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Han LW, Jamalian S, Hsu JC, Sheng XR, Yang X, Yang X, Monemi S, Hassan S, Yadav R, Tuckwell K, Kunder R, Pan L, Glickstein S. A Phase 1a Study to Evaluate Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of RO7303509, an Anti-TGFβ3 Antibody, in Healthy Volunteers. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:755-771. [PMID: 38662148 PMCID: PMC11111615 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-024-00670-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) cytokines (TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and TGFβ3) play critical roles in tissue fibrosis. However, treatment with systemic pan-TGFβ inhibitors have demonstrated unacceptable toxicities. In this study, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of RO7303509, a high-affinity, TGFβ3-specific, humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, in healthy adult volunteers (HVs). METHODS This phase 1a, randomized, double-blind trial included six cohorts for evaluation, with each cohort receiving single doses of placebo or RO7303509, administered intravenously (IV; 50 mg, 150 mg, 240 mg) or subcutaneously (SC; 240 mg, 675 mg, 1200 mg). The frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) and RO7303509 serum concentrations were monitored throughout the study. We also measured serum periostin and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) by immunoassay and developed a population pharmacokinetics model to characterize RO7303509 serum concentrations. RESULTS The study enrolled 49 HVs, with a median age of 39 (range 18-73) years. Ten (27.8%) RO7303509-treated subjects reported 24 AEs, and six (30.8%) placebo-treated subjects reported six AEs. The most frequent AEs related to the study drug were injection site reactions and infusion-related reactions. Maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-inf) values for RO7303509 appeared to increase dose-proportionally across all doses tested. Serum concentrations across cohorts were best characterized by a two-compartment model plus a depot compartment with first-order SC absorption kinetics. No subjects tested positive for anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) at baseline; one subject (2.8%; 50 mg IV) tested positive for ADAs at a single time point (day 15). No clear pharmacodynamic effects were observed for periostin or COMP upon TGFβ3 inhibition. CONCLUSION RO7303509 was well tolerated at single SC doses up to 1200 mg in HVs with favorable pharmacokinetic data that appeared to increase dose-proportionally. TGFβ3-specific inhibition may be suitable for development as a chronic antifibrotic therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN13175485.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyrialle W Han
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Samira Jamalian
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Joy C Hsu
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - X Rebecca Sheng
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Yang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Xiaoying Yang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Sharareh Monemi
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Sharmeen Hassan
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Rajbharan Yadav
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Katie Tuckwell
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Rebecca Kunder
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Lin Pan
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Sara Glickstein
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
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Jacobs ME, de Vries DK, Engelse MA, Dumas SJ, Rabelink TJ. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition in kidney fibrosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2024; 39:752-760. [PMID: 37968135 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfad238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases are characterized by the uncontrolled accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components leading to disruption of tissue homeostasis. Myofibroblasts as the main ECM-producing cells can originate from various differentiated cell types after injury. Particularly, the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (endMT), describing phenotypic shifts of endothelial cells to adopt a fully mesenchymal identity, may contribute to the pool of myofibroblasts in fibrosis, while leading to capillary rarefaction and exacerbation of tissue hypoxia. In renal disease, incomplete recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI) and the ensuing fibrotic reaction stand out as major contributors to chronic kidney disease (CKD) development. While the focus has largely been on impaired tubular epithelial repair as a potential fibrosis-driving mechanism, alterations in the renal microcirculation post-AKI, and in particular endMT as a maladaptive response, could hold equal significance. Dysfunctional interplays among various cell types in the kidney microenvironment can instigate endMT. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, with its downstream activation of canonical/Smad-mediated and non-canonical pathways, has been identified as primary driver of this process. However, non-TGF-β-mediated pathways involving inflammatory agents and metabolic shifts in intercellular communication within the tissue microenvironment can also trigger endMT. These harmful, maladaptive cell-cell interactions and signaling pathways offer potential targets for therapeutic intervention to impede endMT and decelerate fibrogenesis such as in AKI-CKD progression. Presently, partial reduction of TGF-β signaling using anti-diabetic drugs or statins may hold therapeutic potential in renal context. Nevertheless, further investigation is warranted to validate underlying mechanisms and assess positive effects within a clinical framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen E Jacobs
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) & The Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dorottya K de Vries
- Transplant Center, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marten A Engelse
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) & The Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sébastien J Dumas
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) & The Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ton J Rabelink
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) & The Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Zaid A, Ariel A. Harnessing anti-inflammatory pathways and macrophage nano delivery to treat inflammatory and fibrotic disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115204. [PMID: 38342241 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Targeting specific organs and cell types using nanotechnology and sophisticated delivery methods has been at the forefront of applicative biomedical sciences lately. Macrophages are an appealing target for immunomodulation by nanodelivery as they are heavily involved in various aspects of many diseases and are highly plastic in their nature. Their continuum of functional "polarization" states has been a research focus for many years yielding a profound understanding of various aspects of these cells. The ability of monocyte-derived macrophages to metamorphose from pro-inflammatory to reparative and consequently to pro-resolving effectors has raised significant interest in its therapeutic potential. Here, we briefly survey macrophages' ontogeny and various polarization phenotypes, highlighting their function in the inflammation-resolution shift. We review their inducing mediators, signaling pathways, and biological programs with emphasis on the nucleic acid sensing-IFN-I axis. We also portray the polarization spectrum of macrophages and the characteristics of their transition between different subtypes. Finally, we highlighted different current drug delivery methods for targeting macrophages with emphasis on nanotargeting that might lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of wound healing, bone regeneration, autoimmune, and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Zaid
- Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838 Israel
| | - Amiram Ariel
- Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838 Israel.
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Liu Z, Hu W, Shan Z, Liu S, Yao Z, Quan H. Evaluation of stromal myofibroblasts in oral submucous fibrosis and its malignant transformation: An immunohistochemical study. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:706-711. [PMID: 38687943 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_498_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) being the most prevalent malignancy affecting the oral mucosa. The malignant transformation of OSF into OSCC is estimated to occur in 7-13% of cases. Myofibroblasts (MFs) play pivotal roles in both physiological and pathological processes, such as wound healing and tumorigenesis, respectively. This study aimed to explore the involvement of MFs in the progression of OSF and its malignant transformation. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 94 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were collected, including normal oral mucosa (NOM; n = 10), early-moderate OSF (EMOSF; n = 29), advanced OSF (AOSF; n = 29), paracancerous OSF (POSF; n = 21), and OSCC (n = 5) samples. Alpha-smooth muscle actin was used for the immunohistochemical identification of MFs. RESULTS NOM exhibited infrequent expression of MFs. A higher staining index of MFs was found in AOSF, followed by EMOSF and NOM. Additionally, a significant increase in the staining index of MFs was found from EMOSF to POSF and OSCC. The staining index of MFs in NOM, EMOSF, AOSF, POSF, and OSCC was 0.14 ± 0.2, 1.69 ± 1.4, 2.47 ± 1.2, 3.57 ± 2.6, and 8.86 ± 1.4, respectively. All results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The expression of MFs exhibited a gradual increase as the disease progressed from mild to malignant transformation, indicating the contributory role of MFs in the fibrogenesis and potential tumorigenesis associated with OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenwu Hu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongyan Shan
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sixuan Liu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhigang Yao
- Department of Oral Pathology, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongzhi Quan
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Hunan 3D Printing Engineering Research Center of Oral Care & Hunan Clinical Research Center of Oral Major Diseases and Oral Health & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Hitraya E, Gaidarova S, Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. COL1A1 proximal promoter topology regulates its transcriptional response to transforming growth factor β. Connect Tissue Res 2024; 65:161-169. [PMID: 38436275 PMCID: PMC10994737 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2024.2319051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COL1A1 proximal promoter contains two GC-rich regions and two inverted CCAAT boxes. The transcription factors Sp1 and CBF bind to the GC sequence at -122 to -115 bp and the inverted CCAAT box at -101 to -96 bp, respectively, and stimulate COL1A1 transcriptional activity. METHODS To further define the regulatory mechanisms controlling COL1A1 expression by Sp1 and CBF, we introduced 2, 4, 6, or 8 thymidine nucleotides (T-tracts) at position -111 bp of the COL1A1 gene promoter to increase the physical distance between these two binding sites and examined in vitro the transcriptional activities of the resulting constructs and their response to TGF-β1.`. RESULTS Insertion of 2 or 4 nucleotides decreased COL1A1 promoter activity by up to 70%. Furthermore, the expected increase in COL1A1 transcription in response to TGF-β1 was abolished. Computer modeling of the modified DNA structure indicated that increasing the physical distance between the Sp1 and CBF binding sites introduces a rotational change in the DNA topology that disrupts the alignment of Sp1 and CBF binding sites and likely alters protein-protein interactions among these transcription factors or their associated co-activators. CONCLUSION The topology of the COL1A1 proximal promoter is crucial in determining the transcriptional activity of the gene and its response to the stimulatory effects of TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hitraya
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Current address: Alumis Inc. San Francisco, CA 94108
| | - Svetlana Gaidarova
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Current address: Fate Therapeutics, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Sergio A. Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center. Thomas Jefferson University. Philadelphia, PA 19107
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Choudhari S, Kulkarni D, Patankar S, Kheur S, Sarode S. Linking inflammation and angiogenesis with fibrogenesis: Expression of FXIIIA, MMP-9, and VEGF in oral submucous fibrosis. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE PATOLOGIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ANATOMIA PATOLOGICA Y DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE CITOLOGIA 2024; 57:15-26. [PMID: 38246706 DOI: 10.1016/j.patol.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interplay of Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa), a transglutaminase, responsible for cross-linking of matrix proteins, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a gelatinase, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), an angiogenic inducer, were studied in relation to fibrogenesis and disease progression in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemical expression of markers was studied in 60 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of OSMF and 20 normal oral mucosal tissues. FXIIIa was studied quantitatively while MMP-9 and VEGF were assessed semi-quantitatively. Expression was compared with histopathological grades of OSMF. RESULTS FXIIIa expression significantly increased in OSMF (p-value 0.000). However, expression decreased and cells became quiescent with increasing grades (p-value 0.000). MMP-9 (p-value epithelium 0.011, p-value connective tissue 0.000) and VEGF expression (p-value epithelium 0.000, connective tissue 0.000) increased in OSMF. A negative correlation between FXIIIa and MMP-9 (-0.653) in early grade (p-value of 0.021) and a positive correlation between FXIIIa and VEGF (0.595) (p-value of 0.032) was found in the moderate grade OSMF. Regression analysis showed a significant association (p<0.01) of FXIIIa in OSMF and with increasing grades of OSMF. CONCLUSION FXIIIa may play a crucial role in initiation of fibrosis in OSMF. MMP-9 may have a diverse role to play in OSMF as a regulator of fibrosis. VEGF may show an angio-fibrotic switch and contribute to fibrosis in OSMF. These cytokines may show altered function and can contribute to fibrosis and chronicity of disease due to changes in the microenvironment. Tissue stiffness in OSMF itself creates an environment that enhances the chronicity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Choudhari
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Yerala Dental College and Hospital, Kharghar 410210, Mumbai, India.
| | - Deepak Kulkarni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Pimpri 411018, Pune, India
| | - Sangeeta Patankar
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Yerala Dental College and Hospital, Kharghar 410210, Mumbai, India
| | - Supriya Kheur
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Pimpri, Pune 411018, India
| | - Sachin Sarode
- Department of Oral Pathology & Microbiology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Pimpri, Pune 411018, India
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Zeplin PH. Activin A and Follistatin Serum Concentrations in Breast Augmentation Patients. Plast Surg (Oakv) 2023; 31:377-382. [PMID: 37915344 PMCID: PMC10617457 DOI: 10.1177/22925503211051120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Capsular contracture is caused by an excessive fibrotic reaction similar as observed in other progressive fibrotic disorders. For their pathogenesis, several studies confirmed the importance of activins and follistatin. The aim of this study was to determine and analyze serum levels of Activin A and follistatin in patients with capsular contracture after aesthetic breast augmentation. Methods: The study included 361 female patients who underwent primary aesthetic breast augmentation, came for control examination after breast augmentation or for revision operation because of capsular contracture. Blood samples were taken and using a specific ELISA to determine the serum concentration levels of Activin A and Follistatin. Results: Ninety-six patients (n = 96), who developed a capsular contracture Baker ≥°III and underwent revision surgery were collected (capsular fibrosis group). One-hundred and fourteen patients (n = 114) were asymptomatic for capsular fibrosis Baker ≥°III after primary breast augmentation and 33 (n = 33) of them had developed no capsular fibrosis after more than 10 years (long-term group). For control group, blood samples were taken from 167 patients (n = 167) before primary aesthetic breast augmentation. Serum Activin A levels were significantly higher in the long-term Group compared with those in the capsular fibrosis- and the control groups. Follistatin levels were significantly lower in the capsular fibrosis group compared to the control- and the long-term groups. A small amount of control group patients (n = 16) developed a capsular fibrosis within 2 years after primary breast augmentation with significant lower follistatin levels. Retrospectively, they showed significantly lower serum follistatin levels than the control group even before the onset of capsular contracture. Conclusions: Capsular fibrosis has no effect on Activin A serum levels. In contrast, follistatin serum levels are lower in patients with capsular fibrosis. These results show that besides many other factors, a dysregulation of the Activin-follistatin axis may have importance on the pathogenesis of capsular contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip H. Zeplin
- Schlosspark Klinik Ludwigsburg, Privatklinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Ludwigsburg, Germany
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Greif T, Alsawas M, Reid AT, Liu V, Prokop L, Murad MH, Powers JG. Targeting the Angiotensin Pathway in the Treatment of Cutaneous Fibrosis: A Systematic Review. JID INNOVATIONS 2023; 3:100231. [PMID: 37840767 PMCID: PMC10568560 DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2023.100231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acting on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-Is) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are mechanisms of some of the most prescribed medications in the world. In addition to their routine use for the treatment of hypertension, such agents have gained attention for their influence on the angiotensin receptor pathway in fibrotic skin disorders, including scars and keloids. To evaluate the current level of evidence supporting the use of these agents, a systematic review related to ACE-Is/ARBs and cutaneous scarring was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus from database inception through January 26, 2022. Two independent reviewers identified eligible studies for inclusion and extracted data. Data were insufficient for meta-analysis and are presented narratively. Of 461 citations identified, seven studies were included (199 patients). The studies included two randomized clinical trials, one comparative observation study, and four case reports. All the included studies reported statistically significant improvement in cutaneous scarring in patients using ACE-Is/ARBs compared with that in those treated with placebo/control using various outcome measures such as scar size and scar scales. However, much of the literature on this subject to date is limited by study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trenton Greif
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Mouaz Alsawas
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Mayo Clinic Evidence-based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alexander T. Reid
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Vincent Liu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Larry Prokop
- Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - M. Hassan Murad
- Mayo Clinic Evidence-based Practice Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer G. Powers
- Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Martínez-López A, Candel S, Tyrkalska SD. Animal models of silicosis: fishing for new therapeutic targets and treatments. Eur Respir Rev 2023; 32:230078. [PMID: 37558264 PMCID: PMC10424253 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0078-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis as an occupational lung disease has been present in our lives for centuries. Research studies have already developed and implemented many animal models to study the pathogenesis and molecular basis of the disease and enabled the search for treatments. As all experimental animal models used to date have their advantages and disadvantages, there is a continuous search for a better model, which will not only accelerate basic research, but also contribute to clinical aspects and drug development. We review here, for the first time, the main animal models developed to date to study silicosis and the unique advantages of the zebrafish model that make it an optimal complement to other models. Among the main advantages of zebrafish for modelling human diseases are its ease of husbandry, low maintenance cost, external fertilisation and development, its transparency from early life, and its amenability to chemical and genetic screening. We discuss the use of zebrafish as a model of silicosis, its similarities to other animal models and the characteristics of patients at molecular and clinical levels, and show the current state of the art of inflammatory and fibrotic zebrafish models that could be used in silicosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Martínez-López
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sergio Candel
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sylwia D Tyrkalska
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB)-Pascual Parrilla, Murcia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Fukihara J, Kondoh Y. COVID-19 and interstitial lung diseases: A multifaceted look at the relationship between the two diseases. Respir Investig 2023; 61:601-617. [PMID: 37429073 PMCID: PMC10281233 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it has been a fatal disease for many patients, the development of treatment strategies and vaccines have progressed over the past 3 years, and our society has become able to accept COVID-19 as a manageable common disease. However, as COVID-19 sometimes causes pneumonia, post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF), and worsening of preexisting interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), it is still a concern for pulmonary physicians. In this review, we have selected several topics regarding the relationships between ILDs and COVID-19. The pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced ILD is currently assumed based mainly on the evidence of other ILDs and has not been well elucidated specifically in the context of COVID-19. We have summarized what has been clarified to date and constructed a coherent story about the establishment and progress of the disease. We have also reviewed clinical information regarding ILDs newly induced or worsened by COVID-19 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Inflammatory and profibrotic responses induced by COVID-19 or vaccines have been thought to be a risk for de novo induction or worsening of ILDs, and this has been supported by the evidence obtained through clinical experience over the past 3 years. Although COVID-19 has become a mild disease in most cases, it is still worth looking back on the above-reviewed information to broaden our perspectives regarding the relationship between viral infection and ILD. As a representative etiology for severe viral pneumonia, further studies in this area are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fukihara
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, 160 Nishioiwake-cho, Seto, Aichi, 489-8642, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kondoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, 160 Nishioiwake-cho, Seto, Aichi, 489-8642, Japan.
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11
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Benfaremo D, Agarbati S, Mozzicafreddo M, Paolini C, Svegliati S, Moroncini G. Skin Gene Expression Profiles in Systemic Sclerosis: From Clinical Stratification to Precision Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12548. [PMID: 37628728 PMCID: PMC10454358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma or SSc, is a condition characterized by significant heterogeneity in clinical presentation, disease progression, and response to treatment. Consequently, the design of clinical trials to successfully identify effective therapeutic interventions poses a major challenge. Recent advancements in skin molecular profiling technologies and stratification techniques have enabled the identification of patient subgroups that may be relevant for personalized treatment approaches. This narrative review aims at providing an overview of the current status of skin gene expression analysis using computational biology approaches and highlights the benefits of stratifying patients upon their skin gene signatures. Such stratification has the potential to lead toward a precision medicine approach in the management of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devis Benfaremo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (S.A.); (M.M.); (C.P.); (S.S.)
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Marche University Hospital, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Agarbati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (S.A.); (M.M.); (C.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Matteo Mozzicafreddo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (S.A.); (M.M.); (C.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Paolini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (S.A.); (M.M.); (C.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Svegliati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (S.A.); (M.M.); (C.P.); (S.S.)
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Marche University Hospital, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Moroncini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (S.A.); (M.M.); (C.P.); (S.S.)
- Clinica Medica, Department of Internal Medicine, Marche University Hospital, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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12
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Drobiova H, Sindhu S, Ahmad R, Haddad D, Al-Mulla F, Al Madhoun A. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells: a concise review of their secretome and prospective clinical applications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1211217. [PMID: 37440921 PMCID: PMC10333601 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1211217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that most primary Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) therapeutic potential is due to their paracrine activity, i.e., their ability to modulate their microenvironment by releasing bioactive molecules and factors collectively known as secretome. These bioactive molecules and factors can either be released directly into the surrounding microenvironment or can be embedded within the membrane-bound extracellular bioactive nano-sized (usually 30-150 nm) messenger particles or vesicles of endosomal origin with specific route of biogenesis, known as exosomes or carried by relatively larger particles (100 nm-1 μm) formed by outward blebbing of plasma membrane called microvesicles (MVs); exosomes and MVs are collectively known as extracellular vesicles (EVs). The bioactive molecules and factors found in secretome are of various types, including cytokines, chemokines, cytoskeletal proteins, integrins, growth factors, angiogenic mediators, hormones, metabolites, and regulatory nucleic acid molecules. As expected, the secretome performs different biological functions, such as immunomodulation, tissue replenishment, cellular homeostasis, besides possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. This review highlights the current advances in research on the WJ-MSCs' secretome and its prospective clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Drobiova
- Human Genetics Unit, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Sardar Sindhu
- Animal and Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Dania Haddad
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Ashraf Al Madhoun
- Animal and Imaging Core Facilities, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
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13
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Massen GM, Allen RJ, Leavy OC, Selby NM, Aithal GP, Oliver N, Parfrey H, Wain LV, Jenkins G, Stewart I, Quint JK. Classifying the unclassifiable-a Delphi study to reach consensus on the fibrotic nature of diseases. QJM 2023; 116:429-435. [PMID: 37004203 PMCID: PMC10250078 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditionally, clinical research has focused on individual fibrotic diseases or fibrosis in a particular organ. However, it is possible for people to have multiple fibrotic diseases. While multi-organ fibrosis may suggest shared pathogenic mechanisms, yet there is no consensus on what constitutes a fibrotic disease and therefore fibrotic multimorbidity. AIM A Delphi study was performed to reach consensus on which diseases may be described as fibrotic. METHODS Participants were asked to rate a list of diseases, sub-grouped according to eight body regions, as 'fibrotic manifestation always present', 'can develop fibrotic manifestations', 'associated with fibrotic manifestations' or 'not fibrotic nor associated'. Classifications of 'fibrotic manifestation always present' and 'can develop fibrotic manifestations' were merged and termed 'fibrotic'. Clinical consensus was defined according to the interquartile range, having met a minimum number of responses. Clinical agreement was used for classification where diseases did not meet the minimum number of responses (required for consensus measure), were only classified if there was 100% consensus on disease classification. RESULTS After consulting experts, searching the literature and coding dictionaries, a total of 323 non-overlapping diseases which might be considered fibrotic were identified; 92 clinical specialists responded to the first round of the survey. Over three survey rounds, 240 diseases were categorized as fibrotic via clinical consensus and 25 additional diseases through clinical agreement. CONCLUSION Using a robust methodology, an extensive list of diseases was classified. The findings lay the foundations for studies estimating the burden of fibrotic multimorbidity, as well as investigating shared mechanisms and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Massen
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - R J Allen
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - O C Leavy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - N M Selby
- Department of Renal Medicine,, Derby Hospitals Foundation Trust, Derby, DE22 3NE,UK
| | - G P Aithal
- NIHR Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - N Oliver
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZUK
| | - H Parfrey
- Cambridge Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0AY, UK
| | - L V Wain
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE3 9QP, UK
| | - G Jenkins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - I Stewart
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - J K Quint
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
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14
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Qi D, Jia B, Peng H, He J, Pi J, Guo P, Zhang Y, Deng X, Li J, Liu Z. Baicalin/ambroxol hydrochloride combined dry powder inhalation formulation targeting lung delivery for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: fabrication, characterization, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023:S0939-6411(23)00139-X. [PMID: 37224929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal lung disease caused by multiple factors. Currently, safe, and effective drugs for the treatment of IPF have been extremely scarce. Baicalin (BA) is used to treat pulmonary fibrosis, IPF, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other lung diseases. Ambroxol hydrochloride (AH), a respiratory tract lubricant and expectorant, is often used to treat chronic respiratory diseases, such as bronchial asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis, and cough. The combination of BA and AH can relieve cough and phlegm, improve lung function, and potentially treat IPF and its symptoms. However, given the extremely low solubility of BA, its bioavailability for oral absorptions is also low. AH, on the other hand, has been associated with certain side effects, such as gastrointestinal tract and acute allergic reactions, which limit its applicability. Therefore, an efficient drug delivery system is urgently needed to address the mentioned problems. This study combined BA and AH as model drugs with L-leucine (L-leu) as the excipient to prepare BA/AH dry powder inhalations (BA/AH DPIs) using the co-spray drying method. We the performed modern pharmaceutical evaluation, which includes particle size, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, hygroscopicity, in vitro aerodynamic analysis, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Notably, BA/AH DPIs were found to be advantageous over BA and AH in treating IPF and had better efficacy in improving lung function than did the positive drug pirfenidone. The BA/AH DPI is a promising preparation for the treatment of IPF given its lung targeting, rapid efficacy, and high lung bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Bei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Hui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jiachen He
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jiaxin Pi
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Pan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiuping Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- College of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300617, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Engineering Research Center of Modern Chinese Medicine Discovery and Preparation Technique, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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15
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Wang H, Wu J, Ma L, Bai Y, Liu J. Theroleofinterleukin-1familyinfibroticdiseases. Cytokine 2023; 165:156161. [PMID: 36921509 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the phenomenon that fibrous connective tissues are increased and parenchymal cells are decreased in organs or tissues such as lung, heart, liver, kidney, skin and so on. It usually occurs at the late stage of repair of chronic or recurrent tissue damage. Fibrotic disease is the main factor for the morbidity and mortality of all tissues and organ systems. Long-term fibrosis can lead to organ and tissue dysfunction and even failure. Interleukin -1 family cytokines are a series of classical inflammatory factors and involved in the occurrence and development process of multiple fibrotic diseases, its biological function, relationship with diseases and application are more and more favored by scientists from various countries. So far, 11 cytokines and 10 receptors of IL-1 family have been identified. In this paper, the cytokines, receptors, signaling pathways and biological functions of IL-1 family are summarized, and the correlation with fibrosis diseases is analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China.
| | - Ji Wu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Sir Run Run Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Li Ma
- Cancer Medical Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011 Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yunfeng Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China.
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China.
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16
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MicroRNA let-7d attenuates hypertrophic scar fibrosis through modulation of iron metabolism by reducing DMT1 expression. J Mol Histol 2023; 54:77-87. [PMID: 36705783 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10113-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar is an unavoidable result of wound healing following burns and trauma, which remains a challenging problem for clinicians. Previously, we demonstrated that exosomal microRNAs (miRs) of human amniotic epithelial cells accelerated wound healing and inhibited scar formation. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this particular study, we found that miR-let-7d reduced collagen deposition, and this was accompanied by decreased level of iron content in myofibroblasts. Importantly, inhibition of miR-let-7d in myofibroblasts accelerated collagen deposition and promoted cell proliferation. In addition, bioinformatics prediction combined with classical dual-luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that the cellular iron importer divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) was a target gene of miR-let-7d, and the miR-let-7d mimics inhibited the expression of DMT1 in myofibroblasts. Moreover, silencing of DMT1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix. Consistent with the results in vitro, the miR-let-7d mimics effectively ameliorated hypertrophic scar fibrosis in a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model. Taken together, our results indicated for the first time that miR-let-7d attenuated hypertrophic scar fibrosis through modulation of iron metabolism by reducing iron uptake through DMT1, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for hypertrophic scar.
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17
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Beaven E, Kumar R, Bhatt HN, Esquivel SV, Nurunnabi M. Myofibroblast specific targeting approaches to improve fibrosis treatment. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:13556-13571. [PMID: 36445310 PMCID: PMC9946855 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc04825f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis has been shown to develop in individuals with underlying health conditions, especially chronic inflammatory diseases. Fibrosis is often diagnosed in various organs, including the liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, and skin, and has been described as excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that can affect specific organs in the body or systemically throughout the body. Fibrosis as a chronic condition can result in organ failure and result in death of the individual. Understanding and identification of specific biomarkers associated with fibrosis has emerging potential in the development of diagnosis and targeting treatment modalities. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss multiple signaling pathways such as TGF-β, collagen, angiotensin, and cadherin and outline the chemical nature of the different signaling pathways involved in fibrogenesis as well as the mechanisms. Although it has been well established that TGF-β is the main catalyst initiating and driving multiple pathways for fibrosis, targeting TGF-β can be challenging as this molecule regulates essential functions throughout the body that help to keep the body in homeostasis. We also discuss collagen, angiotensin, and cadherins and their role in fibrosis. We comprehensively discuss the various delivery systems used to target collagen, angiotensin, and cadherins to manage fibrosis. Nevertheless, understanding the steps by which this molecule drives fibrosis development can aid in the development of specific targets of its cascading mechanism. Throughout the review, we will demonstrate the mechanism of fibrosis targeting to improve targeting delivery and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elfa Beaven
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Raj Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu N Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Stephanie V Esquivel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Aerospace Center (cSETR), The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Aerospace Center (cSETR), The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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18
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Lee Y, Heo SY, Lee HS, Oh SJ, Kim H, Lim S, Shin H, Jung WK, Kang HW. Combinatorial prophylactic effect of phlorotannins with photobiomodulation against tracheal stenosis. iScience 2022; 25:105405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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19
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Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism by Finerenone—Translational Aspects and Clinical Perspectives across Multiple Organ Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169243. [PMID: 36012508 PMCID: PMC9408839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Perception of the role of the aldosterone/mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) ensemble has been extended from a previously renal epithelial-centered focus on sodium and volume homeostasis to an understanding of their role as systemic modulators of reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and fibrosis. Steroidal MR antagonists (MRAs) are included in treatment paradigms for resistant hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, while more recently, the nonsteroidal MRA finerenone was shown to reduce renal and cardiovascular outcomes in two large phase III trials (FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD) in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Here, we provide an overview of the pathophysiologic role of MR overactivation and preclinical evidence with the nonsteroidal MRA finerenone in a range of different disease models with respect to major components of the aggregate mode of action, including interfering with reactive oxygen species generation, inflammation, fibrosis, and hypertrophy. We describe a time-dependent effect of these mechanistic components and the potential modification of major clinical parameters, as well as the impact on clinical renal and cardiovascular outcomes as observed in FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD. Finally, we provide an outlook on potential future clinical indications and ongoing clinical studies with finerenone, including a combination study with a sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor.
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20
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Sarode SC, Sharma NK, Sarode G, Sharma M, Radhakrishnan R. Targeting the immune-privileged myofibroblast in oral submucous fibrosis by CAR T-cell therapy. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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Yan Z, Cheng X, Wang T, Hong X, Shao G, Fu C. Therapeutic potential for targeting Annexin A1 in fibrotic diseases. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1493-1505. [PMID: 36157506 PMCID: PMC9485289 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Annexin A1, a well-known endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator, plays a critical role in a variety of pathological processes. Fibrosis is described by a failure of tissue regeneration and contributes to the development of many diseases. Accumulating evidence supports that Annexin A1 participates in the progression of tissue fibrosis. However, the fundamental mechanisms by which Annexin A1 regulates fibrosis remain elusive, and even the functions of Annexin A1 in fibrotic diseases are still paradoxical. This review focuses on the roles of Annexin A1 in the development of fibrosis of lung, liver, heart, and other tissues, with emphasis on the therapy potential of Annexin A1 in fibrosis, and presents future research interests and directions in fibrotic diseases.
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22
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Liso A, Venuto S, Coda ARD, Giallongo C, Palumbo GA, Tibullo D. IGFBP-6: At the Crossroads of Immunity, Tissue Repair and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084358. [PMID: 35457175 PMCID: PMC9030159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factors binding protein-6 (IGFBP-6) is involved in a relevant number of cellular activities and represents an important factor in the immune response, particularly in human dendritic cells (DCs). Over the past several years, significant insights into the IGF-independent effects of IGFBP-6 were discovered, such as the induction of chemotaxis, capacity to increase oxidative burst and neutrophils degranulation, ability to induce metabolic changes in DCs, and, more recently, the regulation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway during fibrosis. IGFBP-6 has been implicated in different human diseases, and it plays a rather controversial role in the biology of tumors. Notably, well established relationships between immunity, stroma activity, and fibrosis are prognostic and predictive of response to cancer immunotherapy. This review aims at describing the current understanding of mechanisms that link IGFBP-6 and fibrosis development and at highlighting the multiple roles of IGFBP-6 to provide an insight into evolutionarily conserved mechanisms that can be relevant for inflammation, tumor immunity, and immunological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arcangelo Liso
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (S.V.); (A.R.D.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Santina Venuto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (S.V.); (A.R.D.C.)
| | - Anna Rita Daniela Coda
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy; (S.V.); (A.R.D.C.)
| | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.G.); (G.A.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Alberto Palumbo
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.G.); (G.A.P.)
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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23
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Paolini C, Agarbati S, Benfaremo D, Mozzicafreddo M, Svegliati S, Moroncini G. PDGF/PDGFR: A Possible Molecular Target in Scleroderma Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073904. [PMID: 35409263 PMCID: PMC8999630 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder of the connective tissue characterized by vascular alterations, immune/inflammatory manifestations, and organ fibrosis. SSc pathogenesis is complex and still poorly understood. Therefore, effective therapies are lacking and remain nonspecific and limited to disease symptoms. In the last few years, many molecular and cellular mediators of SSc fibrosis have been described, providing new potential options for targeted therapies. In this review: (i) we focused on the PDGF/PDGFR pathway as key signaling molecules in the development of tissue fibrosis; (ii) we highlighted the possible role of stimulatory anti-PDGFRα autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of SSc; (iii) we reported the most promising PDGF/PDGFR targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Paolini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (C.P.); (S.A.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Agarbati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (C.P.); (S.A.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Devis Benfaremo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (C.P.); (S.A.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinica Medica, Ospedali Riuniti “Umberto I-G.M. Lancisi-G. Salesi”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Matteo Mozzicafreddo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (C.P.); (S.A.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Svegliati
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (C.P.); (S.A.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Gianluca Moroncini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (C.P.); (S.A.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (S.S.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinica Medica, Ospedali Riuniti “Umberto I-G.M. Lancisi-G. Salesi”, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Marinaccio L, Stefanucci A, Scioli G, Della Valle A, Zengin G, Cichelli A, Mollica A. Peptide Human Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitors from Natural Sources: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062924. [PMID: 35328340 PMCID: PMC8954713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastases are a broad group of enzymes involved in the lysis of elastin, the main component of elastic fibres. They are produced and released in the human body, mainly by neutrophils and the pancreas. The imbalance between elastase activity and its endogenous inhibitors can cause different illnesses due to their excessive activity. The main aim of this review is to provide an overview of the latest advancements on the identification, structures and mechanisms of action of peptide human neutrophil elastase inhibitors isolated from natural sources, such as plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and sponges. The discovery of new elastase inhibitors could have a great impact on the pharmaceutical development of novel drugs through the optimization of the natural lead compounds. Bacteria produce mainly cyclic peptides, while animals provide for long and linear amino acid sequences. Despite their diverse natural sources, these elastase inhibitors show remarkable IC50 values in a range from nM to μM values, thus representing an interesting starting point for the further development of potent bioactive compounds on human elastase enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Marinaccio
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0871-3554906
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkey;
| | - Angelo Cichelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (L.M.); (G.S.); (A.D.V.); (A.M.)
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25
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Sassoli C. Fibrosis: From Cellular and Molecular Targets to Therapeutic Strategies. Curr Mol Med 2022; 22:193-195. [DOI: 10.2174/156652402203220314140908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
Section of Human Anatomy and Histology
University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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26
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Zheng GH, Liu J, Yan Guo F, Zhang ZH, Jiang YJ, Lin YC, Lan XQ, Ren J, Wu YL, Nan JX, Hua Jin C, Lian LH. The in vitro and in vivo study of a pyrazole derivative, J-1063, as a novel anti-liver fibrosis agent: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and mechanistic analysis. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Posadino AM, Erre GL, Cossu A, Emanueli C, Eid AH, Zinellu A, Pintus G, Giordo R. NADPH-derived ROS generation drives fibrosis and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis: Potential cross talk with circulating miRNAs. Biomol Concepts 2022; 13:11-24. [PMID: 35189048 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2021-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an immune disorder characterized by diffuse fibrosis and vascular abnormalities of the affected organs. Although the etiopathology of this disease is largely unknown, endothelial damage and oxidative stress appear implicated in its initiation and maintenance. Here, we show for the first time that circulating factors present in SSc sera increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, collagen synthesis, and proliferation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). The observed phenomena were also associated with endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) as indicated by decreased von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression and increased alpha-smooth muscle actin, respectively, an endothelial and mesenchymal marker. SSc-induced fibroproliferative effects were prevented by HPMECs exposition to the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, demonstrating ROS's causative role and suggesting their cellular origin. Sera from SSc patients showed significant changes in the expression of a set of fibrosis/EndMT-associated microRNAs (miRNA), including miR-21, miR-92a, miR-24, miR-27b, miR-125b, miR-29c, and miR-181b, which resulted significantly upregulated as compared to healthy donors sera. However, miR29b resulted downregulated in SSc sera, whereas no significant differences were found in the expression of miR-29a in the two experimental groups of samples. Taking together our data indicate NADPH oxidase-induced EndMT as a potential mechanism of SSc-associated fibrosis, suggesting fibrosis-associated miRNAs as potentially responsible for initiating and sustaining the vascular alterations observed in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Erre
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital (AOUSS) and University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cossu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Costanza Emanueli
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, W12 0NN England, United Kingdom
| | - Ali H Eid
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, Qatar University Health, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Angelo Zinellu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, University City Rd, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roberta Giordo
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai 505055, United Arab Emirates
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Zhang G, Wang D, Ren J, Sun H, Li J, Wang S, Shi L, Wang Z, Yao M, Zhao H, Li C. Velvet Antler Peptides Reduce Scarring via Inhibiting the TGF-β Signaling Pathway During Wound Healing. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:799789. [PMID: 35127757 PMCID: PMC8814364 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.799789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Scar formation generally occurs in cutaneous wound healing in mammals, mainly caused by myofibroblast aggregations, and currently with few effective treatment options. However, the pedicle wound (about 10 cm in diameter) of the deer can initiate regenerative healing, which has been found to be achieved via paracrine factors from the internal tissues of antlers. Methods Enzymatically digested velvet antler peptides (EVAP) were prepared along with other types of antler extracts as the controls. The effects of EVAP on healing of full-thickness skin wounds were evaluated using rats in vivo, and on myofibroblast transdifferentiation tested using transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Results EVAP significantly accelerated the wound healing rate, reduced scar formation, and improved the healing quality, including promoted angiogenesis, increased number of skin appendages (hair follicles and sebaceous glands) and improved the distribution pattern of collagen fibers (basket-wave like) in the healed tissue. Moreover, EVAP significantly down-regulated the expression levels of genes pro- scar formation (Col1a2 and TGF-β1), and up-regulated the expression levels of genes anti-scar formation (Col3a1 and TGF-β3), and suppressed the excessive transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts and the formation of collagen I in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we found these effects were highly likely achieved by inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway, evidenced by decreased expression levels of the related genes, including TGF-β1, Smad2, p-Smad2, α-SMA, and collagen I. Conclusions EVAP may be a promising candidate to be developed as a clinic drug for regenerative wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guokun Zhang
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Changchun, China
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Academy of Sika Deer Industry, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
| | - Dongxu Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Ren
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
| | - Hongmei Sun
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Changchun, China
| | - Jiping Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
| | - Liyan Shi
- Department of Pathology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
| | - Mengjie Yao
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Changchun, China
| | - Haiping Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunyi Li
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Academy of Sika Deer Industry, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory of Antler Biology of Jilin, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Chunyi Li
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Nie X, Yu Q, Li L, Yi M, Wu B, Huang Y, Zhang Y, Han H, Yuan X. Kinsenoside Protects Against Radiation-Induced Liver Fibrosis via Downregulating Connective Tissue Growth Factor Through TGF-β1 Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:808576. [PMID: 35126163 PMCID: PMC8814438 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.808576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation-induced liver fibrosis (RILF) is a serious complication of the radiotherapy of liver cancer, which lacks effective prevention and treatment measures. Kinsenoside (KD) is a monomeric glycoside isolated from Anoectochilus roxburghii, which has been reported to show protective effect on the early progression of liver fibrosis. However, the role of KD in affecting RILF remains unknown. Here, we found that KD alleviated RILF via downregulating connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) through TGF-β1 signaling. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with 20 mg/kg KD per day for 8 weeks after a single 30Gy irradiation on the right part of liver, and tumor-bearing nude mice were administered with 30 mg/kg KD per day after a single fraction of 10Gy on the tumor inoculation site. Twenty-four weeks postirradiation, we found that the administration of KD after irradiation resulted in decreased expression of α-SMA and fibronectin in the liver tissue while had no adverse effect on the tumor radiotherapy. Besides, KD inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) postirradiation via targeting CTGF as indicated by the transcriptome sequencing. Results of the pathway enrichment and immunohistochemistry suggested that KD reduced the expression of TGF-β1 protein after radiotherapy, and exogenous TGF-β1 induced HSCs to produce α-SMA and other fibrosis-related proteins. The content of activated TGF-β1 in the supernatant decreased after treatment with KD. In addition, KD inhibited the expression of the fibrosis-related proteins by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad/CTGF pathway, resulting in the intervention of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, this study revealed that KD alleviated RILF through the regulation of TGFβ1/Smad/CTGF pathway with no side effects on the tumor therapy. KD, in combination with blocking the TGF-β1 pathway and CTGF molecule or not, may become the innovative and effective treatment for RILF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Nie
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianqian Yu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minxiao Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bili Wu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongbiao Huang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Han
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Hu Han, ; Xianglin Yuan,
| | - Xianglin Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Hu Han, ; Xianglin Yuan,
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Xu C, Bao M, Fan X, Huang J, Zhu C, Xia W. EndMT: New findings on the origin of myofibroblasts in endometrial fibrosis of intrauterine adhesions. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:9. [PMID: 34996477 PMCID: PMC8739974 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00887-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is one of the leading causes of infertility and the main clinical challenge is the high recurrence rate. The key to solving this dilemma lies in elucidating the mechanisms of endometrial fibrosis. The aim of our team is to study the mechanism underlying intrauterine adhesion fibrosis and the origin of fibroblasts in the repair of endometrial fibrosis. METHODS Our experimental study involving an animal model of intrauterine adhesion and detection of fibrosis-related molecules. The levels of molecular factors related to the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) were examined in a rat model of intrauterine adhesion using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, qPCR and Western blot analyses. Main outcome measures are levels of the endothelial marker CD31 and the mesenchymal markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin. RESULTS Immunofluorescence co-localization of CD31 and a-SMA showed that 14 days after moulding, double positive cells for CD31 and a-SMA could be clearly observed in the endometrium. Decreased CD31 levels and increased α-SMA and vimentin levels indicate that EndMT is involved in intrauterine adhesion fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial cells promote the emergence of fibroblasts via the EndMT during the endometrial fibrosis of intrauterine adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Bao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaorong Fan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Changhong Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China.
| | - Wei Xia
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China.
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Jin XW, Wang QZ, Zhao Y, Liu BK, Zhang X, Wang XJ, Lu GL, Pan JW, Shao Y. An experimental model of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and pro-fibrogenesis in urothelial cells related to bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. Transl Androl Urol 2022; 10:4120-4131. [PMID: 34984178 PMCID: PMC8661263 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Suitable in vitro models are needed to investigate urothelial epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and pro-fibrogenesis phenotype in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). This study is to establish a novel experimental BPS/IC cell model and explore how different concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α influence the EMT and pro-fibrogenesis phenotype of urothelial cells. Methods SV-HUC-1 urothelial cells were cultured with 2, 10, or 50 ng/mL TNF-α to mimic chronic inflammatory stimulation. The EMT and pro-fibrogenesis phenotype, including production of collagen I and pro-fibrosis cytokines, were estimated after 72 h of culture. Results The bladder urothelial cells of BPS/IC exhibited upregulated vimentin, TNF-α and TNF receptor, downregulated E-cadherin, and increased collagen I. Higher concentrations of TNF-α (10 and 50 ng/mL) produced an obvious mesenchymal morphology, enhanced invasion and migratory capacity, increased expression of vimentin, and decreased expression of E-cadherin. Collagen I was increased in cells treated with 2 and 10 ng/mL TNF-α after 72 h. Secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 was promoted with 10 and 50 ng/mL TNF-α, while that of IL-1β or transforming growth factor-β was unaffected. Slug and Smad2 were upregulated by TNF-α after 72 h. The Smad pathway was activated most strongly with 10 ng/mL TNF-α and Slug pathway activation was positively correlated with the concentration of TNF-α. Conclusions Sustained 10 ng/mL TNF-α stimulation induced the EMT and pro-fibrogenesis phenotype resembling BPS/IC in SV-HUC-1 cells. Minor inflammatory stimulation induced the pro-fibrogenesis phenotype while severe inflammatory stimulation was more likely to produce significant EMT changes. Different degrees of activation of the Slug and Smad pathways may underlie this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Wei Jin
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Zhang Wang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Ke Liu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Jin Wang
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Liang Lu
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Wei Pan
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Shao
- Department of Urology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wu P, Lin B, Huang S, Meng J, Zhang F, Zhou M, Hei X, Ke Y, Yang H, Huang D. IL-11 Is Elevated and Drives the Profibrotic Phenotype Transition of Orbital Fibroblasts in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:846106. [PMID: 35273577 PMCID: PMC8902078 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.846106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Orbital fibrosis is a hallmark of tissue remodeling in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Previous studies have shown that interleukin (IL)-11 plays a pivotal profibrotic role in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the expression pattern of IL-11 in patients with TAO and whether IL-11 is mechanistically linked with pathological fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated IL-11 levels in the serum and orbital connective tissue of patients with TAO, and evaluated the correlation of these levels with the patient's clinical activity score. We also evaluated the expression pattern of IL-11Rα in orbital connective tissue. Furthermore, we elucidated the regulatory factors, profibrotic function, and downstream signaling pathways for IL-11 in TAO using in vitro studies. IL-11 levels in serum and orbital connective tissues were increased in patients with TAO, as compared with healthy controls. In addition, both levels were positively correlated with disease activity. Single-cell RNA sequencing of orbital connective tissue indicated that IL-11Rα was dominantly expressed in orbital fibroblasts (OFs). RNA sequencing of paired unstimulated and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated samples demonstrated that upregulation of IL-11 expression defined the dominant transcriptional response. IL-11 signaling was also confirmed to be downstream of TGF-β1 and IL-1β. Therefore, we deduced that IL-11 protein is secreted in an autocrine loop in TAO. We also indicated that IL-11 mediated the profibrotic phenotype switch by inducing the expression of myofibroblast differentiation markers, including α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I α1, which could be abrogated by an anti-IL-11 neutralizing antibody. Furthermore, we revealed that extracellular regulated protein kinase may be a crucial factor in the pro-fibrotic, translationally specific signaling activity of IL-11. These data demonstrate that IL-11 plays a crucial role in orbital fibroblast phenotype switching and may be a potential therapeutic target candidate for the treatment of TAO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengsen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangqing Hei
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danping Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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Wet-dry-wet drug screen leads to the synthesis of TS1, a novel compound reversing lung fibrosis through inhibition of myofibroblast differentiation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 13:2. [PMID: 34916483 PMCID: PMC8677786 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Therapies halting the progression of fibrosis are ineffective and limited. Activated myofibroblasts are emerging as important targets in the progression of fibrotic diseases. Previously, we performed a high-throughput screen on lung fibroblasts and subsequently demonstrated that the inhibition of myofibroblast activation is able to prevent lung fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice. High-throughput screens are an ideal method of repurposing drugs, yet they contain an intrinsic limitation, which is the size of the library itself. Here, we exploited the data from our "wet" screen and used "dry" machine learning analysis to virtually screen millions of compounds, identifying novel anti-fibrotic hits which target myofibroblast differentiation, many of which were structurally related to dopamine. We synthesized and validated several compounds ex vivo ("wet") and confirmed that both dopamine and its derivative TS1 are powerful inhibitors of myofibroblast activation. We further used RNAi-mediated knock-down and demonstrated that both molecules act through the dopamine receptor 3 and exert their anti-fibrotic effect by inhibiting the canonical transforming growth factor β pathway. Furthermore, molecular modelling confirmed the capability of TS1 to bind both human and mouse dopamine receptor 3. The anti-fibrotic effect on human cells was confirmed using primary fibroblasts from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Finally, TS1 prevented and reversed disease progression in a murine model of lung fibrosis. Both our interdisciplinary approach and our novel compound TS1 are promising tools for understanding and combating lung fibrosis.
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Naringenin: A Promising Therapeutic Agent against Organ Fibrosis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:1210675. [PMID: 34804359 PMCID: PMC8601819 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1210675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final common pathology of most chronic diseases as seen in the heart, liver, lung, kidney, and skin and contributes to nearly half of death in the developed countries. Fibrosis, or scarring, is mainly characterized by the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by myofibroblasts. Despite immense efforts made in the field of organ fibrosis over the past decades and considerable understanding of the occurrence and development of fibrosis gained, there is still lack of an effective treatment for fibrotic diseases. Therefore, identifying a new therapeutic strategy against organ fibrosis is an unmet clinical need. Naringenin, a flavonoid that occurs naturally in citrus fruits, has been found to confer a wide range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer benefits and thus potentially exerting preventive and curative effects on numerous diseases. In addition, emerging evidence has revealed that naringenin can prevent the pathogenesis of fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via the regulation of various pathways that involved signaling molecules such as transforming growth factor-β1/small mother against decapentaplegic protein 3 (TGF-β1/Smad3), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), or reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeting these profibrotic pathways by naringenin could potentially become a novel therapeutic approach for the management of fibrotic disorders. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the antifibrotic roles of naringenin in vivo and in vitro and their underlying mechanisms of action. As a food derived compound, naringenin may serve as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of fibrotic disorders.
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Chirindoth SS, Cancarevic I. Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Treatment of Fibrosis. Cureus 2021; 13:e18088. [PMID: 34692303 PMCID: PMC8525665 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a biological gas, the abnormal metabolism of which has associations with the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The purpose of this paper was to determine the potential of H2S in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis. The data is obtained mainly from articles found in the PubMed database using the keywords “fibrosis” and “hydrogen sulfide,” limiting the results to those published within the last 10 years. Some additional resources have also been used, such as books and articles within journals. Evidence of decreased H2S enzyme levels in animal models with fibrotic diseases has been found. The protective role of H2S has been validated by the administration of exogenous H2S donors in animal models with fibrosis. It is also evident that H2S is involved in complex signaling pathways and ion channels that inhibit fibrosis development. These findings support the role of H2S in the treatment of a variety of fibrotic diseases. A randomized controlled trial in fibrosis patients comparing the efficacy of exogenous H2S and placebo in addition to standard of care can be implemented to validate this further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathy S Chirindoth
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Ivan Cancarevic
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Oxidative Stress Induced by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and NADPH Oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the Pathogenesis of the Fibrotic Process in Systemic Sclerosis: A Promising Therapeutic Target. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10204791. [PMID: 34682914 PMCID: PMC8539594 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10204791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous clinical and research investigations conducted during the last two decades have implicated excessive oxidative stress caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the development of the severe and frequently progressive fibrotic process in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The role of excessive oxidative stress in SSc pathogenesis has been supported by the demonstration of increased levels of numerous biomarkers, indicative of cellular and molecular oxidative damage in serum, plasma, and other biological fluids from SSc patients, and by the demonstration of elevated production of ROS by various cell types involved in the SSc fibrotic process. However, the precise mechanisms mediating oxidative stress development in SSc and its pathogenetic effects have not been fully elucidated. The participation of the NADPH oxidase NOX4, has been suggested and experimentally supported by the demonstration that SSc dermal fibroblasts display constitutively increased NOX4 expression and that reduction or abrogation of NOX4 effects decreased ROS production and the expression of genes encoding fibrotic proteins. Furthermore, NOX4-stimulated ROS production may be involved in the development of certain endothelial and vascular abnormalities and may even participate in the generation of SSc-specific autoantibodies. Collectively, these observations suggest NOX4 as a novel therapeutic target for SSc.
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Speca S, Dubuquoy C, Rousseaux C, Chavatte P, Desreumaux P, Spagnolo P. GED-0507 attenuates lung fibrosis by counteracting myofibroblast transdifferentiation in vivo and in vitro. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257281. [PMID: 34529707 PMCID: PMC8445472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of more effective, better tolerated drug treatments for progressive pulmonary fibrosis (of which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common and severe form) is a research priority. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is a key regulator of inflammation and fibrosis and therefore represents a potential therapeutic target. However, the use of synthetic PPAR-γ agonists may be limited by their potentially severe adverse effects. In a mouse model of bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis, we have demonstrated that the non-racemic selective PPAR-γ modulator GED-0507 is able to reduce body weight loss, ameliorate clinical and histological features of pulmonary fibrosis, and increase survival rate without any safety concerns. Here, we focused on the biomolecular effects of GED-0507 on various inflammatory/fibrotic pathways. We demonstrated that preventive and therapeutic administration of GED-0507 reduced the BLM-induced mRNA expression of several markers of fibrosis, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen and fibronectin as well as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and expression of mucin 5B. The beneficial effect of GED-0507 on pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed in vitro by its ability to control TGFβ-induced myofibroblast activation in the A549 human alveolar epithelial cell line, the MRC-5 lung fibroblast line, and primary human lung fibroblasts. Compared with the US Food and Drug Administration-approved antifibrotic drugs pirfenidone and nintedanib, GED-0507 displayed greater antifibrotic activity by controlling alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction, EMT, and extracellular matrix remodeling. In conclusion, GED-0507 demonstrated potent antifibrotic properties and might be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Speca
- Univ. Lille, INSERM, U1286 –Infinite–Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- * E-mail: (PS); (SS)
| | | | | | - Philippe Chavatte
- Univ. Lille, INSERM, U1286 –Infinite–Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Laboratoire de Pharmacie Clinique, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Lille, France
| | - Pierre Desreumaux
- Univ. Lille, INSERM, U1286 –Infinite–Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology Department, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail: (PS); (SS)
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Yuan J, Li P, Pan H, Xu Q, Xu T, Li Y, Wei D, Mo Y, Zhang Q, Chen J, Ni C. miR-770-5p inhibits the activation of pulmonary fibroblasts and silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis through targeting TGFBR1. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 220:112372. [PMID: 34082245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Silicosis is a devastating interstitial lung disease arising from long-term exposure to inhalable silica. Regrettably, no therapy currently can effectively reverse the silica-induced fibrotic lesion. Emerging evidence has indicated that the dysregulation of microRNAs is involved in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of this study is to explore the expression pattern and underlying mechanisms of miR-770-5p in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Consistent with our previous miRNA microarray analysis, the results of qRT-PCR showed that miR-770-5p expression was downregulated in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis in humans and animal models. Administration of miR-770-5p agomir significantly reduced the fibrotic lesions in the lungs of mice exposed to silica dust. MiR-770-5p also exhibited a dramatic reduction in TGF-β1-activated human pulmonary fibroblasts (MRC-5). Transfection of miR-770-5p mimics significantly decreased the viability, migration ability, and S/G0 phase distribution, as well as the expression of fibronectin, collagen I, and α-SMA in TGF-β1-treated MRC-5 cells. Transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1) was confirmed as a direct target of regulation by miR-770-5p. The expression of TGFBR1 was significantly increased in pulmonary fibrosis. Knockdown of TGFBR1 blocked the transduction of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway and attenuated the activation of MRC-5 cells, while overexpression of TGFBR1 effectively restored the activation of MRC-5 cells inhibited by miR-770-5p. Together, our results demonstrated that miR-770-5p exerted an anti-fibrotic effect in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting TGFBR1. Targeting miR-770-5p might provide a new therapeutic strategy to prevent the abnormal activation of pulmonary fibroblasts in silicosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yuan
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Honghong Pan
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tiantian Xu
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Dong Wei
- The Transplant Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu 214003, China
| | - Yiqun Mo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Qunwei Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Jingyu Chen
- The Transplant Center, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu 214003, China
| | - Chunhui Ni
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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Zhang Y, Pan Y, Liu Y, Li X, Tang L, Duan M, Li J, Zhang G. Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells stimulate regenerative wound healing via transforming growth factor-β receptor inhibition. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:434. [PMID: 34344478 PMCID: PMC8336384 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scar formation is a common consequence of skin wound healing, and no effective treatment exists. Umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) can improve wound healing; however, the role of UCB-MSCs remains unclear and whether they can ameliorate scar formation has not been fully elucidated. METHODS To determine the function of UCB-MSCs, we examined and compared the therapeutic effects of UCB-MSCs and UCB-MSC-derived exosomes (UCB-MSC-exo) on skin healing in rats. Moreover, UCB-MSC-exo-specific miRNAs were identified and their effects in inhibiting the human dermal fibroblast (HDF) differentiation into myofibroblasts were investigated. RESULTS Both UCB-MSCs and UCB-MSC-exo accelerated wound closure; reduced scar formation; improved the regeneration of skin appendages, nerves, and vessels; and regulated the natural distribution of collagen fibers in wound healing. Additionally, UCB-MSC-exo suppressed the excessive formation of myofibroblasts and collagen I and increased the proliferation and migration of skin cells in vivo and in vitro. Functional analysis showed that UCB-MSC-derived miRNAs were closely related to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which could induce myofibroblast differentiation. We identified abundant miRNAs that were highly expressed in UCB-MSC-exo. miR-21-5p and miR-125b-5p were predicted to contribute to TGF-β receptor type II (TGFBR2) and TGF-β receptor type I (TGFBR1) inhibition, respectively. Using miRNA mimics, we found that miR-21-5p and miR-125b-5p were critical for anti-myofibroblast differentiation in the TGF-β1-induced HDF. CONCLUSION The effect of UCB-MSCs in stimulating regenerative wound healing might be achieved through exosomes, which can be, in part, through miR-21-5p- and miR-125b-5p-mediated TGF-β receptor inhibition, suggesting that UCB-MSC-exo might represent a novel strategy to prevent scar formation during wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, 1500 Qinghua Rd., Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingjin Pan
- Center of Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology, Foshan Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, 528000, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiheng Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, 1500 Qinghua Rd., Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, 1500 Qinghua Rd., Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
- Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengna Duan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, 1500 Qinghua Rd., Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
| | - Jiang Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, 1500 Qinghua Rd., Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China.
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 39 Huangsha Ave., Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guokun Zhang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, 1345 Pudong Rd., Changchun, Jilin, 130600, China.
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 4899 Juye St., Changchun, Jilin, 130112, China.
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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] [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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Zhang Y, Yan J, Liu Y, Chen Z, Li X, Tang L, Li J, Duan M, Zhang G. Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as a Novel Cell-Free Therapy for Cutaneous Regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:685873. [PMID: 34235150 PMCID: PMC8255501 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.685873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult wound healing often results in fibrotic scarring that is caused by myofibroblast aggregation. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) exhibit significantly anti-fibrotic scarring properties during wound healing. However, it is little known whether hAFSCs directly or indirectly (paracrine) contribute to this process. Using the full-thickness skin-wounded rats, we investigated the therapeutic potential of hAFSC-derived exosomes (hAFSC-exo). Our results showed that hAFSC-exo accelerated the wound healing rate and improved the regeneration of hair follicles, nerves, and vessels, as well as increased proliferation of cutaneous cells and the natural distribution of collagen during wound healing. Additionally, hAFSC-exo suppressed the excessive aggregation of myofibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. We identified several miRNAs, including let-7-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-21-5p, and miR-23a-3p, that were presented in hAFSC-exo. The functional analysis demonstrated that these hAFSC-exo-miRNAs contribute to the inhibition of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway by targeting the TGF-β receptor type I (TGF-βR1) and TGF-β receptor type II (TGF-βR2). The reduction of TGF-βR1 and TGF-βR2 expression induced by hAFSC-exo was also confirmed in the healing tissue. Finally, using mimics of miRNAs, we found that hAFSC-exo-miRNAs were essential for myofibroblast suppression during the TGF-β1-induced human dermal fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition in vitro. In summary, this study is the first to show that exosomal miRNAs used in hAFSC-based therapy inhibit myofibroblast differentiation. Our study suggests that hAFSC-exo may represent a strategic tool for suppressing fibrotic scarring during wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqing Yan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Chengnan Branch, Foshan Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xiheng Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiang Li
- Affiliated Stomatology Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengna Duan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guokun Zhang
- Institute of Antler Science and Product Technology, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China
- Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
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Zheng B, Yuan M, Wang S, Tan Y, Xu Y, Ye J, Gao Y, Sun X, Wang T, Kong L, Wu X, Xu Q. Fraxinellone alleviates kidney fibrosis by inhibiting CUG-binding protein 1-mediated fibroblast activation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 420:115530. [PMID: 33845055 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious threat to human health. In addition, kidney fibrosis is a key pathogenic intermediate for the progression of CDK. Moreover, excessive activation of fibroblasts is key to the development of kidney fibrosis and this process is difficult to control. Notably, fraxinellone is a natural compound isolated from Dictamnus dasycarpus and has a variety of pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. However, the effect of fraxinellone on kidney fibrosis is largely unknown. The present study showed that fraxinellone could alleviate folic acid-induced kidney fibrosis in mice in a dose dependent manner. Additionally, the results revealed that fraxinellone could effectively down-regulate the expression of CUGBP1, which was highly up-regulated in human and murine fibrotic renal tissues. Furthermore, expression of CUGBP1 was selectively induced by the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) through p38 and JNK signaling in kidney fibroblasts. On the other hand, downregulating the expression of CUGBP1 significantly inhibited the activation of kidney fibroblasts. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that fraxinellone might be a new drug candidate and CUGBP1 could be a promising target for the treatment of kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Manman Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shenglan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yizhu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yanjie Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xueqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lingdong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xingxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Bo Y, Liu B, Yang L, Zhang L, Yan Y. Exosomes derived from miR-16-5p-overexpressing keratinocytes attenuates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 561:113-119. [PMID: 34022711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
microRNAs have been shown to be associated with the development of skin fibrosis. Therefore, miRNA modulators play an important role in the management of cutaneous fibrotic diseases and are worthy of investigation. However, a major obstacle of miRNAs therapy is to deliver miRNAs to target cell types, tissues or organs. The study reported here investigated the effects of miR-16-5p delivery by keratinocytes-derived exosomes on skin fibrosis in the bleomycin (BLM)-treated mice. In results, miR-16-5p-overexpressing keratinocytes-derived exosomes significantly suppressed the enhancing effects of TGF-β1 on proliferation, migration and COL1A1 expression of fibroblasts. Moreover, we found that miR-16-5p-overexpressing keratinocytes-derived exosomes inhibited the endogenous Smad3 expression. In vivo, subcutaneously injected of miR-16-5p-overexpressing keratinocytes-derived exosomes significantly enhanced miR-16-5p expression in the skin compared with the control group, while suppressing BLM-induced skin fibrosis with reduced dermal thickening and lower COL1A1 expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that the localized delivery of miR-16-5p by keratinocytes-derived exosomes may have potential for efficient clinical treatment of skin fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyao Bo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Baiting Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou, 510515, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yuan Yan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Construction and Detection in Tissue Engineering, Guangzhou, 510515, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Safety Evaluation of Cosmetics, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Epigenetic Modulation of Radiation-Induced Diacylglycerol Kinase Alpha Expression Prevents Pro-Fibrotic Fibroblast Response. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102455. [PMID: 34070078 PMCID: PMC8158145 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To reduce long-term fibrosis risk after radiotherapy, we demonstrated with different experimental approaches that modulation of the epigenetic pattern at the DGKA enhancer can attenuate pro-fibrotic reactions in human fibroblasts. We used (epi)genomic editing of the DGKA enhancer and administration of various epigenetic drugs and were able to modulate radiation-induced expression of DGKA and pro-fibrotic collagens. Based on our results, clinical application of bromodomain inhibitors will open promising ways to epigenetically modulate DGKA expression and might provide novel therapeutic options to prevent or even reverse radiotherapy-induced fibrotic reactions. Abstract Radiotherapy, a common component in cancer treatment, can induce adverse effects including fibrosis in co-irradiated tissues. We previously showed that differential DNA methylation at an enhancer of diacylglycerol kinase alpha (DGKA) in normal dermal fibroblasts is associated with radiation-induced fibrosis. After irradiation, the transcription factor EGR1 is induced and binds to the hypomethylated enhancer, leading to increased DGKA and pro-fibrotic marker expression. We now modulated this DGKA induction by targeted epigenomic and genomic editing of the DGKA enhancer and administering epigenetic drugs. Targeted DNA demethylation of the DGKA enhancer in HEK293T cells resulted in enrichment of enhancer-related histone activation marks and radiation-induced DGKA expression. Mutations of the EGR1-binding motifs decreased radiation-induced DGKA expression in BJ fibroblasts and caused dysregulation of multiple fibrosis-related pathways. EZH2 inhibitors (GSK126, EPZ6438) did not change radiation-induced DGKA increase. Bromodomain inhibitors (CBP30, JQ1) suppressed radiation-induced DGKA and pro-fibrotic marker expression. Similar drug effects were observed in donor-derived fibroblasts with low DNA methylation. Overall, epigenomic manipulation of DGKA expression may offer novel options for a personalized treatment to prevent or attenuate radiotherapy-induced fibrosis.
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Li X, Ding Z, Wu Z, Xu Y, Yao H, Lin K. Targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway for fibrosis therapy: a patent review (2015-2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:723-743. [PMID: 33645365 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1896705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibrosis is a serious disease that occurs in many organs, such as kidney, liver and lung. The deterioration of these organs ultimately leads to death. Due to the complex mechanisms of fibrosis, research and development of antifibrotic drugs is difficult. One solution is to focus on core pathways, one of which is the TGF-β signaling pathway. In virtually every type of fibrosis, TGF-β signaling is recognized as a critical pathway. AREA COVERED This review discusses patents on active molecules related to the TGF-β signaling. Molecules targeting components related to the activation of TGF-β are introduced. Several strategies preventing signal propagation from active TGF-β to downstream targets are also introduced, including TGF-β antibodies, TGF-β ligand traps, and inhibitors of TGF-β receptor kinases. Finally, molecules affecting downstream targets in both canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling pathways are described. EXPERT OPINION Since the approval of pirfenidone, targeting TGF-β signaling has been anticipated as an effective therapy for fibrosis. The potential of this therapy has been further supported by emerging patents on the TGF-β signaling. This pathway can be entirely inhibited, from the activation of TGF-β to downstream signaling. Inhibiting TGF-β signaling is expected to provide more effective treatments for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyi Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ziang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zixuan Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinqiu Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hequan Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kejiang Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Li H, Zhao C, Li Z, Yao K, Zhang J, Si W, Liu X, Jiang Y, Zhu M. Identification of Potential Pathogenic Super-Enhancers-Driven Genes in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Genet 2021; 12:644143. [PMID: 34054916 PMCID: PMC8153712 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.644143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblast is a crucial pathological mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Super-enhancers, a newly discovered cluster of regulatory elements, are regarded as the regulators of cell identity. We speculate that abnormal activation of super-enhancers must be involved in the pathological process of PF. This study aims to identify potential pathogenic super-enhancer-driven genes in PF. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PF mouse lungs were identified from a GEO dataset (GDS1492). We collected super-enhancers and their associated genes in human lung fibroblasts and mouse embryonic fibroblasts from SEA version 3.0, a network database that provides comprehensive information on super-enhancers. We crosslinked upregulated DEGs and super-enhancer-associated genes in fibroblasts to predict potential super-enhancer-driven pathogenic genes in PF. A total of 25 genes formed an overlap, and the protein-protein interaction network of these genes was constructed by the STRING database. An interaction network of transcription factors (TFs), super-enhancers, and associated genes was constructed using the Cytoscape software. Gene enrichment analyses, including KEGG pathway and GO analysis, were performed for these genes. Latent transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) binding protein 2 (LTBP2), one of the predicted super-enhancer-driven pathogenic genes, was used to verify the predicted network’s accuracy. LTBP2 was upregulated in the lungs of the bleomycin-induced PF mouse model and TGF-β1-stimulated mouse and human fibroblasts. Myc is one of the TFs binding to the LTBP2 super-enhancer. Knockout of super-enhancer sequences with a CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid or inhibition of Myc all decreased TGF-β1-induced LTBP2 expression in NIH/3 T3 cells. Identifying and interfering super-enhancers might be a new way to explore possible therapeutic methods for PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Li
- Central Lab, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Group), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Caiping Zhao
- Central Lab, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Group), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zeli Li
- Department of Respiratory, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Group), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kainan Yao
- Department of Respiratory, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Group), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Group), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenwen Si
- Central Lab, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Group), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Respiratory, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meiling Zhu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Research Center, Shenzhen Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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Tartaglia G, Cao Q, Padron ZM, South AP. Impaired Wound Healing, Fibrosis, and Cancer: The Paradigm of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5104. [PMID: 34065916 PMCID: PMC8151646 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a devastating skin blistering disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen (C7), leading to epidermal fragility, trauma-induced blistering, and long term, hard-to-heal wounds. Fibrosis develops rapidly in RDEB skin and contributes to both chronic wounds, which emerge after cycles of repetitive wound and scar formation, and squamous cell carcinoma-the single biggest cause of death in this patient group. The molecular pathways disrupted in a broad spectrum of fibrotic disease are also disrupted in RDEB, and squamous cell carcinomas arising in RDEB are thus far molecularly indistinct from other sub-types of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Collectively these data demonstrate RDEB is a model for understanding the molecular basis of both fibrosis and rapidly developing aggressive cancer. A number of studies have shown that RDEB pathogenesis is driven by a radical change in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling that is a direct result of C7 loss-of-function in dermal fibroblasts. However, the exact mechanism of how C7 loss results in extensive fibrosis is unclear, particularly how TGFβ signaling is activated and then sustained through complex networks of cell-cell interaction not limited to the traditional fibrotic protagonist, the dermal fibroblast. Continued study of this rare disease will likely yield paradigms relevant to more common pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Tartaglia
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
| | - Qingqing Cao
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
| | - Zachary M. Padron
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
- The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Andrew P. South
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S. 10th Street, BLSB 406, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (G.T.); (Q.C.); (Z.M.P.)
- The Joan and Joel Rosenbloom Research Center for Fibrotic Diseases, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Mendoza FA, Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Tyrosine kinases in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis in systemic sclerosis and potential therapeutic role of their inhibition. Transl Res 2021; 231:139-158. [PMID: 33422651 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic autoimmune disease with a heterogeneous clinical phenotype ranging from limited cutaneous involvement to rapidly progressive diffuse SSc. The most severe SSc clinical and pathologic manifestations result from an uncontrolled fibrotic process involving the skin and various internal organs. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation and progression of the SSc fibrotic process have not been fully elucidated. Recently it has been suggested that tyrosine protein kinases play a role. The implicated kinases include receptor-activated tyrosine kinases and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. The receptor kinases are activated following specific binding of growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, or vascular endothelial growth factor). Other receptor kinases are the discoidin domain receptors activated by binding of various collagens, the ephrin receptors that are activated by ephrins and the angiopoetin-Tie-2s receptors. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinases c-Abl, Src, Janus, and STATs have also been shown to participate in SSc-associated tissue fibrosis. Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying therapies for SSc-associated tissue fibrosis. Therefore, extensive investigation has been conducted to examine whether tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may exert antifibrotic effects. Here, we review the role of receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases in the pathogenesis of the frequently progressive cutaneous and systemic fibrotic alterations in SSc, and the potential of TKIs as SSc disease-modifying antifibrotic therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian A Mendoza
- Rheumatology Division, Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Modulation of microRNome by Human Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesvirus 6 Infection in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: Possible Significance in the Induction of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051060. [PMID: 33946985 PMCID: PMC8146000 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) have been reportedly suggested as triggers of the onset and/or progression of systemic sclerosis (SSc), a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. The etiology and pathogenesis of SSc are still largely unknown but virological and immunological observations support a role for these beta-herpesviruses, and we recently observed a direct impact of HCMV and HHV-6 infection on the expression of cell factors associated with fibrosis at the cell level. Since miRNA expression has been found profoundly deregulated at the tissue level, here we aimed to investigate the impact on cell microRNome (miRNome) of HCMV and HHV-6 infection in in vitro infected primary human dermal fibroblasts, which represent one of the main SSc target cells. The analysis, performed by Taqman arrays detecting and quantifying 754 microRNAs (miRNAs), showed that both herpesviruses significantly modulated miRNA expression in infected cells, with evident early and late effects and deep modulation (>10 fold) of >40 miRNAs at each time post infection, including those previously recognized for their key function in fibrosis. The correlation between these in vitro results with in vivo observations is strongly suggestive of a role of HCMV and/or HHV-6 in the multistep pathogenesis of fibrosis in SSc and in the induction of fibrosis-signaling pathways finally leading to tissue fibrosis. The identification of specific miRNAs may open the way to their use as biomarkers for SSc diagnosis, assessment of disease progression and possible antifibrotic therapies.
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Albacete-Albacete L, Sánchez-Álvarez M, Del Pozo MA. Extracellular Vesicles: An Emerging Mechanism Governing the Secretion and Biological Roles of Tenascin-C. Front Immunol 2021; 12:671485. [PMID: 33981316 PMCID: PMC8107694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.671485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
ECM composition and architecture are tightly regulated for tissue homeostasis. Different disorders have been associated to alterations in the levels of proteins such as collagens, fibronectin (FN) or tenascin-C (TnC). TnC emerges as a key regulator of multiple inflammatory processes, both during physiological tissue repair as well as pathological conditions ranging from tumor progression to cardiovascular disease. Importantly, our current understanding as to how TnC and other non-collagen ECM components are secreted has remained elusive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound particles released to the extracellular space by most cell types, playing a key role in cell-cell communication. A broad range of cellular components can be transported by EVs (e.g. nucleic acids, lipids, signalling molecules and proteins). These cargoes can be transferred to target cells, potentially modulating their function. Recently, several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been characterized as bona fide EV cargoes, exosomal secretion being particularly critical for TnC. EV-dependent ECM secretion might underpin diseases where ECM integrity is altered, establishing novel concepts in the field such as ECM nucleation over long distances, and highlighting novel opportunities for diagnostics and therapeutic intervention. Here, we review recent findings and standing questions on the molecular mechanisms governing EV–dependent ECM secretion and its potential relevance for disease, with a focus on TnC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Albacete-Albacete
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Sánchez-Álvarez
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Del Pozo
- Mechanoadaptation and Caveolae Biology Lab, Area of Cell and Developmental Biology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
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