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Höhne K, Wagenknecht A, Maier C, Engelhard P, Goldmann T, Schließmann SJ, Plönes T, Trepel M, Eibel H, Müller-Quernheim J, Zissel G. Pro-Fibrotic Effects of CCL18 on Human Lung Fibroblasts Are Mediated via CCR6. Cells 2024; 13:238. [PMID: 38334630 PMCID: PMC10854834 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030238] [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] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease of unknown origin, with a median patient survival time of ~3 years after diagnosis without anti-fibrotic therapy. It is characterized by progressive fibrosis indicated by increased collagen deposition and high numbers of fibroblasts in the lung. It has been demonstrated that CCL18 induces collagen and αSMA synthesis in fibroblasts. We aimed to identify the CCL18 receptor responsible for its pro-fibrotic activities. METHODS We used a random phage display library to screen for potential CCL18-binding peptides, demonstrated its expression in human lungs and fibroblast lines by PCR and immunostaining and verified its function in cell lines. RESULTS We identified CCR6 (CD196) as a CCL18 receptor and found its expression in fibrotic lung tissue and lung fibroblast lines derived from fibrotic lungs, but it was almost absent in control lines and tissue. CCL18 induced receptor internalization in a CCR6-overexpressing cell line. CCR6 blockade in primary human lung fibroblasts reduced CCL18-induced FGF2 release as well as collagen-1 and αSMA expression. Knockdown of CCR6 in a mouse fibroblast cell line abolished the induction of collagen and α-smooth muscle actin expression. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that CCL18 triggers pro-fibrotic processes via CCR6, highlighting its role in fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Höhne
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.H.); (C.M.); (P.E.); (S.J.S.); (J.M.-Q.)
| | - Annett Wagenknecht
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.W.); (M.T.)
| | - Corinna Maier
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.H.); (C.M.); (P.E.); (S.J.S.); (J.M.-Q.)
| | - Peggy Engelhard
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.H.); (C.M.); (P.E.); (S.J.S.); (J.M.-Q.)
| | | | - Stephan J. Schließmann
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.H.); (C.M.); (P.E.); (S.J.S.); (J.M.-Q.)
- Integrative and Experimental Exercise Science and Training, Institute of Sport Science, University of Würzburg, 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Till Plönes
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Center for Surgery, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Martin Trepel
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.W.); (M.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center and Medical Faculty, Augsburg University, Germany Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Joachim Müller-Quernheim
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.H.); (C.M.); (P.E.); (S.J.S.); (J.M.-Q.)
| | - Gernot Zissel
- Department of Pneumology, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.H.); (C.M.); (P.E.); (S.J.S.); (J.M.-Q.)
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Santana Otano S, Mendes Melo A, Ferreira Souza B, Souto Morlin J, de Castro Côbo E, Macêdo Barcelos AC, Misson A, Misson Rua Micheletti A, Prata Jammal M, Candido Murta EF, Simões Nomelini R. Peritumoral stroma and systemic inflammatory response in cervical cancer. Ceska Gynekol 2024; 89:95-101. [PMID: 38704220 DOI: 10.48095/cccg202495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare cervical stroma in advanced cervical cancer with the control group; to compare, in the pre-treatment period, hemogram parameters in patients with advanced cervical cancer with the same parameters as the control group; and to verify if there is an association of stromal markers with prognostic factors in cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively evaluated 16 patients diagnosed with advanced invasive cervical cancer. A control group of 22 patients was used (uterine leiomyoma). Immunohistochemistry was performed to verify the stromal immunostaining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP). Immunostainings and hemogram parameters were compared using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney Test, respectively. RESULTS Strong FAP immunostaining was more frequent in patients with cervical cancer when compared with patients with leiomyoma (P = 0.0002). Regarding SMA, strong immunostaining was also found more in the group of cancer patients compared to the control group (P < 0.00001). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) values were higher in the cancer patient group compared to the control group (P = 0.0019). There was no association of the parameters studied with prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS Strong FAP and SMA immunostaining was found more in patients with cervical cancer when compared to the control group. NLR values were also higher in cervical cancer.
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Balint B, Bernstorff IGL, Schwab T, Schäfers HJ. Aortic regurgitation provokes phenotypic modulation of smooth muscle cells in the normal ascending aorta. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 166:1604-1616.e1. [PMID: 37500054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2023.07.025] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic complications are more likely to occur in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and concomitant aortic regurgitation (AR). AR may have a negative influence on the aortic wall structure even in patients with tricuspid aortic valves and absence of aortic dilatation. It is unknown whether smooth muscle cell (SMC) changes are a feature of AR-associated aortic remodeling. METHODS Nondilated aortic samples were harvested intraoperatively from individuals with normal aortic valves (n = 10) or those with either predominant aortic stenosis (AS) (n = 20) or AR (n = 35). Tissue from each patient was processed for immunohistochemistry or used for the extraction of medial SMCs. Tissue and cells were stained for markers of SMC contraction (alpha-smooth muscle actin), synthesis (vimentin) and senescence (p16INK4A and p21Cip1 [p16/p21]). Replicative capacity was analyzed in cultured SMCs from AS- and AR-associated aortas. A subanalysis compared SMCs from individuals with either tricuspid aortic valves or bicuspid aortic valves to evaluate the effect of aortic valve morphology. RESULTS In aortic tissue samples, AR was associated with decreased alpha-smooth muscle actin and increased vimentin, p16 and p21 compared with normal aortic valves and AS. In cell culture, SMCs from AR-aortas had decreased alpha-smooth muscle actin and increased vimentin compared with SMCs from AS-aortas. AR-associated SMCs had increased p16 and p21 expression, and they reached senescence earlier than SMCs from AS-aortas. In AR, SMC changes were more pronounced with the presence of a bicuspid aortic valve. CONCLUSIONS AR itself negatively influences SMC phenotype in the ascending aortic wall. This AR-specific effect is independent of aortic diameter and aortic valve morphology, although it is more pronounced with bicuspid aortic valves. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms of AR-related aortic remodeling, and they provide a model for studying SMC-specific therapies in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Balint
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | | | - Tanja Schwab
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Schäfers
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany
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Shibui T, Hosoya A, Takebe H, Takahashi M, Seki Y, Fujii S, Irie K. Immunohistochemical localization of CD146 and alpha-smooth muscle actin during dentin formation and regeneration. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023. [PMID: 36627835 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25155] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146) is known to localize in stem cells and precursor cells of various tissues. In this study, to analyze the function of CD146 in odontoblast differentiation, immunohistochemical localization of CD146 was examined during rat molar tooth development and after cavity preparation. At the cap and bell stages, many CD146-positive cells were visible around the blood vessels in the dental papillae. On Postnatal day 2, osterix-positive odontoblasts were arranged in the dentin sialoprotein (DSP)-positive predentin, and many CD146-positive cells were observed near these odontoblasts with blood vessels. Some perivascular CD146-positive cells overlapped with Smad4-positive cells. However, the immunoreactivity for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), one of the markers for undifferentiated cells, was negligible. Furthermore, the number of these cells decreased in the dental pulp on Postnatal day 28. On Day 4 after cavity preparation, Osterix-positive odontoblasts appeared lining the reparative dentin. Most of the blood vessels near the reparative dentin showed immunoreactivities for CD146. Reparative odontoblasts actively formed DSP-positive dentin matrix because these cells were positive for Smad4 and Osterix, but not for α-SMA. After 7 days, the number of CD146-positive cells near blood vessels decreased in the dental pulp beneath the cavity. These results suggest that the CD146 is expressed in the perivascular area of the dental pulp and induces vascularization in the vicinity of dentin formation, and some CD146-positive cells are activated by the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway and differentiate into odontoblasts in the early stages of dentin formation and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Shibui
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hosoya
- Division of Histology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takebe
- Division of Histology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masami Takahashi
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuri Seki
- Division of Histology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Saki Fujii
- Division of Histology, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Irie
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Oral Growth and Development, School of Dentistry, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
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Kuczwara V, Schuler G, Pfarrer C, Tiedje L, Kazemian A, Tavares Pereira M, Kowalewski MP, Klisch K. Ultrastructural and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Maternal Myofibroblasts in the Bovine Placenta around Parturition. Vet Sci 2023; 10. [PMID: 36669044 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are contractile cells that exhibit features of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. In the synepitheliochorial placenta of the cow myofibroblasts are found in the maternal stroma. However, a deeper understanding of the structure and function of the stromal myofibroblasts in the developed bovine placenta is still missing. Thus, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses in bovine term placentomes, compared to non-pregnant caruncle samples, were conducted. To investigate functional aspects, contractility of placentomal caruncle slices was assessed in an in vitro contraction assay. Additionally, a three-dimensional reconstruction of a bovine placental myofibroblast was created. Immunofluorescent staining revealed a characteristic pattern, including cytoplasmic expression of α-smooth muscle actin, strong perinuclear signal for the intermediate filament vimentin and nuclear progesterone receptor staining. Ultrastructurally, stress fibers, extended cisternae of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and perinuclear intermediate filaments were observed. Moreover, in vitro stimulation with angiotensin-II, but not with prostaglandin F2α, induced contraction of placental caruncle tissue. Altogether, these results indicate that progesterone-responsive myofibroblasts represent a mesenchymal phenotype that is involved in the contractile properties of bovine placental stroma. Therefore, the present findings suggest a potential involvement of myofibroblasts in post-partum events of cattle, i.e., expulsion of fetal membranes and uterine involution.
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Teuma L, Eshwaran R, Tawokam Fongang U, Wieland J, Shao F, Lagana ML, Wang Y, Agaci A, Hammes HP, Feng Y. Glucosamine inhibits extracellular matrix accumulation in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1048305. [PMID: 36532524 PMCID: PMC9751334 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1048305] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glucosamine, the intermediate metabolite of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP), is widely used as a supplementary drug in patients with osteoarthritis. However, its consequences in such patients concomitantly suffering from diabetic nephropathy is unknown. METHODS The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of exogenous administration of glucosamine in the diabetic kidney. A mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in vivo and cultured endothelial cells in vitro were used in the study. The mice were treated with glucosamine for 6 months. Renal function was evaluated by metabolic cage, and histology of the kidney was estimated by periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining. The expression of related genes was assessed by real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and ELISA. RESULTS There was no significant difference in urinary albumin secretion, relative kidney weight, or creatinine clearance between the groups treated with glucosamine and controls. Assessment of the kidney demonstrated reduction in mesangial expansion and fibronectin expression in the diabetic glomeruli treated with glucosamine. Glucosamine treatment significantly decreased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression in both diabetic and control kidneys, whereas the expression of other fibrosis-related genes and inflammatory factors was unaltered. Moreover, α-SMA colocalized with the endothelial marker CD31 in the diabetic and control kidneys, and glucosamine reduced α-SMA+ ECs in the diabetic glomeruli. In addition, glucosamine suppressed α-SMA expression in endothelial cells treated with or without high glucose. DISCUSSION In summary, this is the first report to show that glucosamine reduces mesangial expansion and inhibits endothelial-mesenchymal transition in diabetic nephropathy. The underlying mechanisms need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loic Teuma
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rachana Eshwaran
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich Tawokam Fongang
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johanna Wieland
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Feng Shao
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Luisa Lagana
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Yixin Wang
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ane Agaci
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Hammes
- 5th Medical Clinic, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yuxi Feng
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Cheng F, Lu T, Wang Y, Yuan D, Wei Z, Li Y, Li J, Tang R. Expression of airway smooth muscle contractile proteins in children with acute interstitial pneumonia. Int J Exp Pathol 2022; 103:190-197. [PMID: 35527237 PMCID: PMC9482355 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12443] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the expression of α-SMA and SM22α in airway smooth muscle (ASM) of bronchioles from children younger than 14 years who died of acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP). This is based upon the hypothesis that as contractile marker proteins α-SMA and SM22α can serve as an index of the overcontractile phenotype of ASM that is seen in AIP. Lung tissue samples of children were obtained from autopsies and divided into the AIP group (55.9% male and 44.1% female, between 0.4 and 132 months old, n = 34) and the control group (60% male and 40% female, between 2 and 156 months old, n = 10). We recorded the post-mortem interval (PMI), height, clinical symptoms and abdominal fat thickness (AFT) of each case. Haematoxylin-and-eosin-stained sections were used to examine the luminal area and observe the morphological changes in the bronchioles. Immunohistochemistry and Masson's trichrome staining were used to detect the expression of contractile marker proteins and the degree of pulmonary fibrosis respectively. Compared with the control group, the luminal areas of bronchioles in the AIP group were smaller (p < .001). The expression differences in α-SMA and SM22α between the two groups were statistically significant (p = .01 and p = .02 respectively). Also, there was no significant correlation of the contractile marker proteins expression with PMI, height, clinical symptoms and AFT. The collagen deposition difference in lung between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = .224). These findings suggest that enhancement of ASM contractile function appears to be involved in the death mechanism of children with AIP, which affords more insights into the understanding of AIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Cheng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Tao Lu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yicheng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Didi Yuan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Zehong Wei
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Yongguo Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jianbo Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Renkuan Tang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Basic Medical ScienceChongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
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Oda T, Yoshizawa N. Factors Affecting the Progression of Infection-Related Glomerulonephritis to Chronic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:E905. [PMID: 33477598 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) triggered by infection is still one of the major causes of acute kidney injury. During the previous two decades, there has been a major paradigm shift in the epidemiology of AGN. The incidence of poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis (PSAGN), which develops after the cure of group A Streptococcus infection in children has decreased, whereas adult AGN cases have been increasing, and those associated with nonstreptococcal infections, particularly infections by Staphylococcus, are now as common as PSAGN. In adult AGN patients, particularly older patients with comorbidities, infections are usually ongoing at the time when glomerulonephritis is diagnosed; thus, the term “infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN)” has recently been popularly used instead of “post-infectious AGN”. The prognosis of children with PSAGN is generally considered excellent compared with that of adult IRGN cases. However, long-term epidemiological analysis demonstrated that an episode of PSAGN in childhood is a strong risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), even after the complete remission of PSAGN. Although the precise mechanism of the transition from IRGN to CKD remains unknown, its clarification is important as it will lead to the prevention of CKD. In this review, we therefore focus on the possible factors that may contribute to the progression of IRGN into CKD. Four factors, namely, persistent infection, genetic background of the host’s complement system, tubulointerstitial changes, and pre-existing histological damage, are discussed.
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Hermansyah D, Putra A, Muhar AM, Retnaningsih, Wirastuti K, Dirja BT. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress TGF-β Release to Decrease α-SMA Expression in Ameliorating CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Med Arch 2021; 75:16-22. [PMID: 34012193 PMCID: PMC8116080 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2021.75.16-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Liver fibrosis (LF) is the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), produced by overactivated hepatic stellate cells, following prolonged transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) stimulation. The ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to improve LF has been reported. However, the mechanisms of MSCs to ameliorate LF through suppressing TGF-β and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) remains unclear. Aim: To investigate the effects of MSCs treatment on suppressing TGF-β levels and decreasing α-SMA expression in an LF model. Methods: In this study, wenty-four male Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneal (IP) with carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), twice weekly, for eight weeks, to induce LF. Rats were randomly assigned to six groups: Sham, Control, Sham-lo, Sham-hi, and MSC-treated groups, at doses of 1 x 106 (T1) and 2x106 (T2) cells. TGF-β levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas α-SMA expression was determined by immunohistochemistry staining. Results: MSCs decreased the expression of TGF-β in T1 and T2 groups on day 3 and 14. The T2 group showed lower TGF-β levels than that in the T1 group. This finding was in line with the observed decrease in α-SMA expression and the number of collagen. Conclusion: MSCs treatment ameliorated LF by suppressing TGF-β production, leading to decreased α-SMA expression in a CCL4-induced LF animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dedy Hermansyah
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia
| | - Agung Putra
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research (SCCR), Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA), Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.,Department of Postgraduate Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA), Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.,Department of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA), Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Adi Muradi Muhar
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia
| | - Retnaningsih
- Department of Neurology and Intensive Care Unit, Kariadi Hospital, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Ken Wirastuti
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Agung Islamic University (UNISSULA), Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
| | - Bayu Tirta Dirja
- Biomedical Science Doctoral Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Bali, Indonesia
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Knops AM, South A, Rodeck U, Martinez-Outschoorn U, Harshyne LA, Johnson J, Luginbuhl AJ, Curry JM. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Density, Prognostic Characteristics, and Recurrence in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2020; 10:565306. [PMID: 33330034 PMCID: PMC7729160 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.565306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The progression and clinical course of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) relies on complex interactions between cancer and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Among the most abundant of these stromal cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). While their contribution to tumor progression is widely acknowledged, and various CAF-targeted treatments are under development, the relationship between CAF density and the clinicopathologic course of HNSCC has not been clearly defined. Here we examine the published evidence investigating the relationship of cancer-associated fibroblasts to local recurrence and indicators of prognostic significance in HNSCC. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of existing publications that compare the relationship between CAF density, local recurrence, and clinically significant pathologic criteria of disease development (T stage, nodal positivity, clinical stage, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, Ki67 expression, and differentiation). Thirteen studies met the selection criteria, providing a total study population of 926 patients. Forest plots and risk ratios were generated to illustrate overall relationships. Results Higher CAF density within the tumor microenvironment is associated with advanced T stage, nodal infiltration, clinical stage, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, Ki67 expression, and differentiation (p <0.05). High CAF density is also associated with increased rates of local recurrence (p <0.001). Conclusions Across multiple studies, increased CAF density is correlated with histopathological criteria of poor prognosis in HNSCC. These findings highlight that CAFs may play a pivotal role in HNSCC development and progression. Staining for CAFs may represent a valuable addition to current pathologic analysis and help to guide prognosis and treatment. Understanding the mechanisms by which CAFs reciprocally interact with cancer cells will be crucial for optimization of TME-focused treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Knops
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Andrew South
- Department of Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ulrich Rodeck
- Department of Dermatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Larry A Harshyne
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer Johnson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adam J Luginbuhl
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph M Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Novak S, Roeder E, Sinder BP, Adams DJ, Siebel CW, Grcevic D, Hankenson KD, Matthews BG, Kalajzic I. Modulation of Notch1 signaling regulates bone fracture healing. J Orthop Res 2020; 38:2350-2361. [PMID: 32141629 PMCID: PMC7483882 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fracture healing involves interactions of different cell types, driven by various growth factors, and signaling cascades. Periosteal mesenchymal progenitor cells give rise to the majority of osteoblasts and chondrocytes in a fracture callus. Notch signaling has emerged as an important regulator of skeletal cell proliferation and differentiation. We investigated the effects of Notch signaling during the fracture healing process. Increased Notch signaling in osteochondroprogenitor cells driven by overexpression of Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) (αSMACreERT2 mice crossed with Rosa-NICD1) during fracture resulted in less cartilage, more mineralized callus tissue, and stronger and stiffer bones after 3 weeks. Periosteal cells overexpressing NICD1 showed increased proliferation and migration in vitro. In vivo data confirmed that increased Notch1 signaling caused expansion of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive cells and their progeny including αSMA-derived osteoblasts in the callus without affecting osteoclast numbers. In contrast, anti-NRR1 antibody treatment to inhibit Notch1 signaling resulted in increased callus cartilage area, reduced callus bone mass, and reduced biomechanical strength. Our study shows a positive effect of induced Notch1 signaling on the fracture healing process, suggesting that stimulating the Notch pathway could be beneficial for fracture repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Novak
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Emilie Roeder
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Sinder
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Douglas J. Adams
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA;,Department of Orthopedics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Danka Grcevic
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Kurt D. Hankenson
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brya G. Matthews
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA;,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Ivo Kalajzic
- Department of Reconstructive Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
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12
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Rinella L, Pizzo B, Frairia R, Delsedime L, Calleris G, Gontero P, Zunino V, Fortunati N, Arvat E, Catalano MG. Modulating tumor reactive stroma by extracorporeal shock waves to control prostate cancer progression. Prostate 2020; 80:1087-1096. [PMID: 32609927 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24037] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. Tumor microenvironment is composed of activated fibroblasts, the so called carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). They express high levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (COL1), and support proliferation and migration of tumor epithelial cells. Extracorporeal shock waves (ESWs), acoustic waves, are effective in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, due to their ability to modulate fibrosis. Based on this rationale, the study evaluated the effects of ESWs on CAF activation and the influence of ESW-treated CAFs on the growth and migration of epithelial prostatic carcinoma cells. METHODS Primary cultures of CAFs (n = 10) were prepared from tumors of patients undergoing surgery for high-risk prostate carcinoma. CAFs were treated with ESWs (energy levels: 0.32 mJ/mm2 , 1000 pulses; 0.59 mJ/mm2 , 250 pulses). After treatment, the messenger RNA and protein levels of the stromal activation markers α-SMA and COL1 were determined. Subsequently, two different stabilized cell lines (PC3 and DU145) of androgen-resistant prostate cancer were treated with the conditioned media produced by ESW-treated CAFs. At different times, viability and migration of PC3 and DU145 cells were evaluated. Viability was also assessed by coculture system using CAFs and PC3 or DU145 cells. RESULTS ESWs reduced gene expression and protein level of α-SMA and COL1 in CAFs. The treatment of PC3 and DU145 with conditioned media of ESW-treated CAFs determined a reduction of their growth and invasive potential. Coculture systems between ESW-treated CAFs and PC3 or DU145 cells confirmed the epithelial cell number reduction. CONCLUSIONS This in vitro study demonstrates for the first time that ESWs are able to modulate the activation of prostate CAFs in favor of a less "reactive" stroma, with consequent slowing of the growth and migration of prostate cancer epithelial cells. However, only further studies to be performed in vivo will confirm the possibility of using this new therapy in patients with prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Rinella
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetta Pizzo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Frairia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Delsedime
- Department of Oncology, Pathology Unit, A.O.U., Città della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Calleris
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Gontero
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Zunino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Fortunati
- Department of Oncology, Oncological Endocrinology Unit, AO Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Emanuela Arvat
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Oncological Endocrinology Unit, AO Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
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13
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Ruiz-Zapata AM, Heinz A, Kerkhof MH, van de Westerlo-van Rijt C, Schmelzer CEH, Stoop R, Kluivers KB, Oosterwijk E. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness and Composition Regulate the Myofibroblast Differentiation of Vaginal Fibroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134762. [PMID: 32635512 PMCID: PMC7369731 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is a key feature of wound-healing in soft tissues, including the vagina. Vaginal fibroblasts maintain the integrity of the vaginal wall tissues, essential to keep pelvic organs in place and avoid pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The micro-environment of vaginal tissues in POP patients is stiffer and has different extracellular matrix (ECM) composition than healthy vaginal tissues. In this study, we employed a series of matrices with known stiffnesses, as well as vaginal ECMs, in combination with vaginal fibroblasts from POP and healthy tissues to investigate how matrix stiffness and composition regulate myofibroblast differentiation in vaginal fibroblasts. Stiffness was positively correlated to production of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Vaginal ECMs induced myofibroblast differentiation as both α-SMA and collagen gene expressions were increased. This differentiation was more pronounced in cells seeded on POP-ECMs that were stiffer than those derived from healthy tissues and had higher collagen and elastin protein content. We showed that stiffness and ECM content regulate vaginal myofibroblast differentiation. We provide preliminary evidence that vaginal fibroblasts might recognize POP-ECMs as scar tissues that need to be remodeled. This is fundamentally important for tissue repair, and provides a rational basis for POP disease modelling and therapeutic innovations in vaginal reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra M. Ruiz-Zapata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.v.d.W.-v.R.); (K.B.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Heinz
- Department of Pharmacy, LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Manon H. Kerkhof
- Curilion, Women’s Health Centre, 2015 BJ Haarlem, The Netherlands;
| | - Cindy van de Westerlo-van Rijt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.v.d.W.-v.R.); (K.B.K.)
| | - Christian E. H. Schmelzer
- Department of Biological and Macromolecular Materials, Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure Materials and Systems IMWS, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Reinout Stoop
- TNO Metabolic Health Research, 2301 DA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Kirsten B. Kluivers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (C.v.d.W.-v.R.); (K.B.K.)
| | - Egbert Oosterwijk
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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Chiang MH, Lee KT, Chen CH, Chen KK, Wang YH. Photobiomodulation therapy inhibits oral submucous fibrosis in mice. Oral Dis 2020; 26:1474-1482. [PMID: 32391600 PMCID: PMC7540580 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13409] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease and a potentially malignant oral disorder. However, the best therapeutic treatment for OSMF remains uncertain. Our previous study showed that photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy and forskolin could reduce arecoline‐induced fibrosis reactions via the cAMP pathway. The present study aimed to establish an animal model of areca nut extract (ANE)‐induced OSMF and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of PBM and forskolin for ANE‐induced OSMF. Subjects and methods The mice were divided into five groups. The buccal tissues were harvested for histomorphological analysis and immunoblotting. Results Our results showed that PBM significantly reduced the development of ANE‐induced OSMF, quantified by changes in submucosal layer thickness and collagen deposition. Additionally, PBM could extensively reduce the protein expression of the fibrotic marker genes alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in buccal submucous lesions. However, forskolin treatment significantly decreased the protein expression of fibrotic marker genes but slightly decreased the observed histomorphological changes. Conclusions We established an ANE‐induced OSMF mouse model, which also provided a model for the development of a therapeutic treatment for OSMF. The anti‐fibrotic effects of PBM and forskolin may be useful for clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hsuan Chiang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Tsung Lee
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Oral Hygiene, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Chen
- College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ker-Kong Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Hsiung Wang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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15
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Joung C, Noh H, Jung J, Song HY, Bae H, Pahk K, Kim WK. A Novel CD147 Inhibitor, SP-8356, Attenuates Pathological Fibrosis in Alkali-Burned Rat Cornea. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2990. [PMID: 32340317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The corneal fibrotic responses to corneal damage often lead to severe corneal opacification thereby resulting in severe visual impairment or even blindness. The persistence of corneal opacity depends heavily on the activity of corneal myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are opaque and synthesize a disorganized extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus promoting opacification. Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is known to play important roles in the differentiation process from fibroblast to myofibroblast in damaged cornea and may therefore be an effective target for treatment of corneal opacity. Here, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of novel CD147 inhibiting verbenone derivative SP-8356 ((1S,5R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxystyryl)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one) on corneal fibrosis. Topical SP-8356 significantly reduced corneal haze and fibrosis in the alkali-burned cornea. In detail, SP-8356 inhibited both alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressing myofibroblast and its ECM-related products, such as matrix-metalloproteinase-9 and collagen type III and IV. Similar to SP-8356, topical corticosteroid (prednisolone acetate, PA) also reduced the ECM-related products and opacification. However, prednisolone acetate failed to decrease the population of α-SMA-positive corneal myofibroblast. In conclusion, SP-8356 is capable enough to prevent corneal haze by preventing pathological fibrosis after severe corneal damage. Therefore, SP-8356 could be a potentially promising therapeutic drug for corneal fibrosis.
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V H, Titus AS, Cowling RT, Kailasam S. Collagen receptor cross-talk determines α-smooth muscle actin-dependent collagen gene expression in angiotensin II-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19723-19739. [PMID: 31699892 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009744] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive collagen deposition by myofibroblasts during adverse cardiac remodeling leads to myocardial fibrosis that can compromise cardiac function. Unraveling the mechanisms underlying collagen gene expression in cardiac myofibroblasts is therefore an important clinical goal. The collagen receptors, discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a collagen-specific receptor tyrosine kinase, and integrin-β1, are reported to mediate tissue fibrosis. Here, we probed the role of DDR2-integrin-β1 cross-talk in the regulation of collagen α1(I) gene expression in angiotensin II (Ang II)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. Results from gene silencing/overexpression approaches, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and ChIP revealed that DDR2 acts via extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2 MAPK)-dependent transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling to activate activator protein-1 (AP-1) that in turn transcriptionally enhances the expression of collagen-binding integrin-β1 in Ang II-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts. The DDR2-integrin-β1 link was also evident in spontaneously hypertensive rats and DDR2-knockout mice. Further, DDR2 acted via integrin-β1 to regulate α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I expression in Ang II-exposed cardiac fibroblasts. Downstream of the DDR2-integrin-β1 axis, α-SMA was found to regulate collagen α1(I) gene expression via the Ca2+ channel, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 6 (TRPC6), and the profibrotic transcription factor, Yes-associated protein (YAP). This finding indicated that fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion is mechanistically coupled to collagen expression. The observation that collagen receptor cross-talk underlies α-SMA-dependent collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts expands our understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in collagen gene expression in the heart and may be relevant to cardiac fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishnan V
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum 695011, India
| | - Allen Sam Titus
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum 695011, India
| | - Randy T Cowling
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Shivakumar Kailasam
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Cardiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum 695011, India
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17
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Singh I, Juneja S, Tandon A, Jain A, Shetty DC, Sethi A. Immunoexpression of alpha smooth muscle actin correlates with serum transforming growth factor-β1 levels in oral submucous fibrosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 10:e12473. [PMID: 31631564 DOI: 10.1111/jicd.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to correlate the immunoexpression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) for myofibroblasts with the serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). METHODS A total of 100 cases of histopathologically confirmed OSMF were assessed for α-SMA expression. Clinical data, such as age, sex, mouth opening, and habit history, were obtained for each case. Serum TGF-β1 levels were recorded in 73 patients with the help of enzymelinked immunosorbent assay technique. RESULTS The staining index of α-SMA increased concomitantly with higher myofibroblast count in the increasing histopathological grades of OSMF (P ≤ .05). Serum TGF-β1 levels were highest in the intermediate grades of OSMF. Clinical parameters, such as mouth opening, cheek flexibility, and tongue protrusion, showed a direct correlation with increasing clinical grades of OSMF. CONCLUSIONS The progressive increase in myofibroblasts from early to advanced stages suggests their potential use as markers for evaluating the severity of OSMF. Additionally, as myofibroblasts are responsible for producing a variety of factors that are involved in the fibrotic processes; they could be the key link in the pathogenesis of OSMF. Interruption of their development, recruitment, or activation could provide a unique therapeutic target for future treatment options in patients with OSMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Singh
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Technology and Science Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Juneja
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Technology and Science Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ankita Tandon
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Technology and Science Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Anshi Jain
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Technology and Science Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devi Charan Shetty
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Technology and Science Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aashka Sethi
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Institute of Technology and Science Centre for Dental Studies and Research, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
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18
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Liu Z, Chalasani N, Lin J, Gawrieh S, He Y, Tseng YJ, Liu W. Integrative omics analysis identifies macrophage migration inhibitory factor signaling pathways underlying human hepatic fibrogenesis and fibrosis. J BioX Res 2019; 2:16-24. [PMID: 32953199 DOI: 10.1097/jbr.0000000000000026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic basis underlying liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. We conducted a study to identify genetic alleles and underlying pathways associated with hepatic fibrogenesis and fibrosis at the genome-wide level in 121 human livers. By accepting a liberal significance level of P<1e-4, we identified 73 and 71 candidate loci respectively affecting the variability in alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels (fibrogenesis) and total collagen content (fibrosis). The top genetic loci associated with the two markers were BAZA1 and NOL10 for α-SMA expression and FAM46A for total collagen content (P<1e-6). We further investigated the relationship between the candidate loci and the nearby gene transcription levels (cis-expression quantitative trait loci) in the same liver samples. We found that 44 candidate loci for α-SMA expression and 44 for total collagen content were also associated with the transcription of the nearby genes (P<0.05). Pathway analyses of these genes indicated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) related pathway is significantly associated with fibrogenesis and fibrosis, though different genes were enriched for each marker. The association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms, MIF and α-SMA showed that decreased MIF expression is correlated with increased α-SMA expression, suggesting that variations in MIF locus might affect the susceptibility of fibrogenesis through controlling MIF gene expression. In summary, our study identified candidate alleles and pathways underlying both fibrogenesis and fibrosis in human livers. Our bioinformatics analyses suggested MIF pathway as a strong candidate involved in liver fibrosis, thus further investigation for the role of the MIF pathway in liver fibrosis is warranted. The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Wayne State University (approval No. 201842) on May 17, 2018.
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Mansour HM, Salama AAA, Abdel-Salam RM, Ahmed NA, Yassen NN, Zaki HF. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of tadalafil in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:1308-1317. [PMID: 30398909 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a health concern that leads to organ failure mediated via production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic biomarkers. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Fibrosis was induced by administration of TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice weekly for 6 weeks. Serum transaminases activities, liver inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic biomarkers, and liver histopathology were assessed. TAA induced marked histopathological changes in liver tissues coupled with elevations in serum transaminases activities. Furthermore, hepatic content of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 beta were elevated, together with a reduction of interleukin-10 in the liver. In addition, TAA increased hepatic contents of transforming growth factor-beta, hydroxyproline, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and gene expression of collagen-1. Pretreatment with tadalafil protected against TAA-induced liver fibrosis, in a dose-dependent manner, as proved by the alleviation of inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers. The effects of tadalafil were comparable with that of silymarin, a natural antioxidant, and could be assigned to its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba M Mansour
- a Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Abeer A A Salama
- b Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania M Abdel-Salam
- c Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa A Ahmed
- a Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha N Yassen
- d Pathology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hala F Zaki
- c Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to see the usefulness of immunohistochemistry in diagnosing salivary gland tumors found in a tertiary health institution. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six formalin-fixed paraffin embedded salivary gland tumors were accessioned, and 2 μm were sectioned and processed using Streptavidin-Biotin immunoperoxidase method. Results: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ADCC) was positive to alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) while mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and oncocytic carcinoma (OCC) were all negative to it. MEC, PLGA, ADCC and the only pleomorphic adenoma (PA) were positive to Ki-67 while both SCC and OCC were negative to it. All the tumors except PA were positive to p63. Conclusion: It appears that α-SMA may be used to distinguish ADCC from MEC and PLGA, but Ki-67 cannot be used for this purpose. Furthermore, p63 cannot help in the diagnosis of ADCC, MEC or PLGA. It was concluded that immunochemistry can be used as adjunct to routine H and E stain in the diagnosis of the various salivary gland tumors.
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Alarcon-Martinez L, Yilmaz-Ozcan S, Yemisci M, Schallek J, Kılıç K, Can A, Di Polo A, Dalkara T. Capillary pericytes express α-smooth muscle actin, which requires prevention of filamentous-actin depolymerization for detection. eLife 2018; 7:e34861. [PMID: 29561727 PMCID: PMC5862523 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that capillary pericytes are contractile and play a crucial role in the regulation of microcirculation. However, failure to detect components of the contractile apparatus in capillary pericytes, most notably α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), has questioned these findings. Using strategies that allow rapid filamentous-actin (F-actin) fixation (i.e. snap freeze fixation with methanol at -20°C) or prevent F-actin depolymerization (i.e. with F-actin stabilizing agents), we demonstrate that pericytes on mouse retinal capillaries, including those in intermediate and deeper plexus, express α-SMA. Junctional pericytes were more frequently α-SMA-positive relative to pericytes on linear capillary segments. Intravitreal administration of short interfering RNA (α-SMA-siRNA) suppressed α-SMA expression preferentially in high order branch capillary pericytes, confirming the existence of a smaller pool of α-SMA in distal capillary pericytes that is quickly lost by depolymerization. We conclude that capillary pericytes do express α-SMA, which rapidly depolymerizes during tissue fixation thus evading detection by immunolabeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alarcon-Martinez
- Institute of Neurological Sciences and PsychiatryHacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de MontréalUniversité de Montréal, MontréalQuébecCanada
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversité de Montréal, MontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Sinem Yilmaz-Ozcan
- Institute of Neurological Sciences and PsychiatryHacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
| | - Muge Yemisci
- Institute of Neurological Sciences and PsychiatryHacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of Medicine, Hacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
| | - Jesse Schallek
- Center for Visual ScienceUniversity of RochesterNew YorkUnited States
- Flaum Eye InstituteUniversity of RochesterNew YorkUnited States
| | - Kıvılcım Kılıç
- Institute of Neurological Sciences and PsychiatryHacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
| | - Alp Can
- Department of Histology and EmbryologySchool of Medicine, Ankara UniversityAnkaraTurkey
| | - Adriana Di Polo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de MontréalUniversité de Montréal, MontréalQuébecCanada
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversité de Montréal, MontréalQuébecCanada
| | - Turgay Dalkara
- Institute of Neurological Sciences and PsychiatryHacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
- Department of NeurologyFaculty of Medicine, Hacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
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Varma S, Stéphenne X, Komuta M, Bouzin C, Ambroise J, Smets F, Reding R, Sokal EM. The histological quantification of alpha-smooth muscle actin predicts future graft fibrosis in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Pediatr Transplant 2017; 21. [PMID: 27774712 DOI: 10.1111/petr.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells express cytoplasmic ASMA prior to secreting collagen and consequent liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that quantifying ASMA could predict severity of future fibrosis after LT. For this, 32 pairs of protocol biopsies, that is, "baseline" and "follow-up" biopsies taken at 1- to 2-year intervals from 18 stable pediatric LT recipients, transplanted between 2006 and 2012 were selected. Morphometric quantification of "ASMA-positive area percentage" was performed on the baseline biopsy. Histological and fibrosis assessment using Metavir and LAFSc was performed on all biopsies. The difference of fibrosis severity between the "baseline" and "follow-up" was termed "prospective change in fibrosis." Significant association was seen between extent of ASMA positivity on baseline biopsy and "prospective change in fibrosis" using Metavir (P=.02), cumulative LAFSc (P=.02), and portal LAFSc (P=.01) values. ASMA-positive area percentage >1.05 predicted increased fibrosis on next biopsy with 90.0% specificity. Additionally, an association was observed between extent of ASMA positivity and concomitant ductular reaction (P=.06), but not with histological inflammation in the portal tract or lobular area. Hence, ASMA quantification can predict the future course of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharat Varma
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Pediatric Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xavier Stéphenne
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Pediatric Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mina Komuta
- Service de Anatomopathologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caroline Bouzin
- Imaging Platform (2IP), Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jerome Ambroise
- Centre for Applied Molecular Technologies (CTMA), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Françoise Smets
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Pediatric Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raymond Reding
- Unités de Chirurgie Pédiatrique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne M Sokal
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie Pédiatrique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Pediatric Research Unit, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Kakizaki Y, Makino N, Tozawa T, Honda T, Matsuda A, Ikeda Y, Ito M, Saito Y, Kimura W, Ueno Y. Stromal Fibrosis and Expression of Matricellular Proteins Correlate With Histological Grade of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm of the Pancreas. Pancreas 2016; 45:1145-52. [PMID: 26967452 DOI: 10.1097/MPA.0000000000000617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to clarify the correlation between the microenvironmental factors and histological grade in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). METHODS We investigated 65 IPMNs resected at Yamagata University Hospital between 2000 and 2011, and all cases were categorized to low-inter (including low- and intermediate-grade dysplasia) and high-inv (including high-grade dysplasia and IPMN with an associated invasive carcinoma) groups. We compared between the 2 groups pathologically with regard to fibrosis and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), periostin, and galectin-1 in the periductal stroma of IPMN. RESULTS There were 41 low-inter and 24 high-inv. The subtype was categorized as 22 main duct type (MD-IPMN) and 43 branch duct type (BD-IPMN). The degree of fibrosis and the expression of α-SMA, periostin, and galectin-1 were significantly higher in high-inv than in low-inter within BD-IPMNs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that high expression of α-SMA (odds ratio, 13.802; 95% confidence interval, 1.108-171.893; P = 0.0414) was a significant independent related factor of high-inv in BD-IPMN. CONCLUSIONS Stromal fibrosis and expression of α-SMA, periostin, and galectin-1 are more marked in high-inv than in low-inter within BD-IPMNs, and they could become new markers for determining the indications for surgery in BD-IPMN.
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24
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Abstract
Myofibroblasts are matrix-producing cells with contractile properties, usually characterized by de novo expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, that arise in fibrotic diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), known as perisinusoidal cells containing auto-fluorescent vitamin A, are the major although not exclusive source of myofibroblasts in the injured liver. Portal myofibroblasts (PMFs) have been defined as liver myofibroblasts derived from cells that are distinct from HSCs and located in the portal tract. Here, we describe the protocol we have established to obtain rat PMFs in culture. In this method, the biliary tree is (i) separated from the liver parenchyma by in situ enzymatic perfusion of the liver, (ii) minced and further digested in vitro, until bile duct segments are isolated by sequential filtration. Bile duct isolates free of HSC contaminants, form small cell clusters, which initially comprise a large majority of epithelial cells. In culture conditions (fetal bovine serum) that provide a growth advantage to mesenchymal cells over epithelial cells, the epithelial cells die and detach from the substrate, while spindle-shaped cells outgrow from the periphery of the cell clusters, as shown by video-microscopy. These cells are highly proliferative and after 4–5 days, the culture is composed exclusively of fully differentiated myofibroblasts, which express alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen 1, and secrete abundant collagen. We found no evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition, i.e., no co-expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin at any stage, while cytokeratin becomes undetectable in the confluent cells. PMFs obtained by this method express the genes that were previously reported to be overexpressed in non-HSC or portal fibroblast-derived liver myofibroblasts as compared to HSC-derived myofibroblasts, including the most discriminant, collagen 15, fibulin 2, and Thy-1. After one passage, PMFs retain the same phenotypic features as in primary culture. In conclusion, this straightforward and reproducible method of PMF culture, can be used to identify new markers of PMFs at different stages of differentiation, to compare their phenotype with those of HSC-MFs and ultimately determine their progenitors and specific functions in liver wound-healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haquima El Mourabit
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938 Paris, France
| | - Emilien Loeuillard
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938 Paris, France
| | - Sara Lemoinne
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires, Service d'HépatologieParis, France
| | - Axelle Cadoret
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938 Paris, France
| | - Chantal Housset
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, UMR_S 938Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Maladies Inflammatoires des Voies Biliaires, Service d'HépatologieParis, France
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25
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Klobukowska HJ, Munday JS. High Numbers of Stromal Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Are Associated With a Shorter Survival Time in Cats With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:1124-1130. [PMID: 26940838 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816629713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are fibroblastic cells that express α-smooth muscle actin and have been identified in the stroma of numerous epithelial tumors. The presence of CAFs within the tumor stroma has been associated with a poorer prognosis in some human cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Cats frequently develop oral SCCs, and although these are generally highly aggressive neoplasms, there is currently a lack of prognostic markers for these tumors. The authors investigated the prognostic value of the presence of CAFs within the stroma of oral SCC biopsy specimens from 47 cats. In addition, several epidemiologic, clinical, and histologic variables were also assessed for prognostic significance. A CAF-positive stroma was identified in 35 of 47 SCCs (74.5%), and the median survival time (ST) of cats with CAF-positive SCCs (35 days) was significantly shorter than that of cats with CAF-negative SCCs (48.5 days) (P = .031). ST was also associated with the location of the primary tumor (P = .0018): the median ST for oropharyngeal SCCs (179 days) was significantly longer than for maxillary (43.5 days; P = .047), mandibular (42 days; P = .022), and sublingual SCCs (22.5 days; P = .0005). The median ST of sublingual SCCs was also shorter compared with maxillary SCCs (P = .0017). Furthermore, a significant association was identified between site and the presence of stromal CAFs (P = .025). On the basis of this retrospective study, evaluating the tumor stroma for CAFs in feline oral SCC biopsy specimens may be of potential prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Klobukowska
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - J S Munday
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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26
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Cha YJ, Lim BJ, Kim BS, Kim Y, Yoo TH, Han SH, Kang SW, Choi KH, Jeong HJ. Smoking-Related Renal Histologic Injury in IgA Nephropathy Patients. Yonsei Med J 2016; 57:209-16. [PMID: 26632403 PMCID: PMC4696955 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2016.57.1.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Smoking reportedly exerts deleterious effects on renal function; however, its effects on histology have not been clarified in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). MATERIALS AND METHODS Renal histology was evaluated in a cohort of 397 patients diagnosed with IgAN according to smoking status and dose in relation to renal function. RESULTS Among the study cohort, which was predominantly male (88.5%), 52 patients (13%) were current smokers. These current smokers demonstrated more frequent hypertension and higher serum creatinine levels than non/ex-smokers at the time of diagnosis, which was apparent with increased smoking dose. The percentages of global glomerulosclerosis and arteriolar hyalinosis increased with increased smoking dose, whereas tubulointerstitial fibrosis or arterial intimal thickening did not. Glomerular mesangial alpha-smooth muscle actin expression were similar between current and non/ex-smokers matched for age, gender, hypertension, and histologic severity, although the number of glomerular CD68+ cells was significantly fewer in smokers. Initial serum creatinine level, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and global glomerulosclerosis were found to be risk factors of serum creatinine doubling in both smokers and non/ex-smokers by univariate analysis during a mean follow-up of 3.8 years. CONCLUSION In addition to dose dependent renal functional decline and hypertension, smoking contributes to renal disease progression by eliciting microvascular injury in IgAN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jin Cha
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Suk Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yonhee Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hyuk Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Wook Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu Hun Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeon Joo Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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27
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El-Ashmawy NE, El-Bahrawy HA, Shamloula MM, Ibrahim AO. Antifibrotic effect of AT-1 blocker and statin in rats with hepatic fibrosis. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2015; 42:979-987. [PMID: 26175230 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an outcome of chronic liver injury. Angiotensin II (ANG II) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Certain drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ANG II antagonists, and even statins could interfere with the renin angiotensin system and modulate its deleterious effects. This study was carried out to investigate the possible role of losartan and atorvastatin in liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by i.p. injection of 50% CCl4 twice per week for 8 weeks. The rats intoxicated with CCl4 were divided into four groups: fibrosis control; losartan group; atorvastatin group; and co-treated group. A fifth group of normal healthy rats served as a control group. The results showed that losartan and atorvastatin, either alone or in combination, significantly decreased ALT, AST, hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline levels in their groups compared to those of the fibrosis control group. A significant decrease in TGF-β was found in the losartan and co-treated groups but not in the atorvastatin group. These biochemical data were supported by liver histopathology and α-SMA. The results indicate that the combined treatment with both losartan and atorvastatin produced a greater effect than either drug alone and proved a beneficial role in inhibiting or reversing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla E El-Ashmawy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hoda A El-Bahrawy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Maha M Shamloula
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amera O Ibrahim
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Lepreux S, Desmoulière A. Human liver myofibroblasts during development and diseases with a focus on portal (myo)fibroblasts. Front Physiol 2015; 6:173. [PMID: 26157391 PMCID: PMC4477071 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are stromal cells mainly involved in tissue repair. These cells present contractile properties and play a major role in extracellular matrix deposition and remodeling. In liver, myofibroblasts are found in two critical situations. First, during fetal liver development, especially in portal tracts, myofibroblasts surround vessels and bile ducts during their maturation. After complete development of the liver, myofibroblasts disappear and are replaced in portal tracts by portal fibroblasts. Second, during liver injury, myofibroblasts re-appear principally deriving from the activation of local stromal cells such as portal fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells or can sometimes emerge by an epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. After acute injury, myofibroblasts play also a major role during liver regeneration. While myofibroblastic precursor cells are well known, the spectrum of activation and the fate of myofibroblasts during disease evolution are not fully understood. Some data are in accordance with a possible deactivation, at least partial, or a disappearance by apoptosis. Despite these shadows, liver is definitively a pertinent model showing that myofibroblasts are pivotal cells for extracellular matrix control during morphogenesis, repair and fibrous scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lepreux
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Bordeaux Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexis Desmoulière
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Limoges Limoges, France
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29
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Arellanes-Robledo J, Reyes-Gordillo K, Shah R, Domínguez-Rosales JA, Hernández-Nazara ZH, Ramirez F, Rojkind M, Lakshman MR. Fibrogenic actions of acetaldehyde are β-catenin dependent but Wingless independent: a critical role of nucleoredoxin and reactive oxygen species in human hepatic stellate cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 65:1487-1496. [PMID: 23880292 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether the fibrogenic actions of acetaldehyde, the immediate oxidation product of ethanol, are mediated via Wingless (WNT) and/or β-catenin pathways in human hepatic stellate cells (HSC). First, we show that both β-catenin small inhibitory RNA and a dominant negative-MYC expression vector markedly down-regulated the expressions of fibrogenic genes in freshly isolated HSC. We further show that acetaldehyde up-regulated platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta mRNA and protein expressions ranging from 4.0- to 7.2-fold (P<0.001). Acetaldehyde induced MYC and collagen type-1 alpha-2 mRNA and protein expressions were WNT independent because DKK1, an antagonist of the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway, completely failed to block these inductions. Acetaldehyde increased phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3B) protein by 31% (P<0.01), whereas phospho-β-catenin protein decreased by 50% (P ≤ 0.01). Significantly, in contrast to 43% (P<0.01) inhibition of β-catenin nuclear translocation in nucleoredoxin (NXN)-overexpressed HSC, acetaldehyde profoundly stimulated β-catenin nuclear translocation by 51%, (P<0.01). Acetaldehyde also increased the cellular reactive oxygen species level 2-fold (P<0.001) with a concomitant 2-fold (P<0.001) increase in 4-hydroxynonenal adducts. Conversely, there was a 44% decrease (P<0.001) in glutathione levels with a concomitant 76% (P<0.001) decrease in the level of NXN/ disheveled (DVL) complex. Based on these findings, we conclude that actions of acetaldehyde are mediated by a mechanism that inactivates NXN by releasing DVL, leading to the inactivation of GSK3B, and thereby blocks β-catenin phosphorylation and degradation. Thus, the stabilized β-catenin translocates to the nucleus where it up-regulates the fibrogenic pathway genes. This novel mechanism of action of acetaldehyde has the potential for therapeutic interventions in liver fibrosis induced by alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Karina Reyes-Gordillo
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Ruchi Shah
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - José Alfredo Domínguez-Rosales
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Institute of Chronic and Degenerative Diseases, CUCS, University of Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Zamira Helena Hernández-Nazara
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Institute of Chronic and Degenerative Diseases, CUCS, University of Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Francesco Ramirez
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, P.O. Box 1603, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marcos Rojkind
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - M Raj Lakshman
- Lipid Research Laboratory, VA Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA; Department of Medicine, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20037, USA. M.R.Lakshman'@va.gov
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Caio G, Volta U, Cerrato E, Clavenzani P, Montali N, Cogliandro R, Stanghellini V, Golzio PG, Gaita F, Farrugia G, De Giorgio R. Detection of anticonductive tissue autoantibodies in a patient with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction and sick sinus syndrome. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 25:1358-63. [PMID: 24081107 DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0b013e3283632dbc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
A 26-year-old patient was diagnosed as having chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction with manometric and histopathologic features suggestive of an intestinal myopathy. Histology was characterized by smooth muscle degeneration without inflammatory or immune cells. The severe gut dysfunction required full parenteral nutritional support. After a few months, the patient developed symptomatic tachy-brady arrhythmia episodes with syncopes. A thorough diagnostic work-up led to a diagnosis of sick sinus syndrome, which was managed by pacemaker implantation and administration of β-blockers. This led to a partial improvement in tachy-brady arrhythmia episodes. Nonetheless, the patient continued to experience sustained supraventricular tachyarrhythmia runs, poorly responsive to increasing β-blocker doses. To investigate the origin of the cardiologic impairment, the patient was tested for anticonductive tissue autoantibodies, which were positive, thus supporting a possible autoimmune origin of the dysrhythmia. Other autoantibodies were negative. On the basis of these findings, the patient was treated with high-dose steroids, which were then tapered. The patient responded to the steroid treatment and did not experience further episodes of syncope and tachyarrhythmias. The severe gut dysfunction remained unchanged. This case highlights an association between severe gut dysfunction and cardiac conductive tissue abnormalities, with autoantibodies to conductive tissue possibly causing the dysrhythmia. The severe gut and heart (likely autoimmune-mediated) dysfunction presented in this case provides a basis to further assess a link between intestinal and cardiac abnormal rhythmicity.
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Carrion B, Kong YP, Kaigler D, Putnam AJ. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhance angiogenesis via their α6β1 integrin receptor. Exp Cell Res 2013; 319:2964-76. [PMID: 24056178 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) facilitate the angiogenic response of endothelial cells (ECs) within three-dimensional (3D) matrices in vivo and in engineered tissues in vitro in part through paracrine mediators and by acting as stabilizing pericytes. However, the molecular interactions between BMSCs and nascent tubules during the process of angiogenesis are not fully understood. In this study, we have used a tractable 3D co-culture model to explore the functional role of the α6β1 integrin adhesion receptor on BMSCs in sprouting angiogenesis. We report that knockdown of the α6 integrin subunit in BMSCs significantly reduces capillary sprouting, and causes their failure to associate with the nascent vessels. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the BMSCs with attenuated α6 integrin proliferate at a significantly lower rate relative to either control cells expressing non-targeting shRNA or wild type BMSCs; however, despite adding more cells to compensate for this deficit in proliferation, deficient sprouting persists. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the α6 integrin subunit in BMSCs is important for their ability to stimulate vessel morphogenesis. This conclusion may have important implications in the optimization of cell-based strategies to promote angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Carrion
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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Langhans B, Krämer B, Louis M, Nischalke HD, Hüneburg R, Staratschek-Jox A, Odenthal M, Manekeller S, Schepke M, Kalff J, Fischer HP, Schultze JL, Spengler U. Intrahepatic IL-8 producing Foxp3⁺CD4⁺ regulatory T cells and fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis C. J Hepatol 2013; 59:229-35. [PMID: 23624000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [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: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Regulatory CD4(+) T cells (Tregs) are considered to affect outcomes of HCV infection, because they increase in number during chronic hepatitis C and can suppress T-cell functions. METHODS Using microarray analysis, in situ immunofluorescence, ELISA, and flowcytometry, we characterised functional differentiation and localisation of adaptive Tregs in patients with chronic hepatitis C. RESULTS We found substantial upregulation of IL-8 in Foxp3(+)CD4(+) Tregs from chronic hepatitis C. Activated GARP-positive IL-8(+) Tregs were particularly enriched in livers of patients with chronic hepatitis C in close proximity to areas of fibrosis and their numbers were correlated with the stage of fibrosis. Moreover, Tregs induced upregulation of profibrogenic markers TIMP1, MMP2, TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA, collagen, and CCL2 in primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSC). HSC activation, but not Treg suppressor function, was blocked by adding a neutralizing IL-8 antibody. CONCLUSIONS Our studies identified Foxp3(+)CD4(+) Tregs as an additional intrahepatic source of IL-8 in chronic hepatitis C acting on HSC. Thus, Foxp3(+)CD4(+) Tregs in chronic hepatitis C have acquired differentiation as regulators of fibrogenesis in addition to suppressing local immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Langhans
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Jung KJ, Jang HS, Kim JI, Han SJ, Park JW, Park KM. Involvement of hydrogen sulfide and homocysteine transsulfuration pathway in the progression of kidney fibrosis after ureteral obstruction. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1989-97. [PMID: 23846016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in the transsulfuration pathway of homocysteine plays a number of pathophysiological roles. Hyperhomocysteinemia is involved in kidney fibrosis. However, the role of H2S in kidney fibrosis remains to be defined. Here, we investigated the role of H2S and its acting mechanism in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UO)-induced kidney fibrosis in mice. UO decreased expressions of CBS and CSE in the kidney with decrease of H2S concentration. Treatment with sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS, a H2S producer) during UO reduced UO-induced oxidative stress with preservations of catalase, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression, and glutathione level. In addition, NaHS mitigated decreases of CBS and CSE expressions, and H2S concentration in the kidney. NaHS treatment attenuated UO-induced increases in levels of TGF-β1, activated Smad3, and activated NF-κB. This study provided the first evidence of involvement of the transsulfuration pathway and H2S in UO-induced kidney fibrosis, suggesting that H2S and its transsulfuration pathway may be a potential target for development of therapeutics for fibrosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyong-Jin Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu 700-422, Republic of Korea
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Yao Q, Lin Y, Li X, Shen X, Wang J, Tu C. Curcumin ameliorates intrahepatic angiogenesis and capillarization of the sinusoids in carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrosis. Toxicol Lett 2013; 222:72-82. [PMID: 23845850 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2013.06.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Neoangiogenesis and the development of an abnormal angio-architecture in the liver are strongly linked with progressive fibrogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of curcumin to protect liver fibrosis-associated angiogenesis and capillarization of the sinusoids in experimental rats. Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) with or without curcumin for 6 weeks. The results suggest that curcumin treatment markedly attenuated CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, as assessed by histology and hydroxyproline content, and inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation. Curcumin ameliorated hepatic angiogenesis, as assessed by measuring microvessel density using Von Willebrand factor staining and by examining the expression of the endothelial cell markers CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 in the livers. Pathologic remodeling of liver sinusoidal capillarization, as assessed by electron-microscopic analysis of Disse's space and by evaluation of the levels of basement membrane protein expression, was also attenuated by curcumin administration. The intrahepatic gene or protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, VEGFR-1, placental growth factor, and cyclooxygenase-2 decreased with treatment with curcumin in fibrotic rats. In conclusion, curcumin ameliorates hepatic angiogenesis and sinusoidal capillarization in CCl₄-induced rat liver fibrosis through suppressing multiple proangiogenic factors.
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Faust I, Roch C, Kuhn J, Prante C, Knabbe C, Hendig D. Human xylosyltransferase-I - a new marker for myofibroblast differentiation in skin fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 436:449-54. [PMID: 23747722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.05.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is a severe type of fibrotic disorder emerging in terms of hypertrophic scars or systemic sclerosis. Key event of fibrogenesis is the transition of fibroblasts to matrix-producing myofibroblasts. In the presence of fibrotic triggers, for instance secretion of profibrotic growth factors like transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) or mechanical strain, myofibroblasts persist. Current research focuses on discovering innovative myofibroblast biomarkers which are regulated in fibrotic development and accessible for antifibrotic inhibition. Here, we consider the suitability of xylosyltransferase-I (XT-I) as a myofibroblast biomarker in skin fibrosis. XT-I catalyzes the initial step of glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. Its increase in enzymatic activity is known to refer only to manifested diseases which are characterized by an abnormal rate of proteoglycan biosynthesis. In this study, treatment of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) with TGF-β1 was followed by increased relative XYLT1 mRNA expression. Remarkably, this upregulation was strongly dependent on myofibroblast content, increasing during fibrogenesis. Moreover, XT activity increased time-dependently in response to progressive myofibroblast transformation. XYLT1 expression was inhibited by TGF-β receptor I (ALK5) inhibitor SB431542. In contrast, XYLT2 expression was only marginally affected by TGF-β1 as well as ALK5 inhibition. Our results strengthen the significance of XT expression and activity in fibrotic remodeling. Therefore, we propose XT activity, in addition to α-SMA expression, as a new biomarker for myofibroblast differentiation and fibrotic development. Further studies are now needed to evaluate the option to control and inhibit fibrotic remodeling by interfering with XT expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Faust
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Karagiannis GS, Berk A, Dimitromanolakis A, Diamandis EP. Enrichment map profiling of the cancer invasion front suggests regulation of colorectal cancer progression by the bone morphogenetic protein antagonist, gremlin-1. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:826-39. [PMID: 23659962 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer invasion front (CIF), a spatially-recognized area due to the frequent presence of peritumoral desmoplastic reaction, represents a cancer site where many hallmarks of cancer metastasis occur. It is now strongly suggested that the desmoplastic microenvironment holds crucial information for determining tumor development and progression. Despite extensive research on tumor-host cell interactions at CIFs, the exact paracrine molecular network that is hardwired into the proteome of the stromal and cancer subpopulations remains partially understood. Here, we interrogated the signaling pathways and the molecular functional signatures across the proteome of a desmoplastic coculture model system of colorectal cancer progression. We discovered a group of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists that coordinates major biological programs in CIFs, including cell proliferation, invasion, migration and differentiation processes. Using a mathematical model of cancer cell progression, coupled to in vitro cell migration assays, we demonstrated that the prominent BMP antagonist gremlin-1 (GREM1) may trigger motility of cancer cell cohorts. Our data collectively demonstrate that the desmoplastic CIFs deploy a microenvironmental signature, based on BMP antagonism, in order to regulate the motogenic fates of cancer cell cohorts invading the adjacent stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Karagiannis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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van Nieuwenhoven FA, Hemmings KE, Porter KE, Turner NA. Combined effects of interleukin-1α and transforming growth factor-β1 on modulation of human cardiac fibroblast function. Matrix Biol 2013; 32:399-406. [PMID: 23583823 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2013.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During cardiac remodeling, cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are influenced by increased levels of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1). The present study investigated the interaction between these two important cytokines on function of human CF and their differentiation to myofibroblasts (CMF). CF were isolated from human atrial appendage and exposed to IL-1α and/or TGFβ1 (both 0.1 ng/ml). mRNA expression levels of selected genes were determined after 6-24h by real-time RT-PCR, while protein levels were analyzed at 24-48 h by ELISA or western blot. Activation of canonical signaling pathways (NFκB, Smad3, p38 MAPK) was determined by western blotting. Differentiation to CMF was examined by collagen gel contraction assays. Exposure of CF to IL-1α alone enhanced levels of IL-6, IL-8, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) and collagen III (COL3A1), but reduced the CMF markers α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2). By contrast, TGFβ1 alone had minor effects on IL-6, IL-8 and MMP3 levels, but significantly increased levels of the CMF markers αSMA, CTGF, COL1A1 and COL3A1. Co-stimulation with both IL-1α and TGFβ1 increased MMP3 expression synergistically. Furthermore, while TGFβ1 had no effect on IL-1α-induced IL-6 or IL-8 levels, co-stimulation inhibited the TGFβ1-induced increase in αSMA and blocked the gel contraction caused by TGFβ1. Combining IL-1α and TGFβ1 had no apparent effect on their canonical signaling pathways. In conclusion, IL-1α and TGFβ1 act synergistically to stimulate MMP3 expression in CF. Moreover, IL-1α has a dominant inhibitory effect on the phenotypic switch of CF to CMF induced by TGFβ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frans A van Nieuwenhoven
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Novakovic ZS, Durdov MG, Puljak L, Saraga M, Ljutic D, Filipovic T, Pastar Z, Bendic A, Vukojevic K. The interstitial expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in glomerulonephritis is associated with renal function. Med Sci Monit 2012; 18:CR235-40. [PMID: 22460095 PMCID: PMC3560831 DOI: 10.12659/msm.882623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a healthy kidney, contractile protein alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) is immunohistochemically strongly expressed only in the blood vessels, while in pathological conditions it can be visualized in glomerular mesangial cells and interstitial myofibroblasts. The aim of this study was to explore the possible correlation between expression of ASMA in glomerulonephritis (GN) and indicators of renal function. MATERIAL/METHODS We analyzed expression of ASMA in percutaneous renal biopsy of 142 adult and pediatric patients with GN and its correlation with blood pressure, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance and 24-hour urine protein at the time of biopsy. Immunoexpression of ASMA was analyzed quantitatively using computer-assisted morphometric analysis. Relative surface of ASMA expression in all glomeruli and interstitium was calculated for each patient. RESULTS In adults and children, greater expression of ASMA in interstitium was associated with higher serum creatinine and reduced creatinine clearance. Conversely, greater ASMA expression in glomeruli was associated with normal or decreased serum creatinine in adults and increased creatinine clearance in children. In children, correlation was found between high blood pressure and ASMA expression in interstitium. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed that interstitial expression of ASMA is associated with reduced renal function at time of biopsy. The connection of ASMA expression in glomeruli with lower serum creatinine and normal or increased creatinine clearance suggests a favorable role of this phenotypic change in glomerular filtration rate; further investigation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Split, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Livia Puljak
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Marijan Saraga
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Split, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Dragan Ljutic
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Split, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Filipovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Split, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
| | | | - Antonia Bendic
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Split, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine in Split, Split, Croatia
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Meng Y, Han X, Huang L, Bai D, Yu H, He Y, Jing Y. Orthodontic mechanical tension effects on the myofibroblast expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. Angle Orthod 2010; 80:912-918. [PMID: 20578863 PMCID: PMC8939032 DOI: 10.2319/101609-578.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect myofibroblast formation on the tension side during orthodontic tooth movement in vivo and myofibroblast expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) induced by tension both in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty 6-week male rats were used in this in vivo study, and the right maxillary first molar was moved mesially, which served as the experimental group, and the left maxillary first molar served as the control. Rats were sacrificed at days 0, 3, 5, 7, and 14 after force loading. Myofibroblasts, identified with alpha-SMA, were examined through immunohistochemistry. For the in vitro study, human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts were obtained. Cyclic mechanical tension was applied to the fibroblasts for 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 hours. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect the ultrastructure of myofibroblasts. alpha-SMA mRNA gene expression was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The expression of alpha-SMA was detected by immunofluorescence and quantified by Western blotting. RESULTS In vivo, the myofibroblasts expressing alpha-SMA were identified both in the experimental group and in the control group. The expressions of alpha-SMA were increased in the tension areas of the experimental group over time, and reached the maximum in day 14. In vitro, fibronexus junctions and actin microfilaments in the cells could be found with transmission electron microscopy. Cyclic mechanical tension could significantly induce alpha-SMA expression at 12 hours (P < .01) than the controls. CONCLUSIONS Myofibroblasts existed in the PDL. The expressions of alpha-SMA in the myofibroblasts were significantly up regulated under tension both in vivo and in vitro.
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Velayudham A, Dolganiuc A, Ellis M, Petrasek J, Kodys K, Mandrekar P, Szabo G. VSL#3 probiotic treatment attenuates fibrosis without changes in steatohepatitis in a diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model in mice. Hepatology 2009; 49:989-97. [PMID: 19115316 PMCID: PMC3756672 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the United States. NASH features the metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and fibrosis. Probiotics exhibit immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activity. We tested the hypothesis that probiotic VSL#3 may ameliorate the methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced mouse model of NASH. MCD diet resulted in NASH in C57BL/6 mice compared to methionine-choline-supplemented (MCS) diet feeding evidenced by liver steatosis, increased triglycerides, inflammatory cell accumulation, increased tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, and fibrosis. VSL#3 failed to prevent MCD-induced liver steatosis or inflammation. MCD diet, even in the presence of VSL#3, induced up-regulation of serum endotoxin and expression of the Toll-like receptor 4 signaling components, including CD14 and MD2, MyD88 adaptor, and nuclear factor kappaB activation. In contrast, VSL#3 treatment ameliorated MCD diet-induced liver fibrosis resulting in diminished accumulation of collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin. We identified increased expression of liver peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and decreased expression of procollagen and matrix metalloproteinases in mice fed MCD+VSL#3 compared to MCD diet alone. MCD diet triggered up-regulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), a known profibrotic agent. In the presence of VSL#3, the MCD diet-induced expression of TGFbeta was maintained; however, the expression of Bambi, a TGFbeta pseudoreceptor with negative regulatory function, was increased. In summary, our data indicate that VSL#3 modulates liver fibrosis but does not protect from inflammation and steatosis in NASH. The mechanisms of VSL#3-mediated protection from MCD diet-induced liver fibrosis likely include modulation of collagen expression and impaired TGFbeta signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arumugam Velayudham
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605-2324, USA
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