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Luo L, Zhang W, You S, Cui X, Tu H, Yi Q, Wu J, Liu O. The role of epithelial cells in fibrosis: Mechanisms and treatment. Pharmacol Res 2024; 202:107144. [PMID: 38484858 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological process that affects multiple organs and is considered one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in multiple diseases, resulting in an enormous disease burden. Current studies have focused on fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which directly lead to imbalance in generation and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the role of epithelial cells in fibrosis. In some cases, epithelial cells are first exposed to external physicochemical stimuli that may directly drive collagen accumulation in the mesenchyme. In other cases, the source of stimulation is mainly immune cells and some cytokines, and epithelial cells are similarly altered in the process. In this review, we will focus on the multiple dynamic alterations involved in epithelial cells after injury and during fibrogenesis, discuss the association among them, and summarize some therapies targeting changed epithelial cells. Especially, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key central step, which is closely linked to other biological behaviors. Meanwhile, we think studies on disruption of epithelial barrier, epithelial cell death and altered basal stem cell populations and stemness in fibrosis are not appreciated. We believe that therapies targeted epithelial cells can prevent the progress of fibrosis, but not reverse it. The epithelial cell targeting therapies will provide a wonderful preventive and delaying action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyi Luo
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Oral Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siyao You
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyan Cui
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hua Tu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Yi
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianjun Wu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Ousheng Liu
- Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Academician Workstation for Oral-maxilofacial and Regenerative Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Ren Y, Zhang H. The causal effect of inflammatory proteins and immune cell populations on diabetic nephropathy: evidence from Mendelian randomization. Int Urol Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s11255-024-04017-5. [PMID: 38520496 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-04017-5] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the diabetic microvascular complications with complex pathophysiology, and exploring the landscape of immune dysregulation in DN is valuable for pathogenesis and disease treatment. We crystallized possible inflammatory exposures into 91 circulating inflammatory proteins and 109 blood immune cells; and assessed the causal relationship between inflammation and DN using Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS Based on publicly available genetic data, we explored causal associations between inflammation and DN risk by two-sample MR analysis. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for 91 circulating inflammatory proteins, 109 immune cells absolute counts, and DN were acquired from the GWAS Catalog. Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) was the main MR method, while MR-Egger and MR-pleiotropy residuals and outliers (MR-PRESSO) were utilized for sensitivity analysis. Cochrane's Q was used to test for heterogeneity. The leave-one-out method ensured the stability of the MR results. RESULTS This study revealed that higher levels of TNF-related activation-induced cytokine and tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14 were possibly associated with the increased risk of DN according to the IVW approach, with estimated odds ratios (OR) of 1.287 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.051 to 1.577, P = 0.015) and 1.249 (95% CI 1.018 to 1.532, P = 0.033). Five immune cell traits were identified that might be linked to increased DN risk, including the higher absolute counts of HLA DR+ natural killer cell (OR = 1.248, 95% CI 1.055 to 1.476, P = 0.010), IgD+ CD38+ B cell (OR = 1.148, 95% CI 1.033 to 1.276, P = 0.010), CD25++ CD8+ T cell (OR = 1.159, 95% CI 1.032 to 1.302, P = 0.013), CD4- CD8- T cell (OR = 1.226, 95% CI 1.032 to 1.457, P = 0.020), and IgD- CD38- B cell (OR = 1.182, 95% CI 1.009 to 1.386, P = 0.039). In addition, elevated levels of interleukin-1 alpha (OR = 0.712, 95% CI 0.514 to 0.984, P = 0.040) and unswitched memory B cell (OR = 0.797, 95% CI 0.651 to 0.974, P = 0.027) may reduce the risk of developing DN. CONCLUSION We identified inflammation-related exposures that may be associated with the risk of DN at the level of genetic prediction, which contributes to a better understanding of the etiologic of DN and facilitates the development of targeted therapies for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ren
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Honggang Zhang
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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Wu Y, Zhan S, Chen L, Sun M, Li M, Mou X, Zhang Z, Xu L, Xu Y. TNFSF14/LIGHT promotes cardiac fibrosis and atrial fibrillation vulnerability via PI3Kγ/SGK1 pathway-dependent M2 macrophage polarisation. J Transl Med 2023; 21:544. [PMID: 37580750 PMCID: PMC10424430 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour necrosis factor superfamily protein 14 (TNFSF14), also called LIGHT, is an important regulator of immunological and fibrosis diseases. However, its specific involvement in cardiac fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been fully elucidated. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of LIGHT on the development of myocardial fibrosis and AF. METHODS PCR arrays of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with AF and sinus rhythm was used to identify the dominant differentially expressed genes, followed by ELISA to evaluate its serum protein levels. Morphological, functional, and electrophysiological changes in the heart were detected in vivo after the tail intravenous injection of recombinant LIGHT (rLIGHT) in mice for 4 weeks. rLIGHT was used to stimulate bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to prepare a macrophage-conditioned medium (MCM) in vitro. Then, the MCM was used to culture mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The expression of relevant proteins and genes was determined using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunostaining. RESULTS The mRNA levels of LIGHT and TNFRSF14 were higher in the PBMCs of patients with AF than in those of the healthy controls. Additionally, the serum protein levels of LIGHT were higher in patients with AF than those in the healthy controls and were correlated with left atrial reverse remodelling. Furthermore, we demonstrated that rLIGHT injection promoted macrophage infiltration and M2 polarisation in the heart, in addition to promoting atrial fibrosis and AF inducibility in vivo, as detected with MASSON staining and atrial burst pacing respectively. RNA sequencing of heart samples revealed that the PI3Kγ/SGK1 pathway may participate in these pathological processes. Therefore, we confirmed the hypothesis that rLIGHT promotes BMDM M2 polarisation and TGB-β1 secretion, and that this process can be inhibited by PI3Kγ and SGK1 inhibitors in vitro. Meanwhile, increased collagen synthesis and myofibroblast transition were observed in LIGHT-stimulated MCM-cultured CFs and were ameliorated in the groups treated with PI3Kγ and SGK1 inhibitors. CONCLUSION LIGHT protein levels in peripheral blood can be used as a prognostic marker for AF and to evaluate its severity. LIGHT promotes cardiac fibrosis and AF inducibility by promoting macrophage M2 polarisation, wherein PI3Kγ and SGK1 activation is indispensable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yirong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Siyao Zhan
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Lian Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Mingrui Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Miaofu Li
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Xuanting Mou
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Linhao Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
| | - Yizhou Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
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Steele H, Cheng J, Willicut A, Dell G, Breckenridge J, Culberson E, Ghastine A, Tardif V, Herro R. TNF superfamily control of tissue remodeling and fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1219907. [PMID: 37465675 PMCID: PMC10351606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1219907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the result of extracellular matrix protein deposition and remains a leading cause of death in USA. Despite major advances in recent years, there remains an unmet need to develop therapeutic options that can effectively degrade or reverse fibrosis. The tumor necrosis super family (TNFSF) members, previously studied for their roles in inflammation and cell death, now represent attractive therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases. In this review, we will summarize select TNFSF and their involvement in fibrosis of the lungs, the heart, the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the kidney, and the liver. We will emphasize their direct activity on epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and smooth muscle cells. We will further report on major clinical trials targeting these ligands. Whether in isolation or in combination with other anti-TNFSF member or treatment, targeting this superfamily remains key to improve efficacy and selectivity of currently available therapies for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Steele
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jason Cheng
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ashley Willicut
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Garrison Dell
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Joey Breckenridge
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Erica Culberson
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Andrew Ghastine
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Virginie Tardif
- Normandy University, UniRouen, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR1096 (EnVI Laboratory), Rouen, France
| | - Rana Herro
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Hou Y, Wang Y, Chen J, Chen C. Dual Roles of Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily 14 in Antiviral Immunity. Viral Immunol 2022; 35:579-585. [DOI: 10.1089/vim.2022.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Hou
- Academy of Medical Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou City, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Six Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Academy of Medical Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou City, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Six Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jin Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Changguo Chen
- Academy of Medical Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou City, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Six Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Zheng QY, Li Y, Liang SJ, Chen XM, Tang M, Rao ZS, Li GQ, Feng JL, Zhong Y, Chen J, Xu GL, Zhang KQ. LIGHT deficiency attenuates acute kidney disease development in an in vivo experimental renal ischemia and reperfusion injury model. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:399. [PMID: 36163116 PMCID: PMC9512920 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01188-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), a leading risk factor of acute kidney injury (AKI), is associated with high mortality and risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. However, the molecular mechanism of I/R-AKI remains not fully understood, which hinders its efficient clinical treatment. In this study, we observed that LIGHT deficiency remarkably attenuated I/R-AKI, as evidenced by rescued renal function, ameliorated tubular cell apoptosis, and alleviated inflammatory responses. Consistently, blocking LIGHT signaling with its soluble receptor fusion proteins (HVEM-IgG-Fc or LTβR-IgG-Fc) improved I/R renal dysfunction. RNA-sequencing and corresponding results indicated that LIGHT promoted oxidative stress and inflammation triggered by ischemic injury. Moreover, LIGHT signaling augmented ischemic stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by an imbalance in mitochondrial fission and fusion, decreased mtDNA copies, impaired mitophagy, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Mechanistically, LIGHT promoted mitochondrial fission by enhancing Drp1 phosphorylation (Ser616) and its translocation to the mitochondria. In conclusion, these results suggest that LIGHT-HVEM/LTβR signaling is critical for the I/R-AKI pathogenesis and it is further confirmed to be related to the increase in I/R-induced oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction, which may be the underlying mechanism of LIGHT signaling-mediated I/R-AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-You Zheng
- Department of Urology, The 958th Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400020, China.,Department of Immunology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - You Li
- Department of Immunology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.,Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.,Department of ICU, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Shen-Ju Liang
- Department of Rheumatism and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Xi-Ming Chen
- Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400065, China
| | - Ming Tang
- Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400065, China
| | - Zheng-Sheng Rao
- Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400065, China
| | - Gui-Qing Li
- Department of Immunology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jian-Li Feng
- Department of Urology, The 958th Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400020, China
| | - Yu Zhong
- Department of Urology, The 958th Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400020, China.,Department of Immunology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Immunology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Gui-Lian Xu
- Department of Immunology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China. .,Urinary Nephropathy Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400065, China.
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Abudukeyoumu A, Lai ZZ, Lu JJ, Zhang X, Hou DY, Dong J, Wu JN, Li MQ, Xie F. A LIGHT-HVEM/LTβR axis contributes to the fibrosis of intrauterine adhesion. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 153:103693. [PMID: 35987137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a fibrotic disease, with complex and multifactorial process, causing menstrual disorders, pregnancy loss or infertility. LIGHT (also named TNFSF14), mainly expressed by immune cells, has been reported to be associated with tissue fibrosis. However, the features of immunocyte subsets, the expression and roles of LIGHT and its receptor HVEM (herpes virus entry mediator) and LTβR (lymphotoxin beta receptor) in IUA remain largely unknown. Compared with the control group, we observed increased ratios of CD45+ cells, neutrophils, T cells, macrophages and decreased natural killer cells proportion, and high LIGHT expression on CD4+ T cells and macrophages in IUA endometrium. Further analysis showed there was a positive correlation between upregulated profibrotic factors (e.g., ɑ-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor β1) and HVEM in IUA endometrial tissue. More importantly, recombinant human LIGHT protein directly up-regulated the expression of HVEM, LTβR, profibrotic and proinflammatory factors expression in human endometrial stromal cells. These findings reveal abnormal changes of immune cell subsets proportion and the overexpression of LIGHT-HVEM/LTβR axis in IUA endometrium, should contribute to inflammation and fibrosis formation of IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayitila Abudukeyoumu
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Lai
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jing Lu
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ding-Yu Hou
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Dong
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Nan Wu
- Clinical Epidemiology, Clinical Research Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Qing Li
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China; NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Medical Center of Diagnosis and Treatment for Cervical and Intrauterine Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China.
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Kalafatis D, Löfdahl A, Näsman P, Dellgren G, Wheelock ÅM, Elowsson Rendin L, Sköld M, Westergren-Thorsson G. Distal Lung Microenvironment Triggers Release of Mediators Recognized as Potential Systemic Biomarkers for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413421. [PMID: 34948231 PMCID: PMC8704101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with an unmet need of biomarkers that can aid in the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of the disease and response to treatment. In this two-part explorative proteomic study, we demonstrate how proteins associated with tissue remodeling, inflammation and chemotaxis such as MMP7, CXCL13 and CCL19 are released in response to aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) in IPF lung. We used a novel ex vivo model where decellularized lung tissue from IPF patients and healthy donors were repopulated with healthy fibroblasts to monitor locally released mediators. Results were validated in longitudinally collected serum samples from 38 IPF patients and from 77 healthy controls. We demonstrate how proteins elevated in the ex vivo model (e.g., MMP7), and other serum proteins found elevated in IPF patients such as HGF, VEGFA, MCP-3, IL-6 and TNFRSF12A, are associated with disease severity and progression and their response to antifibrotic treatment. Our study supports the model’s applicability in studying mechanisms involved in IPF and provides additional evidence for both established and potentially new biomarkers in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalafatis
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; (Å.M.W.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-72-3416617
| | - Anna Löfdahl
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lung Biology, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden; (A.L.); (L.E.R.); (G.W.-T.)
| | - Per Näsman
- Center for Safety Research, KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Göran Dellgren
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Åsa M. Wheelock
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; (Å.M.W.); (M.S.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linda Elowsson Rendin
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lung Biology, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden; (A.L.); (L.E.R.); (G.W.-T.)
| | - Magnus Sköld
- Respiratory Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine Solna and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden; (Å.M.W.); (M.S.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lung Biology, Lund University, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden; (A.L.); (L.E.R.); (G.W.-T.)
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