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Ning ZH, Wang XH, Zhao Y, Ou Y, Yang JY, Tang HF, Hu HJ. Ferroptosis in organ fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Int Immunopharmacol 2025; 151:114341. [PMID: 40024213 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114341] [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: 11/27/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2025] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/04/2025]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, has emerged as a critical mechanism in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and its contribution to fibrosis in various organs, including the liver, lung, heart, and kidneys. We explore how dysregulated iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress contribute to ferroptosis and subsequent tissue damage, promoting the progression of fibrosis. In addition, we highlight the complex interplay between ferroptosis and other cellular processes such as apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation in the fibrotic microenvironment. Furthermore, this review discusses current therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis, including iron chelation, antioxidants, and modulators of lipid peroxidation. We also examine ongoing clinical and preclinical studies aimed at translating these findings into viable treatments for fibrotic diseases. Understanding the role of ferroptosis in organ fibrosis offers novel therapeutic opportunities, with the potential to mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Ning
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Xiu-Heng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Medical-Record, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Yue Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Yun Ou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Jia-Yan Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Hui-Fang Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Heng-Jing Hu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China; Department of Cardiovascular Disease and Key Lab for Atherosclerosis of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
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Liu S, Wu T, Song X, Quan L, Wang X, Liu Q, Zhou X. Single-cell sequencing reveals PTX3 involvement in ovarian cancer metastasis. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:235. [PMID: 39580424 PMCID: PMC11585133 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01558-2] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has been associated with the development and progression of various malignant tumors. However, its roles and the mechanisms underlying its involvement in ovarian cancer (OC) peritoneal metastasis remain unclear. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were conducted to determine the expression profiles, potential functionalities, and underlying mechanisms of PTX3 within the context of OC. To assess the proliferative response of OC cells, we utilized both EdU (5-ethynyl-2' -deoxyuridine) and CCK8 assays. The role of PTX3 in facilitating cell migration and invasion was quantified through the use of Transwell assays. The protein expression levels were meticulously analyzed via Western blotting. Furthermore, to explore the interactions between proteins, we conducted immunofluorescence (IF) staining and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments. To determine the factors responsible for the upregulation of PTX3, we performed both coculture and suspension assays, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved. RESULTS This study confirmed, for the first time, that the expression of PTX3 in OC metastatic lesions is greater than that in primary lesions and that tumor cells with high PTX3 expression have greater metastatic ability. PTX3 can activate the EMT and NF-κB signaling pathways in OC cells and can interact with the TLR4 and CD44 receptors in OC cells. Additionally, PTX3's modulation of the EMT and NF-κB pathways is partially dependent on its interaction with TLR4. Furthermore, this study revealed the intercellular regulatory network related to PTX3 in OC cells via bioinformatic analysis. High levels of PTX3 in OC cells potentially enhance the attraction of dendritic cells (DCs) and CD4 + T cells while diminishing the recruitment of B cells and CD8 + T cells. Finally, this study indicated that PTX3 upregulation was driven by multiple factors, including specific transcription factors (TFs) and modifications within the tumor microenvironment (TME). CONCLUSIONS Our research revealed the contribution of PTX3 to the peritoneal dissemination process in OC patients, identifying a novel potential biomarker and therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Tianhao Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xueying Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Linru Quan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Zhu Y, Chen Y, Shu X, Wei R. miR-101-3p suppresses proliferation of orbital fibroblasts by targeting pentraxin-3 in thyroid eye disease. PeerJ 2024; 12:e18535. [PMID: 39559327 PMCID: PMC11572358 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Excessive proliferation of orbital fibroblasts (OFs) is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of thyroid eye disease (TED). While existing evidence indicates that various microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly contribute to TED development, the precise function and targets of miR-101-3p in TED pathogenesis remain unknown. This research aims to elucidate the effects of miR-101-3p on TED-OFs and identify its potential targets. Methods Orbital adipose tissues were harvested from both TED patients and healthy controls to culture their fibroblasts. MiR-101-3p mimic or mimic negative control (mimic NC) was transfected into OFs from TED patients, with untreated OFs serving as an additional blank control group. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Ki-67 immunofluorescence staining, and the EdU assay, while apoptosis was evaluated via flow cytometry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the expression levels of miR-101-3p and pentraxin-3 (PTX3), and PTX3 protein levels were quantified using western blot. A dual-luciferase assay was conducted to ascertain how miR-101-3p and PTX3 interacted. Results The results demonstrated a significant downregulation of miR-101-3p in fibroblasts and TED orbital adipose tissues. Transfection with the miR-101-3p mimic upregulated miR-101-3p levels, significantly reducing OFs proliferation without affecting apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-101-3p led to the downregulation of PTX3 in OFs. The dual-luciferase assay validated miR-101-3p binding to PTX3's 3'UTR, thereby repressing its expression. Moreover, overexpression of PTX3 partially rescued the miR-101-3p mimic's inhibitory effect on TED-OFs proliferation. Conclusion Our findings illustrate miR-101-3p's role in targeting PTX3 to regulate TED-OFs proliferation, providing novel insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying TED development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyi Shu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruili Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Zheng S, Xue C, Li S, Qi W, Zao X, Li X, Wang W, Liu Q, Cao X, Zhang P, Ye Y. Research Progress of Chinese Medicine in the Regulation of Liver Fibrosis-Related Signaling Pathways. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:1693-1728. [PMID: 39343991 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common complication of chronic liver disease, significantly affecting patients' quality of life and potentially leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite advancements in modern medicine, the treatment of liver fibrosis remains limited and challenging. Thus, identifying new therapeutic strategies is of great clinical importance. Signaling pathways related to liver fibrosis play a crucial regulatory role in immune response and inflammation. Aberrant activation of specific pathways, such as the NF-κB signaling pathway, results in the overexpression of genes associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis, thereby promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Chinese medicine offers unique potential advantages as a therapeutic approach. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that certain Chinese medicines can effectively treat liver fibrosis by regulating relevant signaling pathways. The active ingredients in these medicines can inhibit hepatic inflammatory responses and fibrotic processes by interfering with these pathways, thus reducing the severity of liver fibrosis. This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms of Chinese medicine in treating liver fibrosis and its modulation of related signaling pathways. Additionally, it discusses the prospects of the clinical application of these treatments and provides valuable references for further research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Zheng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chengyuan Xue
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Size Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wenying Qi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoke Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qiyao Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yongan Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100007, P. R. China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
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Duan H, Song S, Li R, Hu S, Zhuang S, Liu S, Li X, Gao W. Strategy for treating MAFLD: Electroacupuncture alleviates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by enhancing AMPK mediated glycolipid metabolism and autophagy in T2DM rats. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2024; 16:218. [PMID: 39261952 PMCID: PMC11389443 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-024-01432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have highlighted type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This investigation aimed to assess electroacupuncture's (EA) impact on liver morphology and function in T2DM rats, furnishing experimental substantiation for its potential to stall MAFLD progression in T2DM. METHODS T2DM rats were induced by a high-fat diet and a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and then randomly assigned to five groups: the T2DM group, the electroacupuncture group, the metformin group, combination group of electroacupuncture and metformin, combination group of electroacupuncture and Compound C. The control group received a standard diet alongside intraperitoneal citric acid - sodium citrate solution injections. After a 6-week intervention, the effects of each group on fasting blood glucose, lipids, liver function, morphology, lipid droplet infiltration, and fibrosis were evaluated. Techniques including Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were employed to gauge the expression of key molecules in AMPK-associated glycolipid metabolism, insulin signaling, autophagy, and fibrosis pathways. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy facilitated the observation of liver autophagy, lipid droplets, and fibrosis. RESULTS Our studies indicated that hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and IR promoted lipid accumulation, pathological and functional damage, and resulting in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Meanwhile, EA enhanced the activation of AMPK, which in turn improved glycolipid metabolism and autophagy through promoting the expression of PPARα/CPT1A and AMPK/mTOR pathway, inhibiting the expression of SREBP1c, PGC-1α/PCK2 and TGFβ1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, ultimately exerting its effect on ameliorating hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in T2DM rats. The above effects of EA were consistent with metformin. The combination of EA and metformin had significant advantages in increasing hepatic AMPK expression, improving liver morphology, lipid droplet infiltration, fibrosis, and reducing serum ALT levels. In addition, the ameliorating effects of EA on the progression of MAFLD in T2DM rats were partly disrupted by Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK. CONCLUSIONS EA upregulated hepatic AMPK expression, curtailing gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis while boosting fatty acid oxidation and autophagy levels. Consequently, it mitigated blood glucose, lipids, and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, thus impeding liver steatosis and fibrosis progression and retarding MAFLD advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoru Duan
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Chaoyang District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Beijing, 100026, China
| | - Shanshan Song
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China- Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Suqin Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan, 450002, China
| | - Shuting Zhuang
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shaoyang Liu
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wei Gao
- School of Acupuncture - Moxibustion, and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
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Lu H, Liu X, Zhang M, Bera H, Xu W, Jiang H, Zhao X, Wu L, Cun D, Yang M. Pulmonary fibroblast-specific delivery of siRNA exploiting exosomes-based nanoscaffolds for IPF treatment. Asian J Pharm Sci 2024; 19:100929. [PMID: 39258001 PMCID: PMC11385781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2024.100929] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive pulmonary disease that leads to interstitial inflammation, lung damage, and eventually life-threatening complications. Among various pathologic factors, Smad4 is a pivotal molecule involved in the progression and exacerbation of IPF. It mediates nuclear transfer of Smad2/Smad3 complexes and initiates the transcription of fibrosis-promoting genes. Thus, the inhibition of Smad4 expression in pulmonary fibroblasts by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) might be a promising therapeutic strategy for IPF. Herein, we engineered exosome membranes (EM) by cationic lipid (i.e., DOTAP) to load siRNAs against Smad4 (DOTAP/siSmad4@EM), and investigated their specific delivery to pulmonary fibroblasts for treating IPF in a mouse model via pulmonary administration. As reference nanoscaffolds, undecorated DOTAP/siSmad4 complexes (lipoplexes, consisting of cationic lipid DOTAP and siRNAs) and siSmad4-loaded lipid nanoparticles (DOTAP/siSmad4@lipo, consisting of lipoplexes fused with DPPC-Chol liposomes) were also prepared. The results showed that DOTAP/siSmad4@EM exhibited a higher cellular uptake and gene silencing efficacies in mouse pulmonary fibroblasts (viz., MLg2908) as compared to the two reference nanoscaffolds. Furthermore, the outcomes of the in vivo experiments illustrated that DOTAP/siSmad4@EM could significantly down-regulate the Smad4 expression with augmented anti-fibrosis efficiency. Additionally, the DOTAP/siSmad4@EM conferred excellent biocompatibility with low cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and proinflammatory responses in the pulmonary area. Taken together, the outcomes of our investigation imply that specific inhibition of Smad4 expression in pulmonary fibroblasts by pulmonary administrated DOTAP/siSmad4@EM is a promising therapeutic strategy for IPF, which could safely and effectively deliver siRNA drugs to the targeted site of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Lu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xulu Liu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mengjun Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Hriday Bera
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Sciences, West Bengal 713212, India
| | - Wenwen Xu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Huiyang Jiang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lan Wu
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Dongmei Cun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Mingshi Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
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Zhao L, Hu H, Zhang L, Liu Z, Huang Y, Liu Q, Jin L, Zhu M, Zhang L. Inflammation in diabetes complications: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e516. [PMID: 38617433 PMCID: PMC11014467 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.516] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, diabetes mellitus (DM) has been one of the most endangering healthy diseases. Current therapies contain controlling high blood sugar, reducing risk factors like obesity, hypertension, and so on; however, DM patients inevitably and eventually progress into different types of diabetes complications, resulting in poor quality of life. Unfortunately, the clear etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes complications have not been elucidated owing to intricate whole-body systems. The immune system was responsible to regulate homeostasis by triggering or resolving inflammatory response, indicating it may be necessary to diabetes complications. In fact, previous studies have been shown inflammation plays multifunctional roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications and is attracting attention to be the meaningful therapeutic strategy. To this end, this review systematically concluded the current studies over the relationships of susceptible diabetes complications (e.g., diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy) and inflammation, ranging from immune cell response, cytokines interaction to pathomechanism of organ injury. Besides, we also summarized various therapeutic strategies to improve diabetes complications by target inflammation from special remedies to conventional lifestyle changes. This review will offer a panoramic insight into the mechanisms of diabetes complications from an inflammatory perspective and also discuss contemporary clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Haoran Hu
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zheting Liu
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yunchao Huang
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Qian Liu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Traditional Chinese Medicines Education (Zhejiang Chinese Medical University)College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines, The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia MedicaShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Meifei Zhu
- Department of Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine)HangzhouChina
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Biology and MedicineCollege of Life Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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Chen S, Diao J, Yue Z, Wei R. Identification and validation of ferroptosis-related genes and immune cell infiltration in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy. Front Genet 2023; 14:1118391. [PMID: 37021001 PMCID: PMC10067720 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1118391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an orbital autoimmune inflammatory disease that is commonly associated with thyroid dysfunction. Although the etiology of TAO is unclear, ROS accumulation and oxidative stress have been closely linked to the pathogenesis of TAO. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death characterized by intracellular labile iron levels, excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Currently, there are few reports regarding the role of ferroptosis in TAO. This article aimed to identify ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) with diagnostic and therapeutic potential in TAO and explore their relationship with immune cells and lncRNAs. GSE58331 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 162 DEGs were identified between 27 TAO samples and 22 health samples from GSE58331, among which six FRGs (CYBB, CTSB, SLC38A1, TLR4, PEX3, and ABCC1) were obtained. The AUC of SLC38A1, TLR4, PEX3 in lacrimal gland tissues was greater than 80 which suggested high diagnostic value in TAO. The result of immune cell infiltrate analysis indicated increased infiltration of monocytes (p < 0.001), macrophages M0(p = 0.039), mast cells activated (p = 0.008), and neutrophils (p = 0.045) in orbital tissues from TAO patients. Meanwhile, mast cells resting (p = 0.043) and macrophages M2 (p = 0.02) showed reduced infiltration in TAO samples. There were no gender differences in immune cell infiltration in the TAO patients. Two differentially expressed lncRNAs, LINC01140 and ZFHX4-AS1, in TAO groups were identified as ferroptosis-related lncRNAs. CYBB-LINC01140-TLR4, CYBB- LINC01140- SLC38A1, TLR4- LINC01140- SLC38A1, and CTSB- ZFHX4-AS1- CYBB may be potential RNA regulatory pathways in TAO. Targeted drugs and transcription factors for differential expressed FRGs were also screened out in our study. In vitro, experiments revealed that CTSB, PEX3, ABCC1 and ZFHX4-AS1(lncRNA) were differentially expressed in orbital fibroblasts (OFs) between TAO groups and healthy controls at the transcriptional level.
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Chiari D, Pirali B, Perano V, Leone R, Mantovani A, Bottazzi B. The crossroad between autoimmune disorder, tissue remodeling and cancer of the thyroid: The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1146017. [PMID: 37025408 PMCID: PMC10070760 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1146017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid is at the crossroads of immune dysregulation, tissue remodeling and oncogenesis. Autoimmune disorders, nodular disease and cancer of the thyroid affect a large amount of general population, mainly women. We wondered if there could be a common factor behind three processes (immune dysregulation, tissue remodeling and oncogenesis) that frequently affect, sometimes coexisting, the thyroid gland. The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an essential component of the humoral arm of the innate immune system acting as soluble pattern recognition molecule. The protein is found expressed in a variety of cell types during tissue injury and stress. In addition, PTX3 is produced by neutrophils during maturation in the bone-marrow and is stored in lactoferrin-granules. PTX3 is a regulator of the complement cascade and orchestrates tissue remodeling and repair. Preclinical data and studies in human tumors indicate that PTX3 can act both as an extrinsic oncosuppressor by modulating complement-dependent tumor-promoting inflammation, or as a tumor-promoter molecule, regulating cell invasion and proliferation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, thus suggesting that this molecule may have different functions on carcinogenesis. The involvement of PTX3 in the regulation of immune responses, tissue remodeling and oncosuppressive processes led us to explore its potential role in the development of thyroid disorders. In this review, we aimed to highlight what is known, at the state of the art, regarding the connection between the long pentraxin 3 and the main thyroid diseases i.e., nodular thyroid disease, thyroid cancer and autoimmune thyroid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Chiari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- General Surgery Department, Humanitas Mater Domini Clinical Institute, Castellanza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Pirali, ; Damiano Chiari,
| | - Barbara Pirali
- Endocrinology Clinic, Internal Medicine Department, Humanitas Mater Domini Clinical Institute, Castellanza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Pirali, ; Damiano Chiari,
| | - Vittoria Perano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Mantovani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
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Zhang H, Wang R, Wang Z, Wu W, Zhang N, Zhang L, Hu J, Luo P, Zhang J, Liu Z, Feng S, Peng Y, Liu Z, Cheng Q. Molecular insight into pentraxin-3: Update advances in innate immunity, inflammation, tissue remodeling, diseases, and drug role. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113783. [PMID: 36240615 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113783] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is the prototype of the long pentraxin subfamily, an acute-phase protein consisting of a C-terminal pentraxin domain and a unique N-terminal domain. PTX3 was initially isolated from human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human FS-4 fibroblasts. It was subsequently found to be also produced by synoviocytes, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, smooth muscle cells, myeloid dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and tumor cells. Various modulatory factors, such as miRNAs, cytokines, drugs, and hypoxic conditions, could regulate the expression level of PTX3. PTX3 is essential in regulating innate immunity, inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Besides, PTX3 may play dual (pro-tumor and anti-tumor) roles in oncogenesis. PTX3 is involved in the occurrence and development of many non-cancerous diseases, including COVID-19, and might be a potential biomarker indicating the prognosis, activity,and severity of diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss the potential roles of PTX3 in the oncogenesis and pathogenesis of non-cancerous diseases and potential targeted therapies based on PTX3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Ruixuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; One-third Lab, College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, China
| | - Longbo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; Department of Neurosurgery, and Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology,Yale University School of Medicine, USA; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Jason Hu
- Department of Neonatology, Yale University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Songshan Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China
| | - Zhengzheng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China.
| | - Quan Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China.
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Diao J, Chen X, Mou P, Ma X, Wei R. Potential Therapeutic Activity of Berberine in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy: Inhibitory Effects on Tissue Remodeling in Orbital Fibroblasts. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:6. [PMID: 36094643 PMCID: PMC9482321 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.10.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Berberine (BBR), an alkaloid produced by a traditional Chinese plant, was recently attributed multiple effects on lipometabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is highly associated with these pathologic changes. Thus, we aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effect of BBR in an in vitro model of TAO. Methods Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) obtained from control donors (n = 6) or patients with TAO (n = 6) were cultured. The CCK-8 assay was conducted for assessing the optimal concentration range. Oil Red O staining, Western blotting, and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) were conducted to assess adipogenesis in OFs. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to screen the key pathways of the antiadipogenic effect mediated by BBR. Along with incremental concentrations of BBR, IL-1β–induced expression of proinflammatory molecules was determined by ELISA and qRT-PCR. In addition, TGF-β–induced hyaluronan (HA) production and fibrosis were evaluated by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Results TAO-OFs, but not control fibroblasts (CON-OFs), were readily differentiated into adipocytes with the commercial medium. Intracellular lipid accumulation was dose-dependently decreased by BBR, and adipogenic markers were also downregulated. Moreover, the PPARγ and AMPK pathways were screened out by RNA-seq and their downstream effectors were suppressed by BBR. Besides, BBR attenuated IL-1β–induced expression of proinflammatory molecules in both TAO-OFs and CON-OFs by blocking nuclear factor–κB signaling. BBR's inhibitory effect on TGF-β–mediated tissue remodeling was also confirmed in OFs. Conclusions These findings demonstrate BBR has outstanding capabilities of controlling adipogenesis, inflammation, HA production, and fibrosis in OFs, highlighting its potential therapeutic role in TAO management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiale Diao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medicine University, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medicine University, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Mou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medicine University, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoye Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medicine University, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruili Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medicine University, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
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TGF-β induces GBM mesenchymal transition through upregulation of CLDN4 and nuclear translocation to activate TNF-α/NF-κB signal pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:339. [PMID: 35418179 PMCID: PMC9008023 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04788-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. The unregulated expression of Claudin-4 (CLDN4) plays an important role in tumor progression. However, the biological role of CLDN4 in GBM is still unknown. This study aimed to determine whether CLDN4 mediates glioma malignant progression, if so, it would further explore the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Our results revealed that CLDN4 was significantly upregulated in glioma specimens and cells. The inhibition of CLND4 expression could inhibit mesenchymal transformation, cell invasion, cell migration and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, combined with in vitro analysis, we found that CLDN4 can modulate tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) signal pathway. Meanwhile, we also validated that the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signal pathway can upregulate the expression of CLDN4, and promote the invasion ability of GBM cells. Conversely, TGF-β signal pathway inhibitor ITD-1 can downregulate the expression of CLDN4, and inhibit the invasion ability of GBM cells. Furthermore, we found that TGF-β can promote the nuclear translocation of CLDN4. In summary, our findings indicated that the TGF-β/CLDN4/TNF-α/NF-κB signal axis plays a key role in the biological progression of glioma. Disrupting the function of this signal axis may represent a new treatment strategy for patients with GBM.
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Ma R, Geng Y, Gan L, Peng Z, Cheng J, Guo J, Qian J. Quantitative T1 mapping MRI for the assessment of extraocular muscle fibrosis in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Endocrine 2022; 75:456-464. [PMID: 34549377 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the performance of T1 mapping and its histological correlation with extraocular muscle fibrosis in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). METHODS We prospectively recruited 12 cases of active TAO, 12 cases of inactive TAO, and 15 cases of control subjects. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with pre-/postcontrast T1 mapping and short-time inversion-recovery (STIR) sequence. The images were analyzed to obtain precontrast T1, extracellular-volume (ECV) fraction on T1 mapping, and signal-intensity ratio (SIR) on STIR for each rectus. Muscle biopsy was performed at lateral rectus to quantify-collagen volume fraction, glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-volume fraction, and extracellular space component. The relationship between MRI and histopathology was examined with Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS The active TAO group was characterized with GAG accumulation, while the inactive TAO group presented with substantial fibrosis. The MRI parameters achieved acceptable interobserver and intraobserver agreement. The precontrast T1 and ECV remarkably increased in the TAO groups than the control group, and ECV positively correlated with collagen-volume fraction (r = 0.913) and extracellular-space component (r = 0.886) in the inactive TAO group. The SIR statistically increased in the active TAO group, and SIR positively correlated with GAG-volume fraction in all three groups. The performance of ECV (cutoff > 48.1%) to screen out extraocular muscle fibrosis in inactive TAO was 60.9% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity. CONCLUSIONS The ECV parameter on T1 mapping MRI is a reliable tool to quantify extraocular muscle fibrosis, providing insights into noninvasive evaluation of pathological changes in TAO orbit. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2000040394; Date of registration: 28 November 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Geng
- Department of Radiology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwei Cheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fudan Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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