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Ni XY, Feng XJ, Wang ZH, Zhang Y, Little PJ, Cao Y, Xu SW, Tang LQ, Weng JP. Empagliflozin and liraglutide ameliorate HFpEF in mice via augmenting the Erbb4 signaling pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01265-0. [PMID: 38589689 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01265-0] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is closely associated with metabolic derangement. Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) exert anti-HFpEF effects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the anti-HFpEF effects of empagliflozin and liraglutide and the underlying molecular mechanisms in a mouse model of HFpEF. This model was established by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding plus Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) treatment. The mice were treated with empagliflozin (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) or liraglutide (0.3 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) or their combination for 4 weeks. At the end of the experimental protocol, cardiac function was measured using ultrasound, then mice were euthanized and heart, liver, and kidney tissues were collected. Nuclei were isolated from frozen mouse ventricular tissue for single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (snRNA-seq). We showed that administration of empagliflozin or liraglutide alone or in combination significantly improved diastolic function, ameliorated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis, as well as exercise tolerance but no synergism was observed in the combination group. Furthermore, empagliflozin and/or liraglutide lowered body weight, improved glucose metabolism, lowered blood pressure, and improved liver and kidney function. After the withdrawal of empagliflozin or liraglutide for 1 week, these beneficial effects tended to diminish. The snRNA-seq analysis revealed a subcluster of myocytes, in which Erbb4 expression was down-regulated under HFpEF conditions, and restored by empagliflozin or liraglutide. Pseudo-time trajectory analysis and cell-to-cell communication studies confirmed that the Erbb4 pathway was a prominent pathway essential for both drug actions. In the HFpEF mouse model, both empagliflozin and liraglutide reversed Erbb4 down-regulation. In rat h9c2 cells, we showed that palmitic acid- or high glucose-induced changes in PKCα and/or ERK1/2 phosphorylation at least in part through Erbb4. Collectively, the single-cell atlas reveals the anti-HFpEF mechanism of empagliflozin and liraglutide, suggesting that Erbb4 pathway represents a new therapeutic target for HFpEF. Effects and mechanisms of action of empagliflozin and liraglutide in HFpEF mice. HFpEF was induced with a high-fat diet and L-NAME for 15 weeks, and treatment with empagliflozin and liraglutide improved the HFpEF phenotype. Single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) was used to reveal the underlying mechanism of action of empagliflozin and liraglutide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Yun Ni
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Yang Cao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Suo-Wen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China.
| | - Li-Qin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, 230001, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230036, China.
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Kumarapperuma H, Wang R, Little PJ, Kamato D. Mechanistic insight: Linking cardiovascular complications of inflammatory bowel disease. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2024; 34:203-211. [PMID: 36702388 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2023.01.002] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide despite an aggressive reduction of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Underlying inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increase the risk of developing CVD. A broad understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes between IBD and CVD is required to treat and prevent cardiovascular events in patients with IBD. This review highlights the commonality between IBD and CVD, including dysregulated immune response, genetics, environmental risk factors, altered gut microbiome, stress, endothelial dysfunction and abnormalities, to shed light on an essential area of modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Ran Wang
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.
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3
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Lin J, Wang J, Fang J, Li M, Xu S, Little PJ, Zhang D, Liu Z. The cytoplasmic sensor, the AIM2 inflammasome: A precise therapeutic target in vascular and metabolic diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38528718 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16355] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases encompass pathological changes in the heart, brain and vascular system, which pose a great threat to health and well-being worldwide. Moreover, metabolic diseases contribute to and exacerbate the impact of vascular diseases. Inflammation is a complex process that protects against noxious stimuli but is also dysregulated in numerous so-called inflammatory diseases, one of which is atherosclerosis. Inflammation involves multiple organ systems and a complex cascade of molecular and cellular events. Numerous studies have shown that inflammation plays a vital role in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and metabolic diseases. The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome detects and is subsequently activated by double-stranded DNA in damaged cells and pathogens. With the assistance of the mature effector molecule caspase-1, the AIM2 inflammasome performs crucial biological functions that underpin its involvement in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and related metabolic diseases: The production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18) and N-terminal pore-forming Gasdermin D fragment (GSDMD-N) mediates a series of inflammatory responses and programmed cell death (pyroptosis and PANoptosis). Currently, several agents have been reported to inhibit the activity of the AIM2 inflammasome and have the potential to be evaluated for use in clinical settings. In this review, we systemically elucidate the assembly, biological functions, regulation and mechanisms of the AIM2 inflammasome in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and related metabolic diseases and outline the inhibitory agents of the AIM2 inflammasome as potential therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuguo Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Fang
- Huadu District People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meihang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Chen MJ, Xu YT, Sun L, Wang ZH, Little PJ, Wang L, Xian XD, Weng JP, Xu SW. A novel mouse model of familial combined hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01241-8. [PMID: 38459255 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01241-8] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Within the context of residual cardiovascular risk in post-statin era, emerging evidence from epidemiologic and human genetic studies have demonstrated that triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins and their remnants are causally related to cardiovascular risk. While, carriers of loss-of-function mutations of ApoC3 have low TG levels and are protected from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of translational significance, siRNAs/antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting ApoC3 is beneficial for patients with atherosclerotic CVD. Therefore, animal models of atherosclerosis with both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are important for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies targeting TG-lowering on top of traditional cholesterol-lowering. In this study, we constructed a novel mouse model of familial combined hyperlipidemia through inserting a human ApoC3 transgene (hApoC3-Tg) into C57BL/6 J mice and injecting a gain-of-function variant of adeno-associated virus-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (AAV-PCSK9)-D377Y concurrently with high cholesterol diet (HCD) feeding for 16 weeks. In the last 10 weeks, hApoC3-Tg mice were orally treated with a combination of atorvastatin (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) and fenofibrate (100 mg·kg-1·d-1). HCD-treated hApoC3-Tg mice demonstrated elevated levels of serum TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Oral administration of atorvastatin and fenofibrate significantly decreased the plaque sizes of en face aorta, aortic sinus and innominate artery accompanied by improved lipid profile and distribution. In summary, this novel mouse model is of considerable clinical relevance for evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic drugs by targeting both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Jie Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yi-Tong Xu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xun-de Xian
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100091, China.
| | - Jian-Ping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Suo-Wen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230022, China.
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5
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Zhang T, Zhu M, Ma J, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Chen M, Zhao Y, Li H, Wang S, Wei X, Zhang W, Yang X, Little PJ, Kamato D, Hu H, Duan Y, Zhang B, Xiao J, Xu S, Chen Y. Moscatilin inhibits vascular calcification by activating IL13RA2-dependent inhibition of STAT3 and attenuating the WNT3/β-catenin signalling pathway. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00082-1. [PMID: 38432393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.02.020] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vascular calcification, a devastating vascular complication accompanying atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, increases the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and compromises the efficacy of vascular interventions. However, effective therapeutic drugs and treatments to delay or prevent vascular calcification are lacking. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to test the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Moscatilin (also known as dendrophenol) from Dendrobium huoshanense (an eminent traditional Chinese medicine) in suppressing vascular calcification in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice (25-week-old) were subjected to nicotine and vitamin D3 (VD3) treatment to induce vascular calcification. In vitro, we established the cellular model of osteogenesis of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) under phosphate conditions. RESULTS By utilizing an in-house drug screening strategy, we identified Moscatilin as a new naturally-occurring chemical entity to reduce HASMC calcium accumulation. The protective effects of Moscatilin against vascular calcification were verified in cultured HASMCs. Unbiased transcriptional profiling analysis and cellular thermal shift assay suggested that Moscatilin suppresses vascular calcification via binding to interleukin 13 receptor subunit A2 (IL13RA2) and augmenting its expression. Furthermore, IL13RA2 was reduced during HASMC osteogenesis, thus promoting the secretion of inflammatory factors via STAT3. We further validated the participation of Moscatilin-inhibited vascular calcification by the classical WNT/β-catenin pathway, among which WNT3 played a key role in this process. Moscatilin mitigated the crosstalk between WNT3/β-catenin and IL13RA2/STAT3 to reduce osteogenic differentiation of HASMCs. CONCLUSION This study supports the potential of Moscatilin as a new naturally-occurring candidate drug for treating vascular calcification via regulating the IL13RA2/STAT3 and WNT3/β-catenin signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Jialing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meijie Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yaping Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huaxin Li
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoning Wei
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Tianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Ourense, Spain
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Yuanli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Regulation of Anhui Department of Education, Anhui Provincial International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Major Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Interventions, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China.
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Chia ZJ, Cao YN, Little PJ, Kamato D. Transforming growth factor-β receptors: versatile mechanisms of ligand activation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024:10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6. [PMID: 38351317 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01235-6] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is initiated by activation of transmembrane TGF-β receptors (TGFBR), which deploys Smad2/3 transcription factors to control cellular responses. Failure or dysregulation in the TGF-β signaling pathways leads to pathological conditions. TGF-β signaling is regulated at different levels along the pathways and begins with the liberation of TGF-β ligand from its latent form. The mechanisms of TGFBR activation display selectivity to cell types, agonists, and TGF-β isoforms, enabling precise control of TGF-β signals. In addition, the cell surface compartments used to release active TGF-β are surprisingly vibrant, using thrombospondins, integrins, matrix metalloproteinases and reactive oxygen species. The scope of TGFBR activation is further unfolded with the discovery of TGFBR activation initiated by other signaling pathways. The unique combination of mechanisms works in series to trigger TGFBR activation, which can be explored as therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the diverse mechanisms underpinning TGFBR activation, shedding light on potential avenues for therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Ying-Nan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Discovery Biology, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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Gao S, Liu XP, Li TT, Chen L, Feng YP, Wang YK, Yin YJ, Little PJ, Wu XQ, Xu SW, Jiang XD. Animal models of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF): from metabolic pathobiology to drug discovery. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:23-35. [PMID: 37644131 PMCID: PMC10770177 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01152-0] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is currently a preeminent challenge for cardiovascular medicine. It has a poor prognosis, increasing mortality, and is escalating in prevalence worldwide. Despite accounting for over 50% of all HF patients, the mechanistic underpinnings driving HFpEF are poorly understood, thus impeding the discovery and development of mechanism-based therapies. HFpEF is a disease syndrome driven by diverse comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and obesity, pulmonary hypertension, aging, and atrial fibrillation. There is a lack of high-fidelity animal models that faithfully recapitulate the HFpEF phenotype, owing primarily to the disease heterogeneity, which has hampered our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of HFpEF. This review provides an updated overview of the currently available animal models of HFpEF and discusses their characteristics from the perspective of energy metabolism. Interventional strategies for efficiently utilizing energy substrates in preclinical HFpEF models are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China
| | - Xue-Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China
| | - Yi-Ping Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China
| | - Yu-Kun Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China
| | - Yan-Jun Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Xiao-Qian Wu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, the NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
| | - Suo-Wen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China.
| | - Xu-Dong Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou, 545005, China.
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Jiang H, Zhao Y, Su M, Sun L, Chen M, Zhang Z, Ilyas I, Wang Z, Little PJ, Wang L, Weng J, Ge J, Xu S. A proteome-wide screen identifies the calcium binding proteins, S100A8/S100A9, as clinically relevant therapeutic targets in aortic dissection. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107029. [PMID: 38056513 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107029] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Aortic dissection (AD) is a fatal cardiovascular disease with limited pharmacotherapies. To discover novel therapeutic targets for AD, the present study was conducted on ascending aorta samples from AD patients versus those from control subjects using proteomic analysis. Integrated proteomic data analysis identified S100 calcium-binding proteins A8 and A9 (S100A8/A9) as new therapeutic targets for AD. As assessed by ELISA, the circulating levels of S100A8/A9 were elevated in AD patients. In addition, we validated the upregulation of S100A8/A9 in a mouse model of AD. In vitro and in vivo studies substantiated that S100A8/A9, as danger-associated molecular pattern molecules, promotes the smooth muscle cells phenotypic switch by inhibiting serum response factor (SRF) activity but elevating NF-κB dependent inflammatory response. Depletion of S100A8/A9 attenuates the occurrence and development of AD. As a proof of concept, we tested the safety and efficacy of pharmacological inhibition of S100A8/A9 by ABR-25757 (paquinimod) in a mouse model of AD. We observed that ABR-25757 ameliorated the incidence of rupture and improved elastin morphology associated with AD. Further single-cell RNA sequencing disclosed that the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and inflammatory response pathways were responsible for ABR-25757-mediated protection against AD. Thus, this study reveals the regulatory mechanism of S100A8/A9 in AD and offers a potential therapeutic avenue to treat AD by targeting S100A8/A9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yaping Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meiming Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Meijie Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianjun Ge
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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9
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Ye W, Wang J, Little PJ, Zou J, Zheng Z, Lu J, Yin Y, Liu H, Zhang D, Liu P, Xu S, Ye W, Liu Z. Anti-atherosclerotic effects and molecular targets of ginkgolide B from Ginkgo biloba. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1-19. [PMID: 38239238 PMCID: PMC10792990 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.014] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba , a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba , can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weile Ye
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wang
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Peter J. Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Jiami Zou
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jing Lu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanjun Yin
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Peiqing Liu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Lab of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Wencai Ye
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhiping Liu
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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10
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Wu X, Xu M, Geng M, Chen S, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Targeting protein modifications in metabolic diseases: molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:220. [PMID: 37244925 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01439-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The ever-increasing prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) represents a major public health burden worldwide. The most common form of NCD is metabolic diseases, which affect people of all ages and usually manifest their pathobiology through life-threatening cardiovascular complications. A comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology of metabolic diseases will generate novel targets for improved therapies across the common metabolic spectrum. Protein posttranslational modification (PTM) is an important term that refers to biochemical modification of specific amino acid residues in target proteins, which immensely increases the functional diversity of the proteome. The range of PTMs includes phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, neddylation, glycosylation, palmitoylation, myristoylation, prenylation, cholesterylation, glutathionylation, S-nitrosylation, sulfhydration, citrullination, ADP ribosylation, and several novel PTMs. Here, we offer a comprehensive review of PTMs and their roles in common metabolic diseases and pathological consequences, including diabetes, obesity, fatty liver diseases, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. Building upon this framework, we afford a through description of proteins and pathways involved in metabolic diseases by focusing on PTM-based protein modifications, showcase the pharmaceutical intervention of PTMs in preclinical studies and clinical trials, and offer future perspectives. Fundamental research defining the mechanisms whereby PTMs of proteins regulate metabolic diseases will open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Mengya Geng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, China.
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000, China.
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11
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Jiang P, Liu Z, Fang T, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Wang D, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Growth differentiation factor 15 is dispensable for acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 132:343-353. [PMID: 36602134 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13834] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) has been recognized as a pivotal contributor to drug-induced liver failure in Western countries, but its molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a pleiotropic factor that alleviates non-alcoholic liver steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver injury. The aim of the present study was to examine the possibility whether GDF15 confers protection against AILI. We found that the gene expression of Gdf15 was increased significantly after APAP overdose in mice. Next, the role of Gdf15 in AILI was evaluated by hepatic Gdf15 overexpression (using adeno-associated virus serotype 8), injection with recombinant human GDF15 (rhGDF15) and Gdf15 knockout mice after challenge with APAP. A marked elevation of Gdf15 was observed after AILI. However, there were no significant differences in AILI-related liver injury and JNK phosphorylation after Gdf15 overexpression, rhGDF15 injection or Gdf15 deficiency. Together, we conclude that, despite a noticeable elevation of Gdf15 level after AILI, Gdf15 is dispensable for APAP-induced AILI. Our study further suggests that genomic analysis of mRNA expression after APAP overdose is of limited relevance unless followed up by a functional analysis of candidate genes in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tingyu Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research and the Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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12
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Adelnia H, Blakey I, Little PJ, Ta HT. Poly(succinimide) nanoparticles as reservoirs for spontaneous and sustained synthesis of poly(aspartic acid) under physiological conditions: potential for vascular calcification therapy and oral drug delivery. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:2650-2662. [PMID: 36655707 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01867e] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the preparation of poly(succinimide) nanoparticles (PSI NPs) and investigates their properties and characteristics. Employing direct and inverse precipitation methods, stable PSI NPs with tunable size and narrow dispersity were prepared without the use of any stabilizer or emulsifier. It was demonstrated that PSI NPs convert to poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) gradually under physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4), while remaining stable under mildly acidic conditions. The dissolution profile was tuned and delayed by chemical modification of PSI. Through grafting a fluorophore to the PSI backbone, it was also demonstrated that such a spontaneous conversion could offer great potential for oral delivery of therapeutic agents to the colon. Sustained PASP synthesis also contributed to a sustained reduction of reactive oxygen species induced by iron. Furthermore, PSI NPs effectively prevented in vitro calcification of smooth muscle cells. This was attributed to the chelation of calcium ions to PASP, thereby inhibiting calcium deposition, because under cell culture conditions PSI NPs serve as reservoirs for the sustained synthesis of PASP. Overall, this study sheds light on the preparation and features of biocompatible and biodegradable PSI-based NPs and paves the way for further research to discover as-yet unfulfilled potential of this polymer in the form of nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Adelnia
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4067, Queensland, Australia
| | - Idriss Blakey
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4067, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4067, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4102, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hang Thu Ta
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4067, Queensland, Australia
- School of Environment and Science and Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Brisbane, 4111, Queensland, Australia
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13
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Kamato D, Gabr M, Kumarapperuma H, Chia ZJ, Zheng W, Xu S, Osman N, Little PJ. Gαq Is the Specific Mediator of PAR-1 Transactivation of Kinase Receptors in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214425. [PMID: 36430902 PMCID: PMC9692893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214425] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transactivation of kinase receptors greatly expands the actions attributable to GPCRs. Thrombin, via its cognate GPCR, protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1, transactivates tyrosine and serine/threonine kinase receptors, specifically the epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor-β receptor, respectively. PAR-1 transactivation-dependent signalling leads to the modification of lipid-binding proteoglycans involved in the retention of lipids and the development of atherosclerosis. The mechanisms of GPCR transactivation of kinase receptors are distinct. We aimed to investigate the role of proximal G proteins in transactivation-dependent signalling. MAIN METHODS Using pharmacological and molecular approaches, we studied the role of the G⍺ subunits, G⍺q and G⍺11, in the context of PAR-1 transactivation-dependent signalling leading to proteoglycan modifications. KEY FINDINGS Pan G⍺q subunit inhibitor UBO-QIC/FR900359 inhibited PAR-1 transactivation of kinase receptors and proteoglycans modification. The G⍺q/11 inhibitor YM254890 did not affect PAR-1 transactivation pathways. Molecular approaches revealed that of the two highly homogenous G⍺q members, G⍺q and G⍺11, only the G⍺q was involved in regulating PAR-1 mediated proteoglycan modification. Although G⍺q and G⍺11 share approximately 90% homology at the protein level, we show that the two isoforms exhibit different functional roles. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings may be extrapolated to other GPCRs involved in vascular pathology and highlight the need for novel pharmacological tools to assess the role of G proteins in GPCR signalling to expand the preeminent position of GPCRs in human therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Mai Gabr
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zheng J. Chia
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Centre of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230052, China
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou 510520, China
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
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14
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Kamato D, Ilyas I, Xu S, Little PJ. Non-Mouse Models of Atherosclerosis: Approaches to Exploring the Translational Potential of New Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12964. [PMID: 36361754 PMCID: PMC9656683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the largest single cause of disease-related mortality worldwide and the major underlying pathology is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis develops as a complex process of vascular lipid deposition and retention by modified proteoglycans, endothelial dysfunction and unresolved chronic inflammation. There are a multitude of current therapeutic agents, most based on lowering plasma lipid levels, but, overall, they have a lower than optimum level of efficacy and many deaths continue to arise from cardiovascular disease world-wide. To identify and evaluate potential novel cardiovascular drugs, suitable animal models that reproduce human atherosclerosis with a high degree of fidelity are required as essential pre-clinical research tools. Commonly used animal models of atherosclerosis include mice (ApoE-/-, LDLR-/- mice and others), rabbits (WHHL rabbits and others), rats, pigs, hamster, zebrafish and non-human primates. Models based on various wild-type and genetically modified mice have been extensively reviewed but mice may not always be appropriate. Thus, here, we provide an overview of the advantages and shortcomings of various non-mouse animal models of atherosclerotic plaque formation, and plaque rupture, as well as commonly used interventional strategies. Taken together, the combinatorial selection of suitable animal models readily facilitates reproducible and rigorous translational research in discovering and validating novel anti-atherosclerotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Discovery Biology, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Laboratory of Metabolics and Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Laboratory of Metabolics and Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Peter J. Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute and School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
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15
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Abstract
Natural products possess pleiotropic cardiovascular protective effects owing to their anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-thrombotic properties. Kaempferol, (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), is a kind of naturally occurring flavonoid existing in many common fruits and vegetables (e.g., onions, broccoli, strawberries and grapes) and particularly in traditional Chinese medicine as exemplified by Ginkgo biloba. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies have revealed an inverse association between the consumption of kaempferol-containing foods and medicines and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Numerous translational studies in experimental animal models and cultured cells have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities of kaempferol. In this article, we reviewed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective activities of kaempferol and elucidated the potential molecular basis of the therapeutic capacity of kaempferol by focusing on its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Overall, the review presents the health benefits of kaempferol-containing plants and medicines and reflects on the potential of kaempferol as a possible drug candidate to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of most cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Hesham R El-Seedi
- Pharmacognosy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | | | - Maria Daglia
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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16
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Fang T, Wang H, Pan X, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Mouse models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): pathomechanisms and pharmacotherapies. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5681-5697. [PMID: 36263163 PMCID: PMC9576517 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.65044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases year by year, and as a consequence, NAFLD has become one of the most prevalent liver diseases worldwide. Unfortunately, no pharmacotherapies for NAFLD have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration despite promising pre-clinical benefits; this situation highlights the urgent need to explore new therapeutic targets for NAFLD and for the discovery of effective therapeutic drugs. The mouse is one of the most commonly used models to study human disease and develop novel pharmacotherapies due to its small size, low-cost and ease in genetic engineering. Different mouse models are used to simulate various stages of NAFLD induced by dietary and/or genetic intervention. In this review, we summarize the newly described patho-mechanisms of NAFLD and review the preclinical mouse models of NAFLD (based on the method of induction) and appraises the use of these models in anti-NAFLD drug discovery. This article will provide a useful resource for researchers to select the appropriate model for research based on the research question being addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingyu Fang
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyue Pan
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102 Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Jianping Weng, (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7889-1697); Suowen Xu, (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5488-5217)
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Jianping Weng, (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7889-1697); Suowen Xu, (ORCID ID: 0000-0002-5488-5217)
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17
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Ilyas I, Little PJ, Liu Z, Xu Y, Kamato D, Berk BC, Weng J, Xu S. Mouse models of atherosclerosis in translational research. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:920-939. [PMID: 35902281 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), the major cause of premature human mortality, is a chronic and progressive metabolic and inflammatory disease in large- and medium-sized arteries. Mouse models are widely used to gain mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and have facilitated the discovery of anti-atherosclerotic drugs. Despite promising preclinical studies, many drug candidates have not translated to clinical use because of the complexity of disease patho-mechanisms including lipid metabolic traits and inflammatory, genetic, and hemodynamic factors. We review the current preclinical utility and translation potential of traditional [apolipoprotein E (APOE)- and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR)-deficient mice] and emerging mouse models that include partial carotid ligation and AAV8-Pcsk9-D377Y injection in atherosclerosis research and drug discovery. This article represents an important resource in atherosclerosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanyong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology of School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bradford C Berk
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Laboratory of Metabolics and Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Laboratory of Metabolics and Cardiovascular Diseases, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
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18
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Xu M, Wu X, Liu Z, Ding Y, Kong W, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. A novel mouse model of diabetes, atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease using an AAV8-PCSK9-D377Y injection and dietary manipulation in db/db mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 622:163-169. [PMID: 35868060 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.031] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical mouse models of cardiometabolic diseases are crucial to study the pathological mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases and to explore potential new therapeutic agents. Using double-knockouts in the background of ApoE-/- or Ldlr-/- mice requires an extensive amount of breeding and is costly. A significant breakthrough in atherosclerosis research is the use of AAV8-PCSK9-D377Y (a gain-of-function mutant of PCSK9 which promotes LDLR degradation) injection which can induce hyperlipidemia, increased endothelial stiffness, vascular calcification, aneurysm, and atherosclerotic plaque development in normal C57BL/6J mice. The purpose of this study was to assess the possibility that the injection of AAV8-PCSK9 vectors in db/db mice (a well-established animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus) produces a novel mouse model of diabetes, atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease to study the pathomechanisms of cardiometabolic disease and its complications. Db/db mice were injected with AAV8-PCSK9-D377Y (AAV8-PCSK9 for simplicity) or AAV8-control and fed with high-cholesterol diets for 8 weeks. Levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were significantly elevated in AAV8-PCSK9-injected mice compared to the controls. AAV8-PCSK9 injection led to increased serum level of PCSK9, serious liver steatosis, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic plaque as determined by aortic arch/roots histopathological staining, with Oil Red O, Masson-trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin staining. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics were used to assess the global gene expression in liver tissues. We conclude that AAV8-PCSK9 injection in db/db mice is a promising and time-efficient approach to induce diabetic atherosclerosis with fatty liver. This mouse model can be a new one to investigate the etiology and therapeutics of atherosclerosis with diabetes and fatty liver beyond the traditional model established in ApoE-/- mice or LDLR-/- mice receiving streptozotocin (STZ) injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyun Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xiumei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Weian Kong
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science & Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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19
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Jiang H, Zhou Y, Nabavi SM, Sahebkar A, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J, Ge J. Mechanisms of Oxidized LDL-Mediated Endothelial Dysfunction and Its Consequences for the Development of Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:925923. [PMID: 35722128 PMCID: PMC9199460 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.925923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is an immuno-metabolic disease involving chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetics, and metabolic dysfunction. There is compelling evidence suggesting numerous modifications including the change of the size, density, and biochemical properties in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) within the vascular wall. These modifications of LDL, in addition to LDL transcytosis and retention, contribute to the initiation, development and clinical consequences of atherosclerosis. Among different atherogenic modifications of LDL, oxidation represents a primary modification. A series of pathophysiological changes caused by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) enhance the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. OxLDL also promotes the development of fatty streaks and atherogenesis through induction of endothelial dysfunction, formation of foam cells, monocyte chemotaxis, proliferation and migration of SMCs, and platelet activation, which culminate in plaque instability and ultimately rupture. This article provides a concise review of the formation of oxLDL, enzymes mediating LDL oxidation, and the receptors and pro-atherogenic signaling pathways of oxLDL in vascular cells. The review also explores how oxLDL functions in different stages of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Future targeted pathways and therapies aiming at reducing LDL oxidation and/or lowering oxLDL levels and oxLDL-mediated pro-inflammatory responses are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yongwen Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | | | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Suowen Xu ; orcid.org/0000-0002-5488-5217
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Clinical Research Hospital of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Hefei), University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Jianping Weng ; orcid.org/0000-0002-7889-1697
| | - Jianjun Ge
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Jianjun Ge ; orcid.org/0000-0002-9424-6049
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20
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Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Mohamed R, Dayati P, Mehr RN, Seif F, Sharifat N, Khedri A, Kamato D, Little PJ. Endothelin-1 dependent expression of GAG genes involves NOX and p38 mediated Smad linker region phosphorylation. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:710-718. [PMID: 35527471 PMCID: PMC9322435 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13650] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and mediates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain hyperelongation on proteoglycans. Our aim was to identify the ET-1-mediated signalling pathway involving NADPH oxidase (NOX), p38 MAP kinsae and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2L) regulate GAG synthesizing enzymes mRNA expression (C4ST-1 and ChSy1) involved in GAG chains hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Signalling intermediates were detected and quantified by Western blotting and the mRNA levels of GAG synthesizing enzymes were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ET-1 treatment of human VSMCs resulted in an increase in phospho-Smad2L level. The TGF-β receptor antagonist, SB431542 and the mixed ETA and ETB receptor antagonist bosentan, inhibited ET-1-mediated phospho-Smad2L level. In the presence of apocynin and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) (NOX inhibitors) and SB239063 (p38 inhibitor) ET-1-mediated phospho-Smad2L levels were inhibited. The gene expression levels of GAG synthesizing enzymes post-ET-1 treatment were increased compared to untreated controls (P<0.01). The ET-mediated the mRNA levels of these enzymes were blocked by the bosentan, SB431542, SB239063, DPI, apocynin and antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). ET-1-mediated signalling to GAG synthesizing enzymes gene expression occurs via transactivation-dependent pathway involving NOX, p38 MAP kinsae and Smad2 linker region phosphorylation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Rafat Mohamed
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Seif
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Narges Sharifat
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Azam Khedri
- Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Dannii Kamato
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- The University of Queensland, , Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
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21
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Afroz R, Kumarapperuma H, Nguyen QVN, Mohamed R, Little PJ, Kamato D. Lipopolysaccharide acting via toll-like receptor 4 transactivates the TGF-β receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:121. [PMID: 35122536 PMCID: PMC8817999 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04159-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise pathogen‑associated molecular patterns, which allow the detection of microbial infection by host cells. Bacterial-derived toxin lipopolysaccharide activates TLR4 and leads to the activation of the Smad2 transcription factor. The phosphorylation of the Smad2 transcription factor is the result of the activation of the transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1). Therefore, we sought to investigate LPS via TLR4-mediated Smad2 carboxy terminal phosphorylation dependent on the transactivation of the TGFBR1. The in vitro model used human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells to assess the implications of TLR4 transactivation of the TGFBR1 in vascular pathophysiology. We show that LPS-mediated Smad2 carboxy terminal phosphorylation is inhibited in the presence of TGFBR1 inhibitor, SB431542. Treatment with MyD88 and TRIF pathway antagonists does not affect LPS-mediated phosphorylation of Smad2 carboxy terminal; however, LPS-mediated Smad2 phosphorylation was inhibited in the presence of MMP inhibitor, GM6001, and unaffected in the presence of ROCK inhibitor Y27632 or ROS/NOX inhibitor DPI. LPS via transactivation of the TGFBR1 stimulates PAI-1 mRNA expression. TLRs are first in line to respond to exogenous invading substances and endogenous molecules; our findings characterise a novel signalling pathway in the context of cell biology. Identifying TLR transactivation of the TGFBR1 may provide future insight into the detrimental implications of pathogens in pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Quang V N Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
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22
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Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Little PJ, Mohamed R, Zadeh GM, Kheirollah A, Mehr RN, Kamato D, Dayati P. Endothelin-1 mediated glycosaminoglycan synthesizing gene expression involves NOX-dependent transactivation of the transforming growth factor-β receptor. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:981-988. [PMID: 34982346 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04342-8] [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: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonist endothelin-1 (ET-1) through transactivation of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β receptor (TGFBR1) stimulates glycosaminoglycan (GAG) elongation on proteoglycans. GPCR agonists thrombin and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) via respective receptors transactivate the TGFBR1 via Rho/ROCK dependent pathways however mechanistic insight for ET-1 transactivation of the TGFBR1 remains unknown. NADPH oxidase (NOX) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is a signalling entity implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases including atherosclerosis. If implicated in this pathway, NOX/ROS would be a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NOX in ET-1/ET receptor-mediated transactivation of TGFBR1 to stimulate mRNA expression of GAG chain synthesizing enzymes chondroitin 4-O-sulfotransferase 1 (C4ST-1) and chondroitin sulfate synthase 1 (ChSy-1). The invitro model used vascular smooth muscle cells that were treated with pharmacological antagonists in the presence and absence of ET-1 or TGF-β. Proteins and phosphoproteins isolated from treated cells were quantified by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess mRNA expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes. In the presence of diphenyliodonium (DPI) (NOX inhibitor), ET-1 stimulated phospho-Smad2C levels were inhibited. ET-1 mediated mRNA expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes C4ST-1 and ChSy-1 was also blocked by TGBFR1 antagonists, SB431542, broad spectrum ET receptor antagonist bosentan, DPI and ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. This work shows that NOX and ROS play an important role in ET-1 mediated transactivation of the TGFBR1 and downstream gene targets associated with GAG chain elongation. As ROS is involved in GPCR to protein tyrosine kinase receptor transactivation, the NOX/ROS axis presents as the first common biochemical target in all GPCR to kinase receptor transactivation signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, Guangdong, China
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Ghorban Mohammad Zadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Kheirollah
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reyhaneh Niayesh Mehr
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Parisa Dayati
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hyperlipidemia Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. .,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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23
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Wu X, Xu M, Liu Z, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Luo S, Zheng X, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Pharmacological inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 prevents endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis in ApoE -/- mice. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:106043. [PMID: 34954030 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation associated endothelial dysfunction represents a pivotal contributor to atherosclerosis. Increasingly, evidence has demonstrated that interleukin 1 receptor (IL1-R) / toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling participates in the development of atherosclerosis. Recent large-scale clinical trials have supported the therapeutic potential of anti-inflammatory therapies targeting IL-1β and IL-6 in reducing atherosclerosis. The present study examined the pharmacological effects of IL-1R-associated kinase 1 and 4 inhibitors (IRAK1/4i) in regulating inflammation of the endothelium and atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that dual pharmacological inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 by an IRAK1/4i is more effective against LPS induced endothelial inflammation, compared with IRAK1 inhibitor or IRAK4 inhibitor monotherapy. IRAK1/4i showed little endothelial cell toxicity at concentrations from 1 μM up to 10 μM. Inhibition of IRAK1/4 reduced endothelial activation induced by LPS in vitro as evidenced by attenuated monocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Mechanistically, blockade of IRAK1/4 ameliorated the transcriptional activity of NF-κB. To assess the pharmacological effects of IRAK1/4i on atherosclerosis in vivo, ApoE-/- mice were orally administered IRAK1/4i (20 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. We show that IRAK1/4i reduced atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic sinus and increased hepatic LDLR protein levels as well as lowered LDL-C level, without affecting other lipid parameters or glucose tolerance. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that dual pharmacological inhibition of IRAK1 and IRAK4 attenuates endothelial inflammation, lowers LDL-C levels and reduces atherosclerosis. Our study reinforces the evolving standing of anti-inflammatory approaches in cardiovascular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000 Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Zhidan Zhang
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Sihui Luo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Diabetology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 510000 Guangzhou, China; Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
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24
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Mohamed R, Shajimoon A, Afroz R, Gabr M, Thomas WG, Little PJ, Kamato D. Akt acts as a switch for GPCR transactivation of the TGF-β receptor type 1. FEBS J 2021; 289:2642-2656. [PMID: 34826189 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling commences with the engagement of TGF-β ligand to cell surface TGF-β receptors (TGFBR) stimulating Smad2 carboxyl-terminal phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2C) and downstream biological responses. In several cell models, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transactivate the TGF-β receptors type-1 (TGFBR1) leading to phospho-Smad2C, however, we have recently published that in keratinocytes thrombin did not transactivate the TGFBR1. The bulk of TGFBRs reside in the cytosol and in response to protein kinase B (Akt phosphorylation) can translocate to the cell surface increasing the cell's responsiveness to TGF-β. In this study, we investigate the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1. We demonstrate that angiotensin II and thrombin do not phosphorylate Smad2C in human vascular smooth muscle cells and in keratinocytes respectively. We used Akt agonist, SC79 to sensitise the cells to Akt and observed that Ang II and thrombin phosphorylate Smad2C via Akt/AS160-dependent pathways. We show that SC79 rapidly translocates TGFBRs to the cell surface thus increasing the cell's response to the GPCR agonist. These findings highlight novel mechanistic insight for the role of Akt in GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Aravindra Shajimoon
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Mai Gabr
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Walter G Thomas
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Australia
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25
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Ding Y, Zhou Y, Ling P, Feng X, Luo S, Zheng X, Little PJ, Xu S, Weng J. Metformin in cardiovascular diabetology: a focused review of its impact on endothelial function. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:9376-9396. [PMID: 34646376 PMCID: PMC8490502 DOI: 10.7150/thno.64706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a first-line treatment for diabetes, the insulin-sensitizing biguanide, metformin, regulates glucose levels and positively affects cardiovascular function in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) represents the primary pathological change of multiple vascular diseases, because it causes decreased arterial plasticity, increased vascular resistance, reduced tissue perfusion and atherosclerosis. Caused by “biochemical injury”, ED is also an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Accumulating evidence shows that metformin improves ED through liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/5'-adenosine monophosphat-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and AMPK-independent targets, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). Evaluating the effects of metformin on endothelial cell functions would facilitate our understanding of the therapeutic potential of metformin in cardiovascular diabetology (including diabetes and its cardiovascular complications). This article reviews the physiological and pathological functions of endothelial cells and the intact endothelium, reviews the latest research of metformin in the treatment of diabetes and related cardiovascular complications, and focuses on the mechanism of action of metformin in regulating endothelial cell functions.
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26
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Hussain H, Cao Y, Mohamad R, Afroz R, Zhou Y, Moyle P, Bansal N, Wattoo FH, Kamato D, Little PJ. YY-11, a camel milk-derived peptide, inhibits TGF-β-mediated atherogenic signaling in human vascular smooth muscle cells. J Food Biochem 2021; 46:e13882. [PMID: 34312884 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13882] [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] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, the major underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease, commences with the binding and trapping of lipids on modified proteoglycans, with hyperelongated glycosaminoglycan chains. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β stimulates glycosaminoglycan elongation in vascular smooth muscle cells. We have recently shown that this TGF-β signaling pathway involves reactive oxygen species (ROS). YY-11 is a dodecapeptide derived from camel milk and it has antioxidant activity. We have investigated the role of YY-11 in blocking ROS signaling and downstream atherogenic responses. YY-11 inhibited TGF-β stimulated ROS production and inhibited the expression of genes for glycosaminoglycan chain elongation as a component of an in vitro model of atherosclerosis. This study provides a biochemical mechanism for the role of camel milk as a potential nutritional product to contribute to the worldwide amelioration of cardiovascular disease. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The identification of readily accessible foods with antioxidant properties would provide a convenient and cost-effective approach community wide reducing oxidative stress induced pathologies such as atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that camel milk-derived peptide is an antioxidant that can inhibit growth factor-mediated proteoglycan modification in vitro. As proteoglycan modification is being recognized as one of the earliest atherogenic responses, these data support the notion of camel milk as a suitable nutritional product to contribute to the prevention of early stage of atherosclerosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Hussain
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Raafat Mohamad
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Moyle
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Nidhi Bansal
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Feroza Hamid Wattoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Xu S, Liu Y, Ding Y, Luo S, Zheng X, Wu X, Liu Z, Ilyas I, Chen S, Han S, Little PJ, Jain MK, Weng J. The zinc finger transcription factor, KLF2, protects against COVID-19 associated endothelial dysfunction. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:266. [PMID: 34253708 PMCID: PMC8273371 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is regarded as an endothelial disease (endothelialitis) with its patho-mechanism being incompletely understood. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that endothelial dysfunction precipitates COVID-19 and its accompanying multi-organ injuries. Thus, pharmacotherapies targeting endothelial dysfunction have potential to ameliorate COVID-19 and its cardiovascular complications. The objective of the present study is to evaluate whether kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a master regulator of vascular homeostasis, represents a therapeutic target for COVID-19-induced endothelial dysfunction. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of KLF2 was reduced and monocyte adhesion was increased in endothelial cells treated with COVID-19 patient serum due to elevated levels of pro-adhesive molecules, ICAM1 and VCAM1. IL-1β and TNF-α, two cytokines elevated in cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19 patients, decreased KLF2 gene expression. Pharmacologic (atorvastatin and tannic acid) and genetic (adenoviral overexpression) approaches to augment KLF2 levels attenuated COVID-19-serum-induced increase in endothelial inflammation and monocyte adhesion. Next-generation RNA-sequencing data showed that atorvastatin treatment leads to a cardiovascular protective transcriptome associated with improved endothelial function (vasodilation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant status, anti-thrombosis/-coagulation, anti-fibrosis, and reduced angiogenesis). Finally, knockdown of KLF2 partially reversed the ameliorative effect of atorvastatin on COVID-19-serum-induced endothelial inflammation and monocyte adhesion. Collectively, the present study implicates loss of KLF2 as an important molecular event in the development of COVID-19-induced vascular disease and suggests that efforts to augment KLF2 levels may be therapeutically beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Yu Ding
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Sihui Luo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiumei Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Shuxin Han
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J Little
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Mukesh K Jain
- Department of Medicine, Case Cardiovascular Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jianping Weng
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.
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28
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Little PJ, Askew CD, Xu S, Kamato D. Endothelial Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: History and Analysis of the Clinical Utility of the Relationship. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060699. [PMID: 34203043 PMCID: PMC8234001 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium is the single-cell monolayer that lines the entire vasculature. The endothelium has a barrier function to separate blood from organs and tissues but also has an increasingly appreciated role in anti-coagulation, vascular senescence, endocrine secretion, suppression of inflammation and beyond. In modern times, endothelial cells have been identified as the source of major endocrine and vaso-regulatory factors principally the dissolved lipophilic vosodilating gas, nitric oxide and the potent vascular constricting G protein receptor agonists, the peptide endothelin. The role of the endothelium can be conveniently conceptualized. Continued investigations of the mechanism of endothelial dysfunction will lead to novel therapies for cardiovascular disease. In this review, we discuss the impact of endothelial dysfunction on cardiovascular disease and assess the clinical relevance of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Little
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia;
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China;
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Christopher D. Askew
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia;
- VasoActive Research Group, School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology, Hefei 230037, China;
| | - Danielle Kamato
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College, Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China;
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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29
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Xu S, Ilyas I, Little PJ, Li H, Kamato D, Zheng X, Luo S, Li Z, Liu P, Han J, Harding IC, Ebong EE, Cameron SJ, Stewart AG, Weng J. Endothelial Dysfunction in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases and Beyond: From Mechanism to Pharmacotherapies. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:924-967. [PMID: 34088867 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium, a cellular monolayer lining the blood vessel wall, plays a critical role in maintaining multiorgan health and homeostasis. Endothelial functions in health include dynamic maintenance of vascular tone, angiogenesis, hemostasis, and the provision of an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic interface. Dysfunction of the vascular endothelium presents with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation, heightened oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, leukocyte adhesion and hyperpermeability, and endothelial cell senescence. Recent studies have implicated altered endothelial cell metabolism and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as new features of endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction is regarded as a hallmark of many diverse human panvascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Endothelial dysfunction has also been implicated in severe coronavirus disease 2019. Many clinically used pharmacotherapies, ranging from traditional lipid-lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and antidiabetic drugs to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors and interleukin 1β monoclonal antibodies, counter endothelial dysfunction as part of their clinical benefits. The regulation of endothelial dysfunction by noncoding RNAs has provided novel insights into these newly described regulators of endothelial dysfunction, thus yielding potential new therapeutic approaches. Altogether, a better understanding of the versatile (dys)functions of endothelial cells will not only deepen our comprehension of human diseases but also accelerate effective therapeutic drug discovery. In this review, we provide a timely overview of the multiple layers of endothelial function, describe the consequences and mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction, and identify pathways to effective targeted therapies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The endothelium was initially considered to be a semipermeable biomechanical barrier and gatekeeper of vascular health. In recent decades, a deepened understanding of the biological functions of the endothelium has led to its recognition as a ubiquitous tissue regulating vascular tone, cell behavior, innate immunity, cell-cell interactions, and cell metabolism in the vessel wall. Endothelial dysfunction is the hallmark of cardiovascular, metabolic, and emerging infectious diseases. Pharmacotherapies targeting endothelial dysfunction have potential for treatment of cardiovascular and many other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Peter J Little
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Danielle Kamato
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Sihui Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Zhuoming Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Ian C Harding
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Scott J Cameron
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Alastair G Stewart
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China (S.X., I.I., X.Z., S.L., J.W.); Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Australia (P.J.L.); School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia (P.J.L., D.K.); Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China (H.L.); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National and Local United Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangzhou, China (Z.L., P.L.); College of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China (J.H.); Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (I.C.H., E.E.E.); Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (E.E.E.); Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York (E.E.E.); Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (S.J.C.); and ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies, Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (A.G.S.)
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Abstract
Metformin is one of the most widely prescribed hypoglycemic drugs and has the potential to treat many diseases. More and more evidence shows that metformin can regulate the function of macrophages in atherosclerosis, including reducing the differentiation of monocytes and inhibiting the inflammation, oxidative stress, polarization, foam cell formation and apoptosis of macrophages. The mechanisms by which metformin regulates the function of macrophages include AMPK, AMPK independent targets, NF-κB, ABCG5/8, Sirt1, FOXO1/FABP4 and HMGB1. On the basis of summarizing these studies, we further discussed the future research directions of metformin: single-cell RNA sequencing, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), epigenetic modification, and metformin-based combination drugs. In short, macrophages play an important role in a variety of diseases, and improving macrophage dysfunction may be an important mechanism for metformin to expand its pleiotropic pharmacological profile. In addition, the combination of metformin with other drugs that improve the function of macrophages (such as SGLT2 inhibitors, statins and IL-1β inhibitors/monoclonal antibodies) may further enhance the pleiotropic therapeutic potential of metformin in conditions such as atherosclerosis, obesity, cancer, dementia and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Wenxu Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Xiayun Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Peter J. Little
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China( USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Liqin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China( USTC), Hefei, China
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Ma X, Liu Z, Ilyas I, Little PJ, Kamato D, Sahebka A, Chen Z, Luo S, Zheng X, Weng J, Xu S. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs): cardiovascular actions and therapeutic potential. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2050-2068. [PMID: 34131405 PMCID: PMC8193264 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.59965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart failure. Some anti-diabetic medications are linked with an increased risk of weight gain or hypoglycemia which may reduce the efficacy of the intended anti-hyperglycemic effects of these therapies. The recently developed receptor agonists for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1RAs), stimulate insulin secretion and reduce glycated hemoglobin levels without having side effects such as weight gain and hypoglycemia. In addition, GLP1-RAs demonstrate numerous cardiovascular protective effects in subjects with or without diabetes. There have been several cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) involving GLP-1RAs, which have supported the overall cardiovascular benefits of these drugs. GLP1-RAs lower plasma lipid levels and lower blood pressure (BP), both of which contribute to a reduction of atherosclerosis and reduced CVD. GLP-1R is expressed in multiple cardiovascular cell types such as monocyte/macrophages, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes. Recent studies have indicated that the protective properties against endothelial dysfunction, anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages and the anti-proliferative action on smooth muscle cells may contribute to atheroprotection through GLP-1R signaling. In the present review, we describe the cardiovascular effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of action of GLP-1RAs in CVOTs, animal models and cultured cells, and address how these findings have transformed our understanding of the pharmacotherapy of T2DM and the prevention of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Ma
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Peter J Little
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebka
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zhengfang Chen
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Changshu No.1 People's Hospital, Changshu 215500, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Sihui Luo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, China
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Xu S, Kamato D. Curcumin Inhibits Lysophosphatidic Acid Mediated MCP-1 Expression via Blocking ROCK Signalling. Molecules 2021; 26:2320. [PMID: 33923651 PMCID: PMC8073974 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a natural compound that has been widely used as a food additive and medicine in Asian countries. Over several decades, diverse biological effects of curcumin have been elucidated, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a key inflammatory marker during the development of atherosclerosis, and curcumin blocks MCP-1 expression stimulated by various ligands. Hence, we studied the action of curcumin on lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) mediated MCP-1 expression and explored the specific underlying mechanisms. In human vascular smooth muscle cells, LPA induces Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) dependent transforming growth factor receptor (TGFBR1) transactivation, leading to glycosaminoglycan chain elongation. We found that LPA also signals via the TGFBR1 transactivation pathway to regulate MCP-1 expression. Curcumin blocks LPA mediated TGFBR1 transactivation and subsequent MCP-1 expression by blocking the ROCK signalling. In the vasculature, ROCK signalling regulates smooth muscle cell contraction, inflammatory cell recruitment, endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling. Therefore, curcumin as a ROCK signalling inhibitor has the potential to prevent atherogenesis via multiple ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Y.Z.); (D.K.)
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Y.Z.); (D.K.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230037, China;
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (Y.Z.); (D.K.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
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33
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Adelnia H, Tran HDN, Little PJ, Blakey I, Ta HT. Poly(aspartic acid) in Biomedical Applications: From Polymerization, Modification, Properties, Degradation, and Biocompatibility to Applications. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:2083-2105. [PMID: 33797239 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Poly(aspartic acid) (PASP) is an anionic polypeptide that is a highly versatile, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer that fulfils key requirements for use in a wide variety of biomedical applications. The derivatives of PASP can be readily tailored via the amine-reactive precursor, poly(succinimide) (PSI), which opens up a large window of opportunity for the design and development of novel biomaterials. PASP also has a strong affinity with calcium ions, resulting in complexation, which has been exploited for bone targeting and biomineralization. In addition, recent studies have further verified the biocompatibility and biodegradability of PASP-based polymers, which is attributed to their protein-like structure. In light of growing interest in PASP and its derivatives, this paper presents a comprehensive review on their synthesis, characterization, modification, biodegradation, biocompatibility, and applications in biomedical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Adelnia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4012, Australia
| | - Huong D N Tran
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4012, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, Queensland 4575, Australia
| | - Idriss Blakey
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4067, Australia
| | - Hang T Ta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia.,School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 411, Australia
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Liu Z, Ma X, Ilyas I, Zheng X, Luo S, Little PJ, Kamato D, Sahebkar A, Wu W, Weng J, Xu S. Impact of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on atherosclerosis: from pharmacology to pre-clinical and clinical therapeutics. Theranostics 2021; 11:4502-4515. [PMID: 33754074 PMCID: PMC7977463 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are new oral drugs for the therapy of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Research in the past decade has shown that drugs of the SGLT2i class, such as empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin, have pleiotropic effects in preventing cardiovascular diseases beyond their favorable impact on hyperglycemia. Of clinical relevance, recent landmark cardiovascular outcome trials have demonstrated that SGLT2i reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, hospitalization for heart failure, and cardiovascular death in T2DM patients with/without cardiovascular diseases (including atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and various types of heart failure). The major pharmacological action of SGLT2i is through inhibiting glucose re-absorption in the kidney and thus promoting glucose excretion. Studies in experimental models of atherosclerosis have shown that SGLT2i ameliorate the progression of atherosclerosis by mechanisms including inhibition of vascular inflammation, reduction in oxidative stress, reversing endothelial dysfunction, reducing foam cell formation and preventing platelet activation. Here, we summarize the anti-atherosclerotic actions and mechanisms of action of SGLT2i, with an aim to emphasize the clinical utility of this class of agents in preventing the insidious cardiovascular complications accompanying diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Iqra Ilyas
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xueying Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Sihui Luo
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J. Little
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad. Iran
| | - Weiming Wu
- Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Nguyen NH, Nguyen MT, Little PJ, Do AT, Tran PT, Vo XN, Do BH. Vernolide-A and Vernodaline: Sesquiterpene Lactones with Cytotoxicity against Cancer. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2021; 39:299-308. [PMID: 33389902 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2020034066] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vernolide-A and vernodaline are sesquiterpene lactones isolated from genera of Vernonia. Vernolide-A and vernodaline have shown promising therapeutic properties, including antibacterial, antihelminth, and antioxidant activities. Recently, the anticancer properties of these sesquiterpene lactones have been investigated with the elucidation of effects on cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. The antiproliferation and antimetastatic activities arise from targeting extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK-1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK-2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). The induction of apoptosis is due to the enhancement of caspase 9, caspase 3, while inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL results in the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol. The activity of vernolide-A and vernodaline is hypothesized to be due to thiol reactivity through the α-methylene-γ-lactone group of sesquiterpene lactones. This review will give a brief summary of the anticancer activity of vernolide-A and vernodaline and provide information on the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen H Nguyen
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Minh Tan Nguyen
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba QLD 4102 Australia; Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh Thu Do
- English Faculty, Foreign Trade University-Ho Chi Minh City Campus, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Trinh Tran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Xuan Nam Vo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bich Hang Do
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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36
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Vazquez-Prada KX, Lam J, Kamato D, Xu ZP, Little PJ, Ta HT. Targeted Molecular Imaging of Cardiovascular Diseases by Iron Oxide Nanoparticles. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 41:601-613. [PMID: 33356385 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is one of the major contributors to global disease burden. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that involves the accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in the large arteries, forming an atherosclerotic plaque. Rupture of unstable plaques leads to thrombosis that triggers life-threatening complications such as myocardial infarction. Current diagnostic methods are invasive as they require insertion of a catheter into the coronary artery. Molecular imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging, have been developed to image atherosclerotic plaques and thrombosis due to its high spatial resolution and safety. The sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging can be improved with contrast agents, such as iron oxide nanoparticles. This review presents the most recent advances in atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction molecular imaging using iron oxide-based nanoparticles. While some studies have shown their effectiveness, many are yet to undertake comprehensive testing of biocompatibility. There are still potential hazards to address and complications to diagnosis, therefore strategies for overcoming these challenges are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla X Vazquez-Prada
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., Z.P.X., H.T.T.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., H.T.T.), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jacinta Lam
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Zhi Ping Xu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., Z.P.X., H.T.T.), the University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (K.X.V.-P., J.L., D.K., P.J.L.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, China (P.J.L.)
| | - Hang T Ta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., Z.P.X., H.T.T.), the University of Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology (K.X.V.-P., H.T.T.), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Environment and Science (H.T.T.), Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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37
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Cao Y, Ta HT, Kamato D. Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 transactivation of TGFBR1 stimulates the mRNA expression of proteoglycan synthesizing genes XYLT1 and CHST3. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2020; 1867:118848. [PMID: 32920014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) via transactivation dependent signalling pathways contributes to a plethora of physiological and pathophysiological responses. In the vasculature, hyperelongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans leads to lipid retention in the intima resulting in the early pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we investigated and defined the contribution of transactivation dependent signalling in LPA mediated GAG chain hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). LPA acting via the LPA receptor 5 (LPAR5) transactivates the TGFBR1 to stimulate the mRNA expression of GAG initiation and elongation genes xylosyltransferase-1 (XYLT1) and chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase-1 (CHST3), respectively. We found that LPA stimulates ROS and Akt signalling in VSMCs, however they are not associated in LPAR5 transactivation of the TGFBR1. We observed that LPA via ROCK dependent pathways transactivates the TGFBR1 to stimulate genes associated with GAG chain elongation. We demonstrate that GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1 occurs via a universal biochemical mechanism and the identified effectors represent potential therapeutic targets to inhibit pathophysiological effects of GPCR transactivation of the TGFBR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China.
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Hang T Ta
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia.
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, the University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China.
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38
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Zhou Y, Kumarapperuma H, Sichone S, Chia ZJ, Little PJ, Xu S, Kamato D. Artemisinin inhibits glycosaminoglycan chain synthesizing gene expression but not proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 532:239-243. [PMID: 32868072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.08.013] [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: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pleotropic growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β drives the modification and elongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on proteoglycans. Hyperelongated GAG chains bind and trap lipoproteins in the intima leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. We have identified that phosphorylation of Smad2 linker region drives GAG chain modification. The identification of an inhibitor of Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain modification signifies a potential therapeutic for cardiovascular diseases. Artemisinin renowned for its potent anti-malarial effects possesses a broad range of biological effects. Our aim was to characterise the anti-atherogenic role of artemisinin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We demonstrate that TGF-β mediated Smad2 linker region phosphorylation and GAG chain elongation was attenuated by artemisinin; however, we observed no effect on VSMC proliferation. Our data demonstrates the potential for artemisinin to be developed as a therapy to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis by prevention of lipid deposition in the vessel wall without affecting the proliferation of VSMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Hirushi Kumarapperuma
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Salifya Sichone
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Zheng Jie Chia
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Hefei, 230037, China.
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia; Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
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39
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Heidary Moghaddam R, Samimi Z, Moradi SZ, Little PJ, Xu S, Farzaei MH. Naringenin and naringin in cardiovascular disease prevention: A preclinical review. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173535. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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40
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Downey L, Afroz R, Wu Y, Ta HT, Xu S, Kamato D. The Role of Toll-like Receptors in Atherothrombotic Cardiovascular Disease. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:457-471. [PMID: 32566912 PMCID: PMC7296543 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are dominant components of the innate immune system. Activated by both pathogen-associated molecular patterns and damage-associated molecular patterns, TLRs underpin the pathology of numerous inflammation related diseases that include not only immune diseases, but also cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, obesity, and cancers. Growing evidence has demonstrated that TLRs are involved in multiple cardiovascular pathophysiologies, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Specifically, a trial called the Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study showed the use of an antibody that neutralizes interleukin-1β, reduces the recurrence of cardiovascular events, demonstrating inflammation as a therapeutic target and also the research value of targeting the TLR system in CVD. In this review, we provide an update of the interplay between TLR signaling, inflammatory mediators, and atherothrombosis, with an aim to identify new therapeutic targets for atherothrombotic CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter J. Little
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen
University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510520, China
| | - Liam Downey
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Yuao Wu
- Australian
Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hang T. Ta
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Australian
Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Aab
Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642, United States
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School
of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Pharmacy
Australia Centre of Excellence, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Department
of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen
University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510520, China
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41
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Deng M, Su D, Xu S, Little PJ, Feng X, Tang L, Shen A. Metformin and Vascular Diseases: A Focused Review on Smooth Muscle Cell Function. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:635. [PMID: 32457625 PMCID: PMC7227439 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin has been used in diabetes for more than 60 years and has excellent safety in the therapy of human type 2 diabetes (T2D). There is growing evidence that the beneficial health effects of metformin are beyond its ability to improve glucose metabolism. Metformin not only reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in T2D patients, but also reduces the burden of atherosclerosis (AS) in pre-diabetes patients. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) function is an important factor in determining the characteristics of the entire arterial vessel. Its excessive proliferation contributes to the etiology of several types of CVD, including AS, restenosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Current studies show that metformin has a beneficial effect on VSMCs function. Therefore, this review provides a timely overview of the role and molecular mechanisms by which metformin acts through VSMCs to protect CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingying Deng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dan Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojun Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Liqin Tang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Aizong Shen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Kamato D, Little PJ. Smad2 linker region phosphorylation is an autonomous cell signalling pathway: Implications for multiple disease pathologies. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 124:109854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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43
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Afroz R, Zhou Y, Little PJ, Xu S, Mohamed R, Stow J, Kamato D. Toll-like Receptor 4 Stimulates Gene Expression via Smad2 Linker Region Phosphorylation in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2020; 3:524-534. [PMID: 32566917 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.9b00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis begins in the vessel wall with the retention of low density lipoproteins to modified proteoglycans with hyperelongated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. Bacterial infections produce endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide that exacerbate the outcome of atherosclerosis by generating a heightened state of inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) via its toll-like receptor (TLR) is well-known for its role in mediating an inflammatory response in the body. Emerging evidence demonstrates that TLRs are involved in regulating vascular functions. In this study we sought to investigate the role of LPS in proteoglycan modification and GAG chain elongation, and we hypothesize that LPS will signal via Smad2 dependent pathways to regulate GAG chain elongation. The in vitro model used human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. GAG gene expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blotting was performed using whole-cell protein lysates to assess the signaling pathway. LPS via TLR4 stimulates the expression of GAG synthesizing enzymes to an equal extent to traditional cardiovascular agonists. LPS phosphorylates the Smad2 linker region via TAK-1/MAPK dependent pathways which correlated with genes associated with GAG chain initiation and elongation. The well-characterized role of LPS in inflammation and our data on GAG gene expression demonstrates that GAG chain elongation is the earliest marker of the inflammatory cascade in atherosclerosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
| | - Suowen Xu
- Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.,Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Jennifer Stow
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510520, China
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44
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Mohamed R, Cao Y, Afroz R, Xu S, Ta HT, Barras M, Zheng W, Little PJ, Kamato D. ROS directly activates transforming growth factor β type 1 receptor signalling in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2020; 1864:129463. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2019.129463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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45
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Zhou Y, Little PJ, Ta HT, Xu S, Kamato D. Lysophosphatidic acid and its receptors: pharmacology and therapeutic potential in atherosclerosis and vascular disease. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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46
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Abstract
This review presents an overview on the recent progress in the synthesis, crosslinking, interpenetrating networks, and applications of poly(aspartic acid) (PASP)-based hydrogels. PASP is a synthetic acidic polypeptide that has drawn a great deal of attention in diverse applications due particularly to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Facile modification of its precursor, poly(succinimide) (PSI), by primary amines has opened a wide window for the design of state-of-the-art hydrogels. Apart from pH-sensitivity, PASP hydrogels can be modified with suitable species in order to respond to the other desired stimuli such as temperature and reducing/oxidizing media as well. Strategies for fabrication of nanostructured PASP-based hydrogels in the form of particle and fiber are also discussed. Different cross-linking agents for PSI/PASP such as diamines, dopamine, cysteamine, and aminosilanes are also introduced. Finally, applications of PASP-based hydrogels in diverse areas particularly in biomedical are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Adelnia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Idriss Blakey
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter J. Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang T. Ta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
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47
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Kamato D, Do BH, Osman N, Ross BP, Mohamed R, Xu S, Little PJ. Smad linker region phosphorylation is a signalling pathway in its own right and not only a modulator of canonical TGF-β signalling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 77:243-251. [PMID: 31407020 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling pathways are intensively investigated because of their diverse association with physiological and pathophysiological states. Smad transcription factors are the key mediators of TGF-β signalling. Smads can be directly phosphorylated in the carboxy terminal by the TGF-β receptor or in the linker region via multiple intermediate serine/threonine kinases. Growth factors in addition to hormones and TGF-β can activate many of the same kinases which can phosphorylate the Smad linker region. Historically, Smad linker region phosphorylation was shown to prevent nuclear translocation of Smads and inhibit TGF-β signalling pathways; however, it was subsequently shown that Smad linker region phosphorylation can be a driver of gene expression. This review will cover the signalling pathways of Smad linker region phosphorylation that drive the expression of genes involved in pathology and pathophysiology. The role of Smad signalling in cell biology is expanding rapidly beyond its role in TGF-β signalling and many signalling paradigms need to be re-evaluated in terms of Smad involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Bich Hang Do
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Ross
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Raafat Mohamed
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Peter J Little
- Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China
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Mohamed R, Janke R, Guo W, Cao Y, Zhou Y, Zheng W, Babaahmadi-Rezaei H, Xu S, Kamato D, Little PJ. GPCR transactivation signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells: role of NADPH oxidases and reactive oxygen species. Vasc Biol 2019; 1:R1-R11. [PMID: 32923966 PMCID: PMC7439842 DOI: 10.1530/vb-18-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The discovery and extension of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) transactivation-dependent signalling has enormously broadened the GPCR signalling paradigm. GPCRs can transactivate protein tyrosine kinase receptors (PTKRs) and serine/threonine kinase receptors (S/TKRs), notably the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor-β type 1 receptor (TGFBR1), respectively. Initial comprehensive mechanistic studies suggest that these two transactivation pathways are distinct. Currently, there is a focus on GPCR inhibitors as drug targets, and they have proven to be efficacious in vascular diseases. With the broadening of GPCR transactivation signalling, it is therefore important from a therapeutic perspective to find a common transactivation pathway of EGFR and TGFBR1 that can be targeted to inhibit complex pathologies activated by the combined action of these receptors. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules and they act as second messengers, thus modulating cellular signal transduction pathways. ROS are involved in different mechanisms of GPCR transactivation of EGFR. However, the role of ROS in GPCR transactivation of TGFBR1 has not yet been studied. In this review, we will discuss the involvement of ROS in GPCR transactivation-dependent signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raafat Mohamed
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
| | - Reearna Janke
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wanru Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Hossein Babaahmadi-Rezaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Suowen Xu
- Department of Medicine, Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Kamato D, Ta H, Afroz R, Xu S, Osman N, Little PJ. Mechanisms of PAR-1 mediated kinase receptor transactivation: Smad linker region phosphorylation. J Cell Commun Signal 2019; 13:539-548. [PMID: 31290007 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-019-00527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease activated receptors (PARs) transactivate both epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptors (TGFBR1) in vascular smooth muscle leading to the increased expression of genes (CHST11 and CHSY1) which are rate limiting for the enzymes that mediate hyperelongation of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains on the lipid-binding proteoglycan, biglycan. This is an excellent model to investigate mechanisms of transactivation as the processes are biochemically distinct. EGFR transactivation is dependent on the classical matrix metalloprotease (MMP) based triple membrane bypass mechanism and TGFBR1 transactivation is dependent on Rho/ROCK signalling and integrins. We have shown that all kinase receptor signalling is targeted towards phosphorylation of the linker region of the transcription factor, Smad2. We investigated the mechanisms of thrombin mediated kinase receptor transactivation signalling using anti-phospho antibodies and Western blotting and gene expression by RT-PCR. Thrombin stimulation of phospho-Smad2 (Ser 245/250/255) and of phospho-Smad2(Thr220) via EGFR transactivation commences quickly and extends out to at least 4 h whereas transactivation via TGFBR1 is delayed for 120 min but also persists for at least 4 h. Signalling of thrombin stimulated Smad linker region phosphorylation is approximately equally inhibited by the MMP inhibitor, GM6001 and the ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, and similarly expression of CHST11 and CHSY1 is approximately equally inhibited by GM6001 and Y27632. The data establishes Smad linker region phosphorylation as a central target of all transactivation signalling of GAG gene expression and thus an upstream kinase may be a target to prevent all transactivation signalling and its pathophysiological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia. .,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Hang Ta
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Rizwana Afroz
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Suowen Xu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Narin Osman
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510520, China
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Zhang Y, Koradia A, Kamato D, Popat A, Little PJ, Ta HT. Treatment of atherosclerotic plaque: perspectives on theranostics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 71:1029-1043. [PMID: 31025381 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atherosclerosis, a progressive condition characterised by the build-up of plaque due to the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein and fibrous substances in the damaged arteries, is the major underlying pathology of most cardiovascular diseases. Despite the evidence of the efficacy of the present treatments for atherosclerosis, the complex and poorly understood underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis development and progression have prevented them from reaching their full potential. Novel alternative treatments like usage of nanomedicines and theranostics are gaining attention of the researchers worldwide. This review will briefly discuss the current medications for the disease and explore potential future developments based on theranostics nanomaterials that may help resolve atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. KEY FINDINGS Various drugs can slow the effects of atherosclerosis. They include hyperlipidaemia medications, anti-platelet drugs, hypertension and hyperglycaemia medications. Most of the theranostic agents developed for atherosclerosis have shown the feasibility of rapid and noninvasive diagnosis, as well as effective and specific treatment in animal models. However, there are still some limitation exist in their structure design, stability, targeting efficacy, toxicity and production, which should be optimized in order to develop clinically acceptable nanoparticle based theronostics for atherosclerosis. SUMMARY Current medications for atherosclerosis and potential theranostic nanomaterials developed for the disease are discussed in the current review. Further investigations remain to be carried out to achieve clinical translation of theranostic agents for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yicong Zhang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Aayushi Koradia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
| | - Danielle Kamato
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
| | - Amirali Popat
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua College of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang T Ta
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.,School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld, Australia
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