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Woodrow JS, Sheats MK, Cooper B, Bayless R. Asthma: The Use of Animal Models and Their Translational Utility. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071091. [PMID: 37048164 PMCID: PMC10093022 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is characterized by chronic lower airway inflammation that results in airway remodeling, which can lead to a permanent decrease in lung function. The pathophysiology driving the development of asthma is complex and heterogenous. Animal models have been and continue to be essential for the discovery of molecular pathways driving the pathophysiology of asthma and novel therapeutic approaches. Animal models of asthma may be induced or naturally occurring. Species used to study asthma include mouse, rat, guinea pig, cat, dog, sheep, horse, and nonhuman primate. Some of the aspects to consider when evaluating any of these asthma models are cost, labor, reagent availability, regulatory burden, relevance to natural disease in humans, type of lower airway inflammation, biological samples available for testing, and ultimately whether the model can answer the research question(s). This review aims to discuss the animal models most available for asthma investigation, with an emphasis on describing the inciting antigen/allergen, inflammatory response induced, and its translation to human asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Seymour Woodrow
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| | - M Katie Sheats
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Bethanie Cooper
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
| | - Rosemary Bayless
- Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA
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2
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Ash SY, Rahaghi FN, Come CE, Ross JC, Colon AG, Cardet-Guisasola JC, Dunican EM, Bleecker ER, Castro M, Fahy JV, Fain SB, Gaston BM, Hoffman EA, Jarjour NN, Mauger DT, Wenzel SE, Levy BD, San Jose Estepar R, Israel E. Pruning of the Pulmonary Vasculature in Asthma. The Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) Cohort. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2018; 198:39-50. [PMID: 29672122 PMCID: PMC6034125 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201712-2426oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Loss of the peripheral pulmonary vasculature, termed vascular pruning, is associated with disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. OBJECTIVES To determine if pulmonary vascular pruning is associated with asthma severity and exacerbations. METHODS We measured the total pulmonary blood vessel volume (TBV) and the blood vessel volume of vessels less than 5 mm2 in cross-sectional area (BV5) and of vessels less than 10 mm2 (BV10) in cross-sectional area on noncontrast computed tomographic scans of participants from the Severe Asthma Research Program. Lower values of the BV5 to TBV ratio (BV5/TBV) and the BV10 to TBV ratio (BV10/TBV) represented vascular pruning (loss of the peripheral pulmonary vasculature). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Compared with healthy control subjects, patients with severe asthma had more pulmonary vascular pruning. Among those with asthma, those with poor asthma control had more pruning than those with well-controlled disease. Pruning of the pulmonary vasculature was also associated with lower percent predicted FEV1 and FVC, greater peripheral and sputum eosinophilia, and higher BAL serum amyloid A/lipoxin A4 ratio but not with low-attenuation area or with sputum neutrophilia. Compared with individuals with less pruning, individuals with the most vascular pruning had 150% greater odds of reporting an asthma exacerbation (odds ratio, 2.50; confidence interval, 1.05-5.98; P = 0.039 for BV10/TBV) and reported 45% more asthma exacerbations during follow-up (incidence rate ratio, 1.45; confidence interval, 1.02-2.06; P = 0.036 for BV10/TBV). CONCLUSIONS Pruning of the peripheral pulmonary vasculature is associated with asthma severity, control, and exacerbations, and with lung function and eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Y. Ash
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Farbod N. Rahaghi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carolyn E. Come
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James C. Ross
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alysha G. Colon
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Eleanor M. Dunican
- St. Vincent’s University Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eugene R. Bleecker
- Division of Genetics, Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Mario Castro
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - John V. Fahy
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sean B. Fain
- Department of Medical Physics
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and
| | - Benjamin M. Gaston
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology and
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Eric A. Hoffman
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and
- Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Nizar N. Jarjour
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - David T. Mauger
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Eberly College of Science, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Sally E. Wenzel
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Bruce D. Levy
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Raul San Jose Estepar
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elliot Israel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - SARP Investigators
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- St. Vincent’s University Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Division of Genetics, Genomics and Precision Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Medical Physics
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- Division of Pediatric Allergy/Immunology and
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Radiology
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, and
- Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Eberly College of Science, Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania; and
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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3
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Wang J, Faiz A, Ge Q, Vermeulen CJ, Van der Velden J, Snibson KJ, van de Velde R, Sawant S, Xenaki D, Oliver B, Timens W, Ten Hacken N, van den Berge M, James A, Elliot JG, Dong L, Burgess JK, Ashton AW. Unique mechanisms of connective tissue growth factor regulation in airway smooth muscle in asthma: Relationship with airway remodelling. J Cell Mol Med 2018. [PMID: 29516637 PMCID: PMC5908101 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neovascularization, increased basal membrane thickness and increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) bulk are hallmarks of airway remodelling in asthma. In this study, we examined connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) dysregulation in human lung tissue and animal models of allergic airway disease. Immunohistochemistry revealed that ASM cells from patients with severe asthma (A) exhibited high expression of CTGF, compared to mild and non‐asthmatic (NA) tissues. This finding was replicated in a sheep model of allergic airways disease. In vitro, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β increased CTGF expression both in NA‐ and A‐ASM cells but the expression was higher in A‐ASM at both the mRNA and protein level as assessed by PCR and Western blot. Transfection of CTGF promoter‐luciferase reporter constructs into NA‐ and A‐ASM cells indicated that no region of the CTGF promoter (−1500 to +200 bp) displayed enhanced activity in the presence of TGF‐β. However, in silico analysis of the CTGF promoter suggested that distant transcription factor binding sites may influence CTGF promoter activation by TGF‐β in ASM cells. The discord between promoter activity and mRNA expression was also explained, in part, by differential post‐transcriptional regulation in A‐ASM cells due to enhanced mRNA stability for CTGF. In patients, higher CTGF gene expression in bronchial biopsies was correlated with increased basement membrane thickness indicating that the enhanced CTGF expression in A‐ASM may contribute to airway remodelling in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alen Faiz
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Qi Ge
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Cornelis J Vermeulen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Van der Velden
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Kenneth J Snibson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Rob van de Velde
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonia Sawant
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dikaia Xenaki
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Oliver
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nick Ten Hacken
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alan James
- Department of Pulmonary Physiology and Sleep Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine and Pharmacology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John G Elliot
- Department of Pulmonary Physiology and Sleep Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Janette K Burgess
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GRIAC (Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD), Groningen, The Netherlands.,University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Chen ZG, Meng P, Li HT, Li M, Yang LF, Yan Y, Li YT, Zou XL, Wang DY, Zhang TT. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin contribution to the recruitment of circulating fibrocytes to the lung in a mouse model of chronic allergic asthma. J Asthma 2017; 55:975-983. [PMID: 28972433 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2017.1386213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Fibrocyte localization to the airways and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) overexpression in the lung are features of severe asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether TSLP contributes to fibrocyte trafficking and airway remodeling in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods: We established a chronic asthma animal model by administering house dust mite (HDM) extracts intranasally for up to 5 consecutive weeks. Mouse anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody (mAb) was given intraperitoneally starting the 4th week. Fluorescence-labeled CD34/collagen I (Col I)-dual-positive fibrocytes were examined by confocal microscopy. The level of TGF-β1 in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was determined by ELISA. Results: We found significantly increased levels of TSLP and TGF-β1 in the lung of the mice subjected to repeated allergen exposure, which was accompanied by increased number of fibrocytes in the sub-epithelial zone and the BAL fluid. However, blocking TSLP markedly decreased the production of TGF-β1, reduced the number of fibrocytes and subsequently prevented alterations of both airway and vascular structures. Conclusions: Our data suggested that TSLP might function in airway remodeling by promoting circulating fibrocyte recruitment to the lung in the mice subjected to chronic allergen exposure. These results provide a better rationale for targeting the interaction between TSLP and fibrocytes as a therapeutic approach for chronic allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang-Gui Chen
- a Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China.,b Department of Pediatrics , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Ping Meng
- a Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Hong-Tao Li
- a Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Ming Li
- c Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Li-Fen Yang
- b Department of Pediatrics , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Yan Yan
- d Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Ya-Ting Li
- b Department of Pediatrics , The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zou
- a Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
| | - De-Yun Wang
- d Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , Singapore
| | - Tian-Tuo Zhang
- a Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University , Institute of Respiratory Diseases of Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , China
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5
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Chen ZY, Zhou SH, Zhou QF, Tang HB. Inflammation and airway remodeling of the lung in guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:3485-3490. [PMID: 29042937 PMCID: PMC5639300 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma belong to the category of type I allergic diseases, whose pathological features are airway remodeling of the lung and allergic inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate inflammation and remodeling of lung tissue in a guinea pig model of AR in order to confirm consistent pathological changes of upper and lower airways in AR. Male guinea pigs were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group (n=10 in each). The AR model was established by sensitization through intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin for three weeks and bilateral nasal local excitation for twelve weeks. All tissues of nasal mucosa and lung were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin as well as toluidine blue staining, and characteristics of remodeling of lung tissue, including thickness of bronchial wall, epithelial mucosa and smooth muscle were histologically determined. Collagen deposition in lung tissue was observed by Masson's trichrome stain. Severe paroxysmal nose scratching action, frequent sneezing, visible outflow of secretion from the anterior naris and frequent nose friction were observed in the AR model group within 30 min after local excitation. The total symptom scores were significantly increased in the AR model group compared with those in the control group. Obvious inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the AR model group. Compared with those in the control group, the numbers of eosinophils and mast cells in nasal mucosa and lung tissue were significantly increased. Obvious airway remodeling of the lung was observed in the AR model group. Compared with those in the control group, bronchial wall thickness, epithelial layer thickness and smooth muscle thickness in the airways were significantly increased in the AR model group. Increased collagen deposition was found in the AR model group compared with that in the control group. The results of the present study revealed that inflammation and airway remodeling of lungs arose in guinea pigs with AR, suggesting that pathological changes of upper and lower airways are consistent in this AR model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Yao Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Shou-Hong Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Qiao-Feng Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Bo Tang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
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6
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Lymphangiogenesis in rat asthma model. Angiogenesis 2016; 20:73-84. [PMID: 27787629 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-016-9529-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Although bronchial angiogenesis has been well documented in allergic asthma, lymphangiogenesis has not been widely studied. Therefore, we evaluated changes in lung lymphatics in a rat model of allergen-induced asthma using house dust mite (Der p 1; 100 μg/challenge). Additionally, properties of isolated lung lymphatic endothelial cells (CD45-, CD141+, LYVE-1+, Prox-1+) were studied in vitro. Three weeks after the onset of intranasal allergen exposure (twice-weekly), an increase in the number of lung lymphatic vessels was measured (34% increase) by lung morphometry. New lymphatic structures were seen predominantly in the peribronchial and periarterial interstitial space but also surrounding large airways. Isolated lymphatic endothelial cells from sensitized lungs showed enhanced proliferation (% Ki67+), chemotaxis, and tube formation (number and length) compared to lymphatic endothelial cells isolated from naive rat lungs. This hyper-proliferative lymphangiogenic phenotype was preserved through multiple cell passages (2-8). Lymphatic endothelial cells isolated from naive and HDM-sensitized rats produced similar in vitro levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGFR3 protein, each recognized as critical lymphangiogenic factors. Inhibition with anti-VEGFR (axitinib, 0.1 μM) blocked proliferation and chemotaxis. Results suggest that in vivo sensitization causes fundamental changes to lymphatic endothelium, which are retained in vitro, and may relate to VEGFR downstream signaling.
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Sakuranetin reverses vascular peribronchial and lung parenchyma remodeling in a murine model of chronic allergic pulmonary inflammation. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:615-624. [PMID: 27425653 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Asthma is a disease of high prevalence and morbidity that generates high costs in hospitalization and treatment. Although the airway is involved in the physiopathology of asthma, there is also evidence of the importance of vascular and lung parenchyma inflammation and remodeling, which can contribute to the functional pulmonary alterations observed in asthmatic patients. Our aim was to evaluate treatment using sakuranetin, a flavone isolated from the twigs of Baccharis retusa (Asteraceae), on vascular and lung parenchyma alterations in an experimental murine model of asthma. METHODS Male BALB/c mice were subjected to a sensitization protocol with ovalbumin for 30days and were treated with or without sakuranetin (20mg/kg/mice) or dexamethasone (5mg/kg/mice); then, the lungs were collected for histopathological analysis. We evaluated extracellular matrix remodeling (collagen and elastic fibers), inflammation (eosinophils and NF-kB) and oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) in the pulmonary vessels and lung parenchyma. The thickness of the vascular wall was quantified, as well as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. RESULTS We demonstrated that sakuranetin reduced the number of eosinophils and elastic fibers in both the pulmonary vessels and the lung parenchyma, probably due to a reduction of oxidative stress and of the transcription factor NF-kB and VEGF levels in the lung. In addition, it reduced the thickness of the pulmonary vascular wall. The treatment had no effect on the collagen fibers. In most of the parameters, the effect of sakuranetin was similar to the dexamethasone effect. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Sakuranetin had anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, preventing vascular and distal parenchyma changes in this experimental model of asthma.
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The Effects of Tumstatin on Vascularity, Airway Inflammation and Lung Function in an Experimental Sheep Model of Chronic Asthma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26309. [PMID: 27199164 PMCID: PMC4873797 DOI: 10.1038/srep26309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumstatin, a protein fragment of the alpha-3 chain of Collagen IV, is known to be significantly reduced in the airways of asthmatics. Further, there is evidence that suggests a link between the relatively low level of tumstatin and the induction of angiogenesis and inflammation in allergic airway disease. Here, we show that the intra-segmental administration of tumstatin can impede the development of vascular remodelling and allergic inflammatory responses that are induced in a segmental challenge model of experimental asthma in sheep. In particular, the administration of tumstatin to lung segments chronically exposed to house dust mite (HDM) resulted in a significant reduction of airway small blood vessels in the diameter range 10+–20 μm compared to controls. In tumstatin treated lung segments after HDM challenge, the number of eosinophils was significantly reduced in parenchymal and airway wall tissues, as well as in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The expression of VEGF in airway smooth muscle was also significantly reduced in tumstatin-treated segments compared to control saline-treated segments. Allergic lung function responses were not attenuated by tumstatin administration in this model. The data are consistent with the concept that tumstatin can act to suppress vascular remodelling and inflammation in allergic airway disease.
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9
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Organ L, Bacci B, Koumoundouros E, Barcham G, Milne M, Kimpton W, Samuel C, Snibson K. Structural and functional correlations in a large animal model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. BMC Pulm Med 2015; 15:81. [PMID: 26227819 PMCID: PMC4521476 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-015-0071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe and progressive respiratory disease with poor prognosis. Despite the positive outcomes from recent clinical trials, there is still no cure for this disease. Pre-clinical animal models are currently largely limited to small animals which have a number of shortcomings. We have previously shown that fibrosis is induced in isolated sheep lung segments 14 days after bleomycin treatment. This study aimed to determine whether bleomycin-induced fibrosis and associated functional changes persisted over a seven-week period. Methods Two separate lung segments in nine sheep received two challenges two weeks apart of either, 3U bleomycin (BLM), or saline (control). Lung function in these segments was assessed by a wedged-bronchoscope procedure after bleomycin treatment. Lung tissue, and an ex vivo CT analysis were used to assess for the persistence of inflammation, fibrosis and collagen content in this model. Results Fibrotic changes persisted up to seven weeks in bleomycin-treated isolated lung segments (Pathology scores: bleomycin12.27 ± 0.07 vs. saline 4.90 ± 1.18, n = 9, p = 0.0003). Localization of bleomycin-induced injury and increased tissue density was confirmed by CT analysis (mean densitometric CT value: bleomycin −698 ± 2.95 Hounsfield units vs. saline −898 ± 2.5 Hounsfield units, p = 0.02). Masson’s trichrome staining revealed increased connective tissue in bleomycin segments, compared to controls (% blue staining/total field area: 8.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 0.2 %, n = 9, p < 0.0001). bleomycin-treated segments were significantly less compliant from baseline at 7 weeks post treatment compared to control-treated segments (2.05 ± 0.88 vs. 4.97 ± 0.79 mL/cmH20, n = 9, p = 0.002). There was also a direct negative correlation between pathology scores and segmental compliance. Conclusions We show that there is a correlation between fibrosis and correspondingly poor lung function which persist for up to seven weeks after bleomycin treatment in this large animal model of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Organ
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Barbara Bacci
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
| | - Emmanuel Koumoundouros
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Garry Barcham
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Marjorie Milne
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia.
| | - Wayne Kimpton
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Chrishan Samuel
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ken Snibson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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10
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Organ L, Bacci B, Koumoundouros E, Barcham G, Kimpton W, Nowell CJ, Samuel C, Snibson K. A novel segmental challenge model for bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in sheep. Exp Lung Res 2014; 41:115-34. [PMID: 25531791 DOI: 10.3109/01902148.2014.985806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal respiratory disease, characterized by a progressive fibrosis and worsening lung function. While the outcomes of recent clinical trials have resulted in therapies to slow the progression of the disease, there is still a need to develop alternative therapies, which are able to prevent fibrosis. AIM This study uses a segmental lung infusion of bleomycin (BLM) to investigate pulmonary fibrosis in a physiologically relevant large animal species. METHODS Two separate lung segments in eight sheep received two fortnightly challenges of either 3U or 30U BLM per segment, and a third segment received saline (control). Lung function was assessed using a wedged-bronchoscope procedure. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue were assessed for inflammation, fibrosis and collagen content two weeks after the final dose of BLM. RESULTS Instillation of both BLM doses resulted in prominent fibrosis in the treated lobes. More diffuse fibrosis and loss of alveolar airspace was observed in high-dose BLM-treated segments, while multifocal fibrosis was seen in low-dose BLM-treated segments. Extensive and disorganised collagen deposition occurred in the BLM-treated lobes, compared to controls. Significant loss of lung compliance was also observed in the BLM-treated lobes, which did not occur in controls. CONCLUSIONS Fibrosis comparable to IPF was induced into isolated lung segments, without compromising the respiratory functioning of the animal. This model may have potential for investigating novel therapies for IPF by allowing direct comparison of multiple treatments with internal controls, and sampling and drug delivery that are clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Organ
- 1Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne , Parkville, Victoria , Australia
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Pulmonary vascular changes in asthma and COPD. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2014; 29:144-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Harkness LM, Ashton AW, Burgess JK. Asthma is not only an airway disease, but also a vascular disease. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 148:17-33. [PMID: 25460035 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have identified an expansion and morphological dysregulation of the bronchial vascular network in the airways of asthmatics. Increased number, size and density of blood vessels, as well as vascular leakage and plasma engorgement, have been reported in the airways of patients with all grades of asthma from mild to fatal. This neovascularisation is an increasingly commonly reported feature of airway remodelling; however, the pathophysiological impact of the increased vasculature in the bronchial wall and its significance to pulmonary function in asthma are unrecognised at this time. Multiple factors capable of influencing the development and persistence of the vascular network exist within asthmatic airway tissue. These include structural components of the altered extracellular matrix (ECM), imbalance of proteases and their endogenous inhibitors, release of active matrikines and the dysregulated levels of both soluble and matrix sequestered growth factors. This review will explore the features of the asthmatic airway which influence the development and persistence of the increased vascular network, as well as the effect of enhanced tissue perfusion on chronic inflammation and airway dynamics. The response of cells of the airways to the altered vascular profile and the subsequent influence on the features of airway remodelling will also be highlighted. We will explore the failure of current asthma therapeutics in "normalising" this vascular remodelling. Finally, we will summarize the outcomes of recent clinical trials which provide hope that anti-angiogenic therapies may be a potent asthma-resolving class of drugs and provide a new approach to asthma management in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Harkness
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony W Ashton
- Division of Perinatal Research, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janette K Burgess
- Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wagner EM, Jenkins J, Schmieder A, Eldridge L, Zhang Q, Moldobaeva A, Zhang H, Allen JS, Yang X, Mitzner W, Keupp J, Caruthers SD, Wickline SA, Lanza GM. Angiogenesis and airway reactivity in asthmatic Brown Norway rats. Angiogenesis 2014; 18:1-11. [PMID: 25149641 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-014-9441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Expanded and aberrant bronchial vascularity, a prominent feature of the chronic asthmatic airway, might explain persistent airway wall edema and sustained leukocyte recruitment. Since it is well established that there are causal relationships between exposure to house dust mite (HDM) and the development of asthma, determining the effects of HDM in rats, mammals with a bronchial vasculature similar to humans, provides an opportunity to study the effects of bronchial angiogenesis on airway function directly. We studied rats exposed bi-weekly to HDM (Der p 1; 50 μg/challenge by intranasal aspiration, 1, 2, 3 weeks) and measured the time course of appearance of increased blood vessels within the airway wall. Results demonstrated that within 3 weeks of HDM exposure, the number of vessels counted within airway walls of bronchial airways (0.5-3 mm perimeter) increased significantly. These vascular changes were accompanied by increased airway responsiveness to methacholine. A shorter exposure regimen (2 weeks of bi-weekly exposure) was insufficient to cause a significant increase in functional vessels or reactivity. Yet, 19F/1H MR imaging at 3T following αvβ3-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoparticle infusion revealed a significant increase in 19F signal in rat airways after 2 weeks of bi-weekly HDM, suggesting earlier activation of the process of neovascularization. Although many antigen-induced mouse models exist, mice lack a bronchial vasculature and consequently lack the requisite human parallels to study bronchial edema. Overall, our results provide an important new model to study the impact of bronchial angiogenesis on chronic inflammation and airways hyperreactivity.
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Alagappan VKT, de Boer WI, Misra VK, Mooi WJ, Sharma HS. Angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in chronic airway diseases. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 67:219-34. [PMID: 23975597 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remain a global health problem, with increasing morbidity and mortality. Despite differences in the causal agents, both diseases exhibit various degrees of inflammatory changes, structural alterations of the airways leading to airflow limitation. The existence of transient disease phenotypes which overlap both diseases and which progressively decline the lung function has complicated the search for an effective therapy. Important characteristics of chronic airway diseases include airway and vascular remodeling, of which the molecular mechanisms are complex and poorly understood. Recently, we and others have shown that airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are not only structural and contractile components of airways, rather they bear capabilities of producing large number of pro-inflammatory and mitogenic factors. Increase in size and number of blood vessels both inside and outside the smooth muscle layer as well as hyperemia of bronchial vasculature are contributing factors in airway wall remodeling in patients with chronic airway diseases, proposing for the ongoing mechanisms like angiogenesis and vascular dilatation. We believe that vascular changes directly add to the airway narrowing and hyper-responsiveness by exudation and transudation of proinflammatory mediators, cytokines and growth factors; facilitating trafficking of inflammatory cells; causing oedema of the airway wall and promoting ASM accumulation. One of the key regulators of angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor in concerted action with other endothelial mitogens play pivotal role in regulating bronchial angiogenesis. In this review article we address recent advances in pulmonary angiogenesis and remodelling that contribute in the pathogenesis of chronic airway diseases.
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Proteolytic Activity Present in House-Dust-Mite Extracts Degrades ENA-78/CXCL5 and Reduces Neutrophil Migration. J Allergy (Cairo) 2014; 2014:673673. [PMID: 24883064 PMCID: PMC4021841 DOI: 10.1155/2014/673673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC) are a major source of proinflammatory and proangiogenic cytokines and chemokines, including VEGF and CXC-chemokines. CXC-chemokines act primarily on neutrophils, mediating their recruitment to and activation at the site of inflammation. In humans, house-dust mite (HDM) allergens can cause asthmatic exacerbations and trigger an inflammatory response through protease-dependent mechanisms. Objective. We investigated the effect HDM extract on the release of pro-angiogenic and proinflammatory cytokines from BSMC. Methods. Human primary BSMC were stimulated with HDM extract in the absence or presence of fetal calf serum (FCS). Twenty angiogenic cytokines were detected by a specific antibody array and modified protein levels were confirmed by ELISA. Neutrophil migration was measured using a 96-well Boyden chamber. Results. ENA-78/CXCL5 protein levels in conditioned medium of BSMC stimulated with HDM extract were significantly reduced (n = 10, P < 0.05) but restored in the presence of 5% FCS. HDM extracts did not affect ENA-78/CXCL5 mRNA levels. Recombinant ENA-78/CXCL5 was degraded after incubation with HDM extracts (n = 7, P < 0.05) but restored after the addition of the serine protease AEBSF. Neutrophil migration towards recombinant ENA-78/CXCL5 was also reduced in the presence of HDM extract. Conclusion. HDM proteases degrade ENA-78/CXCL5. Thus exposure to HDM allergens may alter ENA-78/CXCL5 levels in the lungs and may affect angiogenesis and the inflammatory response in the airways of asthma patients.
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Van Der Velden J, Sum G, Barker D, Koumoundouros E, Barcham G, Wulff H, Castle N, Bradding P, Snibson K. K(Ca)3.1 channel-blockade attenuates airway pathophysiology in a sheep model of chronic asthma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66886. [PMID: 23826167 PMCID: PMC3691218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1 is expressed in several structural and inflammatory airway cell types and is proposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma. The aim of the current study was to determine whether inhibition of KCa3.1 modifies experimental asthma in sheep. Methodology and Principal Findings Atopic sheep were administered either 30 mg/kg Senicapoc (ICA-17073), a selective inhibitor of the KCa3.1-channel, or vehicle alone (0.5% methylcellulose) twice daily (orally). Both groups received fortnightly aerosol challenges with house dust mite allergen for fourteen weeks. A separate sheep group received no allergen challenges or drug treatment. In the vehicle-control group, twelve weeks of allergen challenges resulted in a 60±19% increase in resting airway resistance, and this was completely attenuated by treatment with Senicapoc (0.25±12%; n = 10, P = 0.0147). The vehicle-control group had a peak-early phase increase in lung resistance of 82±21%, and this was reduced by 58% with Senicapoc treatment (24±14%; n = 10, P = 0.0288). Senicapoc-treated sheep also demonstrated reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, requiring a significantly higher dose of carbachol to increase resistance by 100% compared to allergen-challenged vehicle-control sheep (20±5 vs. 52±18 breath-units of carbachol; n = 10, P = 0.0340). Senicapoc also significantly reduced eosinophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage taken 48 hours post-allergen challenge, and reduced vascular remodelling. Conclusions These findings suggest that KCa3.1-activity contributes to allergen-induced airway responses, inflammation and vascular remodelling in a sheep model of asthma, and that inhibition of KCa3.1 may be an effective strategy for blocking allergen-induced airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Van Der Velden
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grace Sum
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Donna Barker
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Koumoundouros
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Garry Barcham
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Neil Castle
- Icagen Inc., Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Peter Bradding
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Institute for Lung Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Snibson
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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