scholarly journals In vitro mechanical vibration down-regulates pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic signaling in human vocal fold fibroblasts

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241901
Author(s):  
David Hortobagyi ◽  
Tanja Grossmann ◽  
Magdalena Tschernitz ◽  
Magdalena Grill ◽  
Andrijana Kirsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vocal Fold ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Vibrational Excitation ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Mechanical Vibration ◽  
Vocal Folds ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions

Introduction Voice rest following phonotrauma or phonosurgery has a considerable clinical impact, but clinical recommendations are inconsistent due to inconclusive data. As biopsies of the vocal folds (VF) for molecular biology studies in humans are unethical, we established a new in vitro model to explore the effects of vibration on human vocal fold fibroblasts (hVFF) in an inflammatory and normal state, which is based on previously published models. Methods By using a phonomimetic bioreactor we were able to apply predefined vibrational stress patterns on hVFF cultured under inflammatory or normal conditions. Inflammatory and pro-fibrotic stimuli were induced by interleukin (IL)1β and transforming growth factor (TGF)β1, respectively. Mechanical stimulation was applied four hours daily, over a period of 72 hours. Outcome measurements comprised assessment of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related components, angiogenic factors, and inflammatory and fibrogenic markers on gene expression and protein levels. Results Under inflammatory conditions, the inflammatory cytokine IL11, as well as the myofibroblast marker alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were significantly reduced when additional vibration was applied. The desirable anti-fibrotic ECM component hyaluronic acid was increased following cytokine treatment, but was not diminished following vibration. Conclusion Our experiments revealed the effect of vibrational stress on hVFF in an inflammatory state. Elevated levels of certain pro-inflammatory/pro-fibrotic factors could be mitigated by additional vibrational excitation in an in vitro setting. These findings corroborate clinical studies which recommend early voice activation following an acute event.

scholarly journals Paracrine Effects Of Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells And Stromal Vascular Fraction In An In Vitro Fibrogenesis Model Of Human Vocal Fold Scarring

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mélanie Velier ◽  
Alexia MATTEI ◽  
Stéphanie SIMONCINI ◽  
Jérémy MAGALON ◽  
Laurent GIRAUDO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Stromal Vascular Fraction ◽  
Vocal Folds ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Silver Stain ◽  
Stromal Stem Cells

Abstract Background: Vocal folds (VF) scarring leads to severe dysphonia which negatively impacts daily life of patients. Current therapeutic options are limited due in large part to the high complexity of the micro-structure of the VF. Innovative therapies derived from adipose tissue such as stromal vascular fraction (SVF) or adipose derived stromal/ stem cells (ASC) are currently being evaluated in this indication and paracrine anti-fibrotic effects are considered as predominant mechanisms. Methods: The paracrine anti-fibrotic effects of SVF and ASC from healthy donors were tested in an innovative in vitro fibrogenesis model employing human VF fiboblasts (hVFF) and the principles of macromolecular crowding (MMC). Biosynthesis of collogen and alpha-smooth-muscle actin (αSMA) expression in hVFF were quantified after five days of indirect coculture with ASC or SVF using silver stain, western blot and RT-qPCR analysis. Results: Fibrogenesis was promoted by addition of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) combined with MMC characterized by an enhanced deposition of fibrillar collagens and the acquisition of a myofibroblast phenotype (overexpression of αSMA). Adipose-derived therapies led to a reduction in the αSMA expression and the collagen content was lower in hVFF co-cultivated with SVF. Discussion: ASC and SVF promoted significant prevention of fibrosis in an in vitro fibrogenesis model through paracrine mechanisms, supporting further development of adipose-derived cellular therapies in VF scarring.

scholarly journals mTOR inhibitors potentially reduce TGF-β2-induced fibrogenic changes in trabecular meshwork cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nozomi Igarashi ◽  
Megumi Honjo ◽  
Makoto Aihara
Keyword(s):  
Trabecular Meshwork ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Mtor Inhibitors ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Type I ◽  
Fibrotic Response ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin

AbstractWe examined the effects of mTOR inhibitors on the fibrotic response induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. TGF-β2-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in hTM cells was examined in the presence or absence of mTOR inhibitors using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The migration rates of hTM cells were examined in the presence of TGF-β2 with or without mTOR inhibitors. An in vitro study showed that the expression of fibronectin, COL1A1, and αSMA was upregulated by TGF-β2 treatment of hTM cells; such upregulation was significantly suppressed by mTOR inhibitors. The inhibitors significantly reduced the migration rate of TGF-β2-stimulated hTM cells. mTOR inhibitors may usefully reduce the fibrotic response of hTM cells and we may have to explore if it is also effective in in vivo model.

scholarly journals Sestrin 2 Attenuates Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell (HSC) Activation and Liver Fibrosis via an mTOR/AMPK-Dependent Mechanism

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 2111-2122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Bing Hu ◽  
Xiao-Ting Ye ◽  
Qing-Qing Zhou ◽  
Rong-Quan Fu
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin

Background/Aims: Sestrin 2 is associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Sestrin 2 in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrogenesis. Methods: In this study, Sestrin 2 protein expression was detected in rat HSC-T6 cells challenged with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a well-known model of hepatic fibrosis. Next, HSC-T6 cells and fibrotic mice were transfected with lentivirus. The mRNA expression levels of markers of liver fibrosis [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (Col1A1)] were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell death and proliferation were evaluated by the MTT assay, and biochemical markers of liver damage in serum [alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)] were also measured using a biochemical analyzer. Histopathological examination was used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis, and protein expression [phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), AMPK, phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and mTOR] was determined by western blotting. Results: We found that Sestrin 2 was elevated in both the HSC-T6 cell and hepatic fibrosis models. In vitro, overexpression of Sestrin 2 attenuated the mRNA levels of α-SMA and Col1A1, suppressed α-SMA protein expression, and modulated HSC-T6 cell proliferation. In vivo, overexpression of Sestrin 2 reduced the ALT and AST levels as well as the α-SMA and Col1A1 protein expression in the CCl4 model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, the degree of liver fibrosis was ameliorated. Interestingly, overexpression of Sestrin 2 increased p-AMPK but decreased p-mTOR protein expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Sestrin 2 may attenuate the activation of HSCs and ameliorate liver fibrosis, most likely via upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation and suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Myofibroblasts in Nasal Polyposis: Regulation by Topical Steroids

1997 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy M Tremblay ◽  
Manabu Nonaka ◽  
Bengt Särnstrand ◽  
Jerry Dolovich ◽  
Jack Gauldie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Polyp ◽  
Nasal Polyposis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Topical Steroids ◽  
Myofibroblast Differentiation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tgf Beta ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin

OBJECTIVES: To compare numbers of myofibroblasts, a fibroblast phenotype associated with chronically inflamed tissue, in nasal polyp tissues from untreated and corticosteroid-treated subjects. To study whether corticosteroids can directly affect myofibroblast differentiation in vitro.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunolocalization of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) as a marker of myofibroblast differentiation, vimentin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in nasal polyp tissues from nine patients who had taken no steroids for at least a month before polypectomy and from eight patients who had received intranasal budesonide or beclomethasone dipropionate continuously for four to 12 months before polypectomy. Cultured nasal polyp fibroblasts were exposed to budesonide for six days and alpha-SMA expression was determined by immunocytochemistry.RESULTS: Nasal polyp tissues from untreated subjects were characterized by the presence of a substantial number of myofibroblasts compared with tissues from corticosteroid-treated subjects. The median percentages of alpha-SMA positive cell areas per total area for the two groups were 6.4% (0.5 to 11.5) and 1.3% (0.1 to 4.7), respectively. This difference in alpha-SMA staining between the two groups was not due to a decrease in fibroblast numbers (vimentin-positive spindle-shape cells). Numbers of TGF-beta positive cells were similar in the two groups of subjects. In vitro, budesonide treatment decreased the number of alpha-SMA positive fibroblasts in primary lines in a dose dependent manner.CONCLUSIONS: The difference in myofibroblast numbers between nasal polyp tissues from untreated and corticosteroid-treated subjects, as shown by immunolocalization of alpha-SMA, suggests a new therapeutic effect of nasal topical corticosteroids in nasal polyposis. This could be a direct effect of the drug on fibroblast differentiation and/or modulation of cytokine production.

scholarly journals Fibroblast-Specific Proteo-Transcriptomes Reveal Distinct Fibrotic Signatures of Human Sinoatrial Node in Non-Failing and Failing Hearts

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anuradha Kalyanasundaram ◽  
Ning Li ◽  
Miranda L. Gardner ◽  
Esthela J. Artiga ◽  
Brian J. Hansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Sinoatrial Node ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Proteomic Analyses

Background: Up to fifty percent of the adult human sinoatrial node (SAN), is composed of dense connective tissue. Cardiac diseases including heart failure (HF) may further increase fibrosis within the SAN pacemaker complex, leading to impaired automaticity and conduction of electrical activity to the atria. However, unlike the role of cardiac fibroblasts in pathological fibrotic remodeling and tissue repair, nothing is known about fibroblasts that maintain the inherently fibrotic SAN environment. Methods: Intact SAN pacemaker complex was dissected from cardioplegically arrested explanted non-failing (non-HF, n=22; 48.7±3.1y.o,) and HF human hearts (n=16; 54.9±2.6y.o.). Connective tissue content was quantified from Masson's trichrome stained head-center and center-tail SAN sections. Expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including Collagens 1, 3A1, cartilage intermediate layer protein 1 (CILP1) and periostin, fibroblast and myofibroblast numbers were quantified by in situ and in vitro immunolabeling. Fibroblasts from the central intramural SAN pacemaker compartment (~10x5x2 mm 3 ) and right atria (RA) were isolated, cultured, passaged once, and treated ±transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) and subjected to comprehensive high-throughput next-generation sequencing of whole transcriptome, microRNA and proteomic analyses. Results: Intranodal fibrotic content was significantly higher in SAN pacemaker complex from HF vs non-HF hearts (57.7±2.6% vs 44.0±1.2% p <0.0001). Proliferating phosphorylated histone3 + /vimentin + /CD31 - fibroblasts were higher in HF SAN. Vimentin + /alpha smooth muscle actin + /CD31 - myofibroblasts along with increased interstitial periostin expression were found only in HF SAN. RNA sequencing and proteomic analyses identified unique differences in mRNA, long non-coding RNA, microRNA and proteomic profiles between non-HF and HF SAN and RA fibroblasts, and TGFβ1-induced myofibroblasts. Specifically, proteins and signaling pathways associated with ECM flexibility, stiffness, focal adhesion and metabolism were altered in HF SAN fibroblasts compared to non-HF SAN. Conclusions: This study revealed increased SAN-specific fibrosis with presence of myofibroblasts, CILP1 and periostin-positive interstitial fibrosis only in HF vs non-HF human hearts. Comprehensive proteo-transcriptomic profiles of SAN fibroblasts identified upregulation of genes and proteins promoting stiffer SAN ECM in HF hearts. Fibroblast-specific profiles generated by our proteo-transcriptomic analyses of the human SAN, provide a comprehensive framework for future studies to investigate the role of SAN-specific fibrosis in cardiac rhythm regulation and arrhythmias.

scholarly journals Metformin Attenuates Silica-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Activating Autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-xian Li ◽  
Chao Li ◽  
Xin-ru Pang ◽  
Juan Zhang ◽  
Gong-chang Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Silica Particles ◽  
Protein Levels

Long-term exposure to crystalline silica particles leads to silicosis characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive fibrosis in the lung. So far, there is no specific treatment to cure the disease other than supportive care. In this study, we examined the effects of metformin, a prescribed drug for type || diabetes on silicosis and explored the possible mechanisms in an established rat silicosis model in vivo, and an in vitro co-cultured model containing human macrophages cells (THP-1) and human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). Our results showed that metformin significantly alleviated the inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissues of rats exposed to silica particles. Metformin significantly reduced silica particle-induced inflammatory cytokines including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in rat lung tissue and HBEC culture supernatant. The protein levels of Vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were significantly decreased by metfomin while expression level of E-cadherin (E-Cad) increased. Besides, metformin increased the expression levels of phosphorylated adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), microtubule-associated protein (MAP) light chain 3B (LC3B) and Beclin1 proteins, and reduced levels of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) and p62 proteins in vivo and in vitro. These results suggest that metformin could inhibit silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by activating autophagy through the AMPK-mTOR pathway.

scholarly journals Baicalin Ameliorates Pancreatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Mice with Chronic Pancreatitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianwei Fan ◽  
Lifang Duan ◽  
Nan Wu ◽  
Xiaofan Xu ◽  
Jiaqi Xin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pancreatitis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Pancreatic Fibrosis ◽  
Pancreatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Type I ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin

Pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis are typical pathological features in chronic pancreatitis (CP). Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been regarded as the core event in the development of pancreatic fibrosis and are considered to be the key target for treatment of CP. Baicalin (C21H18O11), the main chemical composition of Baikal skullcap in the traditional Chinese medicines Dachaihu decoction (DCHD) and Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD), has shown significant effects in the treatment of pancreatic fibrosis in CP mice; however, whether baicalin can inhibit the activation of PSCs and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, the influence of baicalin on activated PSCs in vitro and in vivo was investigated, and the results showed that Baicalin could significantly ameliorate the degree of pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis, while decreasing the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), F4/80 (surface markers of mouse macrophages), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)in the pancreas. Moreover, NF-κB and α-SMA were co-expressed in the pancreas of CP mice. Baicalin treatment markedly reduced the expression of co-location of α-SMA and NF-κB. In vitro, the protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1), phosphorylated TGF-β activated kinase 1 p-TAK 1, and NF-κBp65 in PSCs were all remarkably reduced after treatment with baicalin. In addition, baicalin could inhibit MCP-1 mRNA expression in supernatant of activated PSCs, as well as the excessive migration of macrophages. Taken together, our findings indicated that baicalin could inhibit the TGF-β1/TGF-βR1/TAK1/NF-κB signaling pathway of activated PSCs, reduce the secretion of MCP-1, and further decrease the infiltration of macrophages and inflammation cells of the local microenvironment of the pancreas. Thus, this study provides a reliable experimental basis for baicalin in the prevention and treatment of CP.

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