Fibroblastos são as células mais numerosas encontradas nos tecidos orais como gengiva, ligamento periodontal e polpa dental. Além de exercerem função estrutural, estas células também desempenham papel importante na resposta imune destes tecidos através do reconhecimento de antígenos e produção de mediadores inflamatórios e citocinas. Evidências apontam ainda para o fato de que fibroblastos não constituem um grupo único de células. Sendo assim, os objetivos deste estudo foram: (I) avaliar a produção diferencial de fibroblastos de gengiva, ligamento periodontal e polpa dental de dentes permanentes e decíduos quanto à produção das quimiocinas CCL3 e CXCL12; (II) avaliar a produção de pró-colágeno I pelas células de polpa e (III) avaliar a expressão diferencial dos fibroblastos quanto a microRNAs. Dentes recentemente extraídos (terceiros molares hígidos) e fragmentos de gengivas saudáveis de três pacientes adultos foram obtidos no Laboratório de Farmacologia e Fisiologia Clínica da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru. Caninos decíduos de dois pacientes com indicação para extração por motivos ortodônticos foram obtidos na Clínica de Odontopediatria da mesma unidade. Culturas primárias de fibroblastos de gengiva (n=3), ligamento periodontal (n=3) e polpa de dente permanente (n=3) e polpa dental de dente decíduo (n=2) foram estabelecidas a partir de tecidos humanos por meio de técnica de explant. Após a quarta passagem, a produção de CCL3 e de CXCL12 foi avaliada após estímulo com concentrações crescentes (0 10 µg/mL) de ácido lipoteicóico de Enterococcus faecalis (EfLTA), lipopolissacarídeo de Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS) ou LPS de Escherichia coli (EcLPS) por ELISA após 1, 6 e 24 h. O RNAm para as quimiocinas no grupo estimulado com EcLPS por 24 h foi avaliado por transcrição reversa seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase quantitativa. A produção de pró-colágeno I por células de polpa estimuladas com EfLTA e PgLPS foi avaliada por imunofluorescência. O perfil de expressão de microRNAs foi investigado por ensaio de microarranjo. A produção de CCL3 foi aumentada (p< 0,05) pelos antígenos empregados, porém de maneira mais evidente para EcLPS em células de gengiva. A quimiocina CXCL12 foi detectada em níveis basais em todos os grupos de células, porém em maiores quantidades em fibroblastos de gengiva seguidos pelos de ligamento periodontal. A adição dos antígenos diminuiu a produção de CXCL12 de maneira distinta entre células e entre antígenos (p< 0,05). Fibroblastos de polpa decídua não apresentaram qualquer alteração na produção desta quimiocina pelos antígenos (p> 0,05). No período experimental de 24 h, a expressão do RNAm para CXCL12 não foi alterada enquanto a de CCL3 não foi detectada. A produção de pró-colágeno I se mostrou aumentada (p< 0,05) na presença do desafio antigênico em células de polpa com exceção para fibroblastos de polpa permanente que apresentaram diminuição na produção desta proteína quando estimulados com EfLTA. Em condições basais, fibroblastos do mesmo doador apresentaram perfil distinto de expressão de microRNAs envolvidos com a produção das proteínas-alvo deste estudo. A expressão de imunomiRs por EcLPS também se mostrou modificada de maneira distinta entre os fibroblastos, em especial os de ligamento periodontal. Com base nestes resultados, pode-se concluir que fibroblastos de diferentes tecidos orais apresentam comportamento diferencial frente a antígenos bacterianos comumente relacionados a patologias que afetam a cavidade oral. / Fibroblasts are the dominant cells within oral tissues such as gingiva, periodontal ligament and dental pulp. Besides the architectural maintenance of the connective tissues, fibroblasts are also involved in connective tissue immune response through antigen recognition and production of inflammatory mediators and cytokines. Recent studies also demonstrated that fibroblasts do not constitute a unique group of cells. Taken this togeter, the objectives of the present study were: (I) to evaluate the production of the chemokines CCL3 and CXCL12 by human gingival, periodontal ligament as well as permanent and deciduous dental pulp fibroblasts; (II) to evaluate the production of procollagen I by dental pulp fibroblasts and (III) to evaluate the differential pattern of expression of microRNAs by the oral fibroblasts. Recently extracted teeth (non-carious third molars) and fragments of healthy gingiva from three adults were obtained at the Laboratory for Clinical Pharmacology and Physiology at Dental School of Bauru. Deciduous canines from two patients with orthodontic indication for extraction were obtained at Pediatrics Clinics of Dental School of Bauru. Primary cultures of fibroblasts from gingiva (n=3), periodontal ligament (n=3) as well as permanent pulp (n=3) and deciduous pulp (n=2) were established through an explant technique. After the fourth passage, fibroblasts were challenged with increasing concentrations (0 10 µg/mL) of Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid (EfLTA), Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS) or Escherichia coli LPS (EcLPS) for 1, 6 and 24 h. The chemokines were assessed through ELISA while the mRNA for CCL3 and CXCL12 (EcLPS at 24 h) were assessed through reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of microRNAs was screened through a microarray assay. The production of CCL3 on cell supernatants was detected in all cellular groups, with higher amounts at gingival fibroblasts. EcLPS induced more important chemokine differences compared to the other antigens. CXCL12 basal levels were higher for gingival fibroblasts followed by periodontal ligament ones, but also detected in dental pulp fibroblasts. The production of this chemokine was decreased by stimulation in a different fashion for each antigen and cell type. Deciduous pulp fibroblasts did not display any differences in CXCL12 synthesis even in the presence of the microbial challenge. No differences were detected at mRNA level for CXCL12, while no expression for CCL3 could be detected at 24 h. Increased production of procollagen type I was observed for dental pulp cells in general, with the only exception for permanent pulp cells which displayed decreased production of the protein with EfLTA. Microarray analysis showed differential expression pattern of microRNAs comparing unstimulated cells from the same donnor. EcLPS was able to alter immunomiRs expression in some of the cellular groups, in particular periodontal ligament fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results showed that fibroblasts from distinct oral tissues display differential behavior against bacterial antigens commonly related to the diseases that affect the oral cavity.

Orientador: Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-20T13:28:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Cherutti_Giselle_M.pdf: 10018129 bytes, checksum: f1dee789d5fd5395442f06833f2c1fa7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / Resumo: Um dos desafios da Engenharia Tecidual é o de promover um melhor funcionamento de órgãos e tecidos danificados por doenças ou traumas. Com o objetivo de desenvolver um dispositivo bifásico para futura regeneração dérmica e aplicação na Engenharia Tecidual e Medicina Regenerativa, cultivou-se células fibroblásticas da linhagem VERO sobre uma matriz dérmica suína acelular associada a um polímero biorreabsorvível, poli (L-ácido láctico) (PLLA), com adição de um plastificante, o trietil citrato de sódio (TCS). Para a realização da pesquisa, membranas PLLA-TCS e PLLA puro foram preparadas e caracterizadas através de Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Ensaio Dinâmico Mecânico pelo Módulo de Tração, Espectroscopia na região do Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN 13C e 1H), Ângulo de Contato e Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC). Os resultados mostraram que as membranas de PLLA- TCS, tornaram-se porosas e mais hidrofílicas em relação as membranas de PLLA puro, o que aumentou sua interação com as células fibroblásticas. Após a associação das membranas de PLLA-TCS à derme suína, as amostras foram analisadas por meio de Técnicas Histológicas e Microscopia Confocal para avaliar a presença de fibras colágenas e sua organização no arcabouço. Em seguida realizou-se cultura de células fibroblásticas sobre o dispositivo bifásico após 24 horas e 2 dias de cultivo para ensaios de Viabilidade Celular, e posteriormente Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). Os resultados obtidos pelos ensaios mecânicos e biológicos comprovaram que o material apresentou interação suporte-célula, principalmente devido a sua porosidade e afinidade celular apresentada pela composição estrutural da matriz dérmica, sendo atóxico às células VERO. O material atuou como substrato celular, sendo que a proliferação das células VERO foi maior em comparação com a placa de cultivo (controle), havendo infiltração celular. Concluí-se assim, que o dispositivo estudado apresenta potencial para ser utilizado como um substituto dérmico para implantes em áreas de queimaduras extensas, por ser altamente poroso, promovendo assim, maior migração, adesão e crescimento celular ao mesmo tempo em que o dispositivo é degradado pelo organismo. A capacidade de deformação apresentada pelo futuro substituto dérmico também auxilia em sua implantação, por facilitar o procedimento cirúrgico, que muitas vezes necessita distender um pouco o material para o total recobrimento da lesão; ou as movimentações naturais da pele após o implante. Além disso, o dispositivo minimiza as chances de contração do enxerto, por ser constituído por um componente dérmico / Abstract: One of the challenges of the Tissue Engineering is to promote a better functioning of organs and tissues damaged by diseases or traumas. With target for developing a biphasic device for future regeneration and dermal application in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, fibroblasts from VERO cell line were cultivated on a porcine acellular dermal matrix associated to a bioresorbable polymer (PLLA) with the addition of a plasticizer (TCS). For this present study, PLLA-TCS membranes and pure PLLA were prepared and analyzed by means of characterization tests such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamical Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Spectroscopy of the Fourier Transform Infrared, Nuclear Magnetic Ressonance (NMR 13C e 1H), Contact Angle and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the PLLA-TCS, became porous and more hydrophilic compared to pure PLLA, which increased its interaction with the fibroblast cells. After the association of the PLLA-TCS to the porcine dermal matrix, the samples were analyzed by Histological Techniques and Confocal Microscopy to evaluate the presence of collagen fibers and their organization within scaffold. Afterwards, a culture of fibroblasts cell on the biphasic device was performed after 2 days and 24 hours of cultivation the Cellular Viability test was done and posteriorly Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of the biphasic device in relation to mechanical and biological tests showed the cell-support interaction, through the analysis of viability, cell morphology and structural organization of collagen fibers and polymer structure, are nontoxic to VERO cells. The material behaves as a cell substrate where proliferation of VERO cells and their infiltration was higher compared to the cell culture plate. It can therefore be concluded that the studied device has the potential to be used as a substitute for dermal implants in areas of extensive burns, for being highly porous, thus promoting increased migration, adhesion and cell growth while the device is degraded by the body. The device deformation capacity also helps in the substitute implantation for facilitating the surgical procedure which often need to stretch the material for coverage of the injury completely or natural movements of the skin after implantation. Furthermore, the device minimizes the chances of skin graft contraction as the gadget consists of a dermal component / Mestrado / Materiais e Processos de Fabricação / Mestre em Engenharia Mecânica

Orientador: Maria Beatriz Puzzi, Maria Helena Stangler Kraemer / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-04T03:54:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Souto_LuisRicardoMartinhao_M.pdf: 2402921 bytes, checksum: a79b6ae181ce1b24d01ec608815d8bf7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: A obtenção de uma pele humana que apresente derme e epiderme, reconstruída a partir de células isoladas de pacientes, possibilita a realização de enxertos autólogos de pele reconstruída em laboratório (in vitro) em pacientes com áreas doadoras escassas além de permitir ensaios com substâncias químicas e drogas in vitro e não mais in vivo. A partir da cultura de fibroblastos humanos, é possível obter um número suficiente de células que podem ser injetadas em uma matriz de colágeno bovino tipo I que, mantida imersa em meio de cultura, específico para fibroblastos, permite a formação de uma derme humana reconstruída in vitro. Sobre essa derme, através de cultura de queratinócitos e melanócitos humanos, forma-se uma epiderme diferenciada levando à formação de uma pele humana reconstruída in vitro, constituída de derme e epiderme associadas. Essa pele humana formada é, histologicamente, semelhante à pele humana in vivo. Na derme, identifica-se o tecido colágeno, com suas células, e a matriz extracelular organizados paralelamente à epiderme. Esta se desenvolve em várias camadas. Não há distinção entre derme e epiderme no experimento controle, onde não foi utilizado o colágeno bovino tipo I / Abstract: The technique to obtain human skin presenting dermis and epidermis reconstructed from cells isolated from patients allows the performance of autologous grafts of skin reconstructed in laboratory (in vitro) on patients with scarce donor sites, in addition to permitting trials with chemical substances and drugs no more in vivo, but in vitro. It is possible to obtain a sufficient number of cells from human fibroblast culture that can be injected in bovine collagen type I matrix and kept submerged in a specific culture medium for fibroblasts. This will permit the formation of human dermis reconstructed in vitro. On this dermis, through culture of human keratinocytes and melanocytes, a differentiated epidermis is formed, leading to the creation of human skin reconstructed in vitro, composed of associated dermis and epidermis. This human skin is histologically formed in the same way as human skin in vivo. Collagen tissue can be identified in the dermis, with its cells and extracellular matrix organized in parallel to the epidermis, which is developed in several layers / Mestrado / Patologia Clinica / Mestre em Ciências Médicas

La sénescence, perte irréversible des capacités réplicatives des cellules associée à la sécrétion de médiateurs inflammatoires, pourrait participer au développement de l'atteinte pulmonaire dans la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO) en initiant, maintenant et propageant un état inflammatoire. L'objectif de ce travail était d'évaluer les mécanismes de la sénescence impliqués dans l'induction et le maintien de l'inflammation au cours de la BPCO. Ainsi, des fibroblastes pulmonaires de témoins et de patients atteints de BPCO ont été mis en culture à long terme. Un phénotype sénescent majoré associée à un sécrétome pro-inflammatoire était détectée dans les fibroblastes de patients avec BPCO par rapport aux témoins. Par ailleurs, ces fibroblastes présentaient une expression accrue des récepteurs à la PGE2 (EP2 /4)au stade non sénescent et une production accrue de PGE2, un médiateur lipidique pro-inflammatoire, au stade sénescent. Dans cette optique, une partie du travail a consisté à déterminer si la PGE2 pouvait induire la sénescence et l'inflammation des fibroblastes pulmonaires de sujets atteints ou non de BPCO. Nous avons pu démontrer que la PGE2 synthétisée par les fibroblastes sénescents induisait, maintenait (effet autocrine) et propageait (effet paracrine) la sénescence et l'inflammation associée via une voie EP2/4 / COX-2 / oxydants / p53. L'implication des oxydants dans l'induction de la sénescence nous a conduit à étudier les effets de l'hème oxygénase (HO)-1, un système anti-oxydant et anti-inflammatoire sur la prévention de la sénescence des fibroblastes pulmonaires. Ainsi, des fibroblastes pulmonaires ont été traités chroniquement avec des substances pharmacologiques modulant l'activité d'HO-1. Des résultats préliminaires nous ont permis d'observer que l'activation de HO-1 prévenait l'induction de la sénescence chez des fibroblastes pulmonaires de témoins et de BPCO. Au total, la modulation des voies de la PGE2 et de l'HO-1 pourrait contribuer à limiter la sénescence des fibroblastes pulmonaires dans la BPCO / Cellular senescence, a state of irreversible loss of replicative capacity associated with the secretion of inflammatory mediators, could participate in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by initiating, maintaining and propagating an inflammatory state. The aim of this PhD project was to evaluate the mechanisms involved in senescence induction in COPD lung fibroblasts. COPD fibroblasts exhibited an increased senescent phenotype as compared to control cells. In addition, COPD fibroblasts showed an increased PGE2 receptors (EP2 /4) expression at non senescent stage and PGE2 production, apro-inflammatory lipid mediator at senescent stage. In this context, one part of the study was devoted to determine whether PGE2 could induce senescence of lung fibroblasts of subjects with and without COPD. We have shown that PGE2 synthesized by senescent fibroblasts induced, maintained (autocrine effect) and propagated (paracrine effect) senescence and associated inflammation via EP2 /4 / COX-2 / oxidants / p53 pathway. The essential role of oxidants production in the induction of senescence in COPD led us to study the effects of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory system on the prevention of senescence in COPD fibroblasts. Pharmacological activation of HO-1 by hemin prevented the induction of senescence in lung fibroblasts from COPD patients probably in relation with an anti -oxidant effect. The modulation of PGE2 and HO-1 pathways may contribute to attenuate fibroblasts senescence in COPD

Under normal conditions, non-transformed cells rely on glycolysis followed by oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATPs. When oxygen is scarce or when cells are actively proliferating, cellular ATPs come mainly from glycolysis. Pyruvate is converted into lactate to allow glycolysis to continue. Interestingly, cancer cells have adapted to favor lactate production even at normal oxygen tensions, exhibiting a metabolic shift known as the Warburg effect. However, the metabolic state of other cellular constituents within the tumor remains mostly unknown. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the most abundant stromal cells. They aid tumor growth and metastasis by providing growth factors, cytokine, ECM remodeling proteins and interacting with other tumor stromal cells. Here I show that the Warburg effect also operates in stromal fibroblasts of the tumor microenvironment. Using mass spectrometry, genetic mouse models, gene expression and methylation studies, I demonstrate that CAFs from human and mouse mammary tumors exhibit hyperactive glycolysis and a metabolic shift towards lactate production. Furthermore, this phenotype may be sustained through epigenetic modifications of endogenous hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, key regulatory enzymes fructose-bisphosphatase 1 and pyruvate kinase M2. Depletion of stromal fibroblasts or suppression of lactate production specifically in these cells alters the metabolic profile of not only the tumors but also the cancer cells and results in impeded tumor growth. These results collectively suggest that tumor growth is dependent on metabolic state and metabolic support of stromal fibroblasts, highlighting these cells as attractive therapeutic targets in controlling cancer progression.

No description available.

Orientador: Alexandre Augusto Zaia / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-27T23:03:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Santos_CarolinaCarvalhodeOliveira_D.pdf: 6938585 bytes, checksum: 0b73617c9f542daafb6815d1e62fb4cb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: A polpa dentária contém uma heterogeneidade de células, dentre elas destacam-se os fibroblastos e odontoblastos. Quando este tecido é agredido por micro-organismos ou seus bioprodutos, fibroblastos e odontoblastos secretam diversas citocinas inflamatórias para ativação do sistema imune, dentre estas TNF-'alfa', IL-6 e MCP-1. Este estudo avaliou a expressão gênica e a produção de citocinas inflamatórias após o contato in vitro das espécies Sreptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus faecalis e seus bioprodutos com odontoblastos e fibroblastos. A expressão gênica foi avaliada por RT-qPCR e as proteínas foram quantificadas por meio de citometria de fluxo, tipo CBA, nos períodos de 4, 8 e 24 horas. As bactérias estudadas promoveram sensibilização das células para expressão e produção das citocinas IL-6, TNF-'alfa', e MCP-1 principalmente nas primeiras 8 horas de contato. Tanto o contato direto com as bactérias como o contato com seus bioprodutos resultaram em estímulo para as células, contudo, o contato direto com as bactérias S. mutans e E. faecalis se mostrou mais eficiente para a estimulação de expressão e produção de citocinas. Por outro lado, o contato indireto com P. gingivalis mostrou ser mais efetivo para estimular a produção das citocinas. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que odontoblastos e fibroblastos são capazes de expressar e produzir citocinas pró-inflamatórias a partir de diferentes contatos quando estimulados por tipos bacterianos distintos. / Abstract: Dental pulp contains a heterogeneity of cells in its composition, among them stand out from fibroblasts and odontoblasts. When this tissue is attacked by bacteria or their by-products, fibroblasts and odontoblasts can secrete several inflammatory cytokines in order to attract and activate immune system to contain infectious agents. TNF-'alfa', IL-6 and MCP-1 are proteins secreted by fibroblasts and odontoblasts mainly involved in the origin and activation of the inflammatory process. This study aimed to evaluate gene expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines after in vitro contact of bacteria Sreptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Enterococcus. faecalis and its by-products with odontoblasts and fibroblasts. The proteins were quantified by flow cytometry type CBA and gene expression by Real Time - PCR in periods of 4, 8 and 24 hours. The results showed that the studied bacteria promoted sensitizing cells for expression and production of the cytokines IL-6, TNF-'alfa', MCP-1, particularly during the first 8 hours of contact. Both direct contact with bacterias or their by-products resulting in stimulation to the cells, however, direct contact with the bacteria S. mutans and E. faecalis was more efficient for stimulating expression and cytokine production. On the other hand, the indirect contact with P. gingivalis shown to be more effective to stimulate the production of cytokines. Thus, we may conclude that fibroblasts and odontoblasts are able to express and produce proinflammatory cytokines from different contacts when stimulated by different bacterial types / Doutorado / Endodontia / Doutora em Clínica Odontológica

Povrch buněk je bohatě pokryt oligosacharidy, které jsou v plazmalemě ukotvené pomocí proteinů a lipidů. Oligosacharidy zprostředkují vzájemnou vazbu mezi buňkami nebo vazbu buněk k složkám extracelulární matrix. Galektiny jsou živočišné lektinů které mají afinitu k oligosacharidům obsahujícím β-galaktózu. Jsou to multifaktoriální proteiny, které se účastňují řady reakcí v organizmu, jako jsou mezibuněčné interakce, interakce buněk s mezibuněčnou hmotou, proliferace i apoptóza a sestřih pre-mRNA. Proteiny po translaci procházejí různými strukturálnimy úpravami, které mají vliv na jejich funkci. Galektin-3 je možný prognostický ukazatel u nádorů vycházejících z vrstevnatých dlaždicových epitelů je fosforylován na N-konci. Prokázali jsme, že tato posttranslační modifikace nemá vliv na jeho vazebnou reaktivitu. Jiný endogenní lektin, galektin-1 je charakteristickou molekulou nádorového stromatu a granulační tkáně hojícího se poranění. Zjistili jsme, že galektin-1 indukuje na TGF-β nezávislý in vitro přechod normálních fibroblastů na myofibroblasty včetně produkce sítě extracelulární matrix bohaté fibronektinem a galektinem-1. Tento poznatek je využitelný v terapii hojení ran a v tkáňovém inženýrství. Dnes je jasné, že nádorové stroma ovlivňuje i biologické vlastnosti nádoru (lokální agresivita,...

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a generalized connective tissue disease affecting the skin and internal organs. The pathogenesis of SSc is characterized by inflammation, vasculopathy and fibrosis. To date, none of the tested drugs have demonstrated convincing efficacy in the treatment of SSc. S100A4 is involved in the regulation of cell motility, proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. It was originally described as a promoter of metastasis in tumors, however, its pro-inflammatory properties have recently been demonstrated in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the role of S100A4 in pathological activation of fibroblasts in SSc and in experimental models of dermal fibrosis. Results: The expression of S100A4 was increased in the skin of SSc patients, in SSc fibroblasts and in experimental fibrosis in a TGF-β / Smad dependent manner. Overexpression of S100A4 or stimulation with recombinant S100A4 induced an activated phenotype in resting normal fibroblasts. In contrast, inhibition of S100A4 or its complete deficit abrogated the pro-fibrotic effects of TGF-β and decreased the release of collagen. S100A4 knock-out mice (S100A4-/- ) were protected from bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis with reduced dermal thickening,...

The TIR/BB-loop mimetic AS-1 has been reported to prevent cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R)-mediated myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)-dependent signaling. To date, it remains unknown whether and if so how AS-1 contributes to mechanical stress (MS)-induced cardiac fibroblast activation, a key process in pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Here, we show that phosphorylation and expression of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1), a key molecule in the Hippo-Yes associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway, were down-regulated in primary neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NRCFs) in response to MS and in the hearts of mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) procedure; AS-1 treatment was able to restore LATS1 phosphorylation and expression both in vitro and in vivo. AS-1 treatment suppressed the induction of proliferation, differentiation and collagen synthesis in response to MS in NRCFs. AS-1 also ameliorated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis through dampening paracrine secretion of stretched cardiac fibroblasts. In mice, AS-1 treatment could protect against TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis and heart failure. Of note, LATS1 depletion using siRNA completely abrogated the inhibitory effects of AS-1 on NRCFs under MS including accelerated proliferation, differentiation, enhanced ability to produce collagen and augmented paracrine secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Therefore, our results delineate a previously unrecognized role for LATS1 in cardiac fibroblast to mediate the beneficial effects of AS-1 in preventing pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling and heart failure.