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Solitano V, Jairath V, Ungaro F, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Danese S. TL1A inhibition for inflammatory bowel disease treatment: From inflammation to fibrosis. Med 2024; 5:386-400. [PMID: 38574740 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.03.010] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The pivotal role of TL1A in modulating immune pathways crucial for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal fibrosis offers a promising therapeutic target. Phase 2 trials (TUSCANY and ARTEMIS-UC) evaluating an anti-TL1A antibody show progress in expanding IBD therapeutic options. First-in-human data reveal reduced expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis post-anti-TL1A treatment. Investigational drug TEV-48574, potentially exerting dual antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, is undergoing a phase 2 basket study in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD). Results are eagerly awaited, marking advancements in IBD therapeutics. This critical review comprehensively examines the existing literature, illuminating TL1A and the intricate role of DR3 in IBD, emphasizing the evolving therapeutic landscape and ongoing clinical trials, with potential implications for more effective IBD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solitano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Vipul Jairath
- Division of Gastroenterology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Federica Ungaro
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Disease, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Inserm NGERE U1256, University Hospital of Nancy, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Department of Gastroenterology, Nancy University Hospital, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; INFINY Institute, Nancy University Hospital, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; FHU-CURE, Nancy University Hospital, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Groupe Hospitalier privé Ambroise Paré - Hartmann, Paris IBD Center, Neuilly sur Seine, France; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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Cicchinelli S, Gemma S, Pignataro G, Piccioni A, Ojetti V, Gasbarrini A, Franceschi F, Candelli M. Intestinal Fibrogenesis in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Exploring the Potential Role of Gut Microbiota Metabolites as Modulators. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:490. [PMID: 38675450 PMCID: PMC11053610 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, sustained by the transformation of intestinal epithelial cells into fibroblasts (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EMT), has been extensively studied in recent decades, with the molecular basis well-documented in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, the factors influencing these pathways remain unclear. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in health and disease has garnered significant attention. Evidence suggests that an imbalanced or dysregulated microbiota, along with environmental and genetic factors, may contribute to the development of IBDs. Notably, microbes produce various metabolites that interact with host receptors and associated signaling pathways, influencing physiological and pathological changes. This review aims to present recent evidence highlighting the emerging role of the most studied metabolites as potential modulators of molecular pathways implicated in intestinal fibrosis and EMT in IBDs. These studies provide a deeper understanding of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis, elucidating the molecular basis of the microbiota role in IBDs, paving the way for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cicchinelli
- Department of Emergency, S.S. Filippo e Nicola Hospital, 67051 Avezzano, Italy;
| | - Stefania Gemma
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Pignataro
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Ojetti
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Franceschi
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Candelli
- Department of Emergency, Anesthesiological and Reanimation Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Liu J, Xu L, Wang L, Wang Q, Yu L, Zhang S. Naringin Alleviates Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting ER Stress-Induced PAR2 Activation. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024:izae071. [PMID: 38557865 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis characterized by intestinal strictures is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), without specific antifibrotic drugs, which usually relies on surgical intervention. The transcription factor XBP1, a key component of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, is required for degranulation of mast cells and linked to PAR2 activation and fibrosis. Many studies have confirmed that naringin (NAR) can inhibit ER stress and reduce organ fibrosis. We hypothesized that ER stress activated the PAR2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process by stimulating mast cell degranulation to release tryptase and led to intestinal fibrosis in CD patients; NAR might play an antifibrotic role by inhibiting ER stress-induced PAR2 activation. We report that the expression levels of XBP1, mast cell tryptase, and PAR2 are upregulated in fibrotic strictures of CD patients. Molecular docking simulates the interaction of NAR and spliced XBP1. ER stress stimulates degranulation of mast cells to secrete tryptase, activates PAR2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and promotes intestinal fibrosis in vitro and vivo experiments, which is inhibited by NAR. Moreover, F2rl1 (the coding gene of PAR2) deletion in intestinal epithelial cells decreases the antifibrotic effect of NAR. Hence, the ER stress-mast cell tryptase-PAR2 axis can promote intestinal fibrosis, and NAR administration can alleviate intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting ER stress-induced PAR2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinguo Liu
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Surgery, Huangshi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Hubei Chinese Medical University, Huangshi, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Yu
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Vieujean S, Gillard R, Delanaye P, Seidel L, Bequet E, Salée C, Meuwis MA, Massot C, Pierre N, Meunier P, Cavalier E, Louis E. Matrix gla protein, a potential marker of tissue remodelling and physiological ageing of the gut in crohn's disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:296-303. [PMID: 38411457 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2286913] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inactive dephosphorylated and uncarboxylated form of the matrix Gla protein (dp-ucMGP) has been shown to be increased in plasma of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Our aim was to assess if the plasmatic level of dp-ucMGP could reflect disease endoscopic activity, presence of strictures and cumulative structural bowel damage in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. METHODS The plasmatic level of dp-ucMGP was measured in a monocentric cohort of prospectively recruited patients. The analysis was done by chemiluminescent immunoassay on blood samples collected the day of a planned ileocolonoscopy. In addition to classical clinical data (gender, age, body mass index (BMI), disease duration, current treatment), endoscopic data (disease location, Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS), mucosal healing (MH), presence of 9 CD lesion types) and biological markers (faecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were collected. The association between dp-ucMGP level and Lémann index was also investigated. Univariate linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between dp-ucMGP level and different parameters collected. RESULTS A total of 82 ileocolonoscopies and dp-ucMGP assays were performed in 75 CD patients (45 females; 37 ileocolonic, 19 ileal and 19 colonic diseases) between October 2012 and November 2019. A total of 24 patients (29.3%) showed MH. The dp-ucMGP levels were not associated with MH, CDEIS, faecal calprotectin or CRP levels. Plasmatic dp-ucMGP levels increased significantly with age (p = 0.0032), disease duration (p = 0.0033), corticosteroids use (p = 0.019) and tended to increase in patients with intestinal strictures (p = 0.086) but not with the Lémann index. CONCLUSION The significant increase of plasmatic dp-ucMGP levels with age, disease duration and the trend observed in patients with non-ulcerated strictures may suggest that this extracellular matrix protein could be a marker of tissue remodelling and physiological ageing of the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Vieujean
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Romain Gillard
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Pierre Delanaye
- Department of Dialysis-Nephrology-Transplantation, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurence Seidel
- Biostatistics and Medico-economic Information Department, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Emeline Bequet
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Citadelle Hospital and University Hospital of Liège & University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Catherine Salée
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Alice Meuwis
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Massot
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Pierre
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul Meunier
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Etienne Cavalier
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Edouard Louis
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Laboratory of Translational Gastroenterology, GIGA-Institute, Liège University, Liège, Belgium
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Shakibfar S, Allin KH, Jess T, Barbieri MA, Battini V, Simoncic E, Kirchgesner J, Ulven T, Sessa M. Drug Repurposing in Crohn's Disease Using Danish Real-World Data. Pragmat Obs Res 2024; 15:17-29. [PMID: 38404739 PMCID: PMC10894518 DOI: 10.2147/por.s444569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Drug repurposing, utilizing electronic healthcare records (EHRs), offers a promising alternative by repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic indications, especially for patients lacking effective therapies. Intestinal fibrosis, a severe complication of Crohn's disease (CD), poses significant challenges, increasing morbidity and mortality without available pharmacological treatments. This article focuses on identifying medications associated with an elevated or reduced risk of fibrosis in CD patients through a population-wide real-world data and artificial intelligence (AI) approach. Methods Patients aged 65 or older with a diagnosis of CD from 1996 to 2019 in the Danish EHRs were followed for up to 24 years. The primary outcome was the need of specific surgical procedures, namely proctocolectomy with ileostomy and ileocecal resection as proxies of intestinal fibrosis. The study explored drugs linked to an increased or reduced risk of the study outcome through machine-learning driven survival analysis. Results Among the 9179 CD patients, 1029 (11.2%) underwent surgery, primarily men (58.5%), with a mean age of 76 years, 10 drugs were linked to an elevated risk of surgery for proctocolectomy with ileostomy and ileocecal resection. In contrast, 10 drugs were associated with a reduced risk of undergoing surgery for these conditions. Conclusion This study focuses on repurposing existing drugs to prevent surgery related to intestinal fibrosis in CD patients, using Danish EHRs and advanced statistical methods. The findings offer valuable insights into potential treatments for this condition, addressing a critical unmet medical need. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the effectiveness of these repurposed drugs in preventing surgery related to intestinal fibrosis in CD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Shakibfar
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristine H Allin
- Center for Molecular Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PREDICT), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine Jess
- Center for Molecular Prediction of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (PREDICT), Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Antonietta Barbieri
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vera Battini
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Pharmacovigilance & Clinical Research, International Centre for Pesticides and Health Risk Prevention, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (DIBIC), ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Simoncic
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julien Kirchgesner
- Department of Gastroenterology, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’Epidémiologie Et de Santé Publique, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Trond Ulven
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maurizio Sessa
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wen Y, Wang H, Tian D, Wang G. TH17 cell: a double-edged sword in the development of inflammatory bowel disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2024; 17:17562848241230896. [PMID: 38390028 PMCID: PMC10883129 DOI: 10.1177/17562848241230896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic nonspecific inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, and its pathogenesis has not been fully understood. Extensive dysregulation of the intestinal mucosal immune system is critical in the development and progression of IBD. T helper (Th) 17 cells have the characteristics of plasticity. They can transdifferentiate into subpopulations with different functions in response to different factors in the surrounding environment, thus taking on different roles in regulating the intestinal immune responses. In this review, we will focus on the plasticity of Th17 cells as well as the function of Th17 cells and their related cytokines in IBD. We will summarize their pathogenic and protective roles in IBD under different conditions, respectively, hoping to further deepen the understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying IBD and provide insights for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dean Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Ge Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
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Wang J, Bai M, Zhang C, An N, Wan L, Wang XN, Du RH, Shen Y, Yuan ZY, Wu XD, Wu XF, Xu Q. Natural compound fraxinellone ameliorates intestinal fibrosis in mice via direct intervention of HSP47-collagen interaction in the epithelium. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2469-2478. [PMID: 37580493 PMCID: PMC10692176 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01143-1] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease. There is still a lack of effective drugs for the prevention or treatment of intestinal fibrosis. Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) plays a key role in the development of intestinal fibrosis. In this study we investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of fraxinellone, a degraded limonoid isolated from the root bark of Dictamnus dasycarpus, in the treatment of intestinal fibrosis. Intestinal fibrosis was induced in mice by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment. DDS-treated mice were administered fraxinellone (7.5, 15, 30 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 45 days. We showed that fraxinellone administration dose-dependently alleviated DSS-induced intestinal impairments, and reduced the production of intestinal fibrosis biomarkers such as α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen I, hydroxyproline, fibronectin and laminin, and cytokines such as TGF-β, TNF-α and IL-β. We then established in vitro intestinal fibrosis cell models in SW480 and HT-29 cells, and demonstrated that treatment with fraxinellone (3, 10, 30 μM) significantly relieved TGF-β-induced fibrosis responses by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Molecular docking suggested that the fraxinellone might disrupt the interaction between HSP47 and collagen, which was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. SPR analysis showed that fraxinellone had a high affinity for HSP47 with a Kd value of 3.542 × 10-5 M. This study provides a new example of HSP47-collagen intervention by a natural compound and has important implications for the clinical treatment of inflammation-induced issue fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Mei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Cui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Ning An
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Li Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Rong-Hui Du
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Zhi-Yao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
- Department of Periodontology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China
| | - Xu-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Xue-Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
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Li X, Yu M, Zhao Q, Yu Y. Prospective therapeutics for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10579. [PMID: 38023697 PMCID: PMC10658571 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective therapies for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis representing a considerable unmet need. Breakthroughs in pathogenesis have accelerated the development of anti-fibrotic therapeutics in recent years. Particularly, with the development of nanotechnology, the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and inaccessible microenvironment of fibrotic lesions seem to be no longer considered a great barrier to the use of anti-fibrotic drugs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent preclinical and clinical studies on intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. It is found that the targets for preclinical studies on intestinal fibrosis is varied, which could be divided into molecular, cellular, and tissues level, although little clinical trials are ongoing. Liver fibrosis clinical trials have focused on improving metabolic disorders, preventing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, promoting the degradation of collagen, and reducing inflammation and cell death. At the preclinical stage, the therapeutic strategies have focused on drug targets and delivery systems. At last, promising remedies to the current challenges are based on multi-modal synergistic and targeted delivery therapies through mesenchymal stem cells, nanotechnology, and gut-liver axis providing useful insights into anti-fibrotic strategies for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineYiwuChina
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
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Wang Y, Zhang M, Jiang L, Gong Y, Liu K, Zhang T. Alterations of gut microbiota in a mouse model with partial small intestinal obstruction. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1242650. [PMID: 37840748 PMCID: PMC10568644 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1242650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Changes in the gut microbiota of patients with partial small intestinal obstruction (PSIO) have not been widely clarified. We aimed to explore bacterial diversity in a PSIO mouse model. Methods A PSIO mouse model was established using male C57BL/6 mice, and feces samples from the distal ileum and ileum epithelium tissues were collected. MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted to characterize microbiota diversity and composition. RNA sequencing for differences in transcriptomic programming of the ileum tissue was performed between the PSIO and (Control) Ctrl groups. Results Bacterial diversity in the PSIO group was significantly lower than that in the controls. Pseudomonadota was predominant in the feces of the PSIO group. Unclassified_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.008) and Akkermansia (p = 0.007) were more abundant in the Ctrl group than those in the PSIO group. Furthermore, Escherichia_Shigella (p = 0.008) was more predominant in the feces of the PSIO group. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to metabolism were depleted in the PSIO group. Pathways associated with intestinal fibrosis, including extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling pathway, which were enriched in ileum epithelial tissue in the PSIO group. Conclusion PSIO can lead to changes in the predominant intestinal bacterial groups. Depleted functional profiles of the gut microbiota were identified in the PSIO group. Functional pathways associated with intestinal fibrosis were activated by PSIO. The potential regulation by the microbiota needs to be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minzhong Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Gong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Macias-Ceja DC, Mendoza-Ballesteros MT, Ortega-Albiach M, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D. Role of the epithelial barrier in intestinal fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease: relevance of the epithelial-to mesenchymal transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258843. [PMID: 37822869 PMCID: PMC10562728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to tissue damage and remodelling, which can ultimately result in fibrosis. Prolonged injury and inflammation can trigger the activation of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. As fibrosis progresses, the tissue becomes increasingly stiff and less functional, which can lead to complications such as intestinal strictures, obstructive symptoms, and eventually, organ dysfunction. Epithelial cells play a key role in fibrosis, as they secrete cytokines and growth factors that promote fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Additionally, epithelial cells can undergo a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in which they acquire a more mesenchymal-like phenotype and contribute directly to fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Overall, the interactions between epithelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts play a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in IBD. Understanding these complex interactions may provide new targets for therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat fibrosis in IBD. In this review, we have collected and discussed the recent literature highlighting the contribution of epithelial cells to the pathogenesis of the fibrotic complications of IBD, including evidence of EMT, the epigenetic control of the EMT, the potential influence of the intestinal microbiome in EMT, and the possible therapeutic strategies to target EMT. Finally we discuss the pro-fibrotic interactions epithelial-immune cells and epithelial-fibroblasts cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C. Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - M. Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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11
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Yu S, Kalinin AA, Paraskevopoulou MD, Maruggi M, Cheng J, Tang J, Icke I, Luo Y, Wei Q, Scheibe D, Hunter J, Singh S, Nguyen D, Carpenter AE, Horman SR. Integrating inflammatory biomarker analysis and artificial-intelligence-enabled image-based profiling to identify drug targets for intestinal fibrosis. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1169-1182.e8. [PMID: 37437569 PMCID: PMC10529501 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis, often caused by inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to intestinal stenosis and obstruction, but there are no approved treatments. Drug discovery has been hindered by the lack of screenable cellular phenotypes. To address this, we used a scalable image-based morphology assay called Cell Painting, augmented with machine learning algorithms, to identify small molecules that could reverse the activated fibrotic phenotype of intestinal myofibroblasts. We then conducted a high-throughput small molecule chemogenomics screen of approximately 5,000 compounds with known targets or mechanisms, which have achieved clinical stage or approval by the FDA. By integrating morphological analyses and AI using pathologically relevant cells and disease-relevant stimuli, we identified several compounds and target classes that are potentially able to treat intestinal fibrosis. This phenotypic screening platform offers significant improvements over conventional methods for identifying a wide range of drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Yu
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
| | | | | | - Marco Maruggi
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Jie Cheng
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jie Tang
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Ilknur Icke
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yi Luo
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Qun Wei
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Dan Scheibe
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Joel Hunter
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Shantanu Singh
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Deborah Nguyen
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Shane R Horman
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
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12
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Lis-López L, Bauset C, Seco-Cervera M, Macias-Ceja D, Navarro F, Álvarez Á, Esplugues JV, Calatayud S, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D, Cosín-Roger J. P2X7 Receptor Regulates Collagen Expression in Human Intestinal Fibroblasts: Relevance in Intestinal Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12936. [PMID: 37629116 PMCID: PMC10454509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612936] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication that affects more than 50% of Crohn´s Disease (CD) patients. There is no pharmacological treatment against this complication, with surgery being the only option. Due to the unknown role of P2X7 in intestinal fibrosis, we aim to analyze the relevance of this receptor in CD complications. Surgical resections from CD and non-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients were obtained. Intestinal fibrosis was induced with two different murine models: heterotopic transplant model and chronic-DSS colitis in wild-type and P2X7-/- mice. Human small intestine fibroblasts (HSIFs) were transfected with an siRNA against P2X7 and treated with TGF-β. A gene and protein expression of P2X7 receptor was significantly increased in CD compared to non-IBD patients. The lack of P2X7 in mice provoked an enhanced collagen deposition and increased expression of several profibrotic markers in both murine models of intestinal fibrosis. Furthermore, P2X7-/- mice exhibited a higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines and a lower expression of M2 macrophage markers. Moreover, the transient silencing of the P2X7 receptor in HSIFs significantly induced the expression of Col1a1 and potentiated the expression of Col4 and Col5a1 after TGF-β treatment. P2X7 regulates collagen expression in human intestinal fibroblasts, while the lack of this receptor aggravates intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluis Lis-López
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Cristina Bauset
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Marta Seco-Cervera
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica), Hospital Dr. Peset, 46017 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Dulce Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Francisco Navarro
- Servicio Cirugía y Coloproctología, Hospital de Manises, 46940 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ángeles Álvarez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Vicente Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Calatayud
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Jesús Cosín-Roger
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Rhee KH, Yang SA, Pyo MC, Lim JM, Lee KW. MiR-155-5p Elevated by Ochratoxin A Induces Intestinal Fibrosis and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition through TGF-β Regulated Signaling Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:473. [PMID: 37505742 PMCID: PMC10467050 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15070473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that induces fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in kidneys and livers. It enters our bodies through food consumption, where it is absorbed in the intestines. However, the impact of OTA on the intestines is yet to be studied. MicroRNA (miRNAs) are small non-coding single-stranded RNAs that block the transcription of specific mRNAs and are, therefore, involved in many biochemical processes. Our findings indicate that OTA can induce EMT and intestinal fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro. This study examines the impact of OTA on intestinal toxicity and the role of miRNAs in this process. Following OTA treatment, miR-155-5p was the most elevated miRNA by next-generation sequencing. Our research showed that OTA increased miR-155-5p levels through transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), leading to the development of intestinal fibrosis and EMT. Additionally, the study identified that the modulation of TGF-β and miR-155-5p by OTA is linked to the inhibition of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and Smad2/3 accumulation in the progression of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kwang-Won Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (K.H.R.); (S.A.Y.); (M.C.P.); (J.-M.L.)
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14
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Macias-Ceja DC, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D. Autophagy in intestinal fibrosis: relevance in inflammatory bowel disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1170436. [PMID: 37397491 PMCID: PMC10307973 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1170436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is often associated with fibrotic disorders in which an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix is a hallmark. Long-term fibrosis starts with tissue hypofunction and finally ends in organ failure. Intestinal fibrosis is not an exception, and it is a frequent complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Several studies have confirmed the link between deregulated autophagy and fibrosis and the presence of common prognostic markers; indeed, both up- and downregulation of autophagy are presumed to be implicated in the progression of fibrosis. A better knowledge of the role of autophagy in fibrosis may lead to it becoming a potential target of antifibrotic therapy. In this review we explore novel advances in the field that highlight the relevance of autophagy in fibrosis, and give special focus to fibrosis in IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C. Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María D. Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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15
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Peng S, Shen L, Yu X, Zhang L, Xu K, Xia Y, Zha L, Wu J, Luo H. The role of Nrf2 in the pathogenesis and treatment of ulcerative colitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200111. [PMID: 37359553 PMCID: PMC10285877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease involving mainly the colorectal mucosa and submucosa, the incidence of which has been on the rise in recent years. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), known for its key function as a transcription factor, is pivotal in inducing antioxidant stress and regulating inflammatory responses. Numerous investigations have demonstrated the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in maintaining the development and normal function of the intestine, the development of UC, and UC-related intestinal fibrosis and carcinogenesis; meanwhile, therapeutic agents targeting the Nrf2 pathway have been widely investigated. This paper reviews the research progress of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Lanlan Zha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Hesheng Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Wuhan, China
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16
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Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Sokal A, Ferenc K, Motyka E, Helma K, Filip R. The Role of Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation in Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Descending Process or a Programmed Consequence? Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1167. [PMID: 37372347 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a group of chronic diseases characterized by recurring periods of exacerbation and remission. Fibrosis of the intestine is one of the most common complications of IBD. Based on current analyses, it is evident that genetic factors and mechanisms, as well as epigenetic factors, play a role in the induction and progression of intestinal fibrosis in IBD. Key genetic factors and mechanisms that appear to be significant include NOD2, TGF-β, TLRs, Il23R, and ATG16L1. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, histone modification, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference are the primary epigenetic mechanisms. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, which seem to be important in the pathophysiology and progression of IBD, may potentially be used in targeted therapy in the future. Therefore, the aim of this study was to gather and discuss selected mechanisms and genetic factors, as well as epigenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aneta Sokal
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ferenc
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Motyka
- Centre for Innovative Research in Medical and Natural Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Kacper Helma
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Rafał Filip
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterology with IBD, Clinical Hospital No. 2 im. Św. Jadwigi Królowej, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland
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17
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Pehrsson M, Alexdóttir MS, Karsdal MA, Thakker P, Mortensen JH. Novel fibro-inflammatory biomarkers associated with disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37165883 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2212158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex disease, and assessing activity is challenging due to pathobiologic process e.g. ECM remodeling, mucosal damage, and intestinal fibrosis, which greatly limits current disease activity assessments through e.g. endoscopy and imaging techniques. AREAS COVERED The review highlights the importance of novel biomarkers reflecting ECM remodeling and immune cell activity that accurately reflect CD activity and progression. Such biomarkers could include collagen formation and degradation fragments and a serum fragment of calprotectin, reflecting neutrophil activity. A new concept, fibro-inflammation, is also introduced in the review, in which all aspects of mucosal damage, such as inflammation, mucosal damage, tissue remodeling, intestinal fibrosis, and fibrosis resolution, should be assessed. Pubmed searches performed from July 2022 - November 2022 provided the scientific information included in the review. EXPERT OPINION Current data suggest intestinal fibrosis may sustain and exacerbate chronic inflammation, leading to non-response to anti-inflammatory treatments. Therefore, evaluating novel biomarkers reflecting different stages of fibro-inflammatory disease activity should be done in a clinical setting and considered for clinical trials. This approach will help accurately assess disease activity, leading to better management and treatment of CD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - P Thakker
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev hovedgade 207, Herlev, 2730 Denmark
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18
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Zhan S, Liu C, Meng J, Mao R, Tu T, Lin J, Chen M, Zeng Z, Zhuang X. Mucosa-Associated Oscillospira sp. Is Related to Intestinal Stricture and Post-Operative Disease Course in Crohn's Disease. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030794. [PMID: 36985367 PMCID: PMC10055919 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal stricture remains one of the most intractable complications in Crohn's disease (CD), and the involved mechanisms are poorly understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis. In this study, we investigated specific mucosa-associated microbiota related to intestinal strictures and their role in predicting postoperative disease course. Twenty CD patients who had undergone operative treatments were enrolled and followed up. Intestinal mucosa and full-thickness sections from stenotic and non-stenotic sites were sterilely collected. DNA extraction and bacterial 16s rRNA gene sequencing were conducted. Radiological and histological evaluations were performed to assess fibrosis. Microbial alpha diversity was significantly decreased in stenotic sites (p = 0.009). At the genus level, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Subdoligranulum, Hydrogenophaga, Clostridium and Allobaculum were decreased in stenotic segments (p < 0.1). The difference in Oscillospira sp. (stenotic vs. non-stenotic) was negatively correlated with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (correlation coefficient (CC) -0.432, p = 0.057) and white blood cell count (CC -0.392, p = 0.087) and positively correlated with serum free fatty acids (CC 0.575, p < 0.05). This difference was negatively associated with intestinal fibrosis evaluated by imagological and histological methods (CC -0.511 and -0.653, p < 0.05). Furthermore, CD patients with a higher abundance of Oscillospira sp. in the residual intestine might experience longer remission periods (p < 0.05). The mucosa-associated microbiota varied between stenotic and non-stenotic sites in CD. Most notably, Oscillospira sp. was negatively correlated with intestinal fibrosis and postoperative disease course. It could be a promising biomarker to predict post-operative disease recurrence and a microbial-based therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukai Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Caiguang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jixin Meng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Tong Tu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jianming Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhirong Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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19
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Innocenti T, Bigagli E, Lynch EN, Galli A, Dragoni G. MiRNA-Based Therapies for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: What Are We Still Missing? Inflamm Bowel Dis 2023; 29:308-323. [PMID: 35749310 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izac122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNAs usually 24-30 nucleotides long that play a central role in epigenetic mechanisms of inflammatory diseases and cancers. Recently, several studies have assessed the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated neoplasia. Particularly, it has been shown that many members of miRNAs family are involved in the pathways of inflammation and fibrogenesis of IBD; therefore, their use as inflammatory and fibrosis biomarkers has been postulated. In light of these results, the role of miRNAs in IBD therapy has been proposed and is currently under investigation with many in vitro and in vivo studies, murine models, and a phase 2a trial. The accumulating data have pushed miRNA-based therapy closer to clinical practice, although many open questions remain. With this systematic review, we discuss the current knowledge about the therapeutic effects of miRNAs mimicking and inhibition, and we explore the new potential targets of miRNA family for the treatment of inflammation and fibrosis in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Innocenti
- IBD Referral Center, Gastroenterology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bigagli
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Nicola Lynch
- IBD Referral Center, Gastroenterology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- IBD Referral Center, Gastroenterology Department, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biochemical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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20
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He S, Wang J, Huang Y, Kong F, Yang R, Zhan Y, Li Z, Ye C, Meng L, Ren Y, Zhou Y, Chen G, Shen Z, Sun S, Zheng S, Dong R. Intestinal fibrosis in aganglionic segment of Hirschsprung's disease revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1193. [PMID: 36738110 PMCID: PMC9898741 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1193] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a relatively common congenital disability. Accumulating extracellular matrix (ECM) prompts intestinal fibrosis remodelling in the aganglionic segments of HSCR. The contributions of various cellular subsets in the fibrogenesis of HSCR segments are poorly understood. METHODS Single-cell transcriptomics from 8 aganglionic segments and 5 normal segments of 7 HSCR subjects and 26 healthy segments of seven healthy donors were analysed. Fibrotic phenotype and alterations were explored using differential expression analysis and single-cell trajectory analysis. Fibrosis-related transcription factors were inferred through single-cell regulatory network inference. Bulk transcriptomic data, proteomic data, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the alterations in the HSCR intestine. RESULTS Various collagen, fibronectin and laminin protein-coding genes expression were up-regulated in the stromal and glial cells of the HSCR intestine. The number of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the aganglionic segments increased, and more myofibroblasts were activated at an earlier stage in HSCR segments, which infers that there is an intestinal fibrosis phenotype in HSCR segments. The fibrotic regulators POSTN, ANXA1 and HSP70 were highly expressed in the ECM-related cellular subsets in the transitional segments and aganglionic segments. The transcription factor regulatory network revealed that fibrosis-related and megacolon-related NR2F1 in the fibroblasts and glial subsets was up-regulated in the aganglionic segment. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies intestinal fibrosis and related regulators in aganglionic segments of HSCR; hence, anti-fibrotic therapy may be considered to prevent HSCR-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), relieve intestinal stricture and improve cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei He
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yanlei Huang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Fanyang Kong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zifeng Li
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Chunjing Ye
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Lingdu Meng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yankang Ren
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Shen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
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21
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Chen L, Ruan G, Cheng Y, Yi A, Chen D, Wei Y. The role of Th17 cells in inflammatory bowel disease and the research progress. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1055914. [PMID: 36700221 PMCID: PMC9870314 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells play an important role in the abnormal immune response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are involved in the development and progression of inflammation and fibrosis. An increasing amount of data has shown that gut microbes are important parts of intestinal immunity and regulators of Th17 cellular immunity. Th17 cell differentiation is regulated by intestinal bacteria and cytokines, and Th17 cells regulate the intestinal mucosal immune microenvironment by secreting cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-21, and IL-26. Solid evidence showed that, regarding the treatment of IBD by targeting Th17 cells, the therapeutic effect of different biological agents varies greatly. Fecal bacteria transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of IBD has been a popular research topic in recent years and is safe and effective with few side effects. To further understand the role of Th17 cells in the progression of IBD and associated therapeutic prospects, this review will discuss the progress of related research on Th17 cells in IBD by focusing on the interaction and immune regulation between Th17 cells and gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yanling Wei
- *Correspondence: Yanling Wei, ; Dongfeng Chen,
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22
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Cheng Y, Li J, Zhang X, Li Y, Shi X, Shi R, Mao T, Kou F, Shi L. Protective Effect of Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction on Colitis and Colitis-Related Carcinogenesis by Regulating Inflammation and Intestinal Fibrosis. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:1479-1495. [PMID: 37056910 PMCID: PMC10089279 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s402395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by mucosal inflammation, which may develop into ulcerative colitis-associated carcinogenesis (UCAC) with disease progression. Qingchang Wenzhong Decoction (QCWZD) is a classic and effective prescription for the clinical treatment of UC. QCWZD has been shown to alleviate intestinal mucosal injury in acute and chronic UC models. This study aimed to explore and then verify the pharmacological mechanisms of QCWZD in UC and UCAC therapy. Methods In this study, approaches including microarray analysis, network pharmacology, and biological verification are employed to clarify the mechanism of QCWZD in the treatment of UC and UCAC. TCMSP, Swiss Target Prediction, and Similarity Ensemble Approach were used to investigate the active ingredients and targets of QCWZD. UC and UCAC valid targets were identified by the microarray data in the GEO database (GSE38713 and GSE47908). The core targets were obtained by PPI network and enriched by GO and KEGG. DSS and AOM/DSS mouse models were adopted to verify the above analysis results. Results The enrichment analysis showed that the therapeutic targets of QCWZD enriched in blood circulation, cell adhesion molecules, and pathways of inflammation and cancer such as IL-17 signaling pathway and toll-like receptor signaling pathway were involved in the multiple synergies of QCWZD on UC and UCAC treatment. The results of experiments demonstrated that QCWZD can exert its effects on protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, regulating inflammation and improving intestinal fibrosis in UC and UCAC and the main mechanism of QCWZD in treatment of UC and UCAC may be related to the activation of the IL-17, NF-κB and TLR4 signaling pathways. Conclusion Our results indicated that QCWZD treated UC and UCAC via multiple targets and pathways and the IL-17, NF-κB and TLR4 signaling pathways may be highly involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cheng
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junxiang Li
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaosi Zhang
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yalan Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojun Shi
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Shi
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tangyou Mao
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fushun Kou
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
- Center for IBD Research, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200072, People’s Republic of China
- Fushun Kou, Center for IBD Research, Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University, No. 301 Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, People’s Republic of China, Email
| | - Lei Shi
- Gastroenterology Department, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Lei Shi, Department of Gastroenterology, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6, 1st Section, Fangxingyuan, Fangzhuang, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100078, People’s Republic of China, Email
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23
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Valatas V, Kitamura K, Ward SG, Kolios G. Editorial: Stromal and immune cell interactions in intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152140. [PMID: 36875109 PMCID: PMC9978737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Valatas
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Kazuya Kitamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tonami General Hospital, Tonami, Japan
| | - Stephen G Ward
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - George Kolios
- Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Koop K, Enderle K, Hillmann M, Ruspeckhofer L, Vieth M, Sturm G, Trajanoski Z, Kühl AA, Atreya R, Leppkes M, Baum P, Roy J, Martin A, Neurath MF, Neufert C. Interleukin 36 receptor-inducible matrix metalloproteinase 13 mediates intestinal fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1163198. [PMID: 37207229 PMCID: PMC10189878 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1163198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fibrostenotic disease is a common complication in Crohn's disease (CD) patients hallmarked by transmural extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the intestinal wall. The prevention and medical therapy of fibrostenotic CD is an unmet high clinical need. Although targeting IL36R signaling is a promising therapy option, downstream mediators of IL36 during inflammation and fibrosis have been incompletely understood. Candidate molecules include matrix metalloproteinases which mediate ECM turnover and are thereby potential targets for anti-fibrotic treatment. Here, we have focused on understanding the role of MMP13 during intestinal fibrosis. Methods We performed bulk RNA sequencing of paired colon biopsies taken from non-stenotic and stenotic areas of patients with CD. Corresponding tissue samples from healthy controls and CD patients with stenosis were used for immunofluorescent (IF) staining. MMP13 gene expression was analyzed in cDNA of intestinal biopsies from healthy controls and in subpopulations of patients with CD in the IBDome cohort. In addition, gene regulation on RNA and protein level was studied in colon tissue and primary intestinal fibroblasts from mice upon IL36R activation or blockade. Finally, in vivo studies were performed with MMP13 deficient mice and littermate controls in an experimental model of intestinal fibrosis. Ex vivo tissue analysis included Masson's Trichrome and Sirius Red staining as well as evaluation of immune cells, fibroblasts and collagen VI by IF analysis. Results Bulk RNA sequencing revealed high upregulation of MMP13 in colon biopsies from stenotic areas, as compared to non-stenotic regions of patients with CD. IF analysis confirmed higher levels of MMP13 in stenotic tissue sections of CD patients and demonstrated αSMA+ and Pdpn+ fibroblasts as a major source. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that MMP13 expression was regulated by IL36R signaling. Finally, MMP13 deficient mice, as compared to littermate controls, developed less fibrosis in the chronic DSS model and showed reduced numbers of αSMA+ fibroblasts. These findings are consistent with a model suggesting a molecular axis involving IL36R activation in gut resident fibroblasts and MMP13 expression during the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis. Conclusion Targeting IL36R-inducible MMP13 could evolve as a promising approach to interfere with the development and progression of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Koop
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kristina Koop,
| | - Karin Enderle
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Miriam Hillmann
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Ruspeckhofer
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Vieth
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Bayreuth, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Gregor Sturm
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zlatko Trajanoski
- Biocenter, Institute of Bioinformatics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- The Transregio 241 IBDome Consortium, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja A. Kühl
- The Transregio 241 IBDome Consortium, Erlangen, Germany
- iPATH.Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Raja Atreya
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- The Transregio 241 IBDome Consortium, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Moritz Leppkes
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patrick Baum
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Martin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc, Ridgefield, CT, United States
| | - Markus F. Neurath
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Clemens Neufert
- First Department of Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Erlangen, Germany
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Xu Y, Qian W, Huang L, Wen W, Li Y, Guo F, Zhu Z, Li Z, Gong J, Yu Z, Zhou Y, Lu N, Zhu W, Guo Z. Crohn's disease-associated AIEC inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell-derived exosomal let-7b expression regulates macrophage polarization to exacerbate intestinal fibrosis. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2193115. [PMID: 36945126 PMCID: PMC10038049 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2193115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) and intestinal macrophages is implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). However, its role in intestinal fibrogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In addition, miRNAs such as let-7b may participate in AIEC-macrophage interactions. In this study, we identified that the colonization of AIEC in the ileum was associated with enhanced intestinal fibrosis and reduced let-7b expression by enrolling a prospective cohort of CD patients undergoing ileocolectomy. Besides, AIEC-infected IL-10-/- mice presented more severe intestinal fibrosis and could be improved by exogenous let-7b. Mechanistically, intestinal macrophages were found to be the main target of let-7b. Transferring let-7b-overexpressing macrophages to AIEC-infected IL-10-/- mice significantly alleviated intestinal fibrosis. In vitro, AIEC suppressed exosomal let-7b derived from intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), instead of the direct inhibition of let-7b in macrophages, to promote macrophages to a fibrotic phenotype. Finally, TGFβR1 was identified as one target of let-7b that regulates macrophage polarization. Overall, the results of our work indicate that AIEC is associated with enhanced intestinal fibrosis in CD. AIEC could inhibit exosomal let-7b from IECs to promote intestinal macrophages to a fibrotic phenotype and then contributed to fibrogenesis. Thus, anti-AIEC or let-7b therapy may serve as novel therapeutic approaches to ameliorate intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenwei Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liangyu Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feilong Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianfeng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeqian Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Yun SM, Han YM, Song MY, Lee DY, Kim HS, Kim SH, Kim EH. Xanthohumol Interferes with the Activation of TGF-β Signaling in the Process Leading to Intestinal Fibrosis. Nutrients 2022; 15. [PMID: 36615756 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis has various biological processes and affects almost every organ, especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease, who experience discomfort caused by intestinal fibrosis, which is a problem that needs to be resolved. TGF-β signaling is known to act as a key regulator of intestinal fibrosis, and its modulation could be an excellent candidate for fibrosis therapy. Xanthohumol (XN) has various effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer; however, the detailed mechanism of TGF-β signaling has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-fibrotic effect of XN on TGF-β1-induced intestinal fibrosis using primary human intestinal fibroblasts (HIFs). In this study, to check the anti-fibrotic effects of XN on intestinal fibrosis, we assessed the expression of fibrosis-related genes in TGF-β1-stimulated HIFs by qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence staining. As a result, XN showed the ability to reduce the expression of fibrosis-associated genes increased by TGF-β1 treatment in HIFs and restored the cell shape altered by TGF-β1. In particular, XN repressed both NF-κB- and Smad-binding regions in the α-SMA promoter, which is important in fibrosis. In addition, XN inhibited NF-κB signaling, including phosphorylated-IkBα and cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and TNF-α-stimulated transcriptional activity of NF-κB. XN attenuated TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, and the transcriptional activity of CAGA. Particularly, XN interfered with the binding of TGF-Receptor I (TβRI) and Smad3 by binding to the kinase domain of the L45 loop of TβRI, thereby confirming that the fibrosis mechanism did not proceed further. In conclusion, XN has an inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced intestinal fibrosis in HIFs, significantly affecting TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Yin Y, Xie Y, Ge W, Li Y. Creeping fat formation and interaction with intestinal disease in Crohn's disease. United European Gastroenterol J 2022; 10:1077-1084. [PMID: 36507842 PMCID: PMC9752293 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Creeping fat (CrF), also known as fat wrapping, is a significant disease characteristic of Crohn's disease (CD). The transmural inflammation impairs intestinal integrity and facilitates bacteria translocation, aggravating immune response. CrF is a rich source of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines with complex immune microenvironment. The inflamed and stricturing intestine is often wrapped by CrF, and CrF is associated with greater severity of CD. The large amount of innate and adaptive immune cells as well as adipocytes in CrF promote fibrosis in the affected intestine by secreting large amount of pro-fibrotic cytokines, adipokines, growth factors and fatty acids. CrF is a potential therapeutic target for CD treatment and a promising bio-marker for predicting response to drug therapy. This review aims to summarize and update the clinical manifestation and application of CrF and the underlying molecular mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yin
- Department of General SurgeryNanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Ying Xie
- Department of General SurgeryNanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Wei Ge
- Department of General SurgeryNanjing Drum Tower HospitalThe Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjingJiangsuChina
| | - Yi Li
- Department of General SurgeryJinling HospitalMedical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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Yuan G, He Y, Cao QH, Tang MM, Xie ZL, Qiu Y, Zeng ZR, Peng S, Chen MH. Visceral adipose volume is correlated with surgical tissue fibrosis in Crohn's disease of the small bowel. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2022; 10:goac044. [PMID: 36042948 PMCID: PMC9420045 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study explored the diagnostic performance of visceral adiposity to predict the degree of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis. Methods The patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who underwent surgical small bowel resection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between January 2007 and December 2017 were enrolled. We evaluated the intestinal imaging features of computed tomography enterography (CTE), including mesenteric inflammatory fat stranding, the target sign, mesenteric hypervascularity, bowel wall thickening, lymphadenopathy, stricture diameter, and maximal upstream diameter. We used A.K. software (Artificial Intelligence Kit, version 1.1) to calculate the visceral fat (VF) and subcutaneous fat (SF) volumes at the third lumbar vertebra level. Pathological tissue information was recorded. Diagnostic models were established based on the multivariate regression analysis results, and their effectiveness was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analyses. Results Overall, 48 patients with CD were included in this study. The abdominal VF/SF volume ratio (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.38; P = 0.009) and the stenosis diameter/upstream intestinal dilatation diameter (ND) ratio (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.99; P = 0.034) were independent risk factors for the severe fibrosis of the small intestine. The AUC values of the VF/SF ratio, the ND ratio, and their combination were 0.760, 0.673, and 0.804, respectively. The combination of the VS/SF volume ratio and ND ratio achieved the highest net benefit on the decision curve. Conclusion The VF volume on CTE can reflect intestinal fibrosis. The combination of the VF/SF volume ratio and ND ratio of CD patients assessed using CTE can help predict severe fibrosis stenosis of the small intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mi-Mi Tang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zong-Lin Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yun Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Rong Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Sui Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Clinical Trial Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Min-Hu Chen
- Corresponding author. Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu Distinct, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P. R. China. Tel: +86-13802957089;
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Lee HJ. Therapeutic Potential of the Combination of Pentoxifylline and Vitamin-E in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inhibition of Intestinal Fibrosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164713. [PMID: 36012952 PMCID: PMC9410449 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although intestinal fibrosis is a consequence of recurrent inflammation in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alleviating inflammation alone does not prevent the progression of fibrosis, suggesting that the development of direct anti-fibrotic agents is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties of combination treatment with pentoxifylline (PTX) and vitamin E (Vit-E) on human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs) and the therapeutic potential of the combination therapy in murine models of IBD. Methods: HIMFs were pretreated with PTX, Vit-E, or both, and incubated with TGF-β1. We performed Western blot, qPCR, collagen staining, and immunofluorescence to estimate the anti-fibrotic effects of PTX and Vit-E. The cytotoxicity of these was investigated through MTT assay. To induce murine models of IBD for in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were treated with repeated cycles of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), developing chronic colitis. We examined whether the combined PTX and Vit-E treatment would effectively ameliorate colonic fibrosis in vivo. Results: We found that the co-treatment with PTX and Vit-E suppressed TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrogenic markers, with decreased expression of pERK, pSmad2, and pJNK, more than either treatment alone in HIMFs. Neither PTX nor Vit-E showed any significant cytotoxicity in given concentrations. Consistently with the in vitro results, the co-administration with PTX and Vit-E effectively attenuated colonic fibrosis with recovery from thickening and shortening of colon in murine models of IBD. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that the combination of PTX and Vit-E exhibits significant anti-fibrotic effects in both HIMFs and in vivo IBD models, providing a promising therapy for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Joo Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-31-881-7075
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13488, Korea
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Huang L, Qian W, Xu Y, Guo Z, Yin Y, Guo F, Zhu W, Li Y. Mesenteric Adipose Tissue Contributes to Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease Through the ATX-LPA Axis. J Crohns Colitis 2022; 16:1124-1139. [PMID: 35104318 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intestinal fibrostenosis is an important cause of surgical intervention in patients with Crohn's disease [CD]. Hypertrophic mesenteric adipose tissue [MAT] is associated with the disease process of CD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of MAT to intestinal fibrosis. METHODS MAT from surgical specimens of fibrostenotic CD patients and controls was collected for measurement of the levels of autotaxin [ATX] and lysophosphatidic acid [LPA]. ATX was inhibited in vivo in DNBS [dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid]-induced colitis mice, which were evaluated for colonic inflammation and fibrosis. 3T3-L1 cells and primary colonic fibroblasts were used in vitro to investigate the interaction between MAT and intestinal fibrosis, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying this interaction. RESULTS MAT adjacent to the fibrostenotic intestine in CD patients showed an activated ATX-LPA axis. An in vivo study indicated that inhibition of ATX was associated with the improvement of morphology and function of diseased MAT, which was combined with ameliorated intestinal inflammation and fibrosis in DNBS-instilled mice. In vitro studies showed that hypoxia stimulated adipocyte ATX expression and that LPA stabilized adipocyte HIF-1α protein, forming an ATX-LPA-HIF-1α amplification loop and aggravating adipocyte dysfunction. LPA secreted by adipocytes bound to LPA1 on the surface of fibroblasts, promoted their proliferation and differentiation, and increased the expression of fibrosis-related factors. CONCLUSIONS The ATX-LPA axis regulated intestinal fibrosis by influencing the proliferation and differentiation of intestinal fibroblasts. Inhibiting this axis may be a therapeutic target for intestinal fibrosis in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangyu Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenwei Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yihan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feilong Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Yu M, Zhu W, Wang J, Chen X, He X, Lin B, Cen L, Zhou T, Lu C, Yu C, Sun J. Caveolin-1 Alleviates Crohn's Disease-induced Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Fibroblasts Autophagy Through Modulating Sequestosome 1. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:923-935. [PMID: 35020883 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by activated myofibroblasts. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) inhibits fibrosis. However, limited data show that CAV1 affects intestinal fibrosis. METHODS Human CD tissue samples were gained from patients with CD who underwent surgical resection of the intestine and were defined as stenotic or nonstenotic areas. A dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis was established. For in vitro experiments, we purchased CCD-18Co intestinal fibrosis cells and isolated and cultured human primary colonic fibroblasts. These fibroblasts were activated by transforming growth factor β administration for 48 hours. In the functional experiments, a specific small interfering RNA or overexpression plasmid was transfected into fibroblasts. The messenger RNA levels of fibrosis markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, connective tissue growth factor, and collagen I1α, were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of CAV1, SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1), and other fibrosis markers. RESULTS In human CD samples and the dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis, we observed a downregulation of CAV1 in fibrosis-activated areas. Mechanistically, CAV1 knockdown in both human primary colonic fibroblasts and CCD-18Co cells promoted fibroblast activation, while CAV1 overexpression inhibited fibroblast activation in vitro. We found that SQSTM1/p62 positively correlated with CAV1 expression levels in patients with CD and that it was indirectly modulated by CAV1 expression. Rescue experiments showed that CAV1 decreased primary human intestinal fibroblast activation by inhibiting fibroblast autophagy through the modulation of SQSTM1/p62. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that CAV1 deficiency induces fibroblast activation by indirectly regulating SQSTM1/p62 to promote fibroblast autophagy. CAV1 or SQSTM1/p62 may be potential therapeutic targets for intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinjue He
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingru Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Cen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaohui Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Estrada HQ, Patel S, Rabizadeh S, Casero D, Targan SR, Barrett RJ. Development of a Personalized Intestinal Fibrosis Model Using Human Intestinal Organoids Derived From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:667-679. [PMID: 34918082 PMCID: PMC9074870 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a serious complication of Crohn's disease. Numerous cell types including intestinal epithelial and mesenchymal cells are implicated in this process, yet studies are hampered by the lack of personalized in vitro models. Human intestinal organoids (HIOs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) contain these cell types, and our goal was to determine the feasibility of utilizing these to develop a personalized intestinal fibrosis model. METHODS iPSCs from 2 control individuals and 2 very early onset inflammatory bowel disease patients with stricturing complications were obtained and directed to form HIOs. Purified populations of epithelial and mesenchymal cells were derived from HIOs, and both types were treated with the profibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA sequencing analysis were used to assay their responses. RESULTS In iPSC-derived mesenchymal cells, there was a significant increase in the expression of profibrotic genes (Col1a1, Col5a1, and TIMP1) in response to TGFβ. RNA sequencing analysis identified further profibrotic genes and demonstrated differential responses to this cytokine in each of the 4 lines. Increases in profibrotic gene expression (Col1a1, FN, TIMP1) along with genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (vimentin and N-cadherin) were observed in TGFβ -treated epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing iPSC-HIO technology to model intestinal fibrotic responses in vitro. This now permits the generation of near unlimited quantities of patient-specific cells that could be used to reveal cell- and environmental-specific mechanisms underpinning intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Q Estrada
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shachi Patel
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shervin Rabizadeh
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USAand
| | - David Casero
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephan R Targan
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert J Barrett
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel and Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Abstract
In Crohn's disease (CD), intestinal fibrosis is a critical determinant of a patient's prognosis. Although inflammation may be a prerequisite for the initiation of intestinal fibrosis, research shows that the progression or continuation of intestinal fibrosis can occur independently of inflammation. Thus, once initiated, intestinal fibrosis may persist even if medical treatment controls inflammation. Clearly, an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis is required to diminish its occurrence. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis. For example, the presence of antibodies against gut microbes can predict which CD patients will have intestinal complications. In addition, microbial ligands can activate intestinal fibroblasts, thereby inducing the production of extracellular matrix. Moreover, in various animal models, bacterial infection can lead to the development of intestinal fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the link between intestinal fibrosis in CD and the gut microbiota. We highlight basic science and clinical evidence that the gut microbiota can be causative for intestinal fibrosis in CD and provide valuable information about the animal models used to investigate intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Nobuhiko Kamada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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Santacroce G, Lenti MV, Di Sabatino A. Therapeutic Targeting of Intestinal Fibrosis in Crohn's Disease. Cells 2022; 11:429. [PMID: 35159238 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is one of the most threatening complications of Crohn’s disease. It occurs in more than a third of patients with this condition, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, and surgery often represents the only available therapeutic option. The mechanisms underlying intestinal fibrosis are partly known. Studies conducted so far have shown a relevant pathogenetic role played by mesenchymal cells (especially myofibroblasts), cytokines (e.g., transforming growth factor-β), growth factors, microRNAs, intestinal microbiome, matrix stiffness, and mesenteric adipocytes. Further studies are still necessary to elucidate all the mechanisms involved in intestinal fibrosis, so that targeted therapies can be developed. Although several pre-clinical studies have been conducted so far, no anti-fibrotic therapy is yet available to prevent or reverse intestinal fibrosis. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the main therapeutic targets currently identified and the most promising anti-fibrotic therapies, which may be available in the near future.
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Costa CFFA, Sampaio-Maia B, Araujo R, Nascimento DS, Ferreira-Gomes J, Pestana M, Azevedo MJ, Alencastre IS. Gut Microbiome and Organ Fibrosis. Nutrients 2022; 14:352. [PMID: 35057530 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process associated with most chronic inflammatory diseases. It is defined by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and can affect nearly every tissue and organ system in the body. Fibroproliferative diseases, such as intestinal fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, often lead to severe organ damage and are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, for which there are currently no effective therapies available. In the past decade, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the gut microbiome as a major player in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune system, with severe implications in the pathogenesis of multiple immune-mediated disorders. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with the development and progression of fibrotic processes in various organs and is predicted to be a potential therapeutic target for fibrosis management. In this review we summarize the state of the art concerning the crosstalk between intestinal microbiota and organ fibrosis, address the relevance of diet in different fibrotic diseases and discuss gut microbiome-targeted therapeutic approaches that are current being explored.
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Chen R, Lv C, Zhao Y, Gu W, Zhang L, Shi B, Tou J. Expression and Possible Role of Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 in Post-necrotizing Enterocolitis Stricture in vivo and in vitro. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:836128. [PMID: 35958178 PMCID: PMC9357903 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.836128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the expression and possible role of Sirtuin1 or Silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) in post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression characteristics of SIRT1 and TGF-β1 in post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture were detected by immunohistochemistry. The siRNA-SIRT1 was used to inhibit the expression of SIRT1 in intestinal epithelial cells-6 (IEC-6), and qRT-PCR, WB, and ELISA were utilized to detect the changes of Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tight junction protein-1 (ZO-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions. The IEC-6 cell proliferation and migration ability were tested via CCK8 kit and Transwell test. The expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin in cells was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS The CRP, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the serum of Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) intestinal stenosis patients were significantly higher than the reference values. The SIRT1 protein was under-expressed and the TGF-β1 protein was overexpressed in NEC intestinal stenosis tissue. And the expression of SIRT1 was negatively correlated with TGF-β1. At the time of diagnosis of NEC, the expression of SIRT1 decreased in children with respiratory distress syndrome and CRP level increased. After inhibiting the expression of SIRT1 in IEC6 cells, the expression levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, and NF-κB were decreased, and the expression of ZO-1 was also decreased. The proliferation and migration ability of IEC6 cells was decreased significantly, and the expression of E-cadherin and Vimentin proteins in IEC6 cells did not change significantly. CONCLUSION Promotion of intestinal fibrosis by inflammation may be the mechanism of post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture. SIRT1 may be a protective protein of NEC. The probable mechanism is that SIRT1 can regulate intestinal fibrosis and can protect the intestinal mucosal barrier function to participate in the process of post-necrotizing enterocolitis stricture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, National Center for Clinical Medicine of Children's Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengjie Lv
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, National Center for Clinical Medicine of Children's Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, National Center for Clinical Medicine of Children's Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weizhong Gu
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, National Center for Clinical Medicine of Children's Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luyin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Shi
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, National Center for Clinical Medicine of Children's Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingfa Tou
- Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, National Center for Clinical Medicine of Children's Health and Disease, Hangzhou, China
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Geesala R, Lin YM, Zhang K, Shi XZ. Targeting Mechano-Transcription Process as Therapeutic Intervention in Gastrointestinal Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:809350. [PMID: 34992543 PMCID: PMC8724579 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.809350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechano-transcription is a process whereby mechanical stress alters gene expression. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is composed of a series of hollow organs, often encountered by transient or persistent mechanical stress. Recent studies have revealed that persistent mechanical stress is present in obstructive, functional, and inflammatory disorders and alters gene transcription in these conditions. Mechano-transcription of inflammatory molecules, pain mediators, pro-fibrotic and growth factors has been shown to play a key role in the development of motility dysfunction, visceral hypersensitivity, inflammation, and fibrosis in the gut. In particular, mechanical stress-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and certain pro-inflammatory mediators in gut smooth muscle cells are responsible for motility dysfunction and inflammatory process. Mechano-transcription of pain mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may lead to visceral hypersensitivity. Emerging evidence suggests that mechanical stress in the gut also leads to up-regulation of certain proliferative and pro-fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and osteopontin (OPN), which may contribute to fibrostenotic Crohn's disease. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiological significance of mechanical stress-induced expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, pain mediators, pro-fibrotic and growth factors in obstructive, inflammatory, and functional bowel disorders. We will also evaluate potential therapeutic targets of mechano-transcription process for the management of these disorders.
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Lis-López L, Bauset C, Seco-Cervera M, Cosín-Roger J. Is the Macrophage Phenotype Determinant for Fibrosis Development? Biomedicines 2021; 9:1747. [PMID: 34944564 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathophysiological process of wound repair that leads to the deposit of connective tissue in the extracellular matrix. This complication is mainly associated with different pathologies affecting several organs such as lung, liver, heart, kidney, and intestine. In this fibrotic process, macrophages play an important role since they can modulate fibrosis due to their high plasticity, being able to adopt different phenotypes depending on the microenvironment in which they are found. In this review, we will try to discuss whether the macrophage phenotype exerts a pivotal role in the fibrosis development in the most important fibrotic scenarios.
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Chen B, Dong W, Shao T, Miao X, Guo Y, Liu X, Feng Y. A KDM4-DBC1-SIRT1 Axis Contributes to TGF-b Induced Mesenchymal Transition of Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:697614. [PMID: 34631698 PMCID: PMC8493255 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.697614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is one of the common pathophysiological processes in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Previously it has been demonstrated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) can contribute to the development of intestinal fibrosis. Here we report that conditional ablation of SIRT1, a class III lysine deacetylase, in intestinal epithelial cells exacerbated 2, 4, 6-trinitro-benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced intestinal fibrosis in mice. SIRT1 activity, but not SIRT1 expression, was down-regulated during EMT likely due to up-regulation of its inhibitor deleted in breast cancer 1 (DBC1). TGF-β augmented the recruitment of KDM4A, a histone H3K9 demethylase, to the DBC1 promoter in cultured intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) leading to DBC1 trans-activation. KDM4A depletion or inhibition abrogated DBC1 induction by TGF-β and normalized SIRT1 activity. In addition, KDM4A deficiency attenuated TGF-β induced EMT in IEC-6 cells. In conclusion, our data identify a KDM4-DBC1-SIRT1 pathway that regulates EMT to contribute to intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tinghui Shao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiulian Miao
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yan Guo
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Yifei Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Garlatti V, Lovisa S, Danese S, Vetrano S. The Multiple Faces of Integrin-ECM Interactions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10439. [PMID: 34638778 PMCID: PMC8508809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910439] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) comprises a series of chronic and relapsing intestinal diseases, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the most common. The abundant and uncontrolled deposition of extracellular matrix, namely fibrosis, is one of the major hallmarks of IBD and is responsible for the progressive narrowing and closure of the intestine, defined as stenosis. Although fibrosis is usually considered the product of chronic inflammation, the substantial failure of anti-inflammatory therapies to target and reduce fibrosis in IBD suggests that fibrosis might be sustained in an inflammation-independent manner. Pharmacological therapies targeting integrins have recently shown great promise in the treatment of IBD. The efficacy of these therapies mainly relies on their capacity to target the integrin-mediated recruitment and functionality of the immune cells at the damage site. However, by nature, integrins also act as mechanosensitive molecules involved in the intracellular transduction of signals and modifications originating from the extracellular matrix. Therefore, understanding integrin signaling in the context of IBD may offer important insights into mechanisms of matrix remodeling, which are uncoupled from inflammation and could underlie the onset and persistency of intestinal fibrosis. In this review, we present the currently available knowledge on the role of integrins in the etiopathogenesis of IBD, highlighting their role in the context of immune-dependent and independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Garlatti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale ‘A. Avogadro’, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Sara Lovisa
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy; (V.G.); (S.L.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
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Pulakazhi Venu VK, Alston L, Iftinca M, Tsai YC, Stephens M, Warriyar K V V, Rehal S, Hudson G, Szczepanski H, von der Weid PY, Altier C, Hirota SA. Nr4A1 modulates inflammation-associated intestinal fibrosis and dampens fibrogenic signaling in myofibroblasts. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 321:G280-G297. [PMID: 34288735 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00338.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), contributing to tissue stiffening and luminal narrowing. Human nuclear receptor 4A 1 (NR4A1) was previously reported to regulate mesenchymal cell function and dampen fibrogenic signaling. NR4A1 gene variants are associated with IBD risk, and it has been shown to regulate intestinal inflammation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that NR4A1 acts as a negative regulator of intestinal fibrosis through regulating myofibroblast function. Using the SAMP1/YitFc mouse, we tested whether two pharmacological agents known to enhance NR4A1 signaling, cytosporone B (Csn-B) or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), could reduce fibrosis. We also used the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis and assessed the magnitude of colonic fibrosis in mouse nuclear receptor 4A 1 (Nr4a1-/-) and their wild-type littermates (Nr4a1+/+). Lastly, intestinal myofibroblasts isolated from Nr4a1-/- and Nr4a1+/+ mice or primary human intestinal myofibroblasts were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), in the presence or absence of Csn-B or 6-MP, and proliferation and ECM gene expression assessed. Csn-B or 6-MP treatment significantly reduced ileal thickness, collagen, and overall ECM content in SAMP1/YitFc mice. This was associated with a reduction in proliferative markers within the mesenchymal compartment. Nr4a1-/- mice exposed to DSS exhibited increased colonic thickening and ECM content. Nr4a1-/- myofibroblasts displayed enhanced TGF-β1-induced proliferation. Furthermore, Csn-B or 6-MP treatment was antiproliferative in Nr4a1+/+ but not Nr4a1-/- cells. Lastly, activating NR4A1 in human myofibroblasts reduced TGF-β1-induced collagen deposition and fibrosis-related gene expression. Our data suggest that NR4A1 can attenuate fibrotic processes in intestinal myofibroblasts and could provide a valuable clinical target to treat inflammation-associated intestinal fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fibrosis and increased muscle thickening contribute to stricture formation and intestinal obstruction, a complication that occurs in 30%-50% of patients with CD within 10 yr of disease onset. More than 50% of those who undergo surgery to remove the obstructed bowel will experience stricture recurrence. To date, there are no drug-based approaches approved to treat intestinal strictures. In the current submission, we identify NR4A1 as a novel target to treat inflammation-associated intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Krishna Pulakazhi Venu
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laurie Alston
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mircea Iftinca
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yi-Cheng Tsai
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthew Stephens
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vineetha Warriyar K V
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport Injury Prevention Research Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sonia Rehal
- Department of Advanced Diagnostics, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grace Hudson
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Holly Szczepanski
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pierre-Yves von der Weid
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christophe Altier
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simon A Hirota
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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42
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Wang R, Wang D, Wang H, Wang T, Weng Y, Zhang Y, Luo Y, Lu Y, Wang Y. Therapeutic Targeting of Nrf2 Signaling by Maggot Extracts Ameliorates Inflammation-Associated Intestinal Fibrosis in Chronic DSS-Induced Colitis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670159. [PMID: 34456904 PMCID: PMC8387595 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is induced by excessive myofibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition, which has been regarded as a general pathological feature in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, identifying clinical markers and targets to treat and prevent intestinal fibrosis is urgently needed. The traditional Chinese medicine maggot, commonly known as “wu gu chong”, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and alleviate inflammation in chronic colitis. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of maggot extract (ME) on inflammation-associated intestinal fibrosis in TGF-β1-stimulated human intestinal fibroblasts (CCD-18Co cells) and dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced chronic colitis murine model. To assess the severity of inflammation and fibrosis, histological and macroscopic evaluation were carried out. The results showed that ME was a significant inhibitor of body weight loss and colon length shortening in mice with chronic colitis. In addition, ME suppressed the intestinal fibrosis by downregulating TGF-β1/SMADs pathway via upregulation of Nrf2 expression at both protein and mRNA levels. ME markedly increased the expression of Nrf2, thus resulting in a higher level of HO-1. After treatment with Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) or siRNA-Nrf2 for deactivating Nrf2 pathway, the protective effects of ME were abolished both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the histopathological results for the major organs of DSS mice treated with ME showed no signs of clinically important abnormalities. Treatment with ME had no effect on the viability of CCD-18Co cells, suggesting its low in vitro cytotoxicity. Furthermore, ME could mediate intestine health by keeping the balance of the gut microbes through the enhancement of beneficial microbes and suppression of pathogenic microbes. In conclusion, this is the first ever report demonstrating that ME ameliorates inflammation-associated intestinal fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β1/SMAD pathway via upregulation of Nrf2 expression. Our findings highlight the potential of Nrf2 as an effective therapeutic target for alleviating intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daojuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yajing Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongzheng Luo
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Jinling College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yadong Lu
- Neonatal Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytacal Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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43
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Zhan S, Li N, Liu C, Mao R, Wu D, Li T, Chen M, Zhuang X, Zeng Z. Intestinal Fibrosis and Gut Microbiota: Clues From Other Organs. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:694967. [PMID: 34335525 PMCID: PMC8322786 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.694967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a complex and difficult to elucidate pathological process with no available therapies. Growing evidence implicates intestinal microbiota in the occurrence and development of fibrosis, and the potential mechanisms involved in different organs have been explored in several studies. In this review, we summarize the causative and preventive effects of gut microbiota on intestinal fibrosis, as well as the relationships between gut microbiota and fibrosis in other organs. Interestingly, several colonized microbes are associated with fibrosis via their structural components and metabolic products. They may also play essential roles in regulating inflammation and fibroblast activation or differentiation, which modulates extracellular matrix formation. While the relationships between intestinal fibrosis and gut microbiota remain unclear, lessons can be drawn from the effects of gut microbiota on hepatic, cardiac, nephritic, and pulmonary fibrosis. Various intestinal microbes alterations have been detected in different fibrotic organs; however, the results were heterogeneous. Mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiota regulate fibrotic processes in other organs, such as novel metabolic products or specific microbes, are also discussed. The specific microbiota associated with fibrosis in other organs could instruct future studies aiming to discover prospective mechanisms regulating intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukai Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiguang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongxuan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhirong Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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44
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Lin XX, Qiu Y, Zhuang XJ, Liu F, Wu XM, Chen MH, Mao R. Intestinal stricture in Crohn's disease: A 2020 update. J Dig Dis 2021; 22:390-398. [PMID: 34014617 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic and relapsing-remitting inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 70% of patients inevitably develop fibrosis-associated intestinal stricture after 10 years of CD diagnosis, which seriously affects their quality of life. Current therapies play limited role in preventing or reversing the process of fibrosis and no specific anti-fibrotic therapy is yet available. Nearly half of patients thus have no alternative but to receive surgery. The potential mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis remain poorly understood; extracellular matrix remodeling, aberrant immune response, intestinal microbiome imbalance and creeping fat might exert fundamental influences on the multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recently, the emerging new diagnostic techniques have markedly promoted an accurate assessment of intestinal stricture by distinguishing fibrosis from inflammation, which is crucial for guiding treatment and predicting prognosis. In this review, we concisely summarized the key studies published in the year 2020 covering pathogenesis, diagnostic modalities, and therapeutic strategy of intestinal stricture. A comprehensive and timely review of the updated researches in intestinal stricture could provide insight to further elucidate its pathogenesis and identify novel drug targets with anti-fibrotic potentiality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xuan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yun Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao Jun Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao Min Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Min Hu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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45
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Fan-Jiang PY, Lee PS, Nagabhushanam K, Ho CT, Pan MH. Pterostilbene Attenuates High-Fat Diet and Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis via Suppressing Inflammation and Intestinal Fibrosis in Mice. J Agric Food Chem 2021; 69:7093-7103. [PMID: 34152136 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c02783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of obesity has significantly increased over the past few decades. It is currently believed that obesity is a risk factor for developing inflammatory bowel disease. Pterostilbene (PTS), a naturally occurring stilbene from blueberries, is known to have anticancer, anti-inflammation, antifibrosis, and antiobesity effects. The preventive effect of PTS on the susceptibility of high-fat diet (HFD) to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice was investigated. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet, 50% HFD alone, or containing PTS, and DSS (2.5%, w/v) was given in drinking water at week 9 and week 11. The results demonstrated that PTS significantly attenuated HFD and DSS-induced plasma interleukin-6 accumulation. Moreover, PTS suppressed HFD/DSS-induced formation of aberrant crypt foci and reduced the colon weight-to-length ratio in HFD/DSS-induced colitis mice. Furthermore, PTS inhibited interleukin-1β (IL-1β), the C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), cyclooxygenase-2, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 expression and maintained mucin2 (Muc2) and E-cadherin expressions. In addition, post-treatment with PTS also decreased the colon weight-to-length ratio and loss of Muc2. Moreover, the CHOP, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and TGF-β1 expressions were significantly decreased in HFD/DSS-induced colitis mice after post-treatment with PTS. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that PTS is of significant interest for the prevention of HFD/DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Yun Fan-Jiang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Sheng Lee
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | | | - Chi-Tang Ho
- Department of Food Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08520, United States
| | - Min-Hsiung Pan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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46
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Agista AZ, Rusbana TB, Islam J, Ohsaki Y, Sultana H, Hirakawa R, Watanabe K, Nochi T, Ardiansyah, Budijanto S, Yang SC, Koseki T, Aso H, Komai M, Shirakawa H. Fermented Rice Bran Supplementation Prevents the Development of Intestinal Fibrosis Due to DSS-Induced Inflammation in Mice. Nutrients 2021; 13:1869. [PMID: 34070845 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fermented rice bran (FRB) is known to protect mice intestines against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammation; however, the restoration of post-colitis intestinal homeostasis using FRB supplementation is currently undocumented. In this study, we observed the effects of dietary FRB supplementation on intestinal restoration and the development of fibrosis after DSS-induced colitis. DSS (1.5%) was introduced in the drinking water of mice for 5 days. Eight mice were sacrificed immediately after the DSS treatment ended. The remaining mice were divided into three groups, comprising the following diets: control, 10% rice bran (RB), and 10% FRB-supplemented. Diet treatment was continued for 2 weeks, after which half the population of mice from each group was sacrificed. The experiment was continued for another 3 weeks before the remaining mice were sacrificed. FRB supplementation could reduce the general observation of colitis and production of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines. FRB also increased intestinal mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine, tight junction, and anti-microbial proteins. Furthermore, FRB supplementation suppressed markers of intestinal fibrosis. This effect might have been achieved via the canonical Smad2/3 activation and the non-canonical pathway of Tgf-β activity. These results suggest that FRB may be an alternative therapeutic agent against inflammation-induced intestinal fibrosis.
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47
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Wang J, Lin S, Brown JM, van Wagoner D, Fiocchi C, Rieder F. Novel mechanisms and clinical trial endpoints in intestinal fibrosis. Immunol Rev 2021; 302:211-227. [PMID: 33993489 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) worldwide has resulted in a global public health challenge. Intestinal fibrosis leading to stricture formation and bowel obstruction is a frequent complication in Crohn's disease (CD), and the lack of anti-fibrotic therapies makes elucidation of fibrosis mechanisms a priority. Progress has shown that mesenchymal cells, cytokines, microbial products, and mesenteric adipocytes are jointly implicated in the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis. This recent information puts prevention or reversal of intestinal strictures within reach through innovative therapies validated by reliable clinical trial endpoints. Here, we review the role of immune and non-immune components of the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis, including new cell clusters, cytokine networks, host-microbiome interactions, creeping fat, and their translation for endpoint development in anti-fibrotic clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drug, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sinan Lin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jonathan Mark Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David van Wagoner
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Claudio Fiocchi
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
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48
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Li N, Ouyang Y, Xu X, Yuan Z, Liu C, Zhu Z. MiR-155 promotes colitis-associated intestinal fibrosis by targeting HBP1/Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4765-4775. [PMID: 33769664 PMCID: PMC8107084 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is the most common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that is one major disorder of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the precise mechanism remains unclear. MiR-155 has been involved in fibrotic diseases. Here, we determined the role of miR-155 in regulating intestinal fibrosis. MiR-155 levels were significantly up-regulated in CD patients with intestinal stricture CD. The overexpression of miR-155 significantly aggravated TNBS-induced CD-associated intestinal fibrosis. Mechanistically, we identified that HBP1, a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, is a direct target of miR-155. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that the miR-155/HBP1 axis activates Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway to induce intestinal fibrosis. Taken together, we demonstrated that miR-155 directly targets HBP1 to induce CD-associated intestinal fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianshuang Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yaobin Ouyang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Xinbo Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Zhenxiang Yuan
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Chunquan Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Zhenhua Zhu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
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49
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Yang Y, Zeng QS, Zou M, Zeng J, Nie J, Chen D, Gan HT. Targeting Gremlin 1 Prevents Intestinal Fibrosis Progression by Inhibiting the Fatty Acid Oxidation of Fibroblast Cells. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:663774. [PMID: 33967807 PMCID: PMC8100665 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.663774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a consequence of continuous inflammatory responses that negatively affect the quality of life of patients. By screening altered proteomic profiles of mouse fibrotic colon tissues, we identified that GREM1 was dramatically upregulated in comparison to that in normal tissues. Functional experiments revealed that GREM1 promoted the proliferation and activation of intestinal fibroblast cells by enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Blocking GREM1 prevented the progression of intestinal fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistic research revealed that GREM1 acted as a ligand for VEGFR2 and triggered downstream MAPK signaling. This facilitated the expression of FAO-related genes, consequently enhancing fatty acid oxidation. Taken together, our data indicated that targeting GREM1 could represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and the Center of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi-Shan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and the Center of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology and the Center of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Nie
- Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - DongFeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua-Tian Gan
- Department of Gastroenterology and the Center of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Lab of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Geriatrics and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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50
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Yu M, Wu H, Wang J, Chen X, Pan J, Liu P, Zhang J, Chen Y, Zhu W, Tang C, Jin Q, Li C, Lu C, Zeng H, Yu C, Sun J. Vitamin D receptor inhibits EMT via regulation of the epithelial mitochondrial function in intestinal fibrosis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100531. [PMID: 33713706 PMCID: PMC8054199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a crucial role in acute inflammatory bowel disease and that intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important hallmark of fibrogenesis through which epithelial cells lose their epithelial phenotype and transform into mesenchymal cells. It is known that the VDR plays an essential role in epithelial integrity and mitochondrial function, but its role in intestinal fibrosis remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether the VDR is involved in epithelial mitochondrial dysfunction that results in EMT in intestinal fibrosis. Using human CD samples, intestine-specific VDR-KO mice, and fibroblast cellular models, we showed that the expression of the VDR was significantly lower in intestinal stenotic areas than in nonstenotic areas in patients with chronic CD. Genetic deletion of the VDR in the intestinal epithelium exacerbated intestinal fibrosis in mice administered with dextran sulfate sodium or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, two experimental colitis inducers. In addition, we found that vitamin D dietary intervention regulated intestinal fibrosis by modulating the intestinal expression of the VDR. Mechanistically, knocking down the VDR in both CCD-18Co cells and human primary colonic fibroblasts promoted fibroblast activation, whereas VDR overexpression or VDR agonist administration inhibited fibroblast activation. Further analysis illustrated that the VDR inhibited EMT in the HT29 cell model and that mitochondrial dysfunction mediated epithelial integrity and barrier function in VDR-deficient epithelial cells. Together, our data for the first time demonstrate that VDR activation alleviates intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast activation and epithelial mitochondria-mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peihao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yishu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hang Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaohui Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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