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International Journal of Nanomedicine 2023Flurbiprofen axetil (FA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it suffers from poor solubility, short...
BACKGROUND
Flurbiprofen axetil (FA) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with good analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it suffers from poor solubility, short circulation time, and off-target binding profile, which significantly limit its clinical application. Here, we loaded FA into stealth lipid microspheres modified with the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide (cRGD-FA-SLM), and examined the therapeutic potential of the resulting platform for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS
cRGD-FA-SLM was prepared by high pressure homogenization, and its toxicity and uptake by macrophages were examined using cultures of RAW264.7 cells. Hemolysis and hepatotoxicity tests were performed to assess the safety of the developed platform, while its pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy were investigated in a collagen-induced arthritis rat model.
RESULTS
cRGD-FA-SLM showed homogeneous spherical morphology and efficient encapsulation of FA. The developed platform was non-toxic to normal macrophages and was selectively internalized by lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages in vitro, while it distributed mainly to arthritic joints and significantly prolonged FA in circulation in vivo. cRGD-FA-SLM also significantly reduced the expression of prostaglandin E2 and alleviated joint edema and bone erosion, showing prolonged analgesic effects in arthritic rats.
CONCLUSION
cRGD-FA-SLM shows good inflammation-targeting ability and prolongs drug circulation in vivo, suggesting promise as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent for targeted RA treatment.
Topics: Animals; Rats; Nanospheres; Tissue Distribution; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Dinoprostone
PubMed: 37705869
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S419502 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jul 2023To accomplish concerted physiological reactions, nature has diversified functions of a single hormone at at least two primary levels: 1) Different receptors recognize...
To accomplish concerted physiological reactions, nature has diversified functions of a single hormone at at least two primary levels: 1) Different receptors recognize the same hormone, and 2) different cellular effectors couple to the same hormone-receptor pair [R.P. Xiao, , re15 (2001); L. Hein, J. D. Altman, B.K. Kobilka, , 181-184 (1999); Y. Daaka, L. M. Luttrell, R. J. Lefkowitz, , 88-91 (1997)]. Not only these questions lie in the heart of hormone actions and receptor signaling but also dissecting mechanisms underlying these questions could offer therapeutic routes for refractory diseases, such as kidney injury (KI) or X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). Here, we identified that G-biased signaling, but not G activation downstream of EP4, showed beneficial effects for both KI and NDI treatments. Notably, by solving Cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) structures of EP3-G, EP4-G, and EP4-G in complex with endogenous prostaglandin E (PGE)or two synthetic agonists and comparing with PGE-EP2-G structures, we found that unique primary sequences of prostaglandin E2 receptor (EP) receptors and distinct conformational states of the EP4 ligand pocket govern the G/G transducer coupling selectivity through different structural propagation paths, especially via TM6 and TM7, to generate selective cytoplasmic structural features. In particular, the orientation of the PGE ω-chain and two distinct pockets encompassing agonist L902688 of EP4 were differentiated by their G/G coupling ability. Further, we identified common and distinct features of cytoplasmic side of EP receptors for G/G coupling and provide a structural basis for selective and biased agonist design of EP4 with therapeutic potential.
Topics: Dinoprostone; Signal Transduction; Receptors, Prostaglandin; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs; Hormones; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype
PubMed: 37478163
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2216329120 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Feb 2024The aim of this study was to comparatively assess the efficacy and safety of double balloon catheter (DBC) and dinoprostone as labor-inducing agents just for multipara...
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to comparatively assess the efficacy and safety of double balloon catheter (DBC) and dinoprostone as labor-inducing agents just for multipara at term.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was conducted among multipara at term with a Bishop score < 6 who needed planned labor induction from January 1, 2020, to December 30, 2020 in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. They were divided into DBC group and dinoprostone group, respectively. Baseline maternal data, maternal and neonatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis. Total vaginal delivery rate, rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h, rate of uterine hyperstimulation combined with abnormal fetal heart rate(FHR) were regarded as the primary outcome variables. The difference between groups was considered statistically significant when p value < 0.05.
RESULTS
A total of 202 multiparas was included for analysis (95 women in DBC group vs 107 women in dinoprostone group). There were no significant differences in total vaginal delivery rate and rate of vaginal delivery within 24 h between groups. Uterine hyperstimulation combined with abnormal FHR occurred exclusively in dinoprostone group.
CONCLUSION
DBC and dinoprostone seem to be equally effective, while, DBC seems to be safer than dinoprostone.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Child; Female; Humans; Dinoprostone; Oxytocics; Retrospective Studies; Administration, Intravaginal; Labor, Induced; Urinary Catheters; Cervical Ripening
PubMed: 36801968
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06891-9 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Gintonin, newly extracted from ginseng, is a glycoprotein that acts as an exogenous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand. This study aimed to demonstrate the in...
Gintonin, newly extracted from ginseng, is a glycoprotein that acts as an exogenous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand. This study aimed to demonstrate the in vivo preventive effects of gintonin on gastric damage. ICR mice were randomly assigned to five groups: a normal group (received saline, 0.1 mL/10 g, p.o.); a control group (administered 0.3 M HCl/ethanol, 0.1 mL/10 g, p.o.) or indomethacin (30 mg/kg, p.o.); gintonin at two different doses (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) with either 0.3 M HCl/ethanol or indomethacin; and a positive control (Ranitidine, 40 mg/kg, p.o.). After gastric ulcer induction, the gastric tissue was examined to calculate the ulcer index. The expression of gastric damage markers, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), and LPA2 and LPA5 receptors, were measured by Western blotting. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), Evans blue, and occludin levels in gastric tissues were measured using immunofluorescence analysis. Both HCl/ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers showed increased TNF-α, IL-6, Evans blue permeation, and PECAM-1, and decreased COX-2, PGE2, occludin, and LPA5 receptor expression levels. However, oral administration of gintonin alleviated the gastric ulcer index induced by HCl/ethanol and indomethacin in a dose-dependent manner. Gintonin suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 expression, but increased COX-2 expression and PGE2 levels in mouse gastric tissues. Gintonin intake also increased LPA5 receptor expression in mouse gastric tissues. These results indicate that gintonin can play a role in gastric protection against gastric damage induced by HCl/ethanol or indomethacin.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Indomethacin; Stomach Ulcer; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; Cyclooxygenase 2; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Ethanol; Interleukin-6; Dinoprostone; Evans Blue; Occludin; Mice, Inbred ICR; Gastric Mucosa
PubMed: 38069044
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316721 -
Mediators of Inflammation 2023Inflammation is a major cause of hepatic tissue damage and accelerates the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Amphiregulin (AREG), an epidermal...
BACKGROUND
Inflammation is a major cause of hepatic tissue damage and accelerates the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Amphiregulin (AREG), an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand, is associated with human liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the effects of AREG on hepatic inflammation during NAFLD progression, and .
METHODS
AREG gene expression was measured in the liver of mice fed a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 2 weeks. We evaluated inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways in HepG2 cells after stimulation with AREG. Nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. Nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-B) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, were analyzed using western blotting.
RESULTS
Proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, and IL-8) and immune cell recruitment (as indicated by L3T4, F4/80, and ly6G mRNA expression) increased, and expression of AREG increased in the liver of mice fed the MCD diet. AREG significantly increased the expression of IL-6 and IL-1 and the production of NO, PGE2, and IL-8 in HepG2 cells. It also activated the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. AREG-activated NF-B and MAPKs signaling, and together with NF-B and MAPKs inhibitors, AREG significantly reduced the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2.
CONCLUSION
AREG plays a role in hepatic inflammation by increasing iNOS and COX-2 expression via NF-B and MAPKs signaling.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; NF-kappa B; Cyclooxygenase 2; Amphiregulin; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Dinoprostone; Interleukin-8; Inflammation; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Interleukin-6; Lipopolysaccharides; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 37868614
DOI: 10.1155/2023/2364121 -
American Journal of Respiratory Cell... Nov 2023Prostaglandin E2 imparts diverse physiological effects on multiple airway cells through its actions on four distinct E-type prostanoid (EP) receptor subtypes (EP1-EP4)....
Prostaglandin E2 imparts diverse physiological effects on multiple airway cells through its actions on four distinct E-type prostanoid (EP) receptor subtypes (EP1-EP4). Gs-coupled EP2 and EP4 receptors are expressed on airway smooth muscle (ASM), yet their capacity to regulate the ASM contractile state remains subject to debate. We used EP2 and EP4 subtype-specific agonists (ONO-259 and ONO-329, respectively) in cell- and tissue-based models of human ASM contraction-magnetic twisting cytometry (MTC), and precision-cut lung slices (PCLSs), respectively-to study the EP2 and EP4 regulation of ASM contraction and signaling under conditions of histamine or methacholine (MCh) stimulation. ONO-329 was superior (<0.05) to ONO-259 in relaxing MCh-contracted PCLSs (log half maximal effective concentration [logEC]: 4.9 × 10 vs. 2.2 × 10; maximal bronchodilation ± SE, 35 ± 2% vs. 15 ± 2%). However, ONO-259 and ONO-329 were similarly efficacious in relaxing histamine-contracted PCLSs. Similar differential effects were observed in MTC studies. Signaling analyses revealed only modest differences in ONO-329- and ONO-259-induced phosphorylation of the protein kinase A substrates VASP and HSP20, with concomitant stimulation with MCh or histamine. Conversely, ONO-259 failed to inhibit MCh-induced phosphorylation of the regulatory myosin light chain (pMLC20) and the F-actin/G-actin ratio (F/G-actin ratio) while effectively inhibiting their induction by histamine. ONO-329 was effective in reversing induced pMLC20 and the F/G-actin ratio with both MCh and histamine. Thus, the contractile-agonist-dependent differential effects are not explained by changes in the global levels of phosphorylated protein kinase A substrates but are reflected in the regulation of pMLC20 (cross-bridge cycling) and F/G-actin ratio (actin cytoskeleton integrity, force transmission), implicating a role for compartmentalized signaling involving muscarinic, histamine, and EP receptor subtypes.
Topics: Humans; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype; Actins; Histamine; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype; Dinoprostone; Muscle, Smooth; Lung; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
PubMed: 37523713
DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2022-0445OC -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023For many years, surgery, adjuvant and combination chemotherapy have been the cornerstone of pancreatic cancer treatment. Although these approaches have improved patient...
INTRODUCTION
For many years, surgery, adjuvant and combination chemotherapy have been the cornerstone of pancreatic cancer treatment. Although these approaches have improved patient survival, relapse remains a common occurrence, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. CAR T cell therapies are now showing tremendous success in hematological cancers. However, the clinical efficacy of CAR T cells in solid tumors remained low, notably due to presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Prostaglandin E2, a bioactive lipid metabolite found within the TME, plays a significant role in promoting cancer progression by increasing tumor proliferation, improving angiogenesis, and impairing immune cell's function. Despite the well-established impact of PGE2 signaling on cancer, its specific effects on CAR T cell therapy remain under investigation.
METHODS
To address this gap in knowledge the role of PGE2-related genes in cancer tissue and T cells of pancreatic cancer patients were evaluated . Through our study, we manufactured fully human functional mesoCAR T cells specific for pancreatic cancer and investigated the influence of PGE2-EP2/EP4 signaling on proliferation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production of mesoCAR T cells against pancreatic cancer cells.
RESULTS
investigations uncovered a significant negative correlation between PGE2 expression and gene signature of memory T cells. Furthermore, experiments demonstrated that the activation of PGE2 signaling through EP2 and EP4 receptors suppressed the proliferation and major antitumor functions of mesoCAR T cells. Interestingly, the dual blockade of EP2 and EP4 receptors effectively reversed PGE2-mediated suppression of mesoCAR T cells, while individual receptor antagonists failed to mitigate the PGE2-induced suppression.
DISCUSSION
In summary, our findings suggest that mitigating PGE2-EP2/EP4 signaling may be a viable strategy for enhancing CAR T cell activity within the challenging TME, thereby improving the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy in clinical settings.
Topics: Humans; Dinoprostone; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Immunosuppression Therapy; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37457723
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209572 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Aug 2023Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of adult stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential that may be a treatment for aplastic...
BACKGROUND
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of adult stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential that may be a treatment for aplastic anemia (AA).
METHOD
Umbilical cord-derived MSCs were cultured in three media (Mesencult-XF, MCL, and StemPro MSC SFM CTS). HGF, PGE2, ANG-1, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were detected using ELISA. The AA mouse model was built via post-irradiation lymphocyte infusion. After different treatments, routine blood, VEGF, and Tregs were detected every week. On day 28, all mice were killed, and their femurs were stained with HE.
RESULTS
Umbilical cord-derived MSCs cultured in the three media all conformed to the general characteristics of MSCs. HGF secreted by MSCs in the Mesencult-XF, and MCL was greater than that in the StemPro MSC SFM CTS; ANG-1 and TGF-β1 in the MCL were more than that in Mesencult-XF and StemPro MSC SFM CTS; PGE2 in the MCL and StemPro MSC SFM CTS was more than that in the Mesencult-XF. MSCs in the MCL and StemPro MSC SFM CTS inhibited IFN-γ and TNF-α more than those in the Mesencult-XF. The peripheral blood cell in the AA groups was at a low level while that in the MSC group recovered rapidly. The Treg ratio and VEGF level in the MSC group were higher than those in the AA group. The bone marrow (BM) recovered significantly after MSC infusion.
CONCLUSION
MSCs in the MCL were advantageous in supporting hematopoiesis and modulating immunity and had the potential for effective treatment of AA.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Anemia, Aplastic; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Dinoprostone; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Umbilical Cord
PubMed: 37649079
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03417-1 -
Journal of Advanced Research Apr 2024Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with limited treatment success, characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive cartilage and bone...
INTRODUCTION
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease with limited treatment success, characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive cartilage and bone destruction. Accumulating evidence has shown that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) released by activated neutrophils are important for initiating and perpetuating synovial inflammation and thereby could be a promising therapeutic target for RA. K/B × N serum transfer-induced arthritis (STIA) is a rapidly developed joint inflammatory model that somehow mimics the inflammatory response in patients with RA. Human gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) have been previously shown to possess immunosuppressive effects in arthritis and humanized animal models. However, it is unknown whether GMSCs can manage neutrophils in autoimmune arthritis.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate whether infusion of GMSCs can alleviate RA by regulating neutrophils and NETs formation. If this is so, we will explore the underlying mechanism(s) in an animal model of inflammatory arthritis.
METHODS
The effects of GMSCs on RA were assessed by comparing the symptoms of the K/B × N serum transfer-induced arthritis (STIA) model administered either with GMSCs or with control cells. Phenotypes examined included clinical scores, rear ankle thickness, paw swelling, inflammation, synovial cell proliferation, and immune cell frequency. The regulation of GMSCs on NETs was examined through immunofluorescence and immunoblotting in GMSCs-infused STIA mice and in an in vitro co-culture system of neutrophils with GMSCs. The molecular mechanism(s) by which GMSCs regulate NETs was explored both in vitro and in vivo by silencing experiments.
RESULTS
We found in this study that adoptive transfer of GMSCs into STIA mice significantly ameliorated experimental arthritis and reduced neutrophil infiltration and NET formation. In vitro studies also showed that GMSCs inhibited the generation of NETs in neutrophils. Subsequent investigations revealed that GMSCs secreted prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to activate protein kinase A (PKA), which ultimately inhibited the downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway that is essential for NET formation.
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate that infusion of GMSCs can ameliorate inflammatory arthritis mainly by suppressing NET formation via the PGE2-PKA-ERK signaling pathway. These findings further support the notion that the manipulation of GMSCs is a promising stem cell-based therapy for patients with RA and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Extracellular Traps; Dinoprostone; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Inflammation
PubMed: 37169220
DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.05.001 -
PloS One 2023Shiso (Perilla frutescens var crispa f. purprea) is a traditional medicinal herb that exerts anti-inflammatory effects and alleviates lower urinary tract symptoms. In...
Shiso (Perilla frutescens var crispa f. purprea) is a traditional medicinal herb that exerts anti-inflammatory effects and alleviates lower urinary tract symptoms. In this study, we examined the effects of rosmarinic acid, a major polyphenol in shiso, on urinary function and the bladder in a rat hydrochloric acid-induced cystitis model. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered intravesically with hydrochloric acid or saline solution (control) to induce cystitis. Afterwards, the rats were administered orally with distilled water or rosmarinic acid for three days and then the intravesical pressure was measured, a stretch stimulation test was performed using the harvested bladder, and histological and biochemical analyses were performed. In addition, we investigated the effects of rosmarinic acid on the expression of inflammation-related molecules in normal human bladder epithelial cells. Rosmarinic acid ameliorated hydrochloric acid-induced shortening of micturition interval by 49%. In hydrochloric acid-treated bladders, significantly more prostaglandin E2 was released after stretching; however, rosmarinic acid suppressed its release to control levels. Rosmarinic acid also reduced hydrochloric acid-induced epithelial thickening and the levels of inflammatory molecules in the bladder. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid suppressed interleukin 1β-induced increases in Cox2 and Il6 expression in bladder epithelial cells. These findings indicate that rosmarinic acid can ameliorate hydrochloric acid-induced cystitis in rats and that these effects are due, at least in part, to its anti-inflammatory effects on the bladder and inhibition of stretch-induced prostaglandin E2 release.
Topics: Humans; Rats; Animals; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Hydrochloric Acid; Dinoprostone; Cystitis; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Rosmarinic Acid
PubMed: 37463180
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288813