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Yan L, Jiang MY, Fan XS. Research into the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanism of Renshen Pingfei formula based on network pharmacology, metabolomics, and verification of AMPK/PPAR-γ pathway of active ingredients. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116773. [PMID: 37308028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease with limited therapy. Renshen Pingfei Formula (RPFF), a classic Chinese medicine derivative formula, has been shown to exert therapeutic effects on IPF. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to explore the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanism of RPFF through network pharmacology, clinical plasma metabolomics, and in vitro experiment. METHODS Network pharmacology was used to study the holistic pharmacological mechanism of RPFF in the treatment of IPF. The differential plasma metabolites for RPFF in the treatment of IPF were identified by untargeted metabolomics analysis. By integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology, the therapeutic target of RPFF for IPF and the corresponding herbal ingredients were identified. In addition, the effects of the main components of the formula, kaempferol and luteolin, which regulate the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) pathway were observed in vitro according to the orthogonal design. RESULTS A total of 92 potential targets for RPFF in the treatment of IPF were obtained. The Drug-Ingredients-Disease Target network showed that PTGS2, ESR1, SCN5A, PPAR-γ, and PRSS1 were associated with more herbal ingredients. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network identified the key targets of RPFF in IPF treatment, including IL6, VEGFA, PTGS2, PPAR-γ, and STAT3. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis acquired the main enriched pathways, and PPAR-γ involved in multiple signaling pathways, including the AMPK signaling pathway. Untargeted clinical metabolomics analysis revealed plasma metabolite variations in patients with IPF versus controls and before versus after RPFF treatment for patients with IPF. Six differential metabolites were explored as differential plasma metabolites for RPFF in IPF treatment. Combined with network pharmacology, a therapeutic target PPAR-γ of RPFF in IPF treatment and the corresponding herbal components were identified. Based on the orthogonal experimental design, the experiments showed that kaempferol and luteolin can decrease the mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and the combination of lower dose can inhibit α-SMA mRNA and protein expression by promoting the AMPK/PPAR-γ pathway in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-treated MRC-5 cells. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that the therapeutic effects of RPFF are due to multiple ingredients and have multiple targets and pathways, and PPAR-γ is one of therapeutic targets for RPPF in IPF and involved in the AMPK signaling pathway. Two ingredients of RPFF, kaempferol and luteolin, can inhibit fibroblast proliferation and the myofibroblast differentiation of TGF-β1, and exert a synergistic effect through AMPK/PPAR-γ pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Naning University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nangjing, 210017, China.
| | - Min-Yue Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Naning University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xin-Sheng Fan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Naning University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Xia Y, Wang H, Shao M, Liu X, Sun F. MAP3K19 Promotes the Progression of Tuberculosis-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Activation of the TGF-β/Smad2 Signaling Pathway. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00941-6. [PMID: 37906388 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00941-6] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic, irreversible interstitial lung disease, which severely affects lung ventilation and air exchange, leading to respiratory distress, impaired lung function, and ultimately death. As previously reported, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AEC II) are two critical processes that contributes to the initiation and progression of tuberculosis-related PF, but the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, through performing Real-Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining assay, we confirmed that the expression levels of EMT and fibrosis-related biomarkers were significantly increased in lung tissues with tuberculosis-associated PF in vivo and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain-infected AEC II cells in vitro. Besides, we noticed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase 19 (MAP3K19) was aberrantly overexpressed in PF models, and silencing of MAP3K19 significantly reduced the expression levels of fibronectin, collagen type I, and alpha-smooth muscle actin to decrease fibrosis, and upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated vimentin to suppress EMT in BCG-treated AEC II cells. Then, we uncovered the underlying mechanisms and found that BCG synergized with MAP3K19 to activate the pro-inflammatory transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad2 signal pathway in AEC II cells, and BCG-induced EMT process and fibrosis in AEC II cells were all abrogated by co-treating cells with TGF-β/Smad2 signal pathway inhibitor LY2109761. In summary, our results uncovered the underlying mechanisms by which the MAP3K19/TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway regulated EMT and fibrotic phenotypes of AEC II cells to facilitate the development of tuberculosis-associated PF, and these findings will provide new ideas and biomarkers to ameliorate tuberculosis-induced PF in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, South Liyu Shan Road, Urumqi, 830054, China.
| | - Haiyue Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, South Liyu Shan Road, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Meihua Shao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, South Liyu Shan Road, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, South Liyu Shan Road, Urumqi, 830054, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, No. 137, South Liyu Shan Road, Urumqi, 830054, China
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Sun Y, Jing P, Gan H, Wang X, Zhu X, Fan J, Li H, Zhang Z, Lin JCJ, Gu Z. Evaluation of an ex vivo fibrogenesis model using human lung slices prepared from small tissues. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:143. [PMID: 36998092 PMCID: PMC10061769 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01104-8] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there have been breakthroughs in the preclinical research of respiratory diseases, such as organoids and organ tissue chip models, but they still cannot provide insight into human respiratory diseases well. Human lung slices model provides a promising in vitro model for the study of respiratory diseases because of its preservation of lung structure and major cell types. METHODS Human lung slices were manually prepared from small pieces of lung tissues obtained from lung cancer patients subjected to lung surgery. To evaluate the suitability of this model for lung fibrosis research, lung slices were treated with CdCl2 (30 μM), TGF-β1 (1 ng/ml) or CdCl2 plus TGF-β1 for 3 days followed by toxicity assessment, gene expression analysis and histopathological observations. RESULTS CdCl2 treatment resulted in a concentration-dependent toxicity profile evidenced by MTT assay as well as histopathological observations. In comparison with the untreated group, CdCl2 and TGF-β1 significantly induces MMP2 and MMP9 gene expression but not MMP1. Interestingly, CdCl2 plus TGF-β1 significantly induces the expression of MMP1 but not MMP2, MMP7 or MMP9. Microscopic observations reveal the pathogenesis of interstitial lung fibrosis in the lung slices of all groups; however, CdCl2 plus TGF-β1 treatment leads to a greater alveolar septa thickness and the formation of fibroblast foci-like pathological features. The lung slice model is in short of blood supply and the inflammatory/immune-responses are considered minimal. CONCLUSIONS The results are in favor of the hypothesis that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is mediated by tissue damage and abnormal repair. Induction of MMP1 gene expression and fibroblast foci-like pathogenesis suggest that this model might represent an early stage of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Pengyu Jing
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Helina Gan
- Fibroscience LLC, 8037 Glengarriff Rd., Clemmons, NC, 27012, USA
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Ximing Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Jiangjiang Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Haichao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Zhipei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | | | - Zhongping Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
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Zhang Q, Xue Y, Fu Y, Bao B, Guo MY. Zinc Deficiency Aggravates Oxidative Stress Leading to Inflammation and Fibrosis in Lung of Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:4045-4057. [PMID: 34739677 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-03011-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for the body. Studies have confirmed that Zn deficiency can cause oxidative stress. The purpose of the present study was designed to investigate the effect of Zn on fibrosis in lung of mice and its mechanism. Mice were fed with different Zn levels dietary, then we found that the Zn-deficient diet induced a decrease of Zn level in lung tissue. The results also revealed the alveolar structure hyperemia and an inflammatory exudated in the alveolar cavity. Moreover, immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) increased. And the Sirius red staining indicated an increase in collagen with Zn deficiency. Furthermore, oxygen radicals (ROS) levels were significantly increased, and the antioxidants were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) were remarkably increased, and the ELISA results showed that collagen I, III, and IV and fibronectin (FN) were increased. In addition, the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) were detected by qPCR. The results showed that the expression of TIMPs was increased but the expression of MMPs was decreased. The results of the experiment in vitro were consistent with that in vivo. All the results indicated that Zn deficiency aggravated the oxidative stress response of lung tissue to induce inflammation, leading to fibrosis in lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Xue
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Bowen Bao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Yao Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, People's Republic of China.
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Wikramanayake TC, Chéret J, Sevilla A, Birch-Machin M, Paus R. Targeting mitochondria in dermatological therapy: Beyond oxidative damage and skin aging. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:233-259. [PMID: 35249436 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2049756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The analysis of the role of the mitochondria in oxidative damage and skin aging is a significant aspect of dermatological research. Mitochondria generate most reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, excessive ROS are cytotoxic and DNA-damaging and promote (photo-)aging. ROS also possesses key physiological and regulatory functions and mitochondrial dysfunction is prominent in several skin diseases including skin cancers. Although many standard dermatotherapeutics modulate mitochondrial function, dermatological therapy rarely targets the mitochondria. Accordingly, there is a rationale for "mitochondrial dermatology"-based approaches to be applied to therapeutic research. AREAS COVERED This paper examines the functions of mitochondria in cutaneous physiology beyond energy (ATP) and ROS production. Keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier maintenance, appendage morphogenesis and homeostasis, photoaging and skin cancer are considered. Based on related PubMed search results, the paper evaluates thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, Vitamin D3 derivatives, retinoids, cannabinoid receptor agonists, PPARγ agonists, thyrotropin, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone as instructive lead compounds. Moreover, the mitochondrial protein MPZL3 as a promising new drug target for future "mitochondrial dermatology" is highlighted. EXPERT OPINION Future dermatological therapeutic research should have a mitochondrial medicine emphasis. Focusing on selected lead agents, protein targets, in silico drug design, and model diseases will fertilize a mito-centric approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu C Wikramanayake
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A.,Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A
| | - Alec Sevilla
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A
| | - Mark Birch-Machin
- Dermatological Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, and The UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ralf Paus
- Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, U.S.A.,Monasterium Laboratory, Münster, Germany.,Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester, UK
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