Derivatized dextrans modulate collagen synthesis in aortic smooth muscle cells

Effect of a dextran derivative associated with TGF-β1 or FGF-2 on dermal fibroblast behaviour in dermal equivalents

Dextran derivatives that mimic the action of heparin have been shown to protect heparin-binding growth factors, such as Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LS21 DMCBSu, a dextran derivative which contains methylcarboxylate, benzylamide and sulfate groups, both by itself and when combined with TGF-beta1 and FGF-2, on the behaviour of fibroblasts. Two systems were assessed: a monolayer culture and three-dimensional collagenous matrices (dermal equivalent). Polymeric biomaterial LS21 DMCBSu and LS21 DMCBSu associated with either TGF-beta1 or FGF-2, were added to the monolayer culture on day 3. After 7 days of culture the number of cells was determined. Two treatments were carried out on the dermal equivalents: 9 days of treatment from day 0 to day 9 of culture and 9 days of treatment from day 21 to day 30 of culture for the premature and the mature dermal equivalents respectively. In the monolayer culture, the bioactive polymer produced a slight increase in fibroblast growth (10% with 10 microg/ml of LS21 DMCBSu) and promoted the stimulating effect of the growth factors on cell growth. In the premature dermal equivalents growth was stimulated by 20% when 10 microg/ml LS21 DMCBSu was added. The dextran derivative mixed with TGF-beta1 slightly inhibited the growth effect of the growth factor in the dermal equivalents. The functionalized dextran with FGF-2 enhanced the stimulating effect of the growth factor in the premature dermal equivalent. A significant increase in cell growth was observed with the fibroblasts treated with the FGF-2 LS21 DMCBSu mixture and FGF-2 (51% and 40%, respectively). However, none of the described treatments affected the cell growth in the mature dermal equivalent. Furthermore, the dextran derivative had no effect on dermal contraction under these experimental conditions (3D culture).

Dextran derivatives modulate collagen matrix organization in dermal equivalent

Dextran derivatives can protect heparin binding growth factor implied in wound healing, such as transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). The first aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these compounds on human dermal fibroblasts in culture with or without TGF-beta1. Several dextran derivatives obtained by substitution of methylcarboxylate (MC), benzylamide (B) and sulphate (Su) groups were used to determine the effects of each compound on fibroblast growth in vitro. The data indicate that sulphate groups are essential to act on the fibroblast proliferation. The dextran derivative LS21 DMCBSu has been chosen to investigate its effect on dermal wound healing process. Fibroblasts cultured in collagenous matrices named dermal equivalent were treated with the bioactive polymer alone or associated to TGF-beta1 or FGF-2. Cross-sections of dermal equivalent observed by histology or immunohistochemistry, demonstrated that the bioactive polymer accelerates the collagen matrices organization and stimulates the human type-III collagen expression. This bioactive polymer induces apoptosis of myofibroblast, property which may be beneficial in treatment of hypertrophic scar. Culture media analyzed by zymography and Western blot showed that this polymer significantly increases the secretion of zymogen and active form of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), involved in granulation tissue formation. These data suggest that this bioactive polymer has properties which may be beneficial in the treatment of wound healing.

Regulation of the collagen phenotype expression of gamma-irradiated vascular smooth muscle cells by heparan mimetics (RGTA)

Restenosis is characterized by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and accumulation of collagen III in a hypertrophic and disorganized extracellular matrix. Restenosis is prevented by antimitotic agents or irradiation but no significant progress has been made to control collagen expression deregulation. Previously, we have shown that a new family of biopolymers named RGTA (heparan mimetics elaborated by grafting on dextran of carboxylate, sulfate, and benzylamide units) stimulate in vivo tissue repair and reduce fibrosis in various models. Using VSMC in vitro (pig aortic VSMC irradiated with a 60Co source and labeled with [3H]Proline), we now show that gamma-irradiation reduced cell survival by 50% and collagen synthesis 6-fold with a major increase in the ratio of collagen III to collagen I biosynthesis taken as a fibrotic index. RGTA added to the cells enhanced their survival up to 80% and reduced collagen III/I ratio back to values found in normal vascular tissues. These results suggest that RGTA combined with gamma-radiation could be an efficient strategy against restenosis.

Structurally different RGTAs modulate collagen-type expression by cultured aortic smooth muscle cells via different pathways involving fibroblast growth factor-2 or transforming growth factor-beta1

We have engineered polymers called ReGeneraTing Agents (RGTAs), which mimic the protecting and potentiating properties of heparan sulfates toward heparin-binding growth factors (HBGF). RGTAs have been shown to optimize cell growth and regulate collagen production in vitro. Here, we studied relationships between RGTA structure and collagen-type expression in aortic smooth muscle cells by using two RGTAs, the carboxylmethylsulfate dextran RG-1503 and the carboxylmethylsulfate dextran with added benzylamide RG-1192. RG-1192 specifically induced a fivefold decrease in collagen III synthesis. This effect was abolished by FGF-2 neutralizing antibody. RG-1192 and FGF-2 acted synergistically to decrease collagen III. RG-1192 was more effective than heparin in this process. RG-1192 increased the pericellular localization of FGF-2 and protected FGF-2 from proteolysis. Surface plasmon resonance analysis indicated a Kd of 15.7 nM for the RG-1192/FGF-2 interaction (10.6 nM for the heparin/FGF-2 interaction). The structurally different RG-1503 (without benzylamide) did not interact with FGF-2 and worked synergistically with TGF-beta1 to specifically induce a twofold increase in collagen V. RGTAs with different structures exert different modulating effects on the collagen phenotype. Selection of appropriate RGTAs, which had been shown to enhance in vivo tissue repair, may provide a mean of correcting collagen abnormalities in vascular disorders and more generally in fibrotic diseases.

Slowed progression or elimination of atherosclerosis by low-frequency electrical impulses

BACKGROUND

In our previous investigations we showed that electrical impulses (EI) can prevent the development of atherosclerosis if they began simultaneously with high cholesterol diet (HCD) or in the early stages of atherosclerosis (after three weeks of HCD only). In this investigation we demonstrated the slow progression or elimination of atherosclerosis by low-frequency EI in case of moderate atherosclerosis (after eight weeks of HCD).

METHODS

Series I rabbits (control group) were fed HCD for eight weeks. Series II rabbits were fed HCD for eight weeks and were then switched to normal diet for eight weeks (no EI). Series III rabbits were fed HCD for eight weeks and then switched to a normal diet with simultaneous EI (applied near the abdominal aorta) for eight weeks (3 V, 30 single impulses per minute, 24 hours/day). After euthanization, the level of atherosclerosis, percentage of surface area involved in the atherosclerosis process, and an atherosclerosis score were calculated in the aortic arch, thoracic and abdominal aorta.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were seen in the level of atherosclerosis in the abdominal aorta between series III animals (0.4 +/- 0.2) and the other two groups: 1.5 +/- 0.4 in series I (HCD only), 1.2 +/- 0.3 in series II (HCD then normal diet). Gross examination of the surface also revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the percentage of atherosclerosis between the control series I (30.1 +/- 4.1%) and series II (21.3 +/- 3.6%), compared with series III (5.5 +/- 5.4%). In addition, the atherosclerosis score was also significantly different: 45.8 +/- 3.9 in series I, 25.2 +/- 6.9 in series II, and 2.2 +/- 2.0 in series III (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that, when applied near the abdominal aorta, low-frequency electrical impulses decrease atherosclerotic deposition in the abdominal aorta.

Assessment of the cytotoxicity of photocrosslinked dextran and hyaluronan-based hydrogels to vascular smooth muscle cells

The cytotoxicity of polysaccharide-based hydrogels and solutions was studied in vitro after 48h of indirect exposure of the materials with vascular smooth muscle cells. Dextran and/or hyaluronan were derivatized using glycidyl methacrylate, and hydrogels were formed in the presence of photoinitiators and ultraviolet radiation in multiwell inserts to avoid direct contact with cell monolayers. Observation of cell morphology indicated that dextran hydrogels, a blend of non-derivatized hyaluronan into dextran hydrogel. and a hyaluronan solution were highly cytocompatible. However, hydrogels made of derivatized hyaluronan were cytotoxic when compared to unexposed sham controls that contained multiwell inserts but no hydrogels. Results from quantitative assays for proliferation and viability corroborated the qualitative observations, and scrape wound assays revealed a significant increase in smooth muscles cell migration/proliferation after indirect exposure to several of the polysaccharide-based materials. Results from this study demonstrate that hydrogels made of dextran and hyaluronan solution show good cytocompatibility in vitro. making these degradable matrices interesting candidates for drug delivery purposes.

Pathologic and histologic results of electrical impulses in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis: 24-hour versus 8-hour regimen

OBJECTIVE

Low frequency electrical impulses (EIs) reduce new atherosclerotic plaque formation in previously diseased arteries and may reverse the extent of previous pathologic damage in these structures.

METHODS

A pacemaker was implanted on the left side of rabbit abdominal aortas, and an electrode was placed close to the other side of the aorta in the psoas major muscle. For the induction of atherosclerosis, the rabbits were placed on a high cholesterol diet (HCD) for 11 weeks. No EIs were applied to the control series I. In the experimental series, the rabbits were fed an HCD for 3 weeks, after which EIs were applied simultaneously with an HCD for 8 additional weeks (3V, 30 contractions per minute). Experimental series II had 24-hour/day EIs, and series III had 8-hour/day EIs.

RESULTS

The closer to the area where the EIs were applied, the more local severity increased (atherosclerosis level and surface area). In the control series, the severity of atherosclerosis in the lower aorta assessed with an arbitrary grading system was 1.75 +/- 0.5 (versus 1.5 +/- 0.57 with 8-hour/day EIs and 0.5 +/- 0.3 with 24-hour/day EIs). The involved surface area was 32.5% +/- 9.5% (versus 1.0% +/- 0.8% with 8-hour/day EIs and 0.75% +/- 0.95% with 24-hour/day EIs).

CONCLUSION

Both 24-hour/day and 8-hour/day EIs applied close to the abdominal aorta decreased the severity of atherosclerosis in rabbits placed on a HCD, but 24-hour/day EIs decreased the severity more extensively.

Heparan mimetic regulates collagen expression and TGF-beta1 distribution in gamma-irradiated human intestinal smooth muscle cells

Radiation-induced intestinal fibrosis is characterized by collagen accumulation, a process in which TGF-beta1 plays a key role. We analyzed the effects of gamma radiation on collagen expression and TGF-beta1 distribution in human intestinal smooth muscle cells (HISM). We investigated the activity of a carboxymethylated and sulfated dextran (RG-1503), exhibiting antifibrotic properties and promoting in vivo intestinal tissue repair, on irradiated HISM. After (60)Co irradiation (10 Gy), HISM were labeled with [(3)H] proline (+/-RG-1503). Radiolabeled collagen I, III, and V were quantified by SDS-PAGE. TGF-beta1 was quantified by ELISA in culture medium, pericellular and intracellular compartments. Irradiation induced a specific 2.85-fold increase in collagen III production by HISM. Collagen V decreased by 80% 72 h after irradiation. Pericellular TGF-beta1 was increased (up to twofold) in irradiated HISM. RG-1503 added before or after irradiation reversed both mRNA and protein levels of collagen III and V to control values. RG-1503 decreased the amount of TGF-beta1 in the cell layer below the control values. Irradiation of HISM induced the development of a fibrotic phenotype in terms of collagen production and TGF-beta1 distribution. The antifibrotic RG-1503 restored HISM physiological characteristics and may represent a promising therapeutic approach for radiation-induced intestinal fibrosis.

Specific RGTA increases collagen V expression by cultured aortic smooth muscle cells via activation and protection of transforming growth factor-beta1

Regenerating agents (RGTA) are defined as heparan sulfate mimics, which in vivo stimulate tissue repair. RGTA are obtained by controlled grafting of carboxymethyl and sulfate groups on dextran polymers. RGTA are selected in vitro, on their ability to protect heparin binding growth factors such as TGF-beta1 for example, as well as to alter extracellular matrix biosynthesis. We had reported that RGTA were able to modulate smooth muscle cell (SMC) collagen biosynthesis. Here, we demonstrated that a specific RGTA (RG-1503), altered differentially collagen type expression by post-confluent SMC and that this action involves TGF-beta1. RG-1503 decreased, by 50%, collagen I and III biosynthesis and stimulated specifically, by twofold, collagen V biosynthesis. TGF-beta1 stimulated collagen I and V by 1.5- and threefold, respectively. A synergic action for RGTA in association with TGF-beta1 was observed specifically for collagen V expression (eightfold increase). The stimulation of collagen V biosynthesis by RGTA was abolished by TGF-beta1 neutralizing antibodies. These modulations occurred at protein and mRNA levels. RG-1503 did not alter TGF-beta1 mRNA steady state level or total TGF-beta1 protein content (latent+active forms). However, RG-1503 significantly induced an elevated proportion of active TGF-beta1 form, which could result from the selective protection from proteolytic degradation of TGF-beta1 by RG-1503. These data open a rationale for understanding the stimulation of tissue repair induced by RGTA, and also, a new insight for developing drugs adapted to inhibit excess collagen deposition in smooth muscle cells associated vascular disorder, and in fibrotic diseases.

Carboxymethyl benzylamide sulfonate dextrans (CMDBS), a family of biospecific polymers endowed with numerous biological properties: a review

The functionalized dextrans termed carboxymethyl benzylamide sulfonate dextran (CMDBS) represent a family encompassing a wide range of polymers. These soluble macromolecular compounds, which are substituted with specific chemical functional groups, are designed to interact with living systems. By analogy with glycosaminoglycan heparin, a natural highly charged anionic polysaccharide that exerts a variety of biological effects, we postulated that CMDBS compounds also possess binding sites capable of specific interactions with biological constituents, depending on the overall composition of the polymer. The synthesis and heparin-like properties of these CMDBS have been extensively investigated. Thus, it appears that dextran derivatives can mimic the action of heparin in regard to its interactions with antithrombin and serine proteases involved in blood coagulation. Other derivatives interact with various components of the immune system or with adhesive proteins such as fibronectin in modulating the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus. Because they are able to stimulate wound healing in various in vivo models, these polysaccharides may also constitute a family of tissue repair agents because of their protecting and potentiating effects with heparin binding growth factors. Moreover, dextran derivatives in contact with cells such as endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, or tumoral cells can affect both cell proliferation and metabolism. It appears that these bioactive polymers are also efficient tools to investigate the precise mechanism of action of individual biological activities by contrasting their mode of action to that of heparin. In addition to their numerous biological properties and biospecificity, functionalized dextrans are relatively simple to manufacture and exempt of donor contaminant, which make them attractive in a variety of clinical applications.

Chemically modified dextrans modulate expression of collagen phenotype by cultured smooth muscle cells in relation to the degree of carboxymethyl, benzylamide, and sulfation substitutions

We developed regenerating agents (RGTAs) corresponding to polysaccharides derived from dextran and containing defined amounts of carboxymethyl (CM), carboxymethyl sulfate (CMS), carboxymethyl benzylamide (CMB), or carboxymethyl benzylamide sulfate (CMBS) groups with varying degrees of substitution. These compounds mimicked some effects of heparin on smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation and promoted in vivo tissue remodeling. We demonstrated that only RGTAs containing both CM and sulfate groups decreased SMC proliferation, in correlation with increased sulfation level. This effect was amplified by the presence of benzylamide. Independent of this activity on cell proliferation (i.e., with postconfluent cells), RGTAs modulated collagen biosynthesis by SMCs. On the one hand, CMBS more than CMS RGTAs induced a decrease of collagen III synthesis at the level of mRNA steady state and protein production. On the other hand, CMS to a greater extent than CMBS RGTAs increased both collagen V mRNA and protein production. In addition, only benzylamide-containing RGTAs increased accumulation of collagen I and III in the cell layer. In conclusion, RGTA bioactivities required the presence of CM functions, increased with the sulfation level, and varied with benzylamide substitution. RGTAs that modulate cell proliferation and collagen biosynthesis by differential mechanisms may represent potential antifibrotic agents.

Effect of high-glucose concentrations on the expression of collagens and fibronectin by fibroblasts in culture

Extracellular matrix macromolecules such as collagen and fibronectin are progressively altered during aging and age-related diseases like diabetes. We investigated the effect of high-glucose concentration (mimicking diabetic conditions) and the influence of in vitro cell aging [comparing 4th-passage fibroblasts (P4) to 15th-passage fibroblasts (P15)] on collagen and fibronectin synthesis. Fibroblasts were incubated at postconfluency with radiolabeled precursors, [3H] proline for collagen, [35S] methionine for fibronectin. We report that in control conditions (5 mM glucose) collagen III production increased with in vitro cell aging. High glucose concentrations (10 and 15 mM) increased specifically collagen III synthesis both at the mRNA and protein levels, without alteration of collagen I production in P4 and P15 cells. Fibronectin synthesis was also increased both during in vitro cell aging and in high glucose-treated P4 fibroblasts. Taken together, these data suggest similarities between changes of phenotypic expression of collagen and fibronectin induced by in vitro cell aging and conditions imitating diabetes.

Antiproliferative polysaccharides modulate distribution and phenotypic expression of collagens by gingival fibroblasts

Gingival fibroblasts are particularly involved in the physiologic maintenance and repair of periodontium. During these processes, cell proliferation and synthesis of a collagen-rich gingival matrix should be controlled. A dextran derivative, namely, carboxy methyl dextran benzylamide sulfonate (CMDBS), considered to be a functional analog of heparin, was previously described to regulate proliferation of different types of cells and independently to modulate the expression of collagen biosynthesis. In this report, we demonstrate that CMDBS and heparin inhibited gingival fibroblast proliferation. We then analyzed collagen biosynthesis by measuring the incorporation of the radiolabeled [3H]proline precursor into collagen by postconfluent gingival fibroblasts. Our results showed CMDBS did not alter total collagen synthesis; it induced the preferential accumulation of newly synthesized collagen into the pericellular matrix; and it decreased the expression of type III collagen, particularly in the cell layer. Taken together, our results suggest that by inhibiting cell proliferation, CMDBS could induce the synthesis of an extracellular collagenous matrix which forms a network between gingival fibroblasts.

RGTA11, a new healing agent, triggers developmental events during healing of craniotomy defects in adult rats

RGTA are chemically defined compounds which proved to be very potent healing agents in various tissue repair models including skin, muscle and nerve. These chemicals are believed to protect endogenously released heparin-binding growth factors and enhance their bioavailability during healing. In craniotomy defects that do not heal spontaneously in adults, RGTA promoted dose-dependent skull closure. The aim of this work was to characterize, in the same model, the events associated with wound closure by studying the expression of the osteoblastic phenotype and the distribution of some matrix proteins during RGTA11-induced bone healing. Craniotomy defects in rats were implanted with collagen plasters soaked in a solution of RGTA11 (1.5 micrograms per piece). The skulls were removed 30 days after wounding, a stage of almost complete bone filling in treated samples. Bone formed only at the edges of the defect in controls, while it formed also at the center in the form of nodules in the treated samples. RGTA11 modified the amount and distribution of the tissues including bone in the wounds. In some RGTA11-treated samples, skull closure by bone occurred and the median suture was restored. In the treated defects, alkaline phosphatase-positive (osteoprogenitor) cells were far more numerous and were distributed differently. Type I and III collagen and fibronectin deposition was markedly enhanced in the bone compartment of the wounds. Secretory osteoblasts released type III collagen. Osteocalcin expression was enhanced by RGTA11. RGTA11 thus modified the healing pattern by increasing both the cellularity and the synthesis of a bone-competent extracellular matrix, thereby restoring the original anatomy of the skull. Flat bone regeneration can be triggered in adults through developmental events (i.e. nodule formation, secretion of type III collagen by osteoblasts, suture restoration...) that are no longer operative in the wounds of mature individuals.

Affinity chromatography of human anti-dextran antibodies. Isolation of two distinct populations

Affinity chromatography is a very efficient method for antibody purification. Two affinity chromatography supports were prepared to analyze the specificity of anti-dextran antibodies. Silica beads were grafted with native dextran or with functionalized dextran. The anti-dextran antibodies present in some human sera were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. These antibodies play an important role in severe dextran-induced anaphylactic reactions in humans by forming immune complexes with clinical dextran. The results indicated that two distinct populations of anti-dextran antibodies were purified from human serum, using dextran-coated silica beads. Elution from this support with an oligo-dextran of 4000 g/mol allowed the isolation of one population that only recognized native dextran as antigen. Functionalized dextran coated on dextran silica beads led to the purification, with a glycine-HCl buffer, of another subclass of antibodies that recognized substituted dextran derivatives. Furthermore, these antibodies could be useful tools for in vitro and in vivo investigations using dextran derivatives as bio-active polysaccharides.

Collagen synthesis by vascular smooth muscle cells in the presence of antiproliferative polysaccharides

Production of various components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) modulates biological functions of the vascular tissue. This process is generally amplified in pathologic states as atherosclerosis. Atheroma originates from smooth muscle cells (SMC) which have migrated and proliferated in the vascular intima. In this study we investigated protein synthesis, collagen synthesis, and types I, III, and V collagen distribution by SMC in the presence of three families of watersoluble polysaccharides, heparin, fucans, and derivatized dextrans. We observed that fucan and derivatized dextran were able, as was heparin, to inhibit rat aortic SMC growth in culture. We then analyzed collagen modulation by measuring the incorporation of the radiolabeled precursor (3H)-proline into vascular SMC. Our results showed uncoupling of the antiproliferative capacity with collagen biosynthesis. However, fucan, the most antiproliferative polysaccharide, was also the most active in inhibiting protein and collagen synthesis. In addition, compounds that decreased total collagen synthesis preferentially increased the proportion of cell-associated collagen. Interestingly, only the antiproliferative polysaccharides inhibited significantly type V collagen biosynthesis. These new biomaterials appear to be valuable tools to study and control extracellular-matrix interactions with cells from the vascular walls.