Article
Plant Sciences
Ziwei Xing, Chao Yang, Yaqian Feng, Junyao He, Cheng Peng, Dan Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of aconite as an anti-fibrotic agent and elucidates its mechanism in reducing collagen deposition and alleviating metabolic disruptions in cardiac fibrosis via the galactose metabolism pathway.
Article
Cell Biology
Christine M. Poch, Kylie S. Foo, Maria Teresa De Angelis, Karin Jennbacken, Gianluca Santamaria, Andrea Baehr, Qing-Dong Wang, Franziska Reiter, Nadja Hornaschewitz, Dorota Zawada, Tarik Bozoglu, Ilaria My, Anna Meier, Tatjana Dorn, Simon Hege, Miia L. Lehtinen, Yat Long Tsoi, Daniel Hovdal, Johan Hyllner, Sascha Schwarz, Stefanie Sudhop, Victoria Jurisch, Marcella Sini, Mick D. Fellows, Matthew Cummings, Jonathan Clarke, Ricardo Baptista, Elif Eroglu, Eckhard Wolf, Nikolai Klymiuk, Kun Lu, Roland Tomasi, Andreas Dendorfer, Marco Gaspari, Elvira Parrotta, Giovanni Cuda, Markus Krane, Daniel Sinnecker, Petra Hoppmann, Christian Kupatt, Regina Fritsche-Danielson, Alessandra Moretti, Kenneth R. Chien, Karl-Ludwig Laugwitz
Summary: This study reveals that pluripotent stem cell-derived ventricular progenitors can target myocardial loss and fibrotic scarring to promote heart regeneration, offering new potential therapeutic strategies for heart injury.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bo-sai He, Xiao Wang, Ying Zhang, Cheng Gao, Cheng-kai Wu, Si-rui Guo, Yan-ting Gu, Qing Li, Jia-hong Wang
Summary: The seeds of Moringa oleifera Lam have renal protective effects in diabetic nephropathy by modulating multiple signaling pathways, exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, and anti-oxidative effects.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Wu Luo, Gaojun Wu, Xiaojun Chen, Qiuyan Zhang, Chunpeng Zou, Jun Wang, Jun Liu, Nipon Chattipakorn, Yi Wang, Guang Liang
Summary: The expression of MyD88 protein was found to be increased in the hearts of diabetic mice. Inhibition of MyD88 through siRNA or small-molecular inhibitor markedly reduced inflammatory response and associated cell signaling pathway activation under high glucose conditions. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 showed anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertrophic, and anti-fibrotic effects in diabetic mouse hearts. These findings indicate that MyD88 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mingchuan Liu, Tingwei Peng, Lang Hu, Min Wang, Dong Guo, Bingchao Qi, Gaotong Ren, Di Wang, Yunqing Li, Liqiang Song, Jianqiang Hu, Yan Li
Summary: This study found that CD147 plays a pivotal role in diabetic cardiac fibrosis, promoting the development of cardiac fibrosis. This discovery may contribute to the future development of CD147-based therapeutic strategies for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Giselle C. Melendez, Kylie Kavanagh, Nazli Gharraee, Jessica L. Lacy, Kevin H. Goslen, Masha Block, Jordyn Whitfield, Alexander Widiapradja, Scott P. Levick
Summary: The study showed that replacement substance P can reverse cardiac fibrosis in type 2 diabetes, independent of glycemic control. When used to treat diabetic monkeys, it was found that cardiac fibrosis decreased, left ventricular function improved, and no toxicities were observed.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ming Wang, Simin Lu, Hui Zhao, Ziyi Liu, Kangjia Sheng, Jiacheng Fang
Summary: Fibrosis is a common disease caused by organic injury, and the search for effective and safe therapeutic strategies is highly demanded. Natural polysaccharides have promising potential in preventing and treating fibrosis, as they can regulate each phase of the fibrogenic response and reduce fibrosis levels in multiple organs. Understanding the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of fibrosis can provide new insights for the development of natural polysaccharides as a treatment for fibrosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Serena Maione, Ilaria Stadiotti, Chiara Assunta Pilato, Gianluca Lorenzo Perrucci, Valentina Saverio, Valentina Catto, Giulia Vettor, Michela Casella, Anna Guarino, Gianluca Polvani, Giulio Pompilio, Elena Sommariva
Summary: This study found that fibrotic markers are increased in cardiac biopsies of ACM patients compared to healthy controls, along with significantly higher levels of circulating TGF-beta1 in the ACM cohort. While this difference is not evident in isolated C-MSC, ACM C-MSC are more responsive to TGF-beta1 treatment, indicating their involvement in ACM fibrotic remodeling.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Armita M. Gorabi, Nasim Kiaie, Vanessa Bianconi, Matteo Pirro, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: Cardiac fibrosis is a result of cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure. Statins have been shown to protect the heart from fibrotic and hypertrophic manifestations by affecting various mechanisms such as cell differentiation and interaction in cardiac tissue, as well as altering the expression and function of different molecules involved in cardiac remodeling.
CURRENT MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Wang, Jonathan Yodgee, Mark Del Borgo, Iresha Spizzo, Levi Nguyen, Marie-Isabel Aguilar, Kate M. Denton, Chrishan S. Samuel, Robert E. Widdop
Summary: In a high salt diet, the AT(2)R-selective peptide β-Pro(7)-AngIII can inhibit fibrosis and inflammation in the heart and kidneys, reduce TGF-β1 levels, and protect the organs from damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
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.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Farhad Pashakhanloo, Alexander V. Panfilov
Summary: Cardiac fibrosis is a well-known arrhythmogenic condition that can lead to sudden cardiac death. The concept of minimal functional cluster accurately characterizes the path of reexcitation and quantitatively predicts the reentry probability. Fibrosis density and tissue excitability affect the probability of reentry.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jian-Kui Du, Qing Yu, Yu-Jian Liu, Shu-Fang Du, Li-Yang Huang, Dan-Hong Xu, Xin Ni, Xiao-Yan Zhu
Summary: The study reveals the role of KLK8 in diabetic cardiomyopathy, with KLK8 deficiency attenuating cardiac fibrosis while KLK8 overexpression inducing EndMT. This provides a new direction for therapeutic strategies for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David Dolivo, Pamela Weathers, Tanja Dominko
Summary: Fibrosis is a pathological reparative process in most organs, and artemisinin compounds demonstrate anti-fibrotic effects which can be used for treating fibrotic diseases.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Thomas C. L. Bracco Gartner, Sandra Crnko, Laurynas Leiteris, Iris van Adrichem, Linda W. van Laake, Carlijn V. C. Bouten, Marie Jose Goumans, Willem J. L. Suyker, Joost P. G. Sluijter, Jesper Hjortnaes
Summary: Fibrotic remodeling is a fundamental process in the development of heart failure, but effective therapies are currently lacking. Researchers have developed a multi-cellular mechanically tunable 3D in vitro model of human cardiac fibrosis for evaluating the effects of an anti-fibrotic drug. The study provides new insights into the drug's mechanism of action.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrew R. Kompa, David W. Greening, Anne M. Kong, Paul J. McMillan, Haoyun Fang, Ritika Saxena, Raymond C. B. Wong, Jarmon G. Lees, Priyadharshini Sivakumaran, Andrew E. Newcomb, Bakhos A. Tannous, Cameron Kos, Lina Mariana, Thomas Loudovaris, Derek J. Hausenloy, Shiang Y. Lim
Summary: Subcutaneous implantation of TheraCyte devices containing the secretome of human cardiac stem cells attenuated adverse cardiac remodelling and preserved cardiac function following myocardial infarction. The secretome-based therapy led to reduced fibrosis, increased myocardial vascular density, and improved cardiac function.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Feby Savira, Bing H. Wang, Andrew R. Kompa, Zanfina Ademi, Alice J. Owen, Sophia Zoungas, Andrew Tonkin, Danny Liew, Ella Zomer
Summary: The study found that adding dapagliflozin as an adjunct therapy to standard care for patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction can prevent acute heart failure hospitalizations, increase years of life and quality-adjusted life-years, at a cost-effective ratio well below the Australian willingness-to-pay threshold.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laura Burchill, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: Microorganisms produce a variety of lipidic species that play a crucial role in immune activity, but their structures are often incompletely defined and their supply is limited. Total synthesis can address these issues, providing high-purity samples for immunological studies.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Cheryl Frankfater, Hideji Fujiwara, Spencer J. Williams, Adriaan Minnaard, Fong-Fu Hsu
Summary: This study used high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate the mechanisms of complex mycolic acid synthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells. By characterizing the Mtb mycolic acid family, the study identified the composition and location of functional groups in different lipid species. The findings demonstrate the capability of LIT MSn in determining the structures of complex lipids in a mixture.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andrew R. Kompa, Fay L. Khong, Yuan Zhang, Cindy Nguyen, Amanda J. Edgley, Owen L. Woodman, Grant McLachlan, Darren J. Kelly
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of NP202, a synthetic flavonol, on cardiac remodelling in a chronic model of myocardial infarction (MI). Results showed that NP202 improved left ventricular function and structure, especially at a higher dose. NP202 also reduced hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis in the non-infarct region of the myocardium.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Cindy Nguyen, Amanda J. Edgley, Darren J. Kelly, Andrew R. Kompa
Summary: This study investigates the effects of the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) on vascular endothelial function and redox balance. The results indicate that IS impairs endothelium-dependent relaxation and increases the expression of oxidative stress markers. Inhibition of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) could be a potential therapy for cardiovascular disease in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Article
Microbiology
Arashdeep Kaur, Phillip L. van der Peet, Janice W-Y Mui, Marion Herisse, Sacha Pidot, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: Sulfoglycolysis pathways allow for the breakdown and recycling of sulfoquinovose in both carbon and sulfur content. Through enrichment cultures, two gram-positive Arthrobacter spp. were discovered to produce sulfolactate as the end-product of their metabolism. Genome sequences revealed a modified sulfoglycolytic EMP gene cluster in these bacteria, expanding our understanding of the sulfo-EMP pathway to include soil bacteria.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Laura Burchill, Luca Zudich, Phillip L. van der Peet, Jonathan M. White, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: In this study, simple methods for synthesizing chiral hydroxy- and aminohydroxysulfonic acids were reported. The absolute configurations of naturally occurring 3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonate were determined by comparing optical rotation. This research provides support for future studies on the occurrence, chemotaxonomic distribution, and metabolism of these alkylsulfonates.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Janice W. -Y. Mui, David P. De Souza, Eleanor C. Saunders, Malcolm J. McConville, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: The microbial degradation of sulfoquinovose through sulfoglycolysis allows the utilization of its carbon content and contributes to the biomineralization of its sulfur.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Arashdeep Kaur, Nichollas E. Scott, Marion Herisse, Ethan D. Goddard-Borger, Sacha Pidot, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: This study discovered two Paenarthrobacter spp. (Paenarthrobacter nitrojuajacolis LG01 and Paenarthrobacter histidinolovorans LG02) that can degrade levoglucosan as the sole carbon source. By genome sequencing and proteomics analysis, the researchers found the expression of a series of genes encoding known levoglucosan degrading enzymes, which are generally conserved in various bacteria. The findings reveal the diversity of how bacteria utilize levoglucosan as a nutrient source.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bui San Thai, Ling Yeong Chia, Anh T. N. Nguyen, Chengxue Qin, Rebecca H. Ritchie, Dana S. Hutchinson, Andrew Kompa, Paul J. White, Lauren T. May
Summary: Heart failure remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatment options have limitations, leading to many patients progressing to advanced stages. Exploration of novel therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has shown promise, but efficacy and unwanted effects remain as challenges.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marion Herisse, Keishi Ishida, Jordan Staiger-Creed, Louise Judd, Spencer J. Williams, Benjamin P. Howden, Timothy P. Stinear, Hans-Martin Dahse, Kerstin Voigt, Christian Hertweck, Sacha J. Pidot
Summary: Nocardia are opportunistic human pathogens that cause difficult to treat infections. However, little is known about their involvement in the pathogenesis and the natural products they produce. In this study, a new cytotoxic and antifungal polyene called terpenomycin was discovered in a human pathogenic Nocardia terpenica isolate. The biosynthetic pathway and unique features of terpenomycin were revealed, and a mutant library helped identify a terpenomycin-null mutant. These findings highlight the potential of neglected actinomycetes as producers of diverse bioactive molecules.
ACS CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Garth Cameron, Tram Nguyen, Marcin Ciula, Spencer J. Williams, Dale I. Godfrey
Summary: Natural Killer T (NKT) cells are a type of T cell subset that recognize lipid antigens and have diverse functional properties. The commensal organism Bacteroides fragilis produces various forms of alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha GC), a lipid antigen target for NKT cells. The total synthesis of a major form of alpha GC from B. fragilis (Bf alpha GC) and several analogues was reported, and their recognition by mouse and human NKT cells was confirmed. NKT cells experienced with Bf alpha GC displayed regulatory function and inhibited the expansion of naive NKT cells and antigen-stimulated mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, revealing the broad immunoregulatory activity of B. fragilis-derived NKT cell agonists.
Article
Crystallography
Phillip L. van der Peet, Rohan D. Joyce, Holger Ott, Sebastian M. Marcuccio, Jonathan M. White, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: The crystal structure of the title compound reveals strong hydrogen bonds and interactions, forming infinite chains along the c-axis direction.
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION E-CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Laura Burchill, Spencer J. Williams
Summary: This article reviews the historical discovery of d-cysteinolic acid and related molecules, discusses their distribution and occurrence in marine and freshwater organisms, chemical synthesis routes, and summarizes the knowledge and speculations surrounding their biosynthesis, degradation, and bioconversions.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2022)