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Pan D, Di X, Yan B, Su X. Advances in the Study of Non-Coding RNA in the Signaling Pathway of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1419-1431. [PMID: 38617054 PMCID: PMC11016256 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s455707] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of chronic, progressive, and irreversible interstitial lung diseases, which are common to most end-stage lung diseases and are one of the most difficult diseases of the respiratory system. In recent years, due to the frequent occurrence of air pollution and smog, the incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in China has increased year by year, the morbidity and mortality rates of pulmonary fibrosis have gradually increased and the age of the disease tends to be younger. However, the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis is not yet fully understood and is needed to further explore new drug targets. Studies have shown that non-coding RNAs play an important role in regulating the process of pulmonary fibrosis, non-coding RNAs and their specifically expressed can promote or inhibit the process. Here, we review the role of some in the regulation of pulmonary fibrosis signaling pathways and provide new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyun Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingdi Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Su
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
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Jiang H, Yang J, Li T, Wang X, Fan Z, Ye Q, Du Y. JAK/STAT3 signaling in cardiac fibrosis: a promising therapeutic target. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1336102. [PMID: 38495094 PMCID: PMC10940489 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1336102] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a serious health problem because it is a common pathological change in almost all forms of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by the transdifferentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into cardiac myofibroblasts and the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components produced by activated myofibroblasts, which leads to fibrotic scar formation and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. However, there are currently few effective therapeutic strategies protecting against fibrogenesis. This lack is largely because the molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis remain unclear despite extensive research. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling cascade is an extensively present intracellular signal transduction pathway and can regulate a wide range of biological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response. Various upstream mediators such as cytokines, growth factors and hormones can initiate signal transmission via this pathway and play corresponding regulatory roles. STAT3 is a crucial player of the JAK/STAT pathway and its activation is related to inflammation, malignant tumors and autoimmune illnesses. Recently, the JAK/STAT3 signaling has been in the spotlight for its role in the occurrence and development of cardiac fibrosis and its activation can promote the proliferation and activation of CFs and the production of ECM proteins, thus leading to cardiac fibrosis. In this manuscript, we discuss the structure, transactivation and regulation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway and review recent progress on the role of this pathway in cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, we summarize the current challenges and opportunities of targeting the JAK/STAT3 signaling for the treatment of fibrosis. In summary, the information presented in this article is critical for comprehending the role of the JAK/STAT3 pathway in cardiac fibrosis, and will also contribute to future research aimed at the development of effective anti-fibrotic therapeutic strategies targeting the JAK/STAT3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Junjie Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhongcai Fan
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Ye
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanfei Du
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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Hu D, Ge Y, Ye L, Xi Y, Chen J, Zhu W, Wang Z, Sun Z, Su Y, Wang D, Xiao S, Qiu J. d-Galactose induces the senescence and phenotype switch of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:124-134. [PMID: 37942832 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31150] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies regarding age-related erectile dysfunction (ED) based on naturally aging models are limited by their high costs, especially for the acquisition of primary cells from the corpus cavernosum. Herein, d-galactose ( d-gal) was employed to accelerate cell senescence, and the underlying mechanism was explored. As predominant functional cells involved in the erectile response, corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) were isolated from 2-month-old rats. Following this, d-gal was introduced to induce cell senescence, which was verified via β-galactosidase staining. The effects of d-gal on CCSMCs were evaluated by terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) was carried out for rescue experiments. Subsequently, the influence of senescence on the corpus cavernosum was determined via scanning electron microscopy, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, TUNEL, and Masson stainings. The results revealed that the accelerated senescence of CCSMCs was promoted by d-gal. Simultaneously, smooth muscle alpha-actin (alpha-SMA) expression was inhibited, while that of osteopontin (OPN) and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), as well as fibrotic and apoptotic levels, were elevated. After knocking down KLF4 expression in d-gal-induced CCSMCs by RNAi, the expression level of cellular alpha-SMA increased. Contrastingly, the OPN expression, apoptotic and fibrotic levels declined. In addition, cellular senescence acquired partial remission. Accordingly, in the aged corpus cavernosum, the fibrotic and apoptotic rates were increased, followed by downregulation in the expression of alpha-SMA and the concurrent upregulation in the expression of OPN and KLF4. Overall, our results signaled that d-gal-induced accelerated senescence of CCSMCs could trigger fibrosis, apoptosis and phenotypic switch to the synthetic state, potentially attributed to the upregulation of KLF4 expression, which may be a multipotential therapeutic target of age-related ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyuan Hu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Biomedical Innovation Center, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Xi
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialiang Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenliang Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenqing Wang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuolun Sun
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Ying Su
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiwei Xiao
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Province People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianguang Qiu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhong X, Huang R, Chen X, Lei Y. A Review on the Pharmacological Aspects of Engeletin as Natural Compound. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:3833-3843. [PMID: 38152488 PMCID: PMC10752015 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s437703] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Engeletin (ENG) is a natural flavonoid compound known for its diverse physiological and pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. It has garnered significant attention as a promising candidate for drug development. Objective This article aims to comprehensively review the clinical application, pharmacological action, and potential mechanisms of ENG, while exploring its prospects in clinical pharmacology. Methods We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and MEDLINE for a thorough review of high-quality articles on the source, extraction, and application of ENG, or the primary active ingredient for improving bodily injuries. Results ENG exhibits significant potential in treating a variety of diseases across different systems, attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and metabolic regulatory activities. These effects are linked to direct or indirect interactions with multiple pathways involving key molecules upstream and downstream. Conclusion While ENG shows promise, its development requires further exploration. Future studies should focus on elucidating its mechanisms of action, identifying targets through clinical studies, and optimizing compounds for drug development. These research directions are crucial for advancing the development and application of flavonoids. This review underscores the significant research potential of ENG, paving the way for its application in diverse clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhong
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Huang
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Chen
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Lei
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, People’s Republic of China
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Wang X, Yu L, Chen Y, Xiong X, Ran H. The Kruppel-like factor 4-signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A axis promotes pancreatic fibrosis in mice with caerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis. Exp Anim 2023; 72:379-388. [PMID: 36948613 PMCID: PMC10435357 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.22-0147] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic fibrosis (PF) is a hallmark of chronic pancreatitis (CP), but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore the role of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in PF in CP mice. The CP mouse model was established using caerulein. After KLF4 interference, pathological changes in pancreatic tissues and fibrosis degree were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining, and levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, and alpha-smooth muscle actin, inflammatory cytokines, KLF4, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5) in pancreatic tissues were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot assay, and immunofluorescence. The enrichment of KLF4 on the STAT5 promoter and the binding of KLF4 to the STAT5 promoter were analyzed. The rescue experiments were performed by co-injection of sh-STAT5 and sh-KLF4 to confirm the regulatory mechanism of KLF4. KLF4 was upregulated in CP mice. Inhibition of KLF4 effectively attenuated pancreatic inflammation and PF in mice. KLF4 was enriched on the STAT5 promoter and enhanced the transcriptional and protein levels of STAT5. Overexpression of STAT5 reversed the inhibitory role of silencing KLF4 in PF. In summary, KLF4 promoted the transcription and expression of STAT5, which further facilitated PF in CP mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No.18 Wanxiang North Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610016, P.R. China
| | - Lan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No.18 Wanxiang North Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610016, P.R. China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No.18 Wanxiang North Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610016, P.R. China
| | - Xing Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No.18 Wanxiang North Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610016, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Ran
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chengdu First People's Hospital, No.18 Wanxiang North Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610016, P.R. China
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Smriti, Singla M, Gupta S, Porwal O, Nasser Binjawhar D, Sayed AA, Mittal P, El-Demerdash FM, Algahtani M, Singh SK, Dua K, Gupta G, Bawa P, Altyar AE, Abdel-Daim MM. Theoretical design for covering Engeletin with functionalized nanostructure-lipid carriers as neuroprotective agents against Huntington's disease via the nasal-brain route. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1218625. [PMID: 37492081 PMCID: PMC10364480 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1218625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To propose a theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers for improved delivery and increased bioavailability in treating Huntington's disease (HD). Methods: We conducted a literature review of the pathophysiology of HD and the limitations of currently available medications. We also reviewed the potential therapeutic benefits of engeletin, a flavanol glycoside, in treating HD through the Keap1/nrf2 pathway. We then proposed a theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers for improved delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and increased bioavailability. Results: HD is an autosomal dominant neurological illness caused by a repetition of the cytosine-adenine-guanine trinucleotide, producing a mutant protein called Huntingtin, which degenerates the brain's motor and cognitive functions. Excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, elevated concentration of ROS and RNS, neuroinflammation, and protein aggregation significantly impact HD development. Current therapeutic medications can postpone HD symptoms but have long-term adverse effects when used regularly. Herbal medications such as engeletin have drawn attention due to their minimal side effects. Engeletin has been shown to reduce mitochondrial dysfunction and suppress inflammation through the Keap1/NRF2 pathway. However, its limited solubility and permeability hinder it from reaching the target site. A theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers may allow for free transit over the BBB due to offering a similar composition to the natural lipids present in the body a lipid solubility and increase bioavailability, potentially leading to a cure or prevention of HD. Conclusion: The theoretical formulation of engeletin-nanostructured lipid nanocarriers has the potential to improve delivery and increase the bioavailability of engeletin in the treatment of HD, which may lead to a cure or prevention of this fatal illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smriti
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Madhav Singla
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Gupta
- Chameli Devi Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
| | - Omji Porwal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Dalal Nasser Binjawhar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany A. Sayed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Pooja Mittal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Fatma M. El-Demerdash
- Department of Environmental Studies, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohammad Algahtani
- Department of Laboratory & Blood Bank, Security Forces Hospital, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
- Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Puneet Bawa
- Center of Excellence for Speech and Multimodel Laboratory, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, India
| | - Ahmed E. Altyar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Liao S, Tang Y, Zhang Y, Cao Q, Xu L, Zhuang Q. Identification of the shared genes and immune signatures between systemic lupus erythematosus and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Hereditas 2023; 160:9. [PMID: 36871016 PMCID: PMC9985223 DOI: 10.1186/s41065-023-00270-3] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder which could lead to inflammation and fibrosis in various organs. Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe complication in patients with SLE. Nonetheless, SLE-derived pulmonary fibrosis has unknown pathogenesis. Of pulmonary fibrosis, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a typicality and deadly form. Aiming to investigate the gene signatures and possible immune mechanisms in SLE-derived pulmonary fibrosis, we explored common characters between SLE and IPF from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. RESULTS We employed the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify the shared genes. Two modules were significantly identified in both SLE and IPF, respectively. The overlapped 40 genes were selected out for further analysis. The GO enrichment analysis of shared genes between SLE and IPF was performed with ClueGO and indicated that p38MAPK cascade, a key inflammation response pathway, may be a common feature in both SLE and IPF. The validation datasets also illustrated this point. The enrichment analysis of common miRNAs was obtained from the Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD) and the enrichment analysis with the DIANA tools also indicated that MAPK pathways' role in the pathogenesis of SLE and IPF. The target genes of these common miRNAs were identified by the TargetScan7.2 and a common miRNAs-mRNAs network was constructed with the overlapped genes in target and shared genes to show the regulated target of SLE-derived pulmonary fibrosis. The result of CIBERSORT showed decreased regulatory T cells (Tregs), naïve CD4+ T cells and rest mast cells but increased activated NK cells and activated mast cells in both SLE and IPF. The target genes of cyclophosphamide were also obtained from the Drug Repurposing Hub and had an interaction with the common gene PTGS2 predicted with protein-protein interaction (PPI) and molecular docking, indicating its potential treatment effect. CONCLUSIONS This study originally uncovered the MAPK pathway, and the infiltration of some immune-cell subsets might be pivotal factors for pulmonary fibrosis complication in SLE, which could be used as potentially therapeutic targets. The cyclophosphamide may treat SLE-derived pulmonary fibrosis through interaction with PTGS2, which could be activated by p38MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Liao
- Transplantation Center, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Youzhou Tang
- Department of Nephropathy, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Transplantation Center, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qingtai Cao
- Transplantation Center, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Linyong Xu
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Quan Zhuang
- Transplantation Center, the 3rd Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China. .,Research Center of National Health Ministry on Transplantation Medicine, 138 Tongzipo Rd, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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Fang XD, He JK, Chen YX, Ke B, Zhu SY, Fan CQ, Tu WP, Li P. MiR-449a downregulation alleviates the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis by mediating the KLF4/MFN2 axis. Int Urol Nephrol 2023:10.1007/s11255-023-03503-6. [PMID: 36781680 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03503-6] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) seriously threatens the health of individuals. MiRNAs regulate the progression of fibrosis. Nevertheless, the detailed function of miR-449a in RIF is largely unknown. METHODS In vitro and in vivo models of RIF were developed to evaluate the function of miR-449a. The relationship among miR-449a, KLF4, and MFN2 was explored using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Additionally, the pathological changes in the mice were detected using Masson staining. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. RESULTS TGF-β1 downregulated the expressions of KLF4 and MFN2 in TCMK-1 cells, but upregulated the level of miR-449a. The downregulation of miR-449a significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced upregulation of fibrotic proteins in TCMK-1 cells. Meanwhile, miR-449a directly targeted KLF4. Moreover, KLF4 overexpression activated MFN2 transcription and reversed TGF-β1-induced fibrosis by positively regulating MFN2. Furthermore, the downregulation of miR-449a could obviously alleviate the symptoms of RIF in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. CONCLUSION MiR-449a downregulation attenuated the development of RIF by mediating the KLF4/MFN2 axis. Therefore, miR-449a might act as a target in treating RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Dong Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jia-Ke He
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yan-Xia Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ben Ke
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shu-Ying Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chu-Qiao Fan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wei-Ping Tu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
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Quan Y, Yin Z, Chen S, Lang J, Han L, Yi J, Zhang L, Yue Q, Tian W, Chen P, Du S, Wang J, Dai Y, Hua H, Zeng J, Li L, Zhao J. The gut-lung axis: Gut microbiota changes associated with pulmonary fibrosis in mouse models induced by bleomycin. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:985223. [PMID: 36249808 PMCID: PMC9561135 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.985223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to investigate the alterations in the gut microbiota (GM) of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) mice induced by bleomycin (BLM) with its underlying mechanisms. BLM was docked with the targets of TGF-β/SMAD and caspase-3 pathways using the molecular docking technique. HE staining and Masson staining were applied to observe the histopathological changes in the pulmonary tissues. Detection of the apoptotic signals was conducted by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. The mRNA expression of targets involved in the TGF-β/SMAD and caspase-3 signaling pathways in lungs was determined by qPCR. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to detect the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and BAX proteins in mice lung tissues. 16S rDNA sequencing analysis was used to investigate the changes of GM in the fecal samples of mice in each group. The results showed that the apoptosis rate of pulmonary cells in the BLM group distinctly increased, with the expression levels of crucial target pro-apoptotic gene caspase-3, BAX with the corresponding protein, cleaved caspase-3, BAX were apparently elevated. This was accompanied by a significant increase in pro-fibrotic targets level such as TGF-β, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen III. The mechanisms of PF induced by BLM were related to apoptosis of lung tissue cells such as alveolar epithelial cells and destroyed alveolar structure and excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM), which may be bound up with activating TGF-β/SMAD and caspase-3 pathways. As for the GM, it was found that, after BLM induced PF in mice, the micro ecological balance of the GM was destroyed; the distance of PCo1 and Pco2 was significantly elongated, and the relative abundance of some intestinal probiotics like Catenibacterium and Lactobacillus (L. johnsonii and L. gasseri) dramatically lowered while the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobiales and Enterobacteriales substantially increased. Therefore, GM changes associated with PF in mouse models induced by BLM and the concept of “gut-lung axis” might provide an optional therapeutic strategy for PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Quan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhujun Yin
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shilong Chen
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jirui Lang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liyang Han
- Department of Pharmacognosy, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Yi
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianhua Yue
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Weiwei Tian
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shenglin Du
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianbo Wang
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hua Hua
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jin Zeng
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Li
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Li Li, ; Junning Zhao,
| | - Junning Zhao
- Department of Pharmacognosy, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Li Li, ; Junning Zhao,
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Wu HF, Lu TJ, Lo YH, Tu YT, Chen YR, Lee MC, Chiang YL, Yeh CY, Tsai KW. Long Noncoding RNA LOC550643 Acts as an Oncogene in the Growth Regulation of Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cells 2022; 11:1065. [PMID: 35406629 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071065] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs play a key role in the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role and mechanism of LOC550643 in CRC cell growth and metastasis remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the clinical impacts of LOC550643 on CRC through the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, which revealed the significant upregulation of LOC550643 in CRC. Moreover, the high expression of LOC550643 was associated with poor survival in patients with CRC (p = 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that LOC550643 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for shorter overall survival in patients with CRC (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-3.00; p = 0.006). A biological function analysis revealed that LOC550643 knockdown reduced colon cancer cell growth by hindering cell cycle progression. In addition, LOC550643 knockdown significantly induced cell apoptosis through the inhibition of signaling activity in phosphoinositide 3-kinases. Moreover, LOC550643 knockdown contributed to the inhibition of migration and invasion ability in colon cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-29b-2-5p interacted with the LOC550643 sequence. Ectopic miR-29b-2-5p significantly suppressed colon cancer cell growth and motility and induced cell apoptosis. Our findings suggest that, LOC550643-miR-29b-2-5p axis was determined to participate in the growth and metastasis of colon cancer cells; this could serve as a useful molecular biomarker for cancer diagnosis and as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
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