Momordicoside G Regulates Macrophage Phenotypes to Stimulate Efficient Repair of Lung Injury and Prevent Urethane-Induced Lung Carcinoma Lesions.

Zhenhua Du,Yongjian Duan,Gangjun Du,Jiahuan Li,Shuhui Zhang,Yuehua Wang,Lin Zhou,Mengdi Zhang,Guixi Yan,Yukun Lin,Mengqi Wang,Qiaozhen Tong

doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00321

Abstract

Momordicoside G is a bioactive component from Momordica charantia, this study explores the contributions of macrophages to the effects of momordicoside G on lung injury and carcinoma lesion. In vitro, when administered at the dose that has no effect on cell viability in M2-like macrophages, momordicoside G decreased ROS and promoted autophagy and thus induced apoptosis in M1-like macrophages with the morphological changes. In the urethane-induced lung carcinogenic model, prior to lung carcinoma lesions, urethane induced obvious lung injury accompanied by the increased macrophage infiltration. The lung carcinoma lesions were positively correlated with lung tissue injury and macrophage infiltration in alveolar cavities in the control group, these macrophages showed mainly a M1-like (iNOS+/CD68+) phenotype. ELISA showed that the levels of IL-6 and IL-12 were increased and the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1 were reduced in the control group. After momordicoside G treatment, lung tissue injury and carcinoma lesions were ameliorated with the decreased M1-like macrophages and the increased M2-like (arginase+/CD68+) macrophages, whereas macrophage depletion by liposome-encapsulated clodronate (LEC) decreased significantly lung tissue injury and carcinoma lesions and also attenuated the protective efficacy of momordicoside G. The M2 macrophage dependent efficacy of momordicoside G was confirmed in a LPS-induced lung injury model in which epithelial closure was promoted by the transfer of M2-like macrophages and delayed by the transfer of M1-like macrophages. To acquire further insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms by which momordicoside G regulates M1 macrophages, we conduct a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of momordicoside G relevant targets and pathways involved in M1 macrophage phenotype. This study suggests a function of momordicoside G, whereby it selectively suppresses M1 macrophages to stimulate M2-associated lung injury repair and prevent inflammation-associated lung carcinoma lesions.

Highlights

MATERIALS AND METHODSIn spite of revised and aggressive approaches to therapy, the five-year survival rate for advanced stage lung cancer has not improved significantly (Markovic et al, 2008)
Prior to lung carcinoma lesions, the four urethane injections led to obvious lung injury in control group (Figure 3A), presenting as an increase in lung inflammation (Figure 3C) and injury area (Figure 3D), which were positively correlated with macrophage infiltration (CD68+ cells) (Figure 3B)
The eight urethane injections resulted in visible lung carcinoma lesions (Figure 3A) under a microscope accompanied by the aggravated macrophage infiltration (Figure 3B) and inflammasome (Figures 4A–C), but no lung cancer nodes were visible to the naked eye

Summary

Introduction

MATERIALS AND METHODSIn spite of revised and aggressive approaches to therapy, the five-year survival rate for advanced stage lung cancer has not improved significantly (Markovic et al, 2008). Prior to lung carcinoma lesions, the four urethane injections led to obvious lung injury in control group (Figure 3A), presenting as an increase in lung inflammation (Figure 3C) and injury area (Figure 3D), which were positively correlated with macrophage infiltration (CD68+ cells) (Figure 3B).

Results

Conclusion