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Inouye K, Yeganyan S, Kay K, Thankam FG. Programmed spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes in regenerative cardiology. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00093-8. [PMID: 38520412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells have gained attention as a promising therapeutic approach for damaged myocardium, and there have been efforts to develop a protocol for regenerating cardiomyocytes (CMs). Certain cells have showed a greater aptitude for yielding beating CMs, such as induced pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells, adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction cells and extended pluripotent stem cells. The approach for generating CMs from stem cells differs across studies, although there is evidence that Wnt signaling, chemical additives, electrical stimulation, co-culture, biomaterials and transcription factors triggers CM differentiation. Upregulation of Gata4, Mef2c and Tbx5 transcription factors has been correlated with successfully induced CMs, although Mef2c may potentially play a more prominent role in the generation of the beating phenotype, specifically. Regenerative research provides a possible candidate for cardiac repair; however, it is important to identify factors that influence their differentiation. Altogether, the spontaneously beating CMs would be monumental for regenerative research for cardiac repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Inouye
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Yeganyan
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Kaelen Kay
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA.
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2
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Cheng P, Rashad A, Gangrade A, Barros NRD, Khademhosseini A, Tam J, Varadarajan P, Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells in Myocardial Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2024; 30:1-14. [PMID: 37294202 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2023.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction results in the significant loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs) due to the ischemic injury following coronary occlusion leading to impaired contractility, fibrosis, and ultimately heart failure. Stem cell therapy emerged as a promising regenerative strategy to replenish the otherwise terminally differentiated CM to restore cardiac function. Multiple strategies have been applied to successfully differentiate diverse stem cell populations into CM-like phenotypes characterized by the expression status of signature biomarkers and observable spontaneous contractions. This article discusses the current understanding and applications of various stem cell phenotypes to drive the differentiation machinery toward CM-like lineage. Impact Statement Ischemic heart disease (IHD) extensively affects a large proportion of the population worldwide. Unfortunately, current treatments for IHD are insufficient to restore cardiac effectiveness and functionality. A growing field in regenerative cardiology explores the potential for stem cell therapy following cardiovascular ischemic episodes. The thorough understanding regarding the potential and shortcomings of translational approaches to drive versatile stem cells to cardiomyocyte lineage paves the way for multiple opportunities for next-generation cardiac management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Cheng
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Ahmad Rashad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ankit Gangrade
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Tam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Padmini Varadarajan
- University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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3
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Keklikian A, de Barros NR, Rashad A, Chen Y, Tan J, Sheng R, Sun D, Liu H, Thankam FG. Chitosan-Polyethylene Glycol Inspired Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogel Templates Favoring NEO-Tissue Formation for Cardiac Tissue Engineering. Gels 2024; 10:46. [PMID: 38247769 PMCID: PMC10815274 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neo-tissue formation and host tissue regeneration determine the success of cardiac tissue engineering where functional hydrogel scaffolds act as cardiac (extracellular matrix) ECM mimic. Translationally, the hydrogel templates promoting neo-cardiac tissue formation are currently limited; however, they are highly demanding in cardiac tissue engineering. The current study focused on the development of a panel of four chitosan-based polyelectrolyte hydrogels as cardiac scaffolds facilitating neo-cardiac tissue formation to promote cardiac regeneration. Chitosan-PEG (CP), gelatin-chitosan-PEG (GCP), hyaluronic acid-chitosan-PEG (HACP), and combined CP (CoCP) polyelectrolyte hydrogels were engineered by solvent casting and assessed for physiochemical, thermal, electrical, biodegradable, mechanical, and biological properties. The CP, GCP, HACP, and CoCP hydrogels exhibited excellent porosity (4.24 ± 0.18, 13.089 ± 1.13, 12.53 ± 1.30 and 15.88 ± 1.10 for CP, GCP, HACP and CoCP, respectively), water profile, mechanical strength, and amphiphilicity suitable for cardiac tissue engineering. The hydrogels were hemocompatible as evident from the negligible hemolysis and RBC aggregation and increased adsorption of plasma albumin. The hydrogels were cytocompatible as evident from the increased viability by MTT (>94% for all the four hydrogels) assay and direct contact assay. Also, the hydrogels supported the adhesion, growth, spreading, and proliferation of H9c2 cells as unveiled by rhodamine staining. The hydrogels promoted neo-tissue formation that was proven using rat and swine myocardial tissue explant culture. Compared to GCP and CoCP, CP and HACP were superior owing to the cell viability, hemocompatibility, and conductance, resulting in the highest degree of cytoskeletal organization and neo-tissue formation. The physiochemical and biological performance of these hydrogels supported neo-cardiac tissue formation. Overall, the CP, GCP, HACP, and CoCP hydrogel systems promise novel translational opportunities in regenerative cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Keklikian
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; (N.R.d.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Ahmad Rashad
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; (N.R.d.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Yiqing Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (Y.C.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Jinrui Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (Y.C.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Ruoyu Sheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (Y.C.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Dongwei Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (Y.C.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Huinan Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; (Y.C.); (R.S.); (D.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Finosh G. Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
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de Barros NR, Gangrade A, Elsebahy A, Chen R, Zehtabi F, Ermis M, Falcone N, Haghniaz R, Khosravi S, Gomez A, Huang S, Mecwan M, Khorsandi D, Lee J, Zhu Y, Li B, Kim H, Thankam FG, Khademhosseini A. Injectable Nanoengineered Adhesive Hydrogel for Treating Enterocutaneous Fistulas. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:231-246. [PMID: 38465268 PMCID: PMC10919932 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a severe medical condition where an abnormal connection forms between the gastrointestinal tract and skin. ECFs are, in most cases, a result of surgical complications such as missed enterotomies or anastomotic leaks. The constant leakage of enteric and fecal contents from the fistula site leads to skin breakdown and increases the risk of infection. Despite advances in surgical techniques and postoperative management, ECF accounts for significant mortality rates, estimated between 15-20%, and causes debilitating morbidity. Therefore, there is a critical need for a simple and effective method to seal and heal ECF. Injectable hydrogels with combined properties of robust mechanical properties and cell infiltration/proliferation have the potential to block and heal ECF. Herein, we report the development of an injectable nanoengineered adhesive hydrogel (INAH) composed of a synthetic nanosilicate (Laponite®) and a gelatin-dopamine conjugate for treating ECF. The hydrogel undergoes fast cross-linking using a co-injection method, resulting in a matrix with improved mechanical and adhesive properties. INAH demonstrates appreciable blood clotting abilities and is cytocompatible with fibroblasts. The adhesive properties of the hydrogel are demonstrated in ex vivo adhesion models with skin and arteries, where the volume stability in the hydrated internal environment facilitates maintaining strong adhesion. In vivo assessments reveal that the INAH is biocompatible, supporting cell infiltration and extracellular matrix deposition while not forming fibrotic tissue. These findings suggest that this INAH holds promising translational potential for sealing and healing ECF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ankit Gangrade
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ahmad Elsebahy
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - RunRun Chen
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Fatemeh Zehtabi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Menekse Ermis
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Natashya Falcone
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Reihaneh Haghniaz
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Safoora Khosravi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alejandro Gomez
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shuyi Huang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marvin Mecwan
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danial Khorsandi
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Junmin Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Yangzhi Zhu
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bingbing Li
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - HanJun Kim
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong, Republic of Korea, 30019
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, California, USA
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5
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Merlin Rajesh LLP, Radwan MM, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair after Injury in Hyperlipidemic Swine Decreases Biomechanical Properties. J Orthop Sports Med 2023; 5:398-405. [PMID: 38161622 PMCID: PMC10756634 DOI: 10.26502/josm.511500127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Rotator cuff injury is the leading cause of shoulder pain. Hyperlipidemia is responsible in depositing lipids in tendons and reduce the healing upon injuries or tears. In this study, we created rotator cuff injury and repair models in swine and studied the changes in biomechanical properties of infraspinatus tendons in hyperlipidemic swine. The infraspinatus tendons from control group, hyperlipidemic injury and repair group of animals were collected and tested ex-vivo. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and modulus of elasticity increased in the tendons from the contralateral side on both the injury and repair models and were higher than the injury side. The presence of large number of fibrous tissues in the surgical site of repair and increased water content was observed in addition to the fatty infiltration which would have contributed to the decreased mechanical properties of the injured tendons following repair. Meanwhile the tendons of the contralateral side in both the injury and repair model showed adaptation to chronic load as observed in the modulus and viscoelastic properties. This is a pilot study that warrants detailed investigation in a larger sample size with longer duration following tendon injury and repair to gain better understanding on the effect of hyperlipidemia in the healing of rotator cuff tendon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lal L P Merlin Rajesh
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California USA
| | - Mohamed M Radwan
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California USA
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6
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Ghassemi K, Inouye K, Takhmazyan T, Bonavida V, Yang JW, de Barros NR, Thankam FG. Engineered Vesicles and Hydrogel Technologies for Myocardial Regeneration. Gels 2023; 9:824. [PMID: 37888397 PMCID: PMC10606880 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and potentially life-threatening complications of myocardial infarction (MI) has led to emerging therapeutic approaches focusing on myocardial regeneration and restoration of physiologic function following infarction. Extracellular vesicle (EV) technology has gained attention owing to the biological potential to modulate cellular immune responses and promote the repair of damaged tissue. Also, EVs are involved in local and distant cellular communication following damage and play an important role in initiating the repair process. Vesicles derived from stem cells and cardiomyocytes (CM) are of particular interest due to their ability to promote cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis following MI. Although a promising candidate for myocardial repair, EV technology is limited by the short retention time of vesicles and rapid elimination by the body. There have been several successful attempts to address this shortcoming, which includes hydrogel technology for the sustained bioavailability of EVs. This review discusses and summarizes current understanding regarding EV technology in the context of myocardial repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Ghassemi
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (K.G.); (K.I.); (T.T.); (V.B.)
| | - Keiko Inouye
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (K.G.); (K.I.); (T.T.); (V.B.)
| | - Tatevik Takhmazyan
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (K.G.); (K.I.); (T.T.); (V.B.)
| | - Victor Bonavida
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (K.G.); (K.I.); (T.T.); (V.B.)
| | - Jia-Wei Yang
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; (J.-W.Y.); (N.R.d.B.)
| | - Natan Roberto de Barros
- Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA; (J.-W.Y.); (N.R.d.B.)
| | - Finosh G. Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA; (K.G.); (K.I.); (T.T.); (V.B.)
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7
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Diaz C, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Karyopherins in the Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix: Implications in Tendon Injury. J Orthop Sports Med 2023; 5:357-374. [PMID: 37829147 PMCID: PMC10569131 DOI: 10.26502/josm.511500122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathies (RCT) are debilitating conditions characterized by alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the shoulder tendon, resulting in pain, discomfort, and functional limitations. Specific mediators, including HIF-1α, TGF-β, MMP-9 and others have been implicated in the morphological changes observed in the tendon ECM. These mediators rely on karyopherins, a family of nuclear proteins involved in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport; however, the role of karyopherins in RCT remains understudied despite their potential role in nuclear transport mechanisms. Also, the understanding regarding the precise contributions of karyopherins in RCT holds great promise for deciphering the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease and potentially fostering the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. This article critically discusses the implications, possibilities, and perspectives of karyopherins in the pathophysiology of RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Diaz
- University of Missouri School of Medicine, Springfield Clinical Campus, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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8
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Nooti S, Rai V, Radwan MM, Thankam FG, Singh H, Chatzizisis YS, Agrawal DK. Oxidized Low-density Lipoproteins and Lipopolysaccharides Augment Carotid Artery Plaque Vulnerability in Hypercholesterolemic Microswine. Cardiol Cardiovasc Med 2023; 7:273-294. [PMID: 37577745 PMCID: PMC10421630 DOI: 10.26502/fccm.92920338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor. This study aims to compare the potency of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) to induce plaque formation and increase plaque vulnerability in the carotid artery of hypercholesterolemic Yucatan microswine. Atherosclerotic lesions at the common carotid artery junction and ascending pharyngeal artery were induced in hypercholesterolemic Yucatan microswine at 5-6 months of age with balloon angioplasty. LPS or oxLDL were administered intraluminally at the site of injury after occluding the arterial flow temporarily. Pre-intervention ultrasound (US), angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were done at baseline and just before euthanasia to assess post-op parameters. The images from the US, OCT, and angiography in the LPS and the oxLDL-treated group showed increased plaque formation with features suggestive of unstable plaque, including necrotic core, thin fibrous caps, and a signal poor region more with oxLDL compared to LPS. Histomorphology of the carotid artery tissue near the injury corroborated the presence of severe lesions in both LPS and oxLDL-treated pigs but more in the oxLDL group. Vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells treated with LPS and oxLDL showed increased folds changes in mRNA transcripts of the biomarkers of inflammation and plaque vulnerability compared to untreated cells. Collectively, the results suggest that angioplasty-mediated intimal injury of the carotid arteries in atherosclerotic swine with local administration of LPS or ox-LDL induces vulnerable plaques compared to angioplasty alone and oxLDL is relatively more potent than LPS in inducing vulnerable plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nooti
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91763, USA
| | - V Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91763, USA
| | - M M Radwan
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91763, USA
| | - F G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91763, USA
| | - H Singh
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91763, USA
| | - Y S Chatzizisis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - D K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91763, USA
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Brazdzionis J, Radwan MM, Thankam FG, Rajesh Lal M, Baron D, Connett DA, Agrawal DK, Miulli DE. A Swine Model of Changes in the Neuronal Electromagnetic Field After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e41763. [PMID: 37575822 PMCID: PMC10416555 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global cause of disability and mortality. Treatment depends on mitigation of secondary injury resulting in axonal injury, necrosis, brain dysfunction, and disruption of electrical and chemical signaling in neural circuits. To better understand TBI, translational models are required to study physiology, diagnostics, and treatments in homologous species, such as swine. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from altered neural circuits can be measured and historically have been reliant on expensive shielding and supercooling in magnetoencephalography. Using proprietary induction sensors, it has been found that a non-invasive, non-contact approach with an engineered Mu-metal and copper mesh-shielded helmet effectively measures EMFs. This has not yet been investigated in swine models. We wished to evaluate the efficacy of this technology to assess TBI-dependent EMF changes in swine to describe the efficacy of these sensors and this model using a gravity-dependent controlled cortical impact (CCI). Methods A Yucatan miniswine was evaluated using non-contact, non-invasive proprietary induction sensors with an engineered dual-layer Mu-metal and interlaced copper mesh helmet with sensors within EMF channels connected to a helmet. Swine EMF recordings were obtained prior to induced gravity-dependent CCI followed by post-TBI measurements. Behavioral changes and changes in EMF measurements were assessed. EMF measurements were evaluated with an artificial intelligence (AI) model. Results Differences between room "noise" EMF measurements and pre-TBI swine electromagnetic field measurements were identified. Morphological characteristics between pre-injury and post-injury measurements were noted. AI modeling differentiated pre-injury and post-injury patterns in the swine EMF. Frequently identified frequencies seen post-injury were peaks at 2.5 Hz and 6.5 Hz and a valley at 11 Hz. The AI model identified less changes in the slope and thus decreased variation of EMF measurements post-TBI between 4.5 Hz and 7 Hz. Conclusions For the first time, it was identified that cortical function in a swine can be appropriately measured using novel induction sensors and shielding isolated to a helmet and EMF channels. The swine model can be appropriately differentiated from the external noise signal with identifiably different pre-injury and post-injury EMFs. Patterns can be recognized within the post-injury EMF due to altered neural circuits that can be measured using these sensors continuously, non-invasively, and in real time.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Brazdzionis
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
| | - Mohamed M Radwan
- Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Merlin Rajesh Lal
- Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - David Baron
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - David A Connett
- Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, USA
| | - Dan E Miulli
- Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Moreno Valley, USA
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10
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Kuan R, Nath S, Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Response to acute hyperglycemia and high fructose in cultured tenocytes. J Biochem 2023:7078552. [PMID: 36921293 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
High monosaccharide levels are intimately associated with diabetes and impact tendon cells through inflammation and impairment in metabolic homeostasis. Experiments were designed to understand the responses elicited by cultured tenocytes under monosaccharide stress induced by hyperglycemia and hyperfructosemia. We simulated hyperglycemia and hyperfructosemia in vitro by treating tenocytes with media containing sub-lethal concentrations of glucose and fructose, respectively. Exposure of tenocytes to high glucose and high fructose altered the levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL10, and IL-17A. AMPK expression was increased in high glucose and decreased in high fructose groups. High fructose increased the level of IRS-1 compared to the control. Increased mitochondrial superoxide levels and compromised mitochondrial membrane integrity were exhibited by both the groups. The findings from the network analysis revealed many altered genes that are related to pathways for enzyme-linked receptor protein signaling, positive regulation of metabolic processes, transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase pathway, insulin receptor signaling, and regulation of cytokine production. Overall, the data suggest that the tenocytes under high monosaccharide levels exhibit survival responses by altering the expression status of cytokines and metabolic mediators that are involved in the underlying pathogenesis of tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kuan
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Shilpa Nath
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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11
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Sedighim S, Chen Y, Xu C, Mohindra R, Liu H, Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Carboxymethyl cellulose-alginate interpenetrating hydroxy ethyl methacrylate crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol reinforced hybrid hydrogel templates with improved biological performance for cardiac tissue engineering. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:819-835. [PMID: 36412070 PMCID: PMC9931685 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac tissue engineering is an emerging approach for cardiac regeneration utilizing the inherent healing responses elicited by the surviving heart using biomaterial templates. In this study, we aimed to develop hydrogel scaffolds for cardiac tissue regeneration following myocardial infarction (MI). Two superabsorbent hydrogels, CAHA2A and CAHA2AP, were developed employing interpenetration chemistry. CAHA2A was constituted with alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, (hydroxyethyl) methacrylate, and acrylic acid, where CAHA2AP was prepared by interpenetrated CAHA2A with polyvinyl alcohol. Both hydrogels displayed superior physiochemical characteristics, as determined by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy spectral analysis, differential scanning calorimetry measurements, tensile testing, contact angle, water profiling, dye release, and conductivity. In vitro degradation of the hydrogels displayed acceptable weight composure and pH changes. Both hydrogels were hemocompatible, and biocompatible as evidenced by direct contact and MTT assays. The hydrogels promoted anterograde and retrograde migration as determined by the z-stack analysis using H9c2 cells grown with both gels. Additionally, the coculture of the hydrogels with swine epicardial adipose tissue cells and cardiac fibroblasts resulted in synchronous growth without any toxicity. Also, both hydrogels facilitated the production of extracellular matrix by the H9c2 cells. Overall, the findings support an appreciable in vitro performance of both hydrogels for cardiac tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharona Sedighim
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Yiqing Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Changlu Xu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rohit Mohindra
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Huinan Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G. Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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12
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Fang WH, Bonavida V, Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Hyperlipidemia in tendon injury: chronicles of low-density lipoproteins. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 392:431-442. [PMID: 36738312 PMCID: PMC10172214 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia impacts millions of people globally and has been the major risk factor for developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Interestingly, hyperlipidemic subjects exhibit increased incidence of rotator cuff tendon injury (RCTI) and disorganization of tendon matrix. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and its oxidized form (ox-LDL) play a crucial role in hyperlipidemia-driven pro-inflammatory responses in multiple tissues including the tendon. The signaling of oxLDL upregulates the inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and the activation of monocytes/macrophages/resident tendon cells and matrix metalloproteinases impairing the tendon homeostasis resulting in the alteration of extracellular matrix. In addition, the hyperlipidemia-driven immune response and subsequent oxidative stress promote degenerative responses in the tendon tissue. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying the occurrence of RCTI in hyperlipidemia and the effect of ox-LDL in tendon matrix are currently unknown. The present review focuses on the implications and perspectives of LDL/oxLDL on the increased incidence of RCTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Fang
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Victor Bonavida
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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13
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Thankam FG, La V, Agrawal DK. Single-cell genomics illustrates heterogeneous phenotypes of myocardial fibroblasts under ischemic insults. Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 101:12-51. [PMID: 36458696 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2022-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial regenerative strategies are promising where the choice of ideal cell population is crucial for successful translational applications. Herein, we explored the regenerative/repair responses of infarct zone cardiac fibroblast(s) (CF) by unveiling their phenotype heterogeneity at single-cell resolution. CF were isolated from the infarct zone of Yucatan miniswine that suffered myocardial infarction, cultured under simulated ischemic and reperfusion, and grouped into control, ischemia, and ischemia/reperfusion. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed 19 unique cell clusters suggesting distinct subpopulations. The status of gene expression (log2 fold change (log2 FC) > 2 and log2 FC < -2) was used to define the characteristics of each cluster unveiling with diverse features, including the pro-survival/cardioprotective (Clusters 1, 3, 5, 9, and 18), vasculoprotective (Clusters 2 and 5), anti-inflammatory (Clusters 4 and 17), proliferative (Clusters 4 and 5), nonproliferative (Clusters 6, 8, 11, 16, 17, and 18), proinflammatory (Cluster 6), profibrotic/pathologic (Clusters 8 and 19), antihypertrophic (Clusters 8 and 10), extracellular matrix restorative (Clusters 9 and 12), angiogenic (Cluster 16), and normal (Clusters 7 and 15) phenotypes. Further understanding of these unique phenotypes of CF will provide significant translational opportunities for myocardial regeneration and cardiac management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Vy La
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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14
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Fang W, Sekhon S, Teramoto D, Fung C, La V, Duong C, Doescher C, Thai A, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Pathological alterations in the expression status of rotator cuff tendon matrix components in hyperlipidemia. Mol Cell Biochem 2022:10.1007/s11010-022-04643-6. [PMID: 36576716 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor in the development and progression of tendon pathology, however its role in aggravating rotator cuff tendon injury (RCTI) is largely unknown. We aimed to assess the expression status of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the tendon tissues and tenocytes under hyperlipidemia. Shoulder rotator cuff (RC) tendon tissues harvested from the swine model of hyperlipidemia displayed alterations in histomorphometry and the expression status of major ECM component proteins including COL-I, COL-III, COL-IV, COL-V, COL-VI, MMP2, and MMP9. Similarly, the LDL- and oxLDL-challenged tenocytes displayed altered expression of the same proteins at both transcriptional and translational levels. In addition, the lipid uptake and cellular reactive oxygen radicals predominated in the lipid-challenged tenocytes compared to the control. Overall, the LDL-treated cells displayed predominant pathological alterations compared to the ox-LDL-treated cells. Further understanding regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms driving the tendon matrisome alteration and subsequent aggravated RCTI pathology in hyperlipidemia could open novel translational avenues in the management of RCTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Fang
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Seerat Sekhon
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Darren Teramoto
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Cameron Fung
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Vy La
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Cindy Duong
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Christian Doescher
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - An Thai
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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15
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Chang A, Tam J, Agrawal DK, Liu HH, Varadarajan P, Pai R, Thankam FG. Synthetic Fibroblasts: Terra Incognita in Cardiac Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part B Rev 2022; 28:1235-1241. [PMID: 35535856 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease, a major risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the blood vessels supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart become partially or fully occluded by lipid-rich plaques, resulting in myocardial cell death, remodeling, and scarring. In addition, MI occurs as result of lipid-rich plaque rupture, resulting in thrombosis and vessel occlusion. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and CF-derived growth factors are crucial post-MI in myocardial remodeling. Information regarding the regenerative phenotypes of CFs is scarce; however, regenerative CFs are translationally relevant in myocardial regeneration following MI. The emerging technologies in regenerative cardiology offer cutting-edge translational opportunities, including synthetic cells. In this review, we critically reviewed the current knowledge and the ongoing research efforts on application of synthetic cells for improving cardiac regeneration post-MI. Impact statement Synthetic cells offer tremendous regenerative potential in otherwise deleterious cardiac remodeling postmyocardial infarction. Understanding the role of fibroblasts in cardiac healing and the therapeutic applications of synthetic cells would open a multitude of novel cardiac regenerative approaches. The novel concept of synthetic fibroblasts that emulate native cardiac fibroblasts can provide an effective solution in cardiac healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Chang
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Tam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Huinan Hannah Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Padmini Varadarajan
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Ramdas Pai
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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16
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Bonavida V, Ghassemi K, Ung G, Inouye K, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Novel Approaches to Program Cells to Differentiate into Cardiomyocytes in Myocardial Regeneration. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022. [DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2312392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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17
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Doescher C, Thai A, Cha E, Cheng PV, Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Intelligent Hydrogels in Myocardial Regeneration and Engineering. Gels 2022; 8:576. [PMID: 36135287 PMCID: PMC9498403 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) causes impaired cardiac function due to the loss of cardiomyocytes following an ischemic attack. Intelligent hydrogels offer promising solutions for post-MI cardiac tissue therapy to aid in structural support, contractility, and targeted drug therapy. Hydrogels are porous hydrophilic matrices used for biological scaffolding, and upon the careful alteration of ideal functional groups, the hydrogels respond to the chemistry of the surrounding microenvironment, resulting in intelligent hydrogels. This review delves into the perspectives of various intelligent hydrogels and evidence from successful models of hydrogel-assisted treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G. Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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18
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Mohindra R, Mohindra R, Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Bioactive extracellular matrix fragments in tendon repair. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:131-140. [PMID: 36074173 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Tendinopathy is a common tendon disorder that causes pain, loss of strength and function, and local inflammation mainly characterized by hypoxia, collagen degradation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization. Generally, ECM degradation and remodeling is tightly regulated; however, hyperactivation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) contributes to excessive collagenolysis under pathologic conditions resulting in tendon ECM degradation. This review article focuses on the production, function, and signaling of matrikines for tendon regeneration following injury with insights into the expression, tissue compliance, and cell proliferation exhibited by various matrikines. Furthermore, the regenerative properties suggest translational significance of matrikines to improve the outcomes post-injury by assisting with tendon healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Mohindra
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Rohit Mohindra
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA.
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19
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Thankam FG, Radwan M, Keklikian A, Atwal M, Rai T, Agrawal DK. Fluoroscopy Guided Minimally Invasive Swine Model of Myocardial Infarction by Left Coronary Artery Occlusion for Regenerative Cardiology. Cardiol Cardiovasc Med 2022; 6:466-472. [PMID: 36203790 PMCID: PMC9534332 DOI: 10.26502/fccm.92920284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the recent advancements in the cardiac regenerative technologies, the lack of an ideal translationally relevant experimental model simulating the clinical setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) hurdles the success of cardiac regenerative strategies. METHODS We developed a modified minimally invasive acute MI model in Yucatan miniswine by catheter-driven controlled occlusion of LCX branches for regenerative cardiology. Using a balloon catheter in three pigs, the angiography guided occlusion of LCX for 10-15 minutes resulted in MI induction which was confirmed by the pathological ECG changes compared to the baseline control. RESULTS Ejection fraction was considerably decreased post-procedure compared to the baseline. Importantly, the highly sensitive MI biomarker Troponin I was significantly increased in post-MI and follow-up groups along with LDH and CCK than the baseline control. The postmortem infarct zone tissue displayed the classical features of MI including ECM disorganization, hypertrophy, inflammation, and angiogenesis confirming the MI at the tissue level. CONCLUSIONS The present model possesses the advantage of minimal mortality, simulating the pathological features of clinical MI and the suitability for injectable regenerative therapies suggesting the translational significance in regenerative cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Mohamed Radwan
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Angelo Keklikian
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Manreet Atwal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Taj Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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20
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Thankam FG, Khwaja B, Nguyen M, Ahsan O, Agrawal DK. Acute exposure of minimally ox-LDL elicits survival responses by downregulating the mediators of NLRP3 inflammasome in cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages. J Biochem 2022; 172:265-276. [PMID: 35993502 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvac063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid burden in macrophages driven by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) accelerates the foam cell formation and the activation of sterile inflammatory responses aggravating the atherosclerosis. However, there is limited information on the mediators and the pathways involved in the possible survival responses, especially at the initial phase, by lipid-burden in macrophage cells on encountering oxLDL. The present study was designed to assess the expression status of major mediators involved in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway of sterile inflammation and the cellular responses in oxLDL-challenged cultured RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Ox-LDL-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells displayed a decreased expression of the key sterile inflammatory mediators, TLR4, TLR2, ASC, NLRP3 and IL-18 at protein and transcript levels; however, displayed increased level of IL-1β, RAGE and TREM1 at protein level. Biological responses including lipid uptake, lipid peroxidation, cellular hypertrophy, mitochondrial density, and mitochondrial membrane potential were significantly increased in oxLDL-treated macrophages. Moreover, superoxide production was significantly decreased in the oxLDL-treated macrophages compared to the control. Overall, the findings revealed the expression status of key sterile mediators and the macrophage response during the initial phase of oxLDL exposure tend toward the prevention of inflammation. Further understanding would open novel translational opportunities in the management of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Bisma Khwaja
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Megan Nguyen
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Osama Ahsan
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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21
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Thankam FG, Huynh J, Fang W, Chen Y, Agrawal DK. Exosomal-ribosomal proteins-driven heterogeneity of epicardial adipose tissue derived stem cells under ischemia for cardiac regeneration. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 16:396-408. [PMID: 35142442 DOI: 10.1002/term.3289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular ribosomal proteins secreted in exosomes elicit biological/regenerative responses; however, ribosomal proteins contained in the exosomes of ischemia-challenged epicardial adipose tissue-derived stem cells (EATDS) remain unexplored. This study focuses on the identification of ribosomal proteins in the exosomes of ischemia-challenged EATDS and their sub-populations based on the key ribosomal proteins using single-cell genomics. Exosomes were isolated from control, ischemic (ISC), and reperfused (ISC/R) EATDS harvested from hyperlipidemic microswine, and the proteins were detected using Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). One hundred ninety-nine proteins and 177 proteins were detected in ISC and ISC/R groups, respectively with significant fold-change compared to controls. Five ribosomal proteins, RPL10A, 40SRPS18, 40SRPS30, 60SRPL14, and 40SRPSA, were significant owing to their abundance based on LC-MS/MS data. Expression of these proteins, except RPL10A, at transcript and protein levels were lower in ISC group compared to the control. scRNAseq analysis revealed EATDS heterogeneity based on the upregulation of 40SRPSA, 40SRPL18, and 40SRPS18. Pro-inflammatory sub-populations upregulated CCL5, anti-inflammatory sub-population upregulated IL-11, proliferative sub-population upregulated cell cycle and DNA replication mediators, and non-proliferative population downregulated the cell cycle and DNA replication mediators. Overall, the functional role of extracellular ribosomal proteins in driving unique phenotypes of EATDS population offers promise for designing effective translational approaches for myocardial regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - James Huynh
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - William Fang
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Molecular Instrumentation Center, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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22
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Abstract
Performance of the biomaterials used for regenerative medicine largely depends on biocompatibility; however, the biological mechanisms underlying biocompatibility of a biomaterial within the host system is poorly understood. In addition to the classical immune response against non-self-entities, the sterile inflammatory response could limit the compatibility of biological scaffolds. Whereas the immediate to short-term host response to a biomaterial implant have been characterized, the long-term progression of host-biomaterial relationship has not been described. This article explores the novel concept of biomaterials-driven sterile inflammation (BSI) in long-term biodegradable implants and throws light for possible explanation for the onset of BSI and the associated damage-associated molecular patterns. The understanding of BSI would advance the current strategies to improve biomaterial-host tissue integration and open novel translational avenues in biomaterials-based tissue regeneration. Impact statement Understanding the novel concept of biomaterials-driven sterile inflammation and associated damage-associated molecular patterns in long-term biodegradable implants would determine their success and improves the tissue engineering and regenerative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Chen
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Finosh G. Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
- Address correspondence to: Finosh G. Thankam, PhD, Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766-1854, USA
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23
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Davis G, Li K, Thankam FG, Wilson DR, Agrawal DK. Ocular transmissibility of COVID-19: possibilities and perspectives. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:849-864. [PMID: 35066705 PMCID: PMC8783769 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the initial outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), extensive research has emerged from across the globe to understand the pathophysiology of this novel coronavirus. Transmission of this virus is a subject of particular interest as researchers work to understand which protective and preventative measures are most effective. Despite the well understood model of aerosol-respiratory mediated transmission, the exact mechanism underlying the inoculation, infection and spread of COVID-19 is currently unknown. Given anatomical positioning and near constant exposure to aerosolized pathogens, the eye may be a possible gateway for COVID-19 infection. This critical review explores the possibility of an ocular-systemic or ocular-nasal-pulmonic pathway of COVID-19 infection and includes novel insights into the possible immunological mechanisms leading to cytokine surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Davis
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Kin Li
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Daniel R Wilson
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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24
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Thankam FG, Sanchez DJ, Agrawal DK. Design of the lentivirus-driven sustained LR12 delivery system for TREM-1 inhibition for palliating atherosclerosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:701-710. [PMID: 35001222 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04321-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) has been a potential target in the management of pathophysiology and clinical sequelae of atherosclerosis. LR12 peptide effectively blocks ligand-TREM-1 interaction; however, the short half-life of LR12 is a major hurdle in its translational application in atherosclerosis management warranting new methods for sustained bioavailability in clinical applications. The present study reports a novel method of packing the coding sequence of LR12 in a lentiviral system to ensure a sustained expression and bioavailability for effective TREM-1 inhibition. Lentivirus vector systems (LV-LR12 and LV-SP) for the expression of LR12 peptide and SP (scrambled peptide) were successfully designed, constructed, and tested in vitro in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Viral amounts obtained were 703.6 ± 145.12 and 609.3 ± 145.93 ng/ml p24 for LV-LR12 and LV-SP, respectively which correspond to ~ 107 IFU/ml for both vectors. Dot blot assay revealed significantly increased expression of LR12-FLAG and SP-FLAG in 125 μg total protein which was doubled in 250 μg protein with respect to un-transduced SMCs suggesting the sustained release of LR12/SP as confirmed by ELISA. Cellular expression of LR12-FLAG and SP-FLAG displayed 8.44-fold and 7.55-fold increase, respectively compared to the control SMCs. The findings demonstrated a promising strategy for packing the LR12 coding sequence in lentiviral vector for TREM-1 inhibition for the management of atherosclerosis and other inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - David J Sanchez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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Thankam FG, Rai T, Liu J, Tam J, Agrawal DK. Minimally Oxidized-LDL-Driven Alterations in the Level of Pathological Mediators and Biological Processes in Carotid Atherosclerosis. Cardiol Cardiovasc Med 2022; 6:137-156. [PMID: 35531433 PMCID: PMC9075180 DOI: 10.26502/fccm.92920251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, 91766, USA
| | - Taj Rai
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, 91766, USA
| | - Jeffrey Liu
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, 91766, USA
| | - Jonathan Tam
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, 91766, USA
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26
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Rai V, Radwan MM, Nooti S, Thankam FG, Singh H, Agrawal DK. TLR-4 Inhibition Attenuates Inflammation, Thrombosis, and Stenosis in Arteriovenous Fistula in Yucatan Miniswine. Cardiol Cardiovasc Med 2022; 6:432-450. [PMID: 36147190 PMCID: PMC9491704 DOI: 10.26502/fccm.92920280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access in hemodialysis patients; however, it is afflicted with a high failure rate. Chronic inflammation, excessive neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), vessel stenosis, early thrombosis, and failure of outward remodeling are the major causes of AVF maturation failure. Inflammatory mediator toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 plays a critical role in NIH, arterial thrombosis, and stenosis. We investigated the effect of TLR-4 inhibition on early thrombosis. Yucatan miniswine were used to create AVF involving femoral artery and femoral vein and treated with TLR-4 inhibitor TAK-242 with ethanol as the vehicle. The vessels were assessed after 12 weeks using histomorphometry, immunostaining, ultrasound, angiography, and optical coherence tomography. Inhibition of TLR-4 attenuated inflammation and early thrombosis in 50% of animals, and blood flow was present through AVF in 25% of animals. Thus, targeting TLR-4 to attenuate inflammation and early thrombosis might be a therapeutic approach to keep AVF patent and maintain blood flow through the outflow vein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Mohamed M Radwan
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Sunil Nooti
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Harbinder Singh
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Commentary: Evidence-based human stem cell therapy for myocardial healing: Miles to go. JTCVS Open 2021; 8:144-146. [PMID: 36004196 PMCID: PMC9390384 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devendra K. Agrawal
- Address for reprints: Devendra K. Agrawal, PhD, MBA, MS, Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E Second St, Pomona, CA 91766-1854.
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Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Single Cell Genomics Identifies Unique Cardioprotective Phenotype of Stem Cells derived from Epicardial Adipose Tissue under Ischemia. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:294-335. [PMID: 34661829 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10273-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The conventional management strategies of myocardial infarction (MI) are effective to sustain life; however, myocardial regeneration has not been achieved owing to the inherently poor regenerative capacity of the native myocardium. Stem cell-based therapies are promising; however, lineage specificity and undesired differentiation profile are challenging. Herein, we focused on the epicardial fat (EF) as an ideal source for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) owing to the proximity and same microvasculature with cardiac muscle. Unfortunately, the epicardial adipose tissue derived stem cells (EATDS) remain understudied regarding their phenotype heterogeneity and cardiac regeneration potential. As EF closely reflects the cardiac pathology during ischemia, the present study aims to determine the EATDS subpopulations under simulated ischemic and reperfused conditions employing single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq). EATDS were isolated from three hyperlipidemic Yucatan microswine and were divided into Control, Ischemia (ISC), and Ischemia/reperfusion (ISC/R). The scRNAseq analysis was performed using 10 genomics platform which revealed 18 unique cell clusters suggesting the existence of heterogeneous phenotypes. The upregulated genes were taken into consideration and subsequent functional assessment revealed the cardioprotective phenotypes with diverse mechanisms including epigenetic regulation (Cluster 1), myocardial homeostasis (Cluster 1), cell integrity and cell cycle (Clusters 2 and 3), prevention of fibroblast differentiation (Cluster 4), differentiation to myocardial lineage (Cluster 6), anti-inflammatory responses (Clusters 5, 8, and 11), prevention of ER-stress (Cluster 9), and increasing the energy metabolism (Cluster 10). These unique phenotypes of heterogeneous EATDS population open significant translational opportunities for myocardial regeneration and cardiac management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA.
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
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Abstract
Shoulder tendon injuries are the common musculoskeletal disorder resulting in significant pain and disability. These injuries are characterized by chronic inflammation and tissue degeneration. Tendon pathology exhibits poor innate healing ability, enhanced inflammation, disorganized collagen fibers, calcification, and scar tissue formation affecting the normal healing process. Extracellular vesicle, especially exosomes, treatment has been emerging as a potential regenerative strategy improving the outcomes and biomechanical properties, accelerating tenocyte proliferation and migration, reducing inflammation, and facilitating the healing at tendon-bone interface. In this article, we critically reviewed the potential role of exosomes in tendon regeneration and their applications to accelerate the healing response following injury. In addition, the article provides novel insights on the concept of "Smart Exosomes" by programming/manipulating the secretome contents and functions of exosomes in the management of shoulder tendon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Fang
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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Thankam FG, Diaz C, Chandra I, Link J, Newton J, Dilisio MF, Agrawal DK. Hybrid interpenetrating hydrogel network favoring the bidirectional migration of tenocytes for rotator cuff tendon regeneration. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2021; 110:467-477. [PMID: 34342931 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.34924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Replenishment of tenocytes to the injury site is an ideal strategy to improve healing response and accelerate the tendon ECM regeneration. The present study focused on the synthesis and characterization of a hybrid hydrogel scaffold system poly(propylene-fumarate)-alginate-polyvinyl alcohol-acrylic acid (PAPA) using poly(propylene-fumarate) (PPF), alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic acid and the in vitro investigation of bidirectional mobility of swine shoulder tenocytes (SST) for its potential application in rotator-cuff tendon regeneration. IR analysis revealed the presence of alginate, PPF and PVA segments on the surface, SEM and AFM analyses revealed the porous and nano-topographical features of PAPA, respectively, swelling was 712.6 ± 84.21% with the EWC (%) of 87.59 ± 1.26 having the diffusional exponent and swelling constant 0.551 and 1.8, respectively. PAPA was biodegradable, cytocompatible and supported long-term survival of SSTs. SEM imaging revealed the adhesion, colonization, and sheet formation of SSTs within the PAPA hydrogel network. The SSTs seeded on the PAPA scaffolds were peculiar for their bidirectional migration as the anterograde movement was completed in 9 days whereas the retrograde infiltration occurred up to the depth of 198 μm. These findings suggest the promising translational potential of PAPA scaffold system in the management of rotator cuff tendon injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Connor Diaz
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Isaiah Chandra
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Josh Link
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Joseph Newton
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Matthew F Dilisio
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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Abstract
Atherosclerosis involves both innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we provide an overview of the role of regulatory T (Treg) cells in atherosclerotic diseases. Treg cells and their inhibitory cytokines, IL-10 and TGF-β, have been identified in atherosclerotic lesions and to inhibit progression through lipoprotein metabolism modulation. Treg cells have also been found to convert to T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and promote atherosclerosis progression. Treg cell involvement in different stages of atherosclerotic progression and Treg cell-mediated modulation of plaque development occurs via inflammation suppression and atheroma formation has been focused. Moreover, existing knowledge suggests that Treg cells are likely involved in the pathology of other specific circumstances including in-stent restenosis, neointimal hyperplasia, vessel graft failure, and ischemic arterial injury; however, there remain gaps regarding their specific contribution. Hence, advancements in the knowledge regarding Treg cells in diverse aspects of atherosclerosis offer translational significance for the management of atherosclerosis and associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kuan
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA.
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32
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Kato B, Wisser G, Agrawal DK, Wood T, Thankam FG. 3D bioprinting of cardiac tissue: current challenges and perspectives. J Mater Sci Mater Med 2021; 32:54. [PMID: 33956236 PMCID: PMC8102287 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-021-06520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Demand for donor hearts has increased globally due to cardiovascular diseases. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has been aimed at creating clinically viable cardiac constructs for the management of myocardial infarction (MI) and associated complications. Advances in 3D bioprinting show promise in aiding cardiac tissue repair following injury/infarction and offer an alternative to organ transplantation. This article summarizes the basic principles of 3D bioprinting and recent attempts at reconstructing functional adult native cardiac tissue with a focus on current challenges and prospective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Kato
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Gary Wisser
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Tim Wood
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
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33
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Thankam FG, Larsen NK, Varghese A, Bui TN, Reilly M, Fitzgibbons RJ, Agrawal DK. Biomarkers and heterogeneous fibroblast phenotype associated with incisional hernia. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3353-3363. [PMID: 33942219 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Development of incisional hernia (IH) is multifactorial but inflammation and abdominal wall ECM (extracellular matrix) disorganization are key pathological events. We investigated if the differential expression of fibroblast biomarkers reflects the cellular milieu and the dysregulated ECM in IH tissues. Expression of fibroblast biomarkers, including connective tissue growth factor, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD34 (cluster of differentiation 34), cadherin-11 and fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1), was examined by histology and immunofluorescence in the hernial-fascial ring/neck tissue (HRT) and hernia sack tissue (HST) harvested from the patients undergoing hernia surgery and compared with normal fascia (FT) and peritoneum (PT) harvested from brain-dead healthy subjects undergoing organ procurement for transplantation. The H&E staining revealed alterations in tissue architecture, fibroblast morphology, and ECM organization in the IH tissues compared to control. The biomarker for undifferentiated fibroblasts, CD34, was significantly higher in HST and decreased in HRT than the respective FT and PT controls. Also, the findings revealed an increased level of CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) with decrease in α-SMA in both HRT and HST compared to the controls. In addition, an increased level of FSP1 (fibroblast specific protein 1) and cadherin-11 in HRT with decreased level in HST were observed relative to the respective controls (FT and PT). Hence, these findings support the heterogeneity of fibroblast population at the laparotomy site that could contribute to the development of IH. Understanding the mechanisms causing the phenotype switch of these fibroblasts would open novel strategies to prevent the development of IH following laparotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Nicholas K Larsen
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Ann Varghese
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Thao-Nguyen Bui
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Matthew Reilly
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Robert J Fitzgibbons
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
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34
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Thankam FG, Ayoub JG, Ahmed MMR, Siddique A, Sanchez TC, Peralta RA, Pennington TJ, Agrawal DK. Association of hypoxia and mitochondrial damage associated molecular patterns in the pathogenesis of vein graft failure: a pilot study. Transl Res 2021; 229:38-52. [PMID: 32861831 PMCID: PMC7867581 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the standard treatment modality in revascularization of the myocardium. However, the graft failure remains the major complication following CABG procedure. Involvement of mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mt-DAMPs) in the pathogenesis of vein-graft failure is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the expression of major protein-mt-DAMPs, cytochrome-C (Cyt-C), heat shock protein-60 (Hsp-60), mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA), in the occluded graft and associated tissues, including distal left anterior descending (LAD), LAD adjacent to anastomosis, and left internal mammary artery (LIMA) in the microswine CABG model. The protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) was significantly decreased in the graft and LIMA, whereas the protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and Cyt-C was decreased and that of mtTFA and Hsp60 was increased in all tissues compared to controls. There was no significant difference in the protein expression of citrate synthase, complex-1, and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase in the graft and associated tissues compared to control. Hypoxia in cultured smooth muscle cells (SMCs) significantly upregulated all mitochondrial biomarkers and mt-DAMPs compared to normoxia. The increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and compromised membrane integrity in the hypoxic SMCs correlated well with increased mt-DAMPs in the graft and associated tissues, suggesting a possible role of mt-DAMPs in the pathogenesis of graft failure. These findings suggest that the pathological signals elicited by mt-DAMPs could reveal targets for better therapeutic approaches and diagnostic strategies in the management of CABG graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Joseph G Ayoub
- Department of Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mohamed M Radwan Ahmed
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Aleem Siddique
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Thomas C Sanchez
- Department of Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Rafael A Peralta
- Department of Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Thomas J Pennington
- Department of Clinical & Translational Science, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California.
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35
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Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Molecular chronicles of cytokine burst in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with cardiovascular diseases. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021; 161:e217-e226. [PMID: 32631657 PMCID: PMC7834736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.05.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Devendra K. Agrawal
- Address for reprints: Devendra K. Agrawal, PhD (Biochem), PhD (Med Sci), MBA, Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E Second St, Pomona, CA 91766
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Truong R, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Immunological mechanisms underlying sterile inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis: potential sites for intervention. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2020; 17:37-50. [PMID: 33280442 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2020.1860757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Innate and adaptive immunity play a critical role in the underlying pathological mechanisms of atherosclerosis and potential target sites of sterile inflammation open opportunities to develop novel therapeutics. In response to oxidized LDL in the intimal layer, T cell subsets are recruited and activated at the site of atheroma to upregulate pro-atherogenic cytokines which exacerbate plaque formation instability.Areas covered: A systematic search of PubMed and the Web of Science was performed between January 2001- September 2020 and relevant articles in sterile inflammation and atherosclerosis were critically reviewed. The original information was collected on the interconnection between danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) as the mediators of sterile inflammation and the receptor complex of CD36-TLR4-TLR6 that primes and activates inflammasomes in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Mediators of sterile inflammation are identified to target therapeutic strategies in the management of atherosclerosis.Expert opinion: Sterile inflammation via NLRP3 inflammasome is perpetuated by the activation of IL-1β and IL-18 and induction of pyroptosis resulting in the release of additional inflammatory cytokines and DAMPs. Challenges with current inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome lie in the specificity, stability, and efficacy in targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome constituents without ameliorating upstream or downstream responses necessary for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Truong
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
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37
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Brown SM, Larsen NK, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Fetal cardiomyocyte phenotype, ketone body metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathology of atrial fibrillation. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:1165-1178. [PMID: 33188453 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia diagnosed in clinical practice. Even though hypertension, congestive heart failure, pulmonary disease, and coronary artery disease are the potential risk factors for AF, the underlying molecular pathology is largely unknown. The reversion of the mature cardiomyocytes to fetal phenotype, impaired ketone body metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the cellular effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the major underlying biochemical events associated with the molecular pathology of AF. On this background, the present manuscript sheds light into these biochemical events in regard to the metabolic derangements in cardiomyocyte leading to AF, especially with respect to structural, contractile, and electrophysiological properties. In addition, the article critically reviews the current understanding, potential demerits, and translational strategies in the management of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Brown
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | | | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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Brown SM, Larsen NK, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Regulatory role of cardiomyocyte metabolism via AMPK activation in modulating atrial structural, contractile, and electrical properties following atrial fibrillation. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 99:36-41. [PMID: 33049144 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The number of patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) has been rising due to increased incidence, enhanced detection methods, and greater survival rates following diagnosis. Due to this increase, AF is now the most commonly diagnosed arrhythmia in clinical practice. AF is characterized by irregular, high-frequency contractions of atrial myocytes that lead to turbulent blood flow and the potential for thrombus formation, stroke, or heart failure. These high-frequency contractions of the atrial myocytes cause an imbalance between metabolic supply and demand. Although advances have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of AF, the etiology and underlying pathogenic mechanism remain unknown. However, recent evidence suggests that cardiomyocyte metabolism involving 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation is altered in patients with AF. Here, we critically reviewed the current understanding of AMPK activation in AF and how it could affect structural, contractile, and electrophysiological cellular properties in the pathogenesis of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Brown
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | | | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Reilly MJ, Larsen NK, Agrawal S, Thankam FG, Agrawal DK, Fitzgibbons RJ. Selected conditions associated with an increased incidence of incisional hernia: A review of molecular biology. Am J Surg 2020; 221:942-949. [PMID: 32977928 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incisional hernias (IH) following a laparotomy, on average, occur in 10-20% of patients, however, little is known about its molecular basis. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms could lead to the identification of key target(s) to intervene pre-and post-operatively. METHODS We examined the current literature describing the molecular mechanisms of IH and overlap these factors with smoking, abdominal aortic aneurysm, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and diverticulitis. RESULTS The expression levels of collagen I and III, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases are abnormal in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of IH patients and ECM disorganization has an overlap with these comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION Understanding the pathophysiology of IH development and associated risk factors will allow physicians to identify patients that may be at increased risk for IH and to possibly act preemptively to decrease the incidence of IH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Swati Agrawal
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA; Department of Surgery, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Robert J Fitzgibbons
- Department of Surgery, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA.
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Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Commentary: Rainmaking the “next-generation transcatheter aortic valve implantation” by anointing multidisciplinary perceptions. JTCVS Open 2020; 3:25-26. [PMID: 36003858 PMCID: PMC9390130 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Hypoxia-driven secretion of extracellular matrix proteins in the exosomes reflects the asymptomatic pathology of rotator cuff tendinopathies. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 99:224-230. [PMID: 32799660 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The major hallmark of rotator cuff tendinopathies (RCT) is the disorganization of the tendon extracellular matrix (ECM), which is due to a decrease in the ratio of collagen I to collagen III. In addition, the pathology of the tendon matrisome remains asymptomatic, and hypoxia has been identified to be the priming signal to initiate the molecular pathology of RCT. Also, the secretome content of hypoxia-challenged tendon cells (tenocytes) reflects the pathological status of RCT. With this background, the present study was designed to establish the expression status and molecular crosstalk of the ECM component proteins contained in the exosomes of the hypoxia-challenged swine tenocytes. The mass spectrometry analysis revealed the upregulation of COL1A2, P4HA1, PRDX2, P3H1, COL6A1, PPIB, LCN1, and COL3A1 and the downregulation of COLA12, PDIA4, COLG, FN1, CTSK, and TNC in the exosomes of hypoxic tenocytes. These proteins interact with diverse proteins and operate multiple pathways associated with ECM homeostasis and repair as determined by NetworkAnalyst. The functional analysis of these proteins reflects the pathology of tendon ECM, which is correlated with the asymptomatic phase of RCT. Understanding the signaling mediated by these proteins would reveal the underlying molecular pathology and offers translational significance in the diagnosis and management of RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.,Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.,Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Commentary: Divine decree or a novel panacea in Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Associated 9-steered cellular reprogramming in the fate of failing heart. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 163:1491-1493. [PMID: 32651002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif.
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif
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Agrawal DK, Thankam FG. Commentary: Awakening the hibernating myocardium: The pristine business of mesenchymal stem cells. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 162:e20-e22. [PMID: 32115189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif.
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, Calif
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Thankam FG, Agrawal DK. Infarct Zone: a Novel Platform for Exosome Trade in Cardiac Tissue Regeneration. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2020; 13:686-701. [PMID: 31907784 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-019-09952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The global incidence of coronary artery diseases (CADs), especially myocardial infarction (MI), has drastically increased in recent years. Even though the conventional therapies have improved the outcomes, the post-MI complications and the increased rate of recurrence among the survivors are still alarming. Molecular events associated with the pathogenesis and the adaptive responses of the surviving myocardium are largely unknown. Focus on exosome-mediated signaling for cell-cell/matrix communications at the infarct zone reflects an emerging opportunity in cardiac regeneration. Also, cardiac tissue engineering provides promising insights for the next generation of therapeutic approaches in the management of CADs. In this article, we critically reviewed the current understanding on the biology of cardiac exosomes, therapeutic potential of exosomes, and recent developments in cardiac tissue engineering and discussed novel translational approaches based on tissue engineering and exosomes for cardiac regeneration and CADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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Thankam FG, Chandra I, Diaz C, Dilisio MF, Fleegel J, Gross RM, Agrawal DK. Matrix regeneration proteins in the hypoxia-triggered exosomes of shoulder tenocytes and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 465:75-87. [PMID: 31797254 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03669-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative functions of exosomes rely on their contents which are influenced by pathological stimuli, including hypoxia, in rotator cuff tendon injuries (RCTI). The hypoxic environment triggers tenocytes and adjacent adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) to release regenerative mediators to the ECM via the exosomes which elicit autocrine/paracrine responses to protect the tendon matrix from injury. We investigated the exosomal protein contents from tenocytes and subcutaneous ADMSCs from the shoulder of Yucatan microswine cultured under hypoxic conditions (2% O2). The exosomal proteins were detected using high-resolution mass spectrometry nano-LC-MS/MS Tribrid system and were compiled using 'Scaffold' software. Hypoxic exosomes from tenocytes and ADMSCs carried 199 and 65 proteins, respectively. The key proteins identified by mass spectrometry and associated with ECM homeostasis from hypoxic ADMSCs included MMP2, COL6A, CTSD and TN-C and those from hypoxic tenocytes were THSB1, NSEP1, ITIH4 and TN-C. These findings were confirmed at the mRNA and protein level in the hypoxic ADMSCs and tenocytes. These proteins are involved in multiple signaling pathways of ECM repair/regeneration. This warrants further investigations for their translational significance in the management of RCTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA
| | - Isaiah Chandra
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Connor Diaz
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Matthew F Dilisio
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Jonathan Fleegel
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - R Michael Gross
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second Street, Pomona, CA, 91766-1854, USA.
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Larsen NK, Reilly MJ, Thankam FG, Fitzgibbons RJ, Agrawal DK. Novel understanding of high mobility group box-1 in the immunopathogenesis of incisional hernias. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2019; 15:791-800. [PMID: 30987468 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2019.1608822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Incisional hernias (IH) arise as a complication of patients undergoing laparotomy. Current literature has assessed the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization, alterations in type I and type III collagen, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases on IH. However, there is limited information on the underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to ECM disorganization. Areas covered: We critically reviewed the literature surrounding IH and ECM disorganization and offer a novel pathway that may be the underlying mechanism resulting in ECM disorganization and the immunopathogenesis of IH. Expert opinion: High mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1), a damage-associated molecular pattern, plays an important role in the sterile inflammatory pathway and has been linked to ECM disorganization and the triggering of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Further research to investigate the role of HMGB-1 in the molecular pathogenesis of IH would be critical in identifying novel therapeutic targets in the management of IH formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas K Larsen
- a Departments of Clinical and Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA
| | - Matthew J Reilly
- a Departments of Clinical and Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA
| | - Finosh G Thankam
- a Departments of Clinical and Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA.,b Surgery , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA
| | - Robert J Fitzgibbons
- a Departments of Clinical and Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA.,b Surgery , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- a Departments of Clinical and Translational Science , Creighton University School of Medicine , Omaha , USA
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Thankam FG, Boosani CS, Dilisio MF, Gross RM, Agrawal DK. Genes interconnecting AMPK and TREM-1 and associated microRNAs in rotator cuff tendon injury. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 454:97-109. [PMID: 30306456 PMCID: PMC6438203 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-018-3456-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fatty infiltration and inflammation delay the healing responses and raise major concerns in the therapeutic management of rotator cuff tendon injuries (RCTI). Our evaluations showed the upregulation of 'metabolic check point' AMPK and inflammatory molecule, TREM-1 from shoulder biceps tendons collected from RCTI subjects. However, the epigenetic regulation of these biomolecules by miRNAs is largely unknown and it is likely that a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action can have therapeutic potential for RCTI. Based on this background, we have evaluated the miRNAs from RCTI patients with fatty infiltration and inflammation (FI group) and compared with RCTI patients without fatty infiltration and inflammation (No-FI group). NetworkAnalyst was employed to evaluate the genes interconnecting AMPK and TREM-1 pathway, using PRKAA1 (AMPK), TREM-1, HIF1α, HMGB1, and AGER as input genes. The most relevant miRNAs were screened by considering the fold change below - 7.5 and the number of target genes 10 and more which showed 13 miRNAs and 216 target genes. The exact role of these miRNAs in the fatty infiltration and inflammation associated with RCTI is still unknown and the understanding of biological activity of these miRNAs can pave ways to develop miRNA-based therapeutics in the management of RCTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Matthew F Dilisio
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - R Michael Gross
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
- Department of Clinical & Translational Science, The Peekie Nash Carpenter Endowed Chair in Medicine, CRISS II Room 510, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
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Thankam FG, Boosani CS, Dilisio MF, Agrawal DK. Epigenetic mechanisms and implications in tendon inflammation (Review). Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:3-14. [PMID: 30387824 PMCID: PMC6257858 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular inflammation is not just an immediate response following pathogenic infections or resulting from damage due to injury, it is also associated with normal physiological functions, including wound healing and tissue repair. The existence of such a definitive role in normal physiology and in disease pathology indicates the presence of a regulatory mechanism that is tightly controlled in normal cells. A tight control over gene expression is associated with regulatory mechanisms in the cells, which can be either inducible or epigenetic. Among other intracellular mechanisms that contribute to epigenetic gene regulation, DNA methylation has been shown to maintain a tight control over gene expression through the actions of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). With a clear role in developmental and tissue‑specific temporal gene regulation, the involvement of DNMTs is evident in normal and pathological conditions. In this review article, inflammation in tendons associated with disease pathology and tissue repair or regeneration at the musculoskeletal joints is critically reviewed. More specifically, the review focuses on known epigenetic mechanisms and their role in the clinical presentation of the disease in human joint disorders associated with tendon inflammation, with an emphasis on the gene regulatory mechanisms that are controlled through DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew F. Dilisio
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
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Thankam FG, Palanikumar G, Fitzgibbons RJ, Agrawal DK. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Incisional Hernia. J Surg Res 2018; 236:134-143. [PMID: 30694748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiology underlying the formation, progression, and surgical healing of incisional hernia (IH) that develops as a major complication associated with abdominal laparotomy is poorly understood. The proposed mechanisms include the switch of collagen phenotype and the proliferation of abnormal fibroblasts after surgery. The focus of this article was to critically review the cellular, biochemical, and potential molecular events associated with the development of IH. The disturbance in collagen homeostasis with alterations in the expression of collagen subtypes, including type 1, type 3, type 4, and type 5, and impairment in the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts are discussed. The phenotype switch of wound-repair fibroblasts results in mechanically compromised extracellular matrix that triggers the proliferation of abnormal fibroblasts. High-mobility group box 1 could be involved in wound progression, whereas signaling events mediated by tumor necrosis factor β1, connective tissue growth factor, lysyl oxidase, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 play significant role in the wound healing response. Thus, the ratio of tumor necrosis factorβ1: high-mobility group box 1 could be a critical determinant of the underlying pathology. Potential target sites for therapeutic intervention in the management of IH are recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Gunasekar Palanikumar
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Robert J Fitzgibbons
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Departments of Clinical and Translational Science and Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.
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Thankam FG, Chandra IS, Kovilam AN, Diaz CG, Volberding BT, Dilisio MF, Radwan MM, Gross RM, Agrawal DK. Amplification of Mitochondrial Activity in the Healing Response Following Rotator Cuff Tendon Injury. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17027. [PMID: 30451947 PMCID: PMC6242817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial function following rotator cuff tendon injury (RCI) influences the tendon healing. We examined the mitochondrial morphology and function under hypoxia in the shoulder tendon tissue from surgically-induced tenotomy-RCI rat model and cultured swine tenocytes. The tendon tissue was collected post-injury on 3-5 (Group-A), 10-12 (Group-B), and 22-24 (Group-C), days and the corresponding contralateral tendons were used as control for each group. There was higher protein expression of citrate synthase (P < 0.0001) [10.22 MFI (mean fluorescent intensity)] and complex-1 (P = 0.0008) (7.86 MFI) in Group-A and Group-B that decreased in Group-C [(P = 0.0201) (5.78 MFI and (P = 0.7915) (2.32 MFI), respectively] compared to control tendons. The ratio of BAX:Bcl2 (Bcl2 associated x protein:B cell lymphoma 2) in RCI tendons increased by 50.5% (Group-A) and 68.4% (Group-B) and decreased by 25.8% (Group-C) compared to normoxic controls. Hypoxia increased β-tubulin expression (P = 0067) and reduced PGC1-α (P = 0412) expression in the isolated swine tenocytes with no effect on the protein expression of Complex-1 (P = 7409) and citrate synthase (P = 0.3290). Also, the hypoxic tenocytes exhibited about 4-fold increase in mitochondrial superoxide (P < 0.0001), altered morphology and mitochondrial pore integrity, and increase in mitochondrial density compared to normoxic controls. These findings suggest the critical role of mitochondria in the RCI healing response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finosh G Thankam
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Isaiah S Chandra
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Anuradha N Kovilam
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Connor G Diaz
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Benjamin T Volberding
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Matthew F Dilisio
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Mohamed M Radwan
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - R Michael Gross
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Departments of Clinical & Translational Science and Orthopedic Surgery, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68178, USA.
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