Recombinant human H2 relaxin (serelaxin) as a cardiovascular drug: aiming at the right target

Human recombinant relaxin-2 (serelaxin) regulates the proteome, lipidome, lipid metabolism and inflammatory profile of rat visceral adipose tissue

Recombinant human relaxin-2 (serelaxin) has been widely proven as a novel drug with myriad effects at different cardiovascular levels, which support its potential therapeutic efficacy in several cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Considering these effects, together with the influence of relaxin-2 on adipocyte physiology and adipokine secretion, and the connection between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) dysfunction and the development of CVD, we could hypothesize that relaxin-2 may regulate VAT metabolism. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a 2-week serelaxin treatment on the proteome and lipidome of VAT from Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that serelaxin increased 1 polyunsaturated fatty acid and 6 lysophosphatidylcholines and decreased 4 triglycerides in VAT employing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) based platforms, and that regulates 47 phosphoproteins using SWATH/MS analysis. Through RT-PCR, we found that serelaxin treatment also caused an effect on VAT lipolysis through an increase in the mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and a decrease in the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), together with a reduction in the VAT expression of the fatty acid transporter cluster of differentiation 36 (Cd36). Serelaxin also caused an anti-inflammatory effect in VAT by the decrease in the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), chemerin, and its receptor. In conclusion, our results highlight the regulatory role of serelaxin in the VAT proteome and lipidome, lipolytic function, and inflammatory profile, suggesting the implication of several mechanisms supporting the potential benefit of serelaxin for the prevention of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Cardiac and Renal Fibrosis, the Silent Killer in the Cardiovascular Continuum: An Up-to-Date

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and have a major impact on patient prognosis. Organ fibrosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardio-renal syndrome (CRS), explaining the high incidence of heart failure and sudden cardiac death in these patients. Various mediators and mechanisms have been proposed as contributors to the alteration of fibroblasts and collagen turnover, varying from hemodynamic changes to the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, involvement of FGF 23, and Klotho protein or collagen deposition. A better understanding of all the mechanisms involved has prompted the search for alternative therapeutic targets, such as novel inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), serelaxin, and neutralizing interleukin-11 (IL-11) antibodies. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cardiac and renal fibrosis in the CKD and heart failure (HF) population and highlights the therapeutic alternatives designed to target the responsible pathways.

Serelaxin Protects H9c2 Cardiac Myoblasts against Hypoxia and Reoxygenation-Induced Damage through Activation of AMP Kinase/Sirtuin1: Further Insight into the Molecular Mechanisms of the Cardioprotection of This Hormone

Serelaxin (RLX), namely the human recombinant Relaxin-2 hormone, protects the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. RLX acts by binding to its specific RXFP1 receptor whereby it regulates multiple transduction pathways. In this in vitro study, we offer the first evidence for the involvement of the AMP kinase/Sirtuin1 (AMPK/SIRT1) pathway in the protection by RLX against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced damage in H9c2 cells. The treatment of the H/R-exposed cells with RLX (17 nmol L-1) enhanced SIRT1 expression and activity. The inhibition of SIRT1 signaling with EX527 (10 µmol L-1) reduced the beneficial effect of the hormone on mitochondrial efficiency and cell apoptosis. Moreover, RLX upregulated the AMPK pathway, as shown by the increase in the expression of phospho-AMPK-activated protein. Finally, AMPK pathway inhibition by Compound C (10 and 20 μmol L-1) abrogated the increase in SIRT1 expression induced by RLX, thus suggesting the involvement of the AMPK pathway in this effect of RLX. These results strengthen the concept that RLX exerts its cardioprotective effects against H/R-induced injury through multiple pathways which also include AMPK/SIRT1. These new findings support the use of RLX or RLX-derived molecules as a promising therapeutic for those diseases in which I/R and oxidative stress play a pathogenic role.

Cardiovascular effects of relaxin-2: therapeutic potential and future perspectives

The hormone relaxin-2 has emerged as a promising player in regulating the physiology of the cardiovascular system. Through binding to the relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), this hormone elicits multiple physiological responses including vasodilation induction, reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, and angiogenesis stimulation. The role of relaxin-2, or its recombinant human form known as serelaxin, has been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies as a potential therapy for cardiovascular diseases, especially heart failure, whose current therapy is still unoptimized. However, evidence from past clinical trials has been inconsistent and further research is needed to fully understand the potential applications of relaxin-2. This review provides an overview of serelaxin use in clinical trials and discusses future directions in the development of relaxin-2 mimetics, which may offer new therapeutic options for patients with heart failure.

Further Developments towards a Minimal Potent Derivative of Human Relaxin-2

Human relaxin-2 (H2 relaxin) is a peptide hormone with potent vasodilatory and anti-fibrotic effects, which is of interest for the treatment of heart failure and fibrosis. H2 relaxin binds to the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1). Native H2 relaxin is a two-chain, three-disulfide-bond-containing peptide, which is unstable in human serum and difficult to synthesize efficiently. In 2016, our group developed B7-33, a single-chain peptide derived from the B-chain of H2 relaxin. B7-33 demonstrated poor affinity and potency in HEK cells overexpressing RXFP1; however, it displayed equivalent potency to H2 relaxin in fibroblasts natively expressing RXFP1, where it also demonstrated the anti-fibrotic effects of the native hormone. B7-33 reversed organ fibrosis in numerous pre-clinical animal studies. Here, we detail our efforts towards a minimal H2 relaxin scaffold and attempts to improve scaffold activity through Aib substitution and hydrocarbon stapling to re-create the peptide helicity present in the native H2 relaxin.

The single-chain relaxin mimetic, B7-33, maintains the cardioprotective effects of relaxin and more rapidly reduces left ventricular fibrosis compared to perindopril in an experimental model of cardiomyopathy

The hormone, relaxin (RLX), exerts various organ-protective effects independently of etiology. However, its complex two-chain and three disulphide bonded structure is a limitation to its preparation and affordability. Hence, a single chain-derivative of RLX, B7-33, was developed and shown to retain the anti-fibrotic effects of RLX in vitro and in vivo. Here, we determined whether B7-33 could retain the other cardioprotective effects of RLX, and also compared its therapeutic efficacy to the ACE inhibitor, perindopril. Adult male 129sv mice were subjected to isoprenaline (ISO; 25 mg/kg/day, s.c)-induced cardiomyopathy, then s.c-treated with either RLX (0.5 mg/kg/day), B7-33 (0.25 mg/kg/day; equivalent dose corrected for MW) or perindopril (1 mg/kg/day) from days 7-14 post-injury. Control mice received saline instead of ISO. Changes in animal body weight (BW) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured weekly, whilst cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and measures of vascular dysfunction and rarefaction, left ventricular (LV) inflammation and fibrosis were assessed at day 14 post-injury. ISO-injured mice had significantly increased LV inflammation, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, vascular rarefaction and aortic contractility in the absence of any changes in BW or SBP at day 14 post-injury. Both B7-33 and RLX equivalently reduced LV fibrosis and normalised the ISO-induced LV inflammation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, whilst restoring blood vessel density and aortic contractility. Comparatively, perindopril lowered SBP and the ISO-induced LV inflammation and vascular rarefaction, but not fibrosis or hypertrophy. As B7-33 retained the cardioprotective effects of RLX and provided rapid-occurring anti-fibrotic effects compared to perindopril, it could be considered as a cost-effective cardioprotective therapy.

Simultaneous late-gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping of fibrosis and a novel cell-based combination therapy in hypertensive mice

Fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic hypertension and disrupts the viability of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) post-transplantation. This study thus, determined whether the anti-fibrotic drug, serelaxin (RLX), could enhance the therapeutic effects of BM-MSCs or BM-MSC-derived exosomes (BM-MSC-EXO) in hypertensive mice. Left ventricular (LV) fibrosis in particular was assessed using conventional histological staining and non-invasive cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI). CMRI was employed using a novel magnetisation prepared 2 rapid acquisition gradient echo (MP2RAGE) sequence to simultaneously perform late gadolinium enhancement imaging and T1 mapping. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were uninephrectomised, received deoxycorticosterone acetate and saline to drink (1 K/DOCA/salt) for 21 days, whilst control mice were given normal drinking water for the same time-period. On day 14 post-injury, subgroups of 1 K/DOCA/salt-hypertensive mice were treated with RLX alone or in combination with BM-MSCs or BM-MSC-EXO; or the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, spironolactone. At day 21 post-injury, LV and kidney histopathology was assessed, whilst LV fibrosis and function were additionally analysed by CMRI and echocardiography. 1 K/DOCA/salt-hypertensive mice developed kidney tubular injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and more moderate LV hypertrophy, fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. RLX and BM-MSCs combined provided optimal protection against these pathologies and significantly reduced picrosirius red-stained organ fibrosis and MP2RAGE analysis of LV fibrosis. A significant correlation between MP2RAGE analysis and histologically-stained interstitial LV fibrosis was detected. It was concluded that the MP2RAGE sequence enhanced the non-invasive CMRI detection of LV fibrosis. Furthermore, combining RLX and BM-MSCs may represent a promising treatment option for hypertensive cardiorenal syndrome.

Post-stroke administration of H2 relaxin reduces functional deficits, neuronal apoptosis and immune cell infiltration into the mouse brain

Brain inflammation and apoptosis contribute to neuronal damage and loss following ischaemic stroke, leading to cognitive and functional disability. It is well-documented that the human gene-2 (H2)-relaxin hormone exhibits pleiotropic properties via its cognate receptor, Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 1 (RXFP1), including anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, thus making it a potential therapeutic for stroke. Hence, the current study investigated whether post-stroke H2-relaxin administration could improve functional and histological outcomes. 8-12-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to sham operation or photothrombotic stroke and intravenously-administered with either saline (vehicle) or 0.02, 0.2 or 2 mg/kg doses of recombinant H2-relaxin at 6, 24 and 48 h post-stroke. Motor function was assessed using the hanging wire and cylinder test pre-surgery, and at 24 and 72 h post-stroke. Brains were removed after 72 h and infarct volume was assessed via thionin staining, and RXFP1 expression, leukocyte infiltration and apoptosis were determined by immunofluorescence. RXFP1 was identified on neurons, astrocytes and macrophages, and increased post-stroke. Whilst H2-relaxin did not alter infarct volume, it did cause a dose-dependent improvement in motor function at 24 and 72 h post-stroke. Moreover, 2 mg/kg H2-relaxin significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells as well as macrophages and neutrophils within the ischaemic hemisphere, but did not alter T or B cells numbers. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of H2-relaxin when administered at 6 h post-cerebral ischaemia may provide a novel therapeutic option for patients following ischaemic stroke.

Relaxin in fibrotic ligament diseases: Its regulatory role and mechanism

Fibrotic ligament diseases (FLDs) are diseases caused by the pathological accumulation of periarticular fibrotic tissue, leading to functional disability around joint and poor life quality. Relaxin (RLX) has been reported to be involved in the development of fibrotic lung and liver diseases. Previous studies have shown that RLX can block pro-fibrotic process by reducing the excess extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and accelerating collagen degradation in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies have shown that RLX can attenuate connective tissue fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways to inhibit the activation of myofibroblasts. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of RLX in FLDs remain unclear. Therefore, in this review, we confirmed the protective effect of RLX in FLDs and summarized its mechanism including cells, key cytokines and signaling pathways involved. In this article, we outline the potential therapeutic role of RLX and look forward to the application of RLX in the clinical translation of FLDs.

Relaxin-2 plasma levels in atrial fibrillation are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress markers

Relaxin-2 exerts many favourable cardiovascular effects in pathological circumstances such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure, but the mechanisms underlying its actions are not completely understood. Since inflammation and fibrosis are pivotal processes in the pathogenesis of AF, our aim was to study the relationship between relaxin-2 plasma levels in left atrium (LA) and peripheral vein with molecules implicated in fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in AF patients, and to evaluate the anti-fibrotic ability of relaxin-2 in normal human atrial cardiac fibroblasts (NHCF-A). Peripheral vein relaxin-2 plasma levels were higher than LA relaxin-2 plasma levels in men while, in women, peripheral vein relaxin-2 levels were increased compared to men. AF patients with higher levels of relaxin-2 exhibited a reduction in H₂O₂ plasma levels and in mRNA levels of alpha-defensin 3 (DEFA3) and IL-6 in leucocytes from LA plasma. Relaxin-2-in-vitro treatment inhibited NHCF-A migration and decreased mRNA and protein levels of the pro-fibrotic molecule transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Our results support an association between relaxin-2 and molecules involved in fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in AF patients, and reinforce an anti-fibrotic protective role of this hormone in NHCF-A; strengthening the relevance of relaxin-2 in AF physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment.

Optimization of an Ex-Vivo Human Skin/Vein Model for Long-Term Wound Healing Studies: Ground Preparatory Activities for the 'Suture in Space' Experiment Onboard the International Space Station

This study is preliminary to an experiment to be performed onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and on Earth to investigate how low gravity influences the healing of sutured human skin and vein wounds. Its objective was to ascertain whether these tissue explants could be maintained to be viable ex vivo for long periods of time, mimicking the experimental conditions onboard the ISS. We developed an automated tissue culture chamber, reproducing and monitoring the physiological tensile forces over time, and a culture medium enriched with serelaxin (60 ng/mL) and (Zn(PipNONO)Cl) (28 ng/mL), known to extend viability of explanted organs for transplantation. The results show that the human skin and vein specimens remained viable for more than 4 weeks, with no substantial signs of damage in their tissues and cells. As a further clue about cell viability, some typical events associated with wound repair were observed in the tissue areas close to the wound, namely remodeling of collagen fibers in the papillary dermis and of elastic fibers in the vein wall, proliferation of keratinocyte stem cells, and expression of the endothelial functional markers eNOS and FGF-2. These findings validate the suitability of this new ex vivo organ culture system for wound healing studies, not only for the scheduled space experiment but also for applications on Earth, such as drug discovery purposes.

Synthetic short-chain peptide analogues of H1 relaxin lack affinity for the RXFP1 receptor and relaxin-like bioactivity. Clues to a better understanding of relaxin agonist design

The peptide hormone relaxin (RLX), also available as clinical-grade recombinant protein (serelaxin), holds great promise as a cardiovascular and anti-fibrotic agent but is limited by the pharmacokinetic issues common to all peptide drugs. In this study, by a computational modelling chemistry approach, we have synthesized and tested a set of low molecular weight peptides based on the putative receptor-binding domain of the B chain of human H1 RLX isoform, with the objective to obtain RLX analogues with improved pharmacokinetic features. Some of them were stabilized to induce the appropriate 3-D conformation by intra-chain tri-azolic staples, which should theoretically enhance their resistance to digestive enzymes making them suited for oral administration. Despite these favourable premises, none of these H1 peptides, either linear or stapled, revealed a sufficient affinity to the specific RLX receptor RXFP1. Moreover, none of them was endowed with any RLX-like biological effects in RXFP1-expressing THP-1 human monocytic cells and mouse NIH-3T3-derived myofibroblasts in in vitro culture, in terms of significantly relevant cAMP elevation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which represent two major signal transduction events downstream RXFP1 activation. This was at variance with authentic serelaxin, which induced a clear-cut, significant activation of both these classical RLX signaling pathways. Albeit negative, the results of this study offer additional information about the structural requirements that new peptide therapeutics shall possess to effectively behave as RXFP1 agonists and RLX analogues.

Relaxin-2 as a Potential Biomarker in Cardiovascular Diseases

The pleiotropic hormone relaxin-2 plays a pivotal role in the physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system. Relaxin-2 exerts relevant regulatory functions in cardiovascular tissues through the specific receptor relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) in the regulation of cardiac metabolism; the induction of vasodilatation; the reversion of fibrosis and hypertrophy; the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis; and the stimulation of angiogenesis, with inotropic and chronotropic effects as well. Recent preclinical and clinical outcomes have encouraged the potential use of relaxin-2 (or its recombinant form, known as serelaxin) as a therapeutic strategy during cardiac injury and/or in patients suffering from different cardiovascular disarrangements, especially heart failure. Furthermore, relaxin-2 has been proposed as a promising biomarker of cardiovascular health and disease. In this review, we emphasize the relevance of the endogenous hormone relaxin-2 as a useful diagnostic biomarker in different backgrounds of cardiovascular pathology, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, aortic valve disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis, which could be relevant in daily clinical practice and could contribute to comprehending the specific role of relaxin-2 in cardiovascular diseases.

Relaxin/serelaxin for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure in hypertension

The pregnancy related hormone relaxin is produced throughout the reproductive system. However, relaxin also has important cardiovascular effects as part of the adaptation that the cardiovascular system undergoes in response to the extra demands of pregnancy. These effects are primarily mediated by the relaxin family peptide receptor 1, which is one of four known relaxin receptors. The effects of relaxin on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, as well as its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, have led to extensive studies into the potential of relaxin therapy as an approach to treat heart failure. Cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells all possess relaxin family peptide receptor 1, allowing for direct effects of therapeutic relaxin on the heart. Many pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of exogenous relaxin on adverse cardiac remodeling including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as effects on cardiac contractile function. Despite this, clinical studies have yielded disappointing results for the synthetic seralaxin, even though seralaxin was well tolerated. This article will provide background on relaxin in the context of normal physiology, as well as the role of relaxin in pregnancy-related adaptations of the cardiovascular system. We will also present evidence from pre-clinical animal studies that demonstrate the potential benefits of relaxin therapy, as well as discussing the results from clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss possible reasons for the failure of these clinical trials as well as steps being taken to potentially improve relaxin therapy for heart failure.

Chronic Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Affects the Ileum and Colon of Guinea Pigs Differently. Relaxin (RLX-2, Serelaxin) Prevents Most Local Damage

Cigarette smoking (CS) is the cause of several organ and apparatus diseases. The effects of smoke in the gut are partially known. Accumulating evidence has shown a relationship between smoking and inflammatory bowel disease, prompting us to investigate the mechanisms of action of smoking in animal models. Despite the role played by neuropeptides in gut inflammation, there are no reports on their role in animal models of smoking exposure. The hormone relaxin has shown anti-inflammatory properties in the intestine, and it might represent a putative therapy to prevent gut damage caused by smoking. Presently, we investigate the effects of chronic smoke exposure on inflammation, mucosal secretion, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) expressions in the ileum and colon of guinea pigs. We also verify the ability of relaxin to counter the smoke-induced effects. Smoke impacted plasma carbon monoxide (CO). In the ileum, it induced inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis, and acidic mucin production; reduced the blood vessel area; decreased c-kit-positive mast cells and VIP-positive neurons; and increased the SP-positive nerve fibers. In the colon, it reduced the blood vessel area and the goblet cell area and decreased c-kit-positive mast cells, VIP-positive neurons, and SP-positive nerve fibers. Relaxin prevented most of the smoking-induced changes in the ileum, while it was less effective in the colon. This study shows the diverse sensitivity to CS between the ileum and the colon and demonstrates that both VIP and SP are affected by smoking. The efficacy of relaxin proposes this hormone as a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic to counteract gut damage in humans affected by inflammatory bowel diseases.

Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions

Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.

Human Recombinant Relaxin (Serelaxin) as Anti-fibrotic Agent: Pharmacology, Limitations and Actual Perspectives

Relaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2 hormone; RLX-2; serelaxin) had raised expectations as a new medication for fibrotic diseases. A plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies have offered convincing demonstrations that relaxin promotes remodelling of connective tissue extracellular matrix mediated by inhibition of multiple fibrogenic pathways, especially the downstream signalling of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a major pro-fibrotic cytokine, and the recruitment and activation of myofibroblast, the main fibrosis-generating cells. However, all clinical trials with relaxin in patients with fibrotic diseases gave inconclusive results. In this review, we have summarized the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, highlighting those which can be effectively targeted by relaxin. Then, we have performed a critical reappraisal of the clinical trials performed to-date with relaxin as anti-fibrotic drug, in order to highlight their key points of strength and weakness and to identify some future opportunities for the therapeutic use of relaxin, or its analogues, in fibrotic diseases and pathologic scarring which, in our opinion, deserve to be investigated.