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Zhou W, Ran J, Hu X, Lv C, You J, Sun D, Chen L, Tang Y, Li H, Hu D, Liu K, Chen D, Chen X. 18F-FAPI PET/CT for Early Detection and Severity Assessment of Intestinal Fibrosis in a Mouse Model. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2025:izaf086. [PMID: 40349210 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaf086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the feasibility of using 18F-fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FAPI PET/CT) to detect intestinal fibrosis in its early stages and identify its severity in a mouse model. METHODS A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis was established. To detect pro-inflammatory cytokines and histopathology, blood and intestinal lesion samples were collected after 18F-FAPI PET/CT scanning (3.7 MBq/mice) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks post-initial exposure to DSS. Correlation and diagnostic efficacy were explored between 18F-FAPI uptake and FAP expression or fibrosis score in early, late, and entire stages of intestinal fibrosis. RESULTS 18F-FAPI uptake was positively correlated with FAP expression throughout entire stages of intestinal fibrosis (r = 0.90). However, a weak correlation between 18F-FAPI uptake and fibrosis score (r = 0.49), and moderate diagnostic performance of 18F-FAPI PET for fibrotic severity (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.79) were found throughout the entire stages. Interestingly, in the early stages, 18F-FAPI PET effectively distinguished the degree of intestinal fibrosis (AUC = 0.95), and was strongly correlated with fibrosis score (r = 0.89). In the late stages, the diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.46) and correlation (r = -0.20) drastically decreased. CONCLUSIONS As Crohn's disease (CD) with intestinal fibrosis progresses, 18F-FAPI uptake is high in the early stages and then gradually decreases. Activated fibroblasts appear more frequently in the early stages of intestinal fibrosis indicates that 18F-FAPI PET has a great potential for early identification of intestinal fibrosis and provides new insights into treatment decision-making in CD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicheng Zhou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiantao Ran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Tibet Military Area Command, Tibet, China
| | - Xinyue Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoqun Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianping You
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Duo Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Leiyue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Tang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongqing Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daoxi Hu
- Department of Medical Imaging, 32268 Unit, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Kaijun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongfeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Chongqing, China
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Zhang Y, Zhuang H, Chen K, Zhao Y, Wang D, Ran T, Zou D. Intestinal fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease: Known and unknown. Chin Med J (Engl) 2025; 138:883-893. [PMID: 40012095 PMCID: PMC12037091 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2025] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Intestinal fibrosis is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to a high incidence of surgical interventions and significant disability. Despite its clinical relevance, no targeted pharmacological therapies are currently available. This review aims to explore the underlying mechanisms driving intestinal fibrosis and address unresolved scientific questions, offering insights into potential future therapeutic strategies. We conducted a literature review using data from PubMed up to October 2024, focusing on studies related to IBD and fibrosis. Intestinal fibrosis results from a complex network involving stromal cells, immune cells, epithelial cells, and the gut microbiota. Chronic inflammation, driven by factors such as dysbiosis, epithelial injury, and immune activation, leads to the production of cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. These mediators activate various stromal cell populations, including fibroblasts, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. The activated stromal cells secrete excessive extracellular matrix components, thereby promoting fibrosis. Additionally, stromal cells influence the immune microenvironment through cytokine production. Future research would focus on elucidating the temporal and spatial relationships between immune cell-driven inflammation and stromal cell-mediated fibrosis. Additionally, investigations are needed to clarify the differentiation origins of excessive extracellular matrix-producing cells, particularly fibroblast activation protein (FAP) + fibroblasts, in the context of intestinal fibrosis. In conclusion, aberrant stromal cell activation, triggered by upstream immune signals, is a key mechanism underlying intestinal fibrosis. Further investigations into immune-stromal cell interactions and stromal cell activation are essential for the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent, alleviate, and potentially reverse fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haiming Zhuang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yizhou Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Danshu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Taojing Ran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Duowu Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Karsdal M, Cox TR, Parker AL, Willumsen N, Sand JMB, Jenkins G, Hansen HH, Oldenburger A, Geillinger-Kaestle KE, Larsen AT, Black D, Genovese F, Eckersley A, Heinz A, Nyström A, Holm Nielsen S, Bennink L, Johannsson L, Bay-Jensen AC, Orange DE, Friedman S, Røpke M, Fiore V, Schuppan D, Rieder F, Simona B, Borthwick L, Skarsfeldt M, Wennbo H, Thakker P, Stoffel R, Clarke GW, Kalluri R, Ruane D, Zannad F, Mortensen JH, Sinkeviciute D, Sundberg F, Coseno M, Thudium C, Croft AP, Khanna D, Cooreman M, Broermann A, Leeming DJ, Mobasheri A, Ricard-Blum S. Advances in Extracellular Matrix-Associated Diagnostics and Therapeutics. J Clin Med 2025; 14:1856. [PMID: 40142664 PMCID: PMC11943371 DOI: 10.3390/jcm14061856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2024] [Revised: 01/28/2025] [Accepted: 02/08/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the common denominator of more than 50 chronic diseases. Some of these chronic pathologies lead to enhanced tissue formation and deposition, whereas others are associated with increased tissue degradation, and some exhibit a combination of both, leading to severe tissue alterations. To develop effective therapies for diseases affecting the lung, liver, kidney, skin, intestine, musculoskeletal system, heart, and solid tumors, we need to modulate the ECM's composition to restore its organization and function. Across diverse organ diseases, there are common denominators and distinguishing factors in this fibroinflammatory axis, which may be used to foster new insights into drug development across disease indications. The 2nd Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology Congress took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 17 to 19 June 2024 and was hosted by the International Society of Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology. The event was attended by 450 participants from 35 countries, among whom were prominent scientists who brought together state-of-the-art research on organ diseases and asked important questions to facilitate drug development. We highlight key aspects of the ECM in the liver, kidney, skin, intestine, musculoskeletal system, lungs, and solid tumors to advance our understanding of the ECM and its central targets in drug development. We also highlight key advances in the tools and technology that enable this drug development, thereby supporting the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2010, Australia; (T.R.C.); (A.L.P.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW, Sydney 2010, Australia
| | - Amelia L. Parker
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 2010, Australia; (T.R.C.); (A.L.P.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical Campus, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW, Sydney 2010, Australia
| | - Nicholas Willumsen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Jannie Marie Bülow Sand
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Gisli Jenkins
- Margaret Turner Warwick Centre for Fibrosing Lung Disease, National Heart and Lung Institute, NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | | | | | - Kerstin E. Geillinger-Kaestle
- Department of Immunology and Respiratory Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88400 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Anna Thorsø Larsen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | | | - Federica Genovese
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Alexander Eckersley
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK;
| | - Andrea Heinz
- LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, 79106 Breisgau, Germany;
| | - Signe Holm Nielsen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | | | | | - Anne-Christine Bay-Jensen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Dana E. Orange
- Hospital for Special Surgery, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Scott Friedman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | | | - Vincent Fiore
- Boehringer Ingelheim, 55218 Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany;
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | | | - Lee Borthwick
- FibroFind Ltd., FibroFind Laboratories, Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Mark Skarsfeldt
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Haakan Wennbo
- Takeda, Translational Medicine Biomarkers Gastrointestinal & Global, Boston, MA 02110, USA; (H.W.); (P.T.)
| | - Paresh Thakker
- Takeda, Translational Medicine Biomarkers Gastrointestinal & Global, Boston, MA 02110, USA; (H.W.); (P.T.)
| | - Ruedi Stoffel
- Roche Diagnostics International Ltd., 6343 Rotkreuz, Switzerland;
| | - Graham W. Clarke
- Translational Science and Experimental Medicine, Research and Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 431 83 Gothenburg, Sweden;
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College, London E1 9RT, UK
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Darren Ruane
- Janssen Immunology, Translational Sciences and Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Faiez Zannad
- Division of Heart Failure and Hypertension, and of the Inserm CIC, University of Lorraine, 54000 Metz, France;
| | - Joachim Høg Mortensen
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Dovile Sinkeviciute
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Fred Sundberg
- Sengenics Corporation LLC, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA; (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Molly Coseno
- Sengenics Corporation LLC, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA; (F.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Christian Thudium
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Adam P. Croft
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | | | - Andre Broermann
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, 88400 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Diana Julie Leeming
- Nordic Bioscience, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (N.W.); (J.M.B.S.); (A.T.L.); (F.G.); (S.H.N.); (A.-C.B.-J.); (J.H.M.); (D.S.); (D.J.L.)
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland;
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Sylvie Ricard-Blum
- Institut de Chimie et Biochimie Moléculaires et Supramoléculaires (ICBMS), UMR 5246 CNRS, ICBMS, University Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France;
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Ohlendieck CM, Matellan C, Manresa MC. Regulation of pathologic fibroblast functions in digestive diseases: a role for hypoxia? Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2025; 328:G229-G242. [PMID: 39873349 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00277.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Revised: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 01/30/2025]
Abstract
The recent uncovering of fibroblast heterogeneity has given great insight into the versatility of the stroma. Among other cellular processes, fibroblasts are now thought to contribute to the coordination of immune responses in a range of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. Although the pathologic roles of myofibroblasts, inflammatory fibroblasts, and cancer-associated fibroblasts in disease are reasonably well understood, the mechanisms behind their activation remain to be uncovered. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, several interleukins and tumor necrosis factor superfamily members have been identified as possible mediators driving the acquisition of inflammatory and fibrotic properties in fibroblasts. In addition to cytokines, other microenvironmental factors such as nutrient and oxygen availability are likely contributors to this process. In this respect, the phenomenon of low cellular oxygen levels known as hypoxia is common in a plethora of GI diseases. Indeed, the cross talk between hypoxia and inflammation is well-documented, with an abundance of studies suggesting that oxygen-sensing enzymes may have regulatory effects on inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB. However, the impact that this has in GI fibroblasts in the context of chronic diseases has not been fully uncovered. Here we discuss the role of fibroblasts in GI diseases, the mediators that have emerged as regulators of their functions and the potential impact of hypoxia in this process, highlighting areas that require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian M Ohlendieck
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Carlos Matellan
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mario C Manresa
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Howe CS, Chulkina M, Syrcle R, McAninch C, McAninch S, Pinchuk IV, Beswick EJ. MK2 Inhibition in CD4+ T Cells Protects Against IFNγ and IL-17A, Chronic Inflammation, and Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Models. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2025:izaf026. [PMID: 39937137 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izaf026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD4+ T cells contribute to chronic inflammation and fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the cellular mechanisms remain elusive. We have found that the mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) pathway plays a major role in inflammation and overall pathology in IBD. Thus, here, we examined the role of MK2 in regulating CD4+ T cell responses in IBD models. METHODS Interleukin-10 (IL-10) knockout (KO) mice treated with MK2 inhibitors (MK2i) and CD4-specific MK2 knockdown mice treated with chronic dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatments were used to examine inflammation and fibrosis by multiplex array, gene expression, flow cytometry, and histology. Human tissues were treated with MK2i to examine Th1 and Th17 markers. RESULTS IL-10 KO mice treated with MK2i therapeutically showed significantly reduced interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and a significantly reduced number of IFNγ+ and IL-17A+ producing CD4+ T cells by flow cytometry. To investigate the direct role of MK2 in CD4+ T cells during IBD, we utilized CD4-specific MK2 knockdown mice in chronic DSS colitis. A decrease in colonic inflammation, IFNγ and IL-17, pro-fibrotic genes, and extracellular matrix deposition was observed in mice with MK2 knockdown in CD4+ T cells compared to control mice. Additionally, IL-17A and IFNγ directly regulated the expression of fibrosis genes in colon tissues. CONCLUSIONS The MK2 pathway regulates inflammatory CD4+ T cells and fibrosis in IBD models and is a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody S Howe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Marina Chulkina
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Syrcle
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Christina McAninch
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Steven McAninch
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ellen J Beswick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Cheng X, Shao P, Wang X, Jiang J, Chen J, Zhu J, Zhu W, Li Y, Zhang J, Chen J, Huang Z. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Accumulation Drives Intestinal Fibrosis through mCCL6/hCCL15 Chemokine-Mediated Fibroblast Activation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025; 12:e2411711. [PMID: 39739231 PMCID: PMC11848553 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202411711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis, a severe complication of Crohn's disease (CD), is linked to chronic inflammation, but the precise mechanism by which immune-driven intestinal inflammation leads to fibrosis development is not fully understood. This study investigates the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in intestinal fibrosis in CD patients and a 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced mouse model. Elevated MDSCs are observed in inflamed intestinal tissues prior to fibrosis and their sustained presence in fibrotic tissues of both CD patients and murine models. Depletion of MDSCs significantly reduces fibrosis, highlighting their key role in the fibrotic process. Mechanistically, MDSC-derived mCCL6 activates fibroblasts via the CCR1-MAPK signaling, and interventions targeting this axis, including neutralizing antibodies, a CCR1 antagonist, or fibroblast-specific Ccr1 knockout mice reduce fibrosis. In CD patients with stenosis, human CCL15, analogous to mCCL6, is found to be elevated in MDSCs and activated fibroblasts. Additionally, CXCR2 and CCR2 ligands are identified as key mediators of MDSC recruitment in intestinal fibrosis. Blocking MDSC recruitment with CXCR2 and CCR2 antagonists alleviates intestinal fibrosis. These findings suggest that strategies targeting MDSC recruitment and mCCL6/hCCL15 signaling could offer therapeutic benefits for intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Pingwen Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - XinTong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Juan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Department of General SurgeryJinling HospitalSchool of MedicineNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210002China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of General SurgeryJinling HospitalSchool of MedicineNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210002China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Jiangning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
| | - Zhen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologySchool of Life SciencesNanjing UniversityNanjingJiangsu210023China
- NJU Xishan Institute of Applied BiotechnologyXishan DistrictWuxiJiangsu214101China
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7
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Zou X, Wu T, Lin J, Su T, Xiao H, Ni C, Hu L, Lin W, Chen W, Ye RD, Xiang L. SAA3 deficiency exacerbates intestinal fibrosis in DSS-induced IBD mouse model. Cell Death Discov 2025; 11:25. [PMID: 39863585 PMCID: PMC11763003 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-025-02299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Revised: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis, as a late-stage complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leads to bowel obstruction and requires surgical intervention, significantly lowering the quality of life of affected patients. SAA3, a highly conserved member of the serum amyloid A (SAA) apolipoprotein family in mice, is synthesized primarily as an acute phase reactant in response to infection, inflammation and trauma. An increasing number of evidence suggests that SAA3 exerts a vital role in the fibrotic process, even though the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully comprehended. This study utilized dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to establish an IBD mouse model and observed that the SAA3-deficient mice exhibited more severe intestinal fibrosis. Our results further indicated that SAA3 genetic disruption in fibroblasts enhanced cell activation to myofibroblasts through HSPB1/NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smads signaling cascade, exacerbating the pathological phenotype of intestinal fibrosis. Collectively, our results shed novel lights on regulating SAA3 in intestinal fibrosis and indicate the potential to develop therapeutic strategies for IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianjiao Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Tao Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Chuyan Ni
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Lijuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Wenchu Lin
- Institute of Digestive Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Weilin Chen
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Biological Therapy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Richard D Ye
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Futian Biomedical Innovation R&D Center, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Li Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China.
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8
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Ke BJ, Dragoni G, Matteoli G. Fibroblast Heterogeneity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:13008. [PMID: 39684719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252313008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 10/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/28/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibroblasts are pivotal players in maintaining tissue homeostasis and orchestrating responses to injury and inflammation within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Fibroblasts contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating immune cell activity, and promoting fibrosis. In addition, fibroblasts play crucial roles in tissue repair and regeneration following acute injury or chronic inflammation. The dysregulation of fibroblast functions can lead to fibrotic complications, such as intestinal strictures and obstruction, which are common in advanced stages of IBD. Understanding the complex interplay between fibroblasts and other cell types in the intestine is essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of intestinal diseases and identify novel therapeutic targets. Future research aimed at deciphering the heterogeneity of intestinal fibroblasts and their dynamic roles in disease progression holds promise for the development of precision therapies to mitigate fibrosis and inflammation in intestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Jun Ke
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gianluca Matteoli
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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9
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Xiong Z, Li X, Xie M, Guo J, Yin S, Huang D, Jin L, Wang C, Zhang F, Mao C, Chen H, Luo D, Tang H, Chen X, Lian L. Small extracellular vesicles derived from adipose mesenchymal stem cells alleviate intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting the FAK/Akt signaling pathway via MFGE8. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:1092-1106. [PMID: 39305336 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-024-02152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is one of the most frequent and severe complications of Crohn's disease. Accumulating studies have reported that adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (AMSC-sEVs) could alleviate renal fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, etc., while their potential for treating intestinal fibrosis remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aims to determine the therapeutic effects of AMSC-sEVs on intestinal fibrosis and identify the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS AMSC-sEVs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot. Whether AMSC-sEVs exert antifibrotic effects was investigated in two different murine models of intestinal fibrosis. Besides, AMSC-sEVs were co-cultured with primary human fibroblasts and CCD18co during transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 stimulation. Label-free proteomics and rescue experiments were performed to identify candidate molecules in AMSC-sEVs. Transcriptome sequencing revealed changes in mRNA levels among different groups. Lastly, proteins related to relevant signaling pathways were identified by western blotting, and their expression and activation status were assessed. RESULTS AMSC-sEVs positively expressed CD63 and Alix and presented a classical "rim of a cup" and granule shape with approximately 43-100 nm diameter. AMSCs significantly alleviated intestinal fibrosis through secreted sEVs in vitro and in vivo. The milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFGE8) was stably enriched in AMSC-sEVs and was an active compound contributing to the treatment of intestinal fibrosis by AMSCs. Mechanistically, AMSC-sEV-based therapies attenuated intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting the FAK/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS MFGE8-containing AMSC-sEVs attenuate intestinal fibrosis, partly through FAK/Akt pathway inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhong Xiong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianzhe Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Minghao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dayin Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longyang Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaobin Mao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaxian Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandong Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haijie Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xijie Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Lian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd. Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Hurtado-Lorenzo A, Swantek JL. The landscape of new therapeutic opportunities for IBD. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 101:1-83. [PMID: 39521596 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of the emerging strategies to address the unmet needs in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). IBD poses significant challenges, as over half of patients experience disease progression despite interventions, leading to irreversible complications, and a substantial proportion do not respond to existing therapies, such as biologics. To overcome these limitations, we describe a diverse array of novel therapeutic approaches. In the area of immune homeostasis restoration, the focus is on targeting cytokine networks, leukocyte trafficking, novel immune pathways, and cell therapies involving regulatory T cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Recognizing the critical role of impaired intestinal barrier integrity in IBD, we highlight therapies aimed at restoring barrier function and promoting mucosal healing, such as those targeting cell proliferation, tight junctions, and lipid mediators. Addressing the challenges posed by fibrosis and fistulas, we describe emerging targets for reversing fibrosis like kinase and cytokine inhibitors and nuclear receptor agonists, as well as the potential of MSC for fistulas. The restoration of a healthy gut microbiome, through strategies like fecal microbiota transplantation, rationally defined bacterial consortia, and targeted antimicrobials, is also highlighted. We also describe innovative approaches to gut-targeted drug delivery to enhance efficacy and minimize side effects. Reinforcing these advancements is the critical role of precision medicine, which emphasizes the use of multiomics analysis for the discovery of biomarkers to enable personalized IBD care. Overall, the emerging landscape of therapeutic opportunities for IBD holds great potential to surpass the therapeutic ceiling of current treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Hurtado-Lorenzo
- Translational Research & IBD Ventures, Research Department, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Jennifer L Swantek
- Translational Research & IBD Ventures, Research Department, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, New York, NY, United States
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11
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Touny AA, Venkataraman B, Ojha S, Pessia M, Subramanian VS, Hariharagowdru SN, Subramanya SB. Phytochemical Compounds as Promising Therapeutics for Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Critical Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:3633. [PMID: 39519465 PMCID: PMC11547603 DOI: 10.3390/nu16213633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2024] [Revised: 10/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Intestinal fibrosis, a prominent consequence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), presents considerable difficulty owing to the absence of licensed antifibrotic therapies. This review assesses the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals as alternate methods for controlling intestinal fibrosis. Phytochemicals, bioactive molecules originating from plants, exhibit potential antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, targeting pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Compounds such as Asperuloside, Berberine, and olive phenols have demonstrated potential in preclinical models by regulating critical signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad and NFκB, which are integral to advancing fibrosis. RESULTS The main findings suggest that these phytochemicals significantly reduce fibrotic markers, collagen deposition, and inflammation in various experimental models of IBD. These phytochemicals may function as supplementary medicines to standard treatments, perhaps enhancing patient outcomes while mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged immunosuppressive usage. Nonetheless, additional clinical trials are necessary to validate their safety, effectiveness, and bioavailability in human subjects. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, investigating phytochemicals may lead to crucial advances in the formulation of innovative treatment approaches for fibrosis associated with IBD, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya A. Touny
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.T.); (B.V.); (M.P.); (S.N.H.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza 12581, Egypt
| | - Balaji Venkataraman
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.T.); (B.V.); (M.P.); (S.N.H.)
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Mauro Pessia
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.T.); (B.V.); (M.P.); (S.N.H.)
| | | | - Shamanth Neralagundi Hariharagowdru
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.T.); (B.V.); (M.P.); (S.N.H.)
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sandeep B. Subramanya
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (A.A.T.); (B.V.); (M.P.); (S.N.H.)
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Niu C, Hu Y, Xu K, Pan X, Wang L, Yu G. The role of the cytoskeleton in fibrotic diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1490315. [PMID: 39512901 PMCID: PMC11540670 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1490315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the process whereby cells at a damaged site are transformed into fibrotic tissue, comprising fibroblasts and an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and fibronectin, following damage to organs or tissues that exceeds their repair capacity. Depending on the affected organs or tissues, fibrosis can be classified into types such as pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, renal fibrosis, and cardiac fibrosis. The primary pathological features of fibrotic diseases include recurrent damage to normal cells and the abnormal activation of fibroblasts, leading to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and collagen in the intercellular spaces. However, the etiology of certain specific fibrotic diseases remains unclear. Recent research increasingly suggests that the cytoskeleton plays a significant role in fibrotic diseases, with structural changes in the cytoskeleton potentially influencing the progression of organ fibrosis. This review examines cytoskeletal remodeling and its impact on the transformation or activation of normal tissue cells during fibrosis, potentially offering important insights into the etiology and therapeutic strategies for fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caoyuan Niu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yanan Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Kai Xu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaoyue Pan
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lan Wang
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
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13
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Neupane YR, Yogananda TM, Rompicharla SVK, Selaru FM, Ensign LM. Emerging therapeutics for the management of intestinal fibrosis and strictures. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 101:107-139. [PMID: 39521597 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Chronic intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can lead to the development of fibrosis and the formation of strictures. Endoscopic balloon dilation and surgical resection are currently the only available treatments for fibrotic strictures. However, both strategies are associated with potential complications and high rates of stricture recurrence, necessitating additional procedures and/or multiple surgical resections. IBD therapeutic modalities aimed at inflammation, including anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosteroids, biologics and small molecules, have shown limited efficacy in altering the natural history of strictures, ameliorating fibrosis progression, or preventing recurrences. New and innovative therapeutic approaches targeted at fibrosis are urgently needed. Herein, we provide an overview of emerging therapeutics, including novel drug delivery systems, for the management of intestinal fibrosis and strictures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yub Raj Neupane
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thanuja Marasarakottige Yogananda
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sri Vishnu Kiran Rompicharla
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Florin M Selaru
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; The Institute for Nanobiotechnology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Laura M Ensign
- Center for Nanomedicine at the Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Medicine (Infectious Diseases), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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14
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Qian XX. Non-coding transcribed ultraconserved region uc.290 in colon mucosa promotes intestinal fibrosis in chronic active ulcerative colitis. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:1698-1704. [PMID: 38735796 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS TGF-β1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and leads to intestinal fibrosis in ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to investigate the expression of transcribed ultraconserved region uc.290 in chronic UC and its role in intestinal fibrosis. METHODS Colon specimens were taken from thirty chronic active UC, chronic inactive UC and healthy controls respectively. Modified Mayo score, expressions of uc.290, TGF-β1, EMT biomarkers (Vimentin, α-SMA and E-cadherin) and intestinal fibrosis biomarker (collagen Ⅲ) in colon biopsy specimens were determined in human. Expressions of TGF-β1, EMT biomarkers and collagen Ⅲ were determined in uc.290 overexpressed or silenced epithelial colon cells (HT29). RESULTS Uc.290, TGF-β1 and collagen Ⅲ were overexpressed, and EMT was prominent in chronic active UC. Uc.290 level had a positive correlation with modified Mayo score in chronic active UC. TGF-β1 and collagen Ⅲ were overexpressed, and EMT was prominent in uc.290 overexpressed HT29 cells. CONCLUSIONS Uc.290 was overexpressed in chronic active UC and might promote intestinal fibrosis by TGF-β1/EMT/collagen Ⅲ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xian Qian
- Department of gastroenterology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai City, 201199, People's Republic of China; People's Hospital of Daguan County, No.3 Internal Medicine Department, Daguan County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan province, 657400, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Li X, Chen J, Xie M, Xiong Z, Yin S, Jin L, Yu Z, Wang C, Zhang F, Luo D, Guo J, Huang D, Tang H, Chen H, Lan P, Lian L. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells alleviate intestinal fibrosis: The role of tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 protein. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 139:112693. [PMID: 39024752 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The therapeutic potential of adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AMSCs) in the treatment of intestinal fibrosis occured in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) remains unclear. Tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 (TSG6) protein plays a critical role in inflammation regulation and tissue repair. This study aimed to determine if AMSCs attenuate intestinal fibrosis by secreting paracrine TSG6 protein and explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Two murine models for intestinal fibrosis were established using 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in BALB/c mice and dextran sulfate sodium in C57BL/6 mice. Primary human fibroblasts and CCD-18co cells were incubated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to build two fibrosis cell models in vitro. RESULTS Intraperitoneally administered AMSCs attenuated intestinal fibrosis in the two murine models, as evidenced by significant alleviation of colon shortening, collagen protein deposits, and submucosal thickening, and also decrease in the endoscopic and fibrosis scores (P < 0.001). Although intraperitoneally injected AMSCs did not migrate to the colon lesions, high levels of TSG6 expression and secretion were noticed both in vivo and in vitro. Similar to the role of AMSCs, injection of recombinant human TSG6 attenuated intestinal fibrosis in the mouse models, which was not observed with the administration of AMSCs with TSG6 knockdown or TSG6 neutralizing antibody. Mechanistically, TSG6 alleviates TGF-β1-stimulated upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen I by inhibiting Smad2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the expression of TSG6 is lower in intestinal fibrosis tissue of patients with Crohn's disease and can reduce pro-fibrotic protein (αSMA) secretion from primary ileal fibrotic tissue. CONCLUSIONS AMSCs attenuate intestinal fibrosis by secreting paracrine TSG6 protein, which inhibits Smad2 phosphorylation. TSG6, a novel anti-fibrotic factor, could potentially improve intestinal fibrosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhe Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junguo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhizhong Xiong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longyang Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoliang Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandong Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dayin Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haijie Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaxian Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lei Lian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of General Surgery, the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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16
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Veisman I, Massey WJ, Goren I, Liu W, Chauhan G, Rieder F. Muscular hyperplasia in Crohn's disease strictures: through thick and thin. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C671-C683. [PMID: 38912732 PMCID: PMC11427014 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00307.2024] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Fibrostenosing Crohn's disease (CD) represents a challenging clinical condition characterized by the development of symptomatic strictures within the gastrointestinal tract. Despite therapeutic advancements in managing inflammation, the progression of fibrostenotic complications remains a significant concern, often necessitating surgical intervention. Recent investigations have unveiled the pivotal role of smooth muscle cell hyperplasia in driving luminal narrowing and clinical symptomatology. Drawing parallels to analogous inflammatory conditions affecting other organs, such as the airways and blood vessels, sheds light on common underlying mechanisms of muscular hyperplasia. This review synthesizes current evidence to elucidate the mechanisms underlying smooth muscle cell proliferation in CD-associated strictures, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets. By highlighting the emerging significance of muscle thickening as a novel therapeutic target, this review aims to inform future research endeavors and clinical strategies with the goal to mitigate the burden of fibrostenotic complications in CD and other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ido Veisman
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - William J Massey
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Idan Goren
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Program for Global Translational Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (GRID), Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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17
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Recaldin T, Steinacher L, Gjeta B, Harter MF, Adam L, Kromer K, Mendes MP, Bellavista M, Nikolaev M, Lazzaroni G, Krese R, Kilik U, Popovic D, Stoll B, Gerard R, Bscheider M, Bickle M, Cabon L, Camp JG, Gjorevski N. Human organoids with an autologous tissue-resident immune compartment. Nature 2024; 633:165-173. [PMID: 39143209 PMCID: PMC11374719 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07791-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
The intimate relationship between the epithelium and immune system is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis, with perturbations therein linked to autoimmune disease and cancer1-3. Whereas stem cell-derived organoids are powerful models of epithelial function4, they lack tissue-resident immune cells that are essential for capturing organ-level processes. We describe human intestinal immuno-organoids (IIOs), formed through self-organization of epithelial organoids and autologous tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells, a portion of which integrate within the epithelium and continuously survey the barrier. TRM cell migration and interaction with epithelial cells was orchestrated by TRM cell-enriched transcriptomic programs governing cell motility and adhesion. We combined IIOs and single-cell transcriptomics to investigate intestinal inflammation triggered by cancer-targeting biologics in patients. Inflammation was associated with the emergence of an activated population of CD8+ T cells that progressively acquired intraepithelial and cytotoxic features. The appearance of this effector population was preceded and potentiated by a T helper-1-like CD4+ population, which initially produced cytokines and subsequently became cytotoxic itself. As a system amenable to direct perturbation, IIOs allowed us to identify the Rho pathway as a new target for mitigation of immunotherapy-associated intestinal inflammation. Given that they recapitulate both the phenotypic outcomes and underlying interlineage immune interactions, IIOs can be used to study tissue-resident immune responses in the context of tumorigenesis and infectious and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Recaldin
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Linda Steinacher
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Immunology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bruno Gjeta
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius F Harter
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Lukas Adam
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kristina Kromer
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marisa Pimentel Mendes
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina Bellavista
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikhail Nikolaev
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Giacomo Lazzaroni
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rok Krese
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Umut Kilik
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Doris Popovic
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bilgenaz Stoll
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Régine Gerard
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Bscheider
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bickle
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lauriane Cabon
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - J Gray Camp
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nikolche Gjorevski
- Institute of Human Biology (IHB), Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
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18
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Wang Y, Li L, Chen S, Yu Z, Gao X, Peng X, Ye Q, Li Z, Tan W, Chen Y. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate chronic colitis-related intestinal fibrosis by macrophage metabolic reprogramming. Pharmacol Res 2024; 206:107277. [PMID: 38945379 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (F. prausnitzii) has been recognized for its various intestinal and extraintestinal benefits to human. And reduction of F. prausnitzii has been linked to an increased risk of intestinal fibrosis in patients of Crohn's disease (CD). In this study, oral administration of either live F. prausnitzii or its extracellular vesicles (FEVs) can markedly mitigate the severity of fibrosis in mice induced by repetitive administration of DSS. In vitro experiment revealed that FEVs were capable of directing the polarization of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) towards an M2b macrophage phenotype, which has been associated with anti-fibrotic activities. This effect of FEV was found to be stable under various conditions that promote the development of pro-fibrotic M1/M2a/M2c macrophages. Proteomics and RNA sequencing were performed to uncover the molecular modulation of macrophages by FEVs. Notably, we found that FEVs reprogramed every metabolism of macrophages by damaging the mitochondria, and inhibited oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis. Moreover, FEV-treated macrophages showed a decreased expression of PPARγ and an altered lipid processing phenotype characterized by decreased cholesterol efflux, which may promote energy reprogramming. Taken together, these findings identify FEV as a driver of macrophage reprogramming, suggesting that triggering M2b macrophage polarization by oral admiration of FEV may serve as strategy to alleviate hyperfibrotic intestine conditions in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Integrative Clinical Microecology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Shenzhen Technology Research Center of Gut Microbiota Transplantation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Linjie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuze Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zonglin Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Gao
- Integrative Clinical Microecology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Shenzhen Technology Research Center of Gut Microbiota Transplantation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaojie Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiujuan Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zitong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihao Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Integrative Clinical Microecology Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Disease, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Shenzhen Technology Research Center of Gut Microbiota Transplantation, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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19
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Xu Y, Zheng C, Jiang P, Ji S, Ullah S, Zhao Y, Su D, Xu G, Zhang M, Zou X. Fraxinellone alleviates colitis-related intestinal fibrosis by blocking the circuit between PD-1 + Th17 cells and fibroblasts. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 135:112298. [PMID: 38776854 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive activation of colonic fibroblasts and differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells are the key steps for intestinal fibrogenesis in the process of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although both transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog (SMAD) 3-induced fibroblasts activation and interleukin (IL)-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3-induced Th17 differentiation have been well studied, the crosstalk between fibroblasts and Th17 cells in the process of intestinal fibrogenesis needs to be unveiled. METHODS In this study, the activation of colonic fibroblasts was induced with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) and TGF-β in vivo and in vitro respectively. P-SMAD3 and its downstream targets were quantified using RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. The differentiation of programmed death 1 (PD-1) + Th17 and activation of fibroblasts were quantified by FACS. PD-1+ Th17 cells and fibroblasts were co-cultured and cytokines in the supernatant were tested by ELISA. The anti-fibrosis effects of different chemical compounds were validated in vitro and further confirmed in vivo. RESULTS The colonic fibroblasts were successfully activated by DSS and TGF-β in vivo and in vitro respectively, as activation markers of fibroblasts (p-SMAD3 and its downstream targets such as Acta2, Col1a1 and Ctgf) were significantly increased. The activated fibroblasts produced more IL-6 compared with their inactivated counterparts in vivo and in vitro. The proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 induced PD-1+ Th17 differentiation and TGF-β that in return promoted the activation of colonic fibroblasts. Fraxinellone inhibited TGF-β+ PD-1+ Th17 cells via deactivating STAT3. CONCLUSIONS The reciprocal stimulation constructed a circuit of PD-1+ Th17 cells and fibroblasts that accelerated the fibrosis process. Fraxinellone was selected as the potential inhibitor of the circuit of PD-1+ Th17 cells and fibroblasts in vivo and in vitro. Inhibiting the circuit of PD-1+ Th17 cells and fibroblasts could be a promising strategy to alleviate intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejie Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Chang Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Siqi Ji
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Shafi Ullah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Dan Su
- FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Watertown 02472, MA, United States
| | - Guifang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210046, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
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20
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Yu Y, Yang D, Lin B, Zhu L, Li C, Li X. Readily Available Oral Prebiotic Protein Reactive Oxygen Species Nanoscavengers for Synergistic Therapy of Inflammation and Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13583-13598. [PMID: 38740518 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
A significant gap exists in the demand for safe and effective drugs for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and its associated intestinal fibrosis. As oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of IBD, astaxanthin (AST), a good antioxidant with high safety, holds promise for treating IBD. However, the application of AST is restricted by its poor solubility and easy oxidation. Herein, different protein-based nanoparticles (NPs) are fabricated for AST loading to identify an oral nanovehicle with potential clinical applicability. Through systematic validation via molecular dynamics simulation and in vitro characterization of properties, whey protein isolate (WPI)-driven NPs using a simple preparation method without the need for cross-linking agents or emulsifiers were identified as the optimal carrier for oral AST delivery. Upon oral administration, the WPI-driven NPs, benefiting from the intrinsic pH sensitivity and mucoadhesive properties, effectively shielded AST from degradation by gastric juices and targeted release of AST at intestinal lesion sites. Additionally, the AST NPs displayed potent therapeutic efficacy in both dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis and chronic colitis-associated intestinal fibrosis by ameliorating inflammation, oxidative damage, and intestinal microecology. In conclusion, the AST WPI NPs hold a potential therapeutic value in treating inflammation and fibrosis in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Dairong Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Bingru Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, 999077 Hong Kong, China
| | - Chong Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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21
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Wang Y, Ping Z, Gao H, Liu Z, Xv Q, Jiang X, Yu W. LYC inhibits the AKT signaling pathway to activate autophagy and ameliorate TGFB-induced renal fibrosis. Autophagy 2024; 20:1114-1133. [PMID: 38037248 PMCID: PMC11135866 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2287930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a typical pathological change in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the predominant stage. Activation of macroautophagy/autophagy plays a crucial role in the process of EMT. Lycopene (LYC) is a highly antioxidant carotenoid with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and mediation of autophagy. In this study, we demonstrated the specific mechanism of LYC in activating mitophagy and improving renal fibrosis. The enrichment analysis results of GO and KEGG showed that LYC had high enrichment values with autophagy. In this study, we showed that LYC alleviated aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced intracellular expression of PINK1, TGFB/TGF-β, p-SMAD2, p-SMAD3, and PRKN/Parkin, recruited expression of MAP1LC3/LC3-II and SQSTM1/p62, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ameliorated renal fibrosis in mice. When we simultaneously intervened NRK52E cells using bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1), AAI, and LYC, intracellular MAP1LC3-II and SQSTM1 expression was significantly increased. A similar result was seen in renal tissue and cells when treated in vitro and in vivo with CQ, AAI, and LYC, and the inhibitory effect of LYC on the AAI-activated SMAD2-SMAD3 signaling pathway was attenuated. Molecular docking simulation experiments showed that LYC stably bound to the AKT active site. After intervention of cells with AAI and GSK-690693, the expression of PINK1, PRKN, MAP1LC3-II, BECN1, p-SMAD2 and p-SMAD3 was increased, and the expression of SQSTM1 was decreased. However, SC79 inhibited autophagy and reversed the inhibitory effect of LYC on EMT. The results showed that LYC could inhibit the AKT signaling pathway to activate mitophagy and reduce renal fibrosis.Abbreviation: AA: aristolochic acid; ACTA2/α-SMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta; ACTB: actin beta; AKT/protein kinase B: thymoma viral proto-oncogene; BAF-A1: bafilomycin A1; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; CCN2/CTGF: cellular communication network factor 2; CDH1/E-Cadherin: cadherin 1; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COL1: collagen, type I; COL3: collagen, type III; CQ: chloroquine; ECM: extracellular matrix; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; FN1: fibronectin 1; LYC: lycopene; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MMP: mitochondrial membrane potential; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase ; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced putative kinase 1; PRKN/Parkin: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PPI: protein-protein interaction; SMAD2: SMAD family member 2; SMAD3: SMAD family member 3; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TGFB/TGFβ: transforming growth factor, beta; VIM: vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenlei Ping
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongxin Gao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingyang Xv
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaowen Jiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenhui Yu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Institute of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenesis and Comparative Medicine in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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22
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Rieder F, Mukherjee PK, Massey WJ, Wang Y, Fiocchi C. Fibrosis in IBD: from pathogenesis to therapeutic targets. Gut 2024; 73:854-866. [PMID: 38233198 PMCID: PMC10997492 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis resulting in stricture formation and obstruction in Crohn's disease (CD) and increased wall stiffness leading to symptoms in ulcerative colitis (UC) is among the largest unmet needs in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fibrosis is caused by a multifactorial and complex process involving immune and non-immune cells, their soluble mediators and exposure to luminal contents, such as microbiota and environmental factors. To date, no antifibrotic therapy is available. Some progress has been made in creating consensus definitions and measurements to quantify stricture morphology for clinical practice and trials, but approaches to determine the degree of fibrosis within a stricture are still lacking. OBJECTIVE We herein describe the current state of stricture pathogenesis, measuring tools and clinical trial endpoints development. DESIGN Data presented and discussed in this review derive from the past and recent literature and the authors' own research and experience. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Significant progress has been made in better understanding the pathogenesis of fibrosis, but additional studies and preclinical developments are needed to define specific therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Pranab K Mukherjee
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - William J Massey
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Claudio Fiocchi
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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23
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Lenti MV, Santacroce G, Broglio G, Rossi CM, Di Sabatino A. Recent advances in intestinal fibrosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101251. [PMID: 38359700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Despite many progresses have been made in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, especially due to the increasing number of effective therapies, the development of tissue fibrosis is a very common occurrence along the natural history of this condition. To a certain extent, fibrogenesis is a physiological and necessary process in all those conditions characterised by chronic inflammation. However, the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix within the bowel wall will end up in the formation of strictures, with the consequent need for surgery. A number of mechanisms have been described in this process, but some of them are not yet clear. For sure, the main trigger is the presence of a persistent inflammatory status within the mucosa, which in turn favours the occurrence of a pro-fibrogenic environment. Among the main key players, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, immune cells, growth factors and cytokines must be mentioned. Although there are no available therapies able to target fibrosis, the only way to prevent it is by controlling inflammation. In this review, we summarize the state of art of the mechanisms involved in gut fibrogenesis, how to diagnose it, and which potential targets could be druggable to tackle fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vincenzo Lenti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Santacroce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Broglio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
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24
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Yuan Z, Ye J, Liu B, Zhang L. Unraveling the role of autophagy regulation in Crohn's disease: from genetic mechanisms to potential therapeutics. ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 2:14. [PMID: 39883213 PMCID: PMC11740883 DOI: 10.1007/s44307-024-00021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2025]
Abstract
Autophagy serves as the primary intracellular degradation mechanism in which damaged organelles and self-cytoplasmic proteins are transported to the lysosome for degradation. Crohn's disease, an idiopathic chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, manifests in diverse regions of the digestive system. Recent research suggests that autophagy modulation may be a new avenue for treating Crohn's disease, and several promising small-molecule modulators of autophagy have been reported as therapeutic options. In this review, we discuss in detail how mutations in autophagy-related genes function in Crohn's disease and summarize the modulatory effects on autophagy of small-molecule drugs currently used for Crohn's disease treatment. Furthermore, we delve into the therapeutic potential of small-molecule autophagy inducers on Crohn's disease, emphasizing the prospects for development in this field. We aim to highlight the significance of autophagy modulation in Crohn's disease, with the aspiration of contributing to the development of more efficacious treatments that can alleviate their suffering, and improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Yuan
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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Choi YJ, Kim WR, Kim DH, Kim JH, Yoo JH. Human umbilical cord/placenta mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium attenuates intestinal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:69. [PMID: 38454492 PMCID: PMC10921617 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03678-4] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant unmet need in inflammatory bowel disease is the lack of anti-fibrotic agents targeting intestinal fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of the conditioned medium (CM) from human umbilical cord/placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC/PL-MSC-CM) in a murine intestinal fibrosis model and human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs). METHODS UC/PL-MSC-CM was concentrated 15-fold using a 3 kDa cut-off filter. C57BL/6 mice aged 7 weeks old were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control, (2) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), (3) DSS + CM (late-phase treatment), and (4) DSS + CM (early-phase treatment). Chronic DSS colitis and intestinal fibrosis was induced by three cycles of DSS administration. One DSS cycle consisted of 7 days of oral DSS administration (1.75%, 2%, and 2.5% DSS), followed by 14 days of drinking water. UC/PL-MSC-CM was intraperitoneally administered in the late phase (from day 50, 10 times) or early phase (from day 29, 10 times) of DSS cycles. HIMFs were treated with TGF-β1 and co-treated with UC/PL-MSC-CM (10% of culture media) in the cellular model. RESULTS In the animal study, UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced submucosa/muscularis propria thickness and collagen deposition, which improved intestinal fibrosis in chronic DSS colitis. The UC/PL-MSC-CM significantly reduced the expressions of procollagen1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin, which DSS significantly elevated. The anti-fibrogenic effect was more apparent in the UC-MSC-CM or early-phase treatment model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM reduced procollagen1A1, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin expression in HIMFs in the cellular model. The UC/PL-MSC-CM downregulated fibrogenesis by suppressing RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF expression. CONCLUSIONS Human UC/PL-MSC-CM inhibits TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HIMFs by blocking the Rho/MRTF/SRF pathway and chronic DSS colitis-induced intestinal fibrosis. Thus, it may be regarded as a novel candidate for stem cell-based therapy of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Jeong Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Woo Ram Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Duk Hwan Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
| | - Jun Hwan Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, 13496, South Korea.
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Xiao W, Hu C, Ni Y, Wang J, Jiao K, Zhou M, Li Z. 27-Hydroxycholesterol activates the GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway resulting in intestinal fibrosis by inducing oxidative stress: effect of dietary interventions. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:289-304. [PMID: 38184500 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intestinal fibrosis, a common and serious complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), results from chronic inflammation. A high-cholesterol diet may be a risk factor for IBD and 27-hydroxylcholesterol (27HC) is the main human cholesterol metabolite. This study investigated whether 27HC can induce intestinal fibrosis. METHODS The effects of cholesterol and 27HC on intestinal fibrosis were assessed in zebrafish and human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. RESULTS Cholesterol and 27HC induced intestinal inflammation and collagen deposition, inhibited E-cadherin (E-ca) expression in the intestinal epithelium, and promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin in zebrafish. Cholesterol and 27HC up-regulated expression of COL-1, α-SMA, CTGF, TIMP1, N-cadherin, vimentin, glycogen synthesis kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and β-catenin, but inhibited E-ca, in Caco-2 cells. The expression of these proteins was inhibited by CYP27A1 knockdown and β-catenin knockdown. 27HC-induced nuclear translocation of β-catenin occurs in Caco-2 cells. p38, ERK, and AKT activate β-catenin and thereby participate in 27HC-induced epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis. 27HC-increased oxidative stress and the fibrosis and EMT markers, the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, and the up-regulation of p-cell kinase proteins promoted by 27HC were inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Folic acid (FA), resveratrol (RES), and NAC all ameliorated the 27HC-induced effects in Caco-2 cells and zebrafish. CONCLUSION A high-cholesterol diet caused intestinal fibrosis in zebrafish, mediated by a major cholesterol metabolite, 27HC. 27HC increased oxidative stress and activated p38, ERK, AKT, and β-catenin, leading to EMT of epithelial cells and intestinal fibrosis. FA and RES both ameliorated intestinal fibrosis by restraining 27HC-induced β-catenin activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiao
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyan Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Ni
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kailin Jiao
- Department of Nutrition, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ming Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Zhong Li
- The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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Bos S, Lobatón T, De Vos M, Van Welden S, Plekhova V, De Paepe E, Vanhaecke L, Laukens D. A comprehensive metabolite fingerprint of fibrostenosis in patients with Crohn's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:23036. [PMID: 38155265 PMCID: PMC10754816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrostenosis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is a common and untreatable comorbidity that is notoriously difficult to monitor. We aimed to find metabolites associated with the presence of fibrostenosis in patients with CD using targeted and untargeted metabolomics analyses of serum and primary cell cultures using hyphenated ultra-high performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Targeted metabolomics revealed 11 discriminating metabolites in serum, which were enriched within the arginine and proline metabolism pathway. Based on untargeted metabolomics and discriminant analysis, 166 components showed a high predictive value. In addition, human intestinal fibroblasts isolated from stenotic tissue were characterized by differential levels of medium-chain dicarboxylic acids, which are proposed as an energy source through beta-oxidation, when oxidative phosphorylation is insufficient. Another energy providing pathway in such situations is anaerobic glycolysis, a theory supported by increased expression of hexokinase 2 and solute carrier family 16 member 1 in stenotic fibroblasts. Of interest, four (unannotated) metabolic components showed a negative correlation with hexokinase 2 gene expression. Together, this study provides a discriminative metabolic fingerprint in the serum and in intestinal fibroblasts of stenotic and non-stenotic patients with CD suggestive for increased production of building blocks for collagen synthesis and increased glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Triana Lobatón
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martine De Vos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Van Welden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vera Plekhova
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen De Paepe
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lynn Vanhaecke
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Debby Laukens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.
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Li X, Yu M, Zhao Q, Yu Y. Prospective therapeutics for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10579. [PMID: 38023697 PMCID: PMC10658571 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective therapies for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis representing a considerable unmet need. Breakthroughs in pathogenesis have accelerated the development of anti-fibrotic therapeutics in recent years. Particularly, with the development of nanotechnology, the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and inaccessible microenvironment of fibrotic lesions seem to be no longer considered a great barrier to the use of anti-fibrotic drugs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent preclinical and clinical studies on intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. It is found that the targets for preclinical studies on intestinal fibrosis is varied, which could be divided into molecular, cellular, and tissues level, although little clinical trials are ongoing. Liver fibrosis clinical trials have focused on improving metabolic disorders, preventing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, promoting the degradation of collagen, and reducing inflammation and cell death. At the preclinical stage, the therapeutic strategies have focused on drug targets and delivery systems. At last, promising remedies to the current challenges are based on multi-modal synergistic and targeted delivery therapies through mesenchymal stem cells, nanotechnology, and gut-liver axis providing useful insights into anti-fibrotic strategies for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineYiwuChina
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Yang Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSouthwest UniversityChongqingChina
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Singh AK, Rai A, Weber A, Gericke M, Janssen KP, Moser M, Posern G. MRTF-A gain-of-function in mice impairs homeostatic renewal of the intestinal epithelium. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:639. [PMID: 37770456 PMCID: PMC10539384 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06158-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The actin-regulated transcription factor MRTF-A represents a central relay in mechanotransduction and controls a subset of SRF-dependent target genes. However, gain-of-function studies in vivo are lacking. Here we characterize a conditional MRTF-A transgenic mouse model. While MRTF-A gain-of-function impaired embryonic development, induced expression of constitutively active MRTF-A provoked rapid hepatocyte ballooning and liver failure in adult mice. Specific expression in the intestinal epithelium caused an erosive architectural distortion, villus blunting, cryptal hyperplasia and colonic inflammation, resulting in transient weight loss. Organoids from transgenic mice repeatedly induced in vitro showed impaired self-renewal and defective cryptal compartments. Mechanistically, MRTF-A gain-of-function decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis, but did not induce fibrosis. MRTF-A targets including Acta2 and Pai-1 were induced, whereas markers of stem cells and differentiated cells were reduced. Our results suggest that activated MRTF-A in the intestinal epithelium shifts the balance between proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Kumar Singh
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Amrita Rai
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anja Weber
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Martin Gericke
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Janssen
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Moser
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Guido Posern
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06114, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Macias-Ceja DC, Mendoza-Ballesteros MT, Ortega-Albiach M, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D. Role of the epithelial barrier in intestinal fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease: relevance of the epithelial-to mesenchymal transition. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258843. [PMID: 37822869 PMCID: PMC10562728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to tissue damage and remodelling, which can ultimately result in fibrosis. Prolonged injury and inflammation can trigger the activation of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix (ECM) components. As fibrosis progresses, the tissue becomes increasingly stiff and less functional, which can lead to complications such as intestinal strictures, obstructive symptoms, and eventually, organ dysfunction. Epithelial cells play a key role in fibrosis, as they secrete cytokines and growth factors that promote fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Additionally, epithelial cells can undergo a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in which they acquire a more mesenchymal-like phenotype and contribute directly to fibroblast activation and ECM deposition. Overall, the interactions between epithelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts play a critical role in the development and progression of fibrosis in IBD. Understanding these complex interactions may provide new targets for therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat fibrosis in IBD. In this review, we have collected and discussed the recent literature highlighting the contribution of epithelial cells to the pathogenesis of the fibrotic complications of IBD, including evidence of EMT, the epigenetic control of the EMT, the potential influence of the intestinal microbiome in EMT, and the possible therapeutic strategies to target EMT. Finally we discuss the pro-fibrotic interactions epithelial-immune cells and epithelial-fibroblasts cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C. Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - M. Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBEREHD, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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31
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De Kock I, Bos S, Delrue L, Van Welden S, Bunyard P, Hindryckx P, De Vos M, Villeirs G, Laukens D. MRI texture analysis of T2-weighted images is preferred over magnetization transfer imaging for readily longitudinal quantification of gut fibrosis. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:5943-5952. [PMID: 37071162 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09624-x] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the value of magnetization transfer (MT) MRI and texture analysis (TA) of T2-weighted MR images (T2WI) in the assessment of intestinal fibrosis in a mouse model. METHODS Chronic colitis was induced in mice by cyclic administration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) resulting in chronic inflammation and progressive bowel fibrosis. Mice underwent 7-T MR imaging at various time points. Bowel wall MT ratio (MTR) and textural features (skewness, kurtosis, entropy), extracted by a filtration histogram technique, were correlated with histopathology. Performance of both techniques were validated using antifibrotic therapy. Finally, a retrospective study was conducted in five patients with Crohn's disease (CD) who underwent bowel surgery. RESULTS MTR and texture entropy correlated with histopathological fibrosis (r = .85 and .81, respectively). Entropy was superior to MTR for monitoring bowel fibrosis in the presence of coexisting inflammation (linear regression R2 = .93 versus R2 = .01). Furthermore, texture entropy was able to assess antifibrotic therapy response (placebo mice versus treated mice at endpoint scan; Δmean = 0.128, p < .0001). An increase in entropy was indicative of fibrosis accumulation in human CD strictures (inflammation: 1.29; mixed strictures: 1.4 and 1.48; fibrosis: 1.73 and 1.9). CONCLUSION MT imaging and TA of T2WI can both noninvasively detect established intestinal fibrosis in a mouse model. However, TA is especially useful for the longitudinal quantification of fibrosis in mixed inflammatory-fibrotic tissue, as well as for antifibrotic treatment response evaluation. This accessible post-processing technique merits further validation as the benefits for clinical practice as well as antifibrotic trial design would be numerous. KEY POINTS • Magnetization transfer MRI and texture analysis of T2-weighted MR images can detect established bowel fibrosis in an animal model of gut fibrosis. • Texture entropy is able to identify and monitor bowel fibrosis progression in an inflammatory context and can assess the response to antifibrotic treatment. • A proof-of-concept study in five patients with Crohn's disease suggests that texture entropy can detect and grade fibrosis in human intestinal strictures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle De Kock
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Simon Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Louke Delrue
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Van Welden
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Pieter Hindryckx
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martine De Vos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Villeirs
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Debby Laukens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 0MRB2, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium.
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Qian W, Xu Y, Wen W, Huang L, Guo Z, Zhu W, Li Y. Exosomal miR-103a-3p from Crohn's Creeping Fat-Derived Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Contributes to Intestinal Fibrosis by Targeting TGFBR3 and Activating Fibroblasts. J Crohns Colitis 2023; 17:1291-1308. [PMID: 36897738 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mesenteric adipose tissue hypertrophy is a hallmark of Crohn's disease [CD], and creeping fat [CF] is unique to CD. Adipose-derived stem cells [ASCs] from inflammatory tissue exhibited altered biological functions. The role of ASCs isolated from CF in intestinal fibrosis and the potential mechanism remain unclear. METHODS ASCs were isolated from CF [CF-ASCs] and disease-unaffected mesenteric adipose tissue [Ctrl-ASCs] of patients with CD. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to study the effects of exosomes from CF-ASCs [CF-Exos] on intestinal fibrosis and fibroblast activation. A micro-RNA microarray analysis was performed. Western blot, luciferase assay and immunofluorescence were performed to further detect the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS The results indicated that CF-Exos promoted intestinal fibrosis by activating fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. They continuously promoted progression of intestinal fibrosis even after dextran sulphate sodium withdrawal. Further analysis showed that exosomal miR-103a-3p was enriched in CF-Exos and participated in exosome-mediated fibroblast activation. TGFBR3 was identified as a target gene of miR-103a-3p. Mechanistically, CF-ASCs released exosomal miR-103a-3p and promoted fibroblast activation by targeting TGFBR3 and promoting Smad2/3 phosphorylation. We also found that the expression of miR-103a-3p in diseased intestine was positively associated with the degree of CF and fibrosis score. CONCLUSION Our findings show that exosomal miR-103a-3p from CF-ASCs promotes intestinal fibrosis by activating fibroblasts via TGFBR3 targeting, suggesting that CF-ASCs are potential therapeutic targets for intestinal fibrosis in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwei Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yihan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Weiwei Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Liangyu Huang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China
| | - Zhen Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
- Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, PR China
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Lis-López L, Bauset C, Seco-Cervera M, Macias-Ceja D, Navarro F, Álvarez Á, Esplugues JV, Calatayud S, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D, Cosín-Roger J. P2X7 Receptor Regulates Collagen Expression in Human Intestinal Fibroblasts: Relevance in Intestinal Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12936. [PMID: 37629116 PMCID: PMC10454509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication that affects more than 50% of Crohn´s Disease (CD) patients. There is no pharmacological treatment against this complication, with surgery being the only option. Due to the unknown role of P2X7 in intestinal fibrosis, we aim to analyze the relevance of this receptor in CD complications. Surgical resections from CD and non-Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients were obtained. Intestinal fibrosis was induced with two different murine models: heterotopic transplant model and chronic-DSS colitis in wild-type and P2X7-/- mice. Human small intestine fibroblasts (HSIFs) were transfected with an siRNA against P2X7 and treated with TGF-β. A gene and protein expression of P2X7 receptor was significantly increased in CD compared to non-IBD patients. The lack of P2X7 in mice provoked an enhanced collagen deposition and increased expression of several profibrotic markers in both murine models of intestinal fibrosis. Furthermore, P2X7-/- mice exhibited a higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines and a lower expression of M2 macrophage markers. Moreover, the transient silencing of the P2X7 receptor in HSIFs significantly induced the expression of Col1a1 and potentiated the expression of Col4 and Col5a1 after TGF-β treatment. P2X7 regulates collagen expression in human intestinal fibroblasts, while the lack of this receptor aggravates intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluis Lis-López
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Cristina Bauset
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Marta Seco-Cervera
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica), Hospital Dr. Peset, 46017 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Dulce Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
| | - Francisco Navarro
- Servicio Cirugía y Coloproctología, Hospital de Manises, 46940 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ángeles Álvarez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Vicente Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Calatayud
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Jesús Cosín-Roger
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (L.L.-L.); (C.B.); (D.M.-C.); (Á.Á.); (J.V.E.); (S.C.); (M.D.B.)
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigaciones en Red Enfermedad Hepática y Digestiva), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Tavares de Sousa H, Magro F. How to Evaluate Fibrosis in IBD? Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2188. [PMID: 37443582 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we will describe the importance of fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by discussing its distinct impact on Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) through their translation to histopathology. We will address the existing knowledge on the correlation between inflammation and fibrosis and the still not fully explained inflammation-independent fibrogenesis. Finally, we will compile and discuss the recent advances in the noninvasive assessment of intestinal fibrosis, including imaging and biomarkers. Based on the available data, none of the available cross-sectional imaging (CSI) techniques has proved to be capable of measuring CD fibrosis accurately, with MRE showing the most promising performance along with elastography. Very recent research with radiomics showed encouraging results, but further validation with reliable radiomic biomarkers is warranted. Despite the interesting results with micro-RNAs, further advances on the topic of fibrosis biomarkers depend on the development of robust clinical trials based on solid and validated endpoints. We conclude that it seems very likely that radiomics and AI will participate in the future non-invasive fibrosis assessment by CSI techniques in IBD. However, as of today, surgical pathology remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and quantification of intestinal fibrosis in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Tavares de Sousa
- Gastroenterology Department, Algarve University Hospital Center, 8500-338 Portimão, Portugal
- ABC-Algarve Biomedical Center, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Fernando Magro
- Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Gastroenterology, São João University Hospital Center, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Macias-Ceja DC, Barrachina MD, Ortiz-Masià D. Autophagy in intestinal fibrosis: relevance in inflammatory bowel disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1170436. [PMID: 37397491 PMCID: PMC10307973 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1170436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is often associated with fibrotic disorders in which an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix is a hallmark. Long-term fibrosis starts with tissue hypofunction and finally ends in organ failure. Intestinal fibrosis is not an exception, and it is a frequent complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Several studies have confirmed the link between deregulated autophagy and fibrosis and the presence of common prognostic markers; indeed, both up- and downregulation of autophagy are presumed to be implicated in the progression of fibrosis. A better knowledge of the role of autophagy in fibrosis may lead to it becoming a potential target of antifibrotic therapy. In this review we explore novel advances in the field that highlight the relevance of autophagy in fibrosis, and give special focus to fibrosis in IBD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulce C. Macias-Ceja
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María D. Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Solitano V, Dal Buono A, Gabbiadini R, Wozny M, Repici A, Spinelli A, Vetrano S, Armuzzi A. Fibro-Stenosing Crohn's Disease: What Is New and What Is Next? J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093052. [PMID: 37176493 PMCID: PMC10179180 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibro-stenosing Crohn's disease (CD) is a common disease presentation that leads to impaired quality of life and often requires endoscopic treatments or surgery. From a pathobiology perspective, the conventional view that intestinal fibro-stenosis is an irreversible condition has been disproved. Currently, there are no existing imaging techniques that can accurately quantify the amount of fibrosis within a stricture, and managing patients is challenging, requiring a multidisciplinary team. Novel therapies targeting different molecular components of the fibrotic pathways are increasing regarding other diseases outside the gut. However, a large gap between clinical need and the lack of anti-fibrotic agents in CD remains. This paper reviews the current state of pathobiology behind fibro-stenosing CD, provides an updated diagnostic and therapeutic approach, and finally, focuses on clinical trial endpoints and possible targets of anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solitano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Arianna Dal Buono
- IBD Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Gabbiadini
- IBD Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Marek Wozny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Repici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Department of Endoscopy, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Spinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
- IBD Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Armuzzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20090 Milan, Italy
- IBD Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
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Kang S, Kim J, Park A, Koh M, Shin W, Park G, Lee TA, Kim HJ, Han H, Kim Y, Choi MK, Park JH, Lee E, Cho HS, Park HW, Cheon JH, Lee S, Park B. TRIM40 is a pathogenic driver of inflammatory bowel disease subverting intestinal barrier integrity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:700. [PMID: 36755029 PMCID: PMC9908899 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36424-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The cortical actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal epithelial integrity, and the loss of this architecture leads to chronic inflammation, as seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the exact mechanisms underlying aberrant actin remodeling in pathological states remain largely unknown. Here, we show that a subset of patients with IBD exhibits substantially higher levels of tripartite motif-containing protein 40 (TRIM40), a gene that is hardly detectable in healthy individuals. TRIM40 is an E3 ligase that directly targets Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1), an essential kinase involved in promoting cell-cell junctions, markedly decreasing the phosphorylation of key signaling factors critical for cortical actin formation and stabilization. This causes failure of the epithelial barrier function, thereby promoting a long-lived inflammatory response. A mutant TRIM40 lacking the RING, B-box, or C-terminal domains has impaired ability to accelerate ROCK1 degradation-driven cortical actin disruption. Accordingly, Trim40-deficient male mice are highly resistant to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Our findings highlight that aberrant upregulation of TRIM40, which is epigenetically silenced under healthy conditions, drives IBD by subverting cortical actin formation and exacerbating epithelial barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Kang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Jaekyung Kim
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Areum Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Minsoo Koh
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Wonji Shin
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Gayoung Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Taeyun A Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyung Jin Kim
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Heonjong Han
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
- Division of Tumor Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, South Korea
| | - Yongbo Kim
- Division of Tumor Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, South Korea
| | - Myung Kyung Choi
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Jae Hyung Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Eunhye Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Cho
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Jae Hee Cheon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
| | - Sungwook Lee
- Division of Tumor Immunology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, South Korea.
| | - Boyoun Park
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
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He S, Wang J, Huang Y, Kong F, Yang R, Zhan Y, Li Z, Ye C, Meng L, Ren Y, Zhou Y, Chen G, Shen Z, Sun S, Zheng S, Dong R. Intestinal fibrosis in aganglionic segment of Hirschsprung's disease revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1193. [PMID: 36738110 PMCID: PMC9898741 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a relatively common congenital disability. Accumulating extracellular matrix (ECM) prompts intestinal fibrosis remodelling in the aganglionic segments of HSCR. The contributions of various cellular subsets in the fibrogenesis of HSCR segments are poorly understood. METHODS Single-cell transcriptomics from 8 aganglionic segments and 5 normal segments of 7 HSCR subjects and 26 healthy segments of seven healthy donors were analysed. Fibrotic phenotype and alterations were explored using differential expression analysis and single-cell trajectory analysis. Fibrosis-related transcription factors were inferred through single-cell regulatory network inference. Bulk transcriptomic data, proteomic data, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to validate the alterations in the HSCR intestine. RESULTS Various collagen, fibronectin and laminin protein-coding genes expression were up-regulated in the stromal and glial cells of the HSCR intestine. The number of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the aganglionic segments increased, and more myofibroblasts were activated at an earlier stage in HSCR segments, which infers that there is an intestinal fibrosis phenotype in HSCR segments. The fibrotic regulators POSTN, ANXA1 and HSP70 were highly expressed in the ECM-related cellular subsets in the transitional segments and aganglionic segments. The transcription factor regulatory network revealed that fibrosis-related and megacolon-related NR2F1 in the fibroblasts and glial subsets was up-regulated in the aganglionic segment. CONCLUSIONS This work identifies intestinal fibrosis and related regulators in aganglionic segments of HSCR; hence, anti-fibrotic therapy may be considered to prevent HSCR-associated enterocolitis (HAEC), relieve intestinal stricture and improve cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei He
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yanlei Huang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Fanyang Kong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zifeng Li
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Chunjing Ye
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Lingdu Meng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Yankang Ren
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Zhen Shen
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric SurgeryShanghai Key Laboratory of Birth DefectChildren's Hospital of Fudan UniversityMinistry of HealthShanghaiChina
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Yao H, Tang G. Macrophages in intestinal fibrosis and regression. Cell Immunol 2022; 381:104614. [PMID: 36182587 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2022.104614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal macrophages are heterogenous cell populations with different developmental ontogeny and tissue anatomy. The concerted actions of intestinal macrophage subsets are critical to maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, the dysregulation of macrophages following tissue injury or chronic inflammation could also lead to intestinal fibrosis, with few treatment options in the clinic. In this review, we will characterize the features of intestinal macrophages in light of the latest advances in lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing technology. The roles of macrophages in distinct stages of intestinal fibrosis would be also elaborated. Finally, based on the reciprocal interaction between macrophages and intestinal fibrosis, we will propose the potential macrophage targeting anti-intestinal fibrosis therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yao
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Guoyao Tang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China; National Center for Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China.
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40
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Pant A, Yao X, Lavedrine A, Viret C, Dockterman J, Chauhan S, Chong-Shan Shi, Manjithaya R, Cadwell K, Kufer TA, Kehrl JH, Coers J, Sibley LD, Faure M, Taylor GA, Chauhan S. Interactions of Autophagy and the Immune System in Health and Diseases. AUTOPHAGY REPORTS 2022; 1:438-515. [PMID: 37425656 PMCID: PMC10327624 DOI: 10.1080/27694127.2022.2119743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved process that utilizes lysosomes to selectively degrade a variety of intracellular cargo, thus providing quality control over cellular components and maintaining cellular regulatory functions. Autophagy is triggered by multiple stimuli ranging from nutrient starvation to microbial infection. Autophagy extensively shapes and modulates the inflammatory response, the concerted action of immune cells, and secreted mediators aimed to eradicate a microbial infection or to heal sterile tissue damage. Here, we first review how autophagy affects innate immune signaling, cell-autonomous immune defense, and adaptive immunity. Then, we discuss the role of non-canonical autophagy in microbial infections and inflammation. Finally, we review how crosstalk between autophagy and inflammation influences infectious, metabolic, and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Pant
- Autophagy Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - Xiaomin Yao
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Aude Lavedrine
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée par la Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, FRM
| | - Christophe Viret
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée par la Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, FRM
| | - Jake Dockterman
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Swati Chauhan
- Cell biology and Infectious diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Chong-Shan Shi
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ravi Manjithaya
- Autophagy Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, India
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas A. Kufer
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - John H. Kehrl
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jörn Coers
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University Sch. Med., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mathias Faure
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
- Equipe Labellisée par la Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale, FRM
| | - Gregory A Taylor
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University Sch. Med., St Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Health Care Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Departments of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Santosh Chauhan
- Cell biology and Infectious diseases, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- CSIR–Centre For Cellular And Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, Telangana
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Resolvin D1 Prevents Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Reduces Collagen Deposition by Stimulating Autophagy in Intestinal Fibrosis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:4749-4759. [PMID: 35013877 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07356-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is the most common complication of inflammatory bowel disease; nevertheless, specific therapies are still unavailable. Resolvin D1 (RvD1), a typical endogenous ω-3 fatty acid-derived lipid mediator, has attracted wide attention due to its remarkable anti-fibrosis effects. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of RvD1 in intestinal fibrosis remain unclear. AIM To investigate the protective effect of RvD1 in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal fibrosis model and explore the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-fibrotic effect. METHODS A DSS-induced intestinal fibrosis model and intestinal epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) model were used to observe the efficacy of RvD1, and fibroblasts were stimulated with conditioned medium with or without TGF-β1 to investigate the probable mechanisms of RvD1 in intestinal fibrosis disease. RESULTS Intestinal fibrosis was effectively alleviated by RvD1 in a DSS-induced model, both preventively and therapeutically, and autophagy inhibition-induced EMT in intestinal epithelial cells was significantly suppressed in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, RvD1 reduced epithelial cell EMT paracrine signaling, which promoted the differentiation of local fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that RvD1 reduces autophagy-induced EMT in intestinal epithelial cells and ameliorates intestinal fibrosis by disrupting epithelial-fibroblast crosstalk.
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Laudadio I, Bastianelli A, Fulci V, Carissimi C, Colantoni E, Palone F, Vitali R, Lorefice E, Cucchiara S, Negroni A, Stronati L. ZNF281 Promotes Colon Fibroblast Activation in TGFβ1-Induced Gut Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810261. [PMID: 36142169 PMCID: PMC9499662 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic inflammation is the main factor leading to intestinal fibrosis, resulting in recurrent stenosis, especially in CD patients. Currently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of fibrosis are still unclear. ZNF281 is a zinc-finger transcriptional regulator that has been characterized as an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-inducing transcription factor, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of pluripotency, stemness, and cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate in vivo and in vitro the role of ZNF281 in intestinal fibrogenesis. Intestinal fibrosis was studied in vivo in C57BL/6J mice with chronic colitis induced by two or three cycles of administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The contribution of ZNF281 to gut fibrosis was studied in vitro in the human colon fibroblast cell line CCD-18Co, activated by the pro-fibrotic cytokine TGFβ1. ZNF281 was downregulated by siRNA transfection, and RNA-sequencing was performed to identify genes regulated by TGFβ1 in activated colon fibroblasts via ZNF281. Results showed a marked increase of ZNF281 in in vivo murine fibrotic colon as well as in in vitro human colon fibroblasts activated by TGFβ1. Moreover, abrogation of ZNF281 in TGFβ1-treated fibroblasts affected the expression of genes belonging to specific pathways linked to fibroblast activation and differentiation into myofibroblasts. We demonstrated that ZNF281 is a key regulator of colon fibroblast activation and myofibroblast differentiation upon fibrotic stimuli by transcriptionally controlling extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, remodeling, and cell contraction, highlighting a new role in the onset and progression of gut fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Laudadio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alex Bastianelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Fulci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carissimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Palone
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Vitali
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Lorefice
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cucchiara
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Negroni
- Division of Health Protection Technologies, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Stronati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Lee HJ. Therapeutic Potential of the Combination of Pentoxifylline and Vitamin-E in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Inhibition of Intestinal Fibrosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164713. [PMID: 36012952 PMCID: PMC9410449 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although intestinal fibrosis is a consequence of recurrent inflammation in Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), alleviating inflammation alone does not prevent the progression of fibrosis, suggesting that the development of direct anti-fibrotic agents is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic properties of combination treatment with pentoxifylline (PTX) and vitamin E (Vit-E) on human primary intestinal myofibroblasts (HIMFs) and the therapeutic potential of the combination therapy in murine models of IBD. Methods: HIMFs were pretreated with PTX, Vit-E, or both, and incubated with TGF-β1. We performed Western blot, qPCR, collagen staining, and immunofluorescence to estimate the anti-fibrotic effects of PTX and Vit-E. The cytotoxicity of these was investigated through MTT assay. To induce murine models of IBD for in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were treated with repeated cycles of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), developing chronic colitis. We examined whether the combined PTX and Vit-E treatment would effectively ameliorate colonic fibrosis in vivo. Results: We found that the co-treatment with PTX and Vit-E suppressed TGF-β1-induced expression of fibrogenic markers, with decreased expression of pERK, pSmad2, and pJNK, more than either treatment alone in HIMFs. Neither PTX nor Vit-E showed any significant cytotoxicity in given concentrations. Consistently with the in vitro results, the co-administration with PTX and Vit-E effectively attenuated colonic fibrosis with recovery from thickening and shortening of colon in murine models of IBD. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that the combination of PTX and Vit-E exhibits significant anti-fibrotic effects in both HIMFs and in vivo IBD models, providing a promising therapy for IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Joo Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea; ; Tel.: +82-31-881-7075
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13488, Korea
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Zhao L, Lan Z, Peng L, Wan L, Liu D, Tan X, Tang C, Chen G, Liu H. Triptolide promotes autophagy to inhibit mesangial cell proliferation in IgA nephropathy via the CARD9/p38 MAPK pathway. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13278. [PMID: 35733381 PMCID: PMC9436901 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mesangial cell proliferation is the most basic pathological feature of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN); however, the specific underlying mechanism and an appropriate therapeutic strategy are yet to be unearthed. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of triptolide (TP) on IgAN and the mechanism by which TP regulates autophagy and proliferation of mesangial cells through the CARD9/p38 MAPK pathway. Methods We established a TP‐treated IgAN mouse model and produced IgA1‐induced human mesangial cells (HMC) and divided them into control, TP, IgAN, and IgAN+TP groups. The levels of mesangial cell proliferation (PCNA, cyclin D1, cell viability, and cell cycle) and autophagy (P62, LC3 II, and autophagy flux rate) were measured, with the autophagy inhibitor 3‐Methyladenine used to explore the relationship between autophagy and proliferation. We observed CARD9 expression in renal biopsies from patients and analyzed its clinical significance. CARD9 siRNA and overexpression plasmids were constructed to investigate the changes in mesangial cell proliferation and autophagy as well as the expression of CARD9 and p‐p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK following TP treatment. Results Administering TP was safe and effectively alleviated mesangial cell proliferation in IgAN mice. Moreover, TP inhibited IgA1‐induced HMC proliferation by promoting autophagy. The high expression of CARD9 in IgAN patients was positively correlated with the severity of HMC proliferation. CARD9/p38 MAPK was involved in the regulation of HMC autophagy and proliferation, and TP promoted autophagy to inhibit HMC proliferation by downregulating the CARD9/p38 MAPK pathway in IgAN. Conclusion TP promotes autophagy to inhibit mesangial cell proliferation in IgAN via the CARD9/p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhixin Lan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lili Wan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xia Tan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guochun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Yu M, Zhu W, Wang J, Chen X, He X, Lin B, Cen L, Zhou T, Lu C, Yu C, Sun J. Caveolin-1 Alleviates Crohn's Disease-induced Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Fibroblasts Autophagy Through Modulating Sequestosome 1. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:923-935. [PMID: 35020883 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by activated myofibroblasts. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) inhibits fibrosis. However, limited data show that CAV1 affects intestinal fibrosis. METHODS Human CD tissue samples were gained from patients with CD who underwent surgical resection of the intestine and were defined as stenotic or nonstenotic areas. A dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis was established. For in vitro experiments, we purchased CCD-18Co intestinal fibrosis cells and isolated and cultured human primary colonic fibroblasts. These fibroblasts were activated by transforming growth factor β administration for 48 hours. In the functional experiments, a specific small interfering RNA or overexpression plasmid was transfected into fibroblasts. The messenger RNA levels of fibrosis markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, connective tissue growth factor, and collagen I1α, were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of CAV1, SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1), and other fibrosis markers. RESULTS In human CD samples and the dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis, we observed a downregulation of CAV1 in fibrosis-activated areas. Mechanistically, CAV1 knockdown in both human primary colonic fibroblasts and CCD-18Co cells promoted fibroblast activation, while CAV1 overexpression inhibited fibroblast activation in vitro. We found that SQSTM1/p62 positively correlated with CAV1 expression levels in patients with CD and that it was indirectly modulated by CAV1 expression. Rescue experiments showed that CAV1 decreased primary human intestinal fibroblast activation by inhibiting fibroblast autophagy through the modulation of SQSTM1/p62. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that CAV1 deficiency induces fibroblast activation by indirectly regulating SQSTM1/p62 to promote fibroblast autophagy. CAV1 or SQSTM1/p62 may be potential therapeutic targets for intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinjue He
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingru Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Cen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaohui Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Xie M, Xiong Z, Yin S, Xiong J, Li X, Jin L, Zhang F, Chen H, Lan P, Lian L. Adiponectin Alleviates Intestinal Fibrosis by Enhancing AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:2232-2243. [PMID: 34009553 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07015-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Adiponectin reportedly exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various disease models, including colitis models. AIMS In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of adiponectin on intestinal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS A murine model of intestinal fibrosis was established by administering increasing doses of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid to Balb/c mice via enema for 7 weeks. Primary human fibroblasts were isolated from the colon tissues of patients with CD. The fibroblasts were incubated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to establish a fibrosis model in vitro. Pathway inhibitors were used to verify the potential signaling pathways involved in the anti-fibrogenic effect of adiponectin. RESULTS Compared with the normal mesentery, adiponectin expression was significantly increased in the hypertrophic mesentery of patients with CD. Intraperitoneal injection of adiponectin significantly decreased the activity of myeloperoxidase and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6) in the colon of fibrosis model mice, whereas the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 was substantially increased. Moreover, adiponectin treatment inhibited colon shortening, decreased colon weight, and reduced fibrotic protein deposition in the model mice. Adiponectin reduced the phosphorylation of Smad2 and collagen deposition induced by TGF-β1 in primary human intestinal fibroblasts, with an increase in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Furthermore, this phenomenon was reversed by the AMPK inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Adiponectin can protect against intestinal fibrosis by enhancing the phosphorylation of AMPK and inhibiting the activity of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Xie
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhizhong Xiong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Yin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqing Xiong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzhe Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Longyang Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaxian Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Lan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Lian
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Rd., Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China. .,Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, People's Republic of China.
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Moonwiriyakit A, Pathomthongtaweechai N, Steinhagen PR, Chantawichitwong P, Satianrapapong W, Pongkorpsakol P. Tight junctions: from molecules to gastrointestinal diseases. Tissue Barriers 2022; 11:2077620. [PMID: 35621376 PMCID: PMC10161963 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2022.2077620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal epithelium functions as a tissue barrier to prevent interaction between the internal compartment and the external milieu. Intestinal barrier function also determines epithelial polarity for the absorption of nutrients and the secretion of waste products. These vital functions require strong integrity of tight junction proteins. In fact, intestinal tight junctions that seal the paracellular space can restrict mucosal-to-serosal transport of hostile luminal contents. Tight junctions can form both an absolute barrier and a paracellular ion channel. Although defective tight junctions potentially lead to compromised intestinal barrier and the development and progression of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, no FDA-approved therapies that recover the epithelial tight junction barrier are currently available in clinical practice. Here, we discuss the impacts and regulatory mechanisms of tight junction disruption in the gut and related diseases. We also provide an overview of potential therapeutic targets to restore the epithelial tight junction barrier in the GI tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aekkacha Moonwiriyakit
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Nutthapoom Pathomthongtaweechai
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
| | - Peter R Steinhagen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Pawin Pongkorpsakol
- Princess Srisavangavadhana College of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok, Thailand
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48
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Georgopoulos I, Mavrigiannaki E, Stasinopoulou S, Renieris G, Nikolakis G, Bamias G, Tiniakos D, Papaconstantinou I. Experimental Intestinal Stenosis Alters Crohn's Disease-Like Intestinal Inflammation in Ileitis-Prone Mice. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:1783-1793. [PMID: 34350516 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical observations indicate that mechanical factors contribute to the expression or recurrence of Crohn's disease. We investigated whether the creation of an intestinal stenosis could alter the severity of the expected Crohn-like ileitis, in a Crohn's disease animal model, the TNFΔare/+ mouse. METHODS Thirty-six, 6-weeks-old TNFΔare/+ mice, were divided into 3 intervention groups: triple suture, single suture and sham. In the terminal ileum, in the first group, a triple suture stenosis was created, whereas, in the second, a loose suture was placed. Same triple-suture stenosis was performed on twelve wild type mice. All animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks post-operatively and the ileum parts were evaluated histopathologically. A summative total ileitis score was applied in each sample using a bespoke semiquantitative histological scoring system for the Crohn-like changes. RESULTS The triple suture stenosis induced significant muscular hypertrophy proximal to interventional site which was more prominent in TNFΔare/+ than wild type mice. In triple suture group, the total ileitis score was significantly increased proximal to the intervention as compared to the single suture (P: 0.004) and the sham groups (P: 0.013). The total ileitis score distally, was unaffected, regardless of the experimental intervention. Intestinal stenosis did not induce intestinal inflammation in wild type mice. CONCLUSION The creation of a stenosis in the terminal ileum of TNFΔare/+ mice alters Crohn-like inflammation. We assume that mechanical forces, such as intraluminal pressure, may contribute as important co-factors to the pathophysiology of Crohn's disease in genetically predisposed subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Georgopoulos
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, 'Agia Sofia' Children's Hospital, Thivon and Papadiamantopoulou Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleftheria Mavrigiannaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, 'Agia Sofia' Children's Hospital, Thivon and Papadiamantopoulou Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Stasinopoulou
- Department of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Renieris
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Nikolakis
- Departments of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Immunology, Dessau Medical Center, Medical School Brandenburg Theodor Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Giorgos Bamias
- Gastrointestinal Unit, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Department of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ioannis Papaconstantinou
- 2nd Department of Surgery, Aretaieion University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias Ave. 76, 11528, Athens, Greece
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D'Alessio S, Ungaro F, Noviello D, Lovisa S, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Danese S. Revisiting fibrosis in inflammatory bowel disease: the gut thickens. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:169-184. [PMID: 34876680 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00543-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis, which is usually the consequence of chronic inflammation, is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. In the past few years, substantial advances have been made in the areas of pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of intestinal fibrosis. Of particular interest have been inflammation-independent mechanisms behind the gut fibrotic process, genetic and environmental risk factors (such as the role of the microbiota), and the generation of new in vitro and in vivo systems to study fibrogenesis in the gut. A huge amount of work has also been done in the area of biomarkers to predict or detect intestinal fibrosis, including novel cross-sectional imaging techniques. In parallel, researchers are embarking on developing and validating clinical trial end points and protocols to test novel antifibrotic agents, although no antifibrotic therapies are currently available. This Review presents the state of the art on the most recently identified pathogenic mechanisms of this serious IBD-related complication, focusing on possible targets of antifibrotic therapies, management strategies, and factors that might predict fibrosis progression or response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Ungaro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Noviello
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Lovisa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.,IBD Centre, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Immunopathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- INSERM NGERE, University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, Nancy, France.,Nancy University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Silvio Danese
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy. .,University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
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50
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Amamou A, O’Mahony C, Leboutte M, Savoye G, Ghosh S, Marion-Letellier R. Gut Microbiota, Macrophages and Diet: An Intriguing New Triangle in Intestinal Fibrosis. Microorganisms 2022; 10:490. [PMID: 35336066 PMCID: PMC8952309 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) without specific treatment. As macrophages are the key actors in inflammatory responses and the wound healing process, they have been extensively studied in chronic diseases these past decades. By their exceptional ability to integrate diverse stimuli in their surrounding environment, macrophages display a multitude of phenotypes to underpin a broad spectrum of functions, from the initiation to the resolution of inflammation following injury. The hypothesis that distinct macrophage subtypes could be involved in fibrogenesis and wound healing is emerging and could open up new therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of intestinal fibrosis. Gut microbiota and diet are two key factors capable of modifying intestinal macrophage profiles, shaping their specific function. Defects in macrophage polarisation, inadequate dietary habits, and alteration of microbiota composition may contribute to the development of intestinal fibrosis. In this review, we describe the intriguing triangle between intestinal macrophages, diet, and gut microbiota in homeostasis and how the perturbation of this discreet balance may lead to a pro-fibrotic environment and influence fibrogenesis in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Amamou
- APC Microbiome Ireland, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (C.O.); (S.G.)
| | - Cian O’Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (C.O.); (S.G.)
| | - Mathilde Leboutte
- INSERM UMR 1073 “Nutrition, Inflammation and Gut-Brain Axis”, Normandy University, 76183 Rouen, France; (M.L.); (R.M.-L.)
| | - Guillaume Savoye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rouen University Hospital, 76031 Rouen, France;
| | - Subrata Ghosh
- APC Microbiome Ireland, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland; (C.O.); (S.G.)
| | - Rachel Marion-Letellier
- INSERM UMR 1073 “Nutrition, Inflammation and Gut-Brain Axis”, Normandy University, 76183 Rouen, France; (M.L.); (R.M.-L.)
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