Adiponectin-Based Peptide (ADP355) Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Fibrosis in Keloids

LncRNA SNHG1/miR-320b/CTNNB1 axis regulating the collective migration of fibroblasts in the formation of keloid

BACKGROUND

To explore the regulatory molecular mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) expression on keloid formation.

METHODS

The expression differences of SNHG1, miR-320b, and Catenin Beta 1 (CTNNB1) in keloid tissue and normal skin tissue of patients with keloid were detected. Normal cultured human fibroblasts were used as the Blank group (Blank) and then transfected with si-SNHG1 to silence SNHG1 expression. MTT assay, Transwell chamber assay, RT-qPCR, and Western blot (WB) were used. SNHG1 and miR-320b, as well as miR-320b and CTNNB1, were found to be targeted using the dual luciferase reporter gene (DLRG) strategy.

RESULTS

As against normal skin tissue, SNHG1 and CTNNB1 were increased, while miR-320b was decreased in keloid tissue (P < 0.05). As against the Blank, there was a drop in the number of transferring and attacking cells, a decrease in the proliferative activity, an increase in the expression of miR-320b, a decrease in CTNNB1, and the relative expression (RE) of Pro-Collagen I, Cyclin D1, VEGF, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2), and MMP-9 was decreased in the si-SNHG1 group (AG) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SNHG1 could target and regulate miR-320b, and miR-320b could target and regulate CTNNB1. Fibroblast transfer, attack, and multiplication may all be prevented by reducing SNHG1 expression.

A Review of Metabolic Dysregulation in Lymphocytic Cicatricial Alopecia: Exploring the Connections and Therapeutic Implications

Lymphocytic primary cicatricial alopecia (LPCA) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by permanent hair follicle destruction and fibrosis. Recent evidence suggests a significant link between LPCA and metabolic dysregulation, particularly diabetes and dyslipidemia. This review examines the emerging role of metabolism in LPCA pathogenesis and its implications for novel therapeutic approaches. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate increased prevalence of metabolic disorders among patients with LPCA, whereas molecular investigations reveal altered metabolic pathways in affected hair follicles, including disruptions in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ signaling and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation, mechanisms that parallel those observed in other fibrotic diseases. These pathways appear to precede inflammatory changes, suggesting metabolic dysfunction as a primary trigger rather than a secondary effect. Preliminary treatments targeting these pathways, such as pioglitazone and metformin, have shown promising results in normalizing lipid metabolism and reducing inflammation, although their clinical efficacy across LPCA subtypes requires further investigation. The review also explores emerging therapeutic possibilities, including glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. Understanding the interplay between metabolic disturbances, fibrosis, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of LPCA offers new avenues for both research and treatment. This paradigm shift suggests the need for metabolic screening in patients with LPCA and highlights the potential for developing more comprehensive, metabolism-targeted therapies to improve outcomes in these challenging hair disorders.

Endothelial Dysfunction in Keloid Formation and Therapeutic Insights

Keloids are benign fibroproliferative tumors that cause significant physical and mental morbidity owing to their disfiguring appearance, chronic symptoms, and resistance to treatment. Although fibroblast hyperproliferation and excessive extracellular matrix deposition have been extensively studied, less attention has been paid to the role of vascular dysregulation and endothelial dysfunction (ED) in keloid pathogenesis. Emerging evidence highlights abnormal angiogenesis, vascular irregularities, and endothelial injury as critical drivers of fibrosis in keloids. This review explores the direct and indirect mechanisms of ED in keloid progression, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, inflammation, immune cell crosstalk, and hypoxia. In addition, various treatment strategies targeting angiogenesis and ED, such as drugs, radiotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, compression, and laser treatments, are comprehensively reviewed. This review explores keloids through the lens of vasculature and endothelium, emphasizing the critical roles of vascular dysregulation and ED. It aims to provide insights into the mechanisms of keloid formation and serve as a reference for developing future therapeutic strategies.

Daidzein alleviates skin fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β1 signaling pathway via targeting PKM2

Skin fibrosis including keloids, which are characterized including excessive deposition, abnormal proliferation, aggressiveness, and migration of the extracellular matrix of dermal fibroblasts. TGF-β signaling is a classical pro-fibrotic pathway, and it plays a crucial part in the occurrence and progression of skin fibrosis. Daidzein (Dai), an isoflavone compound, has been proved to possess anti-fibrosis effect by TGF-β signaling in various inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. However, little is known about Dai on skin fibrosis. Therefore, we further explored the potential effects and mechanisms of daidzein on skin fibrosis. As expected, Dai suppressed proliferation, migration and activation mouse primary dermal fibroblasts and keloid fibroblasts. Meanwhile, Dai also ameliorated bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis and reduced fibrotic markers of keloid tissues. In addition, Dai could target PKM2 to inhibit TGF-β1/Smad signaling in skin fibrosis. Overall, our research demonstrated that Dai might become a potential therapeutic candidate drug for skin fibrosis.

Osteogenic effect of an adiponectin-derived short peptide that rebalances bone remodeling: a potential disease-modifying approach for postmenopausal osteoporosis therapy

Adiponectin, an adipokine, regulates metabolic processes, including glucose flux, lipid breakdown, and insulin response, by activating adiponectin receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2). We have previously shown that globular adiponectin (gAd), an endogenous form of adiponectin, has osteoanabolic and anti-catabolic effects in rodent models of postmenopausal osteopenia. Moreover, we reported the identification of a 13-mer peptide (ADP-1) from the collagen domain of adiponectin, which exhibited significant adiponectin-mimetic properties. Since the clinical development of gAd is constrained by its large size, here, we investigated the osteogenic property of ADP-1. ADP-1 induced osteoblast differentiation more potently than gAd. ADP-1 elicited osteoblast differentiation through two downstream pathways that involved the participation of adiponectin receptors. Firstly, it enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and OxPhos, leading to osteoblast differentiation. Secondly, it activated the Akt-glycogen synthase kinase 3β-Wnt pathway, thereby increasing osteoblast differentiation. Additionally, ADP-1 suppressed the production of receptor-activator of nuclear kappa B ligand from osteoblasts, enabling it to act as a dual-action molecule (suppressing osteoclast function besides promoting osteoblast function). In osteopenic ovariectomized rats, ADP-1 increased bone mass and strength and improved trabecular integrity by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. Furthermore, by increasing ATP-producing intermediates within the tricarboxylic acid cycle in bones, ADP-1 likely fueled osteoblast function. Given its dual-action mechanism and high potency, ADP-1 offers a unique opportunity to address the unmet clinical need to reset the aberrant bone remodeling in osteoporosis to normalcy, potentially offering a disease-modifying impact.

The role of adiponectin and its receptor signaling in ocular inflammation-associated diseases

Ocular inflammation-associated diseases are leading causes of global visual impairment, with limited treatment options. Adiponectin, a hormone primarily secreted by adipose tissue, binds to its receptors, which are widely distributed throughout the body, exerting powerful physiological regulatory effects. The protective role of adiponectin in various inflammatory diseases has gained increasing attention in recent years. Previous studies have confirmed the presence of adiponectin and its receptors in the eyes. Furthermore, adiponectin and its analogs have shown potential as novel drugs for the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases. This article summarizes the evidence for the interplay between adiponectin and inflammatory eye diseases and provides new perspectives on the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of adiponectin.

Derazantinib Inhibits the Bioactivity of Keloid Fibroblasts via FGFR Signaling

Keloids are common benign cutaneous pathological fibrous proliferation diseases, which are difficult to cure and easily recur. Studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1) was enhanced in pathological fibrous proliferation diseases, such as cirrhosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), suggesting the FGFR1 pathway has potential for keloid treatment. Derazantinib is a selective FGFR inhibitor with antiproliferative activity in in vitro and in vivo models. The present study determined the effects of derazantinib on human keloid fibroblasts (KFs). Cell viability assay, migration assay, invasion assay, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, HE staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to analyze the KFs and keloid xenografts. In this study, we found that derazantinib inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and collagen production of KFs in vitro. The transcription and expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which is closely related to collagen deposition and tissue fibrosis, was significantly inhibited. Also, derazantinib inhibited the expression of FGFR1 and PAI-1 and reduced the weight of the implanted keloid from the xenograft mice model. These findings suggest that derazantinib may be a potent therapy for keloids via FGFR signaling.

AdipoRon and ADP355, adiponectin receptor agonists, in Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): A systematic review

Adiponectin replacement therapy holds the potential to benefit numerous human diseases, and ongoing research applies particular interest in how adiponectin acts against Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the pharmacological limitations of the intact protein have prompted a focus on alternative options, specifically peptidic and small molecule agonists targeting the adiponectin receptor. AdipoRon is an extensively researched non-peptidic drug candidate in adiponectin replacement therapy. In turn, ADP355 is an adiponectin-based active short peptide. They have garnered significant attention due to their potential as substitutes for adiponectin. Researchers have studied AdipoRon's and ADP355's efficacy and therapeutic applications in various disease conditions. However, the effects of AdipoRon and ADP355 against NAFLD and NASH models advanced more, and no systematic review explored this area before. This systematic review was conceived to address the deficiency mentioned above and consider the lack of clinical evidence. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized. To assess the risk of bias in systematic review, The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was employed. Results from pre-clinical evidence show that AdipoRon and ADP355 represent promising effects in NAFLD and NASH-related models, including reducing hepatic steatosis, modulating inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing mitochondrial function, and protecting against liver fibrosis. While AdipoRon and ADP355 exhibit promise in pre-clinical studies and experimental models, additional clinical trials are necessary to assess their effectiveness, safety, and potential translational therapeutic potential uses in NAFLD and NASH human cases.

Progress in the clinical treatment of keloids

Keloid is a pathological scar that is higher than the skin surface following skin damage. Its lesion range often extends beyond the original damage boundary and does not naturally subside over time. Its pathogenesis is very complex, currently the main causes include fibroblast excessive proliferation, collagen and extracellular matrix (Extracellular matrix, ECM) excessive deposition, excessive angiogenesis, and so on. The traditional treatment method primarily involves surgical intervention, but it is associated with a high recurrence rate post-surgery. Consequently, many treatment methods are derived according to the different clinical characteristics of keloid. This paper will review the therapeutic progress in recent years from surgical treatment, physiotherapy, drug therapy, and biological therapy, with the goal of offering valuable insights for the clinical treatment of keloids.

The Adiponectin Receptor Agonist, ALY688: A Promising Therapeutic for Fibrosis in the Dystrophic Muscle

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one of the most devastating myopathies, where severe inflammation exacerbates disease progression. Previously, we demonstrated that adiponectin (ApN), a hormone with powerful pleiotropic effects, can efficiently improve the dystrophic phenotype. However, its practical therapeutic application is limited. In this study, we investigated ALY688, a small peptide ApN receptor agonist, as a potential novel treatment for DMD. Four-week-old mdx mice were subcutaneously treated for two months with ALY688 and then compared to untreated mdx and wild-type mice. In vivo and ex vivo tests were performed to assess muscle function and pathophysiology. Additionally, in vitro tests were conducted on human DMD myotubes. Our results showed that ALY688 significantly improved the physical performance of mice and exerted potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-fibrotic actions on the dystrophic muscle. Additionally, ALY688 hampered myonecrosis, partly mediated by necroptosis, and enhanced the myogenic program. Some of these effects were also recapitulated in human DMD myotubes. ALY688's protective and beneficial properties were mainly mediated by the AMPK-PGC-1α axis, which led to suppression of NF-κβ and TGF-β. Our results demonstrate that an ApN mimic may be a promising and effective therapeutic prospect for a better management of DMD.

Adiponectin inhibits TGF-β1-induced skin fibroblast proliferation and phenotype transformation via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adiponectin (APN) on the proliferation and phenotypic transformation of human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) induced by TGF-β1. Primary fibroblast cultures were collected from prepuce surgery, and the cell viability and proliferative activity of HSFs were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and EdU assays. In addition, cell migration was detected by Transwell assay. The protein levels of related genes in HSF were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that the proliferation and migration abilities of HSF in the TGF-β1 group were significantly improved, and the relative protein expression levels of PCNA, α-SMA, and Collagen I in the TGF-β1 group were greatly increased. Furthermore, TGF-β1 stimulated the phosphorylation of p38 in HSF, while APN pretreatment significantly inhibited the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38. Additionally, blocking the p38 MAPK signaling pathway relieved the injury in the HSF induced by TGF-β1 and enhanced the therapeutic effect of APN in the TGF-β1-treated HSF. In conclusion, APN inhibits TGF-β1-induced HSF proliferation and myofibroblast phenotypic transformation by activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. APN is expected to become a potential target for preventing and treating skin fibrosis and pathological scars.

Emergent Peptides of the Antifibrotic Arsenal: Taking Aim at Myofibroblast Promoting Pathways

Myofibroblasts are the principal effector cells driving fibrosis, and their accumulation in tissues is a fundamental feature of fibrosis. Essential pathways have been identified as being central to promoting myofibroblast differentiation, revealing multiple targets for intervention. Compared with large proteins and antibodies, peptide-based therapies have transpired to serve as biocompatible and cost-effective solutions to exert biomimicry, agonistic, and antagonistic activities with a high degree of targeting specificity and selectivity. In this review, we summarize emergent antifibrotic peptides and their utilization for the targeted prevention of myofibroblasts. We then highlight recent studies on peptide inhibitors of upstream pathogenic processes that drive the formation of profibrotic cell phenotypes. We also briefly discuss peptides from non-mammalian origins that show promise as antifibrotic therapeutics. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives of peptide design and development in targeting myofibroblasts to mitigate fibrosis.

The role of vasoactive peptides in skin homeostasis-focus on adiponectin and the kallikrein-kinin system

Vasoactive peptides often serve a multitude of functions aside from their direct effects on vasodynamics. This article will review the existing literature on two vasoactive peptides and their involvement in skin homeostasis: adiponectin and-as the main representative of the kallikrein-kinin system-bradykinin. Adiponectin is the most abundantly expressed adipokine in the human organism, where it is mainly localized in fat depots including subcutaneous adipose tissue, from where adiponectin can exert paracrine effects. The involvement of adiponectin in skin homeostasis is supported by a number of studies reporting the effects of adiponectin in isolated human keratinocytes, sebocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and immune cells. Regarding skin pathology, the potential involvement of adiponectin in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, scleroderma, keloid, and melanogenesis is discussed in this article. The kallikrein-kinin system is composed of a variety of enzymes and peptides, most of which have been identified to be expressed in the skin. This also includes the expression of bradykinin receptors on most skin cells. Bradykinin is one of the very few hormones that is targeted by treatment in routine clinical use in dermatology-in this case for the treatment of hereditary angioedema. The potential involvement of bradykinin in wound healing, psoriasis, and melanoma is further discussed in this article. This review concludes with a call for additional preclinical and clinical studies to further explore the therapeutic potential of adiponectin supplementation (for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, wound healing, scleroderma, and keloid) or pharmacological interference with the kallikrein-kinin system (for wound healing, psoriasis, and melanoma).

Research update of adipose tissue-based therapies in regenerative dermatology

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have a spontaneous propensity to support tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Among the several sources of MSCs, adipose-derived tissue stem cells (ADSCs) have received major interest due to the higher mesenchymal stem cells concentration, ease, and safety of access. However, since a significant part of the natural capacity of ADSCs to repair damaged tissue is ascribable to their secretory activity that combines mitogenic factors, cytokines, chemokines, lipids, and extracellular matrix components, several studies focused on cell-free strategies. Furthermore, adipose cell-free derivatives are becoming more attractive especially for non-volumizing purposes, such as most dermatological conditions. However, when keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes, adipocytes, and hair follicle cells might not be locally sourced, graft of materials containing concentrated ADSCs is preferred. The usage of extracellular elements of adipose tissue aims to promote a self-autonomous regenerative microenvironment in the receiving area restoring physiological homeostasis. Hence, ADSCs or their paracrine activity are currently being studied in several dermatological settings including wound healing, skin fibrosis, burn, and aging.The present work analyzing both preclinical and clinical experiences gives an overview of the efficacy of adipose tissue-derivatives like autologous fat, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), purified ADSCs, secretome and extracellular matrix graft in the field of regenerative medicine for the skin.

Development, validation, and application of an UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of the adiponectin-derived active peptide ADP355 in rat plasma

An UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of ADP355, an adiponectin-derived active peptide, was developed and validated. The extraction method employed simple protein precipitation using methanol and the chromatographic separation was achieved on the Accucore™ RP-MS C18 column (100 × 2.1mm, 2.6 μm, 80 Å), using 0.1% formic acid in both water and acetonitrile with gradient elution at the flow rate of 400 μL/min within 4.0 min. Detections were performed under positive ion mode with MRM ion transitions m/z 1109.2→309.8 and 871.4→310.1 for ADP355 and Jt003 respectively at unit resolution. The linearity range of the calibration curve was 2-1000 ng/mL with lower limit detection of 0.5 ng/mL. Selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability were validated, and all items met the requirement of FDA guidance. This method has been successfully applied to an intravenous pharmacokinetic study of ADP355 in rats and the in-vitro stability in rat serum, plasma, and whole blood was also assessed.

Pinocembrin Ameliorates Skin Fibrosis via Inhibiting TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway

Skin fibrotic diseases, such as keloids, are mainly caused by pathologic scarring of wounds during healing and characterized by benign cutaneous overgrowths of dermal fibroblasts. Current surgical and therapeutic modalities of skin fibrosis are unsatisfactory. Pinocembrin, a natural flavonoid, has been shown to possess a vast range of pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities. In this study we explored the potential effect and mechanisms of pinocembrin on skin fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies indicated that pinocembrin dose-dependently suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of keloid fibroblasts and mouse primary dermal fibroblasts. The in vivo studies showed that pinocembrin could effectively alleviate bleomycin (BLM)-induced skin fibrosis and reduce the gross weight and fibrosis-related protein expression of keloid tissues in xenograft mice. Further mechanism studies indicated that pinocembrin could suppress TGF-β1/Smad signaling and attenuate TGF-β1-induced activation of skin fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of pinocembrin for skin fibrosis.

Concentrated small extracellular vesicles from menstrual blood-derived stromal cells improve intrauterine adhesion, a pre-clinical study in a rat model

We previously reported that transplantation of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) significantly improved fertility restoration in intrauterine adhesion (IUA). However, it is difficult to obtain menstrual blood samples in some severe IUA patients who have amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. Thus, a safe and effective stem cell replacement therapy is necessary to promote endometrial regeneration. Recent studies demonstrated that the effects of MenSCs are partly mediated in a paracrine manner via small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). To explore this possibility, we performed a pre-clinical study to investigate whether concentrated MenSC-derived sEVs (MenSCs-sEVs) are sufficient to repair IUA and the mechanisms underlying their action. Rat IUA models were established by mechanical injury, followed by the administration of MenSCs or MenSCs-sEVs through intrauterine transplantation. Consistent with the efficacy of MenSCs, MenSCs-sEVs effectively recovered the morphology, promoted regeneration of the glands and angiogenesis, and reversed endometrial fibrosis in the IUA uterus. The endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcome significantly improved after repeated MenSCs-sEVs transplantations. In addition, all rats in the MenSCs-sEVs group had no hematological or biochemical abnormalities. Three-dimensional fluorescence imaging suggested that MenSCs tended to migrate through the bloodstream, whereas MenSCs-sEVs had a better localized therapeutic effect. Moreover, MenSCs and MenSCs-sEVs inhibited the TGFβ1/SMAD3 pathway in the IUA endometrium, while promoting the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 and ERK 1/2 and upregulating the expression of BMP7. Thus, MenSCs-sEVs safely and effectively enhanced endometrial restoration, suggesting a promising non-cellular therapy for endometrial regeneration and a key role in MenSC-mediated IUA treatment.

Advances in understanding the role of adiponectin in renal fibrosis

Renal fibrosis is characterized by the proliferation of renal intrinsic cells, activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), processes that lead to the progressive loss of renal function. Renal fibrosis is characterized by the proliferation of renal intrinsic cells, activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts, and septal fibrosis is recognized as a marker for the progression of chronic kidney disease, a condition that is associated with high morbidity and mortality and is a significant public health burden. Despite extensive studies, there are no effective treatments for renal fibrosis. Adiponectin (APN) is a protein mainly produced by adipocytes that has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, improves insulin resistance and provides other salutary effects. Recent studies found that APN can inhibit ECM deposition by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress, and by regulating the TGF-β, AMPK, MCP-1 and other signalling pathways. Many recent studies have examined the roles of these pathways in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. In this article, we review the pathogenic mechanism of APN in renal fibrosis and provide a theoretical basis for delaying and blocking renal fibrosis by alteration of APN activity.