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Somanader DVN, Zhao P, Widdop RE, Samuel CS. The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in fibrosis progression and its therapeutic targeting by relaxin. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116130. [PMID: 38490518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116130] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Organ scarring, referred to as fibrosis, results from a failed wound-healing response to chronic tissue injury and is characterised by the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Once established, fibrosis is recognised as a hallmark of stiffened and dysfunctional tissues, hence, various fibrosis-related diseases collectively contribute to high morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Despite this, these diseases are ineffectively treated by currently-available medications. The pro-fibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, has emerged as the master regulator of fibrosis progression, owing to its ability to promote various factors and processes that facilitate rapid ECM synthesis and deposition, whilst negating ECM degradation. TGF-β1 signal transduction is tightly controlled by canonical (Smad-dependent) and non-canonical (MAP kinase- and Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent) intracellular protein activity, whereas its pro-fibrotic actions can also be facilitated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This review outlines the pathological sequence of events and contributing roles of TGF-β1 in the progression of fibrosis, and how the Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to tissue repair in acute disease settings, but to fibrosis and related tissue dysfunction in synergy with TGF-β1 in chronic diseases. It also outlines the anti-fibrotic and related signal transduction mechanisms of the hormone, relaxin, that are mediated via its negative modulation of TGF-β1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but through the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin activity in acute disease settings. Collectively, this highlights that the crosstalk between TGF-β1 signal transduction and the Wnt/β-catenin cascade may provide a therapeutic target that can be exploited to broadly treat and reverse established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidree V N Somanader
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peishen Zhao
- Drug Discovery Biology Program, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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Gao X, Chang J, Chang Y, Fan L, Liu Z, Zhang C, Shimosawa T, Yang F, Xu Q. Esaxerenone Inhibits Renal Angiogenesis and Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition via the VEGFA and TGF-β1 Pathways in Aldosterone-Infused Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11766. [PMID: 37511521 PMCID: PMC10380380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is an inevitable process in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Angiogenesis plays an important role in this process. Vascular endothelial cells are involved in renal fibrosis by phenotypic transformation and secretion of extracellular matrix. Aldosterone stimulates mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation and induces inflammation, which is important for angiogenesis. Clinically, MR blockers (MRBs) have a protective effect on damaged kidneys, which may be associated with inhibition of angiogenesis. In this study, we used aldosterone-infused mice and found that aldosterone induced angiogenesis and that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in neovascular endothelial cells was involved in renal fibrosis. Notably, aldosterone induced inflammation and stimulated macrophages to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A to regulate angiogenesis by activating MR, whereas EndMT occurred in response to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induction and participated in renal fibrosis. These effects were antagonized by the MRB esaxerenone. These findings suggest that reducing angiogenesis may be an effective strategy for treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Jingyue Chang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yi Chang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Ziqian Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Cuijuan Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Tatsuo Shimosawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita 286-8686, Japan
| | - Fan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Qingyou Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
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Abstract
The endothelium is one of the largest organ systems in the body, and data continue to emerge regarding the importance of endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction in vascular aging and a range of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Over the last two decades and as a process intimately related to EC dysfunction, an increasing number of studies have also implicated endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) as a potentially disease-causal pathobiologic process that is involved in a multitude of differing CVDs. However, EndMT is also involved in physiologic processes (e.g., cardiac development), and transient EndMT may contribute to vascular regeneration in certain contexts. Given that EndMT involves a major alteration in the EC-specific molecular program, and that it potentially contributes to CVD pathobiology, the clinical translation opportunities are significant, but further molecular and translational research is needed to see these opportunities realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jason C Kovacic
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia; .,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Qin L, Liu N, Bao CLM, Yang DZ, Ma GX, Yi WH, Xiao GZ, Cao HL. Mesenchymal stem cells in fibrotic diseases-the two sides of the same coin. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:268-287. [PMID: 35896695 PMCID: PMC9326421 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is caused by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which play a crucial role in injury repair. Fibrosis attributes to ~45% of all deaths worldwide. The molecular pathology of different fibrotic diseases varies, and a number of bioactive factors are involved in the pathogenic process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent stem cells that have promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of different diseases. Current updates of fibrotic pathogenesis reveal that residential MSCs may differentiate into myofibroblasts which lead to the fibrosis development. However, preclinical and clinical trials with autologous or allogeneic MSCs infusion demonstrate that MSCs can relieve the fibrotic diseases by modulating inflammation, regenerating damaged tissues, remodeling the ECMs, and modulating the death of stressed cells after implantation. A variety of animal models were developed to study the mechanisms behind different fibrotic tissues and test the preclinical efficacy of MSC therapy in these diseases. Furthermore, MSCs have been used for treating liver cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis patients in several clinical trials, leading to satisfactory clinical efficacy without severe adverse events. This review discusses the two opposite roles of residential MSCs and external MSCs in fibrotic diseases, and summarizes the current perspective of therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in fibrosis, through both laboratory study and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Nian Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Chao-le-meng Bao
- CASTD Regengeek (Shenzhen) Medical Technology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Da-zhi Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Gui-xing Ma
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Wei-hong Yi
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Guo-zhi Xiao
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Hui-ling Cao
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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Yuan S, Guo D, Liang X, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Xie D. Relaxin in fibrotic ligament diseases: Its regulatory role and mechanism. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1131481. [PMID: 37123405 PMCID: PMC10134402 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1131481] [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: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic ligament diseases (FLDs) are diseases caused by the pathological accumulation of periarticular fibrotic tissue, leading to functional disability around joint and poor life quality. Relaxin (RLX) has been reported to be involved in the development of fibrotic lung and liver diseases. Previous studies have shown that RLX can block pro-fibrotic process by reducing the excess extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and accelerating collagen degradation in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies have shown that RLX can attenuate connective tissue fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways to inhibit the activation of myofibroblasts. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of RLX in FLDs remain unclear. Therefore, in this review, we confirmed the protective effect of RLX in FLDs and summarized its mechanism including cells, key cytokines and signaling pathways involved. In this article, we outline the potential therapeutic role of RLX and look forward to the application of RLX in the clinical translation of FLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yuan
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinzhi Liang
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luhui Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Good Clinical Practice Development, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Denghui Xie, ; Qun Zhang,
| | - Denghui Xie
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Denghui Xie, ; Qun Zhang,
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Bojer AS, Sørensen MH, Gæde P, Madsen PL. Myocardial Extracellular Volume Expansion in Type 2 Diabetes Is Associated With Ischemic Heart Disease, Autonomic Neuropathy, and Active Smoking. Diabetes Care 2022; 45:3032-3039. [PMID: 36215704 DOI: 10.2337/dc22-0942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myocardial interstitial fibrosis expands the extracellular volume (ECV) and in patients with type 2 diabetes is implicated in development of heart failure. ECV can be determined with gadolinium contrast MRI. We investigated which known risk factors for cardiovascular disease were associated with increased ECV in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 296 patients with type 2 diabetes and 25 sex and age-matched control subjects were included in a cross-sectional MRI study. The influence of risk factors on ECV was investigated with multiple regression analysis. RESULTS Control subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes without complications had similar ECV (mean ± SD 27.4 ± 2.1% vs. 27.9 ± 2.6%, P = 0.4). Compared with patients without, ECV was significantly increased in patients with one or more complications (29.0 ± 3.3%, P = 0.02). Both in univariable analysis and after multivariable adjustment, ischemic heart disease, autonomic neuropathy, and active smoking were associated with increased levels of ECV. Active smoking exhibited the largest effect size (β = 2.0 percentage points, 95% CI 0.7-3.3). Former smokers ECV similar to that of never smokers. Albuminuria and systolic blood pressure were inversely associated with ECV in multivariable analysis, but after adjustment for medication suspected to affect ECV, the association with albuminuria was no longer significant (P = 0.1). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor treatment was not significantly associated with reduced ECV (-0.8%, 95% CI -1.7 to 0.06, P = 0.067). CONCLUSIONS Patients with complications of diabetes have increased ECV, not seen in patients without complications. Ischemic heart disease, autonomic neuropathy, and active but not former smoking were highly associated with increased ECV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemie Stege Bojer
- Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Martin Heyn Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Peter Gæde
- Department of Cardiology and Endocrinology, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark.,Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per Lav Madsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev-Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Eplerenone Prevents Cardiac Fibrosis by Inhibiting Angiogenesis in Unilateral Urinary Obstruction Rats. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2022; 2022:1283729. [PMID: 36185701 PMCID: PMC9509279 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1283729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cardiovascular disease constitutes the leading cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is termed cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS-4). Here, we report the development of pathological cardiac remodeling and fibrosis in unilateral urinary obstruction (UUO) rats. Methods Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to observe the pathology of myocardial tissue. The degree of myocardial tissue fibrosis was observed by Masson and Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the expression of CD34 and CD105 in myocardial tissue, and immunofluorescent staining was performed to examine the expression of CD34, collagen I/collagen III, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The expression of the signal pathway-related proteins vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and interleukin (IL)-1β was tested by western blotting. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA levels of serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase (SGK)-1, NF-κB, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Results The results showed the development of pathological cardiac remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in UUO rats. Moreover, there was more angiogenesis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (End-MT) in the UUO group, and these effects were inhibited by eplerenone. Conclusions The results indicated that this cardiac fibrosis was associated with angiogenesis and that End-MT was related to aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Moreover, in association with the MR/IL-1β/VEGFA signaling pathway, early treatment with the MR antagonist eplerenone in rats with UUO-induced CKD may significantly attenuate MR activation and cardiac fibrosis.
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8
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Samuel CS, Bennett RG. Relaxin as an anti-fibrotic treatment: Perspectives, challenges and future directions. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114884. [PMID: 34968489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to the scarring and hardening of tissues, which results from a failed immune system-coordinated wound healing response to chronic organ injury and which manifests from the aberrant accumulation of various extracellular matrix components (ECM), primarily collagen. Despite being a hallmark of prolonged tissue damage and related dysfunction, and commonly associated with high morbidity and mortality, there are currently no effective cures for its regression. An emerging therapy that meets several criteria of an effective anti-fibrotic treatment, is the recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, relaxin (also referred to as serelaxin, which is bioactive in several other species). This review outlines the broad anti-fibrotic and related organ-protective roles of relaxin, mainly from studies conducted in preclinical models of ageing and fibrotic disease, including its ability to ameliorate several aspects of fibrosis progression and maturation, from immune cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine secretion, oxidative stress, organ hypertrophy, cell apoptosis, myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, to its ability to facilitate established ECM degradation. Studies that have compared and/or combined these therapeutic effects of relaxin with current standard of care medication have also been discussed, along with the main challenges that have hindered the translation of the anti-fibrotic efficacy of relaxin to the clinic. The review then outlines the future directions as to where scientists and several pharmaceutical companies that have recognized the therapeutic potential of relaxin are working towards, to progress its development as a treatment for human patients suffering from various fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4130, USA.
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9
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Phenolic Compounds from Mori Cortex Ameliorate Sodium Oleate-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Fibrosis in NRK-52e Cells through CD36. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206133. [PMID: 34684716 PMCID: PMC8540367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid deposition in the kidney can cause serious damage to the kidney, and there is an obvious epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in the late stage. To investigate the interventional effects and mechanisms of phenolic compounds from Mori Cortex on the EMT and fibrosis induced by sodium oleate-induced lipid deposition in renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52e cells), and the role played by CD36 in the adjustment process, NRK-52e cells induced by 200 μmol/L sodium oleate were given 10 μmoL/L moracin-P-2″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (Y-1), moracin-P-3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (Y-2), moracin-P-3′-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside (Y-3), and moracin-P-3′-O-[β-glucopyranoside-(1→2)arabinopyranoside] (Y-4), and Oil Red O staining was used to detect lipid deposition. A Western blot was used to detect lipid deposition-related protein CD36, inflammation-related protein (p-NF-κB-P65, NF-κB-P65, IL-1β), oxidative stress-related protein (NOX1, Nrf2, Keap1), EMT-related proteins (CD31, α-SMA), and fibrosis-related proteins (TGF-β, ZEB1, Snail1). A qRT-PCR test detected inflammation, EMT, and fibrosis-related gene mRNA levels. The TNF-α levels were detected by ELISA, and the colorimetric method was used to detects SOD and MDA levels. The ROS was measured by flow cytometry. A high-content imaging analysis system was applied to observe EMT and fibrosis-related proteins. At the same time, the experiment silenced CD36 and compared the difference between before and after drug treatment, then used molecular docking technology to predict the potential binding site of the active compounds with CD36. The research results show that sodium oleate can induce lipid deposition, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in NRK-52e cells. Y-1 and Y-2 could significantly ameliorate the damage caused by sodium oleate, and Y-2 had a better ameliorating effect, while there was no significant change in Y-3 or Y-4. The amelioration effect of Y-1 and Y-2 disappeared after silencing CD36. Molecular docking technology showed that the Y-1 and Y-2 had hydrogen bonds to CD36 and that, compared with Y-1, Y-2 requires less binding energy. In summary, moracin-P-2″-O-β-d-glucopyranoside and moracin-P-3′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside from Mori Cortex ameliorated lipid deposition, EMT, and fibrosis induced by sodium oleate in NRK-52e cells through CD36.
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10
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Xu GR, Zhang C, Yang HX, Sun JH, Zhang Y, Yao TT, Li Y, Ruan L, An R, Li AY. Modified citrus pectin ameliorates myocardial fibrosis and inflammation via suppressing galectin-3 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 126:110071. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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11
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Palano G, Jansson M, Backmark A, Martinsson S, Sabirsh A, Hultenby K, Åkerblad P, Granberg KL, Jennbacken K, Müllers E, Hansson EM. A high-content, in vitro cardiac fibrosis assay for high-throughput, phenotypic identification of compounds with anti-fibrotic activity. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 142:105-117. [PMID: 32277974 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A key feature in the pathogenesis of heart failure is cardiac fibrosis, but effective treatments that specifically target cardiac fibrosis are currently not available. A major impediment to progress has been the lack of reliable in vitro models with sufficient throughput to screen for activity against cardiac fibrosis. Here, we established cell culture conditions in micro-well format that support extracellular deposition of mature collagen from primary human cardiac fibroblasts - a hallmark of cardiac fibrosis. Based on robust biochemical characterization we developed a high-content phenotypic screening platform, that allows for high-throughput identification of compounds with activity against cardiac fibrosis. Our platform correctly identifies compounds acting on known cardiac fibrosis pathways. Moreover, it can detect anti-fibrotic activity for compounds acting on targets that have not previously been reported in in vitro cardiac fibrosis assays. Taken together, our experimental approach provides a powerful platform for high-throughput screening of anti-fibrotic compounds as well as discovery of novel targets to develop new therapeutic strategies for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Palano
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (KI/AZ ICMC), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - M Jansson
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Backmark
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Martinsson
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - A Sabirsh
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K Hultenby
- Clincal Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - P Åkerblad
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K L Granberg
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K Jennbacken
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Müllers
- Bioscience Cardiovascular, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, R&D BioPharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - E M Hansson
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (KI/AZ ICMC), Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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12
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Che Y, Shen DF, Wang ZP, Jin YG, Wu QQ, Wang SS, Yuan Y. Protective role of berberine in isoprenaline-induced cardiac fibrosis in rats. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019; 19:219. [PMID: 31615408 PMCID: PMC6792193 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-019-1198-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac fibrosis is a crucial aspect of cardiac remodeling that can severely affect cardiac function. Cardiac fibroblasts surely influence this process. Besides, macrophage plays an essential role in cardiac remodeling after heart injury. However, whether macrophage influence fibroblasts remain a question worth exploring. This study aimed to define the role of berberine (BBR) on isoprenaline (ISO)-induced cardiac fibrosis in an in vivo rat model and try to figure out the mechanism in vitro study. METHODS The Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control group, ISO-treated group, and ISO + BBR (10 mg/kg/d, 30 mg/kg/d, and 60 mg/kg/d orally)-pretreatment groups. Fibrosis was induced by ISO administration (5 mg/kg/d subcutaneously) for 10 days. One day after the last injection, all of the rats were sacrificed. Using picrosirius red (PSR) straining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, western blot, RT-qPCR and cell co-culture, we explored the influence of pretreatment by BBR on ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis. RESULTS Our results showed that BBR pretreatment greatly limited ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. Moreover, BBR administration reduced macrophage infiltration into the myocardium of ISO-treated rats and inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/smads signaling pathways in comparison to that seen in the ISO group. Besides, in vitro study showed that BBR-pretreatment reduced ISO-induced TGF-β1 mRNA expression in macrophages and ISO stimulation of macrophages significantly increased the expression of fibrotic markers in fibroblasts, but BBR-pretreatment blocked this increase. CONCLUSION Our results showed that BBR may have a protective role to cardiac injury via reducing of macrophage infiltration and forbidding fibroblasts transdifferent into an 'activated' secretory phenotype, myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Che
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Di-Fei Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao-Peng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Ge Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing-Qing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Sha-Sha Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Rd 238, Wuhan, 430060, China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Metabolic and Chronic Diseases, Wuhan, China.
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Xu T, Bai J, Xu M, Yu B, Lin J, Guo X, Liu Y, Zhang D, Yan K, Hu D, Hao Y, Geng D. Relaxin inhibits patellar tendon healing in rats: a histological and biochemical evaluation. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2019; 20:349. [PMID: 31351472 PMCID: PMC6661089 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-019-2729-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female patients are more likely to have tendon injuries than males, especially those who has a higher concentration of relaxin. Previous studies have demonstrated that relaxin attenuates extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. However, the mechanism of relaxin on tendon repair remains unclear. We hypothesize that relaxin inhibits tendon healing by disrupting collagen synthesis. METHODS A patellar tendon window defect model was established using Sprague-Dawley rats. The center of the patellar tendon was removed from the patella distal apex and inserted to the tibia tuberosity in width of 1 mm. Then, the rats were injected with saline (0.2 μg/kg/day) or relaxin (0.2 μg/kg/day) for two and four weeks, which was followed by biomechanical analysis and histological and histochemical examination. RESULTS Mechanical results indicated that relaxin induces a significant decrease in tear resistance, stiffness, and Young's modulus compared to those rats without relaxin treatment. In addition, it was shown that relaxin activates relaxin family peptide receptor 1(RXFP1), disturbs the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs), and reduces the deposition of collagen in injury areas. CONCLUSIONS Relaxin impairs tendon healing in rats. Also, relaxin might lead to tendon injury more commonly for females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianpeng Xu
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242, Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxiang Bai
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188, shi zi Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Menglei Xu
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242, Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Binqing Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188, shi zi Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188, shi zi Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188, shi zi Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188, shi zi Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242, Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Yan
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242, Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Hu
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242, Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuefeng Hao
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242, Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188, shi zi Road, Suzhou, 215006 People’s Republic of China
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Tongxinluo Attenuates Myocardiac Fibrosis after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats via Inhibition of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6595437. [PMID: 31317035 PMCID: PMC6601481 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6595437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an essential mechanism in myocardial fibrosis (MF). Tongxinluo (TXL) has been confirmed to protect the endothelium against reperfusion injury after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, whether TXL can inhibit MF after AMI via inhibiting EndMT remained unknown. This study aims to identify the role of EndMT in MF after AMI as well as the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of TXL on MF. The AMI model was established in rats by ligating left anterior descending coronary artery. Then, rats were administered with high- (0.8 g·kg−1·d−1), mid- (0.4 g·kg−1·d−1), and low- (0.2 g·kg−1·d−1) dose Tongxinluo and benazepril for 4 weeks, respectively. Cardiac function, infarct size, MF, and related indicators of EndMT were measured. In vitro, human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) were pretreated with TXL for 4 h and then incubated in hypoxia conditions for 3 days to induce EndMT. Under this hypoxic condition, neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) siRNA were further applied to silence NRG-1 expression. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to assess expression of endothelial marker of vWF and fibrotic marker of Vimentin. Related factors of EndMT were determined by Western blot analysis. TXL treatment significantly improved cardiac function, ameliorated MF, reduced collagen of fibrosis area (types I and III collagen) and limited excessive extracellular matrix deposition (mmp2 and mmp9). In addition, TXL inhibited EndMT in cardiac tissue and hypoxia-induced HCMECs. In hypoxia-induced HCMECs, TXL increased the expression of endothelial markers, whereas decreasing the expression of fibrotic markers, partially through enhanced expressions of NRG-1, phosphorylation of ErbB2, ErbB4, AKT, and downregulated expressions of hypoxia inducible factor-1a and transcription factor snail. After NRG-1 knockdown, the protective effect of TXL on HCMEC was partially abolished. In conclusion, TXL attenuates MF after AMI by inhibiting EndMT and through activating the NRG-1/ErbB- PI3K/AKT signalling cascade.
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15
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Khalaf HA, El-Mansy AAER. The possible alleviating effect of saffron on chlorpyrifos experimentally induced cardiotoxicity: Histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical study. Acta Histochem 2019; 121:472-483. [PMID: 30975443 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pesticides are responsible for many occupational health hazards among farmers in developing countries. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is one of the broad-spectrum organophosphorus (OP) insecticides used for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes. AIM OF THE WORK The present study was designed to examine the effects of CPF on cardiac muscles and to evaluate the possible protective role of crocin using biochemical and histological methods with the intention to recognize the molecular tools of its probable cardioprotective effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six adult male albino rats were used in this study and were divided into 4 equal groups (9 rats each): negative control group, positive control group, CPF treated group and CPF & crocin treated group. The heart was removed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS Stained sections of cardiac muscle fibers of group III with H&E revealed remarkable histological changes in the form of disorganization of the fibers with increase in the interstitial spaces between these fibers. Congested dilated blood capillaries could be observed with extravasation of the red blood cells leading to interstitial hemorrhage. Focal areas of mononuclear cellular infiltration could be seen in the interstitial tissue. A number of cardiac fibers achieved pale acidophilic vacuolated sarcoplasm while others achieved dark homogenous acidophilic sarcoplasm. Some nuclei were peripherally situated and pyknotic while others were centrally situated and encircled with halos. Apparently increased masses of collagen fibers among the cardiac muscle fibers and around the congested dilated blood vessels with the presence of focal parts of extensive collagen fiber deposition were noticed in Mallory-stained sections of group III. Strong positive immunoreactions in the endomysium and perimysium of the cardiac fibers, along with the walls of blood capillaries and in interstitial cells, could be detected in immunohistochemical staining sections of group III with vimentin antibody. Immunoreactivity to caspase 3 was higher in the sarcoplasm of the cardiac fibers of group III compared to that of control group. A highly significant decrease in the cardiac level of SOD and CAT; however, a highly significant increase in MDA level was noted between the control groups and CPF treated group. Additionally, there was a significant improvement of the chemical and histological representations of group IV, and these improvement pictures were toward the normal. CONCLUSION The study concludes that crocin can alleviate the toxic effect of chlorpyrifos caused by oxidative stress on cardiac muscle.
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Kanai AJ, Konieczko EM, Bennett RG, Samuel CS, Royce SG. Relaxin and fibrosis: Emerging targets, challenges, and future directions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:66-74. [PMID: 30772373 PMCID: PMC6475456 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin is well-known for its anti-fibrotic actions in several organs, particularly from numerous studies conducted in animals. Acting through its cognate G protein-coupled receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), serelaxin (recombinant human relaxin) has been shown to consistently inhibit the excessive extracellular matrix production (fibrosis) that results from the aberrant wound-healing response to tissue injury and/or chronic inflammation, and at multiple levels. Furthermore, it can reduce established scarring by promoting the degradation of aberrant extracellular matrix components. Following on from the review that describes the mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with the extracellular matrix remodeling effects of serelaxin (Ng et al., 2019), this review focuses on newly identified tissue targets of serelaxin therapy in fibrosis, and the limitations associated with (se)relaxin research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Kanai
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Elisa M Konieczko
- Biology Department, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences, Gannon University, Erie, PA, USA.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Theme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Simon G Royce
- Cardiovascular Disease Theme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Ng HH, Shen M, Samuel CS, Schlossmann J, Bennett RG. Relaxin and extracellular matrix remodeling: Mechanisms and signaling pathways. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:59-65. [PMID: 30660699 PMCID: PMC7384500 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is associated with accumulation of excess fibrillar collagen, leading to tissue dysfunction. Numerous processes, including inflammation, myofibroblast activation, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, play a role in the establishment and progression of fibrosis. Relaxin is a peptide hormone with well-known antifibrotic properties that result from its action on numerous cellular targets to reduce fibrosis. Relaxin activates multiple signal transduction pathways as a mechanism to suppress inflammation and myofibroblast activation in fibrosis. In this review, the general mechanisms underlying fibrotic diseases are described, along with the current state of knowledge regarding cellular targets of relaxin. Finally, an overview is presented summarizing the signaling pathways activated by relaxin and other relaxin family peptide receptor agonists to suppress fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooi Hooi Ng
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Matthew Shen
- Cardiovascular Disease Theme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Chrishan S Samuel
- Cardiovascular Disease Theme, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jens Schlossmann
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Robert G Bennett
- Research Service, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Departments of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Piera-Velazquez S, Jimenez SA. Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition: Role in Physiology and in the Pathogenesis of Human Diseases. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1281-1324. [PMID: 30864875 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated that endothelial cells are capable of undergoing endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation. EndMT is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype displaying typical mesenchymal cell morphology and functions, including the acquisition of cellular motility and contractile properties. Endothelial cells undergoing EndMT lose the expression of endothelial cell-specific proteins such as CD31/platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule, von Willebrand factor, and vascular-endothelial cadherin and initiate the expression of mesenchymal cell-specific genes and the production of their encoded proteins including α-smooth muscle actin, extra domain A fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast specific protein-1, also known as S100A4 protein, and fibrillar type I and type III collagens. Transforming growth factor-β1 is considered the main EndMT inducer. However, EndMT involves numerous molecular and signaling pathways that are triggered and modulated by multiple and often redundant mechanisms depending on the specific cellular context and on the physiological or pathological status of the cells. EndMT participates in highly important embryonic development processes, as well as in the pathogenesis of numerous genetically determined and acquired human diseases including malignant, vascular, inflammatory, and fibrotic disorders. Despite intensive investigation, many aspects of EndMT remain to be elucidated. The identification of molecules and regulatory pathways involved in EndMT and the discovery of specific EndMT inhibitors should provide novel therapeutic approaches for various human disorders mediated by EndMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sergio A Jimenez
- Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Chen X, Ge W, Dong T, Hu J, Chen L, Fan X, Gong Y, Zhou H. Spironolactone inhibits endothelial-mesenchymal transition via the adenosine A2A receptor to reduce cardiorenal fibrosis in rats. Life Sci 2019; 224:177-186. [PMID: 30658104 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The mechanisms underlying cardiorenal syndromes are complex and not fully understood; Fibrosis seems to be a primary driver of the diseases' pathophysiology. Spironolactone can reduce cardiac or renal fibrosis by inhibiting endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Spironolactone protection may rely on activation of adenosine receptors, but the role of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is unclear. We hypothesize that spironolactone may modulate A2AR to suppress EndMT and reduce cardiorenal remodeling. MAIN METHODS A model of renal injury followed by heart failure was established by subcutaneous administration of isoprenaline (Iso) to rats. Assessment of cardiac and renal function, fibrosis, EndMT markers, adenosine and A2AR expression was performed. TGF-β was used to induce EndMT in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Rats or cells were divided into four groups: those that treated with spironolactone alone or in combination with A2AR antagonist ZM241385 or neither, and compared to normal controls. KEY FINDINGS Isoprenaline-treated rats exhibited cardiac and renal fibrosis, impaired cardiac and renal function, enhanced EndMT, and lower A2AR expression. Spironolactone significantly up-regulated A2AR expression and inhibited EndMT in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, spironolactone improved cardiorenal remodeling and reduced dysfunction. These changes were exacerbated by administration of ZM241385. Together, these findings show that spironolactone up-regulated A2AR to reduce EndMT and ameliorate cardiorenal fibrosis. SIGNIFICANCE The anti-fibrotic effects of spironolactone may partly depend on the up-regulation of A2AR, and that A2AR might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Chen
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Wenhua Ge
- Stomatological Hospital, College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - Tiancheng Dong
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lingzhi Chen
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xiaofang Fan
- Department of Hypoxia Medical Research Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Department of Hypoxia Medical Research Laboratory, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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Wang D, Luo Y, Myakala K, Orlicky DJ, Dobrinskikh E, Wang X, Levi M. Serelaxin improves cardiac and renal function in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9793. [PMID: 28851937 PMCID: PMC5574886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09470-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Serelaxin, a recombinant form of the naturally occurring peptide hormone relaxin-2, is a pleiotropic vasodilating hormone that has been studied in patients with acute heart failure. In this study, the effects of serelaxin on cardiac and renal function, fibrosis, inflammation and lipid accumulation were studied in DOCA-salt treated rats. Uninephrectomized rats were assigned to two groups: controls provided with normal drinking water and DOCA provided with DOCA pellets and sodium chloride drinking water. After 4 weeks, the DOCA-salt rats were randomly selected and implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering vehicle or serelaxin for another 4 weeks. Treatment with serelaxin prevented cardiac and renal dysfunction in DOCA-salt rats. Serelaxin prevented cardiac and renal fibrosis, as determined by Picrosirius Red staining and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) Microscopy. Treatment of DOCA-salt rats with serelaxin decreased renal inflammation, including the expression of TGF-β, NFκB, MCP-1, IL-1, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD68 macrophages. Serelaxin also decreased lipid accumulation in kidney in part by decreasing SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, ChREBP, FATP1, HMGCoAR, and LDL receptor, and increasing Acox1 and ABCA1. In summary, serelaxin reversed DOCA-salt induced cardiac and renal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Yuhuan Luo
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Komuraiah Myakala
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Wang
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Moshe Levi
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA.
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Lo SH, Hsu CT, Niu HS, Niu CS, Cheng JT, Chen ZC. Ginsenoside Rh2 Improves Cardiac Fibrosis via PPARδ-STAT3 Signaling in Type 1-Like Diabetic Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071364. [PMID: 28672855 PMCID: PMC5535857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2) is an active principal ingredient contained in ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer), a medicinal herb used to enhance health worldwide. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of Rh2 on myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. In a streptozotocin-induced model of type-1 diabetic rats (STZ-diabetic rats), the increased fasting blood glucose levels and heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio were substantially alleviated by Rh2. Moreover, Rh2 improved cardiac performance in STZ-diabetic rats. Histological results from Masson staining showed that Rh2 attenuated cardiac fibrosis in STZ-diabetic rats. The effects of Rh2 were reversed by GSK0660 at a dose sufficient to inhibit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in STZ-diabetic rats. The role of PPARδ was subsequently investigated in vitro. Rh2 restored the decreased PPARδ expression level in high glucose-cultured cardiomyocytes. Moreover, increased protein levels of fibrotic signals, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) and fibronectin, were reduced by Rh2 in high glucose-cultured cardiomyocytes. These effects of Rh2 were reversed by GSK0660 or siRNA specific for PPARδ Taken together, PPARδ activation may inhibit STAT3 activation to reduce CCN2 and fibronectin expression in diabetic rats with cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, Rh2 improves cardiac function and fibrosis by increasing PPARδ signaling. Therefore, Rh2 is suitable to develop as an alternative remedy for cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsiang Lo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhongxing Branch of Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97041, Taiwan.
| | - Chao-Tien Hsu
- Department of Pathology, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Yanchao, Kaohsiung 82401, Taiwan.
| | - Ho-Shan Niu
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97041, Taiwan.
| | - Chiang-Shan Niu
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97041, Taiwan.
| | - Juei-Tang Cheng
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Yong Kang, Tainan 71003, Taiwan.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Chang Jung Christian University, Guiren, Tainan 71101, Taiwan.
| | - Zhih-Cherng Chen
- Department of Cardiology and Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Yong Kang, Tainan 71003, Taiwan.
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy & Science, Jean-Tae 71701, Taiwan.
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Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition: A novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2017; 27:383-393. [PMID: 28438397 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a complex biological process in which endothelial cells lose their specific markers and acquire a mesenchymal or myofibroblastic phenotype. Similar to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), EndMT can be induced by multiple stimulants such as cytokines and metabolic factors that play crucial roles in the development of the cardiovascular system. Recent studies have demonstrated that EndMT may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and may represent a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular remodeling and fibrotic disorders. The exact molecular mechanisms involved in cardiovascular pathogenesis that occur as a result of EndMT, however, are not fully explained. In this review, we reveal the multiple intercellular mechanisms of EndMT including stimulants, signaling pathways, and seek to explore the relationship between this biological process, cardiovascular system development, and CVDs that may lead to new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of CVDs.
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