scholarly journals Old Drug, New Trick: Tilorone, a Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Drug as a Potential Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic for the Diseased Heart

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 263
Author(s):  
Duncan Horlock ◽  
David M. Kaye ◽  
Catherine E. Winbanks ◽  
Xiao-Ming Gao ◽  
Helen Kiriazis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Antiviral Drug ◽  
Mouse Heart ◽  
Novel Therapy ◽  
Human Cardiac Fibroblasts

Cardiac fibrosis is associated with most forms of cardiovascular disease. No reliable therapies targeting cardiac fibrosis are available, thus identifying novel drugs that can resolve or prevent fibrosis is needed. Tilorone, an antiviral agent, can prevent fibrosis in a mouse model of lung disease. We investigated the anti-fibrotic effects of tilorone in human cardiac fibroblasts in vitro by performing a radioisotopic assay for [3H]-proline incorporation as a proxy for collagen synthesis. Exploratory studies in human cardiac fibroblasts treated with tilorone (10 µM) showed a significant reduction in transforming growth factor-β induced collagen synthesis compared to untreated fibroblasts. To determine if this finding could be recapitulated in vivo, mice with established pathological remodelling due to four weeks of transverse aortic constriction (TAC) were administered tilorone (50 mg/kg, i.p) or saline every third day for eight weeks. Treatment with tilorone was associated with attenuation of fibrosis (assessed by Masson’s trichrome stain), a favourable cardiac gene expression profile and no further deterioration of cardiac systolic function determined by echocardiography compared to saline treated TAC mice. These data demonstrate that tilorone has anti-fibrotic actions in human cardiac fibroblasts and the adult mouse heart, and represents a potential novel therapy to treat fibrosis associated with heart failure.

scholarly journals Soluble St2 Induces Cardiac Fibroblast Activation and Collagen Synthesis via Neuropilin-1

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Matilla ◽  
Vanessa Arrieta ◽  
Eva Jover ◽  
Amaia Garcia-Peña ◽  
Ernesto Martinez-Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblast ◽  
Pathogenic Role ◽  
Fibroblast Activation ◽  
Neuropilin 1 ◽  
Human Cardiac Fibroblasts

Circulating levels of soluble interleukin 1 receptor-like 1 (sST2) are increased in heart failure and associated with poor outcome, likely because of the activation of inflammation and fibrosis. We investigated the pathogenic role of sST2 as an inductor of cardiac fibroblasts activation and collagen synthesis. The effects of sST2 on human cardiac fibroblasts was assessed using proteomics and immunodetection approaches to evidence the upregulation of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), a regulator of the profibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. In parallel, sST2 increased fibroblast activation, collagen and fibrosis mediators. Pharmacological inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) restored NRP-1 levels and blocked profibrotic effects induced by sST2. In NRP-1 knockdown cells, sST2 failed to induce fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis. Exogenous NRP-1 enhanced cardiac fibroblast activation and collagen synthesis via NF-κB. In a pressure overload rat model, sST2 was elevated in association with cardiac fibrosis and was positively correlated with NRP-1 expression. Our study shows that sST2 induces human cardiac fibroblasts activation, as well as the synthesis of collagen and profibrotic molecules. These effects are mediated by NRP-1. The blockade of NF-κB restored NRP-1 expression, improving the profibrotic status induced by sST2. These results show a new pathogenic role for sST2 and its mediator, NRP-1, as cardiac fibroblast activators contributing to cardiac fibrosis.

scholarly journals P300/CBP-Associated Factor Activates Cardiac Fibroblasts by SMAD2 Acetylation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (18) ◽  
pp. 9944
Author(s):  
Yongwoon Lim ◽  
Anna Jeong ◽  
Duk-Hwa Kwon ◽  
Yeong-Un Lee ◽  
Young-Kook Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Mouse Heart ◽  
Associated Factor ◽  
Tgf Β1

Various heart diseases cause cardiac remodeling, which in turn leads to ineffective contraction. Although it is an adaptive response to injury, cardiac fibrosis contributes to this remodeling, for which the reactivation of quiescent myofibroblasts is a key feature. In the present study, we investigated the role of the p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF), a histone acetyltransferase, in the activation of cardiac fibroblasts. An intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of a high dose (160 mg/kg) of isoproterenol (ISP) induced cardiac fibrosis and reduced the amount of the PCAF in cardiac fibroblasts in the mouse heart. However, the PCAF activity was significantly increased in cardiac fibroblasts, but not in cardiomyocytes, obtained from ISP-administered mice. An in vitro study using human cardiac fibroblast cells recapitulated the in vivo results; an treatment with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) reduced the PCAF, whereas it activated the PCAF in the fibroblasts. PCAF siRNA attenuated the TGF-β1-induced increase in and translocation of fibrosis marker proteins. PCAF siRNA blocked TGF-β1-mediated gel contraction and cell migration. The PCAF directly interacted with and acetylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2). PCAF siRNA prevented TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation and the nuclear localization of SMAD2. These results suggest that the increase in PCAF activity during cardiac fibrosis may participate in SMAD2 acetylation and thereby in its activation.

Abstract 292: TRPA1 Promoting Myofibroblast Differentiation Mediate Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 138 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Li ◽  
Dong Han ◽  
Dachun Yang
Keyword(s):  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Ventricular Remodeling ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Gene Transfection ◽  
Pressure Overload

Background: Hypertensive ventricular remodeling is a common cause of heart failure. Activation and accumulation of cardiac fibroblasts is the key contributors to this progression. Our previous studies indicate that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a Ca 2+ channel necessary and sufficient, play a prominent role in ventricular remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating remain poorly understood. Methods: We used TRPA1 agonists cinnamaldehyde (CA) pretreatment and TRPA1 knockout mice to understand the role of TRPA1 in ventricular remodeling of hypertensive heart. We also examine the mechanisms through gene transfection and in vitro experiments. Results: TRPA1 overexpression fully activated myofibroblast transformation, while fibroblasts lacking TRPA1 were refractory to transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) -induced transdifferentiation. TRPA1 knockout mice showed hypertensive ventricular remodeling reversal following pressure overload. We found that the TGF-β induced TRPA1 expression through calcineurin-NFAT-Dyrk1A signaling pathway via the TRPA1 promoter. Once induced, TRPA1 activates the Ca 2+ -responsive protein phosphatase calcineurin, which itself induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Moreover, inhibition of calcineurin prevented TRPA1-dependent transdifferentiation. Conclusion: Our study provides the first evidence that TRPA1 regulation in cardiac fibroblasts transformation in response to hypertensive stimulation. The results suggesting a comprehensive pathway for myofibroblast formation in conjunction with TGF-β, Calcineurin, NFAT and Dyrk1A. Furthermore, these data indicate that negative modulation of cardiac fibroblast TRPA1 may represent a therapeutic strategy against hypertensive cardiac remodeling.

Abstract 782: Fra2 Mediates Oxygen-induced TGFbeta-1 mRNA Expression In Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts: Significance In Myocardial Fibrosis Following Ischemia-reperfusion Injury

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sashwati Roy ◽  
Savita Khanna ◽  
Chandan K Sen
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Mrna Levels

Background . Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) is a key cytokine implicated in the development of cardiac fibrosis following ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The profibrotic effects of TGFbeta-1 are primarily attributable to the differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CF) to myofibroblasts. Previously, we have reported perceived hyperoxia (Circ Res 92:264 –71), sub-lethal reoxygenation shock during IR, induces differentiation of CF to myofibroblasts at the infarct site. The mechanisms underlying oxygen-sensitive induction of TGFbeta-1 mRNA remain to be characterized. Hypothesis . Fra2 mediates oxygen-induced TGFbeta-1 mRNA expression in adult cardiac fibroblasts. Methods. TGFbeta-1 mRNA expression in infarct tissue was investigated in an IR injury model. The left anterior descending coronary artery of mice was transiently occluded for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion to induce IR injury. Spatially resolved infarct and non-infarct tissues were collected at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-IR using laser capture microdissection. TGFbeta-1 mRNA levels were measured using real-time PCR. To investigate the role of oxygen in the regulation of TGFbeta-1, we used our previously reported model of perceived hyperoxia where CF (from 5wks old mice) after isolation were cultured at 5%O 2 (physiological pO 2 ) followed by transferring them to 20%O 2 to induce hyperoxic insult. Results & Conclusions. In vivo, a significant increase (p<0.01; n=5) in TGFbeta-1 mRNA was observed at the infarct site already at day 1 post-IR. The levels continued to increase until day 7 post-IR. In vitro, exposure of CF to 20%O 2 hyperoxic insult induced TGFbeta-1 mRNA (p<0.001; n=4) and protein (p<0.01; n=4) expression. Using a TGFbeta-1 promoter-luciferase reporter and DNA binding assays, we collected first evidence that AP-1 and its component Fra2 as major mediators of oxygen-induced TGFbeta-1 expression. Exposure to 20%O 2 resulted in increased localization of Fra2 in nucleus. siRNA-dependent Fra-2 knock-down completely abrogated oxygen-induced TGFbeta1 expression. In conclusion, this study presents first evidence that Fra-2 is involved in inducible TGFbeta1 expression in CF. Fra2 was noted as being central in regulating oxygen-induced TGFbeta-1 expression.s

Abstract 15671: Adipocyte-derived Exosomal Lncrna Nbr2 Promotes Diabetic Myocardial Fibrosis Through Regulating the Ikba/nf-kb Pathway

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Guo ◽  
Xingfeng Xu ◽  
Lingling Wu ◽  
Xiaodong Zhuang ◽  
Xinxue Liao
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Intramyocardial Injection ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Human Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
And Function

Introduction: The activation of NF-κB is the dominant process that correlates with the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Recently, accumulating evidence shows that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in sustaining the NF-κB pathway. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we identified the upregulated expressed lncRNA NBR2 in adipocyte-derived exosomes (AdEXO) and investigated its regulatory role in diabetic myocardial fibrosis. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that AdEXO-NBR2 promotes diabetic myocardial fibrosis through regulating the IκBα/NF-κB pathway. Methods: We examined the effect of exosomes from diabetic (db/db) mice-derived adipocytes on ANG-II-induced cardiac fibrosis and function in non-diabetic (C57BL/6J mice). In the invitro study, HG (33mmol/L)-stimulated AdEXO were cultured with adult human cardiac fibroblasts (aHCFs). Differentially expressed lncRNAs in AdEXO were screened using lncRNA sequencing. Results: Intramyocardial injection of diabetic AdEXO in the non-diabetic heart significantly exacerbated myocardial fibrosis, as evidenced by poorer cardiac function and enhancer collagen deposition. Whereas administration of a exosomes biogenesis inhibitor mitigated cardiac fibrosis in diabetic mice. We found lncRNA-NBR2 is a common molecule significantly increased in diabetic AdEXO and HG-stimulated non-diabetic AdEXO. After four weeks of ANG II infusion, EXO-db/dbWT-injected mice displayed fibrosis in the heart. However, interestingly, mice receiving NBR2-deficient db/db-EXO showed a decrease in cardiac fibrosis. Similarly, AdEXO-NBR2 promoted aHCFs proliferation and transformation capabilities in vitro. Mechanistically, NBR2 was loaded to AdEXO by directly interacting with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK). Subsequently, AdEXO-NBR2 was internalized by aHCFs and epigenetically downregulated IκBα expression by recruitment of hnRNPK/SETDB1 and increasing the H3K9 trimethylation level in the IκBα promoter, ultimately activating the NF-κB pathway. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a novel epigenetic mechanism of AdEXO lncRNA-mediated diabetic cardiac fibrosis and identify NBR2 as a therapeutic target of DCM.

scholarly journals Calcitriol Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction and Inhibits Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Mice

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsai ◽  
Lin ◽  
Hang ◽  
Chen
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Fibrosis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Endothelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective anti-neoplasm drug, but its cardiac toxicity limits its clinical use. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been found to be involved in the process of heart failure. It is unclear whether EndMT contributes to Dox-induced cardiomyopathy (DoIC). Calcitriol, an active form Vitamin D3, blocks the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting the Smad pathway. To investigate the effect of calcitriol via inhibiting EndMT in DoIC, C57BL/6 mice and endothelial-specific labeled mice were intraperitoneally administered Dox twice weekly for 4 weeks (32 mg/kg cumulative dose) and were subsequently treated with or without calcitriol for 12 weeks. Echocardiography revealed diastolic dysfunction at 13 weeks following the first Dox treatment, accompanied by increased myocardial fibrosis and up-regulated pro-fibrotic proteins. Calcitriol attenuated Dox-induced myocardial fibrosis, down-regulated pro-fibrotic proteins and improved diastolic function. Endothelial fate tracing revealed that EndMT-derived cells contributed to Dox-induced cardiac fibrosis. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mouse cardiac fibroblasts were treated with Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β with or without calcitriol. Morphological, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analyses revealed that TGF-β-induced EndMT and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) were attenuated by calcitriol by the inhibition of the Smad2 pathway. Collectively, calcitriol attenuated DoIC through the inhibition of the EndMT and FMT processes.

scholarly journals Na/K-ATPase signaling regulates collagen synthesis through microRNA-29b-3p in cardiac fibroblasts

2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Drummond ◽  
Michael C. Hill ◽  
Huilin Shi ◽  
Xiaoming Fan ◽  
Jeffrey X. Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
Uremic Cardiomyopathy

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, and dysfunction, which are commonly referred to as uremic cardiomyopathy. Our previous studies found that Na/K-ATPase ligands or 5/6th partial nephrectomy (PNx) induces cardiac fibrosis in rats and mice. The current study used in vitro and in vivo models to explore novel roles for microRNA in this mechanism of cardiac fibrosis formation. To accomplish this, we performed microRNA profiling with RT-qPCR based arrays on cardiac tissue from rats subjected to marinobufagenin (MBG) infusion or PNx. The analysis showed that a series of fibrosis-related microRNAs were dysregulated. Among the dysregulated microRNAs, microRNA (miR)-29b-3p, which directly targets mRNA of collagen, was consistently reduced in both PNx and MBG-infused animals. In vitro experiments demonstrated that treatment of primary cultures of adult rat cardiac fibroblasts with Na/K-ATPase ligands induced significant increases in the fibrosis marker, collagen protein, and mRNA expression compared with controls, whereas miR-29b-3p expression decreased >50%. Transfection of miR-29b-3p mimics into cardiac fibroblasts inhibited cardiotonic steroids-induced collagen synthesis. Moreover, a specific Na/K-ATPase signaling antagonist, pNaKtide, prevented ouabain-induced increases in collagen synthesis and decreases in miR-29b-3p expression in these cells. In conclusion, these data are the first to indicate that signaling through Na/K-ATPase regulates miRNAs and specifically, miR-29b-3p expression both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, these data indicate that miR-29b-3p expression plays an important role in the formation of cardiac fibrosis in CKD.

scholarly journals Role for high-glucose-induced protein O-GlcNAcylation in stimulating cardiac fibroblast collagen synthesis

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (9) ◽  
pp. C794-C804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Aguilar ◽  
Eduardo Fricovsky ◽  
Sang Ihm ◽  
Magdalena Schimke ◽  
Lisandro Maya-Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Glucose ◽  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Normal Glucose ◽  
Arginase Ii ◽  
Tgf Β1

Excess enzyme-mediated protein O-GlcNAcylation is known to occur with diabetes mellitus. A characteristic of diabetic cardiomyopathy is the development of myocardial fibrosis. The role that enhanced protein O-GlcNAcylation plays in modulating the phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts (CF) is unknown. To address this issue, rat CF were cultured in normal glucose (NG; 5 mM glucose) or high-glucose (HG; 25 mM) media for 48 h. Results demonstrate that CF cultured in HG have higher levels (∼50%) of overall protein O-GlcNAcylation vs. NG cells. Key regulators of collagen synthesis such as transforming-growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), SMADs 2/3, and SMAD 7 protein levels, including those of arginase I and II, were altered, leading to increases in collagen levels. The nuclear transcription factor Sp1 and arginase II evidence excess O-GlcNAcylation in HG cells. Expression in CF of an adenovirus coding for the enzyme N-acetylglucosaminidase, which removes O-GlcNAc moieties from proteins, decreased Sp1 and arginase II O-GlcNAcylation and restored HG-induced perturbations in CF back to NG levels. These findings may have important pathophysiological implications for the development of diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis.

scholarly journals Inhibitory Effects of Momordicine I on High-Glucose-Induced Cell Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Po-Yuan Chen ◽  
Neng-Lang Shih ◽  
Wen-Rui Hao ◽  
Chun-Chao Chen ◽  
Ju-Chi Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Glucose ◽  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Fibroblast Proliferation ◽  
Fibroblast Activation

Diabetes-associated cardiac fibrosis is a severe cardiovascular complication. Momordicine I, a bioactive triterpenoid isolated from bitter melon, has been demonstrated to have antidiabetic properties. This study investigated the effects of momordicine I on high-glucose-induced cardiac fibroblast activation. Rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in a high-glucose (25 mM) medium in the absence or presence of momordicine I, and the changes in collagen synthesis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production, and related signaling molecules were assessed. Increased oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of high-glucose-induced cardiac fibrosis; we further explored momordicine I’s antioxidant activity and its effect on fibroblasts. Our data revealed that a high-glucose condition promoted fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis and these effects were abolished by momordicine I (0.3 and 1 μM) pretreatment. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of momordicine I on high-glucose-induced fibroblast activation may be associated with its activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation, TGF-β1 production, and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. The addition of brusatol (a selective inhibitor of Nrf2) or Nrf2 siRNA significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of momordicine I on fibroblast activation. Our findings revealed that the antifibrotic effect of momordicine I was mediated, at least partially, by the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis through Nrf2 activation. Thus, this work provides crucial insights into the molecular pathways for the clinical application of momordicine I for treating diabetes-associated cardiac fibrosis.

scholarly journals Lithium Reduces Migration and Collagen Synthesis Activity in Human Cardiac Fibroblasts by Inhibiting Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 842
Author(s):  
Pao-Huan Chen ◽  
Cheng-Chih Chung ◽  
Yuan-Feng Lin ◽  
Yu-Hsun Kao ◽  
Yi-Jen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Collagen Synthesis ◽  
Cardiac Fibrosis ◽  
Calcium Release ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Peak Level ◽  
Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Licl Treatment ◽  
Human Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Proliferation Assays

Cardiac fibrosis plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Fibroblast activity is enhanced by increases in store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1) levels. Lithium regulates SOCE; however, whether therapeutic concentrations of lithium can be used to inhibit cardiac fibrogenesis is unknown. Migration and proliferation assays, Western blotting, real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, and calcium fluorescence imaging were performed in human cardiac fibroblasts treated with or without LiCl at 1.0 mM (i.e., therapeutic peak level) or 0.1 mM (i.e., therapeutic trough level) for 24 h. Results showed that LiCl (0.1 mM, but not 1.0 mM) inhibited the migration and collagen synthesis ability of cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, thapsigargin-induced SOCE was reduced in fibroblasts treated with LiCl (0.1 mM). The expression level of Orai1 was lower in LiCl (0.1 mM)-treated fibroblasts relative to the fibroblasts without LiCl treatment. Fibroblasts treated with a combination of LiCl (0.1 mM) and 2-APB (10 μM, an Orai1 inhibitor) demonstrated similar migration and collagen synthesis abilities as those in LiCl (0.1 mM)-treated fibroblasts. Altogether, lithium at therapeutic trough levels reduced the migration and collagen synthesis abilities of human cardiac fibroblasts by inhibiting SOCE and Orai1 expression.

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