scholarly journals Adipocyte lipolysis abrogates skin fibrosis in a Wnt/DPP4-dependent manner

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Jussila ◽  
E. Caves ◽  
B. Zhang ◽  
S. Kirti ◽  
M. Steele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Skin Fibrosis ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mature Adipocyte ◽  
Tissue Fibrosis ◽  
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 ◽  
Rate Limiting

Tissue fibrosis in many organs results from altered and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition 1. Concomitant with ECM expansion, resident lipid-filled cells including mature adipocytes are lost in human and mouse fibrosis2-5, yet the mechanisms that drive mature adipocyte lipid loss and their contribution to tissue fibrosis are unknown. Here, we identify an early, fibro-protective role of mature adipocyte lipolysis driven by Wnt signaling during fibrosis onset. Using chemical and genetic mouse models of skin fibrosis, we show that fibrotic stimuli induce and maintain lipolysis in mature dermal adipocytes. Loss of the lipolytic rate-limiting enzyme adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL)6,7 in murine dermal adipocytes exacerbates bleomycin-induced fibrosis development. Adipocyte lipolysis is stimulated in the early stages of Wnt signaling-induced skin fibrosis and by Wnt agonists in vitro. Furthermore, deletion or inhibition of the Wnt target gene, CD26/Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) prevented Wnt-induced lipolysis and skin fibrosis in mice. Notably, DPP4 expression correlates with skin fibrosis severity in human patients. Thus, we propose that adipocyte-derived fatty acids and the Wnt-DPP4 axis act as essential regulators of ECM homeostasis within tissues and provide a therapeutic avenue to manipulate fibrosis.

Deltamethrin-Induced Immunotoxicity and its Protection by Quercetin: An Experimental Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anoop Kumar ◽  
Meenakshi Gupta ◽  
Ruchika Sharma ◽  
Neelima Sharma
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
B Cell Receptors ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Receptors ◽  
In Vitro Techniques

Background: Deltamethrin (DLM) is a type 2 pyrethroid insecticide used in agriculture and home to control pests. However, emerging reports have indicated the immunotoxicity of DLM. Objective: Thus, in the current investigation, we have checked the immune-protective role of quercetin in DLM-induced immunotoxicity by using in silico and in vitro techniques. Results: In silico results have shown good interaction of quercetin towards immune cell receptors (T & B cell receptors). The findings of in vitro studies indicated the decrease in oxidative stress which is elevated by DLM in concentration & time-dependent manner. The increased caspases-3 activity was decreased by treatment of quercetin. The apoptosis induced by DLM in thymus and spleen was suppressed only at higher concentration (50μg/ml) of quercetin. Finally, the phenotypic changes due to DLM were restored by quercetin. Conclusion: Quercetin has strong binding affinity towards CD4, CD8 and CD28, CD45 receptors and protects the thymocytes and splenocytes against DLM-induced apoptotic signaling pathways.

Protective Role of the M-Sec–Tunneling Nanotube System in Podocytes

2021 ◽  
pp. ASN.2020071076 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Barutta ◽  
Shunsuke Kimura ◽  
Koji Hase ◽  
Stefania Bellini ◽  
Beatrice Corbetta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Transfer ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tunneling Nanotubes ◽  
Podocyte Injury ◽  
Organelle Transfer ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Target ◽  
Mitochondria Transfer

BackgroundPodocyte dysfunction and loss are major determinants in the development of proteinuria. FSGS is one of the most common causes of proteinuria, but the mechanisms leading to podocyte injury or conferring protection against FSGS remain poorly understood. The cytosolic protein M-Sec has been involved in the formation of tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), membrane channels that transiently connect cells and allow intercellular organelle transfer. Whether podocytes express M-Sec is unknown and the potential relevance of the M-Sec–TNT system in FSGS has not been explored.MethodsWe studied the role of the M-Sec–TNT system in cultured podocytes exposed to Adriamycin and in BALB/c M-Sec knockout mice. We also assessed M-Sec expression in both kidney biopsies from patients with FSGS and in experimental FSGS (Adriamycin-induced nephropathy).ResultsPodocytes can form TNTs in a M-Sec–dependent manner. Consistent with the notion that the M-Sec–TNT system is cytoprotective, podocytes overexpressed M-Sec in both human and experimental FSGS. Moreover, M-Sec deletion resulted in podocyte injury, with mitochondrial abnormalities and development of progressive FSGS.In vitro, M-Sec deletion abolished TNT-mediated mitochondria transfer between podocytes and altered mitochondrial bioenergetics. Re-expression of M-Sec reestablishes TNT formation and mitochondria exchange, rescued mitochondrial function, and partially reverted podocyte injury.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the M-Sec–TNT system plays an important protective role in the glomeruli by rescuing podocytesviamitochondrial horizontal transfer. M-Sec may represent a promising therapeutic target in FSGS, and evidence that podocytes can be rescuedviaTNT-mediated horizontal transfer may open new avenues of research.

Differential expression of VEGF receptors in adrenal atrophy induced by dexamethasone: a protective role of ACTH

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (1) ◽  
pp. E156-E167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Mallet ◽  
Olivier Féraud ◽  
Gaehl Ouengue-Mbélé ◽  
Isabelle Gaillard ◽  
Nicolas Sappay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Corticosterone ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Daily Injection ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
3D Collagen ◽  
And Function ◽  
Vegf Isoforms

Although ACTH is important to adrenal growth and steroidogenesis, its role in vascular development and function has not been established in vivo. In the present study, we demonstrate the expression of mRNA for all four VEGF isoforms (mVEGF120,144,164,188) and for Flk-1/KDR and Flt-1 receptors in the mouse adrenal in vivo. Suppression of the pituitary adrenocortical axis by dexamethasone (0.5 mg · 100 g body wt−1· day−1during 6 days) induced a decrease in corticosterone levels, adrenal weights by 50% ( P < 0.001), VEGF188mRNA, and Flk-1/KDR mRNA, whereas Flt-1 remained consistent during steroid treatment. A daily injection of ACTH-(1–39) restored the transcript for Flk-1/KDR and both VEGF188and plasma corticosterone to control levels. To gain further insights into the effects of ACTH, cultured endothelial cells (ECs) were treated with forskolin, which increases cAMP, the second messenger in ACTH action. We demonstrate that Flk-1/KDR protein expression was markedly increased by forskolin within 24–48 h of treatment in a dose-dependent manner (0.1–10 μM). The biological effect of ACTH on ECs was then tested by use of coincubations of fasciculata cells and ECs in 3D-collagen assay. Within 5–7 days of culture, ECs organized into multicellular structures that resemble networks of microvasculature, which characterize angiogenesis in vitro.

ErbB4 acts as a suppressor in colitis and its associated carcinoma by negatively regulating cholesterol metabolism

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 680-686
Author(s):  
Hengli Ni ◽  
Lin Chen ◽  
Liming Song ◽  
Lina Sun ◽  
Hongxia Cui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Metabolism ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
The Cancer Genome Atlas ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Cancer Genome Atlas ◽  
In Vitro Cell Lines ◽  
Rate Limiting

AbstractPreviously we reported that ErbB4 played a protective role in chronic liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, we examined the role of ErbB4 in the development of colitis-associated cancer (CAC) in ErbB4 knockout mice models, in vitro cell lines and clinical samples. We found that ErbB4 deficiency may lead to more severe inflammation, slower recovery and the development of CAC. Further, loss of ErbB4 could activate Kras by upregulating rate-limiting enzymes in cholesterol metabolism pathway through interacting with the transcription factor Srebf1. In clinic samples, ErbB4 is downregulated in colonic tissues from patients with Crohn’s disease. And data from The Cancer Genome Atlas also showed significant negative correlation between ErbB4 and several cholesterol metabolic enzymes. In summary, our study uncovers ErbB4 as a protector in the development of CAC, for its loss could activate Kras by upregulating cholesterol metabolism.

scholarly journals Protective Role of Glutathione in the Hippocampus after Brain Ischemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 7765
Author(s):  
Youichirou Higashi ◽  
Takaaki Aratake ◽  
Takahiro Shimizu ◽  
Shogo Shimizu ◽  
Motoaki Saito
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Excitatory Amino Acid ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Thiol Group ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Cysteine Uptake

Stroke is a major cause of death worldwide, leading to serious disability. Post-ischemic injury, especially in the cerebral ischemia-prone hippocampus, is a serious problem, as it contributes to vascular dementia. Many studies have shown that in the hippocampus, ischemia/reperfusion induces neuronal death through oxidative stress and neuronal zinc (Zn2+) dyshomeostasis. Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in protecting neurons against oxidative stress as a major intracellular antioxidant. In addition, the thiol group of GSH can function as a principal Zn2+ chelator for the maintenance of Zn2+ homeostasis in neurons. These lines of evidence suggest that neuronal GSH levels could be a key factor in post-stroke neuronal survival. In neurons, excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is involved in the influx of cysteine, and intracellular cysteine is the rate-limiting substrate for the synthesis of GSH. Recently, several studies have indicated that cysteine uptake through EAAC1 suppresses ischemia-induced neuronal death via the promotion of hippocampal GSH synthesis in ischemic animal models. In this article, we aimed to review and describe the role of GSH in hippocampal neuroprotection after ischemia/reperfusion, focusing on EAAC1.

scholarly journals Activation of mitochondrial TUFM ameliorates metabolic dysregulation through coordinating autophagy induction

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dasol Kim ◽  
Hui-Yun Hwang ◽  
Eun Sun Ji ◽  
Jin Young Kim ◽  
Jong Shin Yoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Regulation ◽  
Elongation Factor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Diet Induced Obesity ◽  
Metabolic Dysregulation ◽  
Autophagy Induction ◽  
Transcription Factor Eb ◽  
Mitochondrial Elongation

AbstractDisorders of autophagy, a key regulator of cellular homeostasis, cause a number of human diseases. Due to the role of autophagy in metabolic dysregulation, there is a need to identify autophagy regulators as therapeutic targets. To address this need, we conducted an autophagy phenotype-based screen and identified the natural compound kaempferide (Kaem) as an autophagy enhancer. Kaem promoted autophagy through translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) without MTOR perturbation, suggesting it is safe for administration. Moreover, Kaem accelerated lipid droplet degradation in a lysosomal activity-dependent manner in vitro and ameliorated metabolic dysregulation in a diet-induced obesity mouse model. To elucidate the mechanism underlying Kaem’s biological activity, the target protein was identified via combined drug affinity responsive target stability and LC–MS/MS analyses. Kaem directly interacted with the mitochondrial elongation factor TUFM, and TUFM absence reversed Kaem-induced autophagy and lipid degradation. Kaem also induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) to sequentially promote lysosomal Ca2+ efflux, TFEB translocation and autophagy induction, suggesting a role of TUFM in mtROS regulation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Kaem is a potential therapeutic candidate/chemical tool for treating metabolic dysregulation and reveal a role for TUFM in autophagy for metabolic regulation with lipid overload.

scholarly journals Secreted KIAA1199 promotes the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by mediating hyaluronic acid degradation in an ANXA1-dependent manner

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Guoyu Yin ◽  
Heping Zhao ◽  
Hanzhi Ling ◽  
Zhen Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Collagen Induced Arthritis ◽  
Intracellular Degradation ◽  
Main Pathway ◽  
First Time

AbstractIn inflamed joints, enhanced hyaluronic acid (HA) degradation is closely related to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). KIAA1199 has been identified as a hyaladherin that mediates the intracellular degradation of HA, but its extracellular function remains unclear. In this study, we found that the serum and synovial levels of secreted KIAA1199 (sKIAA1199) and low-molecular-weight HA (LMW-HA, MW < 100 kDa) in RA patients were significantly increased, and the positive correlation between them was shown for the first time. Of note, treatment with anti-KIAA1199 mAb effectively alleviated the severity of arthritis and reduced serum LMW-HA levels and cytokine secretion in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. In vitro, sKIAA1199 was shown to mediate exogenous HA degradation by attaching to the cell membrane of RA fibroblast-like synoviosytes (RA FLS). Furthermore, the HA-degrading activity of sKIAA1199 depended largely on its adhesion to the membrane, which was achieved by its G8 domain binding to ANXA1. In vivo, kiaa1199-KO mice exhibited greater resistance to collagen-induced arthritis. Interestingly, this resistance could be partially reversed by intra-articular injection of vectors encoding full-length KIAA1199 instead of G8-deleted KIAA119 mutant, which further confirmed the indispensable role of G8 domain in KIAA1199 involvement in RA pathological processes. Mechanically, the activation of NF-κB by interleukin-6 (IL-6) through PI3K/Akt signaling is suggested to be the main pathway to induce KIAA1199 expression in RA FLS. In conclusion, our study supported the contribution of sKIAA1199 to RA pathogenesis, providing a new therapeutic target for RA by blocking sKIAA1199-mediated HA degradation.

scholarly journals Phaseolin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Cells and Zebrafish

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 420
Author(s):  
Su-Jung Hwang ◽  
Ye-Seul Song ◽  
Hyo-Jong Lee
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Raw 264.7 Cells ◽  
Network Pharmacology ◽  
Raw 264.7 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Bioactive Constituents

Kushen (Radix Sophorae flavescentis) is used to treat ulcerative colitis, tumors, and pruritus. Recently, phaseolin, formononetin, matrine, luteolin, and quercetin, through a network pharmacology approach, were tentatively identified as five bioactive constituents responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of S. flavescentis. However, the role of phaseolin (one of the primary components of S. flavescentis) in the direct regulation of inflammation and inflammatory processes is not well known. In this study, the beneficial role of phaseolin against inflammation was explored in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation models of RAW 264.7 macrophages and zebrafish larvae. Phaseolin inhibited LPS-mediated production of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), without affecting cell viability. In addition, phaseolin suppressed pro-inflammatory mediators such as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, phaseolin reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity as well as macrophage adhesion in vitro and the recruitment of leukocytes in vivo by downregulating Ninjurin 1 (Ninj1), an adhesion molecule. Finally, phaseolin inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). In view of the above, our results suggest that phaseolin could be a potential therapeutic candidate for the management of inflammation.

scholarly journals PapRIV, a BV-2 microglial cell activating quorum sensing peptide

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yorick Janssens ◽  
Nathan Debunne ◽  
Anton De Spiegeleer ◽  
Evelien Wynendaele ◽  
Marta Planas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Communication Signals ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Gastro Intestinal Tract

AbstractQuorum sensing peptides (QSPs) are bacterial peptides produced by Gram-positive bacteria to communicate with their peers in a cell-density dependent manner. These peptides do not only act as interbacterial communication signals, but can also have effects on the host. Compelling evidence demonstrates the presence of a gut-brain axis and more specifically, the role of the gut microbiota in microglial functioning. The aim of this study is to investigate microglial activating properties of a selected QSP (PapRIV) which is produced by Bacillus cereus species. PapRIV showed in vitro activating properties of BV-2 microglia cells and was able to cross the in vitro Caco-2 cell model and reach the brain. In vivo peptide presence was also demonstrated in mouse plasma. The peptide caused induction of IL-6, TNFα and ROS expression and increased the fraction of ameboid BV-2 microglia cells in an NF-κB dependent manner. Different metabolites were identified in serum, of which the main metabolite still remained active. PapRIV is thus able to cross the gastro-intestinal tract and the blood–brain barrier and shows in vitro activating properties in BV-2 microglia cells, hereby indicating a potential role of this quorum sensing peptide in gut-brain interaction.

scholarly journals Lumican Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption by Suppressing Akt Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4717
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Lee ◽  
Da-Ae Kim ◽  
Eun-Young Kim ◽  
Eun-Ju Chang ◽  
So-Jeong Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Resorption ◽  
Bone Formation ◽  
Map Kinases ◽  
Osteoclast Differentiation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dual Action ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Resorptive Activity

Lumican, a ubiquitously expressed small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has been utilized in diverse biological functions. Recent experiments demonstrated that lumican stimulates preosteoblast viability and differentiation, leading to bone formation. To further understand the role of lumican in bone metabolism, we investigated its effects on osteoclast biology. Lumican inhibited both osteoclast differentiation and in vitro bone resorption in a dose-dependent manner. Consistent with this, lumican markedly decreased the expression of osteoclastogenesis markers. Moreover, the migration and fusion of preosteoclasts and the resorptive activity per osteoclast were significantly reduced in the presence of lumican, indicating that this protein affects most stages of osteoclastogenesis. Among RANKL-dependent pathways, lumican inhibited Akt but not MAP kinases such as JNK, p38, and ERK. Importantly, co-treatment with an Akt activator almost completely reversed the effect of lumican on osteoclast differentiation. Taken together, our findings revealed that lumican inhibits osteoclastogenesis by suppressing Akt activity. Thus, lumican plays an osteoprotective role by simultaneously increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption, suggesting that it represents a dual-action therapeutic target for osteoporosis.

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