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Kammerer J, Cirnu A, Williams T, Hasselmeier M, Nörpel M, Chen R, Gerull B. Macro-based collagen quantification and segmentation in picrosirius red-stained heart sections using light microscopy. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae027. [PMID: 38800072 PMCID: PMC11116823 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Picrosirius red staining constitutes an important and broadly used tool to visualize collagen and fibrosis in various tissues. Although multiple qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to evaluate fibrosis are available, many require specialized devices and software or lack objectivity and scalability. Here, we aimed to develop a versatile and powerful "QuantSeg" macro in the FIJI image processing software capable of automated, robust, and quick collagen quantification in cardiac tissue from light micrographs. To examine different patterns of fibrosis, an optional segmentation algorithm was implemented. To ensure the method's validity, we quantified the collagen content in a set of wild-type versus plakoglobin-knockout murine hearts exhibiting extensive fibrosis using both the macro and an established, fluorescence microscopy-based method, and compared results. To demonstrate the capabilities of the segmentation feature, rat hearts were examined post-myocardial infarction. We found the QuantSeg macro to robustly detect the differences in fibrosis between knockout and control hearts. In sections with low collagen content, the macro yielded more consistent results than using the fluorescence microscopy-based technique. With its wide range of output parameters, ease of use, cost effectiveness, and objectivity, the QuantSeg macro has the potential to become an established method for analysis of PSR-stained tissue. The novel segmentation feature allows for automated evaluation of different patterns of cardiac fibrosis for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Kammerer
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Alexandra Cirnu
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Tatjana Williams
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Melanie Hasselmeier
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Mike Nörpel
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Ruping Chen
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
| | - Brenda Gerull
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 97078, Germany
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg,Würzburg, 97078, Germany
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2
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Ségard BD, Kimura K, Matsuoka Y, Imamura T, Ikeda A, Iwamiya T. Quantification of fibrosis extend and airspace availability in lung: A semi-automatic ImageJ/Fiji toolbox. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298015. [PMID: 38421996 PMCID: PMC10903859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of the structural integrity of mechanically dynamic organs such as lungs is critical for the diagnosis of numerous pathologies and the development of therapies. This task is classically performed by histology experts in a qualitative or semi-quantitative manner. Automatic digital image processing methods appeared in the last decades, and although immensely powerful, tools are highly specialized and lack the versatility required in various experimental designs. Here, a set of scripts for the image processing software ImageJ/Fiji to easily quantify fibrosis extend and alveolar airspace availability in Sirius Red or Masson's trichrome stained samples is presented. The toolbox consists in thirteen modules: sample detection, particles filtration (automatic and manual), border definition, air ducts identification, air ducts walls definition, parenchyma extraction, MT-staining specific pre-processing, fibrosis detection, fibrosis particles filtration, airspace detection, and visualizations (tissue only or tissue and airspace). While the process is largely automated, critical parameters are accessible to the user for increased adaptability. The modularity of the protocol allows for its adjustment to alternative experimental settings. Fibrosis and airspace can be combined as an evaluation of the structural integrity of the organ. All settings and intermediate states are saved to ensure reproducibility. These new analysis scripts allow for a rapid quantification of fibrosis and airspace in a large variety of experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kodai Kimura
- Research and Development Department, Metcela Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuimi Matsuoka
- Research and Development Department, Metcela Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomomi Imamura
- Research and Development Department, Metcela Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ayana Ikeda
- Research and Development Department, Metcela Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takahiro Iwamiya
- Research and Development Department, Metcela Inc., Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
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3
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Weber MC, Schmidt K, Buck A, Kasajima A, Becker S, Li C, Reischl S, Wilhelm D, Steiger K, Friess H, Neumann PA. Fractal analysis of extracellular matrix for observer-independent quantification of intestinal fibrosis in Crohn's disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3988. [PMID: 38368499 PMCID: PMC10874456 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54545-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention of intestinal fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD), as specific antifibrotic therapies are not yet available. Appropriate analysis of fibrosis severity is essential for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of potential antifibrotic drugs. The aim of this study was to develop an observer-independent method to quantify intestinal fibrosis in surgical specimens from patients with CD using structural analysis of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We performed fractal analysis in fibrotic and control histological sections of patients with surgery for CD (n = 28). To specifically assess the structure of the collagen matrix, polarized light microscopy was used. A score to quantify collagen fiber alignment and the color of the polarized light was established. Fractal dimension as a measure for the structural complexity correlated significantly with the histological fibrosis score whereas lacunarity as a measure for the compactness of the ECM showed a negative correlation. Polarized light microscopy to visualize the collagen network underlined the structural changes in the ECM network in advanced fibrosis. In conclusion, observer-independent quantification of the structural complexity of the ECM by fractal analysis is a suitable method to quantify the degree of intestinal fibrosis in histological samples from patients with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Weber
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Konstantin Schmidt
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Annalisa Buck
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Atsuko Kasajima
- Institute of Pathology, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Becker
- Department of Mathematics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chunqiao Li
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Reischl
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Wilhelm
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp-Alexander Neumann
- Department of Surgery, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Boizet-Bonhoure B, Déjardin S, Girard M, Durix Q, Poulat F, Philibert P. Adenomyotic Lesions Are Induced in the Mouse Uterus after Exposure to NSAID and EE2 Mixtures at Environmental Doses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2003. [PMID: 38396681 PMCID: PMC10889173 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of exposure to environmentally relevant doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; ibuprofen, and diclofenac) and 17β-ethinylestradiol (EE2) on the mouse uterus. NSAID-EE2 mixtures were administered in the drinking water from gestational day 8 until 8 weeks post-birth (i.e., during embryo development, lactation, puberty, and sexual maturity). The incidence of adenomyosis lesions (presence of endometrial glands in the inner myometrium) increased up to 60% in the uterus of 8-week-old exposed females (F1) and to 85% in F2 females (exposed father). Histological analysis revealed aberrant proliferation and apoptosis, vacuolization of epithelial cells, and increased incidence of abnormal glands in the luminal and glandular epithelium in F1 and F2 uteri. Moreover, myofibroblast proportion (alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression analysis) and collagen expression (Picrosirius red stain; a fibrosis hallmark) were increased in F1 and F2 endometrium. Connexin-43 was aberrantly distributed in the endometrial stroma and glands of F1 and F2 uteri. Conversely, uterine 17β-estradiol and progesterone levels were not affected in F1 and F2 females. These findings demonstrated that in mice, chronic exposure to NSAID and EE2 mixtures at environmental doses intergenerationally affects uterine physiology, particularly the endometrium. It may serve as a model to study the pathophysiology of human adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Stéphanie Déjardin
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Mélissa Girard
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Quentin Durix
- IExplore-RAM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Francis Poulat
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
| | - Pascal Philibert
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier UMR9002, 34090 Montpellier, France; (S.D.); (M.G.); (F.P.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Carémeau, CHU de Nîmes, 30029 Nîmes, France
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Escarrer-Garau G, Martín-Medina A, Truyols-Vives J, Gómez-Bellvert C, Elowsson L, Westergren-Thorsson G, Molina-Molina M, Mercader-Barceló J, Sala-Llinàs E. In Vivo and In Vitro Pro-Fibrotic Response of Lung-Resident Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Cells 2024; 13:160. [PMID: 38247851 PMCID: PMC10814068 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lung-resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSC) are thought to participate in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by differentiating into myofibroblasts. On the other hand, LR-MSC in IPF patients present senescence-related features. It is unclear how they respond to a profibrotic environment. Here, we investigated the profibrotic response of LR-MSC isolated from IPF and control (CON) patients. LR-MSC were inoculated in mice 48 h after bleomycin (BLM) instillation to analyze their contribution to lung damage. In vitro, LR-MSC were exposed to TGFβ. Mice inoculated with IPF LR-MSC exhibited worse maintenance of their body weight. The instillation of either IPF or CON LR-MSC sustained BLM-induced histological lung damage, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell count, and the expression of the myofibroblast marker, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs. In vitro, IPF LR-MSC displayed higher basal protein levels of aSMA and fibronectin than CON LR-MSC. However, the TGFβ response in the expression of TGFβ, aSMA, and ECM genes was attenuated in IPF LR-MSC. In conclusion, IPF LR-MSC have acquired myofibroblastic features, but their capacity to further respond to profibrotic stimuli seems to be attenuated. In an advanced stage of the disease, LR-MSC may participate in disease progression owing to their limited ability to repair epithelial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aina Martín-Medina
- iRESPIRE Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
| | - Joan Truyols-Vives
- MolONE Research Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
| | | | - Linda Elowsson
- Lung Biology, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 08908 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Molina-Molina
- ILD Unit, Respiratory Department, University Hospital of Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre of Biomedical Research Network in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Mercader-Barceló
- MolONE Research Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122 Palma, Spain
- iRESPIRE Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Centre of Biomedical Research Network in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ernest Sala-Llinàs
- iRESPIRE Research Group, Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120 Palma, Spain
- Centre of Biomedical Research Network in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Zdrojkowski Ł, Pawliński B, Skierbiszewska K, Jasiński T, Domino M. Assessment of Connective Tissue in the Equine Uterus and Cervix: Review of Clinical Impact and Staining Options. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:156. [PMID: 38200887 PMCID: PMC10778531 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010156] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine diseases stand as the primary cause of infertility in mares; however, the diagnostic process often relies on obtaining endometrial biopsies and their hematoxylin-eosin staining. This review seeks to present the variability of uterine changes and their impact on fertility and underscore the utility of special stains, such as Masson trichrome, picrosirius red, elastica van Gieson, or periodic acid-Schiff, in enhancing diagnostic breadth. Connective tissue evaluation in the cervix is discussed, as it is subjected to cyclic changes and the impact on overall fertility. Vascular changes, particularly prevalent in multiparous mares, play a crucial role in adapting to physiological and pathological alterations, affecting early gestation and impeding placental development. Given that uterine vascular pathologies often involve fibrotic changes, connective tissue stains emerge as a valuable tool in this context. Moreover, equine endometriosis, predominantly associated with endometrial fibrosis, further highlights the relevance of special stains, suggesting their underutilization in the diagnostic process. Recognizing the subjective nature of diagnosing uterine pathologies and the need for additional diagnostic tools, we advocate for using dedicated stains in the histopathological evaluation of uterine samples. In conclusion, we encourage scientists and diagnosticians to embrace additional tools that enhance pathology visualization, enabling more reliable diagnoses concerning expected fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Zdrojkowski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (B.P.); (K.S.); (T.J.)
| | | | | | | | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), 02-787 Warsaw, Poland; (B.P.); (K.S.); (T.J.)
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7
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Szász C, Pap D, Szebeni B, Bokrossy P, Őrfi L, Szabó AJ, Vannay Á, Veres-Székely A. Optimization of Sirius Red-Based Microplate Assay to Investigate Collagen Production In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17435. [PMID: 38139263 PMCID: PMC10744033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis is characterized by chronic fibroblast activation and consequently excessive accumulation of collagen-rich extracellular matrix. In vitro microplate-based assays are essential to investigate the underlying mechanism and the effect of antifibrotic drugs. In this study, in the absence of a gold-standard method, we optimized a simple, cost-effective, Sirius Red-based colorimetric measurement to determine the collagen production of fibroblasts grown on 96-well tissue culture plates. Based on our findings, the use of a serum-free medium is recommended to avoid aspecific signals, while ascorbate supplementation increases the collagen production of fibroblasts. The cell-associated collagens can be quantified by Sirius Red staining in acidic conditions followed by alkaline elution. Immature collagens can be precipitated from the culture medium by acidic Sirius Red solution, and after subsequent centrifugation and washing steps, their amount can be also measured. Increased attention has been paid to optimizing the assay procedure, including incubation time, temperature, and solution concentrations. The resulting assay shows high linearity and sensitivity and could serve as a useful tool in fibrosis-related basic research as well as in preclinical drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csenge Szász
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Domonkos Pap
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, 1052 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Szebeni
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, 1052 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Bokrossy
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Őrfi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis University, 1092 Budapest, Hungary
- Vichem Chemie Research Ltd., 1022 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila J. Szabó
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, 1052 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Vannay
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, 1052 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Apor Veres-Székely
- Pediatric Center, MTA Center of Excellence, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SU Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, 1052 Budapest, Hungary
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Schiano G, Lake J, Mariniello M, Schaeffer C, Harvent M, Rampoldi L, Olinger E, Devuyst O. Allelic effects on uromodulin aggregates drive autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e18242. [PMID: 37885358 PMCID: PMC10701617 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202318242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in the uromodulin (UMOD) gene cause autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD), one of the most common monogenic kidney diseases. The unknown impact of the allelic and gene dosage effects and fate of mutant uromodulin leaves open the gap between postulated gain-of-function mutations, end-organ damage and disease progression in ADTKD. Based on two prevalent missense UMOD mutations with divergent disease progression, we generated UmodC171Y and UmodR186S knock-in mice that showed strong allelic and gene dosage effects on uromodulin aggregates and activation of ER stress and unfolded protein and immune responses, leading to variable kidney damage. Deletion of the wild-type Umod allele in heterozygous UmodR186S mice increased the formation of uromodulin aggregates and ER stress. Studies in kidney tubular cells confirmed differences in uromodulin aggregates, with activation of mutation-specific quality control and clearance mechanisms. Enhancement of autophagy by starvation and mTORC1 inhibition decreased uromodulin aggregates. These studies substantiate the role of toxic aggregates as driving progression of ADTKD-UMOD, relevant for therapeutic strategies to improve clearance of mutant uromodulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Schiano
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jennifer Lake
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Marta Mariniello
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Céline Schaeffer
- Molecular Genetics of Renal Disorders, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Marianne Harvent
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et CliniqueUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Luca Rampoldi
- Molecular Genetics of Renal Disorders, Division of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Eric Olinger
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Translational and Clinical Research InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
- Center for Human GeneticsCliniques Universitaires Saint‐Luc, UCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
| | - Olivier Devuyst
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Disorders, Institute of PhysiologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et CliniqueUCLouvainBrusselsBelgium
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9
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Ibrahim MA, Khalifa AM, Abd El-Fadeal NM, Abdel-Karim RI, Elsharawy AF, Ellawindy A, Galal HM, Nadwa EH, Abdel-Shafee MA, Galhom RA. Alleviation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat by mesenchymal stem cells and olive leaf extract via MAPK/ TNF-α pathway: Preclinical, experimental and bioinformatics enrichment study. Tissue Cell 2023; 85:102239. [PMID: 37865037 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102239] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxic cardiomyopathies were a potentially fatal adverse effect of anthracycline therapy. AIM This study was conducted to demonstrate the pathogenetic, morphologic, and toxicologic effects of doxorubicin on the heart and to investigate how the MAPK /TNF-α pathway can be modulated to improve doxorubicin-Induced cardiac lesions using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and olive leaf extract (OLE). METHODS During the study, 40 adult male rats were used. Ten were used to donate MSCs, and the other 30 were split into 5 equal groups: Group I was the negative control, Group II obtained oral OLE, Group III obtained an intraperitoneal cumulative dose of DOX (12 mg/kg) in 6 equal doses of 2 mg/kg every 48 h for 12 days, Group IV obtained intraperitoneal DOX and oral OLE at the same time, and Group V obtained intraperitoneal DOX and BM-MSCs through the tail vein at the same time for 12 days. Four weeks after their last dose of DOX, the rats were euthanized. By checking the bioinformatic databases, a molecularly targeted path was selected. Then the histological, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression of ERK, JNK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α were done. RESULTS Myocardial immunohistochemistry revealed severe fibrosis, cell degeneration, increased vimentin, and decreased CD-31 expression in the DOX-treated group, along with a marked shift in morphometric measurements, a disordered ultrastructure, and overexpression of inflammatory genes (ERK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α), oxidative stress markers, and cardiac biomarkers. Both groups IV and V displayed reduced cardiac fibrosis or inflammation, restoration of the microstructure and ultrastructure of the myocardium, downregulation of inflammatory genes, markers of oxidative stress, and cardiac biomarkers, a notable decline in vimentin, and an uptick in CD-31 expression. In contrast to group IV, group V showed a considerable beneficial effect. CONCLUSION Both OLE and BM-MSCs showed an ameliorating effect in rat models of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, with BM-MSCs showing a greater influence than OLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrous A Ibrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine (Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology division), College of Medicine, Jouf University, Aljouf 72341, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Athar M Khalifa
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha M Abd El-Fadeal
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; Center of Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; Oncology Diagnostic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Rehab I Abdel-Karim
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Ayman F Elsharawy
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Histology Department, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alia Ellawindy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Heba M Galal
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Eman H Nadwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72345, Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Abdel-Shafee
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Rania A Galhom
- Center of Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; Human Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt; Human Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo 11829, Egypt
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10
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Greghi JR, Favaron PO, Trautwein LGC, Silva CGBD, Lemos GAAD, Martins MIM. Emergency cesarean section in dogs: Usefulness of amniotic fluid biochemical parameters and placental morphology as indicators of neonatal viability. Theriogenology 2023; 211:115-124. [PMID: 37607467 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.011] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, special attention has been paid to the analysis of fetal fluids and placental histopathology to identify parameters that can be used as indicators of maternal reproductive quality, embryonic viability, and fetal and neonatal health. Newborn health reflects the functioning of the fetal adnexa and its relationship with maternal tissues. Therefore, evaluating these components is promising for the early detection of newborns at risk. This study aimed to detect the biochemical characteristics of the amniotic fluid (AF) and histopathological characteristics of the placenta for comparison between canine neonates born by elective (EL) and emergency (EM) cesarean sections (CSs) and associate the results with neonatal viability in the first 24 h. A total of 38 neonates born by ELCS (n = 19) and EMCS (n = 19) were selected. AF was collected to analyze the concentration of its biochemical components [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, total and direct bilirubin, lactate, glucose, potassium, chloride, calcium, and sodium]. Histopathological processing of the placenta was used to describe the lesions and identify the arrangement of collagen fibers using hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius staining. There was an increase in ALP activity (P = 0.035) and the concentrations of lactate (P < 0.001) and potassium (P = 0.031), and a decrease in chlorides (P < 0.001) in the AF of neonates in the EMCS group. The comparisons between the groups did not show differences between the presence and extent of lesions in the placenta; however, a difference was observed in the arrangement of collagen fibers in the placental structure. A comparison between AF and histopathological findings showed a negative correlation (r = -0.609, P = 0.003) between glucose concentration and the presence of necrosis in the placental labyrinth. It was observed that the composition of the AF changed owing to the influence of the type of cesarean, possibly caused by prolonged hypoxia in cases of dystocia. ALP activity and lactate, potassium, and chloride concentrations in the AF might be explored as markers of neonatal health in EMCS. Under the conditions of this study, no correlations were found between the placenta's histopathological characteristics and the neonates' viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rodrigues Greghi
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rod Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Phelipe Oliveira Favaron
- Department of General Biology, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rod Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Guilherme Corsi Trautwein
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rod Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Caio Garcia Barbosa da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rod Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Gisele Augusta Amorim de Lemos
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rod Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
| | - Maria Isabel Mello Martins
- Department of Veterinary Clinics, State University of Londrina (UEL), Rod Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445 Km 380, CEP 86057-970, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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11
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Rega LR, Janssens V, Graversen JH, Moestrup SK, Cairoli S, Goffredo BM, Nevo N, Courtoy GE, Jouret F, Antignac C, Emma F, Pierreux CE, Courtoy PJ. Dietary supplementation of cystinotic mice by lysine inhibits the megalin pathway and decreases kidney cystine content. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17276. [PMID: 37828038 PMCID: PMC10570359 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Megalin/LRP2 is a major receptor supporting apical endocytosis in kidney proximal tubular cells. We have previously reported that kidney-specific perinatal ablation of the megalin gene in cystinotic mice, a model of nephropathic cystinosis, essentially blocks renal cystine accumulation and partially preserves kidney tissue integrity. Here, we examined whether inhibition of the megalin pathway in adult cystinotic mice by dietary supplementation (5x-fold vs control regular diet) with the dibasic amino-acids (dAAs), lysine or arginine, both of which are used to treat patients with other rare metabolic disorders, could also decrease renal cystine accumulation and protect cystinotic kidneys. Using surface plasmon resonance, we first showed that both dAAs compete for protein ligand binding to immobilized megalin in a concentration-dependent manner, with identical inhibition curves by L- and D-stereoisomers. In cystinotic mice, 2-month diets with 5x-L-lysine and 5x-L-arginine were overall well tolerated, while 5x-D-lysine induced strong polyuria but no weight loss. All diets induced a marked increase of dAA urinary excretion, most prominent under 5x-D-lysine, without sign of kidney insufficiency. Renal cystine accumulation was slowed down approx. twofold by L-dAAs, and totally suppressed by D-lysine. We conclude that prolonged dietary manipulation of the megalin pathway in kidneys is feasible, tolerable and can be effective in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Rega
- Nephrology Research Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - V Janssens
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute and Louvain University Medical School, Brussels, Belgium
| | - J H Graversen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - S K Moestrup
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - S Cairoli
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Drug Biology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - B M Goffredo
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Drug Biology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - N Nevo
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - G E Courtoy
- Imaging Platform (2IP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Louvain University Medical School, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Jouret
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA), Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - C Antignac
- Laboratoire des Maladies Rénales Héréditaires, Inserm UMR 1163, Institut Imagine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - F Emma
- Nephrology Research Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C E Pierreux
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute and Louvain University Medical School, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - P J Courtoy
- Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute and Louvain University Medical School, Brussels, Belgium.
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12
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Tilman G, Dupré E, Watteyne L, Baert CA, Nolf D, Benhaddi F, Lambert F, Daumerie A, Bouzin C, Lucas S, Limaye N. p16 Ink4a, a marker of cellular senescence, is associated with renal disease in the B6. NZMSle1/Sle2/Sle3 mouse model of lupus. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e001010. [PMID: 37899089 PMCID: PMC10619045 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite treatment, one-third of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) show a decline in renal function. Prognostic markers of poor outcome as well as novel therapeutic targets are therefore highly sought. We showed that p16INK4a, a marker of cellular senescence, is observed in baseline kidney biopsies from patients with LN, and is associated with renal disease. Here, we set out to assess for whether these findings are recapitulated in the B6.NZMSle1/Sle2/Sle3 (B6.Sle1.2.3) mouse model of spontaneous lupus. METHODS We evaluated the occurrence and time of onset of p16Ink4a staining by immunohistochemistry on kidney sections, and tested for its association with multiple renal and systemic disease parameters, fibrosis and CD8+ T cell infiltration, in two cohorts of B6.Sle1.2.3 mice. RESULTS The presence of p16Ink4a-positive cells in kidney was significantly associated with increased urine albumin/creatinine ratio, histopathological scores, CD8+ T cell infiltration and fibrosis, in both B6.Sle1.2.3 cohorts. In contrast, p16Ink4a staining was not associated with systemic disease parameters. A time course showed that systemic disease parameters as well as glomerular IgG deposits appeared in B6.Sle1.2.3 mice by 4 months of age; the appearance of p16Ink4a-positive cells occurred later, by 8 months of age, overlapping with renal disease. CONCLUSION We report, for the first time, the presence of p16Ink4a-positive cells, a marker of cellular senescence, in the B6.Sle1.2.3 kidney, and their association with renal disease severity. This provides a preclinical model in which to test for the role of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of LN, as a potential kidney-intrinsic disease mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Tilman
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Emilie Dupré
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Watteyne
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Delphine Nolf
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fatima Benhaddi
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fanny Lambert
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Daumerie
- IREC Imaging Platform (2IP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caroline Bouzin
- IREC Imaging Platform (2IP), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lucas
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nisha Limaye
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Roy A, Shi L, Chang A, Dong X, Fernandez A, Kraft JC, Li J, Le VQ, Winegar RV, Cherf GM, Slocum D, Poulson PD, Casper GE, Vallecillo-Zúniga ML, Valdoz JC, Miranda MC, Bai H, Kipnis Y, Olshefsky A, Priya T, Carter L, Ravichandran R, Chow CM, Johnson MR, Cheng S, Smith M, Overed-Sayer C, Finch DK, Lowe D, Bera AK, Matute-Bello G, Birkland TP, DiMaio F, Raghu G, Cochran JR, Stewart LJ, Campbell MG, Van Ry PM, Springer T, Baker D. De novo design of highly selective miniprotein inhibitors of integrins αvβ6 and αvβ8. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5660. [PMID: 37704610 PMCID: PMC10500007 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41272-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-binding integrins αvβ6 and αvβ8 are clinically validated cancer and fibrosis targets of considerable therapeutic importance. Compounds that can discriminate between homologous αvβ6 and αvβ8 and other RGD integrins, stabilize specific conformational states, and have high thermal stability could have considerable therapeutic utility. Existing small molecule and antibody inhibitors do not have all these properties, and hence new approaches are needed. Here we describe a generalized method for computationally designing RGD-containing miniproteins selective for a single RGD integrin heterodimer and conformational state. We design hyperstable, selective αvβ6 and αvβ8 inhibitors that bind with picomolar affinity. CryoEM structures of the designed inhibitor-integrin complexes are very close to the computational design models, and show that the inhibitors stabilize specific conformational states of the αvβ6 and the αvβ8 integrins. In a lung fibrosis mouse model, the αvβ6 inhibitor potently reduced fibrotic burden and improved overall lung mechanics, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of de novo designed integrin binding proteins with high selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindya Roy
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Encodia Inc, 5785 Oberlin Drive, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Ashley Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Xianchi Dong
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, and Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Engineering Research Center of Protein and Peptide Medicine, Ministry of Education, Nanjing, China
| | - Andres Fernandez
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - John C Kraft
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jing Li
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, and Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Viet Q Le
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, and Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Viazzo Winegar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Gerald Maxwell Cherf
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Denali Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dean Slocum
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, and Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P Daniel Poulson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Garrett E Casper
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | | | - Jonard Corpuz Valdoz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Marcos C Miranda
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hua Bai
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yakov Kipnis
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Audrey Olshefsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Tanu Priya
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Lauren Carter
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Rashmi Ravichandran
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Cameron M Chow
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Max R Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Suna Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - McKaela Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Catherine Overed-Sayer
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Donna K Finch
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Alchemab Therapeutics Ltd, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Lowe
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Evox Therapeutics Limited, Oxford Science Park, Medawar Centre, East Building, Robert Robinson Avenue, Oxford, OX4 4HG, England
| | - Asim K Bera
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Gustavo Matute-Bello
- Center for Lung Biology, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Timothy P Birkland
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frank DiMaio
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Ganesh Raghu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Dept of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Cochran
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lance J Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Melody G Campbell
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
| | - Pam M Van Ry
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
| | - Timothy Springer
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, and Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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14
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Reyat JS, di Maio A, Grygielska B, Pike J, Kemble S, Rodriguez-Romero A, Simoglou Karali C, Croft AP, Psaila B, Simões F, Rayes J, Khan AO. Modelling the pathology and treatment of cardiac fibrosis in vascularised atrial and ventricular cardiac microtissues. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1156759. [PMID: 37727305 PMCID: PMC10506403 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1156759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent advances in human cardiac 3D approaches have yielded progressively more complex and physiologically relevant culture systems. However, their application in the study of complex pathological processes, such as inflammation and fibrosis, and their utility as models for drug development have been thus far limited. Methods In this work, we report the development of chamber-specific, vascularised human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac microtissues, which allow for the multi-parametric assessment of cardiac fibrosis. Results We demonstrate the generation of a robust vascular system in the microtissues composed of endothelial cells, fibroblasts and atrial or ventricular cardiomyocytes that exhibit gene expression signatures, architectural, and electrophysiological resemblance to in vivo-derived anatomical cardiac tissues. Following pro-fibrotic stimulation using TGFβ, cardiac microtissues recapitulated hallmarks of cardiac fibrosis, including myofibroblast activation and collagen deposition. A study of Ca2+ dynamics in fibrotic microtissues using optical mapping revealed prolonged Ca2+ decay, reflecting cardiomyocyte dysfunction, which is linked to the severity of fibrosis. This phenotype could be reversed by TGFβ receptor inhibition or by using the BET bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1. Discussion In conclusion, we present a novel methodology for the generation of chamber-specific cardiac microtissues that is highly scalable and allows for the multi-parametric assessment of cardiac remodelling and pharmacological screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmeet S. Reyat
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro di Maio
- The Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Beata Grygielska
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Pike
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- The Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Kemble
- Rheumatology Research Group, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Rodriguez-Romero
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Simoglou Karali
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adam P. Croft
- Rheumatology Research Group, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bethan Psaila
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Filipa Simões
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julie Rayes
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- The Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abdullah O. Khan
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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15
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Tumanova K, Serra S, Majumdar A, Lad J, Quereshy F, Khorasani M, Vitkin A. Mueller matrix polarization parameters correlate with local recurrence in patients with stage III colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13424. [PMID: 37591987 PMCID: PMC10435541 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40480-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The peri-tumoural stroma has been explored as a useful source of prognostic information in colorectal cancer. Using Mueller matrix (MM) polarized light microscopy for quantification of unstained histology slides, the current study assesses the prognostic potential of polarimetric characteristics of peri-tumoural collagenous stroma architecture in 38 human stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) patient samples. Specifically, Mueller matrix transformation and polar decomposition parameters were tested for association with 5-year patient local recurrence outcomes. The results show that some of these polarimetric parameters were significantly different (p value < 0.05) for the recurrence versus the no-recurrence patient cohorts (Mann-Whitney U test). MM parameters may thus be prognostically valuable towards improving clinical management/treatment stratification in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kseniia Tumanova
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Stefano Serra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anamitra Majumdar
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jigar Lad
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fayez Quereshy
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Alex Vitkin
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Biophysics and Bioimaging, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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16
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Dullea A, Khodamoradi K, Campbell K, Ghomeshi A, Ramasamy R, Ziegelmann M, Masterson T. In vitro efficacy of intralesional Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum for the treatment of calcified Peyronie's disease plaques. Int J Impot Res 2023:10.1038/s41443-023-00742-0. [PMID: 37524836 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is defined by penile plaque formation and curvature causing sexual dysfunction. The only FDA-approved intralesional treatment is Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh). CCh contains two collagenases, AUX1 and AUXII, that break down the type I and type III collagen contained in plaques, leading to plaque dissolution and reduction in penile curvature. Peyronie's plaques, however, also contain fibrin and calcium, which CCh cannot digest. It is unclear if plaque calcification prevents CCh from breaking down plaques. We collected ten tissue samples: five calcified penile plaques and five control samples of corpus cavernosum. They were incubated in CCh or PBS. Soluble collagen measurements and collagen staining assays were completed to measure tissue breakdown. Calcified plaques incubated in CCh showed significantly higher levels of soluble collagen (301.07 ug ± 21.28 vs. PBS: 32.82 ug ± 3.68, p = 0.02), and significantly lower levels of collagen (type I and III) compared to tissues incubated in PBS (0.12 ± 0.08, vs. 0.44 ± 0.17, p = 0.002). When comparing different tissues (calcified vs. control) incubated in CCh and PBS solutions, there were no significant differences in collagen staining or breakdown. Although higher collagen staining was seen in the calcified group, soluble collagen showed no significant differences between control and calcified tissues in the CCh group (control: 0.08 ± 0.02 vs. calcified: 0.17 ± 0.09, p = 0.08) or the PBS group (control: 0.50 ± 0.23 vs. calcified: 0.39 ± 0.39, p = 0.23). CCh exposure led to significantly more tissue breakdown in both tissue groups when compared to PBS however, there was no significant difference in plaque digestion found between calcified and control tissue exposed to CCh or PBS. This suggests that plaque calcification does not affect the action of CCh. Further research into CCh for calcified plaques is necessary to inform clinicians as to the optimal management of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Dullea
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, 1150 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Kajal Khodamoradi
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, 1150 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Katherine Campbell
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, 1150 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Armin Ghomeshi
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Ranjith Ramasamy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, 1150 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | | | - Thomas Masterson
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, University of Miami, 1150 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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Timin G, Milinkovitch MC. High-resolution confocal and light-sheet imaging of collagen 3D network architecture in very large samples. iScience 2023; 26:106452. [PMID: 37020961 PMCID: PMC10067766 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although notoriously difficult, imaging collagen network architecture, a key element affecting tissue mechanical properties, is of paramount importance in developmental and cancer biology. Here, we introduce a simple and robust method of whole-mount collagen staining with the 'Fast Green' dye that provides unmatched visualization of collagen 3D network architecture, via confocal or light-sheet microscopy, compatible with solvent-based tissue clearing and immunostaining.
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18
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Becker L, Lu CE, Montes-Mojarro IA, Layland SL, Khalil S, Nsair A, Duffy GP, Fend F, Marzi J, Schenke-Layland K. Raman microspectroscopy identifies fibrotic tissues in collagen-related disorders via deconvoluted collagen type I spectra. Acta Biomater 2023; 162:278-291. [PMID: 36931422 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a consequence of the pathological remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) structures in the connective tissue of an organ. It is often caused by chronic inflammation, which over time, progressively leads to an excess deposition of collagen type I (COL I) that replaces healthy tissue structures, in many cases leaving a stiff scar. Increasing fibrosis can lead to organ failure and death; therefore, developing methods that potentially allow real-time monitoring of early onset or progression of fibrosis are highly valuable. In this study, the ECM structures of diseased and healthy human tissue from multiple organs were investigated for the presence of fibrosis using routine histology and marker-independent Raman microspectroscopy and Raman imaging. Spectral deconvolution of COL I Raman spectra allowed the discrimination of fibrotic and non-fibrotic COL I fibers. Statistically significant differences were identified in the amide I region of the spectral subpeak at 1608 cm-1, which was deemed to be representative for structural changes in COL I fibers in all examined fibrotic tissues. Raman spectroscopy-based methods in combination with this newly discovered spectroscopic biomarker potentially offer a diagnostic approach to non-invasively track and monitor the progression of fibrosis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Current diagnosis of fibrosis still relies on histopathological examination with invasive biopsy procedures. Although, several non-invasive imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography and second harmonic generation are gradually employed in preclinical or clinical studies, these techniques are limited in spatial resolution and the morphological interpretation highly relies on individual experience and knowledge. In this study, we propose a non-destructive technique, Raman microspectroscopy, to discriminate fibrotic changes of collagen type I based on a molecular biomarker. The changes of the secondary structure of collagen type I can be identified by spectral deconvolution, which potentially can provide an automatic diagnosis for fibrotic tissues in the clinical applicaion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Becker
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Silcherstr. 7/1, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chuan-En Lu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Silcherstr. 7/1, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Shannon L Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Silcherstr. 7/1, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Suzan Khalil
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 675 Charles E. Young Drive South, MRL 3645 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ali Nsair
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 675 Charles E. Young Drive South, MRL 3645 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Garry P Duffy
- Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33, Galway, Ireland
| | - Falko Fend
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Marzi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Silcherstr. 7/1, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Silcherstr. 7/1, Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany; NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, Markwiesenstr. 55, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany.
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19
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Ormeloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, protects against pulmonary hypertension. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 943:175558. [PMID: 36731722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Protective effect of 17β-estradiol is well-known in pulmonary hypertension. However, estrogen-based therapy may potentially increase the risk of breast cancer, necessitating a search for novel drugs. This study, therefore, investigated the ameliorative effects of a selective estrogen receptor modulator, ormeloxifene, in pulmonary hypertension. METHODS Cardiomyocytes (H9C2) and human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) were exposed to hypoxia (1% O2) for 42 and 96 h, respectively, with or without ormeloxifene pre-treatment (1 μM). Also, female (ovary-intact or ovariectomized) and male Sprague-Dawley rats received monocrotaline (60 mg/kg, once, subcutaneously), with or without ormeloxifene treatment (2.5 mg/kg, orally) for four weeks. RESULTS Hypoxia dysregulated 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) 1 & 2 expressions, reducing 17β-estradiol production and estrogen receptors α and β in HPASMC but increasing estrone, proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Similarly, monocrotaline decreased plasma 17β-estradiol and uterine weight in ovary-intact rats. Further, monocrotaline altered 17βHSD1 & 2 expressions and reduced estrogen receptors α and β, increasing right ventricular pressure, proliferation, inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, and vascular remodeling in female and male rats, with worsened conditions in ovariectomized rats. Ormeloxifene was less uterotrophic; however, it attenuated both hypoxia and monocrotaline effects by improving pulmonary 17β-estradiol synthesis. Furthermore, ormeloxifene decreased cardiac hypertrophy and right ventricular remodeling induced by hypoxia and monocrotaline. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that ormeloxifene promoted pulmonary 17β-estradiol synthesis, alleviated inflammation, improved the NOX4/HO1/Nrf/PPARγ/PGC-1α axis, and attenuated pulmonary hypertension. It is evidently safe at tested concentrations and may be effectively repurposed for pulmonary hypertension treatment.
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20
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Yang G, Li X, Zhang W, Wu N, Chen H, Liu X, Jiang H. Quantitative T2 mapping monitoring the maturation of engineered elastic cartilage in a rabbit model. BMC Med Imaging 2023; 23:36. [PMID: 36879206 PMCID: PMC9987110 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-023-00985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cartilage tissue engineering provides a promising approach to reconstruct craniofacial defects, and a noninvasive method is needed to assess its effectiveness. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to evaluate articular cartilage in vivo, few studies focused on its feasibility in monitoring engineered elastic cartilage (EC). METHODS Auricular cartilage, silk fibroin (SF) scaffold, and EC consisting of rabbit auricular chondrocytes and SF scaffold were transplanted subcutaneously into the rabbit back. In eight weeks after transplantation, grafts were imaged by MRI using PROSET, PDW VISTA SPAIR, 3D T2 VISTA, 2D MIXED T2 Multislice, and SAG TE multiecho sequences, followed by histological examination and biochemical analysis. Statistical analyses were performed to identify the association between T2 values and biochemical indicator values of EC. RESULTS In vivo imaging shows that 2D MIXED T2 Multislice sequence (T2 mapping) clearly distinguished the native cartilage, engineered cartilage and fibrous tissue. T2 values showed high correlations with cartilage-specific biochemical parameters at different time points, especially the elastic cartilage specific protein elastin (ELN, r= -0.939, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Quantitative T2 mapping can effectively detect the in vivo maturity of engineered elastic cartilage after subcutaneously transplantation. This study would promote the clinical application of MRI T2 mapping in monitoring engineered elastic cartilage in the repair of craniofacial defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Yang
- Auricular Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 33 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, 100144, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, 100005, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dongdan Santiao, Dongcheng District, 100005, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nier Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, 100871, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haifeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, 5 Yiheyuan Road, Haidian District, 100871, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Liu
- Research Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 33 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, 100144, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Haiyue Jiang
- Auricular Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, 33 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, 100144, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Mora EMM, Champer MI, Huang W, Campagnola PJ, Grimes MD. Collagen is More Abundant and Structurally Altered in Lichen Sclerosus. Urology 2023; 173:192-197. [PMID: 36509210 PMCID: PMC10038846 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that genital skin and male urethra affected by lichen sclerosus (LS) has increased collagen content and altered collagen structure. METHODS We used picrosirius red to stain and image collagen in human urethral, vulvar, and foreskin specimens with and without LS. Using Image J software, we quantified and compared (1) collagen content (using 2o metrics: collagen proportionate area [CPA] and collagen fiber count), (2) collagen fiber length and width, and (3) collagen structure using the texture analysis technique gray level co-localization matrix (GLCM) with respect to LS status and tissue type. RESULTS We analyzed 23 LS specimens (vulva n=9, urethra n=7, foreskin n=7) and 29 non-LS specimens (vulva n=9, urethra n=7, foreskin n=13). Fiber count and CPA were significantly higher in all LS specimens compared to non-LS specimens (CPA: mean±SD 0.971±0.03 vs 0.948±0.02, P < .007; fiber count: mean±SD = 2906±127 vs 2509±78 fibers; P = .003). Collagen fiber width and length were similar with respect to LS status. GLCM analysis showed decreased inverse difference moment and increased entropy in LS tissues indicative of less homogeneous and more disorganized tissue structure (P<.001). CONCLUSION LS tissues have greater collagen content compared to non-LS tissues. Quantitative assessment of collagen organization, using GLCM, revealed less homogeneity and more disorganization of collagen in LS compared to non-LS tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that alterations in physical tissue properties seen in LS may be due to both increased collagen abundance and altered structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo M Miranda Mora
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Melissa I Champer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Paul J Campagnola
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Matthew D Grimes
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
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22
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Gerard L, Lecocq M, Courtoy G, Bouzin C, Plante-Bordeneuve T, Pilette C. Quantification of lung fibrosis in COVID-19 related and -unrelated ARDS. Rev Mal Respir 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2022.11.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
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23
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Catalpol Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via Mechanisms Involving Sirtuin-1 Activation and NF-κB Inhibition in Experimentally-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15010237. [PMID: 36615896 PMCID: PMC9824177 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a stealthy disease, and its development is linked to mechanisms including inflammation and oxidative stress. Catalpol (CAT), an iridoid glucoside from the root of Rehmannia glutinosa, is reported to manifest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic and antifibrotic properties. Hence, we studied the possible nephroprotective effects of CAT and its mechanisms in an adenine-induced (0.2% w/w in feed for 4 weeks) murine model of CKD by administering 5 mg/kg CAT to BALB/c mice for the duration of 4 weeks except during weekends. Upon sacrifice, the kidney, plasma and urine were collected and various physiological, biochemical and histological endpoints were assessed. CAT significantly ameliorated the adenine-induced altered body and kidney weight, water intake, urine volume, and concentrations of urea and creatinine in plasma, as well as the creatinine clearance and the albumin and creatinine ratio. Moreover, CAT significantly ameliorated the effect of adenine-induced kidney injury by reducing the kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C and adiponectin. Similarly, the augmented concentrations of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the adenine-treated group were markedly reduced with CAT pretreatment. Furthermore, CAT prevented adenine-induced deoxyribonucleic acid damage and apoptotic activity in the kidneys. Histologically, CAT significantly reduced the formation of tubular necrosis and dilation, as well as interstitial fibrosis in the kidney. In addition to that, CAT significantly decreased the adenine-induced increase in the phosphorylated NF-κB and reversed the reduced expression of sirtuin-1 in the kidney. In conclusion, CAT exhibits salutary effects against adenine-induced CKD in mice by mitigating inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis via mechanisms involving sirtuin-1 activation and NF-κB inhibition. Confirmatory studies are warranted in order to consider CAT as a potent nephroprotective agent against CKD.
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24
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Wilczynski E, Sasson E, Eliav U, Navon G, Nevo U. Quantitative Magnetization EXchange MRI Measurement of Liver Fibrosis Model in Rodents. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 57:285-295. [PMID: 35521943 PMCID: PMC10084184 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantitative MRI can elucidate the complex microstructural changes in liver disease. The Magnetization EXchange (MEX) method estimates macromolecular fraction, such as collagen, and can potentially aid in this task. HYPOTHESIS MEX sequence, and its derived quantitative macromolecular fraction, should correlate with collagen deposition in rodents liver fibrosis model. STUDY TYPE Prospective. ANIMAL MODEL Sixteen adults Sprague-Dawley rats and 13 adults C57BL/6 strain mice given carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) twice weekly for 6 or 8 weeks. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A 7 T scanner. MEX sequence (selective suppression and magnetization exchange), spin-echo and gradient-echo scans. ASSESSMENT Macromolecular fraction (F) and T1 were extracted for each voxel and for livers' regions of interest, additional to calculating the percentage of F > 0.1 pixels in F maps (high-F). Histology included staining with hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red and Masson trichrome, and inflammation scoring. Quantitative collagen percentage calculated using automatic spectral-segmentation of the staining. STATISTICAL TESTS Comparing CCl4 -treated groups and controls using Welch's t-test and paired t-test between different time points. Pearson's correlation used between ROI MEX parameters or high-F fraction, and quantitative histology. F or T1 , and inflammation scores were tested with one-sided t-test. P < 0.05 was deemed significant. RESULTS Rats: F values were significantly different after 6 weeks of treatment (0.10 ± 0.02) compared to controls (0.080 ± 0.003). After 8 weeks, F significantly increased (0.11 ± 0.02) in treated animals, while controls are not significant (0.0814 ± 0.0008, P = 0.079). F correlated with quantitative histology (R = 0.87), and T1 was significantly different between inflammation scores (1: 1332 ± 224 msec, 2: 2007 ± 464 msec). Mice: F was significantly higher (0.062 ± 0.006) in treatment group compared to controls (0.042 ± 0.006). F and high-F fraction correlated with quantitative histology (R = 0.88; R = 0.84). T1 was significantly different between inflammation scores (1:1366 ± 99 msec; 2:1648 ± 45 msec). DATA CONCLUSION MEX extracted parameters are sensitive to collagen deposition and inflammation and are correlated with histology results of mouse and rat liver fibrosis model. EVIDENCE LEVEL 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Wilczynski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Sasson
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uzi Eliav
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Navon
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Nevo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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25
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Automated whole slide image analysis for a translational quantification of liver fibrosis. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17935. [PMID: 36333365 PMCID: PMC9636208 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Current literature highlights the need for precise histological quantitative assessment of fibrosis which cannot be achieved by conventional scoring systems, inherent to their discontinuous values and reader-dependent variability. Here we used an automated image analysis software to measure fibrosis deposition in two relevant preclinical models of liver fibrosis, and established correlation with other quantitative fibrosis descriptors. Longitudinal quantification of liver fibrosis was carried out during progression of post-necrotic (CCl4-induced) and metabolic (HF-CDAA feeding) models of chronic liver disease in mice. Whole slide images of picrosirius red-stained liver sections were analyzed using a fully automated, unsupervised software. Fibrosis was characterized by a significant increase of collagen proportionate area (CPA) at weeks 3 (CCl4) and 8 (HF-CDAA) with a progressive increase up to week 18 and 24, respectively. CPA was compared to collagen content assessed biochemically by hydroxyproline assay (HYP) and by standard histological staging systems. CPA showed a high correlation with HYP content for CCl4 (r = 0.8268) and HF-CDAA (r = 0.6799) models. High correlations were also found with Ishak score or its modified version (r = 0.9705) for CCl4 and HF-CDAA (r = 0.9062) as well as with NASH CRN for HF-CDAA (r = 0.7937). Such correlations support the use of automated digital analysis as a reliable tool to evaluate the dynamics of liver fibrosis and efficacy of antifibrotic drug candidates in preclinical models.
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26
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Cho WC. Digital Pathology: New Initiative in Pathology. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091314. [PMID: 36139153 PMCID: PMC9496471 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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27
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Nanocurcumin and curcumin prevent N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide-induced liver damage and promotion of hepatic cancer cell growth. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8319. [PMID: 35585174 PMCID: PMC9117224 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12406-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acrylamide (AC) is an environmental contaminant with cancer-promoting and cytotoxic properties, while curcumin (Cur.) is a phytochemical with documented anticancer and cytoprotective efficacy. Nanoparticle formulations can increase the efficacy of phytochemicals, so we examined the anticancer and hepatoprotective efficacies of nanocurcumin (N.Cur). Curcumin and nanocurcumin reduced HepG2 and Huh-7 cancer cell viability and increased apoptosis in the presence and absence of AC, while AC alone promoted proliferation. Furthermore, the anticancer efficacy of nanocurcumin was greater than that of curcumin. In mice, AC greatly increased hepatic expression of CYP2E1, P53, cleaved caspase-3, and COL1A1 as well as serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. These effects were reversed by nanocurcumin and curcumin. Nanocurcumin also reduced the histopathology and fibrosis caused by AC, and reversed AC-induced glycogen depletion. Nanoparticle formulation can increase the anticancer and hepatoprotective efficiencies of curcumin.
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28
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Facchin C, Certain A, Yoganathan T, Delacroix C, Garcia AA, Gaillard F, Lenoir O, Tharaux PL, Tavitian B, Balvay D. FIBER-ML, an Open-Source Supervised Machine Learning Tool for Quantification of Fibrosis in Tissue Sections. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:783-793. [PMID: 35183511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pathologic fibrosis is a major hallmark of tissue insult in many chronic diseases. Although the amount of fibrosis is recognized as a direct indicator of the extent of disease, there is no consentaneous method for its quantification in tissue sections. This study tested FIBER-ML, a semi-automated, open-source freeware that uses a machine-learning approach to quantify fibrosis automatically after a short user-controlled learning phase. Fibrosis was quantified in sirius red-stained tissue sections from two fibrogenic animal models: acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy in rats (Takotsubo syndrome-like) and HIV-induced nephropathy in mice (chronic kidney disease). The quantitative results of FIBER-ML software version 1.0 were compared with those of ImageJ in Takotsubo syndrome, and with those of inForm in chronic kidney disease. Intra- and inter-operator and inter-software correlation and agreement were assessed. All correlations were excellent (>0.95) in both data sets. The values of discriminatory power between the pathologic and healthy groups were <10-3 for data on Takotsubo syndrome and <10-4 for data on chronic kidney disease. Intra-operator agreement, assessed by intra-class coefficient correlation, was good (>0.8), while inter-operator and inter-software agreement ranged from moderate to good (>0.7). FIBER-ML performed in a fast and user-friendly manner, with reproducible and consistent quantification of fibrosis in tissue sections. It offers an open-source alternative to currently used software, including quality control and file management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Facchin
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.
| | - Anais Certain
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Thulaciga Yoganathan
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Clement Delacroix
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | | | - François Gaillard
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Olivia Lenoir
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Tharaux
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Tavitian
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Radiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hopital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Balvay
- Université de Paris, INSERM, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France; Department of Radiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hopital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.
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29
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Ravanetti F, Ferrini E, Ragionieri L, Khalajzeyqami Z, Nicastro M, Ridwan Y, Kleinjan A, Villetti G, Grandi A, Stellari FF. SSC-ILD mouse model induced by osmotic minipump delivered bleomycin: effect of Nintedanib. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18513. [PMID: 34531421 PMCID: PMC8445948 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97728-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an excessive production and accumulation of collagen in the skin and internal organs often associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Its pathogenetic mechanisms are unknown and the lack of animal models mimicking the features of the human disease is creating a gap between the selection of anti-fibrotic drug candidates and effective therapies. In this work, we intended to pharmacologically validate a SSc-ILD model based on 1 week infusion of bleomycin (BLM) by osmotic minipumps in C57/BL6 mice, since it will serve as a tool for secondary drug screening. Nintedanib (NINT) has been used as a reference compound to investigate antifibrotic activity either for lung or skin fibrosis. Longitudinal Micro-CT analysis highlighted a significant slowdown in lung fibrosis progression after NINT treatment, which was confirmed by histology. However, no significant effect was observed on lung hydroxyproline content, inflammatory infiltrate and skin lipoatrophy. The modest pharmacological effect reported here could reflect the clinical outcome, highlighting the reliability of this model to better profile potential clinical drug candidates. The integrative approach presented herein, which combines longitudinal assessments with endpoint analyses, could be harnessed in drug discovery to generate more reliable, reproducible and robust readouts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erica Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luisa Ragionieri
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Zahra Khalajzeyqami
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Nicastro
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Yanto Ridwan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Vascular Surgery and Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex Kleinjan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gino Villetti
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Corporate Pre-Clinical R&D, Largo Belloli, 11/A, 43122, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Grandi
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Corporate Pre-Clinical R&D, Largo Belloli, 11/A, 43122, Parma, Italy
| | - Franco Fabio Stellari
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., Corporate Pre-Clinical R&D, Largo Belloli, 11/A, 43122, Parma, Italy.
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30
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Saldarriaga OA, Dye B, Pham J, Wanninger TG, Millian D, Kueht M, Freiberg B, Utay N, Stevenson HL. Comparison of liver biopsies before and after direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C and correlation with clinical outcome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14506. [PMID: 34267267 PMCID: PMC8282660 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have replaced interferon (IFN)-based therapies for hepatitis C virus. In this retrospective clinical study, we examined differences in histopathologic features in paired liver biopsies collected from the same patient before and after DAA and correlated these findings with clinical outcome. Biopsies (n = 19) were evaluated by quantitative imaging analysis to measure steatosis and fibrosis. Most patients had decreased steatosis in their post-treatment, follow-up biopsies. However, one patient had a striking increase in steatosis (from 0.86 to 6.32%) and later developed decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This patient had a marked increase in fibrosis between biopsies, with a CPA of 6.74 to 32.02. Another patient, who already had bridging fibrosis at the time of her pre-treatment biopsy, developed cholangiocarcinoma after DAA. Even though the overall inflammatory activity in the post-treatment biopsies significantly decreased after treatment, 60% of patients had persistent portal lymphocytic inflammation. In summary, DAAs decreased steatosis and hepatic inflammation in most patients, although some may have persistence of lymphocytic portal inflammation. Patients known to have advanced fibrosis at treatment initiation and who have other risk factors for ongoing liver injury, such as steatosis, should be followed closely for the development of adverse outcomes, such as portal hypertension and primary liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar A Saldarriaga
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA
| | - Bradley Dye
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA
| | - Judy Pham
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA
| | - Timothy G Wanninger
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA
| | - Daniel Millian
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA
| | - Michael Kueht
- Dept. of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA
| | - Benjamin Freiberg
- Digital Pathology, Araceli Biosciences, 7425 NE Evergreen Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR, 97124, USA
| | - Netanya Utay
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 7000 Fannin St # 1200, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Heather L Stevenson
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0144, USA.
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 712 Texas Avenue, Clinical Services Wing-Room 5.506Q, Galveston, TX, 77555-0416, USA.
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31
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Testa LC, Jule Y, Lundh L, Bertotti K, Merideth MA, O'Brien KJ, Nathan SD, Venuto DC, El-Chemaly S, Malicdan MCV, Gochuico BR. Automated Digital Quantification of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Human Histopathology Specimens. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:607720. [PMID: 34211981 PMCID: PMC8240807 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.607720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by abnormal interstitial extracellular matrix and cellular accumulations. Methods quantifying fibrosis severity in lung histopathology samples are semi-quantitative, subjective, and analyze only portions of sections. We sought to determine whether automated computerized imaging analysis shown to continuously measure fibrosis in mice could also be applied in human samples. A pilot study was conducted to analyze a small number of specimens from patients with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome pulmonary fibrosis (HPSPF) or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Digital images of entire lung histological serial sections stained with picrosirius red and alcian blue or anti-CD68 antibody were analyzed using dedicated software to automatically quantify fibrosis, collagen, and macrophage content. Automated fibrosis quantification based on parenchymal tissue density and fibrosis score measurements was compared to pulmonary function values or Ashcroft score. Automated fibrosis quantification of HPSPF lung explants was significantly higher than that of IPF lung explants or biopsies and was also significantly higher in IPF lung explants than in IPF biopsies. A high correlation coefficient was found between some automated quantification measurements and lung function values for the three sample groups. Automated quantification of collagen content in lung sections used for digital image analyses was similar in the three groups. CD68 immunolabeled cell measurements were significantly higher in HPSPF explants than in IPF biopsies. In conclusion, computerized image analysis provides access to accurate, reader-independent pulmonary fibrosis quantification in human histopathology samples. Fibrosis, collagen content, and immunostained cells can be automatically and individually quantified from serial sections. Robust automated digital image analysis of human lung samples enhances the available tools to quantify and study fibrotic lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Testa
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Linnea Lundh
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Melissa A Merideth
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kevin J O'Brien
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Steven D Nathan
- Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, United States
| | - Drew C Venuto
- Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant Program, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, United States
| | - Souheil El-Chemaly
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - May Christine V Malicdan
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bernadette R Gochuico
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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