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Taherian M, Bayati P, Mojtabavi N. Stem cell-based therapy for fibrotic diseases: mechanisms and pathways. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:170. [PMID: 38886859 PMCID: PMC11184790 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03782-5] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process, that could result in permanent scarring and impairment of the physiological function of the affected organ; this condition which is categorized under the term organ failure could affect various organs in different situations. The involvement of the major organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidney, heart, and skin, is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality across the world. Fibrotic disorders encompass a broad range of complications and could be traced to various illnesses and impairments; these could range from simple skin scars with beauty issues to severe rheumatologic or inflammatory disorders such as systemic sclerosis as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, the overactivation of immune responses during any inflammatory condition causing tissue damage could contribute to the pathogenic fibrotic events accompanying the healing response; for instance, the inflammation resulting from tissue engraftment could cause the formation of fibrotic scars in the grafted tissue, even in cases where the immune system deals with hard to clear infections, fibrotic scars could follow and cause severe adverse effects. A good example of such a complication is post-Covid19 lung fibrosis which could impair the life of the affected individuals with extensive lung involvement. However, effective therapies that halt or slow down the progression of fibrosis are missing in the current clinical settings. Considering the immunomodulatory and regenerative potential of distinct stem cell types, their application as an anti-fibrotic agent, capable of attenuating tissue fibrosis has been investigated by many researchers. Although the majority of the studies addressing the anti-fibrotic effects of stem cells indicated their potent capabilities, the underlying mechanisms, and pathways by which these cells could impact fibrotic processes remain poorly understood. Here, we first, review the properties of various stem cell types utilized so far as anti-fibrotic treatments and discuss the challenges and limitations associated with their applications in clinical settings; then, we will summarize the general and organ-specific mechanisms and pathways contributing to tissue fibrosis; finally, we will describe the mechanisms and pathways considered to be employed by distinct stem cell types for exerting anti-fibrotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Taherian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Bayati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mojtabavi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Abdalhameid E, Abd El-Haleim EA, Abdelsalam RM, Georgy GS, Fawzy HM, Kenawy SA. Cinnamic acid mitigates methotrexate-induced lung fibrosis in rats: comparative study with pirfenidone. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1071-1079. [PMID: 37581637 PMCID: PMC10791841 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02652-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lung fibrosis is a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by excessive accumulation of scarred tissue, leading to lung architecture destruction and restricted ventilation. The current work was conducted to examine the probable shielding influence of cinnamic acid against lung fibrosis induced by methotrexate. METHODS Rats were pre-treated with oral administration of cinnamic acid (50 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, whereas methotrexate (14 mg/kg) was orally given on the 5th and 12th days of the experiment. Pirfenidone (50 mg/kg/day) was used as a standard drug. At the end of the experiment, oxidative parameters (malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and total glutathione) and inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8), as well as transforming growth factor-β and collagen content, as fibrosis indicators, were measured in lung tissue. RESULTS Our results revealed that cinnamic acid, as pirfenidone, effectively prevented the methotrexate-induced overt histopathological damage. This was associated with parallel improvements in oxidative, inflammatory, and fibrotic parameters measured. The outcomes of cinnamic acid administration were more or less the same as those of pirfenidone. In conclusion, pre-treatment with cinnamic acid protects against methotrexate-induced fibrosis, making it a promising prophylactic adjuvant therapy to methotrexate and protecting against its possible induction of lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Abdalhameid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Giza, Egypt.
| | - Enas A Abd El-Haleim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania M Abdelsalam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Biology, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gehan S Georgy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Hala M Fawzy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), Giza, Egypt
| | - Sanaa A Kenawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Ahmed DW, Eiken MK, DePalma SJ, Helms AS, Zemans RL, Spence JR, Baker BM, Loebel C. Integrating mechanical cues with engineered platforms to explore cardiopulmonary development and disease. iScience 2023; 26:108472. [PMID: 38077130 PMCID: PMC10698280 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces provide critical biological signals to cells during healthy and aberrant organ development as well as during disease processes in adults. Within the cardiopulmonary system, mechanical forces, such as shear, compressive, and tensile forces, act across various length scales, and dysregulated forces are often a leading cause of disease initiation and progression such as in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and cardiomyopathies. Engineered in vitro models have supported studies of mechanical forces in a number of tissue and disease-specific contexts, thus enabling new mechanistic insights into cardiopulmonary development and disease. This review first provides fundamental examples where mechanical forces operate at multiple length scales to ensure precise lung and heart function. Next, we survey recent engineering platforms and tools that have provided new means to probe and modulate mechanical forces across in vitro and in vivo settings. Finally, the potential for interdisciplinary collaborations to inform novel therapeutic approaches for a number of cardiopulmonary diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donia W. Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Madeline K. Eiken
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samuel J. DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Adam S. Helms
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel L. Zemans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jason R. Spence
- Department of Internal Medicine – Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brendon M. Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claudia Loebel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, 1101 Beal Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Pope JE. Reply to: Is classifying SSc-ILD drugs as either immunosuppressive or anti-fibrotic misleading? Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:676. [PMID: 37605004 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-01014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet E Pope
- Division of Rheumatology, St Joseph's Health Care, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Antar SA, Saleh MA, Al-Karmalawy AA. Investigating the possible mechanisms of pirfenidone to be targeted as a promising anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumor, and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2. Life Sci 2022; 309:121048. [PMID: 36209833 PMCID: PMC9536875 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pirfenidone (PFD) is a non-peptide synthetic chemical that inhibits the production of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and collagen 1 (COL1A1), all of which have been linked to the prevention or removal of excessive scar tissue deposition in many organs. PFD has been demonstrated to decrease apoptosis, downregulate angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptor expression, reduce inflammation through many routes, and alleviate oxidative stress in pneumocytes and other cells while protecting them from COVID-19 invasion and cytokine storm. Based on the mechanism of action of PFD and the known pathophysiology of COVID-19, it was recommended to treat COVID-19 patients. The use of PFD as a treatment for a range of disorders is currently being studied, with an emphasis on outcomes related to reduced inflammation and fibrogenesis. As a result, rather than exploring the molecule's chemical characteristics, this review focuses on innovative PFD efficacy data. Briefly, herein we tried to investigate, discuss, and illustrate the possible mechanisms of actions for PFD to be targeted as a promising anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-tumor, and/or anti-SARS-CoV-2 candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar A Antar
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta 34518, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, the United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Al-Karmalawy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, 6th of October City, Giza 12566, Egypt.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Benign scarring central airway stenosis can be managed by high-pressure balloon dilatation, laser, surgery and stent implantation. The stenosis may have a high recurrence rate that necessitates repeated treatment. Pirfenidone (PFD) has anti-fibrosis effects and has been used in a variety of fibrosis diseases. Animal experiments suggested that PFD can prevent tracheal stenosis. PATIENT CONCERNS Patients with scarring central airway stenosis usually have chest tightness, cough and dyspnea. DIAGNOSIS Computed tomography scanning showed stenosis of the trachea and/or bronchus. Bronchoscopy revealed occlusion or stenosis of the trachea or bronchus. INTERVENTIONS The use of PFD in combination with other interventional management was reported to treat 2 cases of tracheobronchial stenosis after injury in this study. In the combined use of PFD and interventional management, PFD could help to alleviate tracheobronchial stenosis, prolong the time interval of bronchoscopic interventional treatment, and reduce medical costs. OUTCOMES The stenosis in the trachea and/or bronchus is relieved and the patients do not have any relevant symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinbing Pan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- * Correspondence: Jinbing Pan, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, 7 Weiwu Road, Zhengzhou 450003, China (e-mail: )
| | - Haoyu Qian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yun Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bulang Gao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Al-kuraishy HM, Batiha GES, Faidah H, Al-Gareeb AI, Saad HM, Simal-Gandara J. Pirfenidone and post-Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis: invoked again for realistic goals. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:2017-2026. [PMID: 36044102 PMCID: PMC9430017 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pirfenidone (PFN) is an anti-fibrotic drug with significant anti-inflammatory property used for treatment of fibrotic conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) era, severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could initially lead to acute lung injury (ALI) and in severe cases may cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) which is usually resolved with normal lung function. However, some cases of ALI and ARDS are progressed to the more severe critical stage of pulmonary fibrosis commonly named post-Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis which needs an urgent address and proper management. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to highlight the potential role of PFN in the management of post-Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis. The precise mechanism of post-Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis is related to the activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1), which activates the release of extracellular proteins, fibroblast proliferation, fibroblast migration and myofibroblast conversion. PFN inhibits accumulation and recruitment of inflammatory cells, fibroblast proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix in response to TGFβ1 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, PFN suppresses furin (TGFβ1 convertase activator) a protein effector involved in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and activation of TGFβ1, and thus PFN reduces the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Besides, PFN modulates signaling pathways such as Wingless/Int (Wnt/β-catenin), Yes-Associated Protein (YAP)/Transcription Co-Activator PDZ Binding Motif (TAZ) and Hippo Signaling Pathways that are involved in the pathogenesis of post-Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of PFN may attenuate post-Covid-19 pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, ALmustansiriyia University, M.B.Ch.B, FRCP, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 AlBeheira Egypt
| | - Hani Faidah
- Microbiolgy Department Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, ALmustansiriyia University, M.B.Ch.B, FRCP, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hebatallah M. Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, 51744 Matrouh Egypt
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, Universidade de Vigo, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
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Matthaiou EI, Sharifi H, O'Donnell C, Chiu W, Owyang C, Chatterjee P, Turk I, Johnston L, Brondstetter T, Morris K, Cheng GS, Hsu JL. The safety and tolerability of pirfenidone for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after hematopoietic cell transplant (STOP-BOS) trial. Bone Marrow Transplant 2022; 57:1319-1326. [PMID: 35641662 PMCID: PMC9357121 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01716-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the most morbid form of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Progressive airway fibrosis leads to a 5-year survival of 40%. Treatment options for BOS are limited. A single arm, 52-week, Phase I study of pirfenidone was conducted. The primary outcome was tolerability defined as maintaining the recommended dose of pirfenidone (2403 mg/day) without a dose reduction totaling more than 21 days, due to adverse events (AEs) or severe AEs (SAEs). Secondary outcomes included pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and patient reported outcomes (PROs). Among 22 participants treated for 1 year, 13 (59%) tolerated the recommended dose, with an average daily tolerated dose of 2325.6 mg/day. Twenty-two SAEs were observed, with 90.9% related to infections, none were attributed to pirfenidone. There was an increase in the average percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%) of 7 percentage points annually and improvements in PROs related to symptoms of cGVHD. In this Phase I study, treatment with pirfenidone was safe. The stabilization in PFTs and improvements in PROs suggest the potential of pirfenidone for BOS treatment and support the value of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of pirfenidone in BOS after HCT. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03315741).
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Husham Sharifi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Christian O'Donnell
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wayland Chiu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Clark Owyang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paulami Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ihsan Turk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Laura Johnston
- Department of Medicine, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Theresa Brondstetter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karen Morris
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Guang-Shing Cheng
- Clinical Research Division, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joe L Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Jeong MH, Han H, Lagares D, Im H. Recent Advances in Molecular Diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis for Precision Medicine. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:520-538. [DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ho Jeong
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Hongwei Han
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - David Lagares
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Hyungsoon Im
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
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Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is one of the most common intestinal complications observed in inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn’s disease (CD). Intestinal fibrosis in CD is associated with chronic inflammation resulting from immunologic abnormalities and occurs as a form of tissue repair during the anti-inflammatory process. Various types of immune cells and mesenchymal cells, including myofibroblasts, are intricately involved in causing intestinal fibrosis. It is often difficult to treat intestinal fibrosis as intestinal stricture may develop despite treatment aimed at controlling inflammation. Detailed analysis of the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis is critical towards advancing the development of future therapeutic applications.
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. New Insights into Profibrotic Myofibroblast Formation in Systemic Sclerosis: When the Vascular Wall Becomes the Enemy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:610. [PMID: 34202703 PMCID: PMC8307837 DOI: 10.3390/life11070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc), abnormalities in microvessel morphology occur early and evolve into a distinctive vasculopathy that relentlessly advances in parallel with the development of tissue fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts in nearly all affected organs. Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has profoundly changed over the last few years. Indeed, increasing evidence has suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process in which profibrotic myofibroblasts originate from endothelial cells, may take center stage in SSc pathogenesis. While in arterioles and small arteries EndoMT may lead to the accumulation of myofibroblasts within the vessel wall and development of fibroproliferative vascular lesions, in capillary vessels it may instead result in vascular destruction and formation of myofibroblasts that migrate into the perivascular space with consequent tissue fibrosis and microvessel rarefaction, which are hallmarks of SSc. Besides endothelial cells, other vascular wall-resident cells, such as pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, may acquire a myofibroblast-like synthetic phenotype contributing to both SSc-related vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of myofibroblasts inside the vessel wall provides the rationale for novel targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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