scholarly journals Dysregulated Autophagy and Mitophagy in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Remain Unchanged Following Heme Oxygenase-1 Knockout

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 470
Author(s):  
Olga Mucha ◽  
Katarzyna Kaziród ◽  
Paulina Podkalicka ◽  
Kinga Rusin ◽  
Józef Dulak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Dystrophic Mice

Dysregulation of autophagy may contribute to the progression of various muscle diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, encoded by Hmox1), a heme-degrading enzyme, may alleviate symptoms of DMD, inter alia, through anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we determined the role of HO-1 in the regulation of autophagy and mitophagy in mdx animals, a commonly used mouse model of the disease. In the gastrocnemius of 6-week-old DMD mice, the mRNA level of mitophagy markers: Bnip3 and Pink1, as well as autophagy regulators, e.g., Becn1, Map1lc3b, Sqstm1, and Atg7, was decreased. In the dystrophic diaphragm, changes in the latter were less prominent. In older, 12-week-old dystrophic mice, diminished expressions of Pink1 and Sqstm1 with upregulation of Atg5, Atg7, and Lamp1 was depicted. Interestingly, we demonstrated higher protein levels of autophagy regulator, LC3, in dystrophic muscles. Although the lack of Hmox1 in mdx mice influenced blood cell count and the abundance of profibrotic proteins, no striking differences in mRNA and protein levels of autophagy and mitophagy markers were found. In conclusion, we demonstrated complex, tissue, and age-dependent dysregulation of mitophagic and autophagic markers in DMD mice, which are not affected by the additional lack of Hmox1.

scholarly journals Age-Dependent Dysregulation of Muscle Vasculature and Blood Flow Recovery after Hindlimb Ischemia in the mdx Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 481
Author(s):  
Paulina Podkalicka ◽  
Olga Mucha ◽  
Katarzyna Kaziród ◽  
Iwona Bronisz-Budzyńska ◽  
Sophie Ostrowska-Paton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Blood Vessels ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Hindlimb Ischemia ◽  
Double Positive ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Dystrophic Mice

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by a lack of functional dystrophin, is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Interestingly, dystrophin is also expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), and insufficient angiogenesis has already been hypothesized to contribute to DMD pathology, however, its status in mdx mice, a model of DMD, is still not fully clear. Our study aimed to reveal angiogenesis-related alterations in skeletal muscles of mdx mice compared to wild-type (WT) counterparts. By investigating 6- and 12-week-old mice, we sought to verify if those changes are age-dependent. We utilized a broad spectrum of methods ranging from gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence imaging to determine the level of angiogenic markers and to assess muscle blood vessel abundance. Finally, we implemented the hindlimb ischemia (HLI) model, more biologically relevant in the context of functional studies evaluating angiogenesis/arteriogenesis processes. We demonstrated that both 6- and 12-week-old dystrophic mice exhibited dysregulation of several angiogenic factors, including decreased vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) in different muscle types. Nonetheless, in younger, 6-week-old mdx animals, neither the abundance of CD31+α-SMA+ double-positive blood vessels nor basal blood flow and its restoration after HLI was affected. In 12-week-old mdx mice, although a higher number of CD31+α-SMA+ double-positive blood vessels and an increased percentage of skeletal muscle ECs were found, the abundance of pericytes was diminished, and blood flow was reduced. Moreover, impeded perfusion recovery after HLI associated with a blunted inflammatory and regenerative response was evident in 12-week-old dystrophic mice. Hence, our results reinforce the hypothesis of age-dependent angiogenic dysfunction in dystrophic mice. In conclusion, we suggest that older mdx mice constitute an appropriate model for preclinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of vascular-based therapies aimed at the restoration of functional angiogenesis to mitigate DMD severity.

Have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Patients an Increased Cancer Risk?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Gian Luca Vita ◽  
Luisa Politano ◽  
Angela Berardinelli ◽  
Giuseppe Vita
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
True Incidence ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Dmd Gene ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Prevalence Of Cancer

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is involved in the occurrence of different types of cancer. Moreover, development of sarcomas was reported in mdx mice, the murine model of DMD, in older age. So far, nine isolated DMD patients were reported with concomitant cancer, four of whom with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), but no systematic investigation was performed about the true incidence of cancer in DMD. Methods: All members of the Italian Association of Myology were asked about the occurrence of cancer in their DMD patients in the last 30 years. Results: Four DMD patients with cancer were reported after checking 2455 medical records. One developed brain tumour at the age of 35 years. Two patients had alveolar RMS at 14 and 17 years of age. The fourth patient had a benign enchondroma when 11-year-old. Conclusion: Prevalence of cancer in general in the Italian DMD patients does not seem to be different from that in the general population with the same age range. Although the small numbers herein presented do not allow definitive conclusion, the frequent occurrence of RMS in DMD patients raises an alert for basic researchers and clinicians. The role of DMD gene in cancer merits further investigations.

scholarly journals Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Extensive Progenitor Cell Deficiencies in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Metabolites ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josiane Joseph ◽  
Dong Cho ◽  
Jason Doles
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Progenitor Cell ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Mdx Mouse ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Metabolic Alterations ◽  
Potential Contributor

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes severe morbidity and reduced lifespan. Individuals with DMD have an X-linked mutation that impairs their ability to produce functional dystrophin protein in muscle. No cure exists for this disease and the few therapies that are available do not dramatically delay disease progression. Thus, there is a need to better understand the mechanisms underlying DMD which may ultimately lead to improved treatment options. The muscular dystrophy (MDX) mouse model is frequently used to explore DMD disease traits. Though some studies of metabolism in dystrophic mice exist, few have characterized metabolic profiles of supporting cells in the diseased environment. Using nontargeted metabolomics we characterized metabolic alterations in muscle satellite cells (SCs) and serum of MDX mice. Additionally, live-cell imaging revealed MDX-derived adipose progenitor cell (APC) defects. Finally, metabolomic studies revealed a striking elevation of acylcarnitines in MDX APCs, which we show can inhibit APC proliferation. Together, these studies highlight widespread metabolic alterations in multiple progenitor cell types and serum from MDX mice and implicate dystrophy-associated metabolite imbalances in APCs as a potential contributor to adipose tissue disequilibrium in DMD.

Ifetroban Reduces Coronary Artery Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Mitchell ◽  
Norman E Frederick ◽  
Emily R Holzman ◽  
Francesca Agobe ◽  
Heather C M Allaway ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Coronary Arteries ◽  
Oral Treatment ◽  
Mdx Mice ◽  
Muscarinic Agonist ◽  
Therapeutic Implications

Dilated cardiomyopathy contributes to morbidity and mortality in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), an inheritable muscle wasting disease caused by a mutation in the dystrophin gene. Preclinical studies in mouse models of muscular dystrophy have demonstrated reduced cardiomyopathy and improved cardiac function following oral treatment with the potent and selective thromboxane A2/prostanoid receptor (TPr) antagonist, ifetroban. Further, a phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03340675, Cumberland Pharmaceutical) is currently recruiting subjects to determine if ifetroban can improve cardiac function in patients with DMD. Although TPr is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy in DMD, little is known about TPr function in coronary arteries that perfuse blood through the cardiac tissue. In the current study, isolated coronary arteries from young (~3-5 months) and aged (~9-12 months) mdx mice, a widely used mouse model of DMD, and age-matched controls were examined using wire myography. Vasoconstriction to increasing concentrations of TPr agonist U-46619(U4) was enhanced in young mdx mice versus controls. Additionally, young mdx mice displayed a significant attenuation in endothelial cell-mediated vasodilation to increasing concentrations of the muscarinic agonist acetylcholine (ACh). Since TPr activation was enhanced in young mdx mice, U4-mediated vasoconstriction was measured in the absence and presence of ifetroban. Ifetroban reduced U4-mediated vasoconstriction in young mdx and both aged mdx and control mice. Overall, our data demonstrate enhanced coronary arterial vasoconstriction to TPr activation in young mdx mice, a phenotype that could be reversed with ifetroban. These data could have important therapeutic implications for improving cardiovascular function in DMD.

scholarly journals Heme oxygenase-1 deficiency promotes the development of necrotizing enterocolitis-like intestinal injury in a newborn mouse model

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (11) ◽  
pp. G991-G1001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Schulz ◽  
Ronald J. Wong ◽  
Kyu Yun Jang ◽  
Flora Kalish ◽  
Karen M. Chisholm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Model ◽  
Necrotizing Enterocolitis ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Intestinal Injury ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Newborn Mouse ◽  
Intestinal Necrosis ◽  
Matrix Metallopeptidase

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is typified by mucosal destruction, which subsequently can lead to intestinal necrosis. Prematurity, enteral feeding, and bacterial colonization are the main risk factors and, combined with other stressors, can cause increased intestinal permeability, injury, and an exaggerated inflammatory response. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mediates intestinal protection due to anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects of its products carbon monoxide, biliverdin, and bilirubin. This study investigates a possible role of HO-1 in the pathogenesis of NEC using a newborn mouse model. We induced NEC-like intestinal injury in 7-day-old HO-1 heterozygous (HO-1 Het, Hmox1+/-) and wild-type (Wt, Hmox1+/+) mice by gavage feeding and hypoxic exposures. Control (Con) pups of both genotypes were dam-fed. Intestines of HO-1 Het Con pups appeared predisposed to injury, with higher histological damage scores, more TUNEL-positive cells, and a significant reduction in muscularis externa thickness compared with Wt Con pups. The increase in HO activity after HO-1 induction by the substrate heme or by hypoxic stress was significantly impaired in HO-1 Het pups. After induction of intestinal injury, HO-1 Het pups displayed significantly higher NEC incidence (78 vs. 43%), mortality (83 vs. 54%), and median scores (2.5 vs. 1.5) than Wt NEC pups. PCR array analyses revealed increased expressions of IL-1β, P-selectin, matrix metallopeptidase 2, collagen type XVIII-α1, serpine 1, and others in NEC-induced HO-1 Het ileal and jejunal tissues. We conclude that a partial HO-1 deficiency promotes experimental NEC-like intestinal injury, possibly mediated by exaggerated inflammation and disruption in tissue repair.

scholarly journals Reversal of cardiac and skeletal manifestations of Duchenne muscular dystrophy by cardiosphere-derived cells and their exosomes in mdx dystrophic mice and in human Duchenne cardiomyocytes

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Aminzadeh ◽  
Russell G. Rogers ◽  
Kenneth Gouin ◽  
Mario Fournier ◽  
Rachel E. Tobin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Skeletal Myopathy ◽  
Genetic Deficiency ◽  
Dystrophic Mice

Genetic deficiency of dystrophin leads to disability and premature death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, affecting the heart as well as skeletal muscle. Here we report that cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), which are being tested clinically for the treatment of Duchenne cardiomyopathy, improve cardiac and skeletal myopathy in the mdx mouse model of DMD and in human Duchenne cardiomyocytes. Injection of CDCs into the hearts of mdx mice augments cardiac function, ambulatory capacity and survival. Exosomes secreted by human CDCs reproduce the benefits of CDCs in mdx mice and in human Duchenne cardiomyocytes. The findings further motivate the testing of CDCs in Duchenne patients, while identifying exosomes as next-generation therapeutic candidates.

scholarly journals Simvastatin Influences Selected Aspects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Pathology in a Mouse Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Mucha ◽  
Paulina Podkalicka ◽  
Katarzyna Kaziród ◽  
Józef Dulak ◽  
Agnieszka Łoboda
Keyword(s):  
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Muscular Dystrophy ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Actin Binding ◽  
Lactate Dehydrogenase Activity ◽  
Simvastatin Treatment ◽  
Myosin Heavy Chain Isoform ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Abstract Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable disease, caused by the mutations in the DMD gene, encoding dystrophin, an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein. Lack of functional dystrophin results in muscle weakness, degeneration, and as an outcome cardiac and respiratory failure. As there is still no cure for affected individuals, the pharmacological compounds with the potential to treat or at least attenuate the symptoms of the disease are under constant evaluation. The pleiotropic agents, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, known as statins, have been suggested to exert beneficial effects in the mouse model of DMD. On the other hand, they were also reported to induce skeletal-muscle myopathy.Methods: Several methods including functional assessment of muscle function via grip strength measurement and treadmill test, enzymatic assays, histological analysis of muscle damage, gene expression evaluation, and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to study simvastatin-related alterations in mdx mice.Results: In our study, simvastatin treatment of mdx mice did not result in improved running performance; however, some beneficial effect was observed when grip strength was evaluated. Creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, markers of muscle injury, were diminished after simvastatin delivery in mdx mice. Nevertheless, no significant changes in inflammation, fibrosis, and necrosis were noted. Interestingly, simvastatin treatment led to the decreased mRNA level of embryonic myosin heavy chain isoform, a declined percentage of centrally nucleated myofibers, and miR-1 upregulation, suggesting an alteration in the muscle regeneration. However, similarly to the changes noticed in the expression of some angiogenic factors, the obtained results are muscle-dependent, being prominent in gastrocnemius muscle but not in the diaphragm.Conclusion: In conclusion, we suggest that simvastatin has the potential to ameliorate selected aspects of DMD pathology; however, possible benefits still need to be thoroughly tested.

scholarly journals The Role of Heme Oxygenase 1 in the Protective Effect of Caloric Restriction against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maayan Waldman ◽  
Vadim Nudelman ◽  
Asher Shainberg ◽  
Romy Zemel ◽  
Ran Kornwoski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Diabetic Mice ◽  
Protein Levels

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) leads to cardiomyopathy characterized by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis, all of which are exacerbated by angiotensin II (AT). SIRT1 and its transcriptional coactivator target PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) modulates mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant protection. We have previously shown the beneficial effect of caloric restriction (CR) on diabetic cardiomyopathy through intracellular signaling pathways involving the SIRT1–PGC-1α axis. In the current study, we examined the role of HO-1 in diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice subjected to CR. Methods: Cardiomyopathy was induced in obese diabetic (db/db) mice by AT infusion. Mice were either fed ad libitum or subjected to CR. In an in vitro study, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was determined in cardiomyocytes exposed to different glucose levels (7.5–33 mM). We examined the effects of Sn(tin)-mesoporphyrin (SnMP), which is an inhibitor of HO activity, the HO-1 inducer cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), and the SIRT1 inhibitor (EX-527) on diabetic cardiomyopathy. Results: Diabetic mice had low levels of HO-1 and elevated levels of the oxidative marker malondialdehyde (MDA). CR attenuated left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), increased HO-1 levels, and decreased MDA levels. SnMP abolished the protective effects of CR and caused pronounced LVH and cardiac metabolic dysfunction represented by suppressed levels of adiponectin, SIRT1, PPARγ, PGC-1α, and increased MDA. High glucose (33 mM) increased ROS in cultured cardiomyocytes, while SnMP reduced SIRT1, PGC-1α levels, and HO activity. Similarly, SIRT1 inhibition led to a reduction in PGC-1α and HO-1 levels. CoPP increased HO-1 protein levels and activity, SIRT1, and PGC-1α levels, and decreased ROS production, suggesting a positive feedback between SIRT1 and HO-1. Conclusion: These results establish a link between SIRT1, PGC-1α, and HO-1 signaling that leads to the attenuation of ROS production and diabetic cardiomyopathy. CoPP mimicked the beneficial effect of CR, while SnMP increased oxidative stress, aggravating cardiac hypertrophy. The data suggest that increasing HO-1 levels constitutes a novel therapeutic approach to protect the diabetic heart. Brief Summary: CR attenuates cardiomyopathy, and increases HO-1, SIRT activity, and PGC-1α protein levels in diabetic mice. High glucose reduces adiponectin, SIRT1, PGC1-1α, and HO-1 levels in cardiomyocytes, resulting in oxidative stress. The pharmacological activation of HO-1 activity mimics the effect of CR, while SnMP increased oxidative stress and cardiac hypertrophy. These data suggest the critical role of HO-1 in protecting the diabetic heart.

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