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Lin J, Chen R, Liao H, Zhang Y, Zheng Z, Hong C. Mechanisms of cordycepin in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in rats based on metabonomics and transcriptomics. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12431. [PMID: 38816406 PMCID: PMC11139979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62163-3] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease featured by high morbidity and mortality. Although Cordycepin is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects, its role in PAH treatment and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The therapeutic effects of Cordycepin on rats with PAH were investigated using a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rat model. The metabolic effects of Cordycepin were assessed based on the plasma metabolome. The potential mechanisms of Cordycepin in PAH treatment were investigated through transcriptome sequencing and validated in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC). Evaluations included hematoxylin and eosin staining for pulmonary vascular remodeling, CCK-8 assay, EDU, and TUNEL kits for cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively, and western blot for protein expression. Cordycepin significantly reduced right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI) in PAH rats, and mitigated pulmonary vascular remodeling. Plasma metabolomics showed that Cordycepin could reverse the metabolic disorders in the lungs of MCT-induced PAH rats, particularly impacting linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathways. Transcriptomics revealed that the P53 pathway might be the primary pathway involved, and western blot results showed that Cordycepin significantly increased P53 and P21 protein levels in lung tissues. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics suggested that these pathways were mainly enriched in linoleic acid metabolism and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathway. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Cordycepin significantly inhibited the PDGFBB (PD)-induced abnormal proliferation and migration of PASMC and promoted PD-induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, Cordycepin enhanced the expression levels of P53 and P21 proteins in PD-insulted PASMC. However, inhibitors of P53 and P21 eliminated these effects of Cordycepin. Cordycepin may activate the P53-P21 pathway to inhibit abnormal proliferation and migration of PASMC and promote apoptosis, offering a potential approach for PAH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangpeng Lin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524003, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Riken Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524003, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Huizhao Liao
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuzhuo Zhang
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
- Nanshan School, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524003, Guangdong, China.
| | - Cheng Hong
- Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Jiang Y, Qian HY. Transcription factors: key regulatory targets of vascular smooth muscle cell in atherosclerosis. Mol Med 2023; 29:2. [PMID: 36604627 PMCID: PMC9817296 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis (AS), leading to gradual occlusion of the arterial lumen, refers to the accumulation of lipids and inflammatory debris in the arterial wall. Despite therapeutic advances over past decades including intervention or surgery, atherosclerosis is still the most common cause of cardiovascular diseases and the main mechanism of death and disability worldwide. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an imperative role in the occurrence of atherosclerosis and throughout the whole stages. In the past, there was a lack of comprehensive understanding of VSMCs, but the development of identification technology, including in vivo single-cell sequencing technology and lineage tracing with the CreERT2-loxP system, suggests that VSMCs have remarkable plasticity and reevaluates well-established concepts about the contribution of VSMCs. Transcription factors, a kind of protein molecule that specifically recognizes and binds DNA upstream promoter regions or distal enhancer DNA elements, play a key role in the transcription initiation of the coding genes and are necessary for RNA polymerase to bind gene promoters. In this review, we highlight that, except for environmental factors, VSMC genes are transcriptionally regulated through complex interactions of multiple conserved cis-regulatory elements and transcription factors. In addition, through a series of transcription-related regulatory processes, VSMCs could undergo phenotypic transformation, proliferation, migration, calcification and apoptosis. Finally, enhancing or inhibiting transcription factors can regulate the development of atherosclerotic lesions, and the downstream molecular mechanism of transcriptional regulation has also been widely studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167 Beilishi Rd, Beijing, 100037 China
| | - Hai-Yan Qian
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Center for Coronary Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases of China, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167 Beilishi Rd, Beijing, 100037 China
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Ju S, Lim L, Ki YJ, Choi DH, Song H. Oxidative stress generated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from ambient particulate matter enhance vascular smooth muscle cell migration through MMP upregulation and actin reorganization. Part Fibre Toxicol 2022; 19:29. [PMID: 35449013 PMCID: PMC9026692 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies have suggested that elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) are strongly associated with the incidence of atherosclerosis, however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis by PM exposure and the components that are mainly responsible for this adverse effect remain to be established. In this investigation, we evaluated the effects of ambient PM on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) behavior. Furthermore, the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), major components of PM, on VSMC migration and the underlying mechanisms were examined. Results VSMC migration was significantly increased by treatment with organic matters extracted from ambient PM. The total amount of PAHs contained in WPM was higher than that in SPM, leading to higher ROS generation and VSMC migration. The increased migration was successfully inhibited by treatment with the anti-oxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). The levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 were significantly increased in ambient PM-treated VSMCs, with MMP9 levels being significantly higher in WPM-treated VSMCs than in those treated with SPM. As expected, migration was significantly increased in all tested PAHs (anthracene, ANT; benz(a)anthracene, BaA) and their oxygenated derivatives (9,10-Anthraquinone, AQ; 7,12-benz(a)anthraquinone, BAQ, respectively). The phosphorylated levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and formation of the focal adhesion complex were significantly increased in ambient PM or PAH-treated VSMCs, and these effects were blocked by administration of NAC or α-NF, an inhibitor of AhR, the receptor that allows PAH uptake. Subsequently, the levels of phosphorylated Src and NRF, the downstream targets of FAK, were altered with a pattern similar to that of p-FAK. Conclusions PAHs, including oxy-PAHs, in ambient PM may have dual effects that lead to an increase in VSMC migration. One is the generation of oxidative stress followed by MMP upregulation, and the other is actin reorganization that results from the activation of the focal adhesion complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Ju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, 61452, Korea
| | - Leejin Lim
- Cancer Mutation Research Center, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Korea
| | - Young-Jae Ki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, 61452, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, 61452, Korea
| | - Heesang Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, 61452, Korea.
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Fang Z, Luo Z, Ji Y, Yang R, Gao J, Zhang N. A network pharmacology technique used to investigate the potential mechanism of Ligustilide's effect on atherosclerosis. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14146. [PMID: 35365921 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ligustilide (LIG) is a major active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicines that is also found in plant rhizomes such as carrot, coriander, and others, and it has been demonstrated to have cardiovascular preventive benefits. However, the mechanisms through which LIG protects the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems in atherosclerosis (AS) remain unknown. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of LIG in AS utilizing the network pharmacology and molecular docking, and then to validate the putative mechanism through experiments. The network pharmacological analysis indicated that a total of 55 were performed on LIG and AS intersection targets. The genes of LIG and AS intersection targets enriched in the regulation of receptor and enzyme activity, cytokines-related, and transcription factors, indicating that these targets were primarily involved in cell proliferation and migration, regulating cell differentiation and skeletal activities in the development of AS. Finally, molecular docking was used to validate the major targets of LIG and AS intersection targets. Further experiments revealed that LIG may inhibit cell migration induced by AngII by reducing calcium influx, and regulating phenotypic translation-related proteins SM-22α and OPN. The present study investigated the potential targets and signaling pathways of LIG, which provides new insight into its anti-atherosclerosis actions in terms of reducing inflammation, cell proliferation, and migration, and may constitute a novel target for the treatment of AS. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: LIG has been shown to have cardiovascular protective benefits, the mechanism by which it protects the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems in AS remains unknown. This study uses a holistic network pharmacology strategy to investigate putative treatment pathways and conducts exploratory experimentation. The findings demonstrate that LIG reduces VSMC migration in the treatment of AS, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, and prevents excessive cell proliferation and migration. Finally, the goal of our research is to uncover the molecular mechanism of LIG's influence on AS. The findings will provide a new research avenue for LIG as well as suggestions for the study of other herbal treatments. These research results will provide a new research direction for LIG and provide guidance for the research of other herbal medicines. This work revealed the multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-disease mechanism of LIG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zicen Fang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhui Luo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanying Ji
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rihong Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintian Gao
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Hariri MA, Jaffa MA, Saoud R, Zhao J, Zhu R, Jaffa AA, El-Achkar GA, Moussa M, Kobeissy F, Hassan A, Ziyadeh FN, Mechref Y, Jaffa AA. Vascular Cells Proteome Associated with Bradykinin and Leptin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Signals. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9121251. [PMID: 33316969 PMCID: PMC7764689 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9121251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the primary contributors to cardiovascular diseases are inflammation and oxidative imbalance within the vessel walls as well as the fibrosis of rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC). Bradykinin (BK) and leptin are inflammatory modulators that are linked to vascular injury. In this study, we employed tandem LC-MS/MS to identify protein signatures that encompass protein abundance in RASMC treated with BK or leptin followed by systems biology analyses to gain insight into the biological pathways and processes linked to vascular remodeling. In the study, 1837 proteins were identified in control untreated RASMC. BK altered the expression of 72 (4%) and 120 (6.5%) proteins, whereas leptin altered the expression of 189 (10.2%) and 127 (6.5%) proteins after 24 and 48 h, respectively, compared to control RASMC. BK increased the protein abundance of leptin receptor, transforming growth factor-β. On the other hand, leptin increased the protein abundance of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 but decreased the protein abundance of cofilin. BK and leptin induced the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pathway analysis revealed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and AKT pathways. The proteome profile in response to BK and leptin revealed mechanistic interplay of multiple processes that modulate inflammation and oxidative stress signals in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa Al Hariri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
| | - Miran A. Jaffa
- Epidemiology and Population Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon;
| | - Richard Saoud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
| | - Jingfu Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (J.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (J.Z.); (R.Z.)
| | - Aneese A. Jaffa
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon;
| | - Ghewa A. El-Achkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
| | - Mayssam Moussa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
| | - Firas Kobeissy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
| | - Anwarul Hassan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Fuad N. Ziyadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
| | - Yehia Mechref
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA; (J.Z.); (R.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Y.M.); (A.A.J.); Tel.: +1812-219-1972 (Y.M.); +961-1-350000 (A.A.J.)
| | - Ayad A. Jaffa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon; (M.A.H.); (R.S.); (G.A.E.-A.); (M.M.); (F.K.); (F.N.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Y.M.); (A.A.J.); Tel.: +1812-219-1972 (Y.M.); +961-1-350000 (A.A.J.)
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Tan L, Song X, Ren Y, Wang M, Guo C, Guo D, Gu Y, Li Y, Cao Z, Deng Y. Anti-inflammatory effects of cordycepin: A review. Phytother Res 2020; 35:1284-1297. [PMID: 33090621 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cordycepin is the major bioactive component extracted from Cordyceps militaris. In recent years, cordycepin has received increasing attention owing to its multiple pharmacological activities. This study reviews recent researches on the anti-inflammatory effects and the related activities of cordycepin. The results from our review indicate that cordycepin exerts protective effects against inflammatory injury for many diseases including acute lung injury (ALI), asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease (PD), hepatitis, atherosclerosis, and atopic dermatitis. Cordycepin regulates the NF-κB, RIP2/Caspase-1, Akt/GSK-3β/p70S6K, TGF-β/Smads, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways among others. Several studies focusing on cordycepin derivatives were reviewed and found to down metabolic velocity of cordycepin and increase its bioavailability. Moreover, cordycepin enhanced immunity, inhibited the proliferation of viral RNA, and suppressed cytokine storms, thereby suggesting its potential to treat COVID-19 and other viral infections. From the collected and reviewed information, this article provides the theoretical basis for the clinical applications of cordycepin and discusses the path for future studies focusing on expanding the medicinal use of cordycepin. Taken together, cordycepin and its analogs show great potential as the next new class of anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaominting Song
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Yali Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Miao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuanjie Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Dale Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Yucheng Gu
- Syngenta Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Berkshire, UK
| | - Yuzhi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixing Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education; National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, China
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Huynh DTN, Jin Y, Myung CS, Heo KS. Inhibition of p90RSK is critical to abolish Angiotensin II-induced rat aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 523:267-273. [PMID: 31864701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been reported to induce vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, which are major events that are highly linked to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), a potential downstream effector of ERK1/2, has been demonstrated to be activated by Ang II in VSMCs. However, the role of p90RSK on Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation and migration and its underlying signaling pathways remain unknown. In this study, we found that the inhibition of p90RSK, using a p90RSK specific inhibitor FMK or transfected cells with a plasmid encoding dominant negative RSK1, inactivated p90RSK kinase action completely and suppressed Ang II-induced rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC) proliferation and migration. Interestingly, inhibition of p90RSK kinase activity abolished the phosphorylation of Akt as well as the protein expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-2, and NF-κB p65 in Ang II-treated RASMCs. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter assay revealed the inhibitory effect of FMK on NF-κB promoter activity induced by Ang II. Notably, using the partial carotid ligation model in mice, FMK was found to attenuate the medial thickness of carotid arteries increased by Ang II. Taken together, these results suggest that p90RSK plays a critical role in Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation and migration by increasing Akt phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 promoter activity associated with up-regulation of adhesion molecules and MMP-2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diem Thi Ngoc Huynh
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Myung
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Institute of Drug Research & Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Sun Heo
- Department of Pharmacology, Chungnam National University College of Pharmacy, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Institute of Drug Research & Development, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Gallego-Colon E, Klych-Ratuszny A, Kosowska A, Garczorz W, Aghdam MRF, Wozniak M, Francuz T. Exenatide modulates metalloproteinase expression in human cardiac smooth muscle cells via the inhibition of Akt signaling pathway. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 70:178-183. [PMID: 29414148 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incretin analogue drugs, a FDA-approved treatment in diabetes, has been tested for its therapeutic properties as modulators of atherosclerosis. We investigated the effects of incretin drugs on the modulation of gene expression and protein levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as well as their inhibitors - tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in coronary artery smooth muscle cells (hCASMC) in the context of atherosclerotic plaque formation and inflammation. METHODS TNFα-stimulated hCASMC were treated with Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) (10nM and 100nM) and Exendin-4 (1nM and 10nM). Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and protein concentrations of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, TIMP-2 were measured and the effects on extracellular matrix turnover under TNFα-mediated microenvironment were evaluated. Intracellular signaling pathways were also examined. RESULTS Our experiments reveal that GLP-1 receptor agonists downregulate the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 in hCASMC under TNFα mediated inflammatory conditions. Signaling pathway analysis show that GLP-1 receptor agonists induced inhibition of AKT-Thr308 phosphorylation, PRAS40 and S6 proteins but not AKT-Ser473. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that GLP-1 receptor agonists modulate the expression of MMPs through inhibition of AKT-Thr308 phosphorylation in hCASMC. These results suggest a possible role of incretin analogue drugs in therapy of coronary atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gallego-Colon
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Klych-Ratuszny
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kosowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
| | - Wojciech Garczorz
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
| | - Mohammad Reza F Aghdam
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
| | - Michal Wozniak
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Francuz
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Silesia, School of Medicine in Katowice, Poland.
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9
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Zhao H, Han T, Hong X, Sun D. Adipose differentiation‑related protein knockdown inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and attenuates neointima formation. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:3079-3086. [PMID: 28713961 PMCID: PMC5548019 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have an important role in atherosclerosis development. Evidence has demonstrated that adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) is associated with foam cell formation and atherosclerosis progression. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated the role of ADRP knockdown in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated proliferation and migration of VSMCs in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of ADRP knockdown on neointima formation in vivo remains unclear. In the present study, primary human aortic VSMCs were incubated with PDGF following ADRP small interfering (si)RNA transfection. Cell viability, migration and cell cycle distribution were analyzed by MTT, wound healing and Transwell assays and flow cytometry, respectively. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated (p)-ERK, Akt, p-Akt, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 protein levels were determined by western blotting. Apolipoprotein E−/− mice fed an atherogenic diet were injected with siADRP or control siRNA twice a week. After 3 weeks of therapy, aortas were excised and ADRP mRNA and protein expression was determined. Neointima formation was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The results of the current study demonstrated that ADRP knockdown significantly inhibited PDGF-induced increases in VSMC viability, caused G1 phase cell cycle arrest and decreased PCNA expression. Knockdown of ADRP inhibited PDGF-induced migration of VSMCs by reducing MMP protein expression and activity. In addition, the present study also demonstrated that ADRP knockdown inhibited ERK and Akt signaling pathways in response to PDGF. Furthermore, siADRP administration suppressed neointima formation in the mouse model. The results of the present study indicate that ADRP may be a potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomin Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China‑Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China‑Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Xin Hong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China‑Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Dajun Sun
- Department of Vascular Surgery, China‑Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
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10
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Yan LJ, Yang HT, Duan HY, Wu JT, Qian P, Fan XW, Wang S. Cordycepin inhibits vascular adhesion molecule expression in TNF-α-stimulated vascular muscle cells. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:2335-2340. [PMID: 28962164 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is associated with the increased expression of adhesion molecules in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cordycepin is one of the major bioactive components of Ophiocordyceps sinensis that has been demonstrated to exert anti-atherogenic activity; however, its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro effects of cordycepin on the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced suppression of adhesion molecule expression. The results of the present study demonstrated that cordycepin markedly inhibited the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in TNF-α-stimulated human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (HA-VSMCs). Cordycepin significantly inhibited the TNF-α-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (Akt) activation (P<0.05), markedly inhibited the TNF-α-induced expression level of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and markedly prevented the TNF-α-associated degradation of IκBα in HA-VSMCs. The results of the present study suggest that cordycepin inhibits the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in TNF-α-stimulated HA-VSMCs via downregulating the MAPK/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Therefore, cordycepin may have a potential therapeutic application for preventing the advancement of atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Tao Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yan Duan
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Tao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Peng Qian
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Wei Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
| | - Shanling Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, P.R. China
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11
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Brown BA, Williams H, George SJ. Evidence for the Involvement of Matrix-Degrading Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in Atherosclerosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 147:197-237. [PMID: 28413029 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis leads to blockage of arteries, culminating in myocardial infarction, and stroke. The involvement of matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs) in atherosclerosis is established and many studies have highlighted the importance of various MMPs in this process. MMPs were first implicated in atherosclerosis due to their ability to degrade extracellular matrix components, which can lead to increased plaque instability. However, more recent work has highlighted a multitude of roles for MMPs in addition to breakdown of extracellular matrix proteins. MMPs are now known to be involved in various stages of plaque progression: from initial macrophage infiltration to plaque rupture. This chapter summarizes the development and progression of atherosclerotic plaques and the contribution of MMPs. We provide data from human studies showing the effect of MMP polymorphisms and the expression of MMPs in both the atherosclerotic plaque and within plasma. We also discuss work in animal models of atherosclerosis that show the effect of gain or loss of function of MMPs. Together, the data provided from these studies illustrate that MMPs are ideal targets as both biomarkers and potential drug therapies for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan A Brown
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Williams
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J George
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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12
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Ruddy JM, Ikonomidis JS, Jones JA. Multidimensional Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinases to Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability: Multiple Mechanisms of Inhibition to Promote Stability. J Vasc Res 2016; 53:1-16. [PMID: 27327039 PMCID: PMC7196926 DOI: 10.1159/000446703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of atherosclerotic disease continues to increase, and despite significant reductions in major cardiovascular events with current medical interventions, an additional therapeutic window exists. Atherosclerotic plaque growth is a complex integration of cholesterol penetration, inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, and neovascular invasion. A family of matrix-degrading proteases, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), contributes to all phases of vascular remodeling. The contribution of specific MMPs to endothelial cell integrity and VSMC migration in atherosclerotic lesion initiation and progression has been confirmed by the increased expression of these proteases in plasma and plaque specimens. Endogenous blockade of MMPs by the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) may attenuate proteolysis in some regions, but the progression of matrix degeneration suggests that MMPs predominate in atherosclerotic plaque, precipitating vulnerability. Plaque neovascularization also contributes to instability and, coupling the known role of MMPs in angiogenesis to that of atherosclerotic plaque growth, interest in targeting MMPs to facilitate plaque stabilization continues to accumulate. This article aims to review the contributions of MMPs and TIMPs to atherosclerotic plaque expansion, neovascularization, and rupture vulnerability with an interest in promoting targeted therapies to improve plaque stabilization and decrease the risk of major cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Marie Ruddy
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C., USA
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13
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Activation of the pluripotency factor OCT4 in smooth muscle cells is atheroprotective. Nat Med 2016; 22:657-65. [PMID: 27183216 PMCID: PMC4899256 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
There are controversial claims that the embryonic stem cell (ESC) pluripotency factor OCT4 is activated in somatic cells, but there is no evidence it plays a functional role in these cells. Herein we demonstrate that smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific conditional knockout of Oct4 within Apoe−/− mice resulted in increased lesion size and changes consistent with decreased plaque stability including a thinner fibrous cap, increased necrotic core, and increased intra-plaque hemorrhage. Results of SMC-lineage tracing studies showed that these changes were likely due to marked reductions in SMC number within lesions including impaired SMC migration and investment within the fibrous cap. Re-activation of Oct4 within SMCs was associated with hydroxymethylation of the Oct4 promoter and was HIF1α- and KLF4-dependent. Results provide the first direct evidence that OCT4 plays a functional role in somatic cells and highlight the importance of further investigation of possible OCT4 functions in normal and diseased somatic cells.
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