Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chrishan S. Samuel, Robert G. Bennett
Summary: Fibrosis is a process of tissue scarring and hardening that occurs in chronic organ injury. Relaxin, a recombinant drug-based form of the human hormone, has shown broad anti-fibrotic and organ-protective effects, improving fibrosis progression and facilitating the degradation of fibrotic components.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emmanuel Ledoult, Manel Jendoubi, Aurore Collet, Thomas Guerrier, Alexis Largy, Silvia Speca, Solange Vivier, Fabrice Bray, Martin Figeac, Eric Hachulla, Myriam Labalette, Frederic Lepretre, Sheherazade Sebda, Sebastien Sanges, Christian Rolando, Vincent Sobanski, Sylvain Dubucquoi, David Launay
Summary: We provide a novel approach to identify a gene signature for assessing murine fibroblast polarization. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiles were obtained from mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) subjected to different polarizations. We found a significant number of differentially expressed genes and proteins under different polarization states. By analyzing the differentially expressed genes, we created a gene signature to evaluate fibroblast polarization. This gene signature accurately reflected the polarization states of fibroblasts in an experimental murine model.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Luisa Hernandez-Bule, Elena Toledano-Macias, Luis Alfonso Perez-Gonzalez, Maria Antonia Martinez-Pascual, Montserrat Fernandez-Guarino
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Capacitive Resistive Electrical Transfer Therapy (CRET) on biomarkers of skin fibrosis. The results showed that CRET decreases the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, modifies the expression of metalloproteinase MMP9, and reduces the activation of NF?B, suggesting that this therapy could be useful for the treatment of fibrotic pathologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Philipp Felgendreff, Claudia Schindler, Franziska Mussbach, Chichi Xie, Felix Gremse, Utz Settmacher, Uta Dahmen
Summary: The study successfully identified murine liver scaffold-sections with well-preserved microarchitecture using a sequential morphological workflow. Decellularization was feasible in livers with different pathologies, supporting further repopulation experiments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matus Sykora, Vojtech Kratky, Libor Kopkan, Narcisa Tribulova, Barbara Szeiffova Bacova
Summary: The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in heart muscle function. Overload-induced ECM remodeling leads to impaired cardiomyocyte adhesion and electrical coupling, resulting in cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias. This study investigated the signaling pathways of ECM and connexin-43 (Cx43) in rat hearts with hemodynamic overload, as well as the potential protective effects of angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) in preventing adverse myocardial remodeling. The findings suggest that Ang (1-7) has cardio-protective and anti-fibrotic effects in conditions of cardiac volume overload.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evangelos Karatzas, Andrea C. Kakouri, George Kolios, Alex Delis, George M. Spyrou
Summary: Fibrotic diseases encompass a range of systemic and organ-specific conditions affecting a significant portion of the population without a cure. Research suggests captopril and ibuprofen may slow the progression of fibrotic diseases, while nafcillin and memantine require further experimentation. Oral Submucous Fibrosis, with cardiomyopathy-related pathways highlighted, should undergo more digoxin testing. Additionally, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis shares common genes and pathways with other related diseases, advocating for shared treatment approaches.
Review
Immunology
Nan Li, Shan Shan, Xiu-Qin Li, Ting-Ting Chen, Meng Qi, Sheng-Nan Zhang, Zi-Ying Wang, Ling-Ling Zhang, Wei Wei, Wu-Yi Sun
Summary: G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) plays important roles in regulating signaling pathways associated with fibrotic diseases. Recent research suggests that GRK2 could be a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Naoshi Odagiri, Tsutomu Matsubara, Misako Sato-Matsubara, Hideki Fujii, Masaru Enomoto, Norifumi Kawada
Summary: Liver fibrosis is the result of chronic liver injury leading to tissue scarring, while liver cirrhosis is the advanced stage associated with severe complications. Effective therapy for cirrhosis is currently lacking, with liver transplantation being the only radical treatment option for severe cases. Research on liver fibrosis has made significant progress in recent decades, particularly in understanding the molecular mechanisms and developing novel anti-fibrotic therapies.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Albina Fejza, Maurizio Polano, Lucrezia Camicia, Evelina Poletto, Greta Carobolante, Giuseppe Toffoli, Maurizio Mongiat, Eva Andreuzzi
Summary: The study suggests that EMILIN-2 plays a role in the response to PD-L1 inhibitors in melanoma patients, with its absence associated with increased PD-L1 expression and improved immunotherapy efficacy. EMILIN-2 regulates PD-L1 expression in melanoma cells through immune-dependent mechanisms, impacting treatment outcomes and angiogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Di Wu, Jianguo Wu, Hui Liu, Shengyu Shi, Liangwen Wang, Yixiao Huang, Xiaorui Yu, Zhuoyue Lei, Tanliang Ouyang, Jia Shen, Guohua Wu, Shuqi Wang
Summary: This study developed a biomimetic renal fibrosis progression on-chip model to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-fibrotic drugs. The findings showed that early anti-fibrotic intervention is crucial in controlling the progression of renal fibrosis.
Article
Ophthalmology
Sampath Nikhalashree, Ronnie George, Balekudaru Shantha, Lingam Vijaya, Konerirajapuram Natarajan Sulochana, Karunakaran Coral
Summary: This study examines the effects of anti-glaucoma medications on fibroblasts and their protein expression. It reveals that some medications can decrease cell viability, alter cell morphology, and cause an increase in profibrotic proteins and a decrease in anti-fibrotic proteins.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Jacquelynn Morrissey, Fernanda C. P. Mesquita, Camila Hochman-Mendez, Doris A. Taylor
Summary: The approach of recellularizing decellularized cadaveric organ scaffolds with human cells is currently the most promising method for building complex vascularized organs for organ replacement. Key challenges include producing biologically-active scaffolds, the need for large quantities of high-quality cells, and developing bioreactors with physiologic stimuli to mimic organ function.
CELLS TISSUES ORGANS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jie Weng, Bi Chen, Mengying Xie, Xinlong Wan, Peng Wang, Xiaoming Zhou, Zhiliang Zhou, Jin Mei, Liang Wang, Duping Huang, Zhibin Wang, Zhiyi Wang, Chan Chen
Summary: The study utilized decellularization protocol to remove cellular materials from rabbit thyroid glands and tested the performance of the decellularization scaffold comprehensively. Results showed that the scaffold exhibited good biocompatibility and promoted cell proliferation in vitro.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ONLINE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qianjiang Hu, Komal Saleem, Jyotsana Pandey, Arzoo N. N. Charania, Yong Zhou, Chao He
Summary: The mechanisms of tissue fibrosis pathogenesis are not completely understood. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play critical roles in fibrotic progression in various organs. Dysregulated expression and function of CAMs can lead to chronic inflammation and tissue fibrosis. The major families of CAMs include integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulins. In this review, we focus on the role of CAMs, particularly integrins and cadherins, in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Article
Immunology
Dilan Khalili, Christina Kalcher, Stefan Baumgartner, Ulrich Theopold
Summary: The study reveals that expressing a dominant-active form of the Ras oncogene in Drosophila salivary glands leads to fibrotic lesions, which can be alleviated by the antimicrobial peptide drosomycin. This fibrotic lesion is characterized by disturbed basement membrane attracting clot components and a loss of cell polarity.
JOURNAL OF INNATE IMMUNITY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Sport Sciences
Tero A. H. Jarvinen
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Raine Sihvonen, Roope Kalske, Martin Englund, Aleksandra Turkiewicz, Pirjo Toivonen, Simo Taimela, Teppo L. N. Jarvinen
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Vahatupa, Niina Jaaskelainen, Marc Cerrada-Gimenez, Rubina Thapa, Tero Jarvinen, Giedrius Kalesnykas, Hannele Uusitalo-Jarvinen
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2020)
Article
Hematology
Giulia De Rossi, Maria Vahatupa, Enrico Cristante, Samantha Arokiasamy, Sidath E. Liyanage, Ulrike May, Laura Pellinen, Hannele Uusitalo-Jarvinen, James W. Bainbridge, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, James R. Whiteford
Summary: This study establishes the crucial role of SDC4 in pathological angiogenesis, particularly in eye diseases and tumor development. SDC4 is identified as a downstream mediator of VEGFA-induced vascular endothelial cadherin internalization, representing a potential target for antiangiogenic therapies.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Orthopedics
Paola Contreras-Munoz, Joan Ramon Torrella, Vanessa Venegas, Xavier Serres, Laura Vidal, Ingrid Vila, Ilmari Lahtinen, Gines Viscor, Vicente Martinez-Ibanez, Jose Luis Peiro, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Gil Rodas, Mario Marotta
Summary: In this study, the effects of muscle precursor cells (MPCs) on muscle healing in a small animal model were evaluated. The results showed that single intramuscular administration of MPCs improved histological outcome and force recovery of the injured skeletal muscle in a rat injury model that imitates sports-related muscle injuries. Additionally, the combination of cell therapy with an early active rehabilitation protocol in rats showed a synergistic effect, suggesting novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of human skeletal muscle injuries.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aqsa Iqbal, Ulrike May, Stuart N. Prince, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Ahlke Heydemann
Summary: Targeted delivery of therapeutic decorin through vascular homing peptide significantly reduces skeletal muscle fibrosis and pathology, while improving functional characteristics of skeletal muscle in mouse models of muscular dystrophy.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Joao Q. Coentro, Alessia di Nubila, Ulrike May, Stuart Prince, John Zwaagstra, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Dimitrios Zeugolis
Summary: A core-shell collagen hydrogel system was developed for the dual delivery of a TGF beta trap and TSA, which showed potential in reducing collagen deposition and cellular proliferation in an in vitro skin fibrosis model.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Tanja Salomaa, Toini Pemmari, Juuso Maatta, Laura Kummola, Niklas Salonen, Martin Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Liisa Parviainen, Lotta Hiihtola, Maria Vahatupa, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Ilkka S. Junttila
Summary: IL-13 plays a protective role in the development of papilloma in mice. IL-13Ra1 is involved in regulating regulatory T cells, IL-2 and IL-10 levels, IL-5, TSLP, IL-22 levels, and polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells during papilloma formation.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria Vahatupa, Niklas Salonen, Hannele Uusitalo-Jarvinen, Tero A. H. Jarvinen
Summary: The study demonstrated that the vascular homing peptide CAR can selectively target preretinal neovessels in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and penetrate into the retina. While CAR does not target lungs in normal mice, it targets them after hyperoxia-/hypoxia-treatment.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joao Q. Coentro, Ulrike May, Stuart Prince, John Zwaagstra, Olli Ritvos, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
Summary: Skin fibrosis is still an unmet clinical need, and the poor predictive capacity of currently available in vitro fibrosis models hinders their clinical translation. This study utilized macromolecular crowding and TGF beta 1 to develop a skin fibrosis in vitro model and screen a range of anti-fibrotic compounds, demonstrating the potential of macromolecular crowding in the development of in vitro pathophysiology models.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Sport Sciences
Xavier Valle, Sandra Mecho, Eduard Alentorn-Geli, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Lasse Lempainen, Ricard Pruna, Joan C. Monllau, Gil Rodas, Jaime Isern-Kebschull, Mourad Ghrairi, Xavier Yanguas, Ramon Balius, Adrian Martinez-De La Torre
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the MLG-R classification system for grading muscle injuries and predicting return to play. The intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of the proposed system were also assessed. The results showed that the location and severity of the injury were important factors in predicting the return to play.
Article
Immunology
Markus J. T. Ojanen, Fernanda Munoz Caro, Saara Aittomaki, Mickael J. Ploquin, Zsuzsanna Ortutay, Meeri Pekkarinen, Juha Kesseli, Maria Vahatupa, Juuso Maatta, Matti Nykter, Ilkka S. Junttila, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, John J. O'Shea, Christine A. Biron, Marko Pesu
Summary: The study found that FURIN plays a role in CD8(+) CTLs by restricting viral burden and increasing IFNG production, promoting immune responses. FURIN also regulates the production of IL2, TNF, and GZMB in activated CTLs, as well as the genes associated with the TGFBR signaling pathway, and controls the development of CTL memory.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Tanja Salomaa, Laura Kummola, Martin Ignacio Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Lotta Hiihtola, Tero A. H. Jarvinen, Ilkka S. Junttila
Summary: Cytokine-mediated mast cell regulation enables precise optimization of their own proinflammatory cytokine production. IL-4 regulates mast cell functions during allergic inflammation, but the direct role of closely related IL-13 remains unclear.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Vahatupa, Janika Nattinen, Ulla Aapola, Hannele Uusitalo-Jarvinen, Hannu Uusitalo, Tero A. H. Jarvinen
Summary: Small GTPase R-Ras regulates vascular permeability in angiogenesis. The absence of R-Ras leads to increased pathological vascular permeability and accumulation of plasma proteins, as revealed by SWATH-MS proteomics analysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
ORTHOPAEDIC JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2020)