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Khokhar M, Dey S, Tomo S, Jaremko M, Emwas AH, Pandey RK. Unveiling Novel Drug Targets and Emerging Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1664-1693. [PMID: 38898941 PMCID: PMC11184612 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00067] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease, that causes joint damage, deformities, and decreased functionality. In addition, RA can also impact organs like the skin, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels. This autoimmune condition arises when the immune system erroneously targets the joint synovial membrane, resulting in synovitis, pannus formation, and cartilage damage. RA treatment is often holistic, integrating medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Its main objective is to achieve remission or low disease activity by utilizing a "treat-to-target" approach that optimizes drug usage and dose adjustments based on clinical response and disease activity markers. The primary RA treatment uses disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that help to interrupt the inflammatory process. When there is an inadequate response, a combination of biologicals and DMARDs is recommended. Biological therapies target inflammatory pathways and have shown promising results in managing RA symptoms. Close monitoring for adverse effects and disease progression is critical to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. A deeper understanding of the pathways and mechanisms will allow new treatment strategies that minimize adverse effects and maintain quality of life. This review discusses the potential targets that can be used for designing and implementing precision medicine in RA treatment, spotlighting the latest breakthroughs in biologics, JAK inhibitors, IL-6 receptor antagonists, TNF blockers, and disease-modifying noncoding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Khokhar
- Department
of Biochemistry, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005 Rajasthan, India
| | - Sangita Dey
- CSO
Department, Cellworks Research India Pvt
Ltd, Bengaluru, 560066 Karnataka, India
| | - Sojit Tomo
- Department
of Biochemistry, All India Institute of
Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, 342005 Rajasthan, India
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health
Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological
and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul-Hamid Emwas
- Core
Laboratories, King Abdullah University of
Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajan Kumar Pandey
- Department
of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
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Li Y, Yang J, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Wei Y, Wang Y, Wu N, Sun J, Wu Z. [The Miao medicine Sidaxue alleviates rheumatoid arthritis in rats possibly by downregulating matrix metalloproteinases]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2024; 44:739-747. [PMID: 38708508 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2024.04.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the inhibitory effect of Sidaxue, a traditional Miao herbal medicine formula, on articular bone and cartilage destruction and synovial neovascularization in rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS In a SD rat model of CIA, we tested the effects of daily gavage of Sidaxue at low, moderate and high doses (10, 20, and 40 g/kg, respectively) for 21 days, with Tripterygium glycosides (GTW) as the positive control, on swelling in the hind limb plantar regions by arthritis index scoring. Pathologies in joint synovial membrane of the rats were observed with HE staining, and serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels were detected with ELISA. The expressions of NF-κB p65, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), MMP2 and MMP9 at the mRNA and protein levels in the synovial tissues were detected using real-time PCR and Western blotting. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the important target proteins in the pathways correlated with the therapeutic effects of topical Sidaxue treatment for RA, and the core target proteins were screened by topological analysis. RESULTS Treatment with GTW and Sidaxue at the 3 doses all significantly alleviated plantar swelling, lowered arthritis index scores, improved cartilage and bone damage and reduced neovascularization in CIA rats (P<0.05), and the effects of Sidaxue showed a dose dependence. Both GTW and Sidaxue treatments significantly lowered TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9 mRNA and protein expressions in the synovial tissues of CIA rats (P<0.05). Network pharmacological analysis identified MMPs as the core proteins associated with topical Sidaxue treatment of RA. CONCLUSION Sidaxue alleviates articular bone and cartilage damages and reduces synovial neovascularization in CIA rats possibly by downregulating MMPs via the TNF-α/IL-1β/NF-κB-MMP1, 2, 9 signaling pathway, and MMPs probably plays a key role in mediating the effect of Sidaxue though the therapeutic pathways other than oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - J Yang
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - C Zhang
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Y Wei
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Y Wang
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - N Wu
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - J Sun
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
| | - Z Wu
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, China
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Liu XR, Li SF, Mei WY, Liu XD, Zhou RB. Isorhamnetin Downregulates MMP2 and MMP9 to Inhibit Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis through SRC/ERK/CREB Pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2024; 30:299-310. [PMID: 38212502 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3753-6] [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] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of isorhamnetin on the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α -induced fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) was exposed to additional isorhamnetin (10, 20 and 40 µ mol/L). Overexpression vectors for matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) or MMP9 or SRC were transfected to explore their roles in isorhamnetin-mediated RA-FLS function. RA-FLS viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated. Moreover, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established. Rats were randomly divided to sham, CIA, low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups using a random number table (n=5 in each group) and administed with normal saline or additional isorhamnetin [2, 10, and 20 mg/(kg·day)] for 4 weeks, respectively. Arthritis index was calculated and synovial tissue inflammation was determined in CIA rats. The levels of MMP2, MMP9, TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1 β, as well as the phosphorylation levels of SRC, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding (CREB), were detected in RA-FLS and synovial tissue. Molecular docking was also used to analyze the binding of isorhamnetin to SRC. RESULTS In in vitro studies, isorhamnetin inhibited RA-FLS viability, migration and invasion (P<0.05). Isorhamnetin downregulated the levels of MMP2, MMP9, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 β in RA-FLS (P<0.05). The overexpression of either MMP2 or MMP9 reversed isorhamnetin-inhibited RA-FLS migration and invasion, as well as the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 β (P<0.05). Furthermore, isorhamnetin bound to SRC and reduced the phosphorylation of SRC, ERK, and CREB (P<0.05). SRC overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin on RA-FLS viability, migration and invasion, as well as the negative regulation of MMP2 and MMP9 (P<0.05). In in vivo studies, isorhamnetin decreased arthritis index scores (P<0.05) and alleviated synovial inflammation. Isorhamnetin reduced the levels of MMP2, MMP9, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 β, as well as the phosphorylation of SRC, ERK, and CREB in synovial tissue (P<0.05). Notably, the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin was more pronounced at higher concentrations (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Isorhamnetin exhibited anti-RA effects through modulating SRC/ERK/CREB and MMP2/MMP9 signaling pathways, suggesting that isorhamnetin may be a potential therapeutic agent for RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Rong Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China.
| | - Shuo-Fu Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410007, China
| | - Wen-Ya Mei
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Xiang-Dan Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
| | - Ri-Bao Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410208, China
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Zhu J, Wei J, Lin Y, Tang Y, Su Z, Li L, Liu B, Cai X. Inhibition of IL-17 signaling in macrophages underlies the anti-arthritic effects of halofuginone hydrobromide: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:105. [PMID: 38413973 PMCID: PMC10900594 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04397-2] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease marked by chronic synovitis as well as cartilage and bone destruction. Halofuginone hydrobromide (HF), a bioactive compound derived from the Chinese herbal plant Dichroa febrifuga Lour., has demonstrated substantial anti-arthritic effects in RA. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the anti-RA effects of HF remain unclear. METHODS This study employed a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation to investigate potential targets of HF in RA. RESULTS Network pharmacology analyses identified 109 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) resulting from HF treatment in RA. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses unveiled a robust association between these DEGs and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed 10 core DEGs, that is, EGFR, MMP9, TLR4, ESR1, MMP2, PPARG, MAPK1, JAK2, STAT1, and MAPK8. Among them, MMP9 displayed the greatest binding energy for HF. In an in vitro assay, HF significantly inhibited the activity of inflammatory macrophages, and regulated the IL-17 signaling pathway by decreasing the levels of IL-17 C, p-NF-κB, and MMP9. CONCLUSION In summary, these findings suggest that HF has the potential to inhibit the activation of inflammatory macrophages through its regulation of the IL-17 signaling pathway, underscoring its potential in the suppression of immune-mediated inflammation in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Jiaming Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Zhaoli Su
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
- The Central Research Laboratory, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, China
- Guangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive and Therapeutic Research in Prevalent Diseases in West Guangxi, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, China
| | - Liqing Li
- The Central Research Laboratory, Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, China.
- Guangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive and Therapeutic Research in Prevalent Diseases in West Guangxi, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, 533000, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.
| | - Xiong Cai
- Department of Rheumatology, First Hospital, School of Chinese Medical Sciences, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.
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Cui T, Huang Z, Luo K, Nie J, Xv Y, Zeng Z, Liao L, Yang X, Zhou H. Identification of Hub Genes and Prediction of Targeted Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-023-10650-z. [PMID: 38334875 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
There is a potential link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular processes that underlie the development of these two conditions by bioinformatics methods. The gene expression samples for RA (GSE77298) and IPF (GSE24206) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After identifying the overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for RA and IPF, we conducted functional annotation, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and hub gene identification. Finally, we used the hub genes to predict potential medications for the treatment of both disorders. We identified 74 common DEGs for further analysis. Functional analysis demonstrated that cellular components, biological processes, and molecular functions all played a role in the emergence and progression of RA and IPF. Using the cytoHubba plugin, we identified 7 important hub genes, namely COL3A1, SDC1, CCL5, CXCL13, MMP1, THY1, and BDNF. As diagnostic indicators for RA, SDC1, CCL5, CXCL13, MMP1, and THY1 showed favorable values. For IPF, COL3A1, SDC1, CCL5, CXCL13, THY1, and BDNF were favorable diagnostic markers. Furthermore, we predicted 61 Chinese and 69 Western medications using the hub genes. Our research findings demonstrate a shared pathophysiology between RA and IPF, which may provide new insights for more mechanistic research and more effective treatments. These common pathways and hub genes identified in our study offer potential opportunities for developing more targeted therapies that can address both disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Cui
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhican Huang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Kun Luo
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jingwei Nie
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yimei Xv
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhu Zeng
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Linghan Liao
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China.
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Chang C, Xu L, Zhang R, Jin Y, Jiang P, Wei K, Xu L, Shi Y, Zhao J, Xiong M, Guo S, He D. MicroRNA-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Susceptibility and Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:838884. [PMID: 35401568 PMCID: PMC8987113 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.838884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating the transcriptome and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, a comprehensive map illustrating how miRNAs regulate transcripts, pathways, immune system differentiation, and their interactions with terminal cells such as fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), immune-cells, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts are still laking. In this review, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the susceptibility, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prognosis of RA. Numerous miRNAs are abnormally expressed in cells involved in RA and regulate target genes and pathways, including NF-κB, Fas-FasL, JAK-STAT, and mTOR pathways. We outline how functional genetic variants of miR-499 and miR-146a partly explain susceptibility to RA. By regulating gene expression, miRNAs affect T cell differentiation into diverse cell types, including Th17 and Treg cells, thus constituting promising gene therapy targets to modulate the immune system in RA. We summarize the diagnostic and prognostic potential of blood-circulating and cell-free miRNAs, highlighting the opportunity to combine these miRNAs with antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (ACCP) to allow accurate diagnosis and prognosis, particularly for seronegative patients. Furthermore, we review the evidence implicating miRNAs as promising biomarkers of efficiency and response of, and resistance to, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and immunotherapy. Finally, we discuss the autotherapeutic effect of miRNA intervention as a step toward the development of miRNA-based anti-RA drugs. Collectively, the current evidence supports miRNAs as interesting targets to better understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of RA and design more efficient therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Chang
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Runrun Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yehua Jin
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linshuai Xu
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianan Zhao
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Momiao Xiong
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Shicheng Guo, ; Dongyi He,
| | - Dongyi He
- Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Guanghua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shicheng Guo, ; Dongyi He,
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Hou Z, Wang L, Su D, Cai W, Zhu Y, Liu D, Huang S, Xu J, Pan Z, Tao J. Global MicroRNAs Expression Profile Analysis Reveals Possible Regulatory Mechanisms of Brain Injury Induced by Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:827570. [PMID: 35360170 PMCID: PMC8961362 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.827570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause toxoplasmosis in humans and other endotherms. T. gondii can manipulate the host gene expression profile by interfering with miRNA expression, which is closely associated with the molecular mechanisms of T. gondii-induced brain injury. However, it is unclear how T. gondii manipulates the gene expression of central nervous system (CNS) cells through modulation of miRNA expression in vivo during acute and chronic infection. Therefore, high-throughput sequencing was used to investigate expression profiles of brain miRNAs at 10, 25, and 50 days post-infection (DPI) in pigs infected with the Chinese I genotype T. gondii strain in this study. Compared with the control group 87, 68, and 135 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the infected porcine brains at 10, 25, and 50 DPI, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed that a large number significantly enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways were found, and were mostly associated with stimulus or immune response, signal transduction, cell death or apoptosis, metabolic processes, immune system or diseases, and cancers. miRNA–gene network analysis revealed that the crucial connecting nodes, including DEMs and their target genes, might have key roles in the interactions between porcine brain and T. gondii. These results suggest that the regulatory strategies of T. gondii are involved in the modulation of a variety of host cell signaling pathways and cellular processes, containing unfolded protein response (UPR), oxidative stress (OS), autophagy, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and inflammatory responses, by interfering with the global miRNA expression profile of CNS cells, allowing parasites to persist in the host CNS cells and contribute to pathological damage of porcine brain. To our knowledge, this is the first report on miRNA expression profile in porcine brains during acute and chronic T. gondii infection in vivo. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying T. gondii-induced brain injury during different infection stages and novel targets for developing therapeutic agents against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dingzeyang Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Weimin Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Siyang Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiming Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jianping Tao,
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Payet M, Dargai F, Gasque P, Guillot X. Epigenetic Regulation (Including Micro-RNAs, DNA Methylation and Histone Modifications) of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212170. [PMID: 34830057 PMCID: PMC8625518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory reaction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is controlled by major epigenetic modifications that modulate the phenotype of synovial and immune cells. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review focusing on miR expression, DNA methylation and histone modifications in RA. We demonstrated that, in human samples, the expressions of miR-155, miR-146a and miR-150 were significantly decreased while the expression of miR-410-3p was significantly increased in the RA group. Moreover, miR-146a significantly decreased pro-autoimmune IL-17 cytokine expression in RA. In a murine model, miR-34a inhibition can ameliorate the arthritis score. However, this evidence remain critically insufficient to support current therapeutic applications in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Payet
- Research Unit ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’ UR EPI, Université de la Réunion, 97400 Réunion, France; (P.G.); (X.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Farouk Dargai
- Orthopedic Clinical Department, CHU Bellepierre, Reunion University Hospital, 97400 Réunion, France;
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Research Unit ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’ UR EPI, Université de la Réunion, 97400 Réunion, France; (P.G.); (X.G.)
- Immunology Laboratory (LICE-OI), CHU Bellepierre, Reunion University Hospital, 97400 Réunion, France
| | - Xavier Guillot
- Research Unit ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’ UR EPI, Université de la Réunion, 97400 Réunion, France; (P.G.); (X.G.)
- Rheumatology Clinical Department, CHU Bellepierre, Reunion University Hospital, 97400 Réunion, France
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Huang J, Fu X, Chen X, Li Z, Huang Y, Liang C. Promising Therapeutic Targets for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:686155. [PMID: 34305919 PMCID: PMC8299711 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.686155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic poly-articular chronic autoimmune joint disease that mainly damages the hands and feet, which affects 0.5% to 1.0% of the population worldwide. With the sustained development of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), significant success has been achieved for preventing and relieving disease activity in RA patients. Unfortunately, some patients still show limited response to DMARDs, which puts forward new requirements for special targets and novel therapies. Understanding the pathogenetic roles of the various molecules in RA could facilitate discovery of potential therapeutic targets and approaches. In this review, both existing and emerging targets, including the proteins, small molecular metabolites, and epigenetic regulators related to RA, are discussed, with a focus on the mechanisms that result in inflammation and the development of new drugs for blocking the various modulators in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuekun Fu
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Institute of Integrated Bioinfomedicine and Translational Science (IBTS), School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Sarker H, Haimour A, Toor R, Fernandez-Patron C. The Emerging Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Causation of Aberrant MMP Activity during Human Pathologies and the Use of Medicinal Drugs. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11040578. [PMID: 33920915 PMCID: PMC8071227 DOI: 10.3390/biom11040578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cleave extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and receptors to influence organ development, architecture, function, and the systemic and cell-specific responses to diseases and pharmacological drugs. Conversely, many diseases (such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, bacterial infections (tuberculosis), viral infections (COVID-19), and cancer), cholesterol-lowering drugs (such as statins), and tetracycline-class antibiotics (such as doxycycline) alter MMP activity through transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms. In this review, we summarize evidence that the aforementioned diseases and drugs exert significant epigenetic pressure on genes encoding MMPs, tissue inhibitors of MMPs, and factors that transcriptionally regulate the expression of MMPs. Our understanding of human pathologies associated with alterations in the proteolytic activity of MMPs must consider that these pathologies and their medicinal treatments may impose epigenetic pressure on the expression of MMP genes. Whether the epigenetic mechanisms affecting the activity of MMPs can be therapeutically targeted warrants further research.
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11
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Cai M, Ni WJ, Han L, Chen WD, Peng DY. Research Progress of Therapeutic Enzymes and Their Derivatives: Based on Herbal Medicinal Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:626342. [PMID: 33796022 PMCID: PMC8008143 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.626342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) acts as one of the most common, agnogenic and chronic inflammatory-autoimmune disorder which is characterized by persistent synovitis, cartilage destruction, and joint deformities, leads to a wide range of disabilities, and increased mortality, thus imposing enormous burdens. Several drugs with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties such as celecoxib, diclofenac and methotrexate are being selected as conventional drugs in the allopathic system of medicine for the treatment of RA in clinic. However, there are some serious side effects more or less when using these drugs because of their short poor bioavailability and biological half-life for a long time. These shortcomings greatly promote the exploration and application of new low- or no-toxicity drugs for treating the RA. Meanwhile, a growing number of studies demonstrate that several herbs present certain anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities through different enzymes and their derivatives, which indicate that they are promising therapeutic strategies when targeting these mediators based on herbal medicinal products in RA research. This review article summarizes the roles of the main enzymes and their derivatives during the pathogenesis of RA, and clearly clarifies the explicit and potential targeted actions of herbal medicinal products that have anti-RA activity. Our review provides timely and critical reference for the scientific rationale use of herbal medicinal products, with the increasing basic research and clinical application of herbal medicinal products by patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula Research, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lan Han
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula Research, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula Research, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Dai-Yin Peng
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula Research, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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12
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Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Therapeutic Mechanisms Underlying Beimu-Gualou Formula Activity against Bronchiectasis with In Silico Molecular Docking Validation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:3656272. [PMID: 33488758 PMCID: PMC7803403 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3656272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The classical Chinese herbal prescription Beimu-Gualou formula (BMGLF) has been diffusely applied to the treatment of respiratory diseases, including bronchiectasis. Although concerning bronchiectasis the effects and mechanisms of action of the BMGLF constituents have been partially elucidated, it remains to be determined how the formula in its entirety exerts therapeutic effects. Methods In this study, the multitarget mechanisms of BMGLF against bronchiectasis were predicted with network pharmacology analysis. Using prepared data, a drug-target interaction network was established and subsequently the core therapeutic targets of BMGLF were identified. Furthermore, the biological function and pathway enrichment of potential targets were analyzed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and pivotal signaling pathways of BMGLF. Finally, virtual molecular docking was performed to assess the affinities of compounds for the candidate targets. Results The therapeutic action of BMGLF against bronchiectasis involves 18 core target proteins, including the aforementioned candidates (i.e., ALB, ICAM1, IL10, and MAPK1), which are assumed to be related to biological processes such as drug response, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, immune response, and positive regulation of NF-κB activity in bronchiectasis. Among the top 20 signaling pathways identified, mechanisms of action appear to be primarily related to Chagas disease, allograft rejection, hepatitis B, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conclusion In summary, using a network pharmacology approach, we initially predicted the complex regulatory profile of BMGLF against bronchiectasis in which multilink suppression of immune/inflammatory responses plays an essential role. These results may provide a basis for novel pharmacotherapeutic approaches for bronchiectasis.
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Triticum vulgare Extract Modulates Protein-Kinase B and Matrix Metalloproteinases 9 Protein Expression in BV-2 Cells: Bioactivity on Inflammatory Pathway Associated with Molecular Mechanism Wound Healing. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:2851949. [PMID: 32189993 PMCID: PMC7063223 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2851949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of ubiquitously expressed zinc-dependent enzymes with proteolitic activities. They are expressed in physiological situations and pathological conditions involving inflammatory processes including epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), neuronal injury, and cancer. There is also evidence that MMPs regulate inflammation in tumor microenvironment, which plays an important role in healing tissue processes. Looking at both inflammatory and neuronal damages, MMP9 is involved in both processes and their modulation seems to be regulated by two proteins: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). However other important genes are involved in molecular regulation of transcription factors, protein-kinase B (AKT), and p65. In addition, Triticum vulgare extract (TVE) modulated the biological markers associated with inflammatory processes, including p65 protein. While there are no evidence that TVE might be involved in the biological modulation of other inflammatory marker as AKT, we would like to assess whether TVE is able to (1) modulate phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT) as an early marker of inflammatory process in vitro and (2) affect MMP9 protein expression in an in vitro model. The BV-2 cells (microglial of mouse) have been used as an in vitro model to simulate both inflammatory and neuronal injury pathologies. Here, MMP9 seems to be involved in cellular migration through inflammatory marker activation. We simulate an inflammatory preclinical model treating BV-2 cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce proinflammatory activation affecting pAKT and p65 proteins. TVE is revealed to restore the native expression of AKT and p65. Additionally, TVE extract modulates also the protein concentration of MMP9. Nevertheless, immunofluorescence confocal analyses revealed that both AKT and MMP9 are regulated together, synchronously. This work seems to demonstrate that two important genes can be used to monitor the beginning of an inflammatory process, AKT and MMP9, in which TVE seems able to modulate their expression of inflammation-associated molecules.
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