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Raja Xavier JP, Rianna C, Hellwich E, Nikolou I, Lankapalli AK, Brucker SY, Singh Y, Lang F, Schäffer TE, Salker MS. Excessive endometrial PlGF- Rac1 signalling underlies endometrial cell stiffness linked to pre-eclampsia. Commun Biol 2024; 7:530. [PMID: 38704457 PMCID: PMC11069541 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell stiffness is regulated by dynamic interaction between ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and p21 protein-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) proteins, besides other biochemical and molecular regulators. In this study, we investigated how the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) changes endometrial mechanics by modifying the actin cytoskeleton at the maternal interface. We explored the global effects of PlGF in endometrial stromal cells (EnSCs) using the concerted approach of proteomics, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Proteomic analysis shows PlGF upregulated RhoGTPases activating proteins and extracellular matrix organization-associated proteins in EnSCs. Rac1 and PAK1 transcript levels, activity, and actin polymerization were significantly increased with PlGF treatment. AFM further revealed an increase in cell stiffness with PlGF treatment. The additive effect of PlGF on actin polymerization was suppressed with siRNA-mediated inhibition of Rac1, PAK1, and WAVE2. Interestingly, the increase in cell stiffness by PlGF treatment was pharmacologically reversed with pravastatin, resulting in improved trophoblast cell invasion. Taken together, aberrant PlGF levels in the endometrium can contribute to an altered pre-pregnancy maternal microenvironment and offer a unifying explanation for the pathological changes observed in conditions such as pre-eclampsia (PE).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmela Rianna
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Emily Hellwich
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Iliana Nikolou
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Sara Y Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tilman E Schäffer
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Madhuri S Salker
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Liu C, Yan W, Shi J, Wang S, Peng A, Chen Y, Huang K. Biological Actions, Implications, and Cautions of Statins Therapy in COVID-19. Front Nutr 2022; 9:927092. [PMID: 35811982 PMCID: PMC9257176 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.927092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed worse prognosis and higher mortality in individuals with obesity. Dyslipidemia is a major link between obesity and COVID-19 severity. Statins as the most common lipid regulating drugs have shown favorable effects in various pathophysiological states. Importantly, accumulating observational studies have suggested that statin use is associated with reduced risk of progressing to severe illness and in-hospital death in COVID-19 patients. Possible explanations underlie these protective impacts include their abilities of reducing cholesterol, suppressing viral entry and replication, anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory effects, as well as anti-thrombosis and anti-oxidative properties. Despite these benefits, statin therapies have side effects that should be considered, such as elevated creatinine kinase, liver enzyme and serum glucose levels, which are already elevated in severe COVID-19. Concerns are also raised whether statins interfere with the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. Randomized controlled trials are being conducted worldwide to confirm the values of statin use for COVID-19 treatment. Generally, the results suggest no necessity to discontinue statin use, and no evidence suggesting interference between statins and COVID-19 vaccines. However, concomitant administration of statins and COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid may increase statin exposure and the risk of adverse effects, because most statins are metabolized mainly through CYP3A4 which is potently inhibited by ritonavir, a major component of Paxlovid. Therefore, more clinical/preclinical studies are still warranted to understand the benefits, harms and mechanisms of statin use in the context of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Liu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanyao Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiajian Shi
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anlin Peng
- Wuhan Third Hospital, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Chen
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuchen Chen
| | - Kun Huang
- Tongji School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Tongji-Rongcheng Center for Biomedicine, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Esfehani RJ, Vojdanparast M, Soleimanpour S, Ferns GA, Avan A. The Potential Impact of Statins in the Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 Infection. Coronavirus Therapeutics – Volume I 2021; 1352:149-158. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85109-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in many challenges to the healthcare organizations around the world. Unfortunately, until now, there are no proven effective therapeutic agents against this virus. MAIN BODY Several evolving studies suggest repurposing a potential list of drugs which have appropriate pharmacological and therapeutic effects to be used in treating COVID-19 cases. In the present review, we will summarize the potential drugs suggested to be repurposed to be utilized in the treatment of COVID-19 patients like lopinavir-ritonavir, ribavirin, baloxavir marboxil, favipiravir, remdesvir, umifenovir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, corticosteroids, losartan, statins, interferons, nitric oxide, epoprostenol, tocilizumab, siltuximab, sarilumab anakinra, and ruxolitinib. In addition, we discussed the possible future therapeutic regimens based on the recent molecular and genomic discoveries. CONCLUSION This review could provide beneficial information about the potential current and future treatment strategies to treat the pandemic COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy Elekhnawy
- grid.412258.80000 0000 9477 7793Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, El Gharbia Governorate Egypt
| | - Amal Abo Kamar
- grid.412258.80000 0000 9477 7793Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, El Gharbia Governorate Egypt
| | - Fatma Sonbol
- grid.412258.80000 0000 9477 7793Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, El Gharbia Governorate Egypt
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Rodrigues‐Diez RR, Tejera‐Muñoz A, Marquez‐Exposito L, Rayego‐Mateos S, Santos Sanchez L, Marchant V, Tejedor Santamaria L, Ramos AM, Ortiz A, Egido J, Ruiz‐Ortega M. Statins: Could an old friend help in the fight against COVID-19? Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4873-4886. [PMID: 32562276 PMCID: PMC7323198 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has overwhelmed healthcare systems requiring the rapid development of treatments, at least, to reduce COVID-19 severity. Drug repurposing offers a fast track. Here, we discuss the potential beneficial effects of statins in COVID-19 patients based on evidence that they may target virus receptors, replication, degradation, and downstream responses in infected cells, addressing both basic research and epidemiological information. Briefly, statins could modulate virus entry, acting on the SARS-CoV-2 receptors, ACE2 and CD147, and/or lipid rafts engagement. Statins, by inducing autophagy activation, could regulate virus replication or degradation, exerting protective effects. The well-known anti-inflammatory properties of statins, by blocking several molecular mechanisms, including NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes, could limit the "cytokine storm" in severe COVID-19 patients which is linked to fatal outcome. Finally, statin moderation of coagulation response activation may also contribute to improving COVID-19 outcomes. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID-19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul R. Rodrigues‐Diez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Antonio Tejera‐Muñoz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Laura Marquez‐Exposito
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Sandra Rayego‐Mateos
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- GE‐06 Pathophysiology of Renal and Vascular Damage Laboratory, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC)University of CórdobaCórdobaSpain
| | - Laura Santos Sanchez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Vanessa Marchant
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Lucía Tejedor Santamaria
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Adrian M. Ramos
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Laboratory of Nephrology and HypertensionFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Laboratory of Nephrology and HypertensionFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
| | - Jesus Egido
- Renal, Vascular and Diabetes Research LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz Universidad AutónomaMadridSpain
- Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM)MadridSpain
| | - Marta Ruiz‐Ortega
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology LaboratoryFundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria‐Fundación Jiménez Díaz‐Universidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
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Lee HR, Jo MK, Park KY, Jang YJ, Heo TH. Anti-TNF effect of combined pravastatin and cilostazol treatment in an in vivo mouse model. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2019; 41:179-184. [PMID: 30714456 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2019.1569045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Pravastatin and cilostazol are used as lipid-lowering and antiplatelet agents, respectively. Regarding their well-known anti-inflammatory effects, the additive effect of the two drugs on anti-TNF functions has not yet been investigated. In the present investigation, the beneficial effect of combined pravastatin and cilostazol on their anti-TNF activities was assessed using an in vivo mouse model. Methods: Mice were pretreated with pravastatin and/or cilostazol (40 mg/kg of each), orally once two hour prior to an LPS (5 mg/kg, i.p.) challenge. One hour post challenge, blood and descending aorta were collected for serum TNF levels and immune cell infiltration analyses. For survival analysis, pravastatin and/or cilostazol (40 mg/kg of each) were administered 30 minutes prior to d-galactosamine administration (700 mg/kg, i.p.) and TNF (10 µg/kg, i.p.) challenge and mice survival was monitored. We also examined the effect of either drug or the combination of drugs on TNF-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling, using Western blot analysis. Results: Combined treatment of pravastatin and cilostazol significantly decreased serum TNF release and immune cell infiltration in the descending aorta following LPS administration, compared to each single treatment. Additionally, the combined drugs significantly decreased TNF-mediated mouse mortality and downregulated TNF-induced MAPK and NF-κB activation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that combined pravastatin and cilostazol is more effective for reducing TNF-driven inflammation through their anti-TNF activity than monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ri Lee
- a Laboratory of Pharmaco-Immunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-Based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , The Catholic University of Korea , Bucheon , Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Kyung Jo
- b College of Pharmacy , ILAb, Inc., NP513, The Catholic University of Korea , Bucheon , Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Yeon Park
- a Laboratory of Pharmaco-Immunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-Based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , The Catholic University of Korea , Bucheon , Republic of Korea
| | - You-Jin Jang
- a Laboratory of Pharmaco-Immunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-Based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , The Catholic University of Korea , Bucheon , Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hwe Heo
- a Laboratory of Pharmaco-Immunology, Integrated Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BK21 PLUS Team for Creative Leader Program for Pharmacomics-Based Future Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy , The Catholic University of Korea , Bucheon , Republic of Korea
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Statins reduce cholesterol synthesis and promote low-density lipoprotein clearance from circulation. Beyond their cholesterol-lowering action, statins may interfere with haemostasis. This review aims to provide an update on the impact of statin treatment on markers of haemostasis and platelet function and on thrombosis-related outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Different coagulation factors are modulated by statins, leading to inhibition of coagulation and increased fibrinolysis. Also, an impact of statins on platelet function has been documented. From a clinical perspective, several observational studies have revealed a reduced incidence of venous thromboembolism in patients receiving statins, which has been argued in some available studies and meta-analyses. Furthermore, a beneficial effect of early statin initiation following acute coronary syndrome for short-term prevention of thrombosis-related events has been documented, but the available data are still not consistent. SUMMARY Although statins influence the levels of a multitude of haemostatic factors in an antithrombotic direction, data supporting their use for venous thromboembolism prevention are not consistent, and the impact of statins on early vascular events following acute coronary syndrome is still debated. Whether the robust long-term beneficial effects of statins in reducing cardiovascular risk may be also explained by persistent changes in haemostatic factors needs further exploration.
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Pathak R, Ghosh SP, Zhou D, Hauer-Jensen M. The Vitamin E Analog Gamma-Tocotrienol (GT3) and Statins Synergistically Up-Regulate Endothelial Thrombomodulin (TM). Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1937. [PMID: 27869747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins; a class of routinely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs; inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzymeA reductase (HMGCR) and strongly induce endothelial thrombomodulin (TM); which is known to have anti-inflammatory; anti-coagulation; anti-oxidant; and radioprotective properties. However; high-dose toxicity limits the clinical use of statins. The vitamin E family member gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) also suppresses HMGCR activity and induces TM expression without causing significant adverse side effects; even at high concentrations. To investigate the synergistic effect of statins and GT3 on TM; a low dose of atorvastatin and GT3 was used to treat human primary endothelial cells. Protein-level TM expression was measured by flow cytometry. TM functional activity was determined by activated protein C (APC) generation assay. Expression of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), one of the key transcription factors of TM, was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). TM expression increased in a dose-dependent manner after both atorvastatin and GT3 treatment. A combined treatment of a low-dose of atorvastatin and GT3 synergistically up-regulated TM expression and functional activity. Finally; atorvastatin and GT3 synergistically increased KLF2 expression. These findings suggest that combined treatment of statins with GT3 may provide significant health benefits in treating a number of pathophysiological conditions; including inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
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Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia is considered the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. An estimated 200 million prescriptions are issued per year for statins to treat hypercholesterolemia. Importantly, statins have additional beneficial effects independent of their effects on lipids. Recent studies have shown that statins reduce thrombosis via multiple pathways, including inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the pathologic expression of the procoagulant protein tissue factor. Many of the antithrombotic effects of statins are attributed to inhibiting prenylation of RhoA and effects on other intracellular signaling molecules such as NF-κB and KLF2. These antithrombotic activities of statins likely contribute to the ability of statins to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular death.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Phillip Owens
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599;
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Undas A, Brummel-Ziedins KE, Mann KG. Anticoagulant effects of statins and their clinical implications. Thromb Haemost 2013; 111:392-400. [PMID: 24285296 DOI: 10.1160/th13-08-0720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence indicating that statins (3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) may produce several cholesterol-independent antithrombotic effects. In this review, we provide an update on the current understanding of the interactions between statins and blood coagulation and their potential relevance to the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Anticoagulant properties of statins reported in experimental and clinical studies involve decreased tissue factor expression resulting in reduced thrombin generation and attenuation of pro-coagulant reactions catalysed by thrombin, such as fibrinogen cleavage, factor V and factor XIII activation, as well as enhanced endothelial thrombomodulin expression, resulting in increased protein C activation and factor Va inactivation. Observational studies and one randomized trial have shown reduced VTE risk in subjects receiving statins, although their findings still generate much controversy and suggest that the most potent statin rosuvastatin exerts the largest effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Undas
- Anetta Undas, MD, PhD, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University School of Medicine, 80 Pradnicka St., 31-202 Krakow, Poland, Tel.: +48 12 6143004, Fax: +48 12 4233900, E-mail:
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Mercurio S, Padovani L, Colin C, Carré M, Tchoghandjian A, Scavarda D, Lambert S, Baeza-Kallee N, Fernandez C, Chappé C, André N, Figarella-Branger D. Evidence for new targets and synergistic effect of metronomic celecoxib/fluvastatin combination in pilocytic astrocytoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2013; 1:17. [PMID: 24252689 PMCID: PMC3893468 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-1-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pilocytic astrocytomas occur predominantly in childhood. In contrast to the posterior fossa location, hypothalamo-chiasmatic pilocytic astrocytomas display a worse prognosis often leading to multiple surgical procedures and/or several lines of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to achieve long-term control. Hypothalamo-chiasmatic pilocytic astrocytomas and cerebellar pilocytic astrocytomas have a distinctive gene signature and several differential expressed genes (ICAM1, CRK, CD36, and IQGAP1) are targets for available drugs: fluvastatin and/or celecoxib. Results Quantification by RT-Q-PCR of the expression of these genes was performed in a series of 51 pilocytic astrocytomas and 10 glioblastomas: they were all significantly overexpressed in hypothalamo-chiasmatic pilocytic astrocytomas relative to cerebellar pilocytic astrocytomas, and CRK and ICAM1 were significantly overexpressed in pilocytic astrocytomas versus glioblastomas. We used two commercially available glioblastoma cell lines and three pilocytic astrocytoma explant cultures to investigate the effect of celecoxib/fluvastatin alone or in combination. Glioblastoma cell lines were sensitive to both drugs and a combination of 100 μM celecoxib and 240 μM fluvastatin was the most synergistic. This synergistic combination was used on the explant cultures and led to massive cell death of pilocytic astrocytoma cells. As a proof of concept, a patient with a refractory multifocal pilocytic astrocytoma was successfully treated with the fluvastatin/celecoxib combination used for 18 months. It was well tolerated and led to a partial tumor response. Conclusion This study reports evidence for new targets and synergistic effect of celecoxib/fluvastatin combination in pilocytic astrocytoma. Because it is non-toxic, this new strategy offers hope for the treatment of patients with refractory pilocytic astrocytoma.
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Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a devastating clinical condition associated with pulmonary and systemic inflammation and characterized by incompetence of the pulmonary microvascular barrier culminating in noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying endothelial barrier dysfunction in ALI has been facilitated by study of the effects of statins in relevant cellular and animals models. Many of the pleotropic properties of these drugs, including direct effects on endothelial cell (EC) cytoskeletal rearrangement, NADPH oxidase, and nitric oxide activity, as well as effects on differential EC gene expression, are relevant to the pathobiology of ALI and suggest a potential therapeutic role for statins in this context. Moreover, results from preclinical studies and observations in relevant patient populations support the protective potential of statins in ALI, paving the way now for definitive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunit Singla
- Institute for Personalized Respiratory Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Yeh TM, Liu SH, Lin KC, Kuo C, Kuo SY, Huang TY, Yen YR, Wen RK, Chen LC, Fu TF. Dengue virus enhances thrombomodulin and ICAM-1 expression through the macrophage migration inhibitory factor induction of the MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55018. [PMID: 23383040 PMCID: PMC3557271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus (DV) infections cause mild dengue fever (DF) or severe life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The mechanisms that cause hemorrhage in DV infections remain poorly understood. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a glycoprotein expressed on the surface of vascular endothelial cells that plays an important role in the thrombin-mediated activation of protein C. Prior studies have shown that the serum levels of soluble TM (sTM) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) are significantly increased in DHF patients compared to levels in DF patients or normal controls. In this study, we investigated how MIF and sTM concentrations are enhanced in the plasma of DHF patients and the potential effect of MIF on coagulation through its influence on two factors: thrombomodulin (TM) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in endothelial cells and monocytes. Recombinant human macrophage migration inhibitory factor (rMIF) was used to treat monocytic THP-1 cells and endothelial HMEC-1 cells or primary HUVEC cells. The subsequent expression of TM and ICAM-1 was assessed by immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry analysis. Additionally, the co-incubation of THP-1 cells with various cell signaling pathway inhibitors was used to determine the pathways through which MIF mediated its effect. The data provided evidence that severe DV infections induce MIF expression, which in turn stimulates monocytes or endothelial cells to express TM and ICAM-1 via the Erk, JNK MAPK and the PI3K signaling pathways, supporting the idea that MIF may play an important role as a regulator of coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trai-Ming Yeh
- Department of Medical Technology, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shu-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Center of General Education, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kao-Chang Lin
- Department of Neurology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China, C
| | - Chieh Kuo
- Department of Cardiology, Sin Lau Christian Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shu-Yun Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Biomedicine and Biomedical Technology, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tzuu-Yuan Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sin Lau Christian Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yong-Ren Yen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Taichung Branch, Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), M.O.E.A., Republic of China
| | - Rong-Kun Wen
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Lien-Cheng Chen
- Department of Medical Technology and Graduate Institute of Biological Science and Technology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Medical Education and Research Center, Sin Lau Christian Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LCC); (TFF)
| | - Tsai-Feng Fu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedicine and Biomedical Technology, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chi Nan University, Nantou, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (LCC); (TFF)
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Ferro
- From I Clinica Medica, Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy
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Rossi J, Jonak P, Rouleau L, Danielczak L, Tardif J, Leask RL. Differential Response of Endothelial Cells to Simvastatin When Conditioned with Steady, Non-Reversing Pulsatile or Oscillating Shear Stress. Ann Biomed Eng 2011; 39:402-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-010-0145-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Liu PL, Tsai JR, Chiu CC, Hwang JJ, Chou SH, Wang CK, Wu SJ, Chen YL, Chen WC, Chen YH, Chong IW. Decreased expression of thrombomodulin is correlated with tumor cell invasiveness and poor prognosis in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Mol Carcinog 2010; 49:874-81. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.20663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
The beneficial effects of statins, the most widely prescribed class of drugs in the world, are now recognized to extend well beyond their lipid-lowering properties. Through a combination of both distinct and interdependent effects on endothelial cell (EC) Rho GTPase regulation, NAPDH oxidase activity, NO bioavailability, and differential gene expression, statins confer significant protection of the vasculature. Abundant in vitro data, in addition to myriad reports relying on a range of animal models, now firmly support the idea that these drugs may serve as novel and effective therapeutic agents in a variety of disease states characterized by vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Jacobson
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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Kell DB. Iron behaving badly: inappropriate iron chelation as a major contributor to the aetiology of vascular and other progressive inflammatory and degenerative diseases. BMC Med Genomics 2009; 2:2. [PMID: 19133145 PMCID: PMC2672098 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2008] [Accepted: 01/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The production of peroxide and superoxide is an inevitable consequence of aerobic metabolism, and while these particular 'reactive oxygen species' (ROSs) can exhibit a number of biological effects, they are not of themselves excessively reactive and thus they are not especially damaging at physiological concentrations. However, their reactions with poorly liganded iron species can lead to the catalytic production of the very reactive and dangerous hydroxyl radical, which is exceptionally damaging, and a major cause of chronic inflammation. REVIEW We review the considerable and wide-ranging evidence for the involvement of this combination of (su)peroxide and poorly liganded iron in a large number of physiological and indeed pathological processes and inflammatory disorders, especially those involving the progressive degradation of cellular and organismal performance. These diseases share a great many similarities and thus might be considered to have a common cause (i.e. iron-catalysed free radical and especially hydroxyl radical generation).The studies reviewed include those focused on a series of cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases, where iron can be found at the sites of plaques and lesions, as well as studies showing the significance of iron to aging and longevity. The effective chelation of iron by natural or synthetic ligands is thus of major physiological (and potentially therapeutic) importance. As systems properties, we need to recognise that physiological observables have multiple molecular causes, and studying them in isolation leads to inconsistent patterns of apparent causality when it is the simultaneous combination of multiple factors that is responsible.This explains, for instance, the decidedly mixed effects of antioxidants that have been observed, since in some circumstances (especially the presence of poorly liganded iron) molecules that are nominally antioxidants can actually act as pro-oxidants. The reduction of redox stress thus requires suitable levels of both antioxidants and effective iron chelators. Some polyphenolic antioxidants may serve both roles.Understanding the exact speciation and liganding of iron in all its states is thus crucial to separating its various pro- and anti-inflammatory activities. Redox stress, innate immunity and pro- (and some anti-)inflammatory cytokines are linked in particular via signalling pathways involving NF-kappaB and p38, with the oxidative roles of iron here seemingly involved upstream of the IkappaB kinase (IKK) reaction. In a number of cases it is possible to identify mechanisms by which ROSs and poorly liganded iron act synergistically and autocatalytically, leading to 'runaway' reactions that are hard to control unless one tackles multiple sites of action simultaneously. Some molecules such as statins and erythropoietin, not traditionally associated with anti-inflammatory activity, do indeed have 'pleiotropic' anti-inflammatory effects that may be of benefit here. CONCLUSION Overall we argue, by synthesising a widely dispersed literature, that the role of poorly liganded iron has been rather underappreciated in the past, and that in combination with peroxide and superoxide its activity underpins the behaviour of a great many physiological processes that degrade over time. Understanding these requires an integrative, systems-level approach that may lead to novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- School of Chemistry and Manchester Interdisciplinary Biocentre, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess St, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
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Fu Q, Wang J, Boerma M, Berbée M, Qiu X, Fink LM, Hauer-Jensen M. Involvement of heat shock factor 1 in statin-induced transcriptional upregulation of endothelial thrombomodulin. Circ Res 2008; 103:369-77. [PMID: 18599869 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.108.174607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Statins upregulate endothelial thrombomodulin (TM) by mechanisms that involve members of the Kruppel-like factor family. Although Kruppel-like factors are unequivocally implicated in this process, experimental evidence points to additional mechanisms. Deletion/mutation analysis of reporter constructs was used to demonstrate that mutation of the SP1/Kruppel-like factor element in the TM promoter only partially abolishes statin-induced TM upregulation, whereas simultaneous mutation of relevant heat shock elements and SP1/Kruppel-like factor element completely prevents statin-induced TM upregulation, thus demonstrating a role for heat shock factors (HSFs). We further identified the pathway by which statins increase binding of HSF1 to heat shock elements in the TM promoter. Specifically, statins caused NO-dependent dissociation of HSF1 from heat shock protein 90, nuclear translocation of HSF1, and binding to heat shock elements in the TM promoter. Statins also decreased nuclear content of the HSF1 chaperone 14-3-3beta. In addition to reducing TM upregulation, inhibition of HSF1 reduced statin-induced upregulation of tissue plasminogen activator, whereas downregulation of thrombomospondin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, or connective tissue growth factor was unaffected. Knockdown of 14-3-3beta or inhibition of HSF1 phosphorylation enhanced the effect of statins on TM and tissue plasminogen activator, but did not influence thrombomospondin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, or connective tissue growth factor. These data demonstrate that HSF1 is involved in statin-induced regulation of TM. They also suggest that analogous mechanisms may apply to genes that are upregulated by statins, but not to downregulated genes. These results may have broad implications and suggest the use of heat shock protein modulators to selectively regulate pleiotropic statin effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Fu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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