CXCR4 antagonism attenuates load‐induced periosteal bone formation in mice

Mechanical loading is a key anabolic regulator of bone mass. Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) is a stem cell homing factor that is important in hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and fracture healing, though its involvement in skeletal mechanoadaptation is virtually unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize skeletal expression patterns of SDF‐1 and CXCR4, the receptor for SDF‐1, and to determine the role of SDF‐1 signaling in load‐induced periosteal bone formation. Sixteen‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were treated with PBS or AMD3100, an antagonist against CXCR4, and exposed to in vivo ulnar loading (2.8 N peak‐to‐peak, 2 Hz, 120 cycles). SDF‐1 was expressed in cortical and trabecular osteocytes and marrow cells, and CXCR4 was primarily expressed in marrow cells. SDF‐1 and CXCR4 expression was enhanced in response to mechanical stimulation. The CXCR4 receptor antagonist AMD3100 significantly attenuated load‐induced bone formation and led to smaller adaptive changes in cortical geometric properties as determined by histomorphometric analysis. Our data suggest that SDF‐1/CXCR4 signaling plays a critical role in skeletal mechanoadaptation, and may represent a unique therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of age‐related and disuse bone loss. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1828–1838, 2013     

Long‐term administration of AMD3100, an antagonist of SDF‐1/CXCR4 signaling,alters fracture repair

Fracture healing involves rapid stem and progenitor cell migration, homing, and differentiation. SDF‐1 (CXCL12) is considered a master regulator of CXCR4‐positive stem and progenitor cell trafficking to sites of ischemic (hypoxic) injury and regulates their subsequent differentiation into mature reparative cells. In this study, we investigated the role of SDF‐1/CXCR4 signaling in fracture healing where vascular disruption results in hypoxia and SDF‐1 expression. Mice were injected with AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, or vehicle twice daily until euthanasia with the intent to impair stem cell homing to the fracture site and/or their differentiation. Fracture healing was evaluated using micro‐computed tomography, histology, quantitative PCR, and mechanical testing. AMD3100 administration resulted in a significantly reduced hyaline cartilage volume (day 14), callus volume (day 42) and mineralized bone volume (day 42) and reduced expression of genes associated with endochondral ossification including collagen Type 1 alpha 1, collagen Type 2 alpha 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, Annexin A5, nitric oxide synthase 2, and mechanistic target of rapamycin. Our data suggest that the SDF‐1/CXCR4 signaling plays a central role in bone healing possibly by regulating the recruitment and/or differentiation of stem and progenitor cells. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1853–1859, 2012     

SDF‐1/CXCR4 Axis in Tie2‐Lineage Cells Including Endothelial Progenitor Cells Contributes to Bone Fracture Healing

CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is a specific receptor for stromal‐derived‐factor 1 (SDF‐1). SDF‐1/CXCR4 interaction is reported to play an important role in vascular development. On the other hand, the therapeutic potential of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in fracture healing has been demonstrated with mechanistic insight of vasculogenesis/angiogenesis and osteogenesis enhancement at sites of fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the SDF‐1/CXCR4 pathway in Tie2‐lineage cells (including EPCs) in bone formation. We created CXCR4 gene conditional knockout mice using the Cre/loxP system and set two groups of mice: Tie2‐Cre^ER CXCR4 knockout mice (CXCR4^?/?) and wild‐type mice (WT). We report here that in vitro, EPCs derived from of CXCR4^?/? mouse bone marrow demonstrated severe reduction of migration activity and EPC colony‐forming activity when compared with those derived from WT mouse bone marrow. In vivo, radiological and morphological examinations showed fracture healing delayed in the CXCR4^?/? group and the relative callus area at weeks 2 and 3 was significantly smaller in CXCR4^?/? group mice. Quantitative analysis of capillary density at perifracture sites also showed a significant decrease in the CXCR4^?/? group. Especially, CXCR4^?/?group mice demonstrated significant early reduction of blood flow recovery at fracture sites compared with the WT group in laser Doppler perfusion imaging analysis. Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis showed that the gene expressions of angiogenic markers (CD31, VE‐cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) and osteogenic markers (osteocalcin, collagen 1A1, bone morphogenetic protein 2 [BMP2]) were lower in the CXCR4^?/? group. In the gain‐of‐function study, the fracture in the SDF‐1 intraperitoneally injected WT group healed significantly faster with enough callus formation compared with the SDF‐1 injected CXCR4^?/? group. We demonstrated that an EPC SDF‐1/CXCR4 axis plays an important role in bone fracture healing using Tie2‐Cre^ER CXCR4 conditional knockout mice. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

The role of SDF‐1 in homing of human adipose‐derived stem cells

One of the putative pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic wounds is a disturbed homing of stem cells. In this project, the stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1)/C‐X‐C chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 and SDF‐1/CXCR7 pathway were focused in human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs were incubated with acute (AWF) or chronic wound fluid (CWF) to analyze their effects by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (SDF‐1, CXCR4, CXCR7, TIMP3), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (SDF‐1 in WFs and supernatant), and transwell migration assay with/without antagonization. Whereas SDF‐1 amounted 73.5 pg/mL in AWF, it could not be detected in CWF. Incubation with AWF led to a significant enhancement (129.7 pg/mL vs. 95.5 pg/mL), whereas CWF resulted in a significant reduction (30 pg/mL vs. 95.5 pg/mL) of SDF‐1 in ASC supernatant. The SDF‐1 receptor CXCR7 was detected on ASCs. AWF but not CWF significantly induced ASC migration, which was inhibited by CXCR4 and CXCR7 antagonists. Expressions of SDF‐1, CXCR4, and CXCR7 were significantly stimulated by AWF while TIMP3 expression was reduced. In conclusion, an uncontrolled inflammation in the chronic wound environment, indicated by a reduced SDF‐1 expression, resulted in a decreased ASC migration. A disturbed SDF‐1/CXCR4 as well as SDF‐1/CXCR7 pathway seems to play an important role in the impaired healing of chronic wounds.     

The therapeutic potential of a C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR‐4) antagonist on hypertrophic scarring in vivo

Effective prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars (HTSs), a dermal form of fibrosis that frequently occurs following thermal injury to deep dermis, are unsolved significant clinical problems. Previously, we have found that stromal cell‐derived factor 1/CXCR4 signaling is up‐regulated during wound healing in burn patients and HTS tissue after thermal injury. We hypothesize that blood‐borne mononuclear cells are recruited into wound sites after burn injury through the chemokine pathway of stromal cell‐derived factor 1 and its receptor CXCR4. Deep dermal injuries to the skin are often accompanied by prolonged inflammation, which leads to chemotaxis of mononuclear cells into the wounds by chemokine signaling where fibroblast activation occurs and ultimately HTS are formed. Blocking mononuclear cell recruitment and fibroblast activation, CXCR4 antagonism is expected to reduce or minimize scar formation. In this study, the inhibitory effect of CXCR4 antagonist CTCE‐9908 on dermal fibrosis was determined in vivo using a human HTS‐like nude mouse model, in which split‐thickness human skin is transplanted into full‐thickness dorsal excisional wounds in athymic mice, where these wounds subsequently develop fibrotic scars that resemble human HTS as previously described. CTCE‐9908 significantly attenuated scar formation and contraction, reduced the accumulation of macrophages and myofibroblasts, enhanced the remodeling of collagen fibers, and down‐regulated the gene and protein expression of fibrotic growth factors in the human skin tissues. These findings support the potential therapeutic value of CXCR4 antagonist in dermal fibrosis and possibly other fibroproliferative disorders.     

基质细胞衍生因子-1及其受体CXCR4对结肠癌肝转移潜能的影响

目的 探讨趋化因子基质细胞衍生因子-1(SDF-1)及其受体CXCR4对结肠癌肝转移潜能的影响.方法 采用Western-blot法检测不同结肠癌细胞株中CXCR4蛋白及不同组织中SDF-1蛋白的表达,MTT法检测SDF-1及抗CXCR4单抗对结肠癌细胞HT-29增殖能力的影响,体外趋化实验检测HT-29细胞定向迁移能力的变化.建立裸鼠结肠癌肝转移瘤模型,观察CXCR4特异性拮抗剂AMD3100对裸鼠肝转移率和转移瘤数目的 影响.结果 HT-29细胞表达较高强度的CXCR4蛋白,而肝组织表达高强度的SDF-1蛋白.与对照组相比,SDF-1可以诱导HT-29细胞增殖(0.76±0.11 vs0.38±0.06,P<0.05),抗CXCR4单抗对SDF-1的诱导增殖具有显著的抑制作用(0.42±0.08 vs0.76±0.11,P<0.05);SDF-1可促进HT-29细胞的趋化迁移,抗CXCR4单抗可显著抑制SDF-1诱导下HT-29细胞的迁移能力(104.6±18.3 vs 148.8±26.2,P<0.05).AMD3100治疗组裸鼠结肠癌肝转移率显著低于对照组(40% vs 100%,P<0.05),平均瘤结节数目显著低于对照组(7.8±2.6 vs 22.4±8.6,P<0.05).结论 SDF-1/CXCR4生物轴参与了结肠癌肝转移过程,拮抗CXCR4功能可抑制裸鼠结肠癌肝转移,其机制与抑制CXCR4能够有效阻断结肠癌细胞在SDF-1诱导下的细胞增殖和定向迁移有关.     

SDF-1对创缘表皮干细胞定向趋化及促创面愈合效应的研究

目的：观察干细胞趋化因子SDF-1在创面愈合过程中调控表皮干细胞定向迁移促进创面愈合的过程。方法：制作大鼠背部全层皮肤缺损模型,随机分为三个实验组：①SDF-1组;②AMD3100（CXCR4受体的拮抗剂）组;③空白对照组。分别于致伤后1天、3天、5天、7天和12天照相计算伤后不同时间创面占初始创面的百分比并取材。运用HE染色和免疫组化技术观察创缘表皮干细胞定向迁移分化的特点,寻找其规律。结果：与其他两个处理组相比,SDF-1处理组愈合时间缩短,其创缘皮表皮基底层细胞分裂增殖旺盛,创缘表皮干细胞数目明显多于其他两组。结论：在创面愈合过程中,SDF-1可以调控表皮干细胞向创缘迁移,加速创面上皮化。     

Attenuation of cartilage pathogenesis in post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in mice by blocking the stromal derived factor 1 receptor (CXCR4) with the specific inhibitor,AMD3100

SDF‐1 was found to infiltrate cartilage, decrease proteoglycan content, and increase MMP‐13 activity after joint trauma. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that interference of the SDF‐1/CXCR4 signaling pathway via AMD3100 can attenuate pathogenesis in a mouse model of PTOA. We also tested the predictive and confirmatory power of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) for cartilage assessment. AMD3100 was continuously delivered via mini‐osmotic pumps. The extent of cartilage damage after AMD3100 or PBS treatment was assessed by histological analysis 2 months after PTOA was induced by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Biochemical markers of PTOA were assessed via immunohistochemistry and in vivo fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). Regression analysis was used to validate the predictive power of FMT measurements. Safranin‐O staining revealed significant PTOA damage in the DMM/PBS mice, while the DMM/AMD3100 treated mice showed a significantly reduced response with minimal pathology. Immunohistochemistry showed that AMD3100 treatment markedly reduced typical PTOA marker expression in chondrocytes. FMT measurements showed decreased cathepsins and MMP activity in knee joints after treatment. The results demonstrate that AMD3100 treatment attenuates PTOA. AMD3100 may provide a viable and expedient option for PTOA therapy given the drug's FDA approval and well‐known safety profile. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1071–1078, 2015.     

Impaired healing of nitrogen mustard wounds in CXCR2 null mice

To examine the significance of chemokine activation of CXCR2 in wound healing after chemical burn, cutaneous injury was created by topical application of nitrogen mustard on CXCR2 wild type (+/+), heterozygous (+/-), and knockout (-/-) mice. Wounds were analyzed histologically for neutrophil and monocyte infiltration and for reepithelialization at postwound days 4, 7, and 10. Neutrophil recruitment to the wound site was reduced through postwound day 7 in CXCR2 -/- mice as indicated by myeloperoxidase assay and by visual quantitation. Because there is always concern that mice with targeted deletion of a specific receptor may undergo developmental adaptations to offset the loss of the receptor, we also accessed chemical wound repair in the presence of a small molecule antagonist of CXCR2. Dietary supplementation with a CXCR2 antagonist (SB-265610) during the wound repair process also markedly delayed healing parameters in CXCR2 +/+ mice, even greater than treatment with glucocorticoids. These parallel studies further establish that mice deficient in CXCR2 function exhibit delayed cutaneous wound healing that may be primarily linked to impaired neutrophil recruitment after chemical burn with nitrogen mustard. Thus, there may be a potential therapeutic benefit of treating nitrogen mustard-induced skin lesions with agonists of CXCR2 to facilitate the wound repair process.     

Combination of stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 and collagen–glycosaminoglycan scaffold delays contraction and accelerates reepithelialization of dermal wounds in wild‐type mice

While dermal substitutes can mitigate scarring and wound contraction, a significant drawback of current dermal replacement technologies is the apparent delay in vascular ingrowth compared with conventional skin grafts. Herein, we examined the effect of the chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) on the performance of a porous collagen–glycosaminoglycan dermal analog in excisional wounds in mice. C57BL/6 mice with 1 cm × 1 cm dorsal full‐thickness wounds were covered with a collagen–glycosaminoglycan scaffold, followed by four daily topical applications of 1 μg SDF‐1 or phosphate‐buffered saline vehicle. Some animals were also pretreated with five daily doses of 300 mg/kg granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. Animals treated with SDF‐1 and no granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor reepithelialized 36% faster than vehicle controls (16 vs. 25 days), and exhibited less wound contraction on postwounding day 18 (～35% greater wound area) plus three‐fold longer neoepidermis formed than controls. Conversely, granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor promoted contraction and no epidermal regeneration. Early (postwounding Day 3) inflammatory cell infiltration in the SDF‐1‐treated group was 86% less, while the fraction of proliferating cells (positive Ki67 staining) was 32% more, when compared with controls. These results suggest that SDF‐1 simultaneously delays contraction and promotes reepithelialization and may improve the wound‐healing performance of skin substitutes.     

Hepatic Stellate Cells Promote Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer Cells by the Action of SDF-1/CXCR4 Axis

Background  It has been determined that the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) regulate several key processes in a wide variety of cancers. However, the function and mechanism of the SDF-1/CXCR4 system in the metastasis of colorectal cancer remain controversial. Methods  Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine quantitatively the expression of CXCR4 in 40 human samples of colorectal cancer and liver metastasis. The functions of SDF-1 on HCT116 colon cancer cells were investigated in vitro. We subcutaneously inoculated HCT116 cells with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) expressing SDF-1. The CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 was tested in vitro and in vivo. Results  By quantitatively counting the number of cells, it was shown that there are more CXCR4-positive cells at the metastatic site in the liver compared with the primary sites. We demonstrated the effect of SDF-1 on the invasion and antiapoptosis of HCT116 cells in vitro. In mouse experiment of liver metastasis, intraperitoneal administration of AMD3100 blocked the metastatic potential of HCT116 cells. Furthermore, we found that α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts derived from HSCs, surrounding the liver metastasis foci, secreted SDF-1. The subcutaneous inoculation of HCT116 cells with HSCs promoted the tumor initiation in nude mice, indicating the importance of the direct interaction between these cells in vivo. Conclusion  These results suggest that HSCs play important role in liver metastasis of colon cancer cells by the action of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and provide preclinical evidence that blockade of the axis is a target for antimetastasis therapy.     

SDF-1/CXCR4信号轴调控骨髓间充质干细胞向哮喘小鼠肺组织的迁移

目的：探讨基质细胞衍生因子-1（SDF-1）/CXCR4轴在外源性骨髓间充质干细胞（MSC）向哮喘模型小鼠肺组织迁移的作用.方法：无菌条件下取GFP转基因小鼠骨髓MSC,体外扩增,鉴定.采用Transwell培养系统,观察0、50、100、150和200 ng/ml SDF-1和CXCR4阻断剂AMD3100对MSC体外定向迁移的影响.取60只雌性BALB/c小鼠,随机分为6组（n=10）：PBS非哮喘组、MSC非哮喘组、PBS哮喘组、MSC哮喘组、SDF-1处理哮喘组、AMD3100处理哮喘组.哮喘组采用哮喘致敏液0.2 ml（含100 μg卵白蛋白）致敏,并使用卵白蛋白雾化吸入激发哮喘.非哮喘组在致敏和激发时均予以PBS处理.MSC处理组于哮喘激发前移植外源性MSC.SDF-1处理哮喘组在MSC移植前气管内注入SDF-1,AMD3100处理哮喘组注入AMD3100预先孵育的MSC.PBS哮喘组注射等量的PBS液.采用Westernablot和RT-PCR方法检测肺组织中SDF-1的表达水平,通过荧光显微镜观察表达GFP的外源性MSC在哮喘小鼠肺组织中的分布情况,比较SDF-1和CXCR4阻断剂AMD3100干预对MSC向肺组织迁移的影响.结果：Transwell实验显示MSC的迁移水平与SDF-1（0~150军ng/ml）成浓度依赖性.与正常小鼠比较,哮喘小鼠肺组织SDF-1表达增强.与MSC非哮喘组比较,MSC哮喘组小鼠肺部有更多MSC聚集.在哮喘肺组织中增加外源性SDF-1能够促进MSC向肺组织迁移.通过AMD3100阻断MSC的CXCR4可以明显减少MSC向肺组织的迁移水平.结论：SDF-1/CXCR4轴参与了MSC迁移到哮喘小鼠肺组织的过程.     

趋化因子CXCL12及其受体在前列腺癌细胞系PC3嗜神经过程中的作用

目的研究CXCL12及其受体CXCR4在前列腺癌嗜神经过程中的作用。方法体外培养前列腺癌PC3细胞，利用Transwell实验观察外源性CXCL12及其受体CXCR4拮抗剂AMD3100对PC3细胞侵袭性的影响。结果体外实验研究表明外源性CXCL12可促进PC3细胞的侵袭性（P〈0．05），而AMD3100明显抑制瘤细胞的侵袭能力（P〈0．05）。结论CXCL12／CXCR4在前列腺癌细胞嗜神经过程中具有重要作用。CXCR4拈抗剂可抑制肿瘤细胞的嗜神经倾向。     

SDF‐1 liposomes promote sustained cell proliferation in mouse diabetic wounds

Chronic skin wounds are a common complication of diabetes. When standard wound care fails to heal such wounds, a promising approach consists of using decellularized matrices and other porous scaffold materials to promote the restoration of skin. Proper revascularization is critical for the efficacy of such materials in regenerative medicine. Stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) is a chemokine known to play a key role for angiogenesis in ischemic tissues. Herein we developed nanosized SDF‐1 liposomes, which were then incorporated into decellularized dermis scaffolds used for skin wound healing applications. SDF‐1 peptide associated with liposomes with an efficiency of 80%, and liposomes were easily dispersed throughout the acellular dermis. Acellular dermis spiked with SDF‐1 liposomes exhibited more persistent cell proliferation in the dermis, especially in CD31⁺ areas, compared to acellular dermis spiked with free SDF‐1, which resulted in increased improved wound closure at day 21, and increased granulation tissue thickness at day 28. SDF‐1 liposomes may increase the performance of a variety of decellularized matrices used in tissue engineering.     

Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Supports Homing of Osteoclast Precursors to Peripheral Osteolytic Lesions

By binding to its chemokine receptor CXCR4 on osteoclast precursor cells (OCPs), it is well known that stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) promotes the chemotactic recruitment of circulating OCPs to the homeostatic bone remodeling site. However, the engagement of circulating OCPs in pathogenic bone resorption remains to be elucidated. The present study investigated a possible chemoattractant role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), another ligand for C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), in the recruitment of circulating OCPs to the bone lytic lesion. To accomplish this, we used Csf1r‐eGFP‐knock‐in (KI) mice to establish an animal model of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particle‐induced calvarial osteolysis. In the circulating Csf1r‐eGFP+ cells of healthy Csf1r‐eGFP‐KI mice, Csf1r+/CD11b+ cells showed a greater degree of RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis compared to a subset of Csf1r+/RANK+ cells in vitro. Therefore, Csf1r‐eGFP+/CD11b+ cells were targeted as functionally relevant OCPs in the present study. Although expression of the two cognate receptors for MIF, CXCR2 and CXCR4, was elevated on Csf1r+/CD11b+ cells, transmigration of OCPs toward recombinant MIF in vitro was facilitated by ligation with CXCR4, but not CXCR2. Meanwhile, the level of PMMA‐induced bone resorption in calvaria was markedly greater in wild‐type (WT) mice compared to that detected in MIF‐knockout (KO) mice. Interestingly, in contrast to the elevated MIF, diminished SDF‐1 was detected in a particle‐induced bone lytic lesion of WT mice in conjunction with an increased number of infiltrating CXCR4+ OCPs. However, such diminished SDF‐1 was not found in the PMMA‐injected calvaria of MIF‐KO mice. Furthermore, stimulation of osteoblasts with MIF in vitro suppressed their production of SDF‐1, suggesting that MIF can downmodulate SDF‐1 production in bone tissue. Systemically administered anti‐MIF neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibited the homing of CXCR4+ OCPs, as well as bone resorption, in the PMMA‐injected calvaria, while increasing locally produced SDF‐1. Collectively, these data suggest that locally produced MIF in the inflammatory bone lytic site is engaged in the chemoattraction of circulating CXCR4+ OCPs. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

SCF increases in utero–labeled stem cells migration and improves wound healing

Diabetic skin wounds lack the ability to heal properly and constitute a major and significant complication of diabetes. Nontraumatic lower extremity amputations are the number one complication of diabetic skin wounds. The complexity of their pathophysiology requires an intervention at many levels to enhance healing and wound closure. Stem cells are a promising treatment for diabetic skin wounds as they have the ability to correct abnormal healing. Stem cell factor (SCF), a chemokine expressed in the skin, can induce stem cells migration, however the role of SCF in diabetic skin wound healing is still unknown. We hypothesize that SCF would correct the impairment and promote the healing of diabetic skin wounds. Our results show that SCF improved wound closure in diabetic mice and increased HIF‐1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression levels in these wounds. SCF treatment also enhanced the migration of red fluorescent protein (RFP)‐labeled skin stem cells via in utero intra‐amniotic injection of lenti‐RFP at E8. Interestingly these RFP+ cells are present in the epidermis, stain negative for K15, and appear to be distinct from the already known hair follicle stem cells. These results demonstrate that SCF improves diabetic wound healing in part by increasing the recruitment of a unique stem cell population present in the skin.     

Adult Stem Cell Mobilization Enhances Intramembranous Bone Regeneration: A Pilot Study

Background  

Stem cell mobilization, which is defined as the forced egress of stem cells from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood (PB) using chemokine receptor agonists, is an emerging concept for enhancing tissue regeneration. However, the effect of stem cell mobilization by a single injection of the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) antagonist AMD3100 on intramembranous bone regeneration is unclear.     

SDF‐1/CXCR4/CXCR7 is pivotal for vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and chronic allograft vasculopathy

Chronic rejection remains a major obstacle in transplant medicine. Recent studies suggest a crucial role of the chemokine SDF‐1 on neointima formation after injury. Here, we investigate the potential therapeutic effect of inhibiting the SDF‐1/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis with an anti‐SDF‐1 Spiegelmer (NOX‐A12) on the development of chronic allograft vasculopathy. Heterotopic heart transplants from H‐2bm12 to B6 mice and aortic transplants from Balb/c to B6 were performed. Mice were treated with NOX‐A12. Control animals received a nonfunctional Spiegelmer (revNOX‐A12). Samples were retrieved at different time points and analysed by histology, RT‐PCR and proliferation assay. Blockade of SDF‐1 caused a significant decrease in neointima formation as measured by intima/media ratio (1.0 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1, P < 0.001 AoTx; 0.35 ± 0.05 vs. 1.13 ± 0.27, P < 0.05 HTx). In vitro treatment of primary vascular smooth muscle cells with NOX‐A12 showed a significant reduction in proliferation (0.42 ± 0.04 vs. 0.24 ± 0.03, P < 0.05). TGF‐β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels were significantly reduced under SDF‐1 inhibition (3.42 ± 0.37 vs. 1.67 ± 0.33, P < 0.05; 2.18 ± 0.37 vs. 1.0 ± 0.39, P < 0.05; 2.18 ± 0.26 vs. 1.6 ± 0.1, P < 0.05). SDF‐1/CXCR4/CXCR7 plays a critical role in the development of chronic allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of SDF‐1 with NOX‐A12 may represent a therapeutic option to ameliorate chronic rejection changes.     

Resolvin D1 attenuates lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury through CXCL-12/CXCR4 pathway

Background

The recruitment of neutrophils plays an important role in the progress of acute lung injury (ALI). Excessive neutrophils released from bone marrow accumulate in lung, release proinflammatory factors, and cause tissue damage. CXCL-12/CXCR4 is an important signaling pathway, which regulates the migration of bone marrow hematopoietic cells out of bone marrow and involves in neutrophil accumulation and retention in the inflammatory site. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is a kind of lipid mediators, which can alleviate many inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that RvD1 can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI through regulating CXCL-12/CXCR4 pathway.

Methods

We randomized mice into five groups: control group, RvD1 group, LPS group, LPS plus RvD1 group, and LPS plus AMD3100 group. ALI was established by intratracheal instillation of LPS. After 24 and 72 h, mice were sacrificed, and lung tissues were harvested for histologic analysis, wet-to-dry ratio, myeloperoxidase activity, and CXCL-12 expression. Bronchoalveolar fluid was collected for protein analysis, cytokines assay, and flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Histologic findings as well as wet-to-dry ratio, protein concentration, cytokines assay, neutrophil number, and myeloperoxidase activity confirmed that RvD1 and AMD3100 alleviated LPS-induced ALI. RvD1 decreased CXCL-12 messenger RNA expression in lung. However, RvD1 promoted CXCR4 expression in neutrophils in the initial stage of inflammation and reduced its level in the later stage.

Conclusions

RvD1 protects LPS-induced ALI partially through regulating CXCL-12/CXCR4 pathway.     

肝卵圆细胞分化过程中SDF-1／CXCR4生物轴的作用研究

目的探讨肝卵圆细胞的激活、增殖和分化过程中基质细胞衍生因子（stromal cell—deftvedfactor-1，SDF-1）及其受体（CXCR4）生物轴的作用机制。方法在三个对照组（2／3肝部分切除组；2/3肝部分切除组及AMD3100预处理组、2/3部分肝切除与二乙酰氨基芴和AMD3100预处理组）的参照下。用光镜与透射电镜观察观察雄性Wistar大鼠经2／3部分肝切除十二乙酰氨基芴预处理后不同时间（术后3，5，7，10，14，21d）肝卵圆细胞的数量、形态和分布变化，采用sP免疫组化法检测卵圆细胞CK18、CK19、AFP、CXCR4和SDF-1的表达，用RT-PCR方法测定SDF-1和CXCR4 mRNA表达水平。结果2-AAF／PH组术后3～10d，CK18、CK19、AFP、ADF-1和CXCR4表达阳性的细胞数量逐渐增加，CXCR4和SDF-1阳性表达见于汇管区附近肝小叶内增生的终末小胆管上皮细胞，以及与增生的胆管／终末小胆管在位置上相延续且形态相类似的卵圆细胞；术后10～14d，CKl8、CK19、AFP、ADF-1和CXCR4阳性细胞数达到最高值；之后，开始下降，至21d则下降至最低水平。自术后3dR，SDF-1和CXCR4mRNA表达水平同步升高，10d升高至峰值，较术后3，5，7d差异均有统计学意义（P均〈0．01），之后开始下降，至21d则下降到最低水平。结论SDF-1／CXCR4生物轴可能有刺激肝干细胞的活化和促进肝卵圆细胞的增殖作用，趋化因子SDF-1及其受体CXCR4可能是肝卵圆细胞的重要标志物。