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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024Fibrosis is a significant pathological feature of chronic skeletal muscle injury, profoundly affecting muscle regeneration. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) have the...
BACKGROUND
Fibrosis is a significant pathological feature of chronic skeletal muscle injury, profoundly affecting muscle regeneration. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) have the ability to differentiate into myofibroblasts, acting as a primary source of extracellular matrix (ECM). the process by which FAPs differentiate into myofibroblasts during chronic skeletal muscle injury remains inadequately explored.
METHOD
mouse model with sciatic nerve denervated was constructed and miRNA expression profiles between the mouse model and uninjured mouse were analyzed. qRT/PCR and immunofluorescence elucidated the effect of miR-27b-3p on fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter identified the target gene of miR-27b-3p, and finally knocked down or overexpressed the target gene and phosphorylation inhibition of Smad verified the influence of downstream molecules on the abundance of miR-27b-3p and fibrogenic differentiation of FAPs.
RESULT
FAPs derived from a mouse model with sciatic nerves denervated exhibited a progressively worsening fibrotic phenotype over time. Introducing agomiR-27b-3p effectively suppressed fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo. MiR-27b-3p targeted Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 1 (TGF-βR1) and the abundance of miR-27b-3p was negatively regulated by TGF-βR1/Smad.
CONCLUSION
miR-27b-3p targeting the TGF-βR1/Smad pathway is a novel mechanism for regulating fibrogenic differentiation of FAPs. Increasing abundance of miR-27b-3p, suppressing expression of TGF-βR1 and inhibiting phosphorylation of smad3 presented potential strategies for treating fibrosis in chronic skeletal muscle injury.
Topics: Animals; MicroRNAs; Fibrosis; Muscle, Skeletal; Mice; Signal Transduction; Chronic Disease; Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Smad Proteins; Male; Disease Models, Animal; Cell Differentiation; Sciatic Nerve
PubMed: 38825706
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04733-9 -
Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma, and... Apr 2024Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune systemic disease that is characterized by immune dysregulation, inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis plays...
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune systemic disease that is characterized by immune dysregulation, inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. Tissue fibrosis plays an important role in SSc and can affect several organs such as the dermis, lungs, and heart. Dysregulation of interferon (IFN) signaling contributes to the SSc pathogenesis and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) has been indicated as the main regulator of type I IFN. This study aimed to clarify the effect of IFN-gamma (-γ) and dexamethasone (DEX) on the IRF1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in myofibroblasts and genes involved in the inflammation and fibrosis processes in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). A total of 10 early dcSSc patients (diffuse cutaneous form) and 10 unaffected control dermis biopsies were obtained to determine IFNγ and DEX effects on inflammation and fibrosis. Fibroblasts were treated with IFNγ and DEX at optimum time and dose. The expression level of genes and proteins involved in the fibrosis and inflammation processes have been quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. IFNγ could up-regulate some of the inflammation-related genes (Interleukin-6; IL6) and down-regulate some of the fibrosis-related genes (COL1A1) in cultured fibroblasts of patients with early dcSSc compared to the untreated group. Besides, it has been revealed that IFNγ can induce fibroblast differentiation to the myofibroblast that expresses α-SMA. Concerning the inhibitory effect of IFNγ on some fibrotic genes and its positive effect on the inflammatory genes and myofibroblast differentiation, it seems that IFNγ may play a dual role in SSc.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Actins; Cells, Cultured; Dexamethasone; Fibroblasts; Fibrosis; Gene Expression Regulation; Interferon Regulatory Factor-1; Interferon-gamma; Interleukin-6; Myofibroblasts; Scleroderma, Systemic
PubMed: 38822514
DOI: 10.18502/ijaai.v23i2.15325 -
Cancer Letters Jul 2024Cancer-associated fibroblasts play a crucial role within the tumor microenvironment. However, a comprehensive characterization of CAF in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still...
Cancer-associated fibroblasts play a crucial role within the tumor microenvironment. However, a comprehensive characterization of CAF in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still missing. We combined scRNA-seq and spatial proteomics to decipher fibroblast heterogeneity in healthy human colon and CRC at high resolution. Analyzing nearly 23,000 fibroblasts, we identified 11 distinct clusters and verified them by spatial proteomics. Four clusters, consisting of myofibroblastic CAF (myCAF)-like, inflammatory CAF (iCAF)-like and proliferating fibroblasts as well as a novel cluster, which we named "T cell-inhibiting CAF" (TinCAF), were primarily found in CRC. This new cluster was characterized by the expression of immune-interacting receptors and ligands, including CD40 and NECTIN2. Co-culture of CAF and T cells resulted in a reduction of the effector T cell compartment, impaired proliferation, and increased exhaustion. By blocking its receptor interaction, we demonstrated that NECTIN2 was the key driver of T cell inhibition. Analysis of clinical datasets showed that NECTIN2 expression is a poor prognostic factor in CRC and other tumors. In conclusion, we identified a new class of immuno-suppressive CAF with features rendering them a potential target for future immunotherapies.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Nectins; Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts; Signal Transduction; Tumor Microenvironment; T-Lymphocytes; Cell Proliferation; Coculture Techniques; Proteomics
PubMed: 38821255
DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216985 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Jul 2024Considering the limited efficacy of current therapies in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, innovative combination treatments with diverse mechanisms of action...
Considering the limited efficacy of current therapies in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, innovative combination treatments with diverse mechanisms of action are needed to improve patients' outcomes. Chitinase-3 like-1 protein (CHI3L1) emerges as a versatile factor with significant implications in various diseases, particularly cancers, fostering an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for cancer progression. Therefore, pre-clinical validation is imperative to fully realize its potential in cancer treatment. We developed phage display-derived fully human monoclonal CHI3L1 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and verified the nAbs-antigen binding affinity and specificity in lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer cell lines. Tumor growth signals, proliferation and migration ability were all reduced by CHI3L1 nAbs in vitro. Orthotopic or subcutaneous tumor mice model and humanized mouse model were established for characterizing the anti-tumor properties of two CHI3L1 nAb leads. Importantly, CHI3L1 nAbs not only inhibited tumor growth but also mitigated fibrosis, angiogenesis, and restored immunostimulatory functions of immune cells in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal tumor mice models. Mechanistically, CHI3L1 nAbs directly suppressed the activation of pancreatic stellate cells and the transformation of macrophages into myofibroblasts, thereby attenuating fibrosis. These findings strongly support the therapeutic potential of CHI3L1 nAbs in overcoming clinical challenges, including the failure of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer.
Topics: Animals; Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1; Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Mice; Cell Line, Tumor; Lung Neoplasms; Cell Proliferation; Fibrosis; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Tumor Microenvironment; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Angiogenesis
PubMed: 38820971
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116825 -
Neural Regeneration Research Feb 2025Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and...
Subretinal fibrosis is the end-stage sequelae of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. It causes local damage to photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidal vessels, which leads to permanent central vision loss of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis is complex, and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, there are no effective treatment options. A thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis and its related mechanisms is important to elucidate its complications and explore potential treatments. The current article reviews several aspects of subretinal fibrosis, including the current understanding on the relationship between neovascular age-related macular degeneration and subretinal fibrosis; multimodal imaging techniques for subretinal fibrosis; animal models for studying subretinal fibrosis; cellular and non-cellular constituents of subretinal fibrosis; pathophysiological mechanisms involved in subretinal fibrosis, such as aging, infiltration of macrophages, different sources of mesenchymal transition to myofibroblast, and activation of complement system and immune cells; and several key molecules and signaling pathways participating in the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 2, platelet-derived growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, and the axis of heat shock protein 70-Toll-like receptors 2/4-interleukin-10. This review will improve the understanding of the pathogenesis of subretinal fibrosis, allow the discovery of molecular targets, and explore potential treatments for the management of subretinal fibrosis.
PubMed: 38819041
DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-23-01642 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... May 2024Intraoperative (frozen section) analysis of lung lesions (nodules, masses, ground-glass opacities) can occasionally be diagnostically challenging.
CONTEXT.—
Intraoperative (frozen section) analysis of lung lesions (nodules, masses, ground-glass opacities) can occasionally be diagnostically challenging.
OBJECTIVE.—
To describe selected pitfalls in thoracic frozen sections with a focus on the differential diagnosis between adenocarcinoma and its mimics, and to provide tips to prevent misinterpretation.
DATA SOURCES.—
Peer-reviewed literature and the author's experience.
CONCLUSIONS.—
A common challenge in thoracic frozen sections is the differential diagnosis between lung adenocarcinoma and its mimics. Diagnostic difficulties arise because mimics of adenocarcinoma often entrap reactive lung epithelium that can appear atypical on frozen section slides. Entities that can be misinterpreted as adenocarcinoma include ciliated muconodular papillary tumor/bronchiolar adenoma, hamartoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Knowledge of the key clinical, radiologic, and histologic features of these entities can help prevent overdiagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Pathologic findings that facilitate the distinction between adenocarcinoma and its mimics at frozen section include the appearance and contour of the lesion at low magnification, growth patterns, cilia, stromal features, shape of the epithelial cells (cuboidal versus columnar), nuclear features of malignancy (crowding, hyperchromasia, irregular contours), and abruptness of the junction between the lesion and adjacent uninvolved lung. Knowledge of the clinical context, imaging findings, and the surgical consequence of the intraoperative diagnosis can also prevent diagnostic errors. Finally, since adenocarcinomas of the lung are often relatively bland and lack the stromal desmoplasia seen in adenocarcinomas of other organs, familiarity with the morphologic spectrum of lung adenocarcinomas at frozen section analysis is important.
PubMed: 38818706
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2024-0023-RA -
Cureus Apr 2024Inflammatory pseudotumor encompasses a spectrum of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions characterized by a histological pattern featuring a proliferation of...
Inflammatory pseudotumor encompasses a spectrum of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions characterized by a histological pattern featuring a proliferation of cytologically bland spindle cells, accompanied by a prominent chronic inflammatory infiltrate. Within this spectrum, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) has emerged as a distinct entity over the past two decades, marked by unique clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics. Typically affecting the visceral soft tissues of children and adolescents, IMT exhibits a propensity for local recurrence while posing a minimal risk of distant metastasis. They are extremely rare in adults, constituting less than 1% of adult lung tumors. Our patient, a 63-year-old female, has an intricate medical background, encompassing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a previous history of smoking (35 pack-years, quit a year before admission), coronary artery disease, non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and obstructive sleep apnea. Presenting with a diagnostic dilemma, she recently received treatment for non-small cell carcinoma with radiation therapy, which has evolved into a swiftly advancing case of IMT.
PubMed: 38817466
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59359 -
BMC Urology May 2024Congenital inguinal hernia, hydrocele and undescended testis (UDT) are associated with patent processus vaginalis. The smooth muscles present in the processus vaginalis... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Congenital inguinal hernia, hydrocele and undescended testis (UDT) are associated with patent processus vaginalis. The smooth muscles present in the processus vaginalis aid in the descent of the testis and undergo programmed cell death after testicular descent leading to obliteration. The persisting amount of smooth muscle in the processus vaginalis influences the clinical outcome as inguinal hernia, hydrocele or UDT. Therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the processus vaginalis in these three conditions to observe the presence and phenotype of smooth muscle cells and the presence of myofibroblasts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The processus vaginalis sacs in patients with inguinal hernia, hydrocele and UDT were examined using light microscopy for the presence and distribution of smooth muscle cells and immunohistochemical staining for vimentin, desmin, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) to identify the smooth muscle phenotype. Transmission electron microscopy was also performed in all the sacs to observe the presence of myofibroblasts.
RESULTS
Seventy-eight specimens of processus vaginalis (from seventy-four patients), distributed as 47%, 27%, and 26% as inguinal hernia, hydrocele and UDT respectively, were included in the study. The sacs from inguinal hernia and hydrocele had significantly more presence of smooth muscles distributed as multiple smooth muscle bundles (p < 0.001). Desmin and SMA staining of smooth muscle cells was observed in significantly more sacs from hydrocele, followed by inguinal hernia and UDT (p < 0.001). The sacs from UDT had a significant presence of striated muscles (p = 0.028). The sacs from inguinal hernia had a significant presence of myofibroblasts, followed by hydrocele and UDT (p < 0.001) and this significantly correlated with the light microscopy and immunohistochemical features. The processus vaginalis sacs from four female patients did not differ statistically from the male inguinal hernia sacs in any of the above parameters.
CONCLUSION
The processus vaginalis sacs in pediatric inguinal hernia, hydrocele and undescended testis differ in the presence, distribution and phenotype of smooth muscles and the presence of myofibroblasts. The clinical presentations in these entities reflect these differences.
Topics: Humans; Male; Testicular Hydrocele; Hernia, Inguinal; Infant; Cryptorchidism; Child, Preschool; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Child; Myofibroblasts; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38816716
DOI: 10.1186/s12894-024-01449-0 -
Cureus Apr 2024Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) of the lung are a rare type of mesenchymal tumors that tend to occur more in the lungs of children. They are extremely rare in...
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) of the lung are a rare type of mesenchymal tumors that tend to occur more in the lungs of children. They are extremely rare in adults. IMTs require extensive pulmonary resection because they are commonly locally invasive. The key to preventing recurrence is complete resection, and the prognosis is excellent after surgery. We report a case of a patient with an inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung. The patient is a 27-year-old female who presented with a dry cough. A chest radiograph and computed tomography showed a lesion in the left main bronchus and near-total left lung collapse. As surgery was necessary to establish the diagnosis, left pneumonectomy was performed followed by a histological examination of the surgical specimen which confirmed inflammatory pseudotumor.
PubMed: 38813309
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59237 -
Biomaterials Research 2024In order to manipulate the complex behavior of cells in a 3-dimensional (3D) environment, it is important to provide the microenvironment that can accurately portray the...
In order to manipulate the complex behavior of cells in a 3-dimensional (3D) environment, it is important to provide the microenvironment that can accurately portray the complexity of highly anisotropic tissue structures. However, it is technically challenging to generate a complex microenvironment using conventional biomaterials that are mostly isotropic with limited bioactivity. In this study, the gelatin-hyaluronic acid hydrogel incorporated with aqueous-dispersible, short nanofibers capable of in situ alignment is developed to emulate the native heterogeneous extracellular matrix consisting of fibrous and non-fibrous components. The gelatin nanofibers containing magnetic nanoparticles, which could be aligned by external magnetic field, are dispersed and embedded in gelatin-hyaluronic acid hydrogel encapsulated with dermal fibroblasts. The aligned nanofibers via magnetic field could be safely integrated into the hydrogel, and the process could be repeated to generate larger 3D hydrogels with variable nanofiber alignments. The aligned nanofibers in the hydrogel can more effectively guide the anisotropic morphology (e.g., elongation) of dermal fibroblasts than random nanofibers, whereas myofibroblastic differentiation is more prominent in random nanofibers. At a given nanofiber configuration, the hydrogel composition having intermediate hyaluronic acid content induces myofibroblastic differentiation. These results indicate that modulating the degree of nanofiber alignment and the hyaluronic acid content of the hydrogel are crucial factors that critically influence the fibroblast phenotypes. The nanofiber-composite hydrogel capable of directional nanofiber alignment and tunable material composition can effectively induce a wide array of phenotypic plasticity in 3D cell culture.
PubMed: 38812742
DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0032