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Kadiri JJ, Tadayon S, Thapa K, Suominen A, Hollmén M, Rinne P. Melanocortin 1 Receptor Deficiency in Hematopoietic Cells Promotes the Expansion of Inflammatory Leukocytes in Atherosclerotic Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:774013. [PMID: 34868038 PMCID: PMC8640177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.774013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1-R) is expressed in leukocytes, where it mediates anti-inflammatory actions. We have previously observed that global deficiency of MC1-R signaling perturbs cholesterol homeostasis, increases arterial leukocyte accumulation and accelerates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe-/-) mice. Since various cell types besides leukocytes express MC1-R, we aimed at investigating the specific contribution of leukocyte MC1-R to the development of atherosclerosis. For this purpose, male Apoe-/- mice were irradiated, received bone marrow from either female Apoe-/- mice or MC1-R deficient Apoe-/- mice (Apoe-/- Mc1re/e) and were analyzed for tissue leukocyte profiles and atherosclerotic plaque phenotype. Hematopoietic MC1-R deficiency significantly elevated total leukocyte counts in the blood, bone marrow and spleen, an effect that was amplified by feeding mice a cholesterol-rich diet. The increased leukocyte counts were largely attributable to expanded lymphocyte populations, particularly CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, the number of monocytes was elevated in Apoe-/- Mc1re/e chimeric mice and it paralleled an increase in hematopoietic stem cell count in the bone marrow. Despite robust leukocytosis, atherosclerotic plaque size and composition as well as arterial leukocyte counts were unaffected by MC1-R deficiency. To address this discrepancy, we performed an in vivo homing assay and found that MC1-R deficient CD4+ T cells and monocytes were preferentially entering the spleen rather than homing in peri-aortic lymph nodes. This was mechanistically associated with compromised chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5)-dependent migration of CD4+ T cells and a defect in the recycling capacity of CCR5. Finally, our data demonstrate for the first time that CD4+ T cells also express MC1-R. In conclusion, MC1-R regulates hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and tissue leukocyte counts but its deficiency in leukocytes impairs cell migration via a CCR5-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Kadiri
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sina Tadayon
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Keshav Thapa
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anni Suominen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Maija Hollmén
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petteri Rinne
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Dinparastisaleh R, Mirsaeidi M. Antifibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Actions of α-Melanocytic Hormone: New Roles for an Old Player. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010045. [PMID: 33430064 PMCID: PMC7827684 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin system encompasses melanocortin peptides, five receptors, and two endogenous antagonists. Besides pigmentary effects generated by α-Melanocytic Hormone (α-MSH), new physiologic roles in sexual activity, exocrine secretion, energy homeostasis, as well as immunomodulatory actions, exerted by melanocortins, have been described recently. Among the most common and burdensome consequences of chronic inflammation is the development of fibrosis. Depending on the regenerative capacity of the affected tissue and the quality of the inflammatory response, the outcome is not always perfect, with the development of some fibrosis. Despite the heterogeneous etiology and clinical presentations, fibrosis in many pathological states follows the same path of activation or migration of fibroblasts, and the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, which produce collagen and α-SMA in fibrosing tissue. The melanocortin agonists might have favorable effects on the trajectories leading from tissue injury to inflammation, from inflammation to fibrosis, and from fibrosis to organ dysfunction. In this review we briefly summarized the data on structure, receptor signaling, and anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of α-MSH and proposed that α-MSH analogues might be promising future therapeutic candidates for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, regarding their favorable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Dinparastisaleh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA;
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33146, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-243-1377
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Kadiri JJ, Thapa K, Kaipio K, Cai M, Hruby VJ, Rinne P. Melanocortin 3 receptor activation with [D-Trp8]-γ-MSH suppresses inflammation in apolipoprotein E deficient mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 880:173186. [PMID: 32416182 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin MC1 and MC3 receptors elicit anti-inflammatory actions in leukocytes and activation of these receptors has been shown to alleviate arterial inflammation in experimental atherosclerosis. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether selective targeting of melanocortin MC3 receptor protects against atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-/-) mice were fed high-fat diet for 12 weeks and randomly assigned to receive either vehicle (n = 11) or the selective melanocortin MC3 receptor agonist [D-Trp(8)]-gamma-melanocyte-stimulating hormone ([D-Trp8]-γ-MSH; 15 μg/day, n = 10) for the last 4 weeks. Lesion size as well as macrophage and collagen content in the aortic root plaques were determined. Furthermore, leukocyte counts in the blood and aorta and cytokine mRNA expression levels in the spleen, liver and aorta were quantified. No effect was observed in the body weight development or plasma cholesterol level between the two treatment groups. However, [D-Trp8]-γ-MSH treatment significantly reduced plasma levels of chemokine (C-C motif) ligands 2, 4 and 5. Likewise, cytokine and adhesion molecule expression levels were reduced in the spleen and liver of γ-MSH-treated mice, but not substantially in the aorta. In line with these findings, [D-Trp8]-γ-MSH treatment reduced leukocyte counts in the blood and aorta. Despite reduced inflammation, [D-Trp8]-γ-MSH did not change lesion size, macrophage content or collagen deposition of aortic root plaques. In conclusion, the findings indicate that selective activation of melanocortin MC3 receptor by [D-Trp8]-γ-MSH suppresses systemic and local inflammation and thereby also limits leukocyte accumulation in the aorta. However, the treatment was ineffective in reducing atherosclerotic plaque size.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/immunology
- Aorta/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Cholesterol/blood
- Cytokines/blood
- Cytokines/genetics
- Diet, High-Fat
- Endothelial Cells
- Female
- Inflammation/immunology
- Leukocyte Count
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/immunology
- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones/pharmacology
- Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones/therapeutic use
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/drug therapy
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/immunology
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3/agonists
- Receptor, Melanocortin, Type 3/immunology
- Spleen/drug effects
- Spleen/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Kadiri
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Keshav Thapa
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Katja Kaipio
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Minying Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Victor J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Petteri Rinne
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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4
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Chen J, Chen V, Kawamura T, Hoang I, Yang Y, Wong AT, McBride R, Repunte-Canonigo V, Millhauser GL, Sanna PP. Charge Characteristics of Agouti-Related Protein Implicate Potent Involvement of Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in Metabolic Function. iScience 2019; 22:557-570. [PMID: 31863782 PMCID: PMC6928319 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.10.061] [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: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous melanocortin peptide agouti-related protein (AgRP) plays a well-known role in foraging, but its contribution to metabolic regulation is less understood. Mature AgRP(83-132) has distinct residues for melanocortin receptor binding and heparan sulfate interactions. Here, we show that AgRP increases ad libitum feeding and operant responding for food in mice, decreases oxygen consumption, and lowers body temperature and activity, indicating lower energy expenditure. AgRP increased the respiratory exchange ratio, indicating a reduction of fat oxidation and a shift toward carbohydrates as the primary fuel source. The duration and intensity of AgRP's effects depended on the density of its positively charged amino acids, suggesting that its orexigenic and metabolic effects depend on its affinity for heparan sulfate. These findings may have major clinical implications by unveiling the critical involvement of interactions between AgRP and heparan sulfate to the central regulation of energy expenditure, fat utilization, and possibly their contribution to metabolic disease. AgRP increases both ad libitum and operant food intake and reduces energy expenditure AgRP reduces fat utilization as a fuel source, which promotes body fat accumulation These actions of AgRP depend on the positive charges, outside its ICK motif, that bind heparan sulfate
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihuan Chen
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Valerie Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Tomoya Kawamura
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ivy Hoang
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ashley Tess Wong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Ryan McBride
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Genomics Core, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Vez Repunte-Canonigo
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Glenn L Millhauser
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Pietro Paolo Sanna
- Department of Immunology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Rinne P, Lyytikäinen LP, Raitoharju E, Kadiri JJ, Kholova I, Kähönen M, Lehtimäki T, Oksala N. Pro-opiomelanocortin and its Processing Enzymes Associate with Plaque Stability in Human Atherosclerosis - Tampere Vascular Study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15078. [PMID: 30305673 PMCID: PMC6180013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is processed from pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and mediates anti-inflammatory actions in leukocytes. α-MSH also promotes macrophage reverse cholesterol transport by inducing ATP-binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Here we investigated the regulation of POMC and α-MSH expression in atherosclerosis. First, transcript levels of POMC and its processing enzymes were analyzed in human arterial plaques (n = 68) and non-atherosclerotic controls (n = 24) as well as in whole blood samples from coronary artery disease patients (n = 55) and controls (n = 45) by microarray. POMC expression was increased in femoral plaques compared to control samples as well as in unstable advanced plaques. α-MSH-producing enzyme, carboxypeptidase E, was down-regulated, whereas prolylcarboxypeptidase, an enzyme inactivating α-MSH, was up-regulated in unstable plaques compared to stable plaques, suggesting a possible reduction in intraplaque α-MSH levels. Second, immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of α-MSH in atherosclerotic plaques and its localization in macrophages and other cell types. Lastly, supporting the role of α-MSH in reverse cholesterol transport, POMC expression correlated with ABCA1 and ABCG1 in human plaque and whole blood samples. In conclusion, α-MSH is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques and its processing enzymes associate with plaque stability, suggesting that measures to enhance the local bioavailability of α-MSH might protect against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petteri Rinne
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leo-Pekka Lyytikäinen
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Emma Raitoharju
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - James J Kadiri
- Research Center for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ivana Kholova
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mika Kähönen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Niku Oksala
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. .,Department of Surgery, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
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