of Education of PR China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Zhengzhou 450016, P.R. China
- 西安交通大学 仿生工程与生物力学中心(西安 710049)Bioinspired Engineering & Biomechanics Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China
| | - 含 刘
- 河南中医药大学 中医药科学院 呼吸疾病中医药防治省部共建协同创新中心 河南省中医药防治呼吸病重点实验室(郑州 450016)Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases Co-Constructed by Henan & Ministry of Education of PR China, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Zhengzhou 450016, P.R. China
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Kircali MF, Turanli B. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Molecular Substrates Revealed by Competing Endogenous RNA Regulatory Networks. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:381-392. [PMID: 37540140 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2023.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrotic disease of the lung with poor prognosis. Fibrosis results from remodeling of the interstitial tissue. A wide range of gene expression changes are observed, but the role of micro RNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNA) is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to establish an messenger RNA (mRNA)-miRNA-circRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to uncover novel molecular signatures using systems biology tools. Six datasets were used to determine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNA). Accordingly, protein-protein, mRNA-miRNA, and miRNA-circRNA interactions were constructed. Modules were determined and further analyzed in the Drug Gene Budger platform to identify potential therapeutic compounds. We uncovered common 724 DEGs and 278 DEmiRNAs. In the protein-protein interaction network, TMPRSS4, ESR2, TP73, CLEC4E, and TP63 were identified as hub protein coding genes. The mRNA-miRNA interaction network revealed two modules composed of ADRA1A, ADRA1B, hsa-miR-484 and CDH2, TMPRSS4, and hsa-miR-543. The DEmiRNAs in the modules further analyzed to propose potential circRNA regulators in the ceRNA network. These results help deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of IPF. In addition, the molecular leads reported herein might inform future innovations in diagnostics and therapeutics research and development for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Fatih Kircali
- School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Beste Turanli
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Luo R, Wei Y, Chen P, Zhang J, Wang L, Wang W, Wang P, Tian W. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition by Modulating the IRE1 α Branch of the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:4483776. [PMID: 37545482 PMCID: PMC10397497 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4483776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial lung disease, and it carries a poor prognosis due to a lack of efficient diagnosis methods and treatments. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a key role in IPF pathogenesis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress contributes to fibrosis via EMT-mediated pathways. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising treatment strategy for pulmonary fibrosis and ameliorates lung fibrosis in animal models via paracrine effects. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the effect of transplanted MSCs are not known. We previously reported that MSCs attenuate endothelial injury by modulating ER stress and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The present study investigated whether modulation of ER stress- and EMT-related pathways plays essential roles in MSC-mediated alleviation of IPF. Methods and Results We constructed a A549 cell model of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibrosis. TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 cells, and MSC coculture decreased EMT, as indicated by increased E-cadherin levels and decreased vimentin levels. ER stress participated in TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 cells, and MSCs inhibited the expression of XBP-1s, XBP-1u, and BiP, which was upregulated by TGF-β1. Inhibition of ER stress contributed to MSC-mediated amelioration of EMT in A549 cells, and modulation of the IRE1α-XBP1 branch of the ER stress pathway may have played an important role in this effect. MSC transplantation alleviated bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. MSC treatment decreased the expression of ER stress- and EMT-related genes and proteins, and the most obvious effect of MSC treatment was inhibition of the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that MSCs decrease EMT by modulating ER stress and that blockade of the IRE1α-XBP1 pathway may play a critical role in this effect. The current study provides novel insight for the application of MSCs for IPF treatment and elucidates the mechanism underlying the preventive effects of MSCs against pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixi Luo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
- Stem Cell Therapy Research Center, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Yaqiong Wei
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Clinical Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Teaching and Research Section, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Experimental Animals, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - La Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Weiyi Tian
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
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Karetnikova ES, Jarzebska N, Rodionov RN, Rubets E, Markov AG, Spieth PM. mRNA Levels of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Markers in Lung Epithelial Cell Lines. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:211-219. [PMID: 38317809 PMCID: PMC10838588 DOI: 10.61186/rbmb.12.2.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important physiologic process that determines the outcome of lung tissue healing after injury. Stimuli and molecular cascades inducing EMT lead to up-regulation of the mesenchymal-specific genes in the alveolar epithelial cells and to down-regulation of the genes coding for epithelial markers. Alveolar epithelial cell lines are commonly used as in vitro models to study processes occurring in the lung tissue. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare mRNA expression levels of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in a number of lung epithelial cell lines. Methods Lung epithelial cell lines L2, R3/1 and RLE-6TN were cultured. Repeated mRNA isolation, reverse transcription, and quantitative PCR with primers to epithelial (E-cadherin, occludin, and ZO-2) and mesenchymal (α-SMA, collagen III, and vimentin) markers were performed. Results First, our study revealed a higher level of epithelial transcripts in the RLE-6TN cell line compared to L2 and R3/1 cells. Secondly, we have found simultaneous mRNA expression of both epithelial (E-cadherin, occludin and ZO-2) and mesenchymal (α-SMA, collagen III and vimentin) markers in all cell lines studied. Conclusions Our data indicate that at the transcriptional level the L2, R3/1, and RLE-6TN cell lines are at one of the intermediate stages of EMT, which opens new possibilities for the study of EMT on cell lines. Determination of the direction of changes in epithelial and mesenchymal markers will make it possible to establish the factors responsible for both EMT and reverse mesenchymal-epithelial transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Sergeevna Karetnikova
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Natalia Jarzebska
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Roman Nikolaevich Rodionov
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Elena Rubets
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
- Division of Angiology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Alexander Georgievich Markov
- Department of General Physiology, Saint-Petersburg State University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
- The first and the second authors contributed equally to this work.
| | - Peter Markus Spieth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- The first and the second authors contributed equally to this work.
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Tseng YH, Chen IC, Li WC, Hsu JH. Regulatory Cues in Pulmonary Fibrosis-With Emphasis on the AIM2 Inflammasome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10876. [PMID: 37446052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310876] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disorder characterized by the presence of scarred and thickened lung tissues. Although the Food and Drug Administration approved two antifibrotic drugs, pirfenidone, and nintedanib, that are currently utilized for treating idiopathic PF (IPF), the clinical therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory. It is crucial to develop new drugs or treatment schemes that combine pirfenidone or nintedanib to achieve more effective outcomes for PF patients. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying PF could potentially facilitate drug discovery. Previous studies have found that the activation of inflammasomes, including nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein (NLRP)1, NLRP3, NOD-like receptor C4, and absent in melanoma (AIM)2, contributes to lung inflammation and fibrosis. This article aims to summarize the cellular and molecular regulatory cues that contribute to PF with a particular emphasis on the role of AIM2 inflammasome in mediating pathophysiologic events during PF development. The insights gained from this research may pave the way for the development of more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsin Tseng
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
| | - I-Chen Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chun Li
- Institute of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Jong-Hau Hsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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Yang W, Pan L, Cheng Y, Wu X, Huang S, Du J, Zhu H, Zhang M, Zhang Y. Amifostine attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10485. [PMID: 37380638 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amifostine is a normal cell protection agent, not only used in the adjuvant therapy of lung cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, bone tumor, digestive tract tumor, blood system tumor and other cancers in order to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, and recent studies have reported that the drug can also reduce lung tissue damage in patients with pulmonary fibrosis, but its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. In this study, we explored the potential therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of AMI on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established using BLM. We then assessed histopathological changes, inflammatory factors, oxidative indicators, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix changes, and levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway-related proteins in the BLM-treated mice to determine the effect of AMI treatment on these factors. BLM-treated mice had substantial lung inflammation and abnormal extracellular matrix deposition. Overall, treatment with AMI significantly improved BLM-induced lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis. More specifically, AMI alleviated BLM-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, alveolar cell apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix deposition by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This finding that AMI can alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in a mouse model by inhibiting activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway lays a foundation for potential future clinical application of this agent in patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Lin Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yiju Cheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, 550004, China.
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China.
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Songsong Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Honglan Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Menglin Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yuquan Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
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Liu J, Gao D, Ding Q, Zhang B, Zhu W, Shi Y. Sparganii Rhizoma alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblasts differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediated by TGF-β1/ Smad2/3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 309:116305. [PMID: 36878395 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a lethal lung disease, can lead to structural destruction of the alveoli until death. Sparganii Rhizoma (SR), primarily distributed in East Asia, has been used clinically for hundreds of years against organ fibrosis and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY We intended to verify the effect of SR alleviate PF and further explore mechanisms. METHODS Murine model of PF was established by endotracheal infusion of bleomycin. We detected the anti-PF effect of SR through lung coefficient, hydroxyproline content, lung function and pathological staining. Then, we used Western Blot and RT-PCR to verify the mechanism. In vitro experiments, MRC-5 and BEAS-2B were induced to phenotypic transformation by TGF-β1 and then RT-PCR, WB and IF were conducted to verify the effect of SR. RESULTS SR significantly reduced BLM-induced PF in mice, improved lung function, slowed the degree of lung tissue lesions, and reduced collagen deposition. SR alleviated PF by inhibiting fibroblasts differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In vivo studies explored the mechanism and found that it was related to TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our research proved SR could effectively treat PF, providing a fresh idea and approach for the treatment of PF with traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Dongyang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Qi Ding
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
| | - Binbin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Wenxiang Zhu
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China; Shenzhen Research Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, 518118, China.
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Alaaeldin R, Mohyeldin RH, Bekhit AA, Gomaa W, Zhao QL, Fathy M. Vincamine Ameliorates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats; Targeting TGF-β/MAPK/Snai1 Pathway. Molecules 2023; 28:4665. [PMID: 37375218 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive, irreversible lung disease that leads to respiratory failure and death. Vincamine is an indole alkaloid obtained from the leaves of Vinca minor and acts as a vasodilator. The present study aims to investigate the protective activity of vincamine against EMT in bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis via assessing the apoptotic and TGF-β1/p38 MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, protein content, total cell count, and LDH activity were evaluated. N-cadherin, fibronectin, collagen, SOD, GPX, and MDA levels were determined in lung tissue using ELISA. Bax, p53, bcl2, TWIST, Snai1, and Slug mRNA levels were examined using qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of TGF-β1, p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and cleaved caspase 3 proteins. H & E and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze histopathology. In BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, vincamine reduced LDH activity, total protein content, and total and differential cell count. SOD and GPX were also increased following vincamine treatment, while MDA levels were decreased. Additionally, vincamine suppressed the expression of p53, Bax, TWIST, Snail, and Slug genes as well as the expression of factors such as TGF-β1, p/t p38 MAPK, p/t ERK1/2, and cleaved caspase 3 proteins, and, at the same time, vincamine increased bcl2 gene expression. Moreover, vincamine restored fibronectin, N-Catherine, and collagen protein elevation due to BLM-induced lung fibrosis. In addition, the histopathological examination of lung tissues revealed that vincamine attenuated the fibrotic and inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, vincamine suppressed bleomycin-induced EMT by attenuating TGF-β1/p38 MAPK/ERK1/2/TWIST/Snai1/Slug/fibronectin/N-cadherin pathway. Moreover, it exerted anti-apoptotic activity in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Alaaeldin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia 61111, Egypt
| | - Reham H Mohyeldin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Minia 61111, Egypt
| | | | - Wafaey Gomaa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Qing-Li Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Moustafa Fathy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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Campbell I, Glinka M, Shaban F, Kirkwood KJ, Nadalin F, Adams D, Papatheodorou I, Burger A, Baldock RA, Arends MJ, Din S. The Promise of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing to Redefine the Understanding of Crohn's Disease Fibrosis Mechanisms. J Clin Med 2023; 12:3884. [PMID: 37373578 PMCID: PMC10299644 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a high prevalence throughout the world. The development of Crohn's-related fibrosis, which leads to strictures in the gastrointestinal tract, presents a particular challenge and is associated with significant morbidity. There are currently no specific anti-fibrotic therapies available, and so treatment is aimed at managing the stricturing complications of fibrosis once it is established. This often requires invasive and repeated endoscopic or surgical intervention. The advent of single-cell sequencing has led to significant advances in our understanding of CD at a cellular level, and this has presented opportunities to develop new therapeutic agents with the aim of preventing or reversing fibrosis. In this paper, we discuss the current understanding of CD fibrosis pathogenesis, summarise current management strategies, and present the promise of single-cell sequencing as a tool for the development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iona Campbell
- Edinburgh Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Michael Glinka
- Edinburgh Pathology, Centre for Comparative Pathology, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Fadlo Shaban
- Edinburgh Colorectal Unit, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Kathryn J. Kirkwood
- Department of Pathology, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Francesca Nadalin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - David Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Irene Papatheodorou
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Albert Burger
- Department of Computer Science, School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Richard A. Baldock
- Edinburgh Pathology, Centre for Comparative Pathology, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Mark J. Arends
- Edinburgh Pathology, Centre for Comparative Pathology, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genetics, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Shahida Din
- Edinburgh Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit, Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
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Li Y, Qin W, Liang Q, Zeng J, Yang Q, Chen Y, Wang J, Lu W. Bufei huoxue capsule alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116733. [PMID: 37277082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bufei huoxue (BFHX) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation that consists of Astragalus Exscapus L, Paeonia Lactiflora Pall, and Psoralea Aphylla L. It can ameliorate collagen deposition and inhibit EMT. However, it remains unknown whether and how BFHX alleviates IPF. AIM OF THE STUDY Our work aimed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of BFHX on IPF and dissect the mechanisms involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mouse model of IPF was induced by bleomycin. BFHX was administered on the first day of modeling and maintained for 21 days. Pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation were evaluated by micro-CT, lung histopathology, pulmonary function assessment, and cytokines in BALF. In addition, we examined the signaling molecules involved in EMT and ECM by immunofluorescence, western Blot, EdU, and MMP (Δψm) assays. RESULTS BFHX alleviated lung parenchyma fibrosis as evidenced by Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome staining, and micro-CT, and it improved lung function. In addition, BFHX treatment not only decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but also upregulated E-cadherin (E-Cad) and downregulated α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ӏ (Col Ӏ), vimentin, and fibronectin (FN). Mechanistically, BFHX repressed TGF-β1-driven Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which, in turn, suppressed EMT and transition of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION BFHX effectively reduces the occurrence of EMT and inhibits the production of ECM by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, which provides a potential novel therapeutic strategy for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenguang Qin
- Department of Periodontics, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qiuling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jiamin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qiong Yang
- Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for the Diagnosis & Treatment of COPD, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, China.
| | - Yuqin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenju Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Shaikh TB, Kuncha M, Andugulapati SB, Sistla R. Dehydrozingerone alleviates pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175820. [PMID: 37245857 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), excessive collagen deposition predisposes to irreversible lung function decline, respiratory failure, and ultimately death. Due to the limited therapeutic efficacy of FDA-approved medications, novel drugs are warranted for better treatment outcomes. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is an analogue of curcumin that has been investigated against pulmonary fibrosis using a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model in rats. In in vitro, TGF-β-induced differentiation models (NHLF, LL29, DHLF and A549 cells) were adopted to assess fibrotic markers expression and explored the mechanism of action. DHZ administration attenuated the bleomycin-induced elevation of lung index, inflammatory cell infiltrations, and hydroxyproline levels in lung tissues. Furthermore, treatment with DHZ mitigated the bleomycin-mediated elevation of extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and collagen deposition markers and improved lung mechanics. In addition, treatment with DHZ significantly suppressed the BLM-induced apoptosis and rescued the BLM-induced pathological abnormalities in lung tissues. In-vitro assays revealed that DHZ suppressed the expression of TGF-β-elevated collagen deposition, EMT and ECM markers in both mRNA/protein levels. Our findings showed that DHZ has anti-fibrotic effect against pulmonary fibrosis by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suggesting that DHZ may serve as a potential treatment option for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim B Shaikh
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Madhusudhana Kuncha
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India
| | - Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Ramakrishna Sistla
- Division of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, 500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Curras-Alonso S, Soulier J, Defard T, Weber C, Heinrich S, Laporte H, Leboucher S, Lameiras S, Dutreix M, Favaudon V, Massip F, Walter T, Mueller F, Londoño-Vallejo JA, Fouillade C. An interactive murine single-cell atlas of the lung responses to radiation injury. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2445. [PMID: 37117166 PMCID: PMC10147670 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation Induced Lung Injury (RILI) is one of the main limiting factors of thorax irradiation, which can induce acute pneumonitis as well as pulmonary fibrosis, the latter being a life-threatening condition. The order of cellular and molecular events in the progression towards fibrosis is key to the physiopathogenesis of the disease, yet their coordination in space and time remains largely unexplored. Here, we present an interactive murine single cell atlas of the lung response to irradiation, generated from C57BL6/J female mice. This tool opens the door for exploration of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the mechanisms that lead to radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. It depicts with unprecedented detail cell type-specific radiation-induced responses associated with either lung regeneration or the failure thereof. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to lung fibrosis will help finding new therapeutic options that could improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Curras-Alonso
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 3244, Sorbonne Universite, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Juliette Soulier
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 3244, Sorbonne Universite, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Thomas Defard
- Centre for Computational Biology (CBIO), Mines Paris, PSL University, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005, Paris, France
- Imaging and Modeling Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Christian Weber
- Imaging and Modeling Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Heinrich
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Hugo Laporte
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 3244, Sorbonne Universite, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Sophie Leboucher
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 3348, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, Orsay, France
| | - Sonia Lameiras
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence (ICGex) Platform, Paris, France
| | - Marie Dutreix
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Vincent Favaudon
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France
| | - Florian Massip
- Centre for Computational Biology (CBIO), Mines Paris, PSL University, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Walter
- Centre for Computational Biology (CBIO), Mines Paris, PSL University, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Curie, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France
- INSERM, U900, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Florian Mueller
- Imaging and Modeling Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - José-Arturo Londoño-Vallejo
- Institut Curie, CNRS UMR 3244, Sorbonne Universite, PSL University, 75005, Paris, France.
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France.
| | - Charles Fouillade
- Institut Curie, Inserm U1021-CNRS UMR 3347, University Paris-Saclay, PSL University, Centre Universitaire, 91405, Orsay Cedex, France.
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Keshavan S, Bannuscher A, Drasler B, Barosova H, Petri-Fink A, Rothen-Rutishauser B. Comparing species-different responses in pulmonary fibrosis research: Current understanding of in vitro lung cell models and nanomaterials. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 183:106387. [PMID: 36652970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, irreversible lung disease that is typically fatal and characterized by an abnormal fibrotic response. As a result, vast areas of the lungs are gradually affected, and gas exchange is impaired, making it one of the world's leading causes of death. This can be attributed to a lack of understanding of the onset and progression of the disease, as well as a poor understanding of the mechanism of adverse responses to various factors, such as exposure to allergens, nanomaterials, environmental pollutants, etc. So far, the most frequently used preclinical evaluation paradigm for PF is still animal testing. Nonetheless, there is an urgent need to understand the factors that induce PF and find novel therapeutic targets for PF in humans. In this regard, robust and realistic in vitro fibrosis models are required to understand the mechanism of adverse responses. Over the years, several in vitro and ex vivo models have been developed with the goal of mimicking the biological barriers of the lung as closely as possible. This review summarizes recent progress towards the development of experimental models suitable for predicting fibrotic responses, with an emphasis on cell culture methods, nanomaterials, and a comparison of results from studies using cells from various species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Keshavan
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Anne Bannuscher
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Drasler
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland
| | - Hana Barosova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, Prague 14220, Czech Republic
| | - Alke Petri-Fink
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, Fribourg CH-1700, Switzerland; Chemistry Department, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
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Delbrel E, Voituron N, Boncoeur E. HIF and ER stress are involved in TGFβ1-mediated wound closure of alveolar epithelial cells. Exp Lung Res 2023:1-9. [PMID: 36947400 DOI: 10.1080/01902148.2023.2183996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Alveolar epithelium dysfunction is associated with a very large spectrum of disease and an abnormal repair capacity of the airway epithelium has been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Following epithelium insult, the damaged cells will activate pathways implicated in the repair process, including proliferation and acquisition of migratory capacities to cover the denuded basement membrane. Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum stress may be implicated in this process. Interestingly, ER stress excessive activation has been proposed as a central event associated with aberrant repair process and cellular dysfunction observed in IPF. Methods: We study by wound healing assay the molecular targets associated with Alveolar Epithelial Cells (AEC) repair. Results: We demonstrate that the wound recovery of AEC is associated with TGF-β1 signaling and increased transcriptional activity of ER stress and HIF-dependent genes. We further demonstrated that inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling, CHOP expression or HIF-1 expression, limits AECs wound closure. Conclusion: the use of pharmacological drugs targeting the ER/HIF-1 axis could be an attractive approach to limit AEC dysregulation in pathological condition, and confirmed a critical role of theses factor in response to alveolar injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Delbrel
- Laboratoire Hypoxie & Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Nicolas Voituron
- Laboratoire Hypoxie & Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Emilie Boncoeur
- Laboratoire Hypoxie & Poumon, UMR INSERM U1272, Université Sorbonne Paris-Nord, Bobigny, France
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Attenuation of Ventilation-Enhanced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition through the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-γ in a Murine Bleomycin-Induced Acute Lung Injury Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065538. [PMID: 36982609 PMCID: PMC10053679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical ventilation (MV) used in patients with acute lung injury (ALI) induces lung inflammation and causes fibroblast proliferation and excessive collagen deposition—a process termed epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Phosphoinositide 3-kinase-γ (PI3K-γ) is crucial in modulating EMT during the reparative phase of ALI; however, the mechanisms regulating the interactions among MV, EMT, and PI3K-γ remain unclear. We hypothesized that MV with or without bleomycin treatment would increase EMT through the PI3K-γ pathway. C57BL/6 mice, either wild-type or PI3K-γ-deficient, were exposed to 6 or 30 mL/kg MV for 5 h after receiving 5 mg/kg AS605240 intraperitoneally 5 days after bleomycin administration. We found that, after bleomycin exposure in wild-type mice, high-tidal-volume MV induced substantial increases in inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative loads, Masson’s trichrome staining level, positive staining of α-smooth muscle actin, PI3K-γ expression, and bronchial epithelial apoptosis (p < 0.05). Decreased respiratory function, antioxidants, and staining of the epithelial marker Zonula occludens-1 were also observed (p < 0.05). MV-augmented bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrogenesis and epithelial apoptosis were attenuated in PI3K-γ-deficient mice, and we found pharmacological inhibition of PI3K-γ activity through AS605240 (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that MV augmented EMT after bleomycin-induced ALI, partially through the PI3K-γ pathway. Therapy targeting PI3K-γ may ameliorate MV-associated EMT.
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A comprehensive review of emodin in fibrosis treatment. Fitoterapia 2023; 165:105358. [PMID: 36436587 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Emodin is the main pharmacodynamic components of rhubarb, with significant pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy.Emodin has a variety of therapy effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis effects, and is widely used to treat encephalitis, diabetic cataract and organ fibrosis. Several studies have shown that emodin has a good treatment effect on organ fibrosis, but the mechanism is complex. Moreover, the evidence of some studies is conflicting and confusing. This paper reviewed the mechanism, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of emodin in fibrosis treatment, and briefly discussed relevant cutting-edge new formulations to improve the efficacy, the result can provide some reference for future study.
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