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Li W, Yang Y, Lin Y, Mu D. In Vitro Study of Thymosin Beta 4 Promoting Transplanted Fat Survival by Regulating Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2024:10.1007/s00266-024-03861-1. [PMID: 38409346 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-024-03861-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has emerged as a highly sought-after plastic surgery procedure, although its success has been hampered by the uncertain fat survival rate. Current evidence suggests that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) may contribute to fat retention in AFG. In previous studies, it was confirmed that thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) could enhance fat survival in vivo, although the precise mechanism remains unclear. METHODS ADSCs were isolated from patients undergoing liposuction and their proliferation, apoptosis, anti-apoptosis, and migration were analyzed under Tβ4 stimulation using cell counting kit-8, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and real-time quantitative PCR. The mRNA levels of genes relating to angiogenesis and Hippo signaling were also determined. RESULTS Tβ4 at 100 ng/mL (p-value = 0.0171) and 1000 ng/mL (p-value = 0.0054) significantly increased ADSC proliferation from day 1 compared to the control group (0 ng/mL). In addition, the mRNA levels of proliferation-associated genes were elevated in the Tβ4 group. Furthermore, Tβ4 enhanced the anti-apoptotic ability of ADSCs when stimulated with Tβ4 and an apoptotic induction reagent (0 ng/mL vs. 1000 ng/mL, p-value = 0.011). Crucially, the mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related genes and critical genes in the Hippo pathway were affected by Tβ4 in ADSCs. CONCLUSIONS Tβ4 enhances adipose viability in AFG via facilitating ADSC proliferation and reducing apoptosis, and acts as a crucial positive regulator of ADSC-associated angiogenesis. Additionally, Tβ4 could be accountable for the phenotypic adjustment of ADSCs by regulating the Hippo pathway. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandi Li
- Senior Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, No. 51 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100048, People's Republic of China
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 33 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 33 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Dali Mu
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 33 Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China.
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Wang AC, Qi XM, Li QF, Feng YJ, Zhang YL, Wei HZ, Li JS, Qiao YB, Li QS. Methionine redox regulation of actin-interacting proteins primarily governs antioxidative signaling and response to the salvianolic acid B treatment in EA.hy926 cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 483:116835. [PMID: 38272317 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Actin-interacting proteins are important molecules for filament assembly and cytoskeletal signaling within vascular endothelium. Disruption in their interactions causes endothelial pathogenesis through redox imbalance. Actin filament redox regulation remains largely unexplored, in the context of pharmacological treatment. This work focused on the peptidyl methionine (M) redox regulation of actin-interacting proteins, aiming at elucidating its role on governing antioxidative signaling and response. Endothelial EA.hy926 cells were subjected to treatment with salvianolic acid B (Sal B) and tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (tBHP) stimulation. Mass spectrometry was employed to characterize redox status of proteins, including actin, myosin-9, kelch-like erythroid-derived cap-n-collar homology-associated protein 1 (Keap1), plastin-3, prelamin-A/C and vimentin. The protein redox landscape revealed distinct stoichiometric ratios or reaction site transitions mediated by M sulfoxide reductase and reactive oxygen species. In comparison with effects of tBHP stimulation, Sal B treatment prevented oxidation at actin M325, myosin-9 M1489/1565, Keap1 M120, plastin-3 M592, prelamin-A/C M187/371/540 and vimentin M344. For Keap1, reaction site was transitioned within its scaffolding region to the actin ring. These protein M oxidation regulations contributed to the Sal B cytoprotective effects on actin filament. Additionally, regarding the Keap1 homo-dimerization region, Sal B preventive roles against M120 oxidation acted as a primary signal driver to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Transcriptional splicing of non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein was validated during the Sal B-mediated overexpression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase [quinone] 1. This molecular redox regulation of actin-interacting proteins provided valuable insights into the phenolic structures of Sal B analogs, showing potential antioxidative effects on vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Cheng Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Qi
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China.
| | - Qing-Fang Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China
| | - Yi-Jia Feng
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China.
| | - Hui-Zhi Wei
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China; School of Public Health Science & Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Jin-Shan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China
| | - Yuan-Biao Qiao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China.
| | - Qing-Shan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China; School of Public Health Science & Pharmaceutical Science, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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Hocquigny A, Hugerot H, Ghanem R, Haute T, Laurent V, Cogulet V, Montier T. Mucoactive drugs and multiple applications in pulmonary disease therapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:110-117. [PMID: 38048888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Mucus is a complex polymeric hydrogel that serves as a critical defense in several organs. In the lungs, it provides a formidable barrier against inhaled particles such as microorganisms. In addition, mucus is essential for normal lung physiology, as it promotes immune tolerance and facilitates a normal commensal pulmonary microbiome. Hypersecretion of airway mucus is a characteristic of numerous respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and creates pulmonary obstruction, limiting the effectiveness of inhaled therapies. Due to those alterations, therapeutic strategies must be optimal to limit airway obstruction and restore pulmonary function. Mucoactive drugs are common therapeutic options and are classified into different groups depending on their modes of action, i.e., expectorants, mucokinetics, mucoregulators and mucolytics. This review focuses on mucoactive drugs and their modes of action. A special focus will be made on two challenging pulmonary pathologies: COPD and CF, and on their clinical studies conducted with mucoactive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hélène Hugerot
- CHU de Brest, Pharmacie hospitalière, Brest, 5 avenue du Maréchal Foch, France
| | - Rosy Ghanem
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200 Brest, France; CHU de Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, 29200 Brest, France
| | - Tanguy Haute
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Véronique Laurent
- CHU de Brest, Pharmacie hospitalière, Brest, 5 avenue du Maréchal Foch, France
| | - Virginie Cogulet
- CHU de Brest, Pharmacie hospitalière, Brest, 5 avenue du Maréchal Foch, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200 Brest, France; CHU de Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, 29200 Brest, France; CHU de Brest, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares Maladies Neuromusculaires, 29200, Brest France.
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Li Q, Zhang Q, Kim YR, Gaddam RR, Jacobs JS, Bachschmid MM, Younis T, Zhu Z, Zingman L, London B, Rauckhorst AJ, Taylor EB, Norris AW, Vikram A, Irani K. Deficiency of endothelial sirtuin1 in mice stimulates skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity by modifying the secretome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5595. [PMID: 37696839 PMCID: PMC10495425 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of endothelial Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) in insulin resistant states contributes to vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, Sirt1 deficiency in skeletal myocytes promotes insulin resistance. Here, we show that deletion of endothelial Sirt1, while impairing endothelial function, paradoxically improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Compared to wild-type mice, male mice lacking endothelial Sirt1 (E-Sirt1-KO) preferentially utilize glucose over fat, and have higher insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and Akt signaling in fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Enhanced insulin sensitivity of E-Sirt1-KO mice is transferrable to wild-type mice via the systemic circulation. Endothelial Sirt1 deficiency, by inhibiting autophagy and activating nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, augments expression and secretion of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) that promotes insulin signaling in skeletal myotubes. Thus, unlike in skeletal myocytes, Sirt1 deficiency in the endothelium promotes glucose homeostasis by stimulating skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity through a blood-borne mechanism, and augmented secretion of Tβ4 by Sirt1-deficient endothelial cells boosts insulin signaling in skeletal muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Li
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Quanjiang Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Health, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Young-Rae Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Julia S Jacobs
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | | | - Tsneem Younis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Zhiyong Zhu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Leonid Zingman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Barry London
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Adam J Rauckhorst
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- FOEDRC Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Eric B Taylor
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- FOEDRC Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Andrew W Norris
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- FOEDRC Metabolic Phenotyping Core Facility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Ajit Vikram
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kaikobad Irani
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC), University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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Li W, Yang Y, Zhang X, Lin Y, Li H, Yao Y, Mu D. The preliminary study of exosomes derived from thymosin beta 4-treated adipose-derived stem cells in fat grafting. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:413-427. [PMID: 36445571 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01329-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retention rate in autologous fat grafting is an increasing concern for surgeons and patients. Our previous research verified that thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) positively affected fat survival, while the mechanism was unknown. The endothelial cells (ECs) and exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were regarded to play a critical role in fat transplantation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of exosomes derived from Tβ4-treated ADSCs on EC proliferation and to identify the exosomal microRNA (miRNA) profile compared with the Tβ4-untreated group. Additionally, this research intended to recognize the related molecules and signaling pathways in the Tβ4-treated group with potential roles in fat transplants. METHODS ADSCs were collected from patients who underwent liposuction surgery. Depending on whether the medium was supplemented with exogenous Tβ4 or not, exosomes derived from cultured ADSCs were divided into the Tβ4-Exos group and Con-Exos group. Exosome uptake and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays assessed the influence of Tβ4-Exos on EC proliferation. The exosomal miRNAs of the two groups were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. With the criteria at the |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 1 and p-value < 0.05, up-regulated and down-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were obtained. Prediction databases were used to predict the downstream mRNAs for DEMs. And then, overlapping genes for the up-regulated DEMs and the down-regulated were screened out, followed by enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction, and the gene cluster and hub gene identification. RESULTS ADSCs were obtained from four female patients. The exosome uptake and CCK-8 assays showed that the Tβ4-Exos could increase cell growth rate compared with the control group (DMEM-H + PBS). In Tβ4-Exos and Con-Exos groups, 2651 exosomal miRNAs were recognized, with 80 up-regulated and 99 down-regulated DEMs according to the criteria. After the prediction, 621 overlapping genes for the up-regulated and 572 for the down-regulated DEMs were screened. The subsequent bioinformatics analysis found specific molecules and pathways related to the positive effect on fat survival. CONCLUSIONS The exosomes derived from Tβ4-treated ADSCs probably positively affect EC proliferation. Compared with the Con-Exos group, several exosomal DEMs, genes, and pathways were distinguished. These findings of this exploratory study provide the potential direction for future in-depth research on fat grafting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wandi Li
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Dali Mu
- Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China.
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Bock-Marquette I, Maar K, Maar S, Lippai B, Faskerti G, Gallyas F, Olson EN, Srivastava D. Thymosin beta-4 denotes new directions towards developing prosperous anti-aging regenerative therapies. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109741. [PMID: 36709593 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Our dream of defeating the processes of organ damage and aging remains a challenge scientists pursued for hundreds of years. Although the goal is to successfully treat the body as a whole, steps towards regenerating individual organs are even considered significant. Since initial approaches utilizing only progenitor cells appear limited, we propose interconnecting our collective knowledge regarding aging and embryonic development may lead to the discovery of molecules which provide alternatives to effectively reverse cellular damage. In this review, we introduce and summarize our results regarding Thymosin beta-4 (TB4) to support our hypothesis using the heart as model system. Accordingly, we investigated the developmental expression of TB4 in mouse embryos and determined the impact of the molecule in adult animals by systemically injecting the peptide following acute cardiac infarction or with no injury. Our results proved, TB4 is expressed in the developing heart and promotes cardiac cell migration and survival. In adults, the peptide enhances myocyte survival and improves cardiac function after coronary artery ligation. Moreover, intravenous injections of TB4 alter the morphology of the adult epicardium, and the changes resemble the characteristics of the embryo. Reactivation of the embryonic program became equally reflected by the increased number of cardiac vessels and by the alteration of the gene expression profile typical of the embryonic state. Moreover, we discovered TB4 is capable of epicardial progenitor activation, and revealed the effect is independent of hypoxic injury. By observing the above results, we believe, further discoveries and consequential postnatal administration of developmentally relevant candidate molecules such as TB4 may likely result in reversing aging processes and accelerate organ regeneration in the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildiko Bock-Marquette
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, Research Group of Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs H-7624, Hungary.
| | - Klaudia Maar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, Research Group of Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Maar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, Research Group of Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Balint Lippai
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, Research Group of Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Gabor Faskerti
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, Research Group of Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Gallyas
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, University of Pecs, Medical School, Pecs H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, Research Group of Regenerative Science, Sport and Medicine, University of Pecs, Pecs H-7624, Hungary
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Deepak Srivastava
- Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease and Roddenberry Stem Cell Center, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Wang H, Qian Y, Wang JW, Fang Y, Fan YC, Liu HH, Wang K. Hypomethylation of thymosin β4 promoter is associated with glucocorticoid therapy in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B-induced liver failure. Int Health 2022; 15:19-29. [PMID: 35150577 PMCID: PMC9808517 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine whether the methylation status of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) promoter reflects the severity of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) and whether glucocorticoids affect this status. METHODS Fifty-six patients with ACHBLF, 45 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 32 healthy controls (HCs), were retrospectively enrolled. Methylation-specific PCR and real-time PCR were used to detect Tβ4 methylation frequency and mRNA level. The expression of Tβ4 was measured before and after glucocorticoid treatment in patients with ACHBLF. Clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained. RESULTS Tβ4 mRNA expression of patients with ACHBLF was lower than in patients with CHB or HCs, but the methylation frequency was higher. Tβ4 promoter methylation frequency was correlated with serum total bilirubin, prothrombin activity and model for end-stage liver disease score. Moreover, Tβ4 promoter methylation frequency decreased and demethylation occurred during glucocorticoid therapy. After glucocorticoid therapy, Tβ4 mRNA expression and liver function were better in patients with low levels of methylation than in those with higher levels. After 90 d, the survival of patients with low levels of methylation was significantly higher than those with high levels. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ACHBLF who have low levels of Tβ4 methylation may show a more favorable response to glucocorticoid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Department of Hepatology, Qingdao Sixth People's Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jing-Wen Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu-Chen Fan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Institute of Hepatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hui-Hui Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Corresponding author: Tel: +86-531-82169593; Fax: +86-531-86927544; E-mail: ;
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8
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Yu R, Lin Q, Zhai Y, Mao Y, Li K, Gao Y, Liu Y, Fu L, Fang T, Zhao M, Guan L, Hou L, Xu J, Chen W. Recombinant human thymosin beta-4 (rhTβ4) improved scalp condition and microbiome homeostasis in seborrheic dermatitis. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:2152-2163. [PMID: 34318587 PMCID: PMC8449661 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a recurrent common inflammatory skin disease that affects all ethnic groups in all regions worldwide. However, no specific treatment or preventive measure is yet available. Identifying effective treatments with acceptable safety and tolerability is desirable. In this study, scalp microbiota alterations were measured in SD, showing significantly greater abundance of Malassezia and Staphylococcus and diminished fungal and bacterial diversity compared with healthy controls. We investigated the benefit of a 4‐week treatment with 0.5 mg ml‐1 recombinant human thymosin β4 (rhTβ4) gel or 2% ketoconazole lotion on the scalp condition of 71 patients with SD compared with 21 healthy individuals. Clinical assessment (Adherent Scalp Flaking Score, and the Maximum Erythema Area) and physiological conditions (transepidermal water loss, hydration, and sebum secretion) were evaluated. The rhTβ4 treatment provided significantly greater efficacy than ketoconazole and a sustained effect in the treatment of scalp SD. More importantly, rhTβ4 dramatically improved the microbiome homeostasis and prompted a shift of scalp microflora towards healthy composition, helping symptoms and ameliorating physiological conditions more effectively and durably than ketoconazole. Our research demonstrated the scalp microbe dysbiosis of SD and highlighted rhTβ4 as a promising therapeutic strategy in the prevention and treatment of SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Qingbin Lin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfang Zhai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yunyun Mao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuemei Gao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Fu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Fang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengsu Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Guan
- Guangzhou Landproof testing technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Hou
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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9
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Maar K, Hetenyi R, Maar S, Faskerti G, Hanna D, Lippai B, Takatsy A, Bock-Marquette I. Utilizing Developmentally Essential Secreted Peptides Such as Thymosin Beta-4 to Remind the Adult Organs of Their Embryonic State-New Directions in Anti-Aging Regenerative Therapies. Cells 2021; 10:1343. [PMID: 34071596 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Our dream of defeating the processes of aging has occupied the curious and has challenged scientists globally for hundreds of years. The history is long, and sadly, the solution is still elusive. Our endeavors to reverse the magnitude of damaging cellular and molecular alterations resulted in only a few, yet significant advancements. Furthermore, as our lifespan increases, physicians are facing more mind-bending questions in their routine practice than ever before. Although the ultimate goal is to successfully treat the body as a whole, steps towards regenerating individual organs are even considered significant. As our initial approach to enhance the endogenous restorative capacity by delivering exogenous progenitor cells appears limited, we propose, utilizing small molecules critical during embryonic development may prove to be a powerful tool to increase regeneration and to reverse the processes associated with aging. In this review, we introduce Thymosin beta-4, a 43aa secreted peptide fulfilling our hopes and capable of numerous regenerative achievements via systemic administration in the heart. Observing the broad capacity of this small, secreted peptide, we believe it is not the only molecule which nature conceals to our benefit. Hence, the discovery and postnatal administration of developmentally relevant agents along with other approaches may result in reversing the aging process.
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10
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Munshaw S, Bruche S, Redpath AN, Jones A, Patel J, Dubé KN, Lee R, Hester SS, Davies R, Neal G, Handa A, Sattler M, Fischer R, Channon KM, Smart N. Thymosin β4 protects against aortic aneurysm via endocytic regulation of growth factor signaling. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:127884. [PMID: 33784254 PMCID: PMC8121525 DOI: 10.1172/jci127884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular stability and tone are maintained by contractile smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, injury-induced growth factors stimulate a contractile-synthetic phenotypic modulation which increases susceptibility to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). As a regulator of embryonic VSMC differentiation, we hypothesized that Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) may function to maintain healthy vasculature throughout postnatal life. This was supported by the identification of an interaction with low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP1), an endocytic regulator of platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB) signaling and VSMC proliferation. LRP1 variants have been implicated by genome-wide association studies with risk of AAA and other arterial diseases. Tβ4-null mice displayed aortic VSMC and elastin defects that phenocopy those of LRP1 mutants, and their compromised vascular integrity predisposed them to Angiotensin II-induced aneurysm formation. Aneurysmal vessels were characterized by enhanced VSMC phenotypic modulation and augmented PDGFR-β signaling. In vitro, enhanced sensitivity to PDGF-BB upon loss of Tβ4 was associated with dysregulated endocytosis, with increased recycling and reduced lysosomal targeting of LRP1-PDGFR-β. Accordingly, the exacerbated aneurysmal phenotype in Tβ4-null mice was rescued upon treatment with the PDGFR-β antagonist Imatinib. Our study identifies Tβ4 as a key regulator of LRP1 for maintaining vascular health, and provides insights into the mechanisms of growth factor-controlled VSMC phenotypic modulation underlying aortic disease progression.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II/adverse effects
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/chemically induced
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/genetics
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal/prevention & control
- Becaplermin/genetics
- Becaplermin/metabolism
- Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1/genetics
- Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-1/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Thymosin/genetics
- Thymosin/metabolism
- Thymosin/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Munshaw
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Susann Bruche
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andia N. Redpath
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alisha Jones
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
- Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Chemistry Department, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Munich, Germany
| | - Jyoti Patel
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Regent Lee
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Svenja S. Hester
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Davies
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Giles Neal
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ashok Handa
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
- Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Chemistry Department, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Fischer
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Keith M. Channon
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Smart
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Dai B, Sha R, Yuan J, Liu D. Multiple potential roles of thymosin β4 in the growth and development of hair follicles. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1350-1358. [PMID: 33393222 PMCID: PMC7875905 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is an important mini-organ of the skin, composed of many types of cells. Dermal papilla cells are important signalling components that guide the proliferation, upward migration and differentiation of HF stem cell progenitor cells to form other types of HF cells. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is involved in various cellular responses and has recently been shown to play key roles in HF growth and development. Endogenous Tβ4 can activate the mouse HF cycle transition and affect HF growth and development by promoting the migration and differentiation of HF stem cells and their progeny. In addition, exogenous Tβ4 increases the rate of hair growth in mice and promotes cashmere production by increasing the number of secondary HFs (hair follicles) in cashmere goats. However, the molecular mechanisms through which Tβ4 promotes HF growth and development have rarely been reported. Herein, we review the functions and mechanisms of Tβ4 in HF growth and development and describe the endogenous and exogenous actions of Tβ4 in HFs to provide insights into the roles of Tβ4 in HF growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai Dai
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Reproductive Medicine CenterThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Ri‐Na Sha
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Pathology departmentThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Jian‐Long Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Clinical laboratoryThe Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhotChina
| | - Dong‐Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland LivestockSchool of Life SciencesInner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
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12
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Romanek J, Jurkiewicz J, Wierzchoś-hilczer A, Opiela J. The developmental competence of bovine oocytes matured in vitro using thymosin beta 4. Annals of Animal Science 2021; 21:205-15. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) during in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes and subsequent embryonic development after in vitro fertilization as well as to assess the quality of obtained blastocysts. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in 4 different media: 1. control medium; 2. control media supplemented with 50 ng/mL Tβ4; 3. control media supplemented with 0.5 mg/mL Tβ4; and 4. control media supplemented with 1 mg/mL Tβ4. The quality of the developed blastocysts was analysed by the TUNEL method. The number of cleaved eggs was significantly higher (P<0.05) when gametes were matured in the presence of 50 ng/mL Tβ4 than it was using the other types of media. Additionally, the largest number of blastocysts was observed when 0.5 mg Tβ4 was added to the medium (P<0.05). No significant difference was noted in the mean number of apoptotic nuclei per blastocyst or in the mean number of nuclei per blastocyst in any of the analysed groups. In conclusion, Tβ4 supplementation (50 ng/mL) in maturation medium increased the number of cleaved oocytes, and the number of blastocysts obtained increased when 0.5 mg/mL Tβ4 was used. This positive effect was not observed when a higher concentration of Tβ4 (1 mg/mL) was used.
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13
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Hardeland R, Rodella LF. Thymus-Pineal Gland Axis: Revisiting Its Role in Human Life and Ageing. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8806. [PMID: 33233845 PMCID: PMC7699871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For years the thymus gland (TG) and the pineal gland (PG) have been subject of increasingly in-depth studies, but only recently a link that can associate the activities of the two organs has been identified. Considering, on the one hand, the well-known immune activity of thymus and, on the other, the increasingly emerging immunological roles of circadian oscillators and the rhythmically secreted main pineal product, melatonin, many studies aimed to analyse the possible existence of an interaction between these two systems. Moreover, data confirmed that the immune system is functionally associated with the nervous and endocrine systems determining an integrated dynamic network. In addition, recent researches showed a similar, characteristic involution process both in TG and PG. Since the second half of the 20th century, evidence led to the definition of an effectively interacting thymus-pineal axis (TG-PG axis), but much has to be done. In this sense, the aim of this review is to summarize what is actually known about this topic, focusing on the impact of the TG-PG axis on human life and ageing. We would like to give more emphasis to the implications of this dynamical interaction in a possible therapeutic strategy for human health. Moreover, we focused on all the products of TG and PG in order to collect what is known about the role of peptides other than melatonin. The results available today are often unclear and not linear. These peptides have not been well studied and defined over the years. In this review we hope to awake the interest of the scientific community in them and in their future pharmacological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Lower Saxony, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (C.F.); (L.F.R.)
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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14
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Qu Y, Wang Q, Fu S, Guo X, Luan J, Mu D. The Effect of Thymosin beta4 on the Survival of Autologous Fat Grafting: A Preliminary Study. Aesthet Surg J 2020; 40:NP519-NP529. [PMID: 32144415 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autologous fat grafting is a common procedure to improve tissue deficiencies. However, the survival rate of fat grafting is unpredictable. Thymosin beta 4 (Tß4), a multifunctional peptide containing 43 amino acids, is effective in angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation. OBJECTIVES The authors initially investigated the potential effect of Tß4 in fat grafting. METHODS Adipose tissue premixed exogenous Tß4 were transplanted into rabbit ears. Rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups: group A, 5 μg/mL Tß4; group B, 10 μg/mL Tß4; and group C, phosphate-buffered saline buffer as a blank control. The fat grafts were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging at 2, 4, and 12 weeks in vivo. Each harvested graft was analyzed at 3 time points after transplantation. RESULTS The fat grafts in the Tß4-treated groups showed better volume and weight retention, greater adipose tissue integrity, adipocyte viability, and angiogenesis. The results of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging also showed that the experimental groups increased microcirculation perfusion of the grafts. CONCLUSIONS The study proved that Tß4 could improve adipose tissue survival and neovascularization. It may be useful for fat grafting as a potential protective reagent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Qu
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Su Fu
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshuang Guo
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Luan
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dali Mu
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Dai B, Hao F, Xu T, Zhu B, Ren LQ, Han XY, Liu DJ. Thymosin β4 Identified by Transcriptomic Analysis from HF Anagen to Telogen Promotes Proliferation of SHF-DPCs in Albas Cashmere Goat. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2268. [PMID: 32218218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing cashmere yield is one of the important goals of cashmere goat breeding. To achieve this goal, we screened the key genes that can improve cashmere performance. In this study, we used the RNA raw datasets of the skin and dermal papilla cells of secondary hair follicle (SHF-DPCs) samples of hair follicle (HF) anagen and telogen of Albas cashmere goats and identified a set of significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To explore potential associations between gene sets and SHF growth features and to identify candidate genes, we detected functional enrichment and constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Through comprehensive analysis, we selected Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), Rho GTPase activating protein 6 (ARHGAP6), ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 15, (ADAMTS15), Chordin (CHRD), and SPARC (Osteonectin), cwcv and kazal-like domains proteoglycan 1 (SPOCK1) as candidate genes. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for these genes revealed Tβ4 and ARHGAP6 have a close association with the growth and development of SHF-DPCs. However, the expression of Tβ4 in the anagen was higher than that in the telogen, so we finally chose Tβ4 as the ultimate research object. Overexpressing Tβ4 promoted and silencing Tβ4 inhibited the proliferation of SHF-DPCs. These findings suggest that Tβ4 can promote the growth and development of SHF-DPCs and indicate that this molecule may be a valuable target for increasing cashmere production.
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Rosa S, Pitrez P, Fernandes H, Ferreira L. A High-Throughput Screening Method to Identify Compounds Displaying Human Vascular Embryonic Toxicity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 50:e93. [PMID: 31479593 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This article describes a screening platform to identify compounds that affect human embryonic vascular development. The procedure comprises the generation of human embryonic-like endothelial cells (ECs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and subsequent maturation under arterial flow conditions; the use of these cells for the high-throughput screening of small molecules that specifically inhibit the survival of embryonic-like ECs; the confirmation of the hits in embryonic-like ECs cultured under flow shear stress; and final validation in mouse embryonic ECs. The embryonic-like ECs express embryonic genes including DLL1, EPHB2, LYN, TEK, ID1, NRP2, CAST, FLT1, IGF1, DKK3, NIN, LEF1, and SORBS3. The entire screening procedure (without the validation step) can be completed within 1 month. This platform is an alternative/complement to standard animal protocols for assessing the effects of chemicals on embryonic vascular development. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Rosa
- CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Pitrez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Pólo III, Central Unit, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Hugo Fernandes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Pólo III, Central Unit, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Health Sciences Campus, Pólo III, Central Unit, Coimbra, Portugal
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