Inhibition Of Fibroblast Proliferation Research Articles

Advanced Delivery Strategies of Nintedanib for Lung Disorders and Beyond: A Comprehensive Review.

Nintedanib, a primary treatment for lung fibrosis, has gathered substantial attention due to its multifaceted potential. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nintedanib, inhibits multiple signalling receptors, including endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and ultimately inhibits fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, nintedanib has been studied widely for other ailments like cancers and hepatic fibrosis, apart from lung disorders. Commercially, nintedanib is available as soft gelatin capsules for treatment against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Since it has very low oral bioavailability (4.7%), high doses of a drug, such as 100-150mg, are administered, which can cause problems of gastrointestinal irritation and hepatotoxicity. The article begins with exploring the mechanism of action of nintedanib, elucidating its complex interactions within cellular pathways that govern fibrotic processes. It also emphasizes the pharmacokinetics of nintedanib, clinical trial insights, and the limitations of conventional formulations. The article mainly focuses on the emerging landscape of nanoparticle-based carriers such as hybrid liposome-exosome, nano liquid crystals, discoidal polymeric, and magnetic systems, offering promising avenues to optimize drug targeting, address its efficacy issues and minimise adverse effects. However, none of these delivery systems are commercialised, and further research is required to ensure safety and effectiveness in clinical settings. Yet, as research progresses, these advanced delivery systems promise to revolutionise the treatment landscape for various fibrotic disorders and cancers, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Time-space regulating prodrug hydrogels for prevention of peritendinous adhesion

The bidirectional regulations of antiadhesion and regeneration are crucial for Achilles tendon injuries. However, the precise prevention and treatments of peritendinous adhesions both in time and space are still great challenges. Here, a series of time–space regulating prodrug (tannic acid (TA), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) hydrogels are designed for the prevention of peritendinous adhesion in Achilles tendon contusion and rupture injuries. In the term of space, the self-healing and deformable hydrogels prepared by crosslinking phenylboric acid (PBA) functionalized polyphosphazene (PZBA) with guar gum (GG) through ROS-responsive phenylborate ester (PBAE) can specifically aggregate to the high ROS sites via the ROS-responsive degradation and recombination of PBAE. Thus, providing support and acting as barriers to inhibit fibroblast proliferation. In the term of time, the prodrug strategy using ROS-responsive PBAE as bridging linker can achieve long-term anti-inflammatory effect over 2 weeks. Furthermore, the degradation time of hydrogels matched the course of peritendinous adhesion, thus achieved bidirectional regulations (decrease the gene expression of TGF-β1, COL-1 and COL-3 to antiadhesion in the early stage but increase them to promote regeneration in the late stage). This study presents a promising approach employing smart prodrug hydrogels with time–space regulating properties for prevention of peritendinous adhesion.

Expression of versican isoforms V0/V1 by pancreatic cancer associated fibroblasts increases fibroblast proliferation

BackgroundVersican is a large extracellular matrix (ECM) proteoglycan with four isoforms V0-3. Elevated V0/V1 levels in breast cancer and glioma regulate cell migration and proliferation, but the role of versican in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the expression levels of versican isoforms, as well as their cellular source and interacting partners, in vivo, in human and mouse primary and metastatic PDAC tumours and in vitro, in pancreatic tumour cells and fibroblasts using immunostaining, confocal microscopy and qPCR techniques. We also investigated the effect of versican expression on fibroblast proliferation and migration using genetic and pharmacological approaches. ResultsWe found that versican V0/V1 is highly expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in mouse and human primary and metastatic PDAC tumours. Our data also show that exposing fibroblasts to tumour-conditioned media upregulates V0 and V1 expressions, while Verbascoside (a CD44 inhibitor) downregulates V0/V1 expression. Importantly, V0/V1 knockdown significantly inhibits fibroblast proliferation. Mechanistically, we found that inhibiting hyaluronan synthesis does not affect versican co-localisation with CD44 in fibroblasts. ConclusionCAFs express high levels of versican V0/V1 in primary and liver metastatic PDAC tumours and versican V0/V1 supports fibroblast proliferation.

3D-printed versatile biliary stents with nanoengineered surface for anti-hyperplasia and antibiofilm formation

Biliary strictures are characterized by the narrowing of the bile duct lumen, usually caused by surgical biliary injury, cancer, inflammation, and scarring from gallstones. Endoscopic stent placement is a well-established method for the management of biliary strictures. However, maintaining optimal mechanical properties of stents and designing surfaces that can prevent stent-induced tissue hyperplasia and biofilm formation are challenges in the fabrication of biodegradable biliary stents (BBSs) for customized treatment. This study proposes a novel approach to fabricating functionalized polymer BBSs with nanoengineered surfaces using 3D printing. The 3D printed stents, fabricated from bioactive silica poly(ε-carprolactone) (PCL) via a sol–gel method, exhibited tunable mechanical properties suitable for supporting the bile duct while ensuring biocompatibility. Furthermore, a nanoengineered surface layer was successfully created on a sirolimus (SRL)-coated functionalized PCL (fPCL) stent using Zn ion sputtering-based plasma immersion ion implantation (S-PIII) treatment to enhance the performance of the stent. The nanoengineered surface of the SRL-coated fPCL stent effectively reduced bacterial responses and remarkably inhibited fibroblast proliferation and initial burst release of SRL in vitro systems. The physicochemical properties and biological behaviors, including in vitro biocompatibility and in vivo therapeutic efficacy in the rabbit bile duct, of the Zn-SRL@fPCL stent demonstrated its potential as a versatile platform for clinical applications in bile duct tissue engineering.

Injectable pH‐Responsive CI1040 Delayed‐Release Hydrogel for the Treatment of Tendon Adhesion

AbstractTendon injuries, often leading to debilitating adhesions, pose significant challenges in clinical practice. Conventional treatments have limitations, necessitating novel strategies. Injectable hydrogels, known for their biocompatibility, have shown promise. To enhance their antiadhesive properties, researchers have started incorporating drugs. Existing drug delivery systems often peak in the initial days, falling short during the fibroblast proliferation phase which occurs ≈1 week after injury. In this research, CI1040 is selected as an antiadhesion drug, encapsulated within zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8(ZIF‐8), and incorporated into oxidized hyaluronic acid/N‐carboxyethyl chitosan(OHA/CEC) hydrogel(Gel), resulting in the synthesis of CI1040@ZIF@Gel. This unique pH‐responsive drug release system involves encapsulating CI1040 within ZIF‐8, a substance that degrades under acidic conditions while remaining stable in physiological environments. This system selectively releases the drug during the fibroblast proliferation phase, responding to the localized pH reduction post‐tendon injury. CI1040@ZIF@Gel exerted a 65% inhibition on extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, reducing the production of collagen types III (Col III) in the adhesion area by 56%. These results indicate that CI1040@ZIF@Gel can effectively inhibit fibroblast proliferation and adhesion through the interleukin 9 receptor/mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase(IL9r/MEK/ERK) pathway, while also acting as a physical barrier to prevent the formation of tendon adhesion.

Emodin ameliorates myocardial fibrosis in mice by inactivating the ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis

ABSTRACT Background Emodin is a traditional medicine that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Previous research has indicated that emodin can alleviate myocardial remodeling and inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which emodin affects myocardial fibrosis (MF) has not yet been elucidated. Methods Fibroblasts were treated with ANGII, and a mouse model of MF was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Cell proliferation was examined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Dihydroethidium (DHE) was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and Masson and Sirius red staining were used to examine changes in collagen fiber levels. PI3K was over-expressed by lentiviral transfection to verify the effect of emodin on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Changes in cardiac function in each group were examined by echocardiography. Results Emodin significantly inhibited fibroblast proliferation, decreased intracellular ROS levels, significantly upregulated collagen II expression, downregulated α-SMA expression, and inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation in vitro. Moreover, the in vivo results were consistent with the in vitro. Emodin significantly decreased ROS levels in heart tissue and reduced collagen fibrillogenesis. Emodin could regulate the activity of PI3K to increase the expression of collagen II and downregulate α-SMA expression in part through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and emodin significantly improved cardiac structure and function in mice. Conclusions This study revealed that emodin targeted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit the development of myocardial fibrosis and may be an antifibrotic agent for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.

MiR-34c-5p inhibited fibroblast proliferation, differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in benign airway stenosis via MDMX/p53 pathway

Benign airway stenosis (BAS) means airway stenosis or obstruction that results from a variety of non-malignant factors, including tuberculosis, trauma, benign tumors, etc. In consideration of the currently limited research on microRNAs in BAS, this study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR-34c-5p in BAS. The expression of miR-34c-5p in BAS granulation tissues showed a significant down-regulation compared with the normal control group. Moreover, miR-34c-5p mimics suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of human bronchial fibroblasts (HBFs) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE). Conversely, miR-34c-5p inhibitors aggravated those effects. A dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-34c-5p can target MDMX rather than Notch1. The over-expression of MDMX can reverse the inhibiting effect of miR-34c-5p on HBFs proliferation, differentiation and EMT. Furthermore, the expressions of tumor protein (p53) and PTEN were down-regulated following the over-expression of MDMX. In addition, the expressions of PI3K and AKT showed an up-regulation. In conclusion, miR-34c-5p was down-regulated in BAS and may inhibit fibroblast proliferation differentiation and EMT in BAS via the MDMX/p53 signaling axis. These findings expand the understanding of the role of miR-34c-5p and will help develop new treatment strategies for BAS.

Antifibrotic effect of silymarin on arecoline-induced fibrosis in primary human buccal fibroblasts: an in silico and in vitro analysis.

This study aimed to assess silymarin's anticancer and antifibrotic potential through in silico analysis and investigate its impact on in vitro arecoline-induced fibrosis in primary human buccal fibroblasts (HBF). The study utilized iGEMDOCK for molecular docking, evaluating nine bioflavonoids, and identified silymarin and baicalein as the top two compounds with the highest target affinity, followed by subsequent validation through a 100ns Molecular Dynamic Simulation demonstrating silymarin's stable behavior with Transforming Growth Factor Beta. HBF cell lines were developed from tissue samples obtained from patients undergoing third molar extraction. Arecoline, a known etiological factor in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), was employed to induce fibrogenesis in these HBFs. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) of arecoline was determined using the MTT assay, revealing dose-dependent cytotoxicity of HBFs to arecoline, with notable cytotoxicity observed at concentrations exceeding 50µM. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of silymarin was assessed at 24 and 72 h, spanning concentrations from 5µM to 200µM, and an IC50 value of 143µM was determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the significant downregulation of key markers including collagen, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stem cell, hypoxia, angiogenesis and stress markers in silymarin-treated arecoline-induced primary buccal fibroblast cells. Silymarin effectively inhibited fibroblast proliferation and downregulated genes associated with cancer progression and EMT pathway, both of which are implicated in malignant transformation. To our knowledge, this study represents the first exploration of silymarin's potential as a novel therapeutic agent in an in vitro model of OSMF.

Alpinetin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by repressing fibroblast differentiation and proliferation

ObjectiveIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and irreversible interstitial lung disease with a poor prognosis. Alpinetin (ALP), derived from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, has shown potential as a therapeutic measure of various diseases. However, the utilization of ALP in managing pulmonary fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. MethodsA well-established mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) was used in this study. The antifibrotic effects of ALP on histopathologic manifestations and expression levels of fibrotic markers were examined. Subsequently, the impact of ALP on fibroblast differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and associated signaling pathways was investigated to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. ResultsIn the present study, we observed that ALP effectively mitigated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice, as evidenced by histopathological manifestations and the expression levels of fibrotic markers. Furthermore, the in vitro experiments demonstrated that ALP treatment attenuated the ability of fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts. Mechanically, our findings provided evidence that ALP suppressed fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation by repressing TGF-β/ALK5/Smad signaling pathway. ALP was found to possess the capability of inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and promoting apoptosis of fibroblasts induced by TGF-β. ConclusionIn general, ALP may exert therapeutic effects on pulmonary fibrosis by modulating the differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of fibroblasts. Although its safety has been demonstrated in mice, further studies are required to investigate the efficacy of ALP in treatment of patients with IPF.

Drugs targeting TGF-β/Notch interaction attenuate hypertrophic scar formation by optic atrophy 1-mediated mitochondrial fusion.

Hypertrophic scar (HS) formation is a cutaneous fibroproliferative disease that occurs after skin injuries and results in severe functional and esthetic disability. To date, few drugs have shown satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of HS formation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Notch interaction via small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) could facilitate HS formation; therefore, targeting TGF-β/ Notch interaction via Smad3 is a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate HS formation. In addition, optic atrophy 1 (OPA1)-mediated mitochondrial fusion contributes to fibroblast proliferation, and TGF-β/Smad3 axis and the Notch1 pathway facilitate OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether drugs targeting TGF-β/Notch interaction via Smad3 suppressed fibroblast proliferation to attenuate HS formation through OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion. We found that the TGF-β pathway, Notch pathway, and TGF-β/Notch interaction via Smad3 were inhibited by pirfenidone, the gamma- secretase inhibitor DAPT, and SIS3 in human keloid fibroblasts (HKF) and an HS rat model, respectively. Protein interaction was detected by co-immunoprecipitation, and mitochondrial morphology was determined by electron microscopy. Our results indicated that pirfenidone, DAPT, and SIS3 suppressed the proliferation of HKFs and attenuated HS formation in the HS rat model by inhibiting TGF-β/Notch interaction via Smad3. Moreover, pirfenidone, DAPT, and SIS3 hindered OPA1-mediated mitochondrial fusion through inhibiting TGF-β/Notch interaction, thereby suppressing the proliferation of HS fibroblasts and HS formation. In summary, these findings investigating the effects of drugs targeting TGF-β/Notch interaction on HS formation might lead to novel drugs for the treatment of HS formation.

Down-regulation of miR-21-5p by pirfenidone to inhibit fibroblast proliferation in the treatment of acquired tracheal stenosis.

Treatment options for acquired tracheal stenosis (ATS) are limited due to a series of pathophysiological changes including inflammation and cell proliferation. Micro ribonucleic acid-21-5p (miR-21-5p) may promote the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts. However, various types of fibrosis can be prevented with pirfenidone (PFD). Currently, the effect of PFD on miR-21-5p and its biological function has not been clarified. In this study, PFD was evaluated as a potential treatment for ATS by inducing fibroblast proliferation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fibroblasts by targeting miR-21-5p. For 48 h, 1g/ml LPS was used to generate fibroblasts in vitro, followed by the separation of cells into four groups: control, PFD, mimic, and mimic + PFD. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) technique was adopted to measure the proliferation of fibroblasts. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were used to measure the relative expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 7 (Smad7) and collagen type I alpha 1(COL1A1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins, respectively. (1) At 0, 24, 48, and 72 h, fibroblast growth was assessed using the CCK-8 method. Compared with the control group, the mimic group showed the highest fibroblast viability, and the PFD group showed the lowest fibroblast viability. However, fibroblast viability increased in the mimic + PFD group but decreased in the mimic one. (2) RT-qPCR and WB showed that the mimic group exhibited a significant up-regulation in the relative expressions of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and COL1A1 mRNA and proteins but a down-regulation in the relative expression of Smad7 mRNA and protein compared with the control one. In the PFD group, the results were the opposite. Nevertheless, the relative expressions of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and COL1A1 mRNA and proteins were increased, whereas that of Smad7 mRNA was decreased in the mimic + PFD group. The change was less in the mimic group. PFD may have a preventive and curative effect on ATS by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and the fibrotic process and possibly through down-regulating miR-21-5p and up-regulating Smad7 and its mediated fibrotic and inflammatory responses.

GOLM1 Promotes Pulmonary Fibrosis through Upregulation of NEAT1.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal progressive disease with elusive molecular mechanisms and limited therapeutic options. Aberrant activation of fibroblasts is a central hallmark of lung fibrosis. Here, we report that Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1, also known as GP73 or GOLPH2) was increased in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis and mice with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Loss of GOLM1 inhibited proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts, whereas overexpression of GOLM1 exerted the opposite effects. Similarly, worsening pulmonary fibrosis after BLM treatment was observed in GOLM1-knock-in mice, whereas BLM-treated Golm1-knockout mice exhibited alleviated pulmonary fibrosis and collagen deposition. Furthermore, we identified long noncoding RNA NEAT1 downstream of GOLM1 as a potential mediator of pulmonary fibrosis through increased GOLM1 expression. Depletion of NEAT1 inhibited fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production and reversed the profibrotic effects of GOLM1 overexpression. Additionally, we identified KLF4 as a downstream mediator of GOLM1 signaling to NEAT1. Our findings suggest that GOLM1 plays a pivotal role in promoting pulmonary fibrosis through the GOLM1-KLF4-NEAT1 signaling axis. Targeting GOLM1 and its downstream pathways may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating pulmonary fibrosis.

MicroRNA-499-5p inhibits transforming growth factor-β1-induced Smad2 signaling pathway and suppresses fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in rat by targeting TGFβ-R1

BackgroundAtrial fibrosis has been recognized as a typical pathological change in atrial fibrillation. Although present evidence suggests that microRNA-499-5p (miR-499-5p) plays an important role in the development of atrial fibrosis, the specific mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, this study attempted to assess the influence of miR-499-5p on atrial fibroblasts and explore the potential molecular mechanism.MethodsAtrial fibroblasts from sprague dawley rat were respectively transfected with miR-499-5p mimic, miR-499-5p negative control and miR-499-5p inhibitor, atrial fibroblasts without any treatment were also established. Cell counting kit-8 assay and transwell assay were used to detect the proliferation and migration of atrial fibroblasts in each group. Expressions of miR-499-5p, TGF-β1, smad2, α-SMA, collagen-I and TGFβ-R1 in mRNA and protein level were subsequently detected via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Furthermore, the prediction of the binding sites of miR-499-5p and TGFβ-R1 was performed via the bioinformatics online software TargetScan and verified by dual luciferase reporter.ResultsBy utilizing miR-499-5p-transfected atrial fibroblasts model, expression of miR-499-5p in the miR-499-5p mimic group was upregulated, while it was downregulated in the miR-499-5p inhibitor group. Upregulated miR-499-5p expression led to a significant decrease in the proliferative and migratory ability of cultured atrial fibroblasts, while downregulated miR-499-5p expression led to a significant increase in the proliferative and migratory ability of cultured atrial fibroblasts. Additionally, upregulated miR-499-5p expression made a significant rise in TGF-β1-induced mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1, TGFβ-R1, smad2, α-SMA and collagen-I in atrial fibroblasts. Furthermore, results from the dual luciferase reporter conformed that miR-499-5p may repress TGFβ-R1 by binding the 3′UTR of TGFβ-R1 directly.ConclusionsmiR-499-5p is able to inhibit the activation of transforming growth factor β-induced Smad2 signaling and eventually suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of atrial fibroblasts and collagen synthesis by targeting TGFβ-R1.

An Open-Label, Uncontrolled, Single-Arm Clinical Trial of Tofacitinib, an Oral JAK1 and JAK3 Kinase Inhibitor, in Chinese Patients with Keloid

Background: The keloid treatment is still a thorny and complicated clinical problem, especially in multiple keloids induced by wound, severe burn, ethnic background or cultural behaviors, or unexplained skin healing. Mainstream treatments have limited efficacy in treating multiple keloids. As no oral treatment with painlessness and convenience is available, oral treatment strategies should be formulated. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and therapeutic mechanism of oral tofacitinib in keloid patients. Methods: We recruited the 7 patients with keloid scars and prescribed 5 mg of tofacitinib twice a day orally with a maximum follow-up of 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), ANTERA 3D camera, and the DUB Skin Scanner 75 were used to assess the characteristics of the lesion. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate collagen synthesis, proliferation, and relative molecular pathways. Moreover, the effects of tofacitinib were assessed on keloid fibroblast in vitro. Results: After 12 weeks of oral tofacitinib, significant improvement in POSAS, VSS, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores was observed (p < 0.05). The volume, lesion height, and dermis thickness of the keloid decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant decreases in the expression of collagen I, Ki67, p-STAT 3, and p-SMAD2 were observed after 12 weeks of administration. In vitro experiments suggested that tofacitinib treatment inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen I synthesis via suppression of STAT3 and SMAD2 pathway. Conclusion: Tofacitinib, a new candidate oral drug for keloid, could reduce keloid lesion volume by inhibiting collagen synthesis and inhibiting fibroblast proliferation, and alleviate itch and pain to obtain a better life quality.

Cardiac microRNAs: diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

MicroRNAs are small non-coding post-translational biomolecules which, when expressed, modify their target genes. It is estimated that microRNAs regulate production of approximately 60% of all human proteins and enzymes that are responsible for major physiological processes. In cardiovascular disease pathophysiology, there are several cells that produce microRNAs, including endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, platelets, and cardiomyocytes. There is a constant crosstalk between microRNAs derived from various cell sources. Atherosclerosis initiation and progression are driven by many pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic microRNAs. Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the leading cause of cardiovascular death resulting from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and leads to cardiac remodeling and fibrosis following ACS. MicroRNAs are powerful modulators of plaque progression and transformation into a vulnerable state, which can eventually lead to plaque rupture. There is a growing body of evidence which demonstrates that following ACS, microRNAs might inhibit fibroblast proliferation and scarring, as well as harmful apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and stimulate fibroblast reprogramming into induced cardiac progenitor cells. In this review, we focus on the role of cardiomyocyte-derived and cardiac fibroblast-derived microRNAs that are involved in the regulation of genes associated with cardiomyocyte and fibroblast function and in atherosclerosis-related cardiac ischemia. Understanding their mechanisms may lead to the development of microRNA cocktails that can potentially be used in regenerative cardiology.

From In Silico Simulation between TGF-β Receptors and Quercetin to Clinical Insight of a Medical Device Containing Allium cepa: Its Efficacy and Tolerability on Post-Surgical Scars.

(1) Objective: Keloid and hypertrophic scars are a challenge in clinical management, causing functional and psychological discomfort. These pathological scars are caused by a proliferation of dermal tissue following skin injury. The TGF-β/Smad signal pathway in the fibroblasts and myofibroblasts is involved in the scarring process of skin fibrosis. Today, multiple therapeutic strategies that target the TGF-β/Smad signal pathway are evaluated to attenuate aberrant skin scars that are sometimes difficult to manage. We performed a head-to-head, randomized controlled trial evaluating the appearance of the post-surgical scars of 64 subjects after two times daily topical application to compare the effect of a class I pullulan-based medical device containing Allium cepa extract 5% and hyaluronic acid 5% gel versus a class I medical device silicone gel on new post-surgical wounds. (2) Methods: Objective scar assessment using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), POSAS, and other scales were performed after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment and statistical analyses were performed. The trial was registered in clinicalTrials.gov ( NCT05412745). In parallel, molecular docking simulations have been performed to investigate the role of Allium cepa in TGF-β/Smad signal pathway. (3) Results: We showed that VSS, POSAS scale, itching, and redness reduced significantly at week 4 and 8 in the subjects using devices containing Allium cepa and HA. No statistically significant differences in evaluated scores were noted at 12 weeks of treatment. Safety was also evaluated by gathering adverse events related to the application of the gel. Subject compliance and safety with the assigned gel were similar between the two study groups. Molecular docking simulations have shown how Allium cepa could inhibit fibroblasts proliferation and contraction via TGF-β/Smad signal pathway. (4) Conclusions: The topical application of a pullulan-based medical device containing Allium cepa and HA showed a clear reduction in the local inflammation, which might lead to a reduced probability of developing hypertrophic scars or keloids.

Fibroblast Upregulation of Vitamin D Receptor Represents a Self-Protective Response to Limit Fibroblast Proliferation and Activation during Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Dysregulation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) is implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, whether VDR dysregulation contributes to the development of pulmonary fibrosis remains largely unknown. Analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA profiling datasets revealed VDR upregulation in lung fibroblasts from patients with pulmonary fibrosis or fibrotic mice, which was validated in lung fibroblasts from bleomycin-exposed mice and bleomycin-treated fibroblasts. Stable VDR knockdown promoted, whereas the VDR agonist paricalcitol suppressed lung fibroblast proliferation and activation. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the JAK/STAT pathway and unfolded protein response (UPR), a process related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, were enriched in lung fibroblasts of fibrotic lungs. Stable VDR knockdown stimulated, but paricalcitol suppressed ER stress and JAK1/STAT3 activation in lung fibroblasts. The STAT3 inhibitor blocked bleomycin- or stable VDR knockdown-induced ER stress. Paricalcitol inhibited the bleomycin-induced enrichment of STAT3 to the ATF6 promoter, thereby suppressing ATF6 expression in fibroblasts. Paricalcitol or intrapulmonary VDR overexpression inactivated JAK1/STAT3 and suppressed ER stress in bleomycin-treated mice, thus resulting in the inhibition of fibroblast proliferation and activation. Collectively, this study suggests that fibroblast VDR upregulation may be a self-protective response to limit fibroblast proliferation and activation during pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing the JAK1/STAT3/ER stress pathway.

5-Fluorouracil Regulates Collagen Synthesis to Reduce Hypertrophic Scar Formation in Donkey Skin Wounds

Background: Excessive proliferation of fibroblasts, which produce collagen, leads to Hypertrophic Scar (HS) formation in the wound healing process. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anti-metabolic drug that inhibits fibroblast proliferation. The aim of this study was to determine whether 5-FU could help in reducing the healing time of wounds and HS formation in donkey skin.

METTL3 boosts mitochondrial fission and induces cardiac fibrosis by enhancing LncRNA GAS5 methylation

Dysregulated mitochondrial metabolism occurs in several pathological processes characterized by cell proliferation and migration. Nonetheless, the role of mitochondrial fission is not well appreciated in cardiac fibrosis, which is accompanied by enhanced fibroblast proliferation and migration. We investigated the causes and consequences of mitochondrial fission in cardiac fibrosis using cultured cells, animal models, and clinical samples. Increased METTL3 expression caused excessive mitochondrial fission, resulting in the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts that lead to cardiac fibrosis. Knockdown of METTL3 suppressed mitochondrial fission, inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and migration for ameliorating cardiac fibrosis. Elevated METTL3 and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) levels were associated with low expression of long non-coding RNA GAS5. Mechanistically, METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of GAS5 induced its degradation, dependent of YTHDF2. GAS5 could interact with mitochondrial fission marker Drp1 directly; overexpression of GAS5 suppressed Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission, inhibiting cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration. Knockdown of GAS5 produced the opposite effect. Clinically, increased METTL3 and YTHDF2 levels corresponded with decreased GAS5 expression, increased m6A mRNA content and mitochondrial fission, and increased cardiac fibrosis in human heart tissue with atrial fibrillation. We describe a novel mechanism wherein METTL3 boosts mitochondrial fission, cardiac fibroblast proliferation, and fibroblast migration: METTL3 catalyzes m6A methylation of GAS5 methylation in a YTHDF2-dependent manner. Our findings provide insight into the development of preventative measures for cardiac fibrosis.

Research into the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanism of Renshen Pingfei formula based on network pharmacology, metabolomics, and verification of AMPK/PPAR-γ pathway of active ingredients

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive disease with limited therapy. Renshen Pingfei Formula (RPFF), a classic Chinese medicine derivative formula, has been shown to exert therapeutic effects on IPF. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to explore the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanism of RPFF through network pharmacology, clinical plasma metabolomics, and in vitro experiment. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was used to study the holistic pharmacological mechanism of RPFF in the treatment of IPF. The differential plasma metabolites for RPFF in the treatment of IPF were identified by untargeted metabolomics analysis. By integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology, the therapeutic target of RPFF for IPF and the corresponding herbal ingredients were identified. In addition, the effects of the main components of the formula, kaempferol and luteolin, which regulate the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) pathway were observed in vitro according to the orthogonal design. ResultsA total of 92 potential targets for RPFF in the treatment of IPF were obtained. The Drug–Ingredients–Disease Target network showed that PTGS2, ESR1, SCN5A, PPAR-γ, and PRSS1 were associated with more herbal ingredients. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network identified the key targets of RPFF in IPF treatment, including IL6, VEGFA, PTGS2, PPAR-γ, and STAT3. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis acquired the main enriched pathways, and PPAR-γ involved in multiple signaling pathways, including the AMPK signaling pathway. Untargeted clinical metabolomics analysis revealed plasma metabolite variations in patients with IPF versus controls and before versus after RPFF treatment for patients with IPF. Six differential metabolites were explored as differential plasma metabolites for RPFF in IPF treatment. Combined with network pharmacology, a therapeutic target PPAR-γ of RPFF in IPF treatment and the corresponding herbal components were identified. Based on the orthogonal experimental design, the experiments showed that kaempferol and luteolin can decrease the mRNA and protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and the combination of lower dose can inhibit α-SMA mRNA and protein expression by promoting the AMPK/PPAR-γ pathway in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-treated MRC-5 cells. ConclusionsThis study revealed that the therapeutic effects of RPFF are due to multiple ingredients and have multiple targets and pathways, and PPAR-γ is one of therapeutic targets for RPPF in IPF and involved in the AMPK signaling pathway. Two ingredients of RPFF, kaempferol and luteolin, can inhibit fibroblast proliferation and the myofibroblast differentiation of TGF-β1, and exert a synergistic effect through AMPK/PPAR-γ pathway activation.