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Renaud L, Wilson CL, Lafyatis R, Schnapp LM, Feghali-Bostwick CA. Transcriptomic characterization of lung pericytes in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary fibrosis. iScience 2024; 27:110010. [PMID: 38868196 PMCID: PMC11167435 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by fibrosis and vascular abnormalities in the skin and internal organs, including the lung. SSc-associated pulmonary fibrosis (SSc-PF) is the leading cause of death in SSc patients. Pericytes are key regulators of vascular integrity and endothelial function. The role that pericytes play in SSc-PF remains unclear. We compared the transcriptome of pericytes from SSc-PF lungs (SScL) to pericytes from normal lungs (NORML). We identified 1,179 differentially expressed genes in SScL pericytes. Pathways enriched in SScL pericytes included prostaglandin, PI3K-AKT, calcium, and vascular remodeling signaling. Decreased cyclic AMP production and altered phosphorylation of AKT in response to prostaglandin E2 in SScL pericytes demonstrate the functional consequence of changes in the prostaglandin pathway that may contribute to fibrosis. The transcriptomic signature of SSc lung pericytes suggests that they promote vascular dysfunction and contribute to the loss of protection against lung inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Carole L. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lynn M. Schnapp
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Hoffmann MH, Kirchner H, Krönke G, Riemekasten G, Bonelli M. Inflammatory tissue priming: novel insights and therapeutic opportunities for inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-224092. [PMID: 38702177 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224092] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Due to optimised treatment strategies and the availability of new therapies during the last decades, formerly devastating chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic sclerosis (SSc) have become less menacing. However, in many patients, even state-of-the-art treatment cannot induce remission. Moreover, the risk for flares strongly increases once anti-inflammatory therapy is tapered or withdrawn, suggesting that underlying pathological processes remain active even in the absence of overt inflammation. It has become evident that tissues have the ability to remember past encounters with pathogens, wounds and other irritants, and to react more strongly and/or persistently to the next occurrence. This priming of the tissue bears a paramount role in defence from microbes, but on the other hand drives inflammatory pathologies (the Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde aspect of tissue adaptation). Emerging evidence suggests that long-lived tissue-resident cells, such as fibroblasts, macrophages, long-lived plasma cells and tissue-resident memory T cells, determine inflammatory tissue priming in an interplay with infiltrating immune cells of lymphoid and myeloid origin, and with systemically acting factors such as cytokines, extracellular vesicles and antibodies. Here, we review the current state of science on inflammatory tissue priming, focusing on tissue-resident and tissue-occupying cells in arthritis and SSc, and reflect on the most promising treatment options targeting the maladapted tissue response during these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henriette Kirchner
- Institute for Human Genetics, Epigenetics and Metabolism Lab, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- Department of Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Takahashi T, Takahashi T, Ikawa T, Terui H, Takahashi T, Segawa Y, Sumida H, Yoshizaki A, Sato S, Asano Y. Serum levels of AGGF1: Potential association with cutaneous and cardiopulmonary involvements in systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2024. [PMID: 38619119 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17233] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, aberrant immune activation, and extensive tissue fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Because of the complicated nature of its pathogenesis, the underlying mechanisms of SSc remain incompletely understood. Angiogenic factor with a G-patch domain and a Forkhead-associated domain 1 (AGGF1) is a critical factor in angiogenesis expressed on vascular endothelial cells, associated with inflammatory and fibrotic responses. To elucidate the possible implication of AGGF1 in SSc pathogenesis, we investigated the association between serum AGGF1 levels and clinical manifestations in SSc patients. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of AGGF1 levels in sera from 60 SSc patients and 19 healthy controls with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum AGGF1 levels in SSc patients were significantly higher than those in healthy individuals. In particular, diffuse cutaneous SSc patients with shorter disease duration had higher levels compared to those with longer disease duration and limited cutaneous SSc patients. Patients with higher serum AGGF1 levels had a higher incidence of digital ulcers, higher modified Rodnan Skin Scores (mRSS), elevated serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels, C-reactive protein levels, and right ventricular systolic pressures (RVSP) on the echocardiogram, whereas they had reduced percentage of vital capacity (%VC) and percentage of diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (%DLCO) in pulmonary functional tests. In line, serum AGGF1 levels were significantly correlated with mRSS, serum KL-6 and surfactant protein D levels, RVSP, and %DLCO. These results uncovered notable correlations between serum AGGF1 levels and key cutaneous and vascular involvements in SSc, suggesting potential roles of AGGF1 in SSc pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takehiro Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ikawa
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Terui
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshiya Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Segawa
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hayakazu Sumida
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Scleroderma Center, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Zhang Q, Lu C, Lu F, Liao Y, Cai J, Gao J. Challenges and opportunities in obesity: the role of adipocytes during tissue fibrosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1365156. [PMID: 38686209 PMCID: PMC11056552 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1365156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease that affects the energy balance of the whole body. In addition to increasing fat mass, tissue fibrosis occurred in white adipose tissue in obese condition. Fibrosis is the over-activation of fibroblasts leading to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which could be caused by various factors, including the status of adipocytes. The morphology of adipocytes responds rapidly and dynamically to nutrient fluctuations. Adaptive hypertrophy of normal adipocytes protects peripheral organs from damage from lipotoxicity. However, the biological behavior of hypertrophic adipocytes in chronic obesity is abnormally altered. Adipocytes lead to fibrotic remodeling of the extracellular matrix by inducing unresolved chronic inflammation, persistent hypoxia, and increasing myofibroblast numbers. Moreover, adipocyte-induced fibrosis not only restricts the flexible expansion and contraction of adipose tissue but also initiates the development of various diseases through cellular autonomic and paracrine effects. Regarding anti-fibrotic therapy, dysregulated intracellular signaling and epigenetic changes represent potential candidate targets. Thus, modulation of adipocytes may provide potential therapeutic avenues for reversing pathological fibrosis in adipose tissue and achieving the anti-obesity purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chongxuan Lu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunjun Liao
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junrong Cai
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianhua Gao
- Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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5
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Jimenez SA, Piera-Velazquez S. Cellular Transdifferentiation: A Crucial Mechanism of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2024; 20:388-404. [PMID: 37921216 DOI: 10.2174/0115733971261932231025045400] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology with a highly complex pathogenesis that despite extensive investigation is not completely understood. The clinical and pathologic manifestations of the disease result from three distinct processes: 1) Severe and frequently progressive tissue fibrosis causing exaggerated and deleterious accumulation of interstitial collagens and other extracellular matrix molecules in the skin and various internal organs; 2) extensive fibroproliferative vascular lesions affecting small arteries and arterioles causing tissue ischemic alterations; and 3) cellular and humoral immunity abnormalities with the production of numerous autoantibodies, some with very high specificity for SSc. The fibrotic process in SSc is one of the main causes of disability and high mortality of the disease. Owing to its essentially universal presence and the severity of its clinical effects, the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of tissue fibrosis have been extensively investigated, however, despite intensive investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Several recent studies have suggested that cellular transdifferentiation resulting in the phenotypic conversion of various cell types into activated myofibroblasts may be one important mechanism. Here, we review the potential role that cellular transdifferentiation may play in the development of severe and often progressive tissue fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Jimenez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
| | - Sonsoles Piera-Velazquez
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Jefferson Institute of Molecular Medicine and Scleroderma Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia 19107, USA
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Manetti M. The contribution of endothelial cells to tissue fibrosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2024; 36:52-60. [PMID: 37582200 PMCID: PMC10715704 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000963] [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] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Tissue fibrosis is an increasingly prevalent condition associated with various diseases and heavily impacting on global morbidity and mortality rates. Growing evidence indicates that common cellular and molecular mechanisms may drive fibrosis of diverse cause and affecting different organs. The scope of this review is to highlight recent findings in support for an important role of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, with a special focus on systemic sclerosis as a prototypic multisystem fibrotic disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Although transition of fibroblasts to chronically activated myofibroblasts is widely considered the central profibrotic switch, the endothelial cell involvement in development and progression of fibrosis has been increasingly recognized over the last few years. Endothelial cells can contribute to the fibrotic process either directly by acting as source of myofibroblasts through endothelial-to-myofibroblast transition (EndMT) and concomitant microvascular rarefaction, or indirectly by becoming senescent and/or secreting a variety of profibrotic and proinflammatory mediators with consequent fibroblast activation and recruitment of inflammatory/immune cells that further promote fibrosis. SUMMARY An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying EndMT or the acquisition of a profibrotic secretory phenotype by endothelial cells will provide the rationale for novel endothelial cell reprogramming-based therapeutic approaches to prevent and/or treat fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Kawaguchi Y, Kuwana M. Pathogenesis of vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis and its contribution to fibrosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:309-316. [PMID: 37490353 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), vascular manifestations precede skin and organ fibrosis. There is increasing evidence demonstrating a pathogenic link between early vascular injury and subsequent development of tissue fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS Our knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has changed over the last few years. There is increasing evidence showing viral infection as a potential trigger elucidating vascular injury. Due to defective vascular repair machinery, this initial event results in endothelial cell activation and apoptosis as well as the recruitment of inflammatory/immune cells, leading to endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This sequential process induces destructive vasculopathy in capillaries, fibroproliferative vascular lesions in arteries, and excessive fibrosis in the surrounding tissue. A variety of molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in vascular remodeling linked to subsequent excessive fibrosis have been identified and serve as attractive therapeutic targets for SSc. SUMMARY Endothelial injury may play a central role in connecting three features that characterize SSc pathogenesis: vasculopathy, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis. Our understanding of the processes responsible for myofibroblast differentiation triggered by vascular injury will provide the rationale for novel targeted therapies for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kawaguchi
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University School of Medicine
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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Ko J, Noviani M, Chellamuthu VR, Albani S, Low AHL. The Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis: The Origin of Fibrosis and Interlink with Vasculopathy and Autoimmunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14287. [PMID: 37762589 PMCID: PMC10532389 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814287] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease associated with increased mortality and poor morbidity, impairing the quality of life in patients. Whilst we know that SSc affects multiple organs via vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis, its exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Microvascular injury and vasculopathy are the initial pathological features of the disease. Clinically, the vasculopathy in SSc is manifested as Raynaud's phenomenon (reversible vasospasm in reaction to the cold or emotional stress) and digital ulcers due to ischemic injury. There are several reports that medications for vasculopathy, such as bosentan and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulators, improve not only vasculopathy but also dermal fibrosis, suggesting that vasculopathy is important in SSc. Although vasculopathy is an important initial step of the pathogenesis for SSc, it is still unclear how vasculopathy is related to inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the clinical evidence for vasculopathy, the major cellular players for the pathogenesis, including pericytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), and myofibroblasts, and their signaling pathway to elucidate the relationship among vasculopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsuk Ko
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
| | - Maria Noviani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Vasuki Ranjani Chellamuthu
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-National University of Singapore Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore;
| | - Andrea Hsiu Ling Low
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (J.K.); (M.N.); (S.A.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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9
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Rosa I, Romano E, Fioretto BS, El Aoufy K, Bellando-Randone S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. Lymphatic Endothelial-to-Myofibroblast Transition: A Potential New Mechanism Underlying Skin Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Cells 2023; 12:2195. [PMID: 37681927 PMCID: PMC10486460 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172195] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
At present, only a few reports have addressed the possible contribution of the lymphatic vascular system to the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Based on the evidence that blood vascular endothelial cells can undertake the endothelial-to-myofibroblast transition (EndMT) contributing to SSc-related skin fibrosis, we herein investigated whether the lymphatic endothelium might represent an additional source of profibrotic myofibroblasts through a lymphatic EndMT (Ly-EndMT) process. Skin sections from patients with SSc and healthy donors were immunostained for the lymphatic endothelial cell-specific marker lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1) in combination with α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as the main marker of myofibroblasts. Commercial human adult dermal lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (HdLy-MVECs) were challenged with recombinant human transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) or serum from SSc patients and healthy donors. The expression of lymphatic endothelial cell/myofibroblast markers was measured by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Collagen gel contraction assay was performed to assess myofibroblast-like cell contractile ability. Lymphatic endothelial cells in intermediate stages of the Ly-EndMT process (i.e., coexpressing LYVE-1 and α-SMA) were found exclusively in the fibrotic skin of SSc patients. The culturing of HdLy-MVECs with SSc serum or profibrotic TGFβ1 led to the acquisition of a myofibroblast-like morphofunctional phenotype, as well as the downregulation of lymphatic endothelial cell-specific markers and the parallel upregulation of myofibroblast markers. In SSc, the Ly-EndMT might represent a previously overlooked pathogenetic process bridging peripheral microlymphatic dysfunction and skin fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (K.E.A.); (S.B.-R.)
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
| | - Khadija El Aoufy
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (K.E.A.); (S.B.-R.)
- Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (K.E.A.); (S.B.-R.)
- Division of Rheumatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
- Imaging Platform, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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10
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Giuggioli D, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M. Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulation fosters angiogenesis and blunts myofibroblast-like features of systemic sclerosis endothelial cells. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:SI125-SI137. [PMID: 35900177 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In SSc, angiogenesis impairment advances in parallel with the development of fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts originating from different sources, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation has shown antifibrotic effects in SSc skin fibroblasts and mouse models. Here, we investigated the effects of pharmacological sGC stimulation on impaired angiogenesis and myofibroblast-like features of SSc dermal microvascular endothelial cells (SSc-MVECs). METHODS To determine whether sGC stimulation affected cell viability/proliferation, SSc-MVECs and healthy dermal MVECs (H-MVECs) were challenged with the sGC stimulator (sGCS) MK-2947 and assayed by annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry and the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay. To study angiogenesis and EndoMT, MK-2947-treated SSc-MVECs were subjected to wound healing and capillary morphogenesis assays and analysed for the expression of endothelial/myofibroblast markers and contractile ability. RESULTS MK-2947 treatment did not affect H-MVEC viability/proliferation, while it significantly increased SSc-MVEC proliferation, wound healing capability and angiogenic performance. After MK-2947 treatment, SSc-MVECs exhibited significantly increased proangiogenic MMP9 and decreased antiangiogenic MMP12 and PTX3 gene expression. A significant increase in the expression of CD31 and vascular endothelial cadherin paralleled by a decrease in α-smooth muscle actin, S100A4, type I collagen and Snail1 mesenchymal markers was also found in MK-2947-treated SSc-MVECs. Furthermore, stimulation of sGC with MK-2947 significantly counteracted the intrinsic ability of SSc-MVECs to contract collagen gels and reduced phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 protein levels. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate for the first time that pharmacological sGC stimulation effectively ameliorates the angiogenic performance and blunts the myofibroblast-like profibrotic phenotype of SSc-MVECs, thus providing new evidence for repurposing sGCSs for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, Scleroderma Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology.,Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
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11
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Romero-Karam LA, Honan KA, Arain SA, Mayes MD. Percutaneous revascularization for the treatment of refractory digital ischemia in systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2023; 8:36-42. [PMID: 36743810 PMCID: PMC9896190 DOI: 10.1177/23971983221116669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study is to explore the role of adjunctive percutaneous revascularization of the hand in the management of patients with systemic sclerosis-associated refractory digital ischemia. Methods We present our initial experience of using percutaneous upper extremity interventions to treat patients with systemic sclerosis and symptomatic Raynaud's phenomenon who presented with either refractory digital ischemia or non-healing ulcers. We discuss patient characteristics, procedural findings, and short-term clinical outcomes of these interventions. Results We performed 14 interventions in 6 patients with non-healing digital ulcers or refractory ischemia secondary to systemic sclerosis. Angioplasty was performed at or below the wrist in conjunction with intravenous prostaglandin therapy, started prior to or immediately after the revascularization procedure. All patients experienced symptomatic relief and demonstrated accelerated wound healing. Two patients required an additional procedure to treat recurrent ischemia (without new ulceration) in the treated digit. Three of the patients underwent multiple procedures during the study period to treat new ischemic lesions or Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms, highlighting the progressive nature of the vascular occlusions in systemic sclerosis. There were no adverse events related to the interventions. Conclusions Our retrospective analysis suggests that percutaneous revascularization in combination with vasodilator therapy in systemic sclerosis-associated digital ischemia is safe and can facilitate the healing of long-standing ulcers. Its role in the management of refractory digital ischemia in patients with systemic sclerosis should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily A Romero-Karam
- Division of Rheumatology, University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin A Honan
- Department of Internal Medicine,
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Salman A Arain
- Division of Cardiology, University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maureen D. Mayes
- Division of Rheumatology, University of
Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Maureen D. Mayes, Division of Rheumatology,
McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at
Houston, 6431 Fannin St, MSB 5.262, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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12
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Kim S, Park HJ, Lee SI. The Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416154. [PMID: 36555792 PMCID: PMC9853331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology characterized by multi-organ fibrosis. Despite substantial investigation on SSc-related cellular and molecular mechanisms, effective therapies are still lacking. The skin, lungs, and gut are the most affected organs in SSc, which act as physical barriers and constantly communicate with colonized microbiota. Recent reports have documented a unique microbiome signature, which may be the pathogenic trigger or driver of SSc. Since gut microbiota influences the efficacy and toxicity of oral drugs, evaluating drug-microbiota interactions has become an area of interest in disease treatment. The existing evidence highlights the potential of the microbial challenge as a novel therapeutic option in SSc. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge about molecular mechanisms of SSc and highlighted the underlying role of the microbiome in SSc pathogenesis. We have also discussed the latest therapeutic interventions using microbiomes in SSc, including drug-microbiota interactions and animal disease models. This review aims to elucidate the pathophysiological connection and therapeutic potential of the microbiome in SSc. Insights into the microbiome will significantly improve our understanding of etiopathogenesis and developing therapeutics for SSc.
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Bratoiu I, Burlui AM, Cardoneanu A, Macovei LA, Richter P, Rusu-Zota G, Rezus C, Badescu MC, Szalontay A, Rezus E. The Involvement of Smooth Muscle, Striated Muscle, and the Myocardium in Scleroderma: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912011. [PMID: 36233313 PMCID: PMC9569846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous changes involving numerous organs and systems. The currently available data indicate that muscle injury (both smooth and striated muscles) is widespread and leads to significant morbidity, either directly or indirectly. From the consequences of smooth muscle involvement in the tunica media of blood vessels or at the level of the digestive tract, to skeletal myopathy (which may be interpreted strictly in the context of SSc, or as an overlap with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies), muscular injury in scleroderma translates to a number of notable clinical manifestations. Heart involvement in SSc is heterogenous depending on the definition used in the various studies. The majority of SSc patients experience a silent form of cardiac disease. The present review summarizes certain important features of myocardial, as well as smooth and skeletal muscle involvement in SSc. Further research is needed to fully describe and understand the pathogenic pathways and the implications of muscle involvement in scleroderma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maria Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.M.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Gabriela Rusu-Zota
- Department of Pharmacology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.M.B.); (C.R.)
| | - Minerva Codruta Badescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Andreea Szalontay
- Department of Psychiatry, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, García MP, González-Gómez M, Díaz-Flores L, Carrasco JL, Madrid JF, Rodríguez Bello A. Comparison of the Behavior of Perivascular Cells (Pericytes and CD34+ Stromal Cell/Telocytes) in Sprouting and Intussusceptive Angiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169010. [PMID: 36012273 PMCID: PMC9409369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Perivascular cells in the pericytic microvasculature, pericytes and CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs), have an important role in angiogenesis. We compare the behavior of these cells depending on whether the growth of endothelial cells (ECs) from the pre-existing microvasculature is toward the interstitium with vascular bud and neovessel formation (sprouting angiogenesis) or toward the vascular lumen with intravascular pillar development and vessel division (intussusceptive angiogenesis). Detachment from the vascular wall, mobilization, proliferation, recruitment, and differentiation of pericytes and CD34+SCs/TCs, as well as associated changes in vessel permeability and functionality, and modifications of the extracellular matrix are more intense, longer lasting over time, and with a greater energy cost in sprouting angiogenesis than in intussusceptive angiogenesis, in which some of the aforementioned events do not occur or are compensated for by others (e.g., sparse EC and pericyte proliferation by cell elongation and thinning). The governing mechanisms involve cell-cell contacts (e.g., peg-and-socket junctions between pericytes and ECs), multiple autocrine and paracrine signaling molecules and pathways (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, angiopoietins, transforming growth factor B, ephrins, semaphorins, and metalloproteinases), and other factors (e.g., hypoxia, vascular patency, and blood flow). Pericytes participate in vessel development, stabilization, maturation and regression in sprouting angiogenesis, and in interstitial tissue structure formation of the pillar core in intussusceptive angiogenesis. In sprouting angiogenesis, proliferating perivascular CD34+SCs/TCs are an important source of stromal cells during repair through granulation tissue formation and of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in tumors. Conversely, CD34+SCs/TCs have less participation as precursor cells in intussusceptive angiogenesis. The dysfunction of these mechanisms is involved in several diseases, including neoplasms, with therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-922-319317; Fax: +34-922-319279
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Maria Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins Megalab–Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Juan Francisco Madrid
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, Campus of International Excellence “Campus Mare Nostrum”, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Aixa Rodríguez Bello
- Department of Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain
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Peng Q, Shan D, Cui K, Li K, Zhu B, Wu H, Wang B, Wong S, Norton V, Dong Y, Lu YW, Zhou C, Chen H. The Role of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Disease. Cells 2022; 11:1834. [PMID: 35681530 PMCID: PMC9180466 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is the process of endothelial cells progressively losing endothelial-specific markers and gaining mesenchymal phenotypes. In the normal physiological condition, EndoMT plays a fundamental role in forming the cardiac valves of the developing heart. However, EndoMT contributes to the development of various cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as atherosclerosis, valve diseases, fibrosis, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying EndoMT in CVD should provide urgently needed insights into reversing this condition. This review summarizes a 30-year span of relevant literature, delineating the EndoMT process in particular, key signaling pathways, and the underlying regulatory networks involved in CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianman Peng
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Dan Shan
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Kui Cui
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Kathryn Li
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Bo Zhu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Hao Wu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Beibei Wang
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Scott Wong
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Vikram Norton
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Yunzhou Dong
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
| | - Changcheng Zhou
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Hong Chen
- Vascular Biology Program, Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (Q.P.); (D.S.); (K.C.); (K.L.); (B.Z.); (H.W.); (B.W.); (S.W.); (V.N.); (Y.D.); (Y.W.L.)
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Sfikakis PP, Vlachogiannis NI, Ntouros PA, Mavrogeni S, Maris TG, Karantanas AH, Souliotis VL. Microvasculopathy-Related Hemorrhagic Tissue Deposition of Iron May Contribute to Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis: Hypothesis-Generating Insights from the Literature and Preliminary Findings. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12030430. [PMID: 35330181 PMCID: PMC8955192 DOI: 10.3390/life12030430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microvascular wall abnormalities demonstrated by nailfold capillaroscopy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) may result in microhemorrhagic deposition of erythrocyte-derived iron. Such abnormalities precede fibrosis, which is orchestrated by myofibroblasts. Iron induces endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in vitro, which is reversed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers. The conversion of quiescent fibroblasts into profibrotic myofibroblasts has also been associated with ROS-mediated activation of TGF-β1. Given that iron overload predisposes to ROS formation, we hypothesized that the uptake of erythrocyte-derived iron by resident cells promotes fibrosis. Firstly, we show that iron induces oxidative stress in skin-derived and synovial fibroblasts in vitro, as well as in blood mononuclear cells ex vivo. The biological relevance of increased oxidative stress was confirmed by showing the concomitant induction of DNA damage in these cell types. Similar results were obtained in vivo, following intravenous iron administration. Secondly, using magnetic resonance imaging we show an increased iron deposition in the fingers of a patient with early SSc and nailfold microhemorrhages. While a systematic magnetic resonance study to examine tissue iron levels in SSc, including internal organs, is underway, herein we propose that iron may be a pathogenetic link between microvasculopathy and fibrosis and an additional mechanism responsible for increased oxidative stress in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros P. Sfikakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.I.V.); (P.A.N.); (V.L.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nikolaos I. Vlachogiannis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.I.V.); (P.A.N.); (V.L.S.)
| | - Panagiotis A. Ntouros
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.I.V.); (P.A.N.); (V.L.S.)
| | | | - Thomas G. Maris
- Department of Radiology, University of Crete Medical School, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.G.M.); (A.H.K.)
- Computational BioMedicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Apostolos H. Karantanas
- Department of Radiology, University of Crete Medical School, 71003 Heraklion, Greece; (T.G.M.); (A.H.K.)
- Computational BioMedicine Laboratory, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vassilis L. Souliotis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine and Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.I.V.); (P.A.N.); (V.L.S.)
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece
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Manetti M, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Romano E. Decreased Serum Levels of SIRT1 and SIRT3 Correlate with Severity of Skin and Lung Fibrosis and Peripheral Microvasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051362. [PMID: 35268452 PMCID: PMC8910971 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a severe autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by widespread peripheral microvasculopathy, and progressive cutaneous and visceral fibrosis, leading to significant organ dysfunction. Sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of NAD-dependent protein deacetylases with pleiotropic effects on a variety of biological processes, including metabolism, cell survival, and aging. In the last decades, increasing studies have explored the contribution of SIRTs to the pathogenesis of SSc, highlighting a significant antifibrotic effect of both SIRT1 and SIRT3. On these bases, the aim of this study was to measure circulating SIRT1 and SIRT3 levels by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay in a well-characterized cohort of SSc patients (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 71), focusing on their possible association with disease clinical features, and their potential as biomarkers reflecting SSc activity and severity. Significantly decreased serum levels of both SIRT1 and SIRT3 were found in SSc patients compared to controls. In SSc, the reduction in circulating SIRT1 and SIRT3 associated with a greater extent of cutaneous fibrosis, presence of interstitial lung disease, and worse pulmonary function. Serum SIRT1 and SIRT3 decrease also correlated with the severity of nailfold microvascular damage, with SIRT3 levels being additionally related to the occurrence of digital ulcers. The levels of these two proteins showed a direct correlation with one another in the circulation of SSc patients. Of the two SIRTs, serum SIRT3 was found to better reflect disease activity and severity in a logistic regression analysis model. Our findings suggest that serum SIRT1 and SIRT3 may represent novel potential biomarkers of increased risk for a more severe, life-threatening SSc disease course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-055-2758073
| | - Irene Rosa
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.R.); (B.S.F.)
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (M.M.-C.); (E.R.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (M.M.-C.); (E.R.)
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (M.M.-C.); (E.R.)
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Mao J, Liu J, Zhou M, Wang G, Xiong X, Deng Y. Hypoxia-induced interstitial transformation of microvascular endothelial cells by mediating HIF-1α/VEGF signaling in systemic sclerosis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263369. [PMID: 35231032 PMCID: PMC8887755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this research was to systematically investigate the effects of endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) induced by hypoxia on the skin microvascular remodeling of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and the underlying mechanism. Methods Skin tissues from SSc patients and controls were collected for isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics and immunohistochemical test. Human microvascular endothelial cell line-1 (HMEC-1) cultured in hypoxic or normal conditions was treated by tamoxifen or bevacizumab. Results The iTRAQ-based proteomics indicated a significantly upregulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signal in SSc samples. The immunohistochemical results demonstrated the significant downregulation of CD31, the positive staining of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), HIF-1α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-a) in SSc skin tissues, compared with control samples. Consistent with these observations, HMEC-1 cells cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited a significant decrease in CD31 and VE-cadherin expression, alongside a marked increase in the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, as well as a distinct upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF-a, when compared with those under normal conditions. It is noteworthy that the inhibition of HIF-1α by tamoxifen effectively downregulated the hypoxic induction of VEGF-a and α-SMA while rescuing the hypoxic suppression of CD31. In addition, the VEGF-a inhibitor bevacizumab treatment had the same effect on the hypoxic expression of α-SMA and CD31, as a tamoxifen intervention, but did not reduce HIF-1α. Conclusion These results suggest that the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway can have a critical role in mediating the effect of hypoxia-induced EndMT on the skin microvascular remodeling of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Mao
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Jiexiong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Guiqiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (YD); (XX)
| | - Yongqiong Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, P.R. China
- * E-mail: (YD); (XX)
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Global gene expression analysis of systemic sclerosis myofibroblasts demonstrates a marked increase in the expression of multiple NBPF genes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20435. [PMID: 34650102 PMCID: PMC8516909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are the key effector cells responsible for the exaggerated tissue fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Despite their importance to SSc pathogenesis, the specific transcriptome of SSc myofibroblasts has not been described. The purpose of this study was to identify transcriptome differences between SSc myofibroblasts and non-myofibroblastic cells. Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressing myofibroblasts and α-SMA negative cells were isolated employing laser capture microdissection from dermal cell cultures from four patients with diffuse SSc of recent onset. Total mRNA was extracted from both cell populations, amplified and analyzed employing microarrays. Results for specific genes were validated by Western blots and by immunohistochemistry. Transcriptome analysis revealed 97 differentially expressed transcripts in SSc myofibroblasts compared with non-myofibroblasts. Annotation clustering of the SSc myofibroblast-specific transcripts failed to show a TGF-β signature. The most represented transcripts corresponded to several different genes from the Neuroblastoma Breakpoint Family (NBPF) of genes. NBPF genes are highly expanded in humans but are not present in murine or rat genomes. In vitro studies employing cultured SSc dermal fibroblasts and immunohistochemistry of affected SSc skin confirmed increased NBPF expression in SSc. These results indicate that SSc myofibroblasts represent a unique cell lineage expressing a specific transcriptome that includes very high levels of transcripts corresponding to numerous NBPF genes. Elevated expression of NBPF genes in SSc myofibroblasts suggests that NBPF gene products may play a role in SSc pathogenesis and may represent a novel therapeutic target.
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, García MP, González-Gómez M, Rodríguez-Rodriguez R, Hernández-León N, Díaz-Flores L, Carrasco JL. Cd34+ Stromal Cells/Telocytes in Normal and Pathological Skin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147342. [PMID: 34298962 PMCID: PMC8307573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes (CD34+SCs/TCs) in pathologic skin, after briefly examining them in normal conditions. We confirm previous studies by other authors in the normal dermis regarding CD34+SC/TC characteristics and distribution around vessels, nerves and cutaneous annexes, highlighting their practical absence in the papillary dermis and presence in the bulge region of perifollicular groups of very small CD34+ stromal cells. In non-tumoral skin pathology, we studied examples of the principal histologic patterns in which CD34+SCs/TCs have (1) a fundamental pathophysiological role, including (a) fibrosing/sclerosing diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, with loss of CD34+SCs/TCs and presence of stromal cells co-expressing CD34 and αSMA, and (b) metabolic degenerative processes, including basophilic degeneration of collagen, with stromal cells/telocytes in close association with degenerative fibrils, and cutaneous myxoid cysts with spindle-shaped, stellate and bulky vacuolated CD34+ stromal cells, and (2) a secondary reactive role, encompassing dermatitis—e.g., interface (erythema multiforme), acantholytic (pemphigus, Hailey–Hailey disease), lichenoid (lichen planus), subepidermal vesicular (bullous pemphigoid), psoriasiform (psoriasis), granulomatous (granuloma annulare)—vasculitis (leukocytoclastic and lymphocytic vasculitis), folliculitis, perifolliculitis and inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous glands (perifolliculitis and rosacea) and infectious dermatitis (verruca vulgaris). In skin tumor and tumor-like conditions, we studied examples of those in which CD34+ stromal cells are (1) the neoplastic component (dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, sclerotic fibroma and solitary fibrous tumor), (2) a neoplastic component with varying presentation (fibroepithelial polyp and superficial myxofibrosarcoma) and (3) a reactive component in other tumor/tumor-like cell lines, such as those deriving from vessel periendothelial cells (myopericytoma), epithelial cells (trichoepithelioma, nevus sebaceous of Jadassohn and seborrheic keratosis), Merkel cells (Merkel cell carcinoma), melanocytes (dermal melanocytic nevi) and Schwann cells (neurofibroma and granular cell tumor).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-922-319-317; Fax: +34-922-319-279
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
| | - Maria Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins Megalab–Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
| | - Rosa Rodríguez-Rodriguez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
| | - Nieves Hernández-León
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
| | - José Luís Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 38071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (R.R.-R.); (N.H.-L.); (L.D.-F.J.); (J.L.C.)
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. New Insights into Profibrotic Myofibroblast Formation in Systemic Sclerosis: When the Vascular Wall Becomes the Enemy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:610. [PMID: 34202703 PMCID: PMC8307837 DOI: 10.3390/life11070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc), abnormalities in microvessel morphology occur early and evolve into a distinctive vasculopathy that relentlessly advances in parallel with the development of tissue fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts in nearly all affected organs. Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has profoundly changed over the last few years. Indeed, increasing evidence has suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process in which profibrotic myofibroblasts originate from endothelial cells, may take center stage in SSc pathogenesis. While in arterioles and small arteries EndoMT may lead to the accumulation of myofibroblasts within the vessel wall and development of fibroproliferative vascular lesions, in capillary vessels it may instead result in vascular destruction and formation of myofibroblasts that migrate into the perivascular space with consequent tissue fibrosis and microvessel rarefaction, which are hallmarks of SSc. Besides endothelial cells, other vascular wall-resident cells, such as pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, may acquire a myofibroblast-like synthetic phenotype contributing to both SSc-related vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of myofibroblasts inside the vessel wall provides the rationale for novel targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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Di Benedetto P, Ruscitti P, Berardicurti O, Vomero M, Navarini L, Dolo V, Cipriani P, Giacomelli R. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2021; 205:12-27. [PMID: 33772754 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Di Benedetto
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Ruscitti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - O Berardicurti
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - M Vomero
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - L Navarini
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
| | - V Dolo
- Clinical Pathology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Cipriani
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Giacomelli
- Unit of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Rome 'Campus Biomedico', Rome, Italy
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Cerinic MM, Manetti M. The Role of Pro-fibrotic Myofibroblasts in Systemic Sclerosis: from Origin to Therapeutic Targeting. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:209-239. [PMID: 33823766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210325102749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by multisystem clinical manifestations resulting from immune dysregulation/autoimmunity, vasculopathy and, most notably, progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. In recent years, it has emerged that the main drivers of SSc-related tissue fibrosis are myofibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cells with both the extracellular matrix-synthesizing features of fibroblasts and the cytoskeletal characteristics of contractile smooth muscle cells. The accumulation and persistent activation of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts during SSc development and progression result into elevated mechanical stress and reduced matrix plasticity within the affected tissues and may be ascribed to a reduced susceptibility of these cells to pro-apoptotic stimuli, as well as their increased formation from tissue-resident fibroblasts or transition from different cell types. Given the crucial role of myofibroblasts in SSc pathogenesis, finding the way to inhibit myofibroblast differentiation and accumulation by targeting their formation, function and survival may represent an effective approach to hamper the fibrotic process or even halt or reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the role of myofibroblasts in SSc-related fibrosis, with a special focus on their cellular origin and the signaling pathways implicated in their formation and persistent activation. Furthermore, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic strategies targeting myofibroblasts that may be able to counteract fibrosis in this pathological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence. Italy
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Bruni C, Guignabert C, Manetti M, Cerinic MM, Humbert M. The multifaceted problem of pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2021; 3:e149-e159. [PMID: 38279370 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(20)30356-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary complications are a leading cause of death in systemic sclerosis. Pulmonary hypertension in particular carries a high mortality and morbidity burden. Patients with systemic sclerosis can suffer from all of the clinical groups of pulmonary hypertension, particularly pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary hypertension related to interstitial lung disease. Despite a similar pathogenetic background with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, different mechanisms determine a worse prognostic outcome for patients with systemic sclerosis. In this Viewpoint, we will consider the link between pathogenetic and potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in the context of systemic sclerosis, with a focus on the current unmet needs, such as the importance of early screening and detection, the absence of agreed criteria to distinguish pulmonary arterial hypertension with interstitial lung disease from pulmonary hypertension due to lung fibrosis, and the need for a holistic treatment approach to target all the vascular, immunological, and inflammatory components of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Bruni
- Division of Rheumatology, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Pulmonary Hypertension, Pathophysiology, and Novel Therapies, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology, and Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Marc Humbert
- School of Medicine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Pulmonary Hypertension, Pathophysiology, and Novel Therapies, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Department of Respiratory and Intensive Care Medicine, Pulmonary Hypertension National Referral Center, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Rosa I, Romano E, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. Adipose-derived stem cells: Pathophysiologic implications vs therapeutic potential in systemic sclerosis. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:30-48. [PMID: 33584978 PMCID: PMC7859990 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i1.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) residing in the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of white adipose tissue are recently emerging as an alternative tool for stem cell-based therapy in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a complex connective tissue disorder affecting the skin and internal organs with fibrotic and vascular lesions. Several preclinical and clinical studies have reported promising therapeutic effects of fat grafting and autologous SVF/ADSC-based local treatment for facial and hand cutaneous manifestations of SSc patients. However, currently available data indicate that ADSCs may represent a double-edged sword in SSc, as they may exhibit a pro-fibrotic and anti-adipogenic phenotype, possibly behaving as an additional pathogenic source of pro-fibrotic myofibroblasts through the adipocyte-to-myofibroblast transition process. Thus, in the perspective of a larger employ of SSc-ADSCs for further therapeutic applications, it is important to definitely unravel whether these cells present a comparable phenotype and similar immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and pro-angiogenic properties in respect to healthy ADSCs. In light of the dual role that ADSCs seem to play in SSc, this review will provide a summary of the most recent insights into the preclinical and clinical studies employing SVF and ADSCs for the treatment of the disease and, at the same time, will focus on the main findings highlighting the possible involvement of these stem cells in SSc-related fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy.
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Andreucci E, Margheri F, Peppicelli S, Bianchini F, Ruzzolini J, Laurenzana A, Fibbi G, Bruni C, Bellando-Randone S, Guiducci S, Romano E, Manetti M, Matucci-Cerinic M, Calorini L. Glycolysis-derived acidic microenvironment as a driver of endothelial dysfunction in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:4508-4519. [PMID: 33471123 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by peripheral vasculopathy and skin and internal organ fibrosis. Accumulating evidence underlines a close association between a metabolic reprogramming of activated fibroblasts and fibrosis. This prompted us to determine the metabolism of SSc dermal fibroblasts and the effect on the vasculopathy characterizing the disease. METHODS Seahorse XF96 Extracellular Flux Analyzer was exploited to evaluate SSc fibroblast metabolism. In vitro invasion and capillary morphogenesis assays were used to determine the angiogenic ability of endothelial cells (EC). Immunofluorescence, flow cytometer and real time PCR techniques provided evidence of the molecular mechanism behind the impaired vascularization that characterizes SSc patients. RESULTS SSc fibroblasts, compared with control, showed a boosted glycolytic metabolism with increased lactic acid release and subsequent extracellular acidification, that in turn was found to impair EC invasion and organization in capillary-like networks without altering cell viability. A molecular link between extracellular acidosis and endothelial dysfunction was identified as acidic EC up-regulated MMP-12 which cleaves and inactivates uPAR, impairing angiogenesis in SSc. Moreover, the acidic environment was found to induce the loss of endothelial markers and the acquisition of mesenchymal-like features in EC, thus promoting the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) process that contributes to both capillary rarefaction and tissue fibrosis in SSc. CONCLUSION This study disclosed a liaison among the metabolic reprogramming of SSc dermal fibroblasts, extracellular acidosis and endothelial dysfunction that may contribute to the impairment and loss of peripheral capillary networks in SSc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Bellando-Randone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Guiducci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Del Galdo F, Matucci-Cerinic M. A special European Journal of Rheumatology issue on systemic sclerosis: What and why? Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S137-S138. [PMID: 33164730 PMCID: PMC7647686 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.090121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Adipocytic Progenitor Cells Give Rise to Pathogenic Myofibroblasts: Adipocyte-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Its Emerging Role in Fibrosis in Multiple Organs. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2020; 22:79. [PMID: 32978695 PMCID: PMC7518402 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-020-00957-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Adipocytes have recently been shown to be able to reprogram to a myofibroblastic phenotype in a process termed adipocyte mesenchymal transition (AMT). This review seeks to discuss the relevance of this process to disease and explore its mechanisms. Recent Findings AMT occurs in multiple organs and diseases, transdifferentiation goes through a precursor cell and there is a reversible process that can be influenced by metabolic stress, myeloid cells, immune dysregulation, and pharmacological intervention. Summary AMT is a newly appreciated and highly relevant process in multiple forms of fibrosis. Targeting AMT may serve as a novel method of treating fibrosis.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The etiology of systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is a rare immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis, is still unknown. However, different intrinsic (genetics) and extrinsic (environmental) factors play a part in the progression of the disease. This review focuses on the role of aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence in SSc. RECENT FINDINGS Mitochondrial dysfunction and senescence have been linked to the age-related susceptibility to other interstitial lung diseases (ILD) such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). SSc is not regarded as an age-related disease but does show a higher incidence of cardiac events, fibrosis, and mortality at older age. We provide an overview of the current status of the role of aging, mitochondrial dysfunction, and senescence in SSc. Further work is needed to validate some of these pathways in SSc and may allow for new therapeutic interventions focused on restoring mitochondrial homeostasis and the targeted removal of chronic-senescent cells.
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